Glazer Jumps 75% Hurdle

Fans v. Glazer
By Chris O'Brien
May 18 2005

Malcolm Glazer had, as expected, no trouble in raising his stake in our wonderful Manchester United Football Club to 75% and beyond. Jumping this hurdle leaves minority shareholders with little influence in the club, and further mass supporter protest is expected.

The stock market had been open only moments when reports confirmed that Malcolm Glazer had no problems in buying a further 0.19% of Manchester United stock to take his share in the club to and beyond the 75% threshold. This was a key figure in the American's controversial swoop for United, meaning he can now delist the club from the stock exchange and apparently plans to do so within the next 3 weeks.

The move, in theory, gives Glazer full control of the club and means he does not need the approval of other shareholders to make decisions, no matter how minor or major. However, the battle still continues as opposition from supporters continues. Although ManUtdWeb does not accept this is the death of our great MUFC just yet, we encourage all to join Shareholders United and oppose Glazer's ideas of commercialisation of the beautiful game, and transferring his mammoth debt onto the institution that is Manchester United. It's not only United that can do without him, it is all of British football.

Minority shareholders to Glazer's regime now have little influence in club matters. Obtaining copies of the company's accounts and holding the right to attend annual meetings are few powers that are left, but Glazer will still not be satisfied unless he can pass the 90% mark which would then lead to a compulsory full takeover of the entire Football Club. Business experts believe that with Glazer's £3 per share offer, this should not be a problem, but with SU holding roughly 18% of stock it will be a tough hurdle for the bearded Yank to jump.

The fact remains that whatever the outcome of Glazer's takeover, we must keep the faith and stay loyal to Manchester United. Huge protests are expected at Saturday's F.A Cup Final, and fans waved banners as pictured above at the St.Mary's whilst watching the Red Devils relegate Southampton. As supporters, we are the heart of the club and therefore bigger than business, stock exchanges and, most of all, bigger than Malcolm Glazer.