Board assures Ferguson regarding new contract

Alex Ferguson on Friday dismissed reports that the Manchester United board is split over whether to offer him a new four-year contract.

"I spoke to [chief executive] David Gill about it this morning," Ferguson told reporters. ``Of course it is absolute rubbish. It is mischief-making emanating out of Ireland. I don't know why.

"David assured me it is nonsense. There is no split in the board and everything is going along fine."

Ferguson's negotiations with the United board come at a time when he is involved in a costly legal action against two of the major shareholders.

He is suing Ireland-based Man United shareholder John Magnier over the stud rights to thoroughbred Rock of Gibraltar, which won a record seven Group 1 races.