Sir Alex Ferguson has reacted angrily to comments made by Alan Pardew, insisting that the Newcastle United manager is in no position to criticise his conduct.

Ferguson clashed with official Mike Dean at half time of Manchester United's 4-3 Boxing Day victory over the Magpies.

Pardew declared that Ferguson was lucky to escape a ban for his conduct, leading to a frosty response from the United boss.

He told reporters: "Pardew has come out and criticised me. He is the worst at haranguing referees. He shoves them and makes a joke of it. How he can criticise me is unbelievable.

"He forgets the help I gave him, by the way. The press have had a field day. The only person they have not spoken to is Barack Obama because he is busy.

"It is unfortunate but I am the manager of the most famous club in the world. Not Newcastle, a wee club in the North-East. I was demonstrative. I am always demonstrative. Everyone knows that. I am an emotional guy but I was not abusive."

A dramatic match at Old Trafford saw the Toon take the lead three times before a last-minute winner from Javier Hernandez settled the contest.