Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has slammed claims they're just in Japan for the money.

"Someone said we are just taking the money to play here," grumbled Ferguson. "It is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard in my life.

"We are here because we won the European Cup. It is not something you get out of.

"The criticism is unfortunate. The most important thing is that we can be world champions, which would be a fantastic mid-season boost for everyone."