Fergie's future 'not an issue'

MANCHESTER UNITED chief executive David Gill has played down speculation surrounding Alex Ferguson by insisting the manager's Old Trafford future has never been discussed.

In a radio interview to discuss the Red Devils' 50% fall in half-year profits, Gill appeared to cast doubt on Ferguson's future when he said any club employee 'is sackable'.

Given Ferguson's likely failure to land the league title in successive seasons for the first time in the Premiership era and United's costly exit from the Champions League at the first knock-out stage, the comments were interpreted as a warning to the Scot that on-field performances would have to improve.