**Sir Alex Ferguson Urges Rangers to Back Russell Martin Amid Sack Rumors**
Sir Alex Ferguson, the legendary former Manchester United manager and Rangers icon, has reportedly thrown his weight behind under-fire Rangers head coach Russell Martin, urging the club to grant him more time despite a torrid start to the season. Martin, who took charge at Ibrox in the summer of 2025, has faced intense scrutiny following a string of disappointing results, including a humiliating 9-1 aggregate defeat to Club Brugge in the Champions League qualifiers and a winless run in the Scottish Premiership. Fans and the Rangers Supporters Association have called for his sacking, with banners at Ibrox demanding his exit.
However, Ferguson, who played for Rangers from 1967-69, believes Martin deserves patience. Sources close to the club reveal that the 83-year-old has been in regular contact with Martin, offering “incredible” support and advice since his appointment. Ferguson, alongside Rangers legend John Greig, visited the Auchenhowie training centre in July to inspire the squad, emphasizing the need for a team that embodies the club’s fighting spirit. He reportedly told the board that Martin’s vision of a dominant, aggressive style of play aligns with Rangers’ ethos and could yield results with time.
Despite Martin’s struggles, including criticism for his rigid tactics—evident in his Southampton tenure where his team conceded 86 Premier League goals last season—Ferguson is convinced the 39-year-old can turn things around. He has privately advised the club’s new owners, 49ers Enterprises, to resist fan pressure and avoid a hasty decision, citing Martin’s early success in a 2-0 Champions League qualifier win over Panathinaikos as a sign of potential. Ferguson believes Martin’s focus on youth, like 19-year-old Findlay Curtis, who scored against Panathinaikos, could lay the foundation for long-term success.
With the Old Firm derby against Celtic looming, Martin’s position remains precarious. Yet, Ferguson’s backing carries significant weight, given his status as one of football’s greatest managers. The board, led by chairman Andrew Cavenagh, appears inclined to heed Ferguson’s advice, showing no immediate signs of pulling the trigger. As Martin faces a critical juncture, Ferguson’s plea for patience could be the lifeline he needs to prove his doubters wrong and restore Rangers’ pride.
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