BBC Sportfootball

Club ownership plays an increasingly large role in modern football, and Manchester United are no exception.

Ferguson found himself embroiled in off-pitch politics in 2004 and 2005, as club majority shareholders John Magnier and JP McManus agreed to sell to US tycoon Malcolm Glazer (top left).

Ferguson also fell out with Magnier over the ownership of European horse of the year, Rock of Gibraltar (right, with Ferguson).

And who's this meeting Sir Alex in 2001? Thaksin Shinawatra, later chairman of arch-rivals Manchester City, is pictured below left.