Glazer now has total control at Old Trafford after amassing a 75.7 per cent stake in the club but as yet has not publicly outlined his plans for the Red Devils.

Major supporters groups, including Shareholders United and the Independent Manchester United Supporters Association, have called for mass demonstrations in Cardiff this weekend to emphasise the strength of feeling against Glazer's involvement.

Although it is widely assumed Ferguson has decided to stay on as manager beyond the summer, he decided not to answer any questions on the issue at his pre-cup final press conference at the club's Carrington training complex this morning. Instead, he limited himself to a short speech, urging the fans to get behind the team to give them the maximum chance of beating Arsenal at the Millennium Stadium.

"This is not the time to be answering questions about Malcolm Glazer's takeover of the club," he said. "Ever since I became manager of Manchester United, my main concern has always been the team. Our focus has to be 100 per cent on the final this week, otherwise we will not be doing our jobs properly. For us, everything is geared to Saturday, all the rest is peripheral.

"Of course the fans are emotional. Given the loyalty they have shown over the years, it is understandable. But this is their big day as well as ours. The supporters and players should be together in their attempts to win this match on Saturday. Nothing else matters and I am sure they will not let us down."

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