Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson doesn't want to talk about Malcolm Glazer. But Ferguson does want to make one thing clear: He's still in charge of the team.
Appearing at a news conference Wednesday, Ferguson avoided questions about the takeover by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers owner. He said he only wanted to talk about Saturday's FA Cup final against Arsenal.
"This is not the time to be talking about all the issues regarding Malcolm Glazer taking over the club," Ferguson said. "It doesn't affect the team. I won't be answering questions about the issue because my job is Manchester United manager. It's always been that."
Ferguson has been Manchester United manager since 1986, leading the club to eight league titles and five FA Cups. He said the arrival of Glazer, who now has a controlling interest of more than 75 percent in the club, would not affect what happens on the field.
"My main concern has always been the team, especially when you're playing a cup final," Ferguson said. "That focus has got to be 100 percent doing your job properly. That applies to everything. All the rest is periphery."
Glazer's buyout has angered fans, who have threatened demonstrations at Saturday's final at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium.
"Of course the fans are emotional," Ferguson said. "Given the loyalty they have shown over the years it is understandable. But I'm sure they won't let us down either. It's their game too. It is their big day as well as ours. They want us to win the cup."
Glazer's drawn-out takeover of Manchester United came after two rejections by the board. Last week, he finally persuaded the biggest shareholders, Irish businessmen John Magnier and J.P. McManus, to sell their 29.1 percent holding.
There has been speculation that Glazer's arrival could put Ferguson's future with the club in doubt. Manchester United finished third in the Premier League this season
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