Ferguson happy with owners as Eriksson future unclear

By Pete Oliver

MANCHESTER (Reuters) - Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson praised the ownership style of the Glazer family on Friday as Sven-Goran Eriksson's future at neighbours Manchester City remained uncertain.

With Eriksson's agent Athole Still saying this week that City owner Thaksin Shinawatra may oust the former England coach after just one season in charge, Ferguson expressed his satisfaction at the way things are run at United.

"Nothing amazes you. You are surprised in a way (about Eriksson) but you've got all types of different owners coming into football nowadays," Ferguson told a news conference.

The Glazers' takeover at Old Trafford in 2005 was unpopular among supporters, some of whom protested against levels of debt and the potential for rising ticket prices.

"Some owners want to be hands-on, which is where I'm very fortunate that the Glazer family have been tremendous in letting me get on with the job. I think that speaks volumes for our club," Ferguson added.

"At some other clubs the owner wants to pick the team. I know of a chairman that faxes his team to the manager every Saturday morning. You have all different types of owners in present day football I'm afraid."

Ferguson hoped Tuesday's Champions League win over Barcelona would give his side the impetus to retain their Premier League title after last week's 2-1 defeat at Chelsea.

United face West Ham United at Old Trafford in their penultimate league game on Saturday knowing they will be champions if they take maximum points from the final two games.