Gerrard etched his name into the record book at Rangers on Sunday when his side’s status as Scottish champions was confirmed.
The former England midfielder has been earning widespread praise for taking Rangers out of the doldrums and ending Celtic’s bid for a tenth league title in a row this season.
But McManus feels Gerrard got time that most other Rangers managers would not have after not winning a trophy in his first two seasons at the club.
The former Hibernian attacker believes that the progress Rangers showed in Europe got Gerrard the leeway he needed and it paid off this season after the Gers secured their 55th Scottish top flight title.
McManus said on PLZ Soccer: “I think a lot of people deserve credit [for Rangers winning the title].
“The board at Rangers, obviously two seasons without a trophy, a lot of Old Firm managers would not have survived that.
“But I think the runs in Europe showed that there were improvements at Rangers and that’s what gave Steven Gerrard the benefit of doubt.”
Rangers have reached the last 16 of the Europa League this year and will be playing Champions League football next season.
