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FOOTBALLALEX FERGUSON POISED FOR LEGAL ACTION OVER TAKEOVER CLAIMS
TAKEOVER BATTLE: Sir Alex Ferguson and Bryan Glazer Monday March 8,2010 By Richard TannerSIR Alex Ferguson was last night caught in the crossfire of the £1 billion battle for control of Manchester United between the so-called Red Knights and current owners the Glazer family.
The Red Knights, a consortium of wealthy financiers, upped the stakes by claiming Ferguson has pledged his support and some of his personal fortune to their cause – claims that he vehemently denied. United boss Ferguson is said to be furious at attempts aimed at driving a wedge between him and United’s American owners, who bought the club in 2005. Ferguson, who it is understood could consider legal action, said: “It’s absolute rubbish. Not an ounce of truth in it.” The Glazers are said to be unconcerned by the claims, retaining full confidence that Ferguson remains loyal and seeing no need to ask him for any reassurances. A spokesman for the family said last night: “There is 100 per cent trust between the manager and the owners and any claims to the contrary are complete fantasy.” But sources close to the Red Knights say they would not have launched a bid without believing the manager was behind them. Publicly, Ferguson has been careful to tread a neutral path. He is keen not to alienate United fans who oppose the Glazers – nearly 120,000 have now signed up to the Manchester United Supporters’ Trust, the anti-Glazer group. Ferguson has admitted that some members of the proposed consortium, like Goldman Sachs chief economist Jim O’Neill, are friends. Ferguson has also consistently said he has no problems with the Glazers, saying they have always supported him financially when he has wanted to buy players, contrary to the perception of some fans. The Glazer camp believe the Red Knights have “scored a spectacular own goal” by alleging they have support from Ferguson.
An insider said it was a “dangerous and desperate” bid to attract wealthy “waverers” who have shown tentative interest in joining the consortium but could, in fact, set Ferguson against the Red Knights. And the battle to own United took a new twist with revelations that super-agent Pini Zahavi has allegedly assembled a rival consortium. On behalf of wealthy Russian and Middle Eastern investors, Zahavi, a close friend of Ferguson, is said to have had a cash bid of £1bn rejected by the Glazers.
 
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GET A LIFE
08.03.10, 9:50am
Sick of this story and the so called Red Knights. Grow up and get a life, the Glaziers are going nowhere while Man U makes money and remains a financial asset. If you want them shifted, stop going to matches and stop buying the 3 or 4 shirts Unt brings out each year as their 'latest design' You people are making the money for the Glaziers so its in your hands if they stay or not. Q.E.D. nuff said. Fat lady has sang and who gives a toss?
Accrington Stanley forever
• Posted by: Ferryman • Report Comment
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