United incensed by Fifa article on Ferguson

Manchester United are demanding an explanation from Fifa after an article in the world governing body's official magazine included several controversial claims about their manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

United are furious that an article with such content has been included in an official Fifa publication and are writing to the organisation through the Football Association claiming it is "totally inaccurate".

The article in the latest edition of the Fifa Magazine, which is published every month in four languages and distributed to associations around the world, makes claims about Ferguson's approaches for players and the involvement of his son Jason in previous transfer dealings.

A United spokesman said "We regard this as totally inaccurate and we are writing to Fifa, via the FA, to ask for an explanation."

The text that has so offended United is contained at the end of a lengthy profile of Ferguson in the edition. Ferguson is on holiday this week, and was therefore unavailable for comment.

Asked about the article, a Fifa spokesman pointed out a statement in the magazine which reads: "Any views expressed in the Fifa magazine do not necessarily reflect those of Fifa."