United Not For Sale

Manchester United today confirmed that they have received a takeover approach from an undisclosed party.



"The company is seeking clarification of this proposal and at this stage it is unclear whether any offer will be made," the club said.

Speculation continues to mount that the bid is from US sports tycoon Malcolm Glazer.

Dutch media mogul, John de Mol, the man responsible for the TV show Big Brother, was once believed to be a contender but his shares now lie in the hands of the Irishmen.

Other potential suitors are believed to include Scottish mining entrepreneur Harry Dobson, and Dermot Desmond, the Irish millionaire who owns part of Celtic football club.

Malcolm Glazer holds a 19.7% stake in Manchester United and is the second largest share holder behind Irishmen John Magnier and JP McManus who own a 28.9% controlling stake.

Malcolm Glazer transformed the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from a mediocre team into one of American football’s most profitable clubs but he upset fans by raising ticket prices and threatening to move the club away from Tampa unless the city built the team a new stadium.

The Independent Manchester United Supporters Association has vowed to take whatever steps necessary to prevent the American tycoon from owning the club.

"If Mr Glazer wants a fight, we will give him one. We want to make it clear that he is not welcome or wanted as owner of Manchester United," said Association chairman Jules Spencer.