Fergie glad Robson's back

Sir Alex Ferguson admits he is delighted Bryan Robson is back in management.

Robson was appointed West Brom boss earlier this month, succeeding Gary Megson on his return to his first club.

He spent a large portion of last season in charge at Bradford City but that was his first managerial role in almost three years after his exit from Middlesbrough.

In the interim, there was talk he would become Ferguson's assistant at Old Trafford and he did help out with training at United.

But Ferguson, who takes The Red Devils to The Hawthorns on Saturday, does not feel it would have worked with Robson as his number two.

Ferguson is full of praise for Robson's grit in returning to management and believes he will perform a sterling job in trying to keep West Brom in The Premiership.

"I'm pleased he's back and he'll do a terrific job at West Brom," Ferguson told Sky Sports News. "It won't be easy but he'll do the job well.

"I always considered Bryan to be a leader of men. He is his own man, definitely a manager, so being an assistant would not sit well with Bryan.

"All players have experienced that, with me I'm always there if they need me, but Bryan was a bit different from the rest of the lads.

"He was out of the game for a spell and came to training with us regularly. I said to keep your patience and knew he wouldn't give in.

"But when you are out of a job it can be disheartening. He's back in and that's the most important thing."

Ferguson's plans for the tussle at The Hawthorns have been boosted by Ruud van Nistelrooy overcoming a calf injury to be declared fit.

Ryan Giggs and Roy Keane are also available although the Neville brothers and Eric Djemba-Djemba are all suffering from a virus.

The United boss added: "Ruud will be all right. Gary is still under the weather, Phil's a bit under the weather and Djemba-Djemba has got a touch of virus.

"He is out but the three R's are fit - Ryan, Ruud and Roy."