Police investigate Glazer threats

Mixed reaction to Man Utd offer Q&A: Malcolm Glazer & Man Utd Feature: Malcolm in the middle

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) is to investigate threats made by a militant group of Manchester United fans against Malcolm Glazer and the club's board.

Glazer has launched a renewed takeover bid, prompting an angry response from the Manchester Education Committee.

"It's clear the consequences of any bid need spelling out. No matter how large the phalanx of bodyguards, we'll always outnumber you," read its statement.

The GMP said "appropriate measures" would be taken to deal with the threat.

Glazer owns 28.1% of the Old Trafford club and has submitted a third bid to buy the club in the long-running saga.

The American's previous bids for the club, which United supporters opposed, were rejected by the board because of the high level of debt they would incur.

United must be safeguarded - it's our club, and we will be ruthless in protecting it MEC statement

But it is believed that Glazer has substantially reduced the borrowing required for his latest move.

The Manchester Education Committee (MEC)'s statement added: "Malcolm Glazer's continued pursuit of MUFC indicates he has paid no attention to the wishes of the overwhelming majority of ordinary supporters of the club."

It then proceeds to issue threats to the club's plc board, Malcolm Glazer and his family, and to any financial institutions involved in supporting the bid.

"We remind the directors of the duty of care they are expected to show towards the traditions and history of MUFC, and of the promises they have made in the past.

"Any failure to maintain a rejectionist position in the face of Glazer's overtures will be regarded as an act of treachery that will place board members in an extremely vulnerable position for years to come."

Things are going just fine with us without your money, thanks Malcolm From Charlie Have your say on 606

The MEC group have previously claimed responsibility for vandalising the house and car of former United club solicitor Maurice Watkins after he sold shares to Glazer.

Earlier in the week, United stalwart Ryan Giggs came out in opposition to the proposed takeover.

"The general feeling is that the club is in good hands. This club cannot get any better than it is at the moment," Giggs told the Daily Mail newspaper.

"We sympathise with the fans. Of course we do. Nothing needs to change. We hope that continues,"

"As far as the fans are concerned, the team and the club and the way the whole thing is being run at the moment shows that there is nothing wrong at all."

United issued a statement to the Stock Exchange confirming that a new bid had been received and promised a further announcement "in due course".