Ferguson angered by Red Knights link

Sir Alex Ferguson has furiously rejected a Sunday newspaper report claiming he is supporting the Red Knights' bid to take over Manchester United.

The Old Trafford boss was reportedly in support of any potential buyout of the Glazer family by the wealthy consortium, while there were suggestions he would be prepared to invest his own money in the club if the bid were to succeed.

However, Ferguson has rejected any supposed involvement or support in the takeover as he said: "It's absolute rubbish. There's not an ounce of truth in it."

A United spokesman backed up Ferguson's words, claiming: "The Glazer family and the manager enjoy 100% trust in each other."

Thousands of fans have joined the green and gold protest against the Glazers by wearing the colours of Newton Heath, the club which predated United.

The Manchester United Supporters Trust, the chief opponents of the present Glazer regime, have reported a massive surge in membership over the last few weeks.

They now claim to have in excess of 100,000 supporters registered - fuelled partly by the Red Knights, a group of leading City financiers who are looking to raise in excess of £1billion to seize control at Old Trafford.

United chief executive David Gill this week insisted the present owners had no wish to sell, despite the massive debts incurred in their controversial takeover.