United cut Ferguson agency link

Manchester United acknowledge concerns over Sir Alex's Elite link

Manchester United plc has said it is severing its connections with the Elite Sports Group transfer agency run by Sir Alex Ferguson's son Jason.

The club launched a review after criticisms by shareholders John Magnier and JP McManus about alleged conflicts of interest in some transfer deals.

The club said there were "no untoward issues between Elite, which acts for 13 players, and the club."

But it added it recognised concerns over Elite's connection with Sir Alex.

"This has been a far-reaching and thorough review of transfers over the past three years," said chairman Sir Roy Gardner.

'Greater transparency'

"I am satisfied that we have complied with the relevant regulations, but accept that there are things we could do better to protect the reputation of the club.

"With that in mind, we have introduced improved internal controls and are confirming our commitment to greater transparency in transfer dealings."

United also said it would publish full details of its role in any future transactions with players or clubs for whom Elite acts.

It will also publish separate details of any agent's fee when it reveals transfer dealings to the Stock Exchange.

Jason Ferguson runs Elite Sports

The review covered 21 transfers worth £158m from January 2001 to 2004, including the sales of David Beckham and Jaap Stam.

It disclosed that Elite was involved in Roy Carroll's transfer from Wigan to Manchester United (Elite's fee was £300,000) and that Elite received a fee from Lazio after they bought Stam from United.

The agency also received a fee from Racing Santander over the loan of Ricardo Lopez.

United's review says Elite was not involved in any other transfer deals.

Fergie & Son will be broadcast on BBC3 on 27 May at 2130 GMT.