Alex Ferguson has revealed he would have left Manchester United if money had been his prime motivation.

Ferguson has been stunned by claims the reason behind his recent praise of the controversial Glazer family was that he stands to gain from the forthcoming IPO.

It was anticipated opposition to the IPO among Manchester United fans would be extensive when it was discovered earlier this week that the Glazers intended to use half of the proceeds – approximately £75m – to pay off the club’s massive £423m debt.

However, attention quickly turned to a revelation within the official prospectus that senior management at Old Trafford would also profit from a “2012 Equity Incentive Award Plan” share scheme.

That led to some conclude Ferguson and chief executive David Gill – as the most obvious examples of senior management – would be among them.

Gill is prevented from discussing the matter under IPO rules.

Ferguson is under no such restriction. And, in defending his position, the United boss hinted that he could have earned more away from Old Trafford.

“My decisions and beliefs are not based around what is best for my personal financial gain,” he said.

“That is an accusation that insults me. If that was the case I would have left Old Trafford a long time ago.”

Ferguson feared if the allegations of personal involvement went unchecked, it would erode the support he receives from the vast majority of Red Devils supporters after delivering a record 12 league titles.

“In regards to suggestions that I have praised the Glazer family because I stand to financially benefit from the proposed IPO, there is not a single grain of truth in this allegation,” he said.

“I do not receive any payments, directly or indirectly, from the IPO.

“Ultimately, I run the football side of this club and in order to do this, you need backing from above,” he said.