Ferguson has praised the Italian gaffer for his 'strong management' in dealing with Carlos Tevez's apparent refusal to play in midweek against Bayern Munich.

"I think that Roberto Mancini has come out and shown his strength of character, his strength of management and I think that is important," said Ferguson.

"We have all experienced our own difficulties in management and you cope with it as best as you can.

"In my own experience strong management is important and there is nobody more important than the manager at a football club."