MANCHESTER United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has taken time out from his contract negotiations at Old Trafford to voice his support to the Save York City campaign.

Sir Alex, who is poised to forego planned retirement and extend his trophy-drenched reign with the champions, said: "Manchester United have always had a good relationship with York City and over the years we have taken a number of young players like Nick Culkin and Jonathan Greening.

"Not so long ago I opened their new training development centre.

"I am just so sorry that they seem to have come to the end of a financial road and I really hope a solution can be found.

"It would be sad for Yorkshire, and indeed football generally, if this means the end of York City.

"I wish everyone concerned with their plight the best of luck."

Former United and Arsenal striker Frank Stapleton also said City must be saved and the problems the club is facing was a warning for the whole of football.

"The whole of football should become aware because it could open the door for other clubs to go out of existence. York's current situation is a problem for the whole game," said the former Republic of Ireland international.

"An alternative could be to relocate out of the city but make sure some of that money is spent on the team as well.

"York is a big city and needs professional football. It would not only be a massive shame for the area, but especially for the loyal supporters."

The plight of the Minstermen has not gone unnoticed at Old Trafford, home of the biggest and richest club in the land.

As previously reported in the Evening Press, England international and current United defender Gary Neville, former goalkeeping great Alex Stepney, European Cup winner Paddy Crerand and Welsh winger Micky Thomas have all given their support to the campaign.

After knocking United out of the Coca-Cola Cup in 1995, which included a 3-0 win at Old Trafford, City have fostered close links with the Red Devils despite their massive differences in size and wealth.

United bought rookie City goalkeeper Culkin in October 1995 and later snapped up Greening in 1998 for an initial fee of £350,000.

In that year, United boss Sir Alex opened the club's new Wigginton training ground complex paid for with the money earned from the sale of Culkin to Old Trafford. Culkin is presently on loan with Scottish Premier League surprise package Livingston, who, in their first season in the top-flight, are lying third behind the Glasgow big two of Celtic and Rangers.

Meanwhile, England Under-21 ace Greening is now on a wing patrol with Middlesbrough in the Premiership. Ironically, he was part of the Boro team, who ousted his former United team-mates from the FA Cup.

Updated: 11:44 Wednesday, February 06, 2002