Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted he has no problems releasing players he feels need to be moved on.
Ferguson was speaking amid reports that he is set to wield the axe on his squad this summer.
The United chief has previously demonstrated that has no qualms selling a player he feels has served his purpose at Old Trafford.
“It is a horrible thing to say but you cannot be sentimental in this job,” the 69-year-old said.
“I love the players that I’ve had and I’ve been very, very fortunate to have had great players who have come through my career with me.
“All of the players I have had here have played a part in my success so when I see something happening – as in the cases of Nicky Butt and Phil Neville – I have had to release them to other opportunities.
“It was getting to the stage where I was terrified of talking to them and telling them they weren’t playing. It wasn’t fair to them because they had played a big part in the resurrection of Manchester United. When the time came for me to let them go, I knew I was cutting really important, loyal strings and I didn’t enjoy it.
“My job is to manage United and to produce results and I am no different to any other manager. I will not be regarded in the same way if I am not successful.
“Everything to do with me is black and white. If it’s on the football field and I see something that I feel is a retrograde step for the club, I have to act and make decisions.
“I can make quick decisions and I am lucky that way. In management, you have to be able to make decisions and sometimes you are not right, but that doesn’t concern me too much because the important thing is being able to do it.”
