Glazer factor 'won't affect Cup final'

Malcolm Glazer’s takeover of Manchester United will not affect Alex Ferguson’s players in the FA Cup final this Saturday, according to Old Trafford hero Ray Wilkins.

The American tycoon has now established control of the Red Devils increasing his shareholding to 75.70%, which has caused anger among fans and suggestions of unrest behind the scenes at the club.

Fans plan to protest against the £790m (€1.1m) buy-out during the Millenium Stadium showpiece in Cardiff this weekend when United face Arsenal, a match which will leave the losers without silverware this season.

Wilkins, who won the trophy with United in 1983 after beating Brighton in a replay, insists the players will be focused on winning the trophy.

He said: “I really don’t see why it would affect players and managers. They have a job for the football club.

“It will affect them but it will not be too much of a concern to them when they are playing.”

Of greater concern could be the action of fans in Wales. Supporters have been asked to wear black – ironically the colour shirt United will wear – for what was described as ’the funeral of Manchester United’ by one official from the Independent Manchester United Supporters’ Association.

However, Wilkins, speaking at an FA Cup event sponsored by Nationwide, wants the day to be remembered for being a classic cup encounter.

“I really hope supporters will enjoy the day and we are talking about the football being played,” he added.

Glazer invested in NFL gridiron franchise Tampa Bay Buccaneers, guiding them to the Super Bowl in 2003, although he has angered fans with his strategies to recoup money.

While United fans fear an increase in ticket prices, Wilkins has urged caution before judging the impact of the American.

Wilkins added: “It would be wrong to comment before we know what he wants to do. What we do know is he has been extremely successful with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.”