Fergie backing for Kean

Man Utd manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes the criticism of Steve Kean paints a sorry picture of British society.

Criticism of United manager is a condemning reflection of society

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes the criticism of Steve Kean paints a sorry picture of British society and has offered the beleaguered Blackburn boss his support. Kean was subjected to intense criticism during his side's defeat to Bolton on Tuesday and the loss means the one-time Premier League champions will spend Christmas at the bottom of the table. Fans were also protesting against the Blackburn boss on Friday morning, when the club are preparing for the unenviable task of trips to Liverpool on Boxing Day and Ferguson's United on New Year's Eve. Ahead of taking on Kean, Ferguson has added his name to those managers who are backing his fellow Scot and has revealed he has attempted to phone the 44-year-old. "I have never seen anything as bad as that," said Ferguson with regards to the criticism levelled at Kean. "I feel for the lad. I tried to phone him, but he probably quite rightly had his phone switched off. "For goodness sake, give the lad a break. It doesn't say a lot for our society."