Bruce, who is currently going through his worst spell of his reign at St Andrews, said: “If Sir Alex is under pressure we have all gone barking mad.

“He has won 25 trophies in 20 years and he is under pressure. Do me a favour.”

Former United skipper Bryan Robson has backed Ferguson to revive fortunes at Old Trafford.

West Brom boss Robson is adamant Ferguson, shocked at United’s exit from European competition this season, is still revered by Barclays Premiership managers.

Robson said: “Alex is still the man everyone should look up to. He has proved that. He has been there for 18 years and I think he has won more trophies than any other British manager.

“When you’ve got a record like that, he is the person you do look up to and you’d love to achieve anything like he has achieved as a manager.

“I am sure he will stay at the top. Don’t worry, United will finish in the top three. There is absolutely no doubt about that. I also wouldn’t put any money against them winning one of the cups.

“Alex has fantastic young players coming through who need a bit more experience – but when you look at some of the players at the club, they are going to stay up there. They are not going to slip down the league.”