Fergie 'sorry' for Pardew

Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson has expressed his sadness after hearing of Alan Pardew’s sacking as West Ham boss today.

A string of poor performances, which led to the Hammers slipping into Premiership’s bottom three proved too much for new chairman Eggert Magnusson, who today brought Pardew’s Upton Park three-year reign to an abrupt end.

Ferguson believes the decision is indicative of the pressure managers are under in the modern game.

“Football is unfortunate in that it is a kind of industry where failure is quickly decided upon. I’m sorry to hear it, I don’t like anyone losing their job,” he said.

Ferguson hopes Pardew’s reign will be remembered for the good times, including last season’s dramatic FA Cup run, which culminated in a dramatic final against Liverpool in May.

“At least he can be satisfied he did his best, gave West Ham great memories of the FA Cup final and came within a minute of winning it,” Ferguson said.

“I’m sad for him – it is not an easy situation for the lad.”