Fergie - Mac will bounce back

Ferguson & McClaren: Support

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Sir Alex Ferguson is convinced Steve McClaren will bounce back from being sacked as England manager.

United manager Ferguson saw McClaren, his former assistant at Old Trafford, dismissed on Thursday morning after Wednesday's 3-2 defeat against Croatia at Wembley cost England a place in the finals of Euro 2008.

Ferguson has questioned the Football Association's quick decision to remove McClaren, especially considering England do not have another game until February.

However, Ferguson has revealed that he has already been in touch with McClaren and he feels the former Middlesbrough boss will soon return to management.

Comeback

"Of course he will bounce back," said Ferguson. "He's not the only person that's been sacked. He's young enough to come back.

"I cannot understand why they (the FA) made the decision at 8.30 the next morning. They don't have a match until February. I just think they should have waited a little bit."

Ferguson also hinted that he had advised McClaren not to take the England job in the first place.

"He is on the young side and I told him that at the time," Ferguson added.

"International management is difficult and I think it is hard trying to make yourself feel as though you are busy and using your energy wisely."