Sir Alex Ferguson has warned Manchester United fans who have mounted protests against the club’s American owners that their actions could undermine his squad’s drive for silverware.
The Glazer family, who have owned United since 2005, have never been popular with United supporters and recent revelations about the scale of the debt they have loaded onto the club to finance their takeover have triggered anti-Glazer protests at home matches.
Accounts filed this week revealed that United’s overall debt has risen to more than 700 million pounds, fuelling a view amongst fans that the burden of servicing the debt is acting as a brake on the strengthening of Ferguson’s squad.
The United boss has been supportive of the Glazers’ management of the club and he has made it clear he feels that the current mood of rebellion among a section of the support will not help his players.
“One for all and all for one — it’s a terrible cliche but nevertheless it does sum up one of the essentials for success in team sport,” Ferguson wrote in his programme notes for United’s league match against Hull on Saturday.
The Scot insisted he was not questioning the right of fans to voice their concern, but urged them to ask themselves who would benefit from their actions.
“I’m not slow to express disapproval myself if there is something I don’t agree with — even in the boardroom with the directors,” he wrote.
“But once I walk out of the meeting I get on with my job as manager of the team.
“Some of our fans are clearly unhappy with the financial position, but we mustn’t allow the situation to become divisive.
“The danger, as I see it, is that we could be presented as being split, which could be harmful and inaccurate because I believe the vast majority of United fans are behind us and appreciate the importance of standing together in support of the team.
“I could see our opponents rubbing their hands with glee at the thought of watching us fall out among ourselves if we don’t all think carefully about what we are doing.
“We must not lose our focus – which, from where I stand, is about building a strong football team that will win trophies. That?s what we are about or at least should be.”
Ferguson added: “This is not about stifling criticism; it’s simply a plea to stand together rather than take action that will damage ourselves more than anyone else.
“Manchester United is bigger than me, the players, the directors, officials, and the fans and, particularly at this critical stage of our season, we need to pull in the same direction.
“It would be a shame to lose our concentration now because I can really see light at the end of the tunnel as we ready ourselves to push for the championship.”
