Mad Brit Diary

Howard finds himself in the middle of Manchester squabble.

(Sunday, January 28, 2004) -- Stay away from racehorses, says the Mad Brit. If only the MB's grandfather had learned that lesson. The old man would be gone for days after losing money on the horses.

There's a big stink at Manchester United today and it may all come down to a problem with a racehorse. The squabble over a prize horse may have suddenly thrown American goalkeeper Tim Howard into a media frenzy for all the wrong reasons, but more on that later.

Howard, who is having a stunning season in the English Premier League since his $4.5 million move to Manchester United last year, was certainly all over the British papers in recent days, and it wasn't for pulling off great saves. In last Sunday's scoreless home tie with Newcastle United, the former MetroStars keeper kicked the feet from under Alan Shearer -- the EPL's leading goal scorer -- as he stormed into the box, but a penalty wasn't called. Television replays showed it was a blatant penalty, but Howard got away with it.

After the game, in an unusual move, referee Paul Durkin admitted he had made a bad call and that Howard had fouled Shearer.

But the worst news for Howard, which also could have an impact on player trades with Major League Soccer in the future, is that Manchester United has been accused of improper conduct in the transfer of Howard last July. England's Football Association is investigating documents to see if any rules were broken in the transfer.

London's Sunday Times, which broke the story, reported that illegal payments were made to secure Howard's move from the MLS through a web of back payments. The Times uncovered evidence that a six-figure sum was paid to an agent who is a business partner of Jason Ferguson, son of Alex Ferguson, United's coach.

According to the Times, United hired Swiss agent, Gaetano Marotta, who speaks little English and has no expertise in English immigration law, to obtain Howard's work permit. After the Howard deal was signed, Marotta then paid $225,000 to Mike Morris, a Monaco-based agent, who has close ties to Elite Sports Group, run by Jason Ferguson. Marotta was probably hired as a payoff for a favor in the past concerning other players.

There are reports that Alex Ferguson was warned by United officials two years ago not to deal with his son's agency in order to afford a conflict of interest. Ferguson is now saying that someone very close to the deal with access to invoices had leaked information to the press. Marotta, who calls himself Howard's agent in Europe, is saying the whole affair is an attack on Ferguson by his enemies, possibly major shareholder John Magnier who wants to take over United and get rid of Sir Alex.

It is reported that Magnier has had private detectives in the past to investigate Ferguson's gambling habits. What's worrying Ferguson, is that whoever leaked the information to the Times on the Howard deal may also have information on other recent deals, such as the signing of Brazilian Kleberson and Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal. Howard's agent in America is Maryland-based Dan Segal.

Here's where the racehorse comes in. Magnier, who is now a major kingmaker at United with all his money, and Ferguson co-own the famous racehorse Rock of Gibraltar, one of the most successful thoroughbreds in recent history. The horse, when it goes to stud, could make up to $500 million over 15 years.

Magnier and Ferguson are in major argument and legal suit on who will get the cash. The former friends have become hated enemies over a horse. There's a lot of back-stabbing going on at the club and it appears forces are out to show Ferguson's dirty linen to the world. In the meantime, Howard is having a brilliant season at United, even with today's 1-0 loss to last-place Wolverhampton. Ferguson has called him the best player of the season so far. Let's hope Howard keeps a clear head and doesn't look a gift horse in the mouth.

Ken Cheng Gardiner writes: "MB, I saw this quote in your latest maibag: J. A. Miller writes: 'Since when is parity the ideal system for professional sports?' In my opinion, what has happened in American football to create parity has ruined the sport. And I just have to point out that while American football, the paragon of parity, may have 'ruined the sport,' according to Miller, one cannot argue with the fact that American football is the most popular sport in the U.S., by far. So, the results speak for themselves."

Alan from Chicago writes: "Keep up the articles. I'm from Chicago and have watched (Carlos) Bocanegra progress for the last couple of years. We are all looking forward to seeing him play for Fulham soon. That should be interesting. Any idea why Beasley hasn't had more offers to make the jump to the big time yet? He is such a phenomenal talent. He is so quick, skillful and confident on the ball. He loves to take on defenders with the ball at his feet. MLS has helped him progress immensely, but I think his time is drawing near and he will soon need better competition."

John W. Scott writes: "MB, most everyone missed my point. I didn't say NCAA soccer was the most effective way to develop top-flight players, I stressed it shouldn't be dismissed outright. It is a very rich source. Look at how many current Major League baseball players have college experience instead of more years of minor league experience. Coincidence? I think not. The U.S.'s progress in world soccer in the last six years in arguably unmatched in any sport in history. To all you Anglo and Europhiles who sniff at how we've claimed our place among the elite, I say, 'Look out, we're coming.' "

Jason Tingles says: "Just wondering where the outcry from Sepp Blatter, Dick Pound and Brain Mikkelson is over the bans of (Saadi) Khadafi and (Mohammed) Kallon in (Italy's) Serie A? Seems like there should be the same criticism applied to the Italian FA's decision over a three-month and eight-month ban, respectively. I find it completely disingenuous of (world governing body) FIFA and the World Anti Doping Agency to complain about the ban (for skipping a mandated drug test) on Rio Ferdinand not being severe enough and even suggesting trying to lengthen it to two years. Seems like everyone should be held to the same standard yet that clearly isn't the case. Why is there such a problem with the English Football Association to the point that Blatter has to open his mouth that Rio must be punished severely, but not one word is spoken by that useless waste of space about the sentences of two players who both tested positive (for drugs)?"

Santiago Carrizosays: "Mad Brit, why are MLS team names so lame? Manchester United has a great name. So does Real Madrid, Leeds United FC, Sporting Lisbon, AC Milan and many other clubs around the world. If MLS could name these clubs, it would surely come up with names like the Manchester Miners, the Madrid Monarchs, the Leeds Lizards, the Lisbon Leopards, and the Milan Battle. Hopefully, MLS does not give its expansion franchises names like the San Diego Laser, the Houston Hazard, the Cleveland Blade or the San Antonio Rodeo."

Heard a rumor, have a gripe or a tip? Feeling lonely? E-mail the Mad Brit at themadbrit3@aol.com.