Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has warned Harry Redknapp that the speculation surrounding his future could have a negative impact on his side's season.

Redknapp has been continually linked with the England job ever since Fabio Capello vacated the post last month, and Ferguson believes that the uncertainty will affect his side.

"Its difficult to say. I think the people who will be more concerned are the directors, they'll be worried, unless there's been contact between the FA and Spurs," said the veteran manager.

"I would doubt that at this moment in time but I'm sure they'll be wondering what the next step is in relation to the contact the FA make and when they make it. I don't think you can dismiss that eventuality. It's going to happen and they'll be more worried than the players.

"I made that mistake myself. I said I was going to retire [in 2002]. It definitely affected the dressing room, no doubt about that. It's a little bit different [for Spurs], it's only speculation – Harry has not made any statement that he wants the England job for a start, though I think the general feeling is he would relish it."

United currently sit second in the Premier League table, eight points ahead of third place Tottenham.