Sir Alex Ferguson expresses sympathy for Roberto Mancini

Sir Alex Ferguson has expressed sympathy for Roberto Mancini by joking that he has sometimes wanted to strangle his players.

The Manchester City boss revealed that he would have wanted to punch Mario Balotelli had he been his teammate.

When asked if he had wanted to do the same, Ferguson replied: "Strangle them maybe. Players can frustrate you. But it is a difficult industry we are in."

The Red Devils are currently five points clear of the Citizens at the top of the Premier League table.