Alex Ferguson blames 'impatient fans'

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson thinks that Sunderland supporters contributed to the sacking of Steve Bruce.

The 50-year-old was forced out of Wearside earlier this week, with Martin O'Neill likely to replace the ex-Birmingham City boss.

"Fans just don't have the patience any longer, just see what happened to Steve Bruce up in the North East where being a Geordie didn't help him," said Ferguson.

"In that part of the world they are so passionate and committed to their football team. I think Brucie has suffered because of that but that's the kind of supporters we have these days - no patience."

Sunderland have won just two matches in the Premier League so far this season.