The Manchester United manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, has defended his club's owners, the Glazer family, as well as his transfer policy and made a jibe at rivals Manchester City

The Glazer family assumed control at Old Trafford in 2005 but have rarely encountered a trouble-free period in charge.

Factions of support have persistently protested against their ownership owing to concerns over debt levels, with others believing United can no longer match their Premier League rivals in the transfer market as a result.

But speaking during his side's pre-season tour of South Africa, Ferguson has defended the American family.

"I am comfortable with the Glazer situation. They have been great," he said. "They have always backed me whenever I have asked them. I have never faced any opposition.

"They have always been as sensible as they can be in terms of financing the club. They have to invest in the team to maintain the value of their asset.

"I think there are a whole lot of factions at United that think they own the club. They will always be contentious about whoever owns the club, and that's the way it's always been.

"When the Glazers took over here there was dissatisfaction, so there have always been pockets of supporters who have their views. But I think the majority of real fans will look at it realistically and say it's not affecting the team. We've won four championships since they've been there, one European Cup."

Ferguson also stood by the club's refusal to compete with the likes of Manchester City in the transfer market, believing that his policy of blooding young players is preferable.

"We can play 18-year-olds because it's part of our history," he added. "No other clubs can do that. City won't do it. They definitely won't play any young players who have come up through their system."