Walter rally for Sir Alex

Walter Smith said he had been made an offer he couldn't refuse after joining Manchester United as Sir Alex Ferguson's assistant until the end of the season.

The pair worked together when Ferguson was Scotland manager in the 1986 World Cup when former Everton and Rangers boss Smith, an old friend from the 1970s, was his number two.

Smith achieved tremendous success at Rangers, winning the Scottish Premier League title in all his six seasons in charge there, plus three Scottish Cups and three Scottish League Cups.

He said: "The chance to come to Manchester United is something I couldn't turn down.

"There are few bigger challenges in football than helping a successful side sustain their achievements. I have huge admiration for what Sir Alex has achieved at United and I'm excited to be part of it."

The appointment means Ferguson will have a close ally in the United camp for the next three months - someone he can rely on for unquestioning support at a time when he is under pressure to both turn the team's fortunes around and deal with his battle with John Magnier over the racehorse Rock Of Gibraltar.

Ferguson had been in no rush to replace Carlos Queiroz, who left the club last summer to take over at Real Madrid, so the short-term appointment is an indication of a growing unease at Old Trafford. United trail Arsenal by nine points in the league and have to overturn a 2-1 deficit against Porto in the Champions league next Tuesday.

Ferguson said: "I am delighted that Walter has accepted the chance to join United. There are few people in the game with his experience, knowledge and technical ability. His talent and background will be major assets at such a critical time."