Glazers refuse to entertain offers for club

The Glazer family have warned off any bid from the Red Knights for ownership of Manchester United by unequivocally saying that the club is not for sale.

A statement was released by the American owners yesterday, to coincide with the latest financial figures to be issued from Old Trafford. It said: "The board noted recent press speculation regarding a possible bid for Manchester United. The owners remain fully committed to their long-term ownership of the club. Manchester United is not for sale and the owners will not entertain any offers."

The figures included within the statement show growth in all revenue areas, apart from matchday, which has gone down by £1m compared to the same three-month period last year. Overall debt now stands at £520.9m, although that sum does not include the controversial payment-in-kind (PIK) notes which now attract interest at an eye-watering 16.25 per cent.

It is the statement about the club's future that is of most interest though. United have become increasingly bullish recently about their ability to ride out the green and gold campaign and the call for a boycott of season tickets that looks certain to accompany any rejection of the Red Knights bid.