Manchester United not for sale say Glazers

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Well-known football deal-maker Keith Harris - a lifelong United fan - is said to have joined forces with the likes of chief economist of Goldman Sachs Jim O'Neill and lawyer Mark Rawlinson to discuss a potential bid.

The group has been dubbed the "Red Knights" and their move comes amid growing unrest at the club's ownership by the Glazer family and the resulting debt levels.

According to the latest accounts that were released in January, debts at United's parent company Red Football Joint Venture have increased to £716.5 million and £68.5 million was paid out in debt interest during 2009 alone.

The Glazers also recently launched an operation to refinance £500 million worth of debt associated with the club, prompting fresh concern about the club's finances.

According to reports, the Red Knights' hope is to try to starve the Glazers of cash and persuade them to accept a deal that would net the Americans around £1billion.

But a spokesman for the US family said: "Manchester United is not for sale."

Mr Harris told the BBC the Red Knights' interest was serious.

He said: "What we don't know is whether the Glazers can be made to listen.

"What we do know is that there is a serious intent on the part of those people who have not just support in their hearts, but the ability to muster that support in their pockets to get after this. The time feels right."

The Manchester United Supporters' Trust (Must), which has mounted a vocal campaign to bring about a change of ownership, is understood to back the Red Knights.

Must's "Green and Gold" campaign has seen supporters don the colours of Newton Heath - the club which was renamed Manchester United in 1902.

There were plenty of green and gold scarves in evidence at Sunday's Carling Cup final, which Manchester United won 2-1 to clinch manager Sir Alex Ferguson's 34th trophy during his stint at the club.