Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson believes sacked Sunderland manager Martin O'Neill will return to management.

Ferguson now expects O'Neill to take a brief break to recharge his batteries before heading back into the managerial fray.

"It will be disappointing for him," said Ferguson.

"He has a lot of pride in himself and has never been sacked before.

"He has had a long career as a manager but he has lost his job now.

"I think he will take a rest and come back in."