A $270 Million Worth Horse Led to Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Billionaire Owners’ Massive Investment in Manchester United – Here’s How

Soccer is an extraordinary sport, with a history that goes back hundreds of years. Hence, the game is bound to have stories that are hard to believe. One such story has been brought to light by the recent developments in the sale of Manchester United FC. it’s about how, because of a horse, the Glazer family ended up owning Manchester United back in 2005.

This interesting tale contains some well-known characters, such as the Red Devils’ legendary coach Sir Alex Ferguson, former shareholder John Magnier and his wife Susan, American businessman Malcolm Glazer, and a horse named The Rock of Gibraltar.

The lawsuit caused by a horse

It all started back in 2001-02 when The Rock of Gibraltar was the undisputed racehorse king. He had won 7 consecutive major races, which was a record at the time. This horse was owned by Sir Alex Ferguson and Susan Magnier and was worth a whopping 270 million USD. And when he was racing, both split the winnings, and it was a good deal for both. It was when he retired he created a big dispute.

According to Sir Alex Ferguson, he owned 50% stakes in the studding fees of the horse. Susan swiftly rejected the claim. This battle, however, went to court and because of how everything was tangled, the lawsuit brought up a big conflict between Ferguson and Manchester United ownership; just because of a horse.

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At the time, this story was very widespread, and, being a legend, Ferguson’s fans started protesting against key members of Manchester United ownership. This dispute not only weakened the ownership of the club from the inside, but also invited an outer power to walk in and win everything. That power was Malcolm Glazer.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers owner bought Man U

The American business tycoon Malcolm Glazer already owned NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers but at the time Manchester United’s ownership was busy with internal fights. Malcolm Glazer was buying shares of the club from the market. As soon as he heard about ‘the horse conflict’, he approached two key members of Manchester United ownership. They were targeted by fans the most and offered to buy their entire stakes in the club.

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Because of everything they had been going through, Magnier and McManus accepted the offer. The deal led the Glazer family’s stakes in the club to above 50%. Within a month, they were controlling 99% of the club and it outraged fans out of their minds. Fans are still protesting against the way the Glazer family has treated the club, but the good news is on the way as they have put the club on sale last year.

How do you think the club’s ownership saga will turn out? Share your thoughts in the comments.