Business as Usual for Fergie

By Cathal Dervan

ALEX Ferguson insists his court battle with Irish racing legend John Magnier over the breeding rights to wonder horse Rock of Gibraltar will not affect his work at Manchester United. 

Magnier and fellow horse racing giant J.P. McManus are now the biggest shareholders in United, but Ferguson is adamant he will sign a new five year deal and the club have moved to deny speculation that Magnier could block any new contract.

“No outside influence will be allowed to interfere with Alex signing a new contract,” said new chief executive David Gill as the club extended their sponsorship with Voda-fone on Monday. “Alex has been very successful and we are moving ahead to finalize the contract to make sure he stays with us to deliver more success for many years to come.”

Magnier and McManus face fresh opposition in the share war at United after American football magnate Malcolm Glazer, owner of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, bought another 5% of the club to take his stake to 14.3%. The two Irishmen currently own over 20% of the club.