Pardew praises rival Ferguson

Alan Pardew does not believe Sir Alex Ferguson can be used as any kind of a marker for success because he is simply too good.

Since starting his managerial career at East Stirlingshire in Scotland, the Manchester United manager has won 48 trophies, making him the most successful manager ever in British football, with his first coming in 1977 as he won the Scottish First Division with St Mirren.

Newcastle manager Pardew, who will go head-to-head with Ferguson once again on Wednesday, was asked if Ferguson can be used as a marker for success for any manager, but the ex-West Ham boss gave a fairly resounding answer.

“He isn’t really,” he said.

“He’s just ridiculous. (He’s won) Something like 50 trophies – you just can’t possibly imagine getting yourself into a position to win that many.”

Despite suggesting Ferguson’s achievements are unmatchable, Pardew does believe that the Scot’s handling of United and how he goes about his day-to-day business should be a blueprint.

“But in the terms of the way he handles his club and the way he runs his club, he is a bit more fortunate than a lot of us because he has a lot of power there and he has earned that power. That’s what we all aim to do.”

Pardew is expecting Wayne Rooney to return to United’s starting line-up on Wednesday after being disciplined by Ferguson.

“I don’t think it’s (Rooney’s sanction) going to last for our game,” he said.

“Those scenarios happen on the training ground and managers stand by their decisions.”

“They have had injuries, for sure, but I am well informed that there will be a few back for this game, and I am not surprised by that.”

“Alex knows it’s a tough game, coming to Newcastle, so I expect to see a few of the more famous names on that sheet.”

“But when you look at their squad, they have still got the biggest and best squad in the division, and that’s why they are the champions.”