Sir Alex warns Tottenham over protest

(CNN) -- Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has warned Tottenham that it could be "very embarrassing" for them if they go ahead with their threat to report the Old Trafford club to the Premier League.

The English Press Association reported that Sir Alex, speaking after United's 1-1 draw with Kaizer Chiefs in the Vodacom Challenge in South Africa, said Tottenham appeared to be reacting to remarks misreported by a national newspaper.

United are upset that Tottenham acted without consulting them first about quotes attributed to their manager in relation to Tottenham striker Dimitar Berbatov.

Speaking about the newspaper's report Ferguson said: "I don't know where the hell they got those quotes from, but it certainly wasn't from me."

In a strongly-worded statement, Spurs chairman Daniel Levy branded Ferguson "hypocritical" over attempts to lure Berbatov to Old Trafford after having complained to FIFA about Real Madrid's pursuit of winger Cristiano Ronaldo.

United drew 1-1 with the Kaizer Chiefs in Cape Town, their goal coming from Chris Eagles, who made only three senior appearances last season.

England defender Rio Ferdinand suffered a back spasm just before the game and did not play He should be fit for the next fixture against Orlando Pirates in Durban on Tuesday.

Ferguson replaced England striker Wayne Rooney after a 68th minute booking for a foul on Tinashe Nengomashe.

Rooney had earlier escaped punishment for a foul on defender Onismor Bhasera, but Ferguson said he was happy with the 22-year-old's behavior.

"Wayne's a born fighter and he gets frustrated in some games. You don't want him to take it every game, but he is getting better at controlling himself.

"He had a little spat with the right-back, but it was nothing and I don't think it warranted anything.

"It was a really good, competitive work-out and there were some tasty tackles out there. But that helps you get an edge and I am very pleased with how competitive it was out there."