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Manchester United icon Sir Alex Ferguson has long held the position that consistency is key when it comes to managerial success. As such, he would likely recommend Liverpool stick with Arne Slot despite a downpour in results at Anfield of late.

A disappointing 1-1 draw at home to Sunderland on Wednesday has left the Merseysiders with only four wins from their last 14 games. And after dazzling English audiences by winning the Premier League title in his debut campaign last term, Slot is now struggling to escape scrutiny.

United legend Ferguson was no stranger to the sensation during his 27 years in charge at Old Trafford. And although he retired in 2013 as arguably the greatest manager in British history, even Ferguson came in for serious questioning at points across that tenure.

The Scot left an all but impossible lead to follow when David Moyes was appointed his immediate United successor. And after his countryman was fired only 11 months into the role, Ferguson called for clubs to show patience with their picks even when pressure is being ramped up.

"There's no evidence that sacking a manager gives you success," said Ferguson in 2015. "But there is evidence at Manchester United, at Nottingham Forest, at Arsenal that [if] you retain the manager for long periods, you get consistency and you get success."

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Former rival Arsene Wenger was in charge at Arsenal for almost 22 years and brought the Gunners into the 21st century. The Frenchman won three Premier League titles and seven FA Cups in England, but his greatest impact at Arsenal was arguably instilling a culture and style that only comes with time.

Ferguson also referred to Nottingham Forest and Brian Clough's 18-year spell in charge at the City Ground. And it was under Clough's command the club won back-to-back European Cups, attaining huge success in the late 1970s in particular.

Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group (FSG) proved they made the right pick in appointing Slot as Jurgen Klopp's successor last season. But that instant gratification has been muddied by a torrid couple of months.

That being said, while Manchester United have displayed a habit for fast turnover when it comes to coaching appointments, Liverpool traditionally show a little more faith. Slot is Liverpool's seventh managerial appointment of the 21st century, while the Red Devils have had six since Ferguson departed the club only 12 years ago.

Not only that, but the fact Slot accomplished so much, and was in fact in the running for a quadruple, in his debut season should give him a stay of execution. It's also easy to forget Liverpool initially made a sensational start to the season by winning their first seven games of the campaign.

Bearing that in mind, it may not take many tweaks before the Liverpool of that not-too-distant past is back. And Ferguson's own history serves as proof a little bit of trust can go an awful long way.

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