Red Issue’s understanding is that the plc has played a blinder releasing this statement today. We have information that Glazer’s camp and Rothschilds are incensed at its timing and the nature of the content - United have seemingly deliberately made the information public before such a time as everything was in place. What a shame it would be if this announcement were to undermine it eh?

However, despite the impression being that the directors are still very much onside, as far as the “Not For Sale” campaign is concerned this new bid is clearly a far more dangerous proposition than the one muted last October, and we understand funding is in place.

Reds committed to fighting the takeover are being encouraged by supporters groups to continue their protests against Glazer’s allies, until such a time as those financing the deal have been identified. Whilst the suspicion remains that JP Morgan are major players in this, any Reds with concrete information as to which banks/groups are lending Glazer the money should contact redissue@btinternet.com

United’s press release:

The board of Manchester United stated on 20th December that the Glazer Family Partnership ('Glazer') had indicated potential revisions to its previous proposal and that Manchester United did not intend to open discusions on this matter until it had received a definitive proposal.

The board has noted the recent press speculation on this subject.

The board can confirm that it has now received a detailed proposal subject to various preconditions which may form the basis of an offer for Manchester United from Glazer.

A further announcement will be made in due course.