Paying parents would be 'crazy', says Sir Alex Ferguson

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

United were accused by the president of French club Le Havre, Jean-Pierre Louvel, of offering the parents of 16-year-old Paul Pogba a house and £170,000 in cash.

Chelsea have been banned from making signings for two transfer windows for inducing a teenager to break his contract with another French club, Lens, and a number of other complaints against English clubs have since been made.

Apart from the Pogba case, Fiorentina have written to FIFA over United's swoop for 16-year-old Italian defender Michele Fornasier, though a formal investigation has yet to be launched.

Ferguson said today: "There has been a lot of jumping on the bandwagon of course but I can assure you that Manchester United have behaved absolutely correctly in all their dealings with young players and their parents.

"There has never been a case, ever, that we have paid parents. It would be crazy to even contemplate that because it would be the biggest headache you could ever have, paying a parent.

"This was levelled [at us] by some frustrated director at the French club and he's now going to have to retract.

"We do it impeccably. They were always going to bring Manchester United into it because they are the biggest club, but without any foundation, without any knowledge of the situation whatsoever.

"What other clubs do is subject to a lot of controversy at the moment but I'm confident at our own club."

Ferguson also revealed that Rio Ferdinand is in contention for United's match at Tottenham on Saturday evening but John O'Shea is set to be missing after suffering a calf injury on duty with the Republic of Ireland.

Ferguson added: "Rio has been in training this week and has a got a chance for Saturday, I'm not sure how big a chance but he has got a chance.
"I don't know if there's any injuries with the players coming back from games but I think the England players are all right."

Ireland's coach Giovanni Trapattoni had warned that O'Shea could be ruled out for a couple of months if he is rushed back into action too soon.
Ferguson said: "O'Shea has not trained - he came back with a calf injury from Ireland's game in Cyprus and is doubtful for Saturday so we will see what he's like."