Gill: Other clubs may have sacked Ferguson

Manchester United chief executive David Gill admits rival clubs may have sacked Alex Ferguson for his recent record.

But Gill insists Ferguson is safe as manager at Old Trafford and revealed how highly rated the Scot is by club owner Malcolm Glazer.

“Yes maybe he would have gone at certain clubs, but is that right?” Gill told the News of the World. “Look at Real Madrid. Where have they ended up?

“We are different – we stick with our people. We have a great manager and, while he has the enthusiasm and the knowledge to develop players like Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo, we don’t want to change.

“Would another manager have stopped Arsenal three years ago? Would he have stopped Chelsea? Changing the rider doesn’t mean the horse is going to win.”

The Glazers are in total agreement with Gill, who added: “If Malcolm Glazer were here he would say the same.

“The Glazers have the top guy. They know it and nothing will change. They are very comfortable with Sir Alex and never question his position.

“They recognised straight away that he was a key part of the strength of the club. One day there will be a change, but we hope that is a long way off.”