Give Glazer a chance says Buccs boss

Manchester United supporters have been assured their club will be in safe hands once Malcolm Glazer has completed his Old Trafford takeover.

The American businessman effectively seized control with the shock confirmation that John Magnier and JP McManus had accepted a £3 per share offer and sold their 28.9% stake.

Glazer’s ownership of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers NFL gridiron franchise has been the subject of negative reports in Britain, centring on ticket price increases and threats of stadium relocation.

However, Bruce Allen, general manager of the 2003 Super Bowl winners, last night insisted Glazer’s arrival has been a major benefit to the Bucs.

He told the Tampa Bay Tribune: “From our perspective, when the Glazers took over the Buccaneers, the steps they’ve done have been fantastic.

“They’ve made it a successful franchise on and off the field with everything they do for the franchise and the employees.”

And when asked why the Glazers have so far made no attempt to alleviate the fears of United supporters, Allen replied: “They’ve handled many successful businesses, and they’ll handle it the right way. What they’ve done speaks for itself.”

Glazer’s sons Joel and Avi are expected to play a leading role in the future running of the Old Trafford club.

And the signs are that the Glazer family have already begun a charm offensive, with leading football writer Harry Harris today claiming Alex Ferguson will be offered a new long-term contract and that funds will be made available for team improvement.

Whether the United faithful will be easily won over remains to be seen however.