Queiroz 'not aware' of alleged gesture

Carlos Queiroz has claimed he is “unaware” of an alleged abusive gesture by Rio Ferdinand towards Manchester United fans after Thursday’s 2-1 defeat to Kashima Antlers.

Ferdinand, who was booed by a handful of Red Devils’ supporters during the game, came under further attack after the final whistle, as fans voiced their anger at his refusal to sign a £100,000 (€145,000)-a-week extension to his contract.

With his temper already boiling because of an on-pitch row with Ruud van Nistelrooy, Ferdinand is reported to have made a ‘V’ sign to the supporters abusing him.

Witnesses are adamant the incident happened, although as yet there have been no pictures published to back the claims.

“I am not aware of any incident between Rio and the fans,” said Queiroz.

Ferdinand was the subject of more widespread abuse during recent pre-season friendlies at Clyde and Peterborough, although he has received a more positive reception in the Far East.

The England defender may also find himself at the centre of an internal investigation following his spat with van Nistelrooy during the closing stages of last night’s defeat at the National Stadium.

Without a goal on tour so far, van Nistelrooy’s anger erupted when Ferdinand delayed a rutine pass from the halfway line so long he was eventually tackled.

After gesticulating wildly at the time of the incident, van Nistelrooy carried on the argument after the final whistle, exchanging a volley of abuse with his team-mate.

The pair were all smiles as they trained together in Saitama this morning ahead of tomorrow’s encounter with Urawa Red Diamonds, although Queiroz admitted the matter will be looked in to.

“We realised there was a dispute between two players on the pitch but at this moment, I know nothing further,” he said. “If there is something, we will take action.”

It has also now emerged that United director Bryan Glazer was verbally attacked by supporters in the aftermath of Tuesday’s victory over Beijing Hyundai.

Glazer, son of new owner Malcolm, has been following the Red Devils on tour but came under attack from critics who do not believe his father’s £790m (€1.1bn) takeover is good for the Old Trafford outfit.

With chief executive David Gill looking on, Glazer pleaded with his irate opponents to “give us a year” to prove they can improve United on and off the field.

The rows have overshadowed the final stages of a tour which forms the primary part of United’s build-up to the new campaign, which begins with a Champions League qualifier on August 10.