ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE:ALEX FERGUSON has released a statement about Manchester United's planned share issue, insisting that he will not gain financially from the move by the Glazer family.
“Being aware of the media coverage that is currently ongoing I felt, on this occasion, that I should make my position clear to the Manchester United fans,” he said.
“In regards to suggestions that I have praised the Glazer family because I stand to financially benefit from the proposed IPO , there is not a single grain of truth in this allegation. I do not receive any payments, directly or indirectly, from the IPO.
“Ultimately, I run the football side of this club and in order to do this, you need backing from above. The Glazer family have let me get on with my job – there is no interference or obstruction, only support.”
Ferguson said he felt insulted by the suggestion he might benefit and was keen not to damage his relationship with the fans. “My decisions and beliefs are not based around what is best for my personal financial gain,” he added.
“That is an accusation that insults me. If that was the case, I would have left Old Trafford a long time ago.
“I am speaking out because I do not want a situation to develop whereby the media and other parties create a rift, however small, between myself and any Manchester United fan.
“I’ve spent 25 years of my life pushing this club forward and not only could I not have done it without those fans, I do it for them.”
Meanwhile, Ferguson has given the biggest hint yet of how United’s defence could look on the opening day of the new Premier League campaign – with the long-awaited return of Nemanja Vidic particularly welcome.
News of Vidic’s impending return is a fillip for United fans, who have not seen their captain in action since he injured cruciate knee ligaments against Basel on December 7th, 2011.
United kick off their season at Everton on Monday, August 20th, a game that will come too soon for the injured centre-backs Chris Smalling (metatarsal) and Jonny Evans (ankle).
Throw into the mix the fact that Fábio has been sent on a season-long loan to Queens Park Rangers and Ferguson’s back four will almost pick itself.
“Chris Smalling is out for 10 weeks with his metatarsal operation and Jonny Evans is still just in light training,” Ferguson said ahead of the three-game pre-season tour which begins in Olso on Sunday against the Norwegian side Valerenga. “They’re big losses at the moment and they will miss the start of the season.
“Rafael is away and Fábio is away on loan so there are four defensive players that we don’t have for the back four positions.
“We do have Phil Jones, Nemanja Vidic, Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra, though. That will be the back four on tour. Hopefully, we don’t get any more injuries as it would leave me a bit short.”
