United: No split over Fergie deal

MANCHESTER UNITED anticipate no problems in reaching agreement over Alex Ferguson’s new contract - but there may be plenty of others for the Old Trafford board if their illustrious manager’s concerns are proved correct.

United moved quickly last night to underline their desire to see Ferguson extend his 17-year stint when his current deal expires in 2005.

Contrary to reports, the Red Devils hierarchy claim there is no rift in the boardroom over the Scot's future and neither is there an argument with Ferguson about the structure of the deal he will eventually sign.

"There is no division within the board on the manager's contract," said United director of communications Paddy Harverson. "We would like to point out that no-one from the board of Manchester United spoke to any newspapers.

"Discussions over the terms and conditions of the deal are progressing well and no problems are foreseen."

While it had originally been assumed that Ferguson would sign a fixed-term contract, probably for four years, it now seems as though it will be a rolling year-on-year deal.

This is thought to have been agreed some time ago because United do not want to find themselves in a similar position to that they encountered two years ago, when the team's on-field performances suffered because their manager was due to retire at the end of the season.

Ferguson subsequently did a U-turn on his original intention to step down and has since claimed it was one of the best decisions he has ever made.

But, while he appeared quite relaxed about his present situation yesterday, Ferguson did reveal that he had spoken to chief executive David Gill to check if there was a problem and was satisfied with the outcome.

"I spoke to David Gill about it this morning," he said. "Of course it is absolute rubbish. I think it is mischief-making emanating out of Ireland. I don't know why.

"David assured me it is nonsense. There is no split in the board and everything is going along fine."

What must be intensely worrying for Gill is Ferguson's claim that the initial reports suggesting there was a hitch in the deal had come from Ireland. Although he was not mentioned by name, the inference was that it was connected with billionaire Irish racehorse owner John Magnier, with whom Ferguson is currently embroiled in legal action over record-breaking stallion Rock of Gibraltar.

Together with close friend and business partner JP McManus, Magnier owns almost a quarter of United's shares and his Cubic Expression group is the biggest shareholder in the club.

Ever since Ferguson launched his legal fight with Magnier which centres around whether the Scot is entitled to all, or just part of the Rock's stud fees - speculation has been rife about the destabilising effect such a high-profile battle would have on United.

Old Trafford officials have always insisted the club would carry on as normal, yet if Magnier allies are planting stories to destabilise the club's manager it could rip the fabric of Old Trafford apart.

Currently, notoriously publicity-shy Magnier does not have a seat on the Red Devils board, so his influence is limited. However, should he either try to force his way into the boardroom, or, even worse from Ferguson's perspective, become a majority shareholder in the club, Ferguson's position would be severely jeopardised even though he is more successful than any manager in British football history.

The row has completely overshadowed the build-up to this season's first Manchester derby in which United will look to maintain a 29-year unbeaten record against their local rivals today.

Meanwhile, Ferguson could turn to an old friend to help the club steer a course past Porto in the Champions League last sixteen.

Former Old Trafford coach Carlos Queiroz is now in charge of Real Madrid, who faced the Portuguese league leaders in the group stages and Queiroz's input could be vital if United are to reach the quarter-finals.

Arsene Wenger has insisted that Arsenal can finally put their struggles against La Liga sides behind them in the Champions League last sixteen against Celta Vigo.

Wenger declared: "I respect Celta Vigo as they've come out of a difficult group in putting Ajax and Bruges out.

"But the positive side for us is that they're not doing well in their league and if that doesn't change, it could be a handicap for them."

Chelsea are urging UEFA to impose strict security conditions when they return to Germany in the Champions League in February to face Stuttgart.

There are already fears that a large number of Turkish fans, who live in the city, will try and attend the first leg of the first knock-out stage.