Glazer backers refuse to give unequivocal support

A fresh element of uncertainty has entered Malcolm Glazer’s attempted takeover of Manchester United with the American tycoon’s backers refusing to confirm whether they will support the bid if the club’s board do not recommend shareholders accept his offer.

United’s directors are understood to be sticking by their statement of February 11 when they said they were unlikely to be able to recommend the offer but would leave it to shareholders to decide.