“Hughes sacking is unacceptable” - Sir Alex Ferguson
“Hughes sacking is unacceptable” - Sir Alex Ferguson
Mark Hughes’ City axe leaves Sir Alex Ferguson fuming. [BBC Sport]
Hughes was sacked moments after Saturday’s thrilling 4-3 victory over Sunderland, with Italian Roberto Mancini immediately named as his replacement.
And the Manchester United boss criticised City chief executive Garry Cook’s handling of the affair.
“It was unacceptable behaviour. For some reason Christmas seems to bring out the worst in directors,” Ferguson said.
“It doesn’t matter whether you have lost 20 games or two, there is a way to treat people,” added Ferguson.
“I do not know how you can do something like that.
"To be sitting throughout the game knowing there was something going on was terrible.
"I spoke to Mark the next day and I could tell he was suffering.
"On Saturday the rumour mill was working overtime and Mark obviously realised it was his last game. It was a terrible position to be in.”
Despite defeat by City in what turned out to be Hughes’ last game in charge, Sunderland boss Steve Bruce - a former United team-mate of the Welshman - lent his support to Hughes.
Ferguson feels that gesture showed a loyalty City were lacking in their treatment of their former manager.
“In the game of football you have disputes with managers from time to time,” he reflected.
“But what Steve did was defend an old team-mate. I was really proud of him. I thought he did fantastic. And Mark really appreciated it.
"He sees that kind of loyalty, which he didn’t get from City from one of his old team-mates.”
