The Guardian this morning reports that Alex Ferguson could be given a bigger
role, smells like propaganda...
Sir Alex Ferguson will be offered a beefed-up role at Old Trafford by Malcolm role, smells like propaganda...
Glazer as part of the American tycoon's attempt to reverse fans' hostile reaction to his takeover plans.
Glazer and his advisers are understood to have been shocked by the level of
opposition from groups such as Shareholders United to their ambition to buy the club. They have identified Ferguson as the only figure at Old Trafford with the
power to calm emotions and lead a charm offensive.
"It is definitely the case that the Glazers have a huge regard for Ferguson and
they want him to continue as manager and they want him to remain totally
involved with the club and be part of its continuing success," said one City
source.
It is not known whether this will extend to Ferguson being offered a seat on the
board. However, Glazer hopes to persuade the manager to back what is being
described as a "new model" of football club ownership.
board. However, Glazer hopes to persuade the manager to back what is being
described as a "new model" of football club ownership.
Details are still unclear but its centrepiece is likely to be a type of extended and formal involvement for supporters. It will be presented as a way of generating
funds for further investment in the team and the club's infrastructure.
funds for further investment in the team and the club's infrastructure.
"The Glazers want to run it like a club," said the source. "There have undoubtedly been distractions from running it as a plc. It has not served the interests of Manchester United in recent times. The Glazers love football and they love the club and they are good at sports management."
Such a message will inevitably be hard to sell in the stands, where the Glazers
are regarded as investors solely in pursuit of profit. It would be a huge public
relations coup if Ferguson were persuaded to support a takeover by the owner of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The intensity of some fans' feelings was demonstrated on Monday night when
the United director Maurice Watkins's house and two cars were daubed with red
paint. It was seen as the first act by a militant wing of supporters in a "fight dirty" campaign to deter Glazer from bidding.
By contrast, the American appears increasingly confident of securing financing
for his plans and being able to present a formal takeover proposal to the United board, probably next week.
for his plans and being able to present a formal takeover proposal to the United board, probably next week.
The key remains the 29.9% stake owned by JP McManus and John Magnier via
their Cubic Expression investment fund. If the Irish duo agree to sell to Glazer,
the American is virtually assured of gaining majority control as he already owns 19.3% of United's shares.
their Cubic Expression investment fund. If the Irish duo agree to sell to Glazer,
the American is virtually assured of gaining majority control as he already owns 19.3% of United's shares.
Neither McManus nor Magnier is thought to have spoken directly to Glazer since
United's announcement on Monday of the takeover approach. However, talks
between the two parties' advisers, with the US investment bank JP Morgan
acting for Glazer, appear to have opened.
One source said the Irish have made clear they have no interest in being co-
investors with Glazer: if they agree to sell, they will want to be bought out
completely for cash.
Glazer's attempt to woo fans may also extend to addressing directly two key
areas of concern - ticket prices and the transfer budget. Pledges may be made
on both issues to try to counter United supporters' arguments that Tampa Bay
under Glazer's ownership has a poor record on both.