Ferguson rubbishes link with Red Knights’ bid
MANCHESTER UNITED boss Sir Alex Ferguson has furiously dismissed claims that he is backing a potential takeover of the club from a group of City financiers.
Reports over the weekend claimed the Old Trafford chief has thrown his weight behind a bid from the Red Knights to dethrone club owners, the Glazer family, with some suggesting he would even invest his own money in the club if the bid succeeded.
But Ferguson hit back yesterday, insisting the reports are “absolute rubbish – there is not an ounce of truth in it”.
The Red Knights, which includes Jim O’Neill, United fan and chief economist of Goldman Sachs, and Seymour Pierce owner Keith Harris, announced their plan to oust the Glazers last week with the club over £700m in debt.
They announced their plan after thousands of supporters joined the green and gold protest against the Glazers by wearing the colours of Newton Heath – the original name of club being it was renamed in 1902.
At the same time, over 100,000 Supporters Club members have expressed their discontent under the Glazer regime – many of which signing up in support of the Red Knights.
Boss Ferguson is a personal friend of O’Neill, but although he rejects suggestions he is in legion with the Red Knights, he says he has no problem with the protests.
“There were plenty of green and gold scarves on Sunday [in the Carling Cup final win over Aston Villa] and I was delighted to see them supporting the club,” he said.
“We are quite happy. As long as they are supporting Manchester United they can wear whatever they like. I have no issue with the Red Knights. I know some of them. I don’t deny them the right to protest. If they want to try and buy the club that is entirely up to them.”