United and the Irish connection
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.March 1997: Alex Ferguson is introduced to John Magnier and JP McManus at Cheltenham.
July 2001: During a four-year friendship with Ferguson based on racing, their company, Cubic Expression, acquires a 2.99 per cent stake in Manchester United. They increase it to 6.77 per cent.
August 2001: Magnier offers Ferguson a half-share in Rock Of Gibraltar (under terms that are now in dispute). Ferguson is registered as co-owner with the Irish Turf Club.
November 2002: Rock Of Gibraltar retires.
January 2003: Ferguson's name as co-owner is removed when "The Rock" is registered for stud purposes.
March 2003: Ferguson threatens Magnier with legal action over stud fees. Cubic, whose stake had gradually grown to 8.65 per cent, increase it to 10.37 per cent.
July 2003: As the Ferguson-Magnier row intensifies, Cubic's stake increases again, to 11.4 per cent.
October 2003: Cubic, having amassed small pockets of shares, buys Sky's 9.9 per cent stake in United to take its own share to 23.15 per cent.
November 2003: Ferguson issues a writ against Magnier over The Rock's stud fees.
January 2004: As questions are raised over United's transfer deals and corporate governance, Cubic's stake increases to 25.49 per cent.
February 2004: Cubic raises its stake to 28.89 per cent.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments