Alex Ferguson arrived at Manchester United's training ground yesterday morning to find five season-ticket holders waiting for him, holding a banner that read: "Fergie Out". The club called the police after the small but vociferous group chanted for him to resign or be sacked

The supporters stayed for two hours and their message was clear. Ferguson might be recognised as the most successful manager in the business and his team top of the Premiership but his popularity has eroded over the last few seasons.

A police spokesman said: "They were stood outside the training ground chanting: 'We want Fergie out.' The security manager called us out but it was a peaceful protest. The supporters were a safe distance from the gates and they were allowed to carry on."

Many United supporters, as well as Ferguson's admirers throughout the game, will be shocked that he has had to face such hostility. The only previous occasion on which a similar banner was unfurled was as long ago as December 1989.

Since then his United have accumulated 17 trophies but it has been seven years since they won the Champions League and three since they were league champions. Yesterday's incident can be linked to his criticisms this week of fans who opposed the Glazers' takeover.

l Guardian Service