Manchester United will face Reading in the FA Cup today.
Fergie said: “Everyone is saying he could be Manager of the Year and it would be totally deserved if he got it.
“He has made a marvellous contribution to the Premiership this year. He has also done it with mainly British- based players which says a lot for the way he has generated his squad.
“You would not have thought a team coming out of the Championship would do so well but their form has been fantastic.
“Steve doesn’t get too emotional – he is calm and intelligent. All his clubs have had a good attitude about their teams.”
Fergie said on comments made by Coppell, that he will field a weakened side today: “I can understand it. For glory in this competition, he has to win it. But if he gets just one of those UEFA Cup places it will be like winning a trophy and they have an outstanding chance of qualifying.”
