United defend Howard deal

MANCHESTER United have launched a vigorous defence against allegations that they made hidden payments to agents in the £2.3 million summer transfer of goalkeeper Tim Howard.

A dossier on Howard's move from United States Major Soccer League outfit New York Metros has been handed to the FA for investigation after it was claimed money was passed from one agent to another after the deal had been completed.

Alex Ferguson's son Jason is mentioned in the report as being a close associate of Monaco-based agent Mike Morris the man to whom the second payment is alleged to have been made, raising a potential conflict of interest.

However, United officials are furious at the insinuation and insist they were perfectly satisfied with the job Swiss-based agent Gaetano Marotta did on their behalf.

"All our transfer deals are approved by the board of Manchester United PLC and are conducted in accordance with FIFA and FA rules," said a statement issued on behalf of the club.

"Details of all payments involved in those deals are sent to the football authorities as required under their regulations."

Having paid what they state as "an appropriate sum" to Marotta, United regard the transfer as complete.

Of major frustration to the Old Trafford board is that they feel that as a long-established and successful PLC, they have one of the best business structures in the Premier League for dealing with transfers.

However, having received the documentation, the FA are now duty-bound to launch a full investigation into the Howard deal. Anyone expecting a speedy resolution to the case will be sadly disappointed.

A similar investigation involving Bosko Balaban's £6 million move from Dinamo Zagreb to Aston Villa in August 2001 has been in process for 18 months and there is still no sign of an end to the case.

"We receive information from all kinds of areas making allegations surrounding transfer deals," an FA insider claimed. "Clearly, as the governing body in this country we must investigate any allegation to ensure there is no wrong-doing.

"However, that does not guarantee action will be taken unless the wrong-doing can be proved."

The FA compliance unit has the power to interview anyone agent, player, manager or official connected with any alleged offence but even at this early stage it seems highly unlikely United will be the subject to any charge.

What will be of more concern at Old Trafford is the further squall of negative publicity that surrounds the club.

The irony of the latest allegations is that the £2.3 million shelled out for Howard appears to be one of the most astute pieces of business in Ferguson's 17-year managerial reign.

However, the keeper was at the centre of controversy again at Old Trafford yesterday after he upended Alan Shearer in the penalty area during United's 0-0 Premiership draw with Newcastle.

Referee Paul Durkin waved away Shearer's angry appeals, but later admitted that he got the decision wrong.