UNITED NOT FOR SALE - GLAZERS
The Glazer family have warned off any potential suitors for
Manchester United by confirming the Old Trafford club is not for
sale. Reports have surfaced of an £850million bid for United from a
Chinese consortium who were hoping the Glazers would want to
offload the club they acquired in such controversial circumstances
two years ago. It is claimed contact was made with United by a
midlands-based finance expert on behalf of the
consortium.
However, sources close to the Glazer family have rejected the
story, claiming no-one has approached them over any potential
buy-out. And, while the Americans, who will be strongly represented
at Old Trafford today when Sir Alex Ferguson's side will be
presented with the Premiership trophy, admit they can do little to
prevent such rumours, they are adamant they have no intention of
offloading United.
"There has been no approach from any consortium, there has been no
offer and, even if there had, it would not have been considered,"
said a family spokesman. "The family are absolutely and totally
committed to Manchester United over the long term. "They are
determined to make United more successful, both on and off the
pitch and are unequivocal in their stance that the club is not for
sale."
There is a certain irony in the words given the 'Not For Sale'
slogan was used by the fans' groups vehemently opposed to the
takeover by Malcolm Glazer, owner of NFL team Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
However, having paid £800million for the club in the first place
and already negotiated massively-increased sponsorship deals, there
would hardly seem to be any point in selling now, especially with a
huge new television contract due to come into force next
season.
