Sir Alex Ferguson has reacted furiously to his son, Darren, being sacking from Preston North End. The United boss has recalled loanees Joshua King and Ritchie De Laet from the club, and is prepared to set lawyers upon the Deepdale club to terminate Matthew James’ contract…

Darren Ferguson was fired from his position as Preston manager on Wednesday, after failing to impress hierarchy at the club with recent performances, despite being granted minimal funds for transfers. Sir Alex assisted his 38-year-old son when he took over the reigns at Preston in January, by loaning-out attacker Josh King, defender Ritchie De Laet and midfielder Matty James. However, the three are set to return to the Reds’ Reserves upon Darren’s sacking. 

Manchester United contacted Preston on Thursday morning, stating they terminated King and De Laet’s loan contracts – a function available to The Red Devils as per loan conditions. The pair were set to return in early January, but their spells were cut short by two games. However, James’ deal lasts until the end of the season – and cannot be terminated. Sources within Old Trafford have told the press that Sir Alex is prepared to take legal action against Preston for the release of James. 

Sir Alex is close friends with Preston’s major shareholder, Trevor Hemmings, and is said to be ‘furious’ with the Deepdale side. King, 18, had scored once in 9 appearances, while De Laet, 22, played 5 games. James, 19, who had been on-loan for last season also, has scored 3 goals with 29 caps to his name. Preston chairperson Maurice Lindsay has said the actions from United had come as a ‘shock’, but said he will leave the Matty James situation with caretaker boss David Unsworth to deal with.

Meanwhile, Danny Welbeck remains at Sunderland until the end of the season, as does Mame Biram Diouf at Blackburn Rovers. Tom Cleverley and Nicky Ajose are set to be recalled in January from Wigan Athletic and Bury respectively.


Update: (4th January 2011), Preston North End confirm that on-loan Matty James has returned to his parent club, Manchester United.

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