Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted he was surprised that Manchester City made the decision to sack Roberto Mancini.

Mancini was dismissed from his position at the Etihad Stadium just a year after winning the Premier League title, and Ferguson defended his former rival by insisting that he should not have lost his job.

The 71-year-old told reporters: "It is quite amazing. He has won the FA Cup, been in the final, second in the league and won the league and it's not good enough?

"I was surprised, but actually no, you can't say you are surprised not with some owners today. You can't be surprised, but I still don't think it was right."

Ferguson will retire from his position as United boss after Sunday's match with West Bromwich Albion.