Banks ‘sharpening knives’ for United

FINANCIAL expert Keith Harris last night warned the banks which funded the Glazer family’s Old Trafford takeover will be “sharpening their knives” following Manchester United’s shock Champions League exit.

Harris, the former Football League chairman who advised Chelsea during the Roman Abramovich takeover, claims United’s European failure will make it difficult for the Glazers to repay their huge loans.

He believes it justified the lenders’ 18% interest rates and brought the prospect of banks owning a part of the club closer.