McManus and Magnier up United stake

JP McManus and John Magnier have raised their holding in Manchester United to just under 25.5% by buying a further 3.3 million shares, through their investment vehicle Cubic Expression.

United has been at the centre of takeover speculation for some time, with a number of shareholders building up stakes in the club.

In December, Malcolm Glazer, the owner of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers American football team, raised his stake in the club from just under 9% to 14.3%.

In other Premiership club news, Leeds will today announce they have staved off administration until the end of the season - but admit long-term survival is dependent on avoiding relegation.

There are rumours that players will have to put up with pay cuts in order to help bring the club back to profitability.