Sir Alex Ferguson has blasted interfering club owners and expressed his surprise at the plight of Manchester City boss Sven-Goran Eriksson.

The Manchester United manager said he knew of one owner - who he refused to identify - who faxed his desired team to the manager every week.

He also said he was lucky to be given a free hand in managing United by the Glazer family since their takeover in June 2005.

Ferguson said: "Nothing amazes you but I am surprised. We have all different types of owners in Premier League football I'm afraid.

"Sometimes I read the newspapers and find it quite hard to fathom these situations, stories that first (Luiz Felipe) Scolari, then (Slaven) Bilic, then (Jose) Mourinho is going to get the (City) job.

"You have all different types of owners coming into football now and some want to be hands-on.

"That's why I'm very fortunate, the Glazer family have been tremendous. They have let me get on with my job and I think that speaks volumes for our club.

"At some other clubs the owners want to pick the team. I know at one club the owner faxes his team to the manager every Saturday morning. Can you believe that?"