The Glazer family believe the Red Knights have gaffed claiming the support of Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

Ferguson furiously denied the reports yesterday.

The Daily Express says the Glazer camp believe the Red Knights have "scored a spectacular own goal" by alleging they have support from Ferguson.

An insider said it was a "dangerous and desperate" bid to attract wealthy "waverers" who have shown tentative interest in joining the consortium but could, in fact, set Ferguson against the Red Knights.

And the battle to own United took a new twist with revelations that super-agent Pini Zahavi has allegedly assembled a rival consortium.

On behalf of wealthy Russian and Middle Eastern investors, Zahavi, a close friend of Ferguson, is said to have had a cash bid of £1bn rejected by the Glazers.