Under fire Fergie handed backing of United board

ALEX FERGUSON has been handed the complete backing of Manchester United's board as he looks to steer his way through the choppiest waters he has encountered at Old Trafford in 15 years.

Not since Ferguson grappled with the problems that afflicted him during his early days with the Red Devils has he faced such a bleak situation on the pitch.

Last month, as he announced a £14million loss in media revenues, chief executive David Gill confirmed Ferguson was "sackable", a comment hastily retracted even though it was merely common sense.

But even though a second-successive third-place finish will leave another £3m black hole in lost Champions League revenue, director Bobby Charlton has signalled a change in attitude on the United board by claiming the only way Ferguson will leave Old Trafford is if he walks.

"The only way we would ever be separated from Alex Ferguson is if he decides," Charlton said.

"He is the best manager that has ever been, certainly in England, and we have no reason to change."

Bookmakers reckon it is no more than a 9-4 chance that Ferguson will not be manager at the start of next season, and with the Rio Ferdinand saga dragging on despite his manager's demand for the defender to sign his new contract now, there is plenty to keep the United manager occupied.

Wednesday night's defeat at Everton did not just cost the Scot the services of Gary Neville and Paul Scholes for Sunday's encounter with Newcastle, it also left his side major outsiders to oust Arsenal from second spot.

Four points behind the Gunners - and an inferior goal difference - with five games to play, Ferguson can already start planning for a third excursion into the Champions League qualifying round in just four seasons.

There are those among United's vast support who fear Ferguson is starting to drift past his sell-by date in the same way Brian Clough did at Nottingham Forest, citing the bizarre decision to play a lone striker throughout a campaign that has yielded just 48 Premiership goals as evidence of a man losing touch with the club's attacking philosophy.

Others are convinced the 63-year-old is encountering just a minor blip and further triumphs are assured once players such as Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo have the experience to match their talent.

Without a major sale, half a dozen squad men might have to depart to speed up the arrival of a new goalkeeper and a central midfield man to take some pressure off Scholes and Roy Keane.

Given they have only two and one year of their respective contracts to run, it is also highly possible buyers will be sought for Ferdinand and Ryan Giggs should either man opt against signing a new deal.

At least there is some good news for Ferguson to digest, with Gary Neville set to escape further sanction following his dismissal for kicking a ball at a spectator last night.

The England full-back has received an automatic three-match ban, ruling him out of the Premiership clashes with Newcastle, Charlton and West Brom.

For his part, Everton manager David Moyes has promised the club's fans there will be plenty more occasions when they will be singing in the streets in the future.

Moyes admitted the momentous 1-0 win over United was the best night of his time in charge at Goodison Park.

The victory has bolstered the strong self-belief his Everton side have as they close in on qualification for the Champions League.

Moyes hailed one-time problem star Duncan Ferguson - the Scot looks set to be offered another one-year contract this summer - after his winning goal and all-round contribution.

Everton are all but certain of at least a place in the UEFA Cup but qualification for the biggest club tournament in the world also beckons as they enjoy a three-point lead and a game in hand over closest rivals Liverpool for that coveted fourth place.

"Everyone contributed. People played out of position and did their jobs," Moyes said.

"They know they are in a wonderful position of making European football next season. The fans went home singing in the streets and that is something we have not had too often at Goodison, but I want to make it a more regular occurrence."

It was the nature of the victory that made the night special. Ferguson got the winner back in their FA Cup triumph over the same opposition in 1995 and he did it again this time.

And Moyes says of a player he fell out with last season: "Duncan took his goal terrifically well, and it was an excellent delivery from Mikel Arteta.

"He's had a great record against them. But more important for me was the way he worked and his all-round team play was as good as I have seen from him for a long time."