Fergie the best boss ever, says Cole

Andy Cole believes Sir Alex Ferguson deserves to be lauded as the best of British — even if Manchester United fail to retain their title for a fourth successive season.

With only four games remaining, United head into tomorrow’s derby against Manchester City four points adrift of Chelsea.

Former Old Trafford striker Cole reckons Ferguson sets the benchmark for domestic managers.

“He is the best. Every now and then he loses his temper, but that happens in any line of work,” said Cole.

“He is very fair and you can always sit down and talk with him. He is not dismissive that way.

“The way he produces teams year on year capable of challenging for major honours is fantastic. No doubt he will go down as the best manager Great Britain has ever seen.”

United have slipped up recently, going out of the Champions League to Bayern Munich before losing to Chelsea. Last Sunday they had to settle for a point against Blackburn

“Manchester City is going to be a very tough game. We have to win it — and hope Chelsea slip up.”

Much could depend on Wayne Rooney’s fitness. He sat out the goalless draw at Ewood Park after suffering a recurrence of the ankle injury sustained against Bayern.

Meanwhile, City winger Adam Johnson believes team–mate Carlos Tevez has proved that United were wrong to allow him to leave Old Trafford last summer.

The Argentina international has enjoyed a prolific first season at Eastlands, scoring 28 goals in all competitions including two against his former club in their Carling Cup semi–final clash.

Johnson said: “What Carlos has done this season is to prove everybody wrong.

“He has had his critics but when it comes down to it, football is about winning and Carlos is a winner.”



Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has been fined £20,000 by the FA, suspended until the end of the 2011/12 season, after being found guilty of improper conduct.



It follows City's Premier League game against Everton when he clashed with Toffees boss David Moyes.