United protestors take to the sky

Supporters plotting to prevent Malcolm Glazer buying Manchester United took their battle to the skies above Old Trafford this afternoon.

A light aeroplane trailing the banner ‘Stop Glazer – Join Shareholders United’ circled the ground ahead of this evening’s Barclays Premiership clash with Portsmouth.

SU already boasts almost 25,000 members and, although they remain some way off their 100,000 target, they believe their numbers can provide a powerful block to Glazer’s ambitions.

The American is expected to be contacted by bankers JP Morgan and NM Rothschild at some stage over the next fortnight to formulate a plan of action following the completion of due diligence yesterday.

Glazer’s advisors have spent the last fortnight trawling through United’s accounts to ensure the Tampa Bay Buccaneers owner’s £800million plans stack up.

It is widely anticipated a formal bid will eventually be lodged, although Red Devils chief executive David Gill stated two weeks ago he felt Glazer’s proposals were “aggressive” and could damage the long-term health of the world’s richest club.

Even if Gill fails to recommend any bid, Glazer could still succeed in his aims should major shareholders John Magnier and JP McManus decide to cash in their 28.9% stake.

The Irishman’s intentions so far remain unclear, although they have stated publicly they remain long-term investors in United, a move which was widely interpreted as confirmation only a sizeable offer could persuade them to part with their massive shareholding.

Meanwhile FIFA president Sepp Blatter has backed United fans in their bitter opposition to a takeover by Glazer – but insisted he is powerless to intervene.

Blatter has sent a letter of support to fans’ groups and, speaking in Cardiff after a meeting of the International FA Board, said it was important that football clubs were not just viewed as businesses.

He said: “I have sent a letter to the fans’ organisation of Manchester United supporting them in their fight against this takeover by Mr Glazer.

“This is only our philosophy because we cannot intervene in the market – here we are powerless in the commercial forces of the market, we can do nothing.

“But the fans’ organisation have received a letter because the basis of a club is its supporters.

“Football started in England in 1863 and a club was attached to and part of a city. Now because of the universality of football the club is an industry.

“But we have to make sure that it is not only an industry, we have to protect the club ethic because football is a game for everybody.”