United fans march against Glazer

Manchester United fans' groups are hopeful over 5,000 supporters will join their anti-Malcolm Glazer march to Old Trafford tonight.

With Glazer's backers examining United's accounts ahead of a probable formal £800million takeover offer from the American billionaire, supporters hope a well-attended, peaceful parade down Sir Matt Busby Way prior to the Champions League tie with AC Milan will prove their determination to keep the club out of private hands.

A similar march, from the Old Trafford Metrolink stop at Lancashire County Cricket ground to the Sir Matt Busby statue, before the Premiership clash with Arsenal in October attracted around 4,000 disgruntled supporters and organisers believe tonight's demonstration will rally even more to the cause.

"There is a far greater sense of urgency now," admitted Shareholders United spokesman Sean Bones.

"Malcolm Glazer seems to think he can deflect criticism of his bid by launching a charm offensive aimed at sweet-talking United fans into accepting his proposals. The idea of that happening is totally ridiculous."

Plans to form a breakaway club in the event of Glazer completing his takeover have already been outlined by the influential Red Issue fanzine, although SU remain committed to their number one objective.

"There are three messages we want tonight's demonstration to convey," said Bones.

"First, Malcolm Glazer is not welcome at our club. Second, to remind the United board of their responsibility to the long-term investors of the club and third, to show United fans they can make a difference and can help to protect and defend the club from unwanted predators."

It is understood the Glazer camp will complete due diligence at some stage over the next week, after which the Tampa Bay Buccaneers owner will finalise a formal approach.

United chief executive David Gill has already indicated he is 'unlikely' to recommend a bid that was not substantially different from the proposals Glazer put forward earlier this month.

However, Gill has also accepted that the 300p per share Glazer is prepared to pay does represent a fair price, a move that has raised the possibility of legal action by the American if his plans do not meet with the club's wholehearted approval.