Heinze goes to the Premier League for a ruling on August 20 after United refused to sanction a move to Anfield despite the player having a letter which stipulates he can leave if any club meets his 6.8 million pound (13.7m dollar) transfer fee.

United contend the letter, signed by chief executive David Gill, does not over-ride the Argentina defender's contract, which has two years to run.

"Gabriel Heinze has not become an alien within the squad at all. He is a very popular player within the club," said Ferguson.

"Obviously the meeting on August 20 will settle it one way or another. We think we have a good case. They probably think they have a good case too or they wouldn't have gone this far."