Fergie - Fans lack patience

Steve Bruce: Was relieved of his duties at the Stadium of Light on Wednesday

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson believes a lack of patience in the stands and his 'Geordie' roots cost Steve Bruce his job at Sunderland.

Bruce, who played under Ferguson during his time at Old Trafford, was relieved of his duties at the Stadium of Light on Wednesday.

A downturn in results, with Sunderland having picked up just two wins in 13 outings this term, cost him dear.

Ferguson, though, believes a number of other factors conspired against Bruce and what he was trying to achieve on Wearside.

He said: "Fans just don't have the patience any longer, just see what happened to Steve Bruce up in the North East where being a Geordie didn't help him.

"In that part of the world they are so passionate and committed to their football team.

"I think Brucie has suffered because of that but that's the kind of supporters we have these days - no patience.

Turnaround

"He rebuilt a whole team and that requires a bit of patience from everyone, including Steve. I think Steve was realising that himself that he was going to have to wait.

"There was a complete turnaround in the summer, they lost a few players - the boy [Jordan] Henderson, the boy [Asamoah] Gyan, Anton Ferdinand, and you need that time.

"I think losing to Newcastle earlier on in the season didn't help him either because of the way they are in that part of the world but he will be back, Steve. In general his managerial record is very good."

Former Leicester, Celtic and Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill has emerged as the favourite to succeed Bruce at Sunderland, and Ferguson admits the Ulsterman would be a good choice for the Black Cats.

He added: "Martin has a very good track record.

"The job he did at Villa Park was excellent, he did a great job at Celtic, he won the League Cup with Leicester so Martin has got the experience and track record to do well.

"If that's the job he's going to I'm sure he will do well."