Sir Alex Ferguson feels the climate managers are asked to work in these days denies them the time required to do their jobs properly.
Former Manchester United skipper Roy Keane joined a lengthening list of bosses to be given the boot when he was axed by Ipswich Town this morning.
The sacking came even though Keane has managed to guide the East Anglian outfit into the semi-finals of the Carling Cup and it would be a major surprise if he was not followed by at least one top flight manager before the Premier League resumes next weekend.
Under pressure are Carlo Ancelotti, Gerard Houllier and, more tellingly, Avram Grant and Roy Hodgson, whose Liverpool team head to Old Trafford on Sunday for what could well turn out to be his last game in charge.
In his weekly press conference, Ferguson opted to skirt round the issue, merely pointing out that management was a tough occupation these days and he felt for those under pressure.
However, the Scot was more expansive when he spoke to new US-based broadcast partner Sirius XM shortly afterwards.
"Unfortunately, the climate of management in the last decade has got worse," he said.
"I don't think they have the stable directorship that they used to have when the father and the grandfather were chairmen for 30 years.
"You have new owners. You have people from abroad; the Middle East, the United States. It is a different culture. They don't have the same patience as older generations.
"It is not an easy industry to work in, particularly for younger managers, who are looking to gain experience and confidence.
"Time is a great thing for a manager. If you give them time, they can get their philosophy across at a football club. They can build a foundation.
"But they are just not getting it."
Ferguson has never addressed the question of whether he would be given three-and-a-half seasons to win his first trophy - as he did at United following his arrival in 1986 - if he was being appointed now.
However, with longevity has come unprecedented success, which in turn brings power and assurance, helping to avoid the on-going dramas at Manchester City, where Micah Richards has become the latest player to express his unhappiness at not playing every week.
"The players understand that to win things at Manchester United, you have to use a squad," said Ferguson.
"I always explain to the player who has been left out exactly what I am trying to do and the reasons for not including them in that particular game.
"In general, that seems to pay off in respect of the player.
"If he has his own opinion, I am happy to talk it through with them. But I might also be saying they will play next week and someone else will have to sit out.
"If we win things, they can see I am right."
Ferguson's sheer volume of trophies proves that he has got it right far more often than his decisions have been incorrect.
It merely cements his position as the most influential person on the Old Trafford payroll, which, in the Scot's opinion, is exactly as it should be.
"The manager is the most important person at Manchester United," he said.
"Certainly here, where we have had so many celebrated players and agents, the manager has to be strong.
"The directors understand that perfectly well. They are responsible for making sure the club is run properly so the manager has complete control."
Related Articles

Postecoglou looking to A-League to 'develop young talent'
.jpeg&h=172&w=306&c=1&s=1)
Big change set to give Socceroos star new lease on life in the EPL
