Sir Alex Ferguson has defended Manchester United’s approach to signing young players like teenager Paul Pogba.

United have been accused by French club Le Havre of offering the parents of 16-year-old Pogba £170,000 in cash and a house to move to Old Trafford.

But United’s boss said: “We’ve behaved correctly with young players and their parents – there has never been a case, ever, that we have paid parents.

“It would be crazy because it would be the biggest headache you could have.”

United may also face a fresh investigation from Fifa over the signing of Fiorentina’s 16-year-old Italian defender Michele Fornasier.

The Serie A club revealed on Wednesday that it had written to world football’s governing body about the transfer although a formal complaint has yet to be made.
On Monday, United threatened to sue Le Havre over their repeated allegations of wrong-doing relating to Pogba’s signing.

“This was levelled at us by some frustrated director at the French club and he’s now going to have to retract,” added Ferguson.

“We do it impeccably. They were always going to bring Manchester United into it because we are the biggest club, but without any foundation, without any knowledge of the situation whatsoever.

“What other clubs do is subject to a lot of controversy at the moment but I’m confident at our own club.”

Chelsea had a transfer ban imposed on them earlier this month for inducing Gael Kakuta to break his contract with another French side, Lens in 2007.

Manchester City have this week also been accused by French club Rennes of unlawfully signing 17-year-old defender Jeremy Helan.

Players from European Union countries are able to move to Britain on academy or scholarship contracts at 16, and to sign full professional contracts at 17.

By signing a player under the age of 18, the buying club minimises the level of compensation the selling club will get.

– BBC