Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has claimed that television has too much power over the football schedule.

Ferguson branded the schedule 'ridiculous' and says that it cost his team the title in 2010 when they lost out to Chelsea.

He fears that United will again lose out, with closest rivals Manchester City out of Europe and free to play at any time.

"The year we lost the title to Chelsea we played in midweek in Europe and then played a lunchtime game against Chelsea on the Saturday, and they battered us," said Ferguson.

"The biggest disadvantage [in the title race] will be television because the demand for United will never weaken. If they get us playing on Saturday lunchtime after European games it will be ridiculous.

"We have tried to stop it but TV control these things - they absolutely control it."

Manchester United face rivals Manchester City today at 1.30pm.