Thaindian News

London, Mar 2 (ANI): The Glazer Family, American owners of Manchester United, have ruled out selling the English Premier League club.

Speculation mounted on Monday after a number of leading businessmen, labelled the Red Knights and all United fans, met in London to discuss ways of ousting United’s controversial owners.

United fan and stockbroker with Seymour Pierce, Keith Harris assembled a group of investors known as the Red Knights Group, including representatives from law firm Freshfields and investment bank Goldman Sachs.

They aim to take over from the Glazer’s at Old Trafford if they agree to sell the club. But the Glazers declared United, 716.5 million pounds in debt after paying 68.5 million pounds in interest last year, will remain in their control.

The Red Knights include stockbroking supremo Keith Harris and multi-millionaire Fred Done, the Salford-born bookie.

Also thought to be at the meeting was Jim O’Neill, chief economist at City giants Goldman Sachs and critic of the level of debt taken on by United.

The Glazers’ recent 500 million pounds bond issue to refinance existing debt has crystallized opposition among fans to their continued ownership of the club.

“We don’t know if the Glazers can be made to listen but there is serious intent on the part of people who have support in their hearts,” Harris said.

“The time feels right. The Glazers are playing with an icon of football. It is in danger. Seventy five pence of every pound fans spend is now going to the Glazers or to pay debts,” he added.

However, a source close to United insisted: “There is no suggestion that the Glazer family are ready to sell.” (ANI)