Fergie calls for patience

Alex Ferguson has branded “stupid” the policy of clubs ditching managers without giving them enough time to do their jobs properly.

On the day Manchester United confirmed they had reached agreement with Chelsea over the club record transfer of Juan Mata, Ferguson delivered a clear sign David Moyes will not be axed despite his wretched start as the Scot’s successor.

Indeed, with further signings anticipated, and former Red Devils striker Michael Owen hinting there could be more good news to follow Mata’s arrival, it seems Moyes can look well into the six-year length of his contract as he attempts to revive United’s fortunes.

“Of course they will (stick to their philosophy), they’ve always been that way,” Ferguson told BBC Sport.

“Everybody knows what Manchester United is.

“I can never understand that (why clubs do not show patience).

“They must discuss the qualities of the manager they are going to offer the job to. You must look at his CV, his character, the philosophy he has.

“If that is the way they have gone about giving the man the job, why don’t they persevere with it?

“It goes for maybe a year, then they change, and go through the same procedure again. It seems so stupid to me.”

It is thought United have agreed to pay £37million for Mata, smashing the club record £30.75million they paid for Dimitar Berbatov in 2008.

Voted Chelsea’s player of the year for the past two seasons, Mata has failed to win over Jose Mourinho and ended up being squeezed out due to the form of Oscar and Eden Hazard.

The midfielder has still to have a medical and personal terms must also be agreed.

However, unless there are any hitches, Mata will make his debut in Tuesday’s Premier League encounter with Cardiff at Old Trafford.

“Manchester United is pleased to announce it has reached agreement with Chelsea Football Club for the transfer of Juan Mata for a club-record fee,” said the club in a statement.

“The deal is subject to a medical and the agreement of personal terms.

“A further announcement will be made in due course.”

And that might not be all.

There is increasing speculation Wayne Rooney might be willing to commit his long-term future to the club, with reports suggesting talks have taken place this month.

Rooney’s long-time adviser Paul Stretford was spotted at the Aon Training Complex on both Wednesday and Thursday this week.

And Owen has fuelled speculation about another big-name arrival with his cryptic comment on Twitter.

“So, Juan Mata is on the verge of a move to United,” said the former England man.

“A little dickie bird tells me there is more good news for United fans coming soon!”