Recent Man Utd stories not authorised - Glazer

The US entrepreneur who is considering a bid for Manchester United said his family had not authorised any statements recently…

The US entrepreneur who is considering a bid for Manchester United said his family had not authorised any statements recently attributed to it in the British press.

Mr Malcolm Glazer, owner of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers American football team, did not say which stories he was referring to.

Sources have said in recent days that Mr Glazer was working with investment bank Rothschild on a potential £800 million sterling ($1.5 billion) bid for Manchester United and that JP Morgan would be willing to finance a deal recommended by the board of the world's richest soccer club.

A debt-free business with one of the best-known brands globally, Manchester United has fallen prey to rampant takeover speculation because of its huge marketing and cash-generating potential.

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But fans have vociferously rejected recent takeover approaches from Mr Glazer, leading his camp to adopt a low profile.

Manchester United said in December it had held tentative talks with Mr Glazer, but that talks would go no further until the he put a definitive offer on the table.

Manchester United has rebuffed two previous approaches from Mr Glazer.

Mr Glazer, the club's second-biggest shareholder, needs the support of its largest investors, Irish race horse tycoons Mr JP McManus and Mr John Magnier, to secure a takeover deal.

Manchester United shares closed at 266 pence, valuing the club at about £666 million.