Fergie gives Grant backing

Grant has impressed Ferguson

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Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson believes UEFA Champions League rival and Chelsea manager Avram Grant should be handed a 10-year contract.

Grant - who succeeded Jose Mourinho in September last year - has faced ongoing speculation about his future at Stamford Bridge despite leading Chelsea to Wednesday's Champions League final against United.

The Israeli, who also steered Chelsea to within two points of Premier League champions United - is unpopular with some sections of Blues supporters after being promoted to replace Mourinho from a role as Director of Football.

However, ahead of Chelsea's Moscow showdown with United, a match which can be seen live on Sky Sports 1, Ferguson has given his long-term backing to Grant as Internazionale manager Roberto Mancini is rumoured as a possible replacement.

"Finishing second in the Premier League and getting to the Champions League final - people get a 10-year contract for that," Ferguson said in the News of the World.

Problems

"I had a feeling when he went to Chelsea there was more to it than going there as an assistant. I thought there must have been problems."

But Ferguson does not think there has been a sweeping change in fashion in West London as Chelsea continue in a similar style to that of Mourinho.

"They are still basically the same. They are a hard team to beat," Ferguson added.

"They are a big strong physical team that are experienced. They can eke out 1-0 victories very easily.

"That seems to be the way they've been over the last few years."