Sir Alex Ferguson's legal dispute with major shareholder John Magnier will not interrupt the Manchester United manager's current contract talks.
Chief executive David Gill has pledged to successfully conclude negotiations to extend Ferguson's 17-year reign as Old Trafford boss even though the Scot is at the centre of a row with Magnier over ownership of racehorse Rock of Gibraltar.
Fears had been expressed that Magnier's influence at the club - his Cubic Expression group is the largest single shareholder - could have a negative impact on Ferguson's chances of staying beyond his current deal which expires in 2005.
But Gill, who today unveiled a new £36million, four-year sponsorship agreement with telecommunications giant Vodafone, vowed that would not happen and talks will eventually reach a positive conclusion.
"No outside influence will be allowed to interfere with Alex signing a new contract," said Gill.
"Alex has been very successful and we are moving ahead to finalise the contract to make sure he stays with us to deliver more success for many years to come."
Ferguson is also laid back about the situation and claimed talks had only been prevented over the last fortnight because both he and Gill had travelled to the United States on separate club business.
Market analysts have estimated the tie-up with Vodafone is the third most valuable shirt sponsorship in Europe, behind those of Juventus and Bayern Munich.
It highlights one of the reasons why the club's share price has risen by over 150% in the past 12 months, a surge which has attracted speculation of a takeover bid.
While Magnier and business partner JP McManus have long been linked with a move for the club, another potential suitor has emerged with confirmation that Malcolm Glazer, owner of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers NFL outfit, was behind a £30million share purchase on Friday.
The acquisition took Glazer's stake in the club to 14.31% and came after Gill flew to the States at the beginning of last week for talks over his intentions.
Gill insisted the meeting was amicable and while Glazer refused to confirm or reject takeover speculation, the United board do not believe a move to buy the club is imminent.
"I am not worried," Gill said. "We had an excellent meeting with Malcolm and his two sons. We talked a lot about what we can achieve and how to go about it.
PA