Ferguson: 'Blackburn mad to fire Big Sam'

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has said that Blackburn Rovers were 'off their heads' to sack Sam Allardyce as boss.

Allardyce, who is now manager of West Ham United, was fired in December 2010.

The club have slumped to the bottom of the Premier League table under the guidance of his successor Steve Kean.

"It was their decision but anybody who sacks Sam Allardyce, you would think they were off their heads," said Ferguson.

"He's got such an ­influential, big personality, which I thought was perfect for Blackburn at the time, an outstanding manager, as you see with the job he's doing now at West Ham."

United host Rovers in the Premier League on New Year's Eve.