Anti-Glazer movement wins backing of MP

Mark Staniforth

The influential Shareholders United (SU) group has been backed by Manchester MP Terry Lloyd, an SU patron and chair of the parliamentary Manchester United Group. Mr Lloyd tabled a motion in parliament claiming the bid was “against the interests of those supporters and football.” Shareholders United vice- chairman Oliver Houston confirmed his group would attempt to take their fight against Mr Glazer to the highest offices in the land.

Houston said: “We will fight this battle in parliament, on the stock exchange and through the courts if we have to. There is so much at stake and we will do everything we can to defend our club.”

United’s board are still deciding whether to allow Mr Glazer access to their books as takeover talk intensifies. Mr Lloyd’s motion read: “That this house notes the renewed attempt to take over Manchester United PLC by Malcolm Glazer and his company, Tampa Bay Buccaneers American Football franchise.

“Recognises that senior players Ryan Giggs and Rio Ferdinand have spoken out against the bid.

“Recalls that the overwhelming majority of Manchester United supporters oppose the bid.

“Believes that any takeover designed to transform the club into a private company would be against the interests of those supporters and football.

“Considers that profit increases in ticket and merchandise prices in order to increase shareholder return would conflict with the club’s wider obligations.

“Accepts football clubs differ from other trading companies, in owing real accountability to their customers, the supporters. Calls upon the Premier League and the football authorities to use the powers they have to ensure full information about the benefits and disbenefits (sic) of this bid to football in general and Manchester United in particular be placed in the public domain.

“Is aware bankers NM Rothschild are backing this bid.

“Calls on them to issue a statement explaining how they intend to measure support for this takeover from football supporters in line with statements that that is their intention.

“And reiterates its request to the Department of Trade and Industry to take steps to regulate any takeover on public interest grounds.