Alan Curbishley and Kevin Keegan resigned from their posts at West Ham and Newcastle this month because both men were concerned big decisions over transfer business were being taken without their support.

Both men cited unacceptable interference from above.

West Ham have already replaced Curbishley, drafting in Gianfranco Zola, while Newcastle's vacancy remains - with speculation linking the likes of Gus Poyet and Paul Ince with the job, and even suggestions that Keegan could return to St James' Park.

Within managerial circles there is a growing fear that their authority is being undermined.

And while that is hardly likely to affect Ferguson in the remainder of his Manchester United career, the Scot thinks those managers who feel their authority is ebbing away are right to make a stand.

Referring to Keegan and Curbishley, Ferguson said: "I don't want to go into it too much but from what I can gather about their situations, they both did the right thing resigning.

"You must have your pride and you must have control.

"For me, they both did the correct things."