Man Utd stars support Ferguson

By Phil McNulty
Chief football writer

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Manchester United's players will throw their full support behind Sir Alex Ferguson as he waits to sign a new contract, an agent with close links to the club claims.

Ferguson is embroiled in a battle with leading United shareholder John Magnier over stud fees for the stallion Rock of Gilbraltar.

Magnier, along with fellow shareholder and business partner JP McManus, has also raised concerns over recent transfers dealings, leading to speculation about Ferguson's Old Trafford future as talks on a new deal drag on.

But the agent told BBC Sport: "The players are very much behind Sir Alex. They want the contract signed."

The agent, who did not wish to be named, added: "It is no secret that they support Sir Alex. Many have been with him for years and many others have been brought to the club by him."

Ferguson, who has already won public support from Manchester United's fans, has forged bonds with the players he has brought so much success.

For all his fiery personality, Ferguson is fiercely protective of his stars - and they have repaid him with equally staunch loyalty.

Captain Roy Keane is widely regarded as Ferguson's voice on the pitch, and the relationship between the pair has almost been regarded as that of a father and son.

Ferguson has nursed and supported Keane through disciplinary problems, as well as the furious row with then Republic of Ireland boss Mick McCarthy that led to his early departure from the 2002 World Cup.

Ruud van Nistelrooy is another player who is never slow to outline his debt to Ferguson, who kept in touch with him even when a proposed move from PSV Eindhoven was initially wrecked by a knee injury in 2000.

Magnier wants an investigation into United's transfers

Ferguson kept in touch with the Dutch striker and completed the deal a year later.

Van Nistelrooy has made it clear he wants Ferguson to stay.

He said recently: "He has been fantastic for this club and has won so many trophies with them.

"I am very grateful for what he did for me and to Manchester United for keeping their trust in me.

"It is fantastic to work with him and if we can all play at our top level we have some great years ahead of us."

And in the so-called "Fergie's Fledglings", the manager has a group of players he has groomed from youth level to international football.

The Neville brothers Gary and Phil, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs and Nicky Butt are all very much the product of Ferguson's expertise and regard him as a mentor.

Gary Neville has already proved to be a strong dressing room influence in his role as representative for England's players in the row over Rio Ferdinand's missed drugs test.

He is regarded as a trusted and crucial figure by Ferguson, while Giggs has also benefited from his expert guidance.

Ferguson is now bringing through a new generation at Old Trafford in the shape of Darren Fletcher and new young signings Liam Miller and Cristiano Ronaldo.

He has also brought in goalkeeper Tim Howard, Brazil World Cup winner Kleberson and Cameroon's Eric Djemba-Djemba with the future in mind. They will already recognise the importance of Ferguson.

Manchester United's results have so far been unaffected by the backdrop of events surrounding Ferguson, Magnier and McManus.

It may well be they have learned the lessons of the uncertainty United admitted gripped their camp when Ferguson announced his retirement, then performed a U-turn in 2002 - the club ended the season without a trophy.

But it is clear the players who identify themselves and their careers so closely with the veteran boss want the uncertainty surrounding Ferguson's future cleared up by him finally signing his new deal.