Sir Alex Ferguson

LYON president Jean-Michel Aulas has accused Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson of attempting to unsettle Karim Benzema.

United claimed a 1-1 draw in the first leg of last week’s UEFA Champions League last 16 encounter at the Stade Gerland.

Benzema was at the centre of attention during the clash, netting a brilliant opener and demonstrating his undoubted quality throughout the 90 minutes.

The Reds are reportedly tracking the 20-year-old striker, with rumours suggesting that they may launch a bid in the summer.

And Aulas has hit out at Ferguson, claiming that United’s reported interest heaped unnecessary pressure on Benzema prior to last week’s fixture.

Aulas said: "When Lyon, during the season, are interested in a player from another French club, everybody cries 'scandal’.

"But when, a few days before playing Manchester United, I read here and there that Ferguson is going to make an offer for Benzema, is that not destabilisation?"