Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has hit back at Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy, believing that the club's threat to report the Red Devils to the Premier League is "embarrassing".

Levy accused Ferguson and United of "hypocritical" behaviour in their pursuit of Spurs striker Dimitar Berbatov, citing comments by the manager and club officials which suggested a deal for the Bulgaria international was imminent.

Ferguson has been embroiled in his own battle to retain the services of Cristiano Ronaldo after sustained public courting by Real Madrid, and the Old Trafford boss is adamant that his club have acted honourably throughout their bid to sign the former Bayer Leverkusen player.

"Embarrassing"

"It is going to be very embarrassing for them (Tottenham)," Ferguson told reporters after United's 1-1 draw with Kaizer Chiefs.

"But you know what Daniel Levy is like. He is different."

"It's something to ask (United chief executive) David Gill about because I haven't really spoken to him about it today because I've been preparing for the match.

"I haven't read it, but I'm sure our legal people will be looking at it before I do."

Ferguson also defended Wayne Rooney, who once again showed the negative side to his temperament after an ill-disciplined display during the clash with Kaizer Chiefs in the Vodacom Challenge.

The forward was booked for a challenge on Tinashe Nengomashe having escaped a caution for an earlier foul on Onismor Bhasera, but Ferguson believes that the England international was on the receiving end of harsh treatment himself.

Fighter

"Wayne is a born fighter. He gets frustrated in some games," he added.

"He is learning how to control himself and it (the challenge) was next to nothing.

"I do not think he was out of order in this instance."

Ferguson was, in fact, delighted with the feisty nature of the pre-season game, praising United's opponents for their competitiveness.

Competitive

"It was a good competitive game and the Kaizer Chiefs played well," he concluded.

"We found ourselves 1-0 down and that makes it hard because you are still looking for fitness and rhythm to your game.

"I think we deserved a draw. It was a good work-out and a competitive game with lots of tasty tackles.

"That brings an edge to your game and I was very pleased to get that kind of competition today."