Papers: Not for sale

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Glazers to resist Chinese bid
The Glazer family maintain that they will resist any offers for Manchester United after it emerged yesterday that a secretive Chinese consortium is exploring the possibility of taking over the club. Although those behind the plan have still to be identified, The Times understands that the reported interest from a Chinese consortium is genuine. Sources have indicated that the interest is serious, that at least one of the businessmen involved is a United supporter and that a bid is expected, although no approach, formal or otherwise, has been made to the Glazers. Questions emerged about the Glazers’ ownership of United when The Times revealed this month that the family have been struggling for several months to refinance part of the £699 million debt that was taken on when they bought the club in 2005. However, a spokesman for the family said: “Manchester United is not for sale.” Oliver Kay and James Ducker, The Times

Also in The Times, Tony Cascarino claims Michael Owen’s absence from Saturday’s starting line-up was a factor in United’s defeat. He writes: “Not starting Dimitar Berbatov or Michael Owen, who got a hat-trick in midweek? Selection, not injuries, cost United.”

Simon Mullock of The Mirror believes Dimitar Berbatov went under the knife last Monday to cure a knee problem whilst the team prepared to face Wolfsburg – an interesting notion considering he was fit to make the bench on Saturday.

All the papers are lavishing praise on Ryan Giggs, following his victory in the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award. He is described by various pundits as "ageless" and "the best player United have ever had."