Alex Ferguson has criticised Manchester City for their dismissal of Roberto Mancini, expressing sympathy with his former rival.

Ferguson expressed his shock at a manager with Mancini’s track record of success, including winning the FA Cup and Premier League

"It was quite amazing. He has won the FA Cup, been in the final, second in the league and won the league and it's not good enough?" he said.

"I was surprised, but actually no, you can't say you are surprised not with some owners today. You can't be surprised, but I still don't think it was right."

Ferguson went on to insist the changes at City would have no effect on the incoming Manchester United manager, David Moyes.

"I don't think that matters to him. What happens at City won't have any bearing on David.

"He's got the structure here, he's got the experience, he's had to handle things at Everton that are more difficult, probably.

"So I don't think that matters."