THE prospect of a takeover at Manchester United increased with confirmation last night that representatives of Malcolm Glazer have approached the club’s biggest shareholders about a deal that would move them close to securing a controlling interest in the club. The Glazer family, who own a 19.17 per cent stake in the company, have contacted the Cubic Expression Company about the prospect of buying some or all of their 28.89 per cent stake.

A formal bid is expected to be pitched at £3 a share, making the Irishmen a profit of about £70 million inside two years. At that price they would be expected to take up Glazer’s offer, effectively giving the American control of the club with just under 50 per cent of the shares.

The Glazer family have begun a charm offensive to try to combat hostility from the club’s supporters. A militant group calling itself the “Manchester Education Committee” staged a pitch invasion during a United reserve match on Thursday evening, delaying play, but the family aim to convince supporters that they have the club’s best interests at heart.

It has emerged from sources involved in the discussions that Glazer, owner of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers American football franchise, would be committed to investing in the team rather than seeking financial gain and might allow the supporters representation at boardroom level.