West Bromwich Albion manager Steve Clarke feels that if Sir Alex Ferguson endured the tough start he had at Manchester United now, he would have been sacked.
The Scot initially struggled in his role at United and went three years without silverware until his side won the FA Cup in 1990.
Ferguson will manage the Red Devils for the final time in their Premier League clash against the Baggies, bringing his reign of 26 years to an end, after he announced his retirement last week.
Clarke told the Daily Mail: "Would he get three years now like he did at United? No. I don't think so in this day and age. It just shows you, eh? Patience is a virtue.
"Nearly 27 years is a great shift, he struggled for three years but he got the time to build because in those days you got the time to build.
"Over the years he's built a dynasty, one of the biggest clubs in the world and they just went from strength to strength, every year they were always challenging for honours so he did a fantastic job."
Ferguson won the Premier League 13 times with United along with two Champions League titles and several domestic trophy wins during his tenure.
