Dirty war at United

The United boss has himself accused Magnier of leaking false information about his new contract talks to the media. It now seems that the club's recent annual meeting may have been infiltrated by associates of the Irish millionaire, who were sent to the club purely to ask controversial questions.

Members of the prominent and influential Shareholders United group yesterday spoke out about their suspicions.

More significantly, it emerged that Gill told a gathering of fans and investors at Old Trafford on Sunday that he was aware of the problem and intended to raise it with the man who - along with his business partner JP McManus - owns a quarter of the club.

Oliver Houston, of Shareholders United, said: 'Let's hope this campaign of dirty tricks does not escalate any more. It will only be United that suffers. 'It was shoddy in the extreme to hijack such an important forum as the AGM to try to settle personal grudges in the glare of the public spotlight. This is not healthy for the fans or the shareholders of the company. On the surface this could be a row between two neighbours over a garden hedge. But allowing it to spill over into club business as it has done is a serious matter.'

Ferguson was once close to Magnier and McManus - who own their shares through their company Cubic Expression Ltd - after they offered him a share in Rock Of Gibraltar. But the parting of the ways has been bitter and is threatening the stability and reputation of the club.

United sources last night reiterated that they were aware of the issue. A spokesperson for Cubic Expression Ltd refused to comment. The United board have felt that Cubic Expression may launch an attempt to gain a controlling interest at Old Trafford, but sources in the City have always suggested that their interest is purely financial.

Houston added: 'When they first came to the club it appeared it was because of their friendship with Sir Alex Ferguson. Now they would appear to have no qualms about what they do.'