Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson believes the club would still give him time to establish himself if he arrived today.

Ferguson himself was allowed to ease his way into the job, famously taking six seasons to end the 26-year wait for a league title. And he argues he would be given a similar shelf life even if he walked into the door and started the job now.

That's because he is convinced the club's directors treat the manager's post with the respect the job deserves.

Ferguson said: "It is difficult to say that if I came to United now I wouldn't get time.

"We are unusual in being a club that doesn't act in that way. They would have given me enough time because we are that kind of club.

"And when I go, whoever replaces me in the years ahead will experience that.

"He will get plenty of time, I am sure of that.

"I think the manager is always in a strong position at Manchester United because his position is always sacrosanct as far as the directors are concerned.

"All the managers here have had long runs.

"Ron Atkinson had five-and-a-half years - that is long in management terms. I think you always get plenty of time here."