London, Aug.7 : Manchester United coach Alex Ferguson has been accused of 'degrading' Nigeria and 'lying' over Wayne Rooney's mystery illness.

According to The Sun, Fergie insisted Rooney and team mate Michael Carrick caught viruses during the pre-season trip, where they played FA Cup winners Portsmouth.

Bassey Ndem, the organiser of an event that required the Manchester United football team to be present, however, said: "They did not catch it in Nigeria. It's a lie from the pit of hell and it's sad someone had to go to that length to degrade Nigeria. Rooney only sat in his hotel room. He was in Nigeria for less than 24 hours."

ANI