Alex Ferguson gave vent to his frustration over Manchester United's faltering season with an angry onslaught against England's daily newspapers, accusing them of harbouring a 'hatred' of the club.
Despite claiming that he doesn't read the papers, Ferguson said the coverage of United's early exit from the Champions League had been motivated by spite.
"They have a hatred of Manchester United," Ferguson told reporters on Tuesday. "It's always been there. It goes with the territory, I suppose, with us being such a high profile club. I can understand it a little, but they go over the top."
The Scot argued that the press coverage of a perceived crisis at Old Trafford was done with the aim of undermining his squad.
He added: "They are trying to fragment the club; the players from the supporters, and the supporters from the players. But I think our fans are aware of it. I don't think they will fall into that trap.
"I make the point and I make it strongly, we are at our best when the fans are right behind us. That is the only thing that should matter to us. We have to stick together."
