By Stuart Roach BBC Sport Online

Manchester United's Premiership win at Birmingham on Tuesday was another example of the master handing out a lesson to his pupil.

Steve Bruce, who learned his management trade under the tutelage of Ferguson during nine years at Old Trafford, was despatched by his mentor for the second time this season.

Earlier in the week, Ferguson had been similarly dismissive to another of his old charges, Gordon Strachan, as Southampton were beaten 2-0 at St Mary's.

Ferguson has now won all four Premiership battles with Strachan and Bruce this season, a clear indication that Fergie's fledgling managers have some way to go before they can emulate the remarkable managerial achievements of their guru.

Fergie's fledglings

Gordon Strachan (Southampton) Mark McGhee (Millwall) Alex McCleish (Rangers) Mark Hughes (Wales) Bryan Robson (Middlesbrough) Steve Bruce (Birmingham)

Strachan was one of the first generation of Ferguson clones to move into management.

That first wave came from the Aberdeen squad that Ferguson steered to European Cup Winners' Cup glory in 1983.

Six of the starting 11 from the 2-1 win over Real Madrid went into management, including Strachan, Rangers boss Alex McCleish and Millwall's Mark McGhee.

The second generation, born out of Ferguson's Manchester United days, includes Bruce, Wales boss Mark Hughes and former Middlesbrough manager Bryan Robson.

Ferguson gathered a group of players who had a certain quality about them Mark McGhee

The chain of succession is like a bloodstock line from Ferguson's beloved world of horseracing, where nearly every thoroughbred can be traced back to a classic sire.

"There is absolutely no doubt that the influence of Alex Ferguson affected the trend of Aberdeen players becoming managers," McGhee told BBC Sport Online.

"But he also deserves credit in that he gathered together a group of players who had a certain character about them.

"I think that is a lesson to a lot of managers how important character is."

So who will emerge as the next generation of Ferguson proteges?

From the current Old Trafford stable, Roy Keane stands out as the most obvious candidate.

The determined attitude and the sense of pride McGhee alludes to is evident in the passionate Irishman, who probably has a job for life at Old Trafford but the option of a career on any alternative path he may choose to follow.

Neville has the composure for management

There were those who laughed when David Beckham was first touted as a future England captain, and many will do the same should Beckham's name be mentioned in managerial terms.

But a managerial career would surely open up should Beckham choose to follow his boss into the world of decision making, though several less stressful options may await the midfield star.

But, of all United's current crop of players, Gary Neville probably displays the best management credentials.

Tactically aware and hardened to the highest level of the game with club and country, Neville could comfortably make a seamless transition into coaching and management.

The leadership qualities Ferguson exudes as a manager are the same he expects from his team captains.

So it is a fair assumption that being handed the armband at United is like receiving the management hallmark from Ferguson himself.

Keane, Beckham and Neville all boast that particular honour - and there can be no higher job reference than the Ferguson seal of approval.