Alex Ferguson backs Alex Ferguson for Aston Villa

Manchester UNITED manager Sir Alex Ferguson expects Alex McLeish to win over sceptical fans and prove a success as Aston Villa manager.

Villa are set to confirm the controversial appointment of former Birmingham boss McLeish today after successful talks with the 52-year-old this week.

McLeish only quit his post at St Andrew's on Sunday and the prospect of him moving across the city has enraged Villa supporters. But Ferguson, often regarded as a mentor for McLeish having given him his break as a player at Aberdeen, is convinced his fellow Scot will prove doubters wrong.

The 70-year-old said: "At the end of the day what will count is this - can he do the job for Villa? It doesn't matter whether there are 50 against him, 500 against him or five against him because the experience and the ability he has got, believe me, he will prove that he can do the job."