Rangers fans will love what Sir Alex Ferguson has said he'll do to help Derek McInnes' Ibrox job application

Rangers are set to appoint Derek McInnes as their new manager and Sir Alex Ferguson has explained exactly why he feels he will succeed at Ibrox.

Rangers have acted quickly to agree a deal to appoint McInnes as Danny Rohl edges ever closer to joining RB Salzburg.

The German failed to deliver at Ibrox last term as Rangers finished third in the Premiership and did not win any cup silverware.

McInnes, meanwhile, had Hearts leading the top flight for the majority of the campaign before they were pipped to the title by Celtic on the final day.

Legendary ex-Man United boss Ferguson has previously heaped praise on the 54-year-old and insisted that he would provide a glowing reference for any managerial role he wants to take.

McInnes is known to maintain a close relationship with Ferguson and recently spoke publicly about how they still talk regularly to this day.

Rangers fans should be loving what the 13-time Premier League winner has said about McInnes as he closes in on succeeding Rohl.

What has Sir Alex Ferguson said about Derek McInnes?

McInnes' record in charge of Hearts can barely be faulted, after overseeing their best season in 20 years with a win ratio of 64 per cent.

He has previously impressed in charge of St Johnstone, Kilmarnock and Aberdeen too, with Ferguson praising him after he left the latter in 2021.

Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: "Derek is a top-class, experienced manager who still has the energy of youth. He is capable of taking on a big job. If I was asked for a reference for him, I would gladly supply it."

Such glowing praise from one of the best managers of all time cannot be understated, especially given the current predicament that Rangers find themselves in.

Many fans may well see Rohl's departure as a blessing in disguise, after he struggled to guide them to success last season and McInnes outperformed the Gers on a much smaller budget.

What has McInnes said about his relationship with Ferguson?

The pair both featured for Rangers during their playing days, albeit in different decades, then worked together at Man United, which is likely how their close relationship was founded.

McInnes spoke to reporters about Ferguson earlier this year, as he said: "I'm fortunate enough that I speak to Sir Alex regularly. He's got great pointers, little nuggets of information. He's able to give you wee things you can maybe do and say, like how you deal with the press.

"He knows all my players. He talks as though he knows them intimately and I tell my players that, and they still can't believe that he actually knows our game inside out. He watches forensically. So I feel as if I've got a real supporter there."

Sources have exclusively revealed to Football Insider that McInnes remains in contention to join Ipswich Town, but Rangers do look to have beaten the Premier League side to his signature.

If he is appointed soon, then it looks as if the Gers could have a new fan in Ferguson as he supports McInnes in his new venture.