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Ferguson reveals he tried to phone Steve Kean

Steve Kean needs a miracle at Blackburn © Getty Images

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Sir Alex Ferguson has praised the way that Blackburn boss Steve Kean has handled the relentless abuse dished out to him by Rovers' disillusioned fans this season.

Kean, 44, has never won the hearts and minds of Rovers supporters since taking over from fan favourite Sam Allardyce last December. The failings of the Scot's side on the pitch have compounded his unpopularity and there have been numerous protests against him over the past few months.

Tuesday night's morale-sapping home defeat to fellow strugglers Bolton saw the vitriol directed at Kean further intensify, with fans booing the team and chanting "Kean out" throughout the game.

Manchester United boss Ferguson has been stunned by the backlash against his fellow Glaswegian, and insists it is the worst he has ever seen a manager treated by his own fans.

"I have not seen anything as bad as that,'' Ferguson said. "I feel for the lad. He seems to be in complete control of himself at press conferences and has not let events get to him.

"It is remarkable that under that kind of pressure he can retain his dignity the way he has done. I tried to phone him the other day but he is probably right to keep it off.''

Ferguson has spoken often about the confrontational nature of today's society and how fans are quick to vent their frustrations. And this, he believes, is just another extreme example.

"It is terrible to watch that,'' he said. "It doesn't say a lot for our society nowadays when you see that kind of behaviour from fans. We are all emotional. We all like to see our team win. But for goodness sake, give the lad a break.''

Ferguson's United could pile on the misery for Kean when they welcome Blackburn to Old Trafford on New Year's Eve, while Rovers also face a difficult trip to Anfield on Boxing Day.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.