Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has defended the club's owners, the Glazer family, by insisting they are 'great'.
There will be critics whoever owns the club, claims United boss
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has defended the club's owners, the Glazer family, by insisting they are 'great'.
United's American owners have been fiercely criticised by sections of supporters since buying the club seven years ago.
That stems from the fact that more than £500million has been spent on interest, debt repayments and fees since 2005.
But Ferguson takes a long-term view and believes there would have been criticism whoever had purchased the club.
"I'm absolutely comfortable with the Glazers situation," said the 70-year-old boss.
"They've been great. So if you're asking me for my views, I don't have any complaints.
"I've never encountered opposition. They've always been as sensible as they can in terms of financing the team, and they have to invest in the team to maintain the value of their asset.
Factions
"I think there are a whole lot of factions at United that think they own the club. They will always be contentious about whoever owns the club and that's the way it has always been.
"When I came to the club, Martin Edwards was always getting pelted because he was going to sell to (Robert) Maxwell, then to (Rupert) Murdoch, Michael Knighton and when they became a plc there was disaffection.
"Then, when the Glazers took over, there was disaffection, so there have always been wee pockets of supporters who have their views... and there's nothing wrong with that.
"But I think the majority of the real fans will look at it realistically and say it's not affecting the team. We've won four championships since they've been there, one European Cup.
"I think the problem is they are not publicists. They don't go out of their way to seek good publicity. They are quite happy to stay in the background. Roman Abramovich (Chelsea owner) is the same."
