US billionaire ups Man Utd stake

Glazer owns Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Billionaire American businessman Malcolm Glazer has raised his stake in Manchester United to 16.31%.

The news comes a day after the football club's biggest shareholders, Irish tycoons John Magnier and JP McManus, lifted their stake to 28.89%.

Mr Glazer, who owns American football team the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, previously held a 14.31% stake in the English Premiership club.

The move represents a purchase of 5.4 million Manchester United shares.

Bid rumours

But it still leaves Mr Glazer some way behind Mr Magnier and Mr McManus, who hold their stake through their Cubic Expression company.

Our message to any potential suitor is exactly the same. Manchester United is not for sale Independent Manchester United Supporters Association BBC Sport profiles Malcolm Glazer

While Mr Glazer's decision to raise his holding in Manchester United is expected to fuel rumours of a possible takeover bid, he has not, as yet, asked for a seat on the board at Old Trafford.

News of Mr Glazer's increased interest is likely to meet with a cool response from United's influential fans groups, though.

Last night, many of the club's supporters staged a demonstration against Mr Magnier and Mr McManus ahead of United's Premiership defeat against Middlesbrough.

Racehorse wrangle

Jules Spencer, chairman of the Independent Manchester United Supporters Association, said: "Our message to any potential suitor is exactly the same. Manchester United is not for sale."

Mr Magnier and Mr McManus' latest move is widely thought to be connected with an increasingly acrimonious feud with United manager Sir Alex Ferguson over stud rights for the champion racehorse Rock of Gibraltar.

The Manchester United boss is suing Mr Magnier, demanding half of the stud fees, which could be worth up to £100m in future years.