Sir Alex Ferguson has defended the Glazer family claiming the criticism the Americans have received from Manchester United supporters has been unfair.

United fans protested fiercely against the American owners throughout the majority of last season, expressing serious concern at the £700 million debt carried by the club.

The protest manifested itself in the well-publicised Green and Gold campaign and saw a number of potential bidders express an interest in buying the club.

Ferguson though has now come out and publicly backed the Glazers who have owned the club since 2005.

"The debt has come through by the club being bought out by an owner. You know full well that when a business is bought it's usually bought with debt," the United manager said.

"Because it's a football club it seems to attract a more negative reporting from the media and from the fans. But Manchester United football club, when it went plc, it was always going to be bought. It was inevitable.

"So when a particular family like the Glazers have bought it, it's unfair they come in for criticism because anybody could have bought it."

Ferguson added: "I have to say they've done their job well. They support myself, the manager, they've supported the players. I've never been refused when I've asked for money for a player.

"So what can I do other than carry on the way we're doing it and the way I'm allowed to carry on, I've no complaints."

The 68-year-old also said he had no plans to step away from Old Trafford in the near future and would continue as United manager for as ling as he remained healthy.

"Every day, every year there's the challenge of being at the top and that helps me. I think you need good natural energy and I've been blessed with that," he added.

"I'm very fortunate about that so I'll keep going as long as my health keeps going. The same applies to every person. I'm 68 and so far my health's been standing up.

"If I have my health I can carry on. There will be a point when I do quit but I have absolutely no idea when that is."