Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has urged Blackburn Rovers to stand by underfire manager Paul Ince.

Ferguson said: "There is no longer a Jack Walker with lots of money. He has lost a couple of players but provided his club give him enough time, I'm sure he will be OK.

"Paul is a tough character, as I discovered when he was a player here. He always had something special about him.

"He came from a hard background and that made him all the more determined to do well.

"He has taken that into management and, though he clearly has problems, I think he will come through them."

Fergie revealed how a warning he gave Ince when the former England midfielder landed his first job at Macclesfield two years ago is now proving true.

The United boss said: "I sent Paul a message welcoming him to the madhouse when he was given his first appointment in management.

"He perhaps thought it was me that was mad. But for sure he will have a clearer understanding of what I meant after hitting the wall at Blackburn.

"He now finds himself in something of a relegation dogfight. I am sure he never thought being a manager would be easy.

"But what might have taken him by surprise is the speed that critics and even supporters can get on your back if things are not running smoothly. But he has Archie Knox as his assistant and the old silver fox will work his socks off. He couldn't have a better No 2."