Protests Set as Glazer Launches Fresh Bid

Boo
By Chris O'Brien
February 9 2005

Supporters groups, including the growing Shareholders United, are set to stage protests at Old Trafford as reports suggest Malcolm Glazer is edging closer to full control of Manchester United. A possible takeover from the America tycoon is surrounded by controversy.

Reports suggest Glazer has launched a fresh and more determined bid to take control of Manchester United, with figures of approximately £800million being quoted. The club have confirmed to the stock exchange that "detailed proposals" have been received from Glazer, and a bid looks set to follow in the very near future.

Supporters fear what a Glazer takeover could do to Manchester United. Saturday's home game against Birmingham City saw fans handed leaflets begging them to join campaigns against the US businessman, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Ryan Giggs and Eric Cantona all voicing their dissaproval of a possible takeover.

Glazer currently owns 28.1% of Manchester United Football Club. A full takeover has been rejected on two separate occasions already, but pressure is mounting on the United board as Glazer looks to edge his stake over the 30% mark. Such a figure would mean, by law, a full takeover bid would be triggered. He is thought to be offering £3 a share, and major shareholders John Magnier and JP McManus, who own 28.9% of the club, are said to approve of such a figure and would scoop a huge profit as a result.

The bearded billionaire is owner of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and though he has brought the NFL outfit success over the water, United fans have treated Glazer's takeover attempts with contempt. He simply isn't wanted. It is unclear what having Glazer at the head of the table could do for the club, but whispers say huge amounts of cash would have to be borrowed to fund the takeover, ticket prices could rise and Old Trafford could even be sold. Hardly the actions of a club with a such a fine, proud tradition.

Rumours are flying around the press yet very little has come out of the club so far. David Gill, Chief Executive, is thought to be in no hurry to respond to Glazer's renewed bid for the club, but with power so divided something has eventually got to give.

ManUtdWeb opposes a possible takeover from Glazer. Over the past decade or so, enough has been done already to scrub Football Club away from United and replace it with the 'PLC' tag. The fact is, MUFC is a proud club with some of the world's best supporters. Voice your opinion, make yourself heard and keep the faith - United We Stand.