Sir Alex Ferguson says he wrote his controversial autobiography for Manchester United fans.
He has been criticised over some of the dressing-room revelations in his book, as well as criticism of player including Liverpool duo Steven Gerrard and Jordan Henderson.
But Ferguson, speaking at Salford's Lowry Theatre in the shadow of Old Trafford, in front of an audience of 1,700 in the first of a five-venue tour to promote his book, defended the contents of his autobiography.
"I wrote the book for the fans," said Ferguson. "To let them understand why I had to make certain decisions, not for the Press.
"The book is to make people understand how difficult the [Manchester United] job is. It's a massive club, the biggest in the world, and that expectation is always there."
