United fans reassured over Ferguson future

Worried Manchester United fans were given the news they feared they might never hear today after the club announced Alex Ferguson had signed a new contract.

The ongoing dispute with major shareholder John Magnier had led to speculation that negotiations with Ferguson, whose current deal expires at the end of June next year, would stall or break down permanently.

But the former Aberdeen boss today signed a rolling one-year deal which ought to see the speculation over his future abate, if not disappear altogether.

Jules Spencer, spokesman of the influential Independent Manchester United Supporters Association, said: “IMUSA and all Manchester United fans will be delighted with the news. The esteem that Sir Alex is held in goes without saying.”

Ferguson’s position had looked unsteady this week with news that the club had launched an internal investigation to recent transfer dealings, apparently under pressure from the Cubic Expression group co-owned by Magnier and long-time associate JP McManus.

And Spencer fears Ferguson may have had to settle for a different deal to the one which had been agreed before recent controversies.

“We’re keen to find out the details, of whether this is the original offer that was made or if it has had to be toned down due to the intervention of Magnier and McManus,” he said.

“If it has been altered we would want to know why.”

After almost 18 years in the job, Ferguson is by far and away the longest-serving manager in England’s top flight.

And Spencer admits most United fans can hardly imagine a day when Ferguson is not at the helm.

“As long as he wants the job, as long as he remains hungry for success, United fans will be happy to see him stay,” he added.