Fergie rubbishes Red Knights talk

By foxsports
Published

Sir Alex Ferguson has furiously rejected a Sunday report claiming he is supporting the Red Knights' bid to take over Manchester United.

The Old Trafford boss was reportedly in support of any potential buyout of the Glazer family by the wealthy consortium, while there were suggestions he would be prepared to invest his own money if the bid were to succeed.

However, Ferguson has rejected any supposed involvement or support in the takeover as he said: "It's absolute rubbish. There's not an ounce of truth in it."

A United spokesman backed up Ferguson's words, claiming: "The Glazer family and the manager enjoy 100% trust in each other."

Thousands of fans have joined the green and gold protest against the Glazers by wearing the colours of Newton Heath, the club which predated United.

The Manchester United Supporters Trust, the chief opponents of the present Glazer regime, have reported a massive surge in membership over the last few weeks.

They now claim to have in excess of 100,000 supporters registered - fuelled partly by the Red Knights, a group of leading City financiers who are looking to raise in excess of £1billion to seize control at Old Trafford.

United chief executive David Gill this week insisted the present owners had no wish to sell, despite the massive debts incurred in their controversial takeover.

And Ferguson joked on Friday he welcomes "all sinners" to Manchester United, while insisting he has no problem with the green and gold protests.

He has some friends among the Red Knights, including leading investment banker Jim O'Neill, and said: "I have no problem with protest.

"There were plenty of green and gold scarves on Sunday (in the Carling Cup final win over Aston Villa) and I was delighted to see them supporting the club.

"We are quite happy. As long as they are supporting Manchester United they can wear whatever they like.

"I have no issue with the Red Knights. I know some of them. I don't deny them their right to protest.

"If they want to try and buy the club that is entirely up to them."