Ferguson said: "I suppose it makes a good story to suggest the manager of Manchester United is at war with the England manager but neither Sven nor I are going to fall for that one.
"We have a good relationship and Paul and David being withdrawn from the England game is not the issue many critics have been suggesting. We don't have a problem and nor will we."
"David is very honoured to be captain of England and if he had been fit enough he would have been off there like a shot.
"He was struggling with a calf injury and only played against Middlesbrough because he wanted to. Sven and I talked it through after the game as well and agreed there was no way David could play."
The Mirror’s United correspondent, David McDonnell, ignores Ferguson’s comments and continues to stir the shit by having another dig at United behalf of the England lobby in his report of last night’s match:
‘It was Beckham's first appearance since his controversial withdrawal from the England squad to face Portugal with a dubious calf injury.’
Ferguson continued:
"If it had been as awkward as some are suggesting, Nicky Butt wouldn't have gone either because he is not 100%."
"I am always happy for my players to report for England, provided they are fit and they want to go. When it comes to friendly games you have to err on the side of caution.
"When the time comes for the real competitive games to start, Manchester United's players will be there."
It is about time Ferguson stopped being so reasonable and told his players and their respective international coaches that no United players will be available for internationals unless they start performing for the people who pay their wages.