Sponsorship deal could seal Man Utd takeover

MALCOLM GLAZER could have a few killer blows up his sleeve that may help persuade shareholders to give him control of Manchester United.

Like Arsenal, Mr Glazer could sell the name of Manchester United and Old Trafford to a big corporate sponsor such as Nike for up to €290 million.

Speculation about this move follows news that the board of the most famous soccer club in the world is about to give the American access to its books.

Some time back, Premiership rivals Arsenal secured a €130m deal by selling the name of its new stadium to Emirates airline. With a similar deal for Manchester United, Mr Glazer would ease fears about his ability to fund the club.

Supporters of the club fear a takeover by the American will be paid for by them through higher ticket and merchandise prices in the years ahead.

However analysts think he may have a strategy shareholders will find acceptable at this stage.

His knowledge of the US market has the potential to create huge revenues for the club going forward and his successful ownership of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers would allow him exploit a huge branding opportunity for Man United in the US.

Irish duo John Magnier and JP McManus, who also have substantial holdings in the club, could still frustrate his dream and it is not clear where their intentions lie.

Mr Glazer has been thwarted once already in his attempt to get control of the club, but city observers sense that his opportunity may be now. If he can argue a rounded case that will assure supporters and the rest of the board he could be in with a real chance, sources suggested last night.

Mr Glazer, who holds 28.1% of United’s shares, wants his advisers to carry out due diligence on the accounts before he tables his expected €1,160m bid for the club.

But even with the stadium sponsorship idea and the US market as two major selling points he will have to convince JP McManus and John Magnier, that it is time to let go of the reins, so to speak.

Reports from Britain yesterday said there is still no word as to how the two Irishmen will vote.

City analysts said the club’s expected agreement to give Glazer access to its books marks a significant step forward in the American’s bid to win control over one of the most sought after brands in the sporting world.