Fans must give Glazer a chance

Manchester United supporters have been assured that their club will be in safe hands once Malcolm Glazer has completed his Old Trafford takeover.

The American businessman effectively seized control with the shock confirmation that John Magnier and JP McManus had accepted a £3 per share offer and sold their 28.9% stake.

It is a scenario most United fans have dreaded, but there have at least been some words of comfort from across the Atlantic.

Glazer's ownership of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers NFL gridiron franchise has been the subject of negative reports in Britain, centring on ticket price increases and threats of stadium relocation.

However, Bruce Allen, general manager of the 2003 Super Bowl winners, has insisted Glazer's arrival has been a major benefit to the Bucs.

He told the Tampa Bay Tribune: "From our perspective, when the Glazers took over the Buccaneers, the steps they've done have been fantastic.

"They've made it a successful franchise on and off the field with everything they do for the franchise and the employees.

"They made one of the boldest moves in sports by trading for a coach and winning a Super Bowl. That's the message the Glazers sent."

And when asked why the famous family has so far made no attempt to alleviate the fears of United supporters, Allen replied: "They've handled many successful businesses, and they'll handle it the right way. What they've done speaks for itself."

The American magnate's sons Joel and Avi are expected to play a leading role in the future running of the Old Trafford club.

And the signs are that the Glazer family have already begun a charm offensive, with leading football writer Harry Harris claiming Sir Alex Ferguson will be offered a new long-term contract and that funds will be made available for team improvement.

Writing in the Daily Express, Harris quotes an unnamed Glazer employee as saying: "Joel wanted it to be known he is keen for Sir Alex to continue and to extend his contract. He wants him to stay long-term.

"They are working on team plans and it would not be unreasonable to suggest the budget will be £100million over five years."

An influx of money could be good for the Red Devils but whether the United faithful will be easily won over remains to be seen.

Oh dear - what a shame! United end another season without a trophy. The mighty Liverpool meanwhile – win the European Cup for a 5th time and it returns to its TRUE home!!!
Not a great season for you was it: knocked out earlier on in the Champions League by the side we beat; defeated by Arsenal in the FA Cup and witnessing us – your great pals winning that great ‘big ears’ trophy once more.

i have every confidence that we will be ok in the future and have already noticed that most of the fans on other forums ave had their little sulks/moans and r now back talking about next season.