United laid bare by transfer wrangle

MANCHESTER UNITED have opened themselves up to more scrutiny than any club in Europe - but it still does not look like it will placate their major shareholders.

United pledged to hold a 'thorough internal review' of their recent transfer dealings following demands for an investigation from John Magnier and JP McManus.

By also stating their intention to ask the Premier League to implement 'new guidelines in respect of dealing with agents', United feel they have made their transparency clear and have defended themselves against numerous allegations in recent weeks over the arrivals of Tim Howard, Kleberson, David Bellion and Cristiano Ronaldo.

However, sources last night suggested that the move does not answer the specific complaints of Magnier and McManus, as revealed in letters to United chairman Roy Gardner, which were leaked to the Sunday Times yesterday.

The Irish horse-racing tycoons are yet to determine their exact response, although it will not affect the new rolling one-year contract manager Alex Ferguson is due to sign in the coming days.

The Ferguson contract saga has become something of a red herring in the row that has engulfed the club.

All parties including the manager himself believe a rolling contract is the best way forward as it will prevent a repeat of the endless talk over Ferguson's retirement that affected United's performances in what was supposed to be the final season of his reign in 2001-02.

However, Magnier and McManus still reserve the right to take one of three options, either reporting their concerns to the Financial Services Authority, demanding a seat on the United board, or forcing a potentially embarrassing emergency general meeting.

While the lengthy statement distanced Ferguson from any financial involvement in transfers or contractual negotiations, it did not answer any of the 63 separate questions put to Gardner in detailed correspondence last week.

Neither does it address the concerns of Magnier and McManus as to why such huge sums are paid to agents when it is made clear chief executive David Gill handles all transaction and contract negotiations.

The news is bound to disappoint the Old Trafford hierarchy, who cannot understand the level of criticism being directed at them, considering the club is the most successful and profitable on the planet.

While United continue to insist their transfer dealings will come through any scrutiny without a blemish, Magnier and McManus clearly do not think that is the case.

For Gardner and Gill, the whole episode in turning into a nightmare of monumental proportions.

Unless a resolution is found to the disputes - particularly the Rock of Gibraltar stand-off - it is difficult to see how United can be restored to a stable footing.

Meanwhile, United fans have told their 25% Irish shareholding: "If you are not happy with the way the club is being run, sell up and ship out."

Reds fans vented their anger at Magnier at Sunday's FA Cup win at Northampton. The 1,500 travelling supporters backed Ferguson and told Magnier where to go and declared "United, United, not for sale."

T-shirts have also gone on sale in Manchester depicting the Coolmore owner's head framed in the cross-hairs of a sniper's rifle.

The supporters' trust Shareholders United gained an extra 500 members in the 24 hours following the latest shares buy-up by Magnier and McManus, swelling their ranks to more than 5,000.

Together with the Independent Manchester United Supporters' Association and the fanzines, they are planning active protests, beginning at Saturday's home match against Southampton.

SU vice-chair Sean Bones said: "The feedback we are getting from United supporters coming through our website is that they are livid that some shareholders are interfering with the running of our club.

"That's why thousands have been joining Shareholders United. They see it as a mechanism to defend the independence of the club.

"Supporters recognise that Alex Ferguson has done more for this club than these fat cats will ever do.

"They are not even United supporters and are gambling with the future of our club.

"If they are not happy, why don't they sell their shares?"