Ferguson feels both Keane and he are combustible characters

An armoured police van was required to protect the Glazer brothers from a lynch mob on their only previous visit to Old Trafford since the family’s take-over of Manchester United, but while a heavy security presence was required as they headed for the stadium again on Tuesday night, they were offered a more cordial welcome by Sir Alex Ferguson, who admitted that his tentative support for the new owners has led to calls for his resignation.

Ferguson’s refusal to condemn the take-over, having previously been vocal in his support of anti-Glazer organisations such as Shareholders United, has earned him criticism for some supporters.

“A lot has been said about the (takeover) situation, with calls for my resignation in some quarters,” the United manager said. “But when the club became a plc., somebody was going to buy it. Let’s stand together and be a truly united football club. It’s the only way to achieve success, so let’s welcome the Glazers to United and show them what’s so special about the club they bought ? and what makes Old Trafford a truly electrifying place.”

Ferguson also admitted for the first time that he had an argument with Roy Keane on a training camp in Portugal before ? although not necessarily leading to ? the captain’s absence from the pre-season tour.

“Roy and I had a few words at our training camp in Portugal, but as I say, an argument is nothing,” Ferguson said. “We are both combustible characters and we are always having arguments. I wish I had a pound for every row I have ever had with Roy.