Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has defended the club's owners the Glazer family.

The Americans have been subjected to intense criticism from some sections of United's support who are unhappy with the amount of debt that has built up at Old Trafford following their takeover in 2005.

"I am absolutely comfortable with the Glazer situation. They have been great," Ferguson told The Mirror. "It will always be contentious with them [the fans] whoever owns us.

"When the club became a PLC there was a disaffection and again when the Glazers took over. So there has always been wee pockets of supporters who have their views, and there is nothing wrong with that.

"But I think the majority of real fans will look at it realistically and say it's not affecting the team. We've won four championships since the owners came and also the Champions League. They have always backed me whenever I have asked them."

United drew 1-1 with Ajax Cape Town on Saturday as they prepare for the new Premier League season.