Rupert Murdoch's satellite television group, BSkyB, has clinched a deal to buy Manchester United. A price of £623m has been reported.

The deal has still to be approved by shareholders and the Office of Fair Trading. If passed, it is likely to have huge repercussions for football.

Manchester United fans give their verdict

Manchester United is one of the best known and best supported teams in the world, attracting massive interest in every continent.

But would these fans benefit from Mr Murdoch taking over? Or would it change the face of English football for the worse?

The deal would give Mr Murdoch huge influence on the Premier League.

BSkyB, in which he has a 40% stake, already holds the UK television rights to show Premiership matches live.

Politicians and sports lovers have been quick to react

His takeover could mean good news for armchair supporters and shareholders - but would the paying customer get a fair deal?

Many football fans do not think so. One voiced the fears of many fellow supporters when she told BBC News:

"The primary concern is that when television runs football it will cease to be a sport but a media event - what happens on the pitch will ultimately be driven by what makes good television."

Mr Murdoch is no stranger to sport. Last year he bought the LA Dodgers baseball team. However, in the words of former Manchester United Manager Tommy Docherty, "Murdoch is not really a football man".

So should he and other media tycoons stay out of sport?

Or, as many of those in favour of their involvement point out, does their influence and money make the product better - by helping to improve stadiums and sign star players?

What do you think?

Is Murdoch good for football?

Your reaction in full

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