United shareholders to make a stand in US

Major shareholder Malcolm Glazer is widely expected to attend Manchester United’s opening match in the Champions World series against Bayern Munich tomorrow.

Glazer, who has a 19.2% stake in the club, can expect some dissent, however, at Soldier Field.

The American arm of Shareholders United – a supporters’ pressure group – are ready to swing into action.

They remain concerned that Glazer, owner of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, may be preparing a takeover bid.

The fans plan to unfurl a banner stating ‘Not4Sale’ at both the game and United’s training session later today (10pm Irish time) at the stadium.

They also plan to distribute 30,000 business cards during the club’s three matches in America in an aggressive attempt to persuade people to buy small shares.

SU spokesman JD Deitch said: “If we can get 10-20,000 fans tomorrow giving out a message that an offer is not wanted then we will have gone some way to succeeding.

“We are not concerned that United are talking to Malcolm Glazer but more that he could be buying the club.

“If it did happen then he could take the voice away from the supporters and of course that disturbs us.”

Deitch added: “This is not a personal vendetta against Malcolm Glazer. This is a stance against those trying to profit from Manchester United.”

United follow the match against Bayern Munich with games against Celtic on Wednesday and AC Milan next Saturday.