Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has branded himself THE PHENOMENON.

Ferguson was speaking of his longevity at United while in Qatar yesterday.

He said: "We are in a very competitive world because of the media and supporters. Very often you get kneejerk reactions.

"Brian Clough and Arsene Wenger are great examples of what can happen if you don't change a manager. Changing doesn't guarantee success.

"Longevity has proved in my case, in Brian Clough's and Arsene Wenger's, that it can bring success.

"You wonder when directors are sitting round the table in the boardroom with their cheese and all that whether they actually consider Alex Ferguson, Brian Clough or Arsene Wenger.

"I don't think anyone else will manage for 24 years. I'm a phenomenon."