Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson was full of praise for his counterpart at Birmingham, claiming Blues chief Alex McLeish is doing a "fantastic job". After losing to Ferguson's side on the opening day of the season Birmingham have kicked on and are unbeaten in 11 top-flight games.

McLeish, who played under Ferguson during his trophy-laden spell at Aberdeen, has turned things around after arriving as manager in November 2007.

"There is an improvement in the league. You have to assess it that way, " said the United manager.

"Look at Birmingham for instance and the fantastic job Alex McLeish has done. He only had a small amount of money to budget with when they came into the Premier League.

"He brought Barry Ferguson down from Rangers and brought in the centre-half from Cardiff (Roger Johnson).

"He has used players who have been there for a long time now. What he has done has been marvellous."

Ferguson added: "They are now eighth in the league and have gone 11 games without defeat.

"It tells you that Birmingham had to improve as a team from last season. They have done that remarkably well.

"The general standard of the league has improved. That is why you are getting so many different results."