Ferguson tells ’Pool give Houllier a job for life

UNDER-FIRE Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier should be given a job for life at Anfield, according to Manchester United’s Alex Ferguson.

The Old Trafford manager has sprung to the defence of his opposite number ahead of Sunday's League Cup final against bitter rivals Liverpool in Cardiff.

"I can't understand where the criticism of Gerard has come in over the past few weeks, particularly in light of the job he has done there," he said last night. "If you win five trophies at any club, you should be a fixture for life."