Alex Ferguson yesterday criticised Chelsea for their behaviour over the John Obi Mikel transfer by describing the situation as "disgusting".

The Manchester United manager is convinced Mikel wants to fulfil the contract he signed in April to become a United player in January 2006. Mikel has since claimed he would rather join Chelsea and that he regrets saying he would move to Old Trafford, but, in private, he has assured Ferguson he still wants to play for him but has been forced to say otherwise.

"I don't believe it's true that Mikel doesn't want to join Manchester United; I believe he has been forced to say it," said Ferguson. "His family have been put under huge pressure and the circumstances are very sad. The manner in which he and his family have been treated and pressurised is, quite frankly, disgusting."

United feel so strongly about the matter they have asked Fifa to ratify Mikel is their player and extinguish any hopes Chelsea may have of signing him. Ferguson said recently the "problem" emanated from where Mikel's agent John Shittu was taking his orders and he expanded on that yesterday, saying the player's representatives "apparently work for Chelsea".

Although Mikel is virtually unknown in England, United and Chelsea are acutely aware he is one of the world's most precocious talents. Chelsea had been convinced he would sign for them, having received verbal assurances.

Relations have also been tested between United and their League Cup third-round opponents Barnet. The League Two club, racked with debt, have refused to be cowed by United in a David and Goliath dispute over ticket prices for their forthcoming tie at Old Trafford.

Anticipating the biggest payday in their history, Barnet have angered United by turning down a request from Old Trafford to cut prices for the tie. Fearing the match will otherwise be played in a half-empty stadium, United say they wanted to make tickets available for £15-£25 for adults - the maximum price is normally £41 - and £5 for under-16s. ... Guardian Service