NEWS:MANCHESTER UNITED manager Alex Ferguson has defended his club's owners as well as his transfer policy.

The Glazer family assumed control at Old Trafford in 2005 but have rarely encountered a trouble-free period in charge.

Factions of support have persistently protested against their ownership owing to concerns over debt levels, with others believing United can no longer match their Premier League rivals in the transfer market as a result.

But speaking to a number of national newspapers during his side’s pre-season tour of South Africa, Ferguson has stuck up for the American family.

“I am comfortable with the Glazer situation. They have been great,” he said.

“They have always backed me whenever I have asked them. I have never faced any opposition.

“They have always been as sensible as they can be in terms of financing the club. They have to invest in the team to maintain the value of their asset.

“I think there are a whole lot of factions at United that think they own the club. They will always be contentious about whoever owns the club, and that’s the way it’s always been.

“When the Glazers took over here there was dissatisfaction, so there have always been pockets of supporters who have their views. But I think the majority of real fans will look at it realistically and say it’s not affecting the team.

“We’ve won four championships since they’ve been there, one European Cup.”

The Scot also stood by the club’s refusal to compete with the likes of Manchester City in the transfer market, believing that his policy of blooding young players is preferable.

“We can play 18-year-olds because it’s part of our history,” he added. “No other clubs can do that. City won’t do it. They definitely won’t play any young players who have come up through their system.”

Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas has criticised midfielder Luka Modric as rumours of a departure from the club intensify.

Modric looked set to quit Spurs for Chelsea a year ago under the then management of Harry Redknapp, and this summer appears keen on a switch to Spanish champions Real Madrid.

Reports have suggested that the Croatia international has failed to travel with Spurs on the tour of the United States – something Villas-Boas has alluded to in the Spanish press yesterday.

Speaking to AS, he is reported as saying: “I think Modric is wrong. This will go against him. He has worsened the situation with what he’s doing and now the chairman (Daniel Levy) is very angry.

“This is also not a good time for Daniel Levy, who is in the USA at the moment, because his wife is ill.”

Villas-Boas also admitted Modric would be a major loss if he leaves Spurs.

“He’s good, very good. I tried to sign him last summer for Chelsea. He will be a big loss. He’s a player who can make the difference, who gives a lot of clarity to the play when the team needs it and who can play in several positions,” he said.

Striker Adrian Lopez insists he is happy at Atletico Madrid and is distancing himself from speculation linking him with a move away from the Vicente Calderon as he focuses on the Olympics.