Irish duo may call emergency United meeting

Irish horse racing duo JP McManus (pictured) and John Magnier plan to call on Manchester United to hold an extraordinary general meeting (EGM), according to the Financial Times.

The FT says they will press for the appointment of an independent auditor to examine player transfer deals and payments made to agents over the last five years.

The pair, who are the biggest shareholders in the club, will call for the EGM if Alex Ferguson, the club's manager, is awarded a new employment contract for more than a one-year rolling term, and if the Manchester United board fails to investigate recent allegations regarding payments to player agents.

In a statement to the London stock exchange on Friday announcing the transfer of Fulham striker Louis Saha for £12.8m (€18.6m), the club broke down the costs, disclosing £750,000 (€1.08m) paid in agents' fees.

Ferguson is still in talks with United over an extension to his contract, which is due to expire at the end of next season.