GET HIM OUT

If Manchester United operated by the same principles as clubs in Italy and Spain, or even those of the modern-day Chelsea, Sir Alex Ferguson would almost certainly be summoned at the end of the season and politely informed he was being ushered into retirement. That his side have twice beaten Arsenal this season and occasionally produced enthralling football would be irrelevant. Not even winning the FA Cup would guarantee saving him.

To many, that might sound preposterous but, football being the impatient business it is, which of the top clubs in Serie A or La Liga would stick by a manager who has missed out on the Champions League quarter-finals in successive seasons? Or, put another way, which of United's associates in the elite G14 group would accept a record of only one success at a knockout stage in the European Cup since 1999?

Anybody dancing on Ferguson's grave should always make sure the coffin lid is firmly nailed down and Sky was certainly risking one of his intermittent bans by conducting a vox pop yesterday asking whether United's manager has passed his shelf-life.

United's fans usually take pride in being one of the few sets of supporters in the country who never turn on their own club. Not in public, anyway. Since Tuesday's defeat against Milan, internet chatrooms have seen Ferguson derided for his methods and transfer policies. Interestingly, however, the Ferguson who often gets the worst abuse is Martin, the manager's brother and United's chief scout. In other words, the man responsible for finding Eric Djemba-Djemba, David Bellion and Diego Forlán.

Criticisms of the manager were generally limited to the odd rant, such as: "Cringeworthy, shocking, predictable, sterile, bland and boring - thanks for everything but please go." But mainly supporters seem to be confident Ferguson is building an improving team, albeit one eight points behind Chelsea in the Premiership.

Few will take up the odds of one bookmaker offering 100-30 against Ferguson being in charge at the start of next season, with Martin O'Neill favourite to succeed him at 5-2. Yet even Ferguson's most ardent sympathisers would have to acknowledge his team is basically flawed and that, contrary to his post-Milan analysis, it may need more than just fine-tuning before they are capable of winning the European Cup again.

Everyone knows Ferguson will concentrate this summer on recruiting a new goalkeeper so United, post-Schmeichel, are no longer in the ludicrous situation where the position goes to whoever makes the least high-profile mistakes.

There are other concerns. At San Siro, Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo looked as bewildered as tourists trying to negotiate one of Milan's zebra crossings. Ferguson spoke about them not fully adjusting to this level until 2008, but that will not placate anyone. Roy Keane, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes will all be gone by then, and possibly Gary Neville too.