‘A hardcore group of militant Manchester United supporters last night threatened to declare "civil war" on the club after disrupting a reserves match as their latest protest against Malcolm Glazer's proposed takeover.
‘Forty fans interrupted Louis Saha's comeback match when they invaded the pitch at Altrincham's Moss Lane ground with a huge banner reading "Not for Sale". The reserves fixture between United and Birmingham City was held up for five minutes.
’The same group, going by the name of the Manchester Education Committee (MEC), is believed to be responsible for an incident at the home of the United director Maurice Watkins on Monday night, when paint was thrown over his car. Watkins was targeted after selling one million shares to Glazer.
’Information has been passed to the Guardian that other directors, notably Nick Humby and Andy Anson, are being seen as legitimate targets. The MEC believes both men are not averse to the idea of Glazer taking control. Likewise the group is also planning operations against Brunswick, Glazer's appointed PR company in London, and the former sports editor of the Sun Paul Ridley, who has been advising the American multi-millionaire about his media relations.
’Acts of violence have not been ruled out and United are fully aware that it is not merely the work of a few individuals but a well organised group armed with addresses, contact details and inside information.
’United are taking the threats seriously, knowing the same group was behind the disruption at a race meeting at Hereford in February. Then, the MEC was protesting against the club's majority shareholders John Magnier and JP McManus, who were involved in a legal battle with the manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
’Another event organised by MEC is scheduled for this weekend in Manchester and the group then intends to switch its attention to Glazer himself.’