Fan power at Old Trafford looks a definite non-starter

MANCHESTER UNITED’S legion of supporters have been warned not to get too excited about the possibility of gaining control of the club — but some influential shareholders have previously indicated a willingness to pursue such a venture.

A weekend report suggested investment bank Goldman Sachs had been ommissioned to produce a document on the viability of the club’s entire shareholding being purchased through a Trust, whose directors would be independent and elected partly by fans.

It was reported that Dermot Desmond, who holds a controlling interest in Scottish champions Celtic, was involved in the discussions, as were JP McManus and John Magnier, wealthy Irish racehorse owners and close friends with United boss Alex Ferguson, who between them own £8.6% of the club.