Glazers tightens grip on Manchester United

LONDON -- Tampa Bay Buccaneers owner Malcolm Glazer tightened his control over Manchester United on Friday, increasing his stake in the world's richest soccer team to nearly 75 percent.

Glazer's company, Red Football, said it increased its share in the club to 74.81 percent by the close of trading Friday in London, just short of the 75 percent needed for complete control.

The company also told the London Stock Exchange it would borrow $490 million to fund the $1.47 billion takeover. Remaining shareholders were expected to receive Glazer's formal buyout offer by mail next week. Glazer is offering $5.55 a share.

Glazer's son, Joel, said in a statement the family was "delighted to make this offer to acquire one of the pre-eminent football clubs in the world."

"We are long-term sports investors and avid Manchester United fans," said Joel Glazer, who is expected to run the team with his brothers Edward and Bryan. "Our intention is to work with the current management, players and fans to ensure Manchester United continues to develop and achieve even greater success."

The Glazer family said it would provide $503 million of its own money for the takeover. Another $509 million will be generated by issuing preferred securities to large investors and friends of Glazer.

The rest is debt, secured by the club's assets.

Glazer's ownership reached 56.9 percent on Thursday after he bought out joint majority shareholders J.P. McManus and John Magnier, Irish racehorse owners. He previously owned 28.1 percent of the club.

The Manchester United board, which two weeks ago said it wouldn't recommend Glazer's "aggressive" takeover to investors, said Friday it would study the latest bid before taking any position.

"During the recent discussions with Red, the board sought a range of protections for the football club, its fans and any minority shareholders who wish to remain invested in Manchester United," the board said in a statement.

"The board will review Red's position in respect of these issues when the full facts are available and will advise shareholders accordingly."

The takeover brings another foreigner into English soccer.

Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich owns league champion Chelsea, England's national team is coached by Swede Sven-Goran Eriksson, and league runner-up Arsenal is run by Frenchman Arsene Wenger.

On Thursday, thousands of Manchester United fans protested outside Old Trafford. On Friday, few seemed convinced that the Glazers are fans of the team.

"That statement is an insult to human intelligence," said Mark Longden, spokesman for the Independent Manchester United Supporters' Association. "Does this guy really think anyone will actually believe him?"

Some fan groups also have suggested the possibility of forming a breakaway club.

"Glazer is viewed as a parasite by fans, and you have to get rid of parasites," said Sean Bones, vice chairman of Shareholders United, which represents small investors.

"What we have to do is affect revenue streams. We need to stop people buying merchandise or anything related to the sponsorship of the club."

Manchester United has won eight of 13 Premier League titles since the league began in 1992, but only once in the last four seasons.

With a game left, United is in third place -- 20 points behind Chelsea and nine Arsenal. The club's only chance for a trophy is the May 21 FA Cup final, where Arsenal is the favorite.