Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has called back two players who were out on loan at Preston North End after the sacking of his son. Darren Ferguson had been Preston's manager since January but after only winning 13 of 49 games in charge, which has left the club at the bottom of the Championship table, Ferguson was sacked yesterday.

Today, Man United have recalled Ritchie de Laet and Josh King from Preston. Matty James is also on loan to Preston from United, it is believed that United are trying to find a way to bring him back as well.

Following the announcement, Preston chairman Maurice Lindsay told their official website:

“That has come as a bit of a shock to us and it’s a bit of a blow.

“Ritchie and Josh won’t now be available on Saturday.

“We got a message from Manchester United that they have been summoned back immediately.

“Under the terms of the loan agreement they can do that, we recognise United’s legal right to do that.

“They would like Matty James back as well, but his contract is a bit different.”

De Laet and King loan deals at Preston weren't due to expire until the 4th January 2011 but they will return to United immediately, which United can legally do. James is on a season-long loan, which means he will have to stay at Deepdale but United are looking into how they can recall him.