United takeover speculation increases

Speculation over a potential takeover of Manchester United has increased after American football tycoon Malcolm Glazier and Big Brother creator John de Mol increased their stake in the Premiership champions.

Irish racehorse owners JP McManus and John Magnier yesterday increased their stake in United’s plc to 23.15%, prompting suggestions the pair could be on the verge of mounting a takeover bid.

Talk of a takeover has increased following today’s announcement that two men long tipped as potential buyers of United, de Mol and Glazer, had also increased their stakes.

Glazer, the man who turned Tampa Bay Buccaneers from American football strugglers to reigning Super Bowl champions, now owns 8.94% of United, while de Mol, whose Endemol television company are responsible for Big Brother, owns 4.1%.