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

Ferguson's side claimed a 1-1 draw in the first leg of last week's Champions League last 16 encounter with Benzema netting a brilliant opener for the French side.

The Red Devils 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 in the Daily Mirror: "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?"

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