The Premier League and Sir Alex Ferguson appear on a collision course after the Manchester United manager maintained his stance of not giving interviews to the BBC.

GettyImages / RonaldMartinezSir Alex Ferguson has refused to speak to the BBC for the past six years

Ferguson was expected on Sunday to end his boycott of speaking to the corporation, which dates back to 2004, amid pressure from the Premier League and League Managers' Association.

But the United manager has opted to continue his current position with assistant Michael Phelan available to provide analysis and comment should the BBC request it. The Premier League reacted with disappointment to the news.

A statement from the governing body read: "The Premier League is disappointed that the BBC and Manchester United have, as yet, been unable to resolve the issue of Sir Alex Ferguson providing post-match interviews.

"We will, of course, continue to monitor the situation and offer any help deemed necessary by either party to try and help remedy the situation.

"However, this is a breach of Premier League rules and the board will consider the appropriate course of action at their next meeting scheduled for late September.''