Fergie: Magnier row is over

Alex Ferguson has confirmed he has reached “an amicable settlement” with John Magnier over the breeding rights to the racehorse Rock Of Gibraltar.

The Manchester United boss is believed to have agreed to a peace deal that will net him around £2.5m (€3.7m) to avert a courtroom battle with the club’s biggest shareholder.

Ferguson told The Sunday Times: “We have all decided to move on, it’s over now.

“This has been a tough time for the families of all those involved and I am just looking forward to getting back to normal life.

“While we were working this out, I spoke personally with John Magnier, and that helped. And I am glad that it has been an amicable settlement.

“Both parties had to compromise to get it settled, and I am satisfied.

“I believe I have dealt with everything that has happened. How do I do that? You don’t read the papers, don’t socialise with players and keep your own counsel.”