CUBIK'S RUBE

Last updated : 08 February 2004 By Editor

But instead of now using their 25.49 per cent shareholding to carry out their threat of forcing an extraordinary general meeting to demand an independent inquiry, the duo will voice their dissatisfaction through renewed correspondence with chairman Roy Gardner. They will table a list of follow-up questions in response to the letter sent to the pair's Cubic Expression company last week by United, which refused to reveal full details of transfers including those of Juan Veron, Rio Ferdinand, and Diego Forlan.

The Irishmen's decision not to call an EGM appears to be a deliberate move to lower the temperature of the dispute. Sources close to the men say they will abandon the aggressive tactics they have pursued recently and resume dealing with the club through private letters.

United's response to the 99 questions failed to provide anything like the detail and transparency Magnier and McManus wanted. It was mainly a description of the club's processes for supervising transfers and ensuring it maintains good corporate governance. While club officials insist their seven-page letter, with six pages of addendums, has answered Cubic's queries, the duo remain unimpressed

'The club has responded to the issues in Cubic's letter. We will not discuss the contents of the reply we sent. Relations between the club and its shareholders are confidential.'