Ade Owen

🐎🤯 Did you know a dispute over a RACEHORSE helped pave the way for the Glazers to buy Manchester United? It all started with Sir Alex Ferguson and a champion racehorse called Rock of Gibraltar. Ferguson believed he owned 50% of the horse, including its incredibly valuable stud rights, potentially worth tens of millions of pounds. But Irish businessman John Magnier, who was also a major Manchester United shareholder, disputed his claim. The disagreement turned into a bitter legal battle, with Magnier and fellow shareholder JP McManus putting pressure on Ferguson and demanding investigations into United's transfer dealings. The relationship completely broke down and led to a settlement out of court and was followed by Magnier and McManus putting their shares up for sale. In May 2005, they sold their combined 28.7% stake in Manchester United to Malcolm Glazer, giving him the controlling interest he needed to complete his takeover. The Glazers then took control of United through a debt-funded takeover that would change the club's financial future forever. All because of a falling-out over a horse. 🐎😳