United fans have ´right to complain´ – Ferguson

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson stood up for the right of United supporters to continue their “green and gold” protest against the club’s American ownership.

An increasing number of United fans have adopted the club’s original colours, which date back to the 19th century, in a stand against the US-based Glazer family whose 2005 takeover has saddled the English champions with huge debts now worth more than 700 million pounds.

“It’s not a concern,” said Ferguson, speaking Friday on the 100th anniversary of United’s first match at Old Trafford. “It just shows you we have fans who care for the club.

“Every fan has a right to complain about what they think is right but we also have to run the club the way we think is the right way to do and I think we are doing the right thing with the club,” the Scot added of Saturday’s league match away to Everton.

“The foundation of the club is just the same as it has been for the last few years,” explained Ferguson, who has been United’s manager since 1986.

“We have a good youth setup, the first team are doing well and that’s what concerns me more than anything at all,” he said of a side who are just a point behind Premier League leaders Chelsea heading into this weekend’s matches.

“Obviously there are fans protesting and we understand where it is coming from but we carry on with the football side of it.

“I’ve made my point to the supporters. As long as it doesn’t interrupt or interfere with the progress of the team it doesn’t matter. They realise that too. They are still supporting the one team.”