Board confident Fergie, Magnier dispute won’t affect United
Chief executive David Gill has asked Ferguson to keep them updated with developments in his dispute with former associate Magnier but played down fears that it will affect the manager’s contract negotiations.
Gill said the row between Ferguson and the club’s biggest shareholder is a “private matter” but admitted: “Alex is conscious that he needs to keep us informed of developments and how, if at all, it may impact on his job. We are not complacent but I don’t think there is any impact whatsoever.”
Asked if Magnier and his friend and associate, J.P. McManus, had tried to unduly influence the United board with regard to Ferguson’s ongoing contract negotiations, Gill replied: “No.”
In an interview with United Shareholder, a newsletter distributed to people with shares in the club, Gill reflects on the “bolt from-the-blue moment” when he heard that Peter Kenyon was leaving Old Trafford, the feverish takeover speculation and last summer’s transfer activity.
He is adamant that there had been no clues that former chief executive Kenyon, expected to take the helm at Chelsea after the transfer window, was thinking of leaving.
Gill said: “I think if there had been an inkling that something was up then I’m sure I would have picked up on a change of mood or a change of attitude. You can understand from his point of view the need to keep it very, very confidential.”
Gill, the former managing director at Old Trafford, says he will have a lower media profile than Kenyon.
“My intention is to be less visible. I will obviously be available and comment on key issues, and I’m comfortable with that. But I don’t think it is necessary for me to be constantly on the back pages.
“Alex [Ferguson] and I have spoken about it and I think he should do more of the talking about the team and football club issues. It’s a question of the right balance.”
Speculation is mounting that US billionaire Malcolm Glazer is preparing a full-scale bid for United after he bumped up his stake in the club from 9.6% to more than 15% in the autumn.
Gill said there has been “no indication” of any large shareholders making a bid but admitted that the board is “monitoring the situation carefully”.
He added: “We don’t need and don’t want a sugar daddy to come in. Now everyone has to recognise that if someone came in with a knock-out financial bid, then we as directors have individual responsibility to consider it.
“They [Glazer and his associates] think Manchester United is a good investment, as they thought was the case with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers back in 1995.”
Talking of the decisions to sell both David Beckham (for £25m) and Juan Sebastian Veron (for £15m) last summer, Gill said: “I think we did, in that market-place, get the best deal for Beckham. And I think it will prove to be a good deal.
“There was only one club interested in Veron. I think we got a very good price for him, coupled with the fact that we have removed a significant wage from the bill.”
Meanwhile, United have reportedly advised Rio Ferdinand to drop plans to appeal against his eight-month ban for failing to take a drugs test.
Ferdinand, who held meetings with his advisers yesterday, has until Monday to inform the FA whether or not he wants to appeal.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
