Ex fans chief claims Fergie losing his grip

A former Manchester United supporters’ chief believes Alex Ferguson’s continued faith in contract rebel Rio Ferdinand is indicative of the Scot losing his authority over team affairs.

Jonny Flacks, a United season ticket-holder since 1966 and a former chairman of the Independent Manchester United Supporters’ Association [IMUSA], feels fans are justified in booing Ferdinand, who has yet to accept the offer of a new contract reportedly worth £100,000 (€145,000).