Source: Daily_Mail
Red Knights halt charge for United to rule out takeover bid before summer
Glazer out: Manchester United fans now regularly protest against the club's American owners [LNB]The Red Knights consortium have revealed they do not expect to make a bid for Manchester United before the end of the season. [LNB] The group of wealthy United fans confirmed earlier this month they were considering the feasibility of putting a proposal to current owners the Glazer family. [LNB] Since then the consortium, which includes Goldman Sachs chief economist Jim O'Neill and leading football deal-maker Keith Harris, have progressed with their planning. [LNB]A statement from the Red Knights today read: 'In the next few weeks we will continue to work on our proposal. We do not expect this to be finalised before the end of the current football season. [LNB]'This will have the advantage of minimising external distractions as the team enters the decisive period of the season.'[LNB]The Glazers have continued to insist the club is not for sale and manager Sir Alex Ferguson has been publicly supportive of the Americans. [LNB]But the fans' anger at the regime, who piled a huge amount of debt on the club in completing their controversial takeover in 2005, has become increasingly vehement this season. [LNB] Player support? David Beckham recently donned a green and gold protest scarf[LNB]The 'Green and Gold campaign' has seen thousands of supporters donthe colours of United under their original guise of Newton Heath, andthe Manchester United Supporters Trust has backed the Red Knights'campaign. [LNB]The consortium insist their plans are on track and that the number of fans willing to invest in a takeover bid is growing. [LNB]The statement continued: 'The Red Knights have been liaising withthe Manchester United Supporters Trust, and their representatives wereat our first meeting on March 2. They remain closely involved with ourplans. [LNB]'On March 12 we involved Nomura as our adviser. Since then they havebeen speaking to and meeting many potential Red Knights who havecontacted us since our interest was made public. [LNB]'These potential Red Knights have offered ideas and support and,with the help of this input, our plans have been developed further.' [LNB] Anti-Glazer protest club FC United announce move to Newton HeathRyan Giggs tempted by Wales comeback for England clash as Manchester United veteran appears to issue 'come and get me' plea to boss John ToshackNani signs new Manchester United contract as Portugal star tries to step into Cristiano Ronaldo's bootsMANCHESTER UNITED FC
