Ferguson heaps praise on Gill

Sir Alex Ferguson has led the tributes to David Gill, following the news that United’s Chief Executive will leave his post at the end of the season.

Whilst respecting Gill’s decision, Ferguson said that if he could have persuaded him to stay, he would have done so.

Executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward will become CEO in a behind-the-scenes reshuffle at Old Trafford while Gill who joined the club as a finance director in 1997, will remain on the board as a director.

Meanwhile, The Mirror have reported that Real Madrid will offer Argentine midfielder Angel Di Maria to a number of clubs, including United in the summer.

Di Maria was originally linked with United whilst at Benfica, but joined Real in 2010 on a five year contract. However, after impressing in back to back campaigns, his opportunities have been limited this season, and the 25 year old could be the first of a number of big names to leave the Bernabeu at the end of the season.

Finally, Sir Alex Ferguson has given an update on the fitness of Phil Jones, who limped off during United’s 2-1 FA Cup win over Reading on Monday evening.

The defender has been ruled out of Saturday’s match with Queens Park Rangers, though there is an ‘outside chance’ that he will be fit in time for the crucial Champions League last sixteen second leg tie at Old Trafford next month.