Despite claiming that he doesn't read the papers -- who have unanimously proclaimed his reign at Old Trafford to be nearing an end -- Ferguson said the coverage of United's early exit from the Champions League had been motivated by spite.

"They have a hatred of Manchester United," Ferguson told reporters on Tuesday.

"It's always been there. It goes with the territory, I suppose, with us being such a high profile club. I can understand it a little, but they go over the top."

The Scot argued that the press coverage of a perceived crisis at Old Trafford was done with the aim of undermining his squad.

"They are trying to fragment the club; the players from the supporters, and the supporters from the players. But I think our fans are aware of it. I don't think they will fall into that trap.

"I make the point and I make it strongly, we are at our best when the fans are right behind us. That is the only thing that should matter to us. We have to stick together."

Ferguson urged the United fans to get behind his players when they take on Wigan on Wednesday in a Premiership match they must win to hold on to any hope of catching runaway leaders Chelsea.

"There is always a fantastic role for our fans to play. That has been proved so many times. You just have to look at when we beat Chelsea a few weeks ago, they were up for it. And when they are up for it, we get up for it with them."

Ferguson went on to argue that Chelsea's consistency was exacerbating criticism of the performances of his side.

"If you look at our present points total it is better than four of the last six seasons. Most of the teams below Chelsea would think that they are doing quite well. That's a problem for all of the teams, not just Manchester United."