Doctor Who to save United

Simon Stone

Actor Christopher Eccleston, who plays the legendary Timelord in the popular revamped BBC series, is the first famous name to respond to the pleas of Shareholders United (SU) for fans to invest in a trust designed to see off Mr Glazer’s efforts to buy the Old Trafford club.

With Japanese investment bank Nomura pledging to match any cash raised, funds that will be covered by future dividends, SU hopes to build a 10% blocking stake which could prevent the Tampa Bay Buccaneers owner gaining total control.

SU officials have already admitted the organisation will know within three weeks whether the initiative is likely to prove a success but getting a famous name like Mr Eccleston on board so quickly has given the campaign a significant lift.

The group has also been approached by a major fund manager, responsible for in excess of five million shares, who would be willing to use that stake in support of the planned trust.

“We urge all those with United’s best interests at heart to act, and act now, said SU vice-chairman Oliver Houston. United chief executive David Gill described Mr Glazer’s 440 cent-per-share proposals as fair but claimed he would not be able to recommend them to shareholders.

Mr Glazer is still in talks with major backers NM Rothschild and JP Morgan over his next move, although it is widely expected he will eventually plough on with a formal offer.