Fans ready to save United as Glazers wobble

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Reports surfaced this morning that United's American owners are willing to listen to offers for the club after not hitting the financial targets set when they took over less than three years ago.

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Theatre of speculation: rumours are persisting that the Glazers are ready to sell the club

The Glazers borrowed £559million to buy United and despite a successful season on the pitch, the club has not proved the cash cow they hoped for.

The Glazer family issued a statement this morning denying the report, but rumours have been circulating for weeks in the City about a proposed sale.

Oliver Houston, vice-chairman of the Independent Manchester United Supporters Trust (MUST) said: "Of course they are going to deny it. But they could easily look to sell-up anytime in the next four years and we, as fans, must be ready.

"The rumours have surfaced because they are looking to re-finance the debt again this summer.

"If they can't, one of the options open to them is that they sell part or all of the club.

"The point is that their involvement with United is dependent on the Glazer empire. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are struggling, we know their fish oil company is also suffering and Malcolm Glazer is also very ill, so who knows what could happen?

"People must not forget the debt and we would be ready, conditions pending, to launch our own bid to put the club back in the hands of the fans.

"I am sure the fans would rather pay increased prices knowing they are paying off a debt to put the club back in their hands, rather than money back in the Glazer's pockets."

MUST chairman Nick Towle said: "They looked at the club in business terms and were not prepared for the unpredictable nature of football. The NFL is far more predictable in terms of revenue.

"Financially, this season was very good. Premiership winners, FA Cup finalists and Champions League semi-finalists - it doesn't get too much better.

"If they are in trouble after a season like that, what it would have been like if the team had struggled?"