Allardyce: Alex Ferguson is the master

West Ham boss Sam Allardyce has lauded Alex Ferguson as “the master” after the Scot led Manchester United to their 20th league title this week.

Ferguson secured the 13th Premier League success of his 26-year spell at Old Trafford on Monday, as United beat Aston Villa 3-0 to carve out an unassailable lead at the summit of the English top flight.

And Allardyce has subsequently hailed the 71-year-old’s durability as his biggest strength.

“You’re always chasing the master and he has been the master for so long – it is difficult to sustain success against him,” he said.

“Whenever he has a challenge, he may lose out once, but he comes back with flying colours. He’s had it with Chelsea and before that Arsenal.”

Allardyce also refused to criticise deposed champions Manchester City, insisting they will be better for their disappointment this season.

“If they win the FA Cup and they finish second, it’s a very good season,” he added.

“When you win the league for the first time in so many [44] years it is very difficult to win it the second time round – no matter how much money you spend. City and Roberto will learn from that.”