Fergie feels for Rafa

Last updated : 24 January 2008 By Adam Bryant

"As a manager there are a lot of moments in every week when you feel very much on your own," he said.

"People don't want to knock on your door because they think you're busy all the time when the truth is you can be sitting there twiddling your thumbs.

"You can fill your time by phoning other managers but there are a lot of hours spent on your own and, in moments like that, Rafa must feel very alone right now.

"I've been very fortunate because I have had good directors - people like Bobby Charlton and Martin Edwards - who always supported me very well," Ferguson said of his 21 years at Old Trafford.

"There have been times when we have had to budget but, on the whole, I have never been refused money and I have more or less got any player I wanted.

"Arsene Wenger has always had great support at Arsenal as well. So there's unity there. And that's right. You should allow a manager to get on with his job."