Organisation: Alex Ferguson / Manchester United

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Analysis and commentary by Echo Research.

Sporting legends, best friends, feuding enemies, money, reputations and allegations of corruption and dirty tricks - publicly fought for the sake of … a horse. Hollywood blockbuster, or a week at Old Trafford?

Alex Ferguson faced one of the toughest weeks of his career, as a 'private matter' concerning ownership of racehorse Rock of Gibraltar threatened to cloud not only his own and son's reputations, but also the integrity and financial status of the UK's most successful football club. The perceived 'enemy': John Magnier, a leading shareholder in the self-same club. The combatants remained locked in a battle of words. Magnier's weapons included 99 uncomfortable, yet legitimate, questions over transfer arrangements, agents' fees, governance and accounting practices at Manchester United. Ferguson retaliated with emotional ferocity to condemn all insinuations of misconduct, "Harassment of family brings out fighting spirit in Ferguson"(Times, 31/1).

At Saturday's match against Southampton, Manchester United's fans gave Fergie their unanimous support, "Loyal fans make it a sour day for the sugar daddies"(independent.co.uk, 1/2/04). The board of directors followed suit in a more restrained manner. But, after the weekend, the potential repercussions were clear, and a truce sought. The leading suggestion: that Old Trafford's "tranquillity"should not be jeopardised "for a load of horse semen"(Daily Telegraph, 1/2).