A VIEW FROM ASIA

Last updated : 20 July 2005 By Ed

The Hindustan Times:

Far from the hostile reaction seen in the Britain, many Asian fans couldn't care less about the Glazer family's controversial takeover of Manchester United.

Hundreds of angry fans mounted a violent protest when Malcolm Glazer's three sons visited Manchester last month and supporters here have been urged to give the US tycoons a cool reception if they appear during the Asian tour which kicks off this weekend in Hong Kong.

But such calls look likely to fall on deaf ears.

"The Glazer takeover only puts me off Manchester United if it affects the players," said Hong Kong-born fan Henry Chien, 32.

"If it doesn't affect the football of Manchester United I don't give a damn about the business side."

One expatriate sports promoter and "huge" United supporter said: "Asian fans are big fans but they follow the team, not the club.

"They will follow the stars but they seem more detached from it. They're watching it in bars whereas people in England are going to the game and paying 50 pounds a week."

"Our Asian tours have been very successful in that we do believe our supporters appreciate the opportunity to see us play and our visits do create more fans. This is illustrated by the fact that our fan base continues to grow in the region," said Manchester United communications director Philip Townsend.