Ferguson lays down discipline line for players

SOCCER:Alex Ferguson has warned his Manchester United players they face the axe if they step out of line again.

The Old Trafford manager's comments come in the wake of the lurid headlines which have followed the United players' now infamous Christmas party.

Ferguson said: "Football has changed but you cannot lose your control. We make changes here at Manchester United when we see anyone interfering with that control. When we see this it's time for them to go."

This is the first time Ferguson has commented on the party which led to an under-19 player being arrested and he is said to be furious at the unwanted headlines the pre-Christmas event attracted.

Ferguson, whose team surrendered top spot in the Premier League to Arsenal with their shock 2-1 defeat at West Ham and Arsenal's 4-1 win at Everton on Saturday, added: "Times have changed for me as a manager. But this club is based on everyone together. When anyone starts going off at tangents you have to make changes."

Ferguson, who turns 66 today, also accused some of today's top players of being selfish and being obsessed with a celebrity culture. "What annoys me about some footballers today is the personal glory thing," he said. "They score a goal and knock players out of the road so they can get personal gratification and play to the fans.

"The present-day footballer needs to be noticed with his ear-rings and tattoos. But people in general need to be noticed, it's not just footballers.

"They don't go to small, intimate restaurants, they go to places that are big and bright where you are seen and get noticed. It is difficult to control."

However, Ferguson insisted he has no intention of relinquishing his position, even though November 2008 will see him complete 22 years in charge. "Absolutely no doubt about that, retirement is not on the agenda," he said. "The potential of this group of players is the best I have ever had. There is great enthusiasm about the place, a great team spirit and a good drive."

Commenting on Saturday's defeat at Upton Park, where Cristiano Ronaldo missed a penalty while 1-0 up, he said: "I have no complaints. We were beaten by the better team.

"We were not nearly up to our normal performance . . . It's difficult to say why but they are human beings and you can't expect them to be perfect all the time."