Loss adds to Fergie's woes

Sir Alex Ferguson has suffered the double blow of losing ground in both the title race and his battle with Manchester United's largest shareholders, John Magnier and JP McManus.

While his side lost 3-2 to Middlesbrough at Old Trafford last night thanks to Joseph-Desire Job's late goal, it emerged that the Irish duo want up to three seats on the United board after raising their stake in the club to 28.89 per cent.

More direct Irish influence will concern the United manager, who is locked in a bitter dispute with Magnier over the stud rights for racehorse Rock Of Gibraltar.

The racing billionaires have already curtailed Ferguson's hopes of a long-term contract and forced the club into a major investigation of their transfer deals.

Although talks are under way over a peace deal in the horse row, Magnier and McManus could still instigate radical changes at the club, such as a major boardroom shake-up.

United fan groups are suspicious of their involvement and have resoundingly backed Ferguson, arguing that a personal dispute should not affect the club.

One group has already protested at a race meeting where a McManus horse was running and there are plans for further disruption at next month's Cheltenham Festival.

Edward Gillespie, Cheltenham's managing director, revealed the course is still undecided about whether to allow a protest. He said: 'We are trying to get our heads around how a private dispute should threaten the enjoyment of 60,000 people on our big day.'

Backed by the fans, Ferguson remains defiant saying: 'I am certainly in good shape following all the off-field nonsense coming my way.'

His team, however, failed to show the same belligerence against Steve McClaren's Boro. Ruud van Nistelrooy and Ryan Giggs helped them recover from 2-0 down to 2-2, before Job struck an 80th-minute winner.

The result leaves them five points adrift of Premiership leaders Arsenal and just one clear of Chelsea.

Giggs admitted United's defending must improve if they are to stand any chance of retaining their title.

He said: 'Defending is a team effort. In the last few games we have let goals in and we have definitely got to do something about it.

'If we can get a solid foundation, this team will always create chances and score goals. We need to start defending better and get on a good run again.'