Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson said that British media hates his team and called on the fans to back the club in the upcoming period.

"They have a hatred of United. It's always been there. It goes with the territory, I suppose, of us being such a high profile club," BBC Sport quoted Ferguson as saying in a press conference on Tuesday.

Ferguson, who has been in charge of United for 18 seasons, admitted his team does have some problems but still doesn't deserve such criticism.

"I understand it a bit but they go too far. They try to fragment the club," the veteran boss added.

British media have attacked Ferguson after United failure to reach the UEFA Champions League knock-out stage for the first time since 1995.

United's domestic campaign is no better as they come third with 31 points, 12 points behind dominating title holders Chelsea.

Repeated reports suggested that Ferguson will be sacked in the end of the season and potential replacements revealed with former Bayern Munich coach Ottmar Hitzfeld atop the list.

But the Scot still sees the silver lining as he called on Manchester fans to stand united behind the team during the reconstruction period they are going through.

"When we are at our best the fans are right behind us - and that's the only thing that should matter.

"I understand it a bit but they go too far. They try to fragment the club," he said.