Alex Ferguson has implored his European champions to destroy the threat of Croatia Zagreb to their crown and kill off any thoughts of a carve-up in Marseille next week.

Ferguson has caused a storm by claiming that if United lose to Croatia and Ossie Ardiles' side need a result in their final group D match away to the French giants next week to qualify for the next stage then they will get the points they want.

The suggestion is clear. That Marseille, having already qualified themselves, would be happier to see Croatia Zagreb finish second in the group than United.

Ferguson knows that if Croatia do beat his shaky side - who have lost four of their last five matches - then United will be left holding onto the European Cup by their fingertips.

It would put United and Croatia equal on points going into the last set of games, and, even if Ferguson's boys win at home to Sturm Graz next Tuesday, Croatia would qualify if they won in Marseille.

Ferguson has already said: "If we lose in Zagreb we are out of the tournament. I know that Marseille are saying that if Croatia need a result to qualify they will get it."

The assumption being that Marseille, who could win the group themselves in Austria today, would prefer to see United eliminated.

UEFA's disciplinary chiefs were yesterday made aware of Ferguson's comments and the angry reaction of both Zagreb and Marseille to a slur on their integrity.

A UEFA spokesman was cagey about their response, particularly with all the major officials scattered around Europe at Champions League venues, but an investigation was not ruled out at a later date. "But it is possible that our disciplinary committee will want to have a look at the situation themselves." said a spokesman.

Meanwhile, Alex Ferguson has opted for the same 11 that played at Spurs on Saturday, with the exception of Mickael Silvestre, who is ineligible. Henning Berg will come into the centre of defence.

Ferguson said in answer to questions about United's goalkeeping problem, "Bosnich has played in our last three games and his fitness is 100%. We have no problem with our goalkeeper."

"We have been punished for simple mistakes, but there are times when you have to ride the tiger, stick with the players and let them get on with it," he added.

"I trust my players, and from the evidence of how they play in big games, I am very confident.