Wigan Athletic boss Roberto Martinez says there's no rift with Manchester United's Sir Alex Ferguson.

In late October, a Spanish newspaper attributed comments to the Latics boss which claimed the Football Association were afraid to punish Ferguson.

The comments, which Martinez categorically denies making, also suggested the likes of Blackburn and Everton managers Sam Allardyce and David Moyes were staunch defenders of the United boss and that Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez was being targeted with constant sniping.

However, Martinez had a pre-Christmas meal with Ferguson, Allardyce, Moyes and Stoke assistant Peter Reid, and the Wigan boss said the incident was not an issue.

"In a way we know we are exposed to certain things. It has happened to many managers in the past and it will happen in the future," said the Spaniard, who takes his side to Old Trafford on Wednesday night.

"What is important is to put the record straight, take action against any media group that say things that are not right and make sure the names that are involved have a clear understanding of what has happened.

"Once that is done it is quite simple to understand because we have all been in a situation when we know how exposed we are and how easy it is for it to happen.

"I think we have got a good relationship, good enough to laugh off these situations.

"It is not an issue and it does not put any strain on our relationship at all."