Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

United fans rally against Glazer takeover

Wednesday 06 October 2004 00:00 BST
Comments

Manchester United supporters around the world were rallying yesterday to fight a possible takeover by US tycoon Malcolm Glazer.

Manchester United supporters around the world were rallying yesterday to fight a possible takeover by US tycoon Malcolm Glazer.

United supporters groups are opposed to any takeover by Glazer, the man believed to be behind the preliminary approach to buy the club which was confirmed to the Stock Exchange yesterday morning.

They believe that the owner of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers American football franchise would substantially raise ticket prices in an effort to pay off the hefty loan they think he needs to acquire the club.

Representatives of influential fans group Shareholders United (SU) staged a demonstration against Glazer before Sunday's 1-1 draw with Middlesbrough and have been inundated with inquiries over the last 48 hours.

SU are looking to take their membership over the 100,000 mark and are urging fans to get in touch through their website and, according to their spokesman Duncan Drasdo, the reaction has been gratifying.

"Fans from all over the world have made contact with us, especially in the United States where they almost seem to feel a sense of responsibility because it's Malcolm Glazer," he said. "One of the most astounding aspects is the emotion coming out. People are genuinely upset at what they see as an attack on their club and we would urge anyone thinking about joining us to do so. No one knows whether Glazer is going through with this but we need to increase our strength to stop him."

United are currently waiting for clarification of the initial proposals, which have seen the club placed into an 'Offer Period' for the second time this year.

At some point, Glazer will either be forced to announce he has made a bid or inform United's chief executive he is not, which would preclude him from making another attempt to seize control for another six months.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in