Alex Ferguson has been assured the Manchester United boardroom is not divided over his new contract.
Ferguson contacted chief executive David Gill this morning after speculation surfaced that some members of the Old Trafford hierarchy were unhappy at the prospect of the Scot being given a four-year contract.
The indication was that Ferguson, who has won eight Premiership titles and a European Cup during his stint at the club, should only be given a rolling one-year deal and his demands were becoming too excessive.
The issue was due to be discussed at a regular United board meeting today but Gill has already assured his manager the claims are 'nonsense'.
Ferguson believes it emanated from Ireland, which raises question marks over the involvement of major shareholders John Magnier and JP McManus.
"I spoke to David Gill about it this morning," he said. "Of course it is absolute rubbish. It is mischief-making emanating out of Ireland. I don't know why.
"David assured me it is nonsense. There is no split in the board and everything is going along fine."
Magnier, who together with McManus own 24.24 per cent of the club, is currently involved in a legal dispute with Ferguson over the ownership of record-breaking racehorse Rock of Gibraltar.
It has been consistently stressed by United that the dispute was a personal matter and would have no bearing on the club's fortunes.
However, the implication of Ferguson's comments is that Magnier could be seeking to undermine his position, which if true places Gill in a very uncomfortable position.
Because the notoriously publicity-shy Magnier does not have a seat on the United board, his influence is limited. Yet his vast shareholding means he could apply pressure on senior members of the United staff.
However the United board are thought to be united on the issue of Ferguson's contract. What will concern many United fans though is the possibility of Magnier and McManus increasing their shareholding to take a majority stake in the club, a move which would throw Ferguson's entire future into doubt.