'Impatient' Premier Leage irks Fergie

Alex Ferguson has branded the Barclays Premier League “a managerial merry-go-round” and claimed clubs should show more patience with the men in charge.

Six of the 20 top-flight clubs have changed their managers in the four months since the start of the season.

The Manchester United boss said: “It’s amazing. I thought the Premier League had a little bit more patience about it.

“You’re seeing six managers now have gone – it’s a merry-go-round.

“It’s unusual – over the years, it seems to have been more settled than other divisions.”

Ferguson’s United side come up against one of the new managerial faces in Paul Jewell of Derby tomorrow, in a match they would expect to win comfortably.

The Rams, bottom of the Premier League, have not scored in eight away games so far this season, and have shipped 20 goals.

Despite the straightforward nature of the game, Ferguson is not expected to give Gary Neville his first senior game since recovering from injury.

Wes Brown is set to continue at right-back, with Neville likely to play in the Champions League game against Roma next week, with qualification already assured.

Brown admits he is expecting to have to make way for Neville at some point.

He told MUTV: “The more you play, the better you get. Gaz is the captain of the team. When he’s fully fit, he’ll be coming back in. But, myself, I’ve just got to try and keep playing well and challenge him when he does get back.”