Manchester United's plc board officially informed the stock market this morning that the club have "not received any approach, formal or informal, regarding a possible takeover offer".
Speculation that billionaire American businessman Malcolm Glazer is planning a bid to buy United reached new heights last night after the matter was referred to the Takeover Panel.
Glazer, who last week increased his stake in the club to 16.31%, admitted yesterday he was considering his options and could increase his shareholding. However Glazer, who owns former Super Bowl champions the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, insisted he could also sell his stake in the club.
A statement from the club's plc today revealed they had had no forewarning of any further activity.
"The board of Manchester United plc wishes to make clear that, as at today's date, it has not received any approach, formal or informal, regarding a possible takeover offer for the company," it read.
"The directors of Manchester United accept responsibility for the information contained in this announcement. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the directors (who have taken all reasonable care to ensure that such is the case), the information contained in this announcement is in accordance with the facts and does not contain anything likely to affect the import of such information."
Glazer increased his stake in United less than 24 hours after John Magnier and JP McManus did the same thing, fuelling rumours of a takeover war between the two camps. United were subsequently placed in an offer period by the Takeover Panel.