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FOOTBALL legend Sir Alex Ferguson has teamed up with old rival Sven Goran Eriksson to embark on a new career - as movie moguls.
The Manchester United boss has become a partner in Eclipse Films Ltd, a company which brings together the world's richest men to bankroll blockbuster movies.
The 66-year-old film buff and former Manchester City manager Sven, 60, are members of the firm, whose latest blockbuster stars Sean Bean.
Both men are ploughing in fortunes because of tax breaks for investors and because they have a lifelong passion for films.
A United insider said: "It's a brilliant investment for Sir Alex and the fact that it's movierelated gives him an added interest.
"The minimum to become a member is £30,000 and the highest around £31million."
Future Films spokesman Nick Astaire said his company had set up Eclipse and persuaded Sir Alex to invest.
He said: "We have more than a hundred investors.
"We would never discuss our clients but high net worth individuals are always looking for alternative investments and we provide that. It's about them hopefully getting a good return.
"We have people from all over the world involved in financing movies but we wouldn't disclose how much or who they are."
Astaire declined to comment on how much Ferguson and Sven had pumped into the films.
Manchester United said: "Mr Ferguson does not discuss his personal finances."
And a spokesman for Sven said: "Mr Eriksson is happy to talk about football but not his private or business life."
Future Films are behind a crop of well-known titles such as The Queen, which starred Helen Mirren, Dangerous Liaisons, Kill Bill 2 and Mrs Henderson Presents.
They also produced smash hit football movie Bend It Like Beckham.
Their latest box office offering will be Viking adventure flick Last Battle Dreamer, to be filmed later this year. Writer and director Menno Meyjes is behind the epic movie, starring Ryan Philippe, Abbie Cornish and Bean.
Lord Of The Rings Star Bean plays battle-scarred Hakon, who brutally invades Britain.
Fergie is a lifelong movie buff whose favourite film is Gone with the Wind. His close runner-up is The Godfather.
He said: "I go to the movies a lot. We see them all. We prefer thrillers and good storylines. We go early so I can get my pick- 'n'mix, ice cream and hot dog."
Fergie cannot think of an actor who could play him in a movie.
He added: "There is no one good enough or bad enough."
Fergie's most famous investment outside football was in racehorse Rock of Gibraltar.
It ended badly in a bitter fall out with Irish tycoons John Magnier and JP McManus who then held a stake in United.
Charles Lavery |
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