Alex Ferguson recalls players on loan to Preston North End after son's sacking

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has recalled three of his players on loan to Preston North End after they sacked his son, Darren.

Preston has put first-team coach David Unsworth in charge for the next three matches after sacking Darren Ferguson on Wednesday.

The Deepdale club is furious at Manchester United recalling their players in an apparent backlash to the axing of Darren Ferguson.

"It's come as a shock to us and a big blow," The Sun quoted chairman Maurice Lindsay, as saying.

United has immediately cut short the loans spells of Joshua King and Ritchie de Laet, who were not due back until after the New Year clashes against Derby and Crystal Palace.

Preston was also asked to release England Under-19 captain Matthew James from a season-long loan "as soon as possible".

Lindsay said: "Ritchie and Joshua won't be available because we got a message from Manchester United that they've been summoned back immediately. They would like Matty back as well but his contract is a little different."