Mixed Glazer messages from Tampa

BBC Sport rounds up what is being said in the United States about the Glazer takeover.

FOR AND AGAINST GLAZER They've made it a successful franchise on and off the field Bruce Allen General manager, Tampa Bay Buccaneers He is not very visible or friendly towards fans Carl Cronan Newspaper reporter, Tampa Bay Business Journal

Manchester United fans have had mixed messages over what to expect from new majority shareholder Malcolm Glazer.

The owner of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers won control at Old Trafford on Thursday amid protests from supporters.

Carl Cronan of the Tampa Bay Business Journal, who reports on Glazer, said his reputation was to put up prices and bringing in corporate sponsorship.

But Bruce Allen, general manager of the 2003 Super Bowl winners, claimed the Glazer family had been "fantastic".

Allen 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."

Asked why the Glazers have 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."

But Cronan, who has reported on Glazer since he bought the Buccaneers, told BBC Radio Five Live: "Fans can see how badly they might be affected from his reputation at Tampa.

"They can depend on ticket prices going up and more corporate sponsorship."

Angry fans staged vehement protests around Old Trafford on Thursday as news of Glazer's takeover bid emerged.

Fans react to Glazer bid

Glazer bought the Buccanners in 1995 for £125m and the billionaire was feted after he led the club to the highest prize in American football, the Super Bowl in 2003.

But Cronan revealed that, despite bringing success to the Florida team, Bucs followers have mixed feelings about Glazer.

"He is not very visible or friendly towards fans," Cronan said.

"You may see him on occasion on the sidelines on game day but he does not grant interviews and rarely gets involved in any public activities in Tampa.

Man Utd fans' protest in pictures

"But on the other hand fans certainly give him a lot of credit because he did get the money in place to do the things that needed to be done to help win the Super Bowl."

Manchester United shareholders had initially been hesitant about selling to Glazer because his plans relied heavily on borrowed money.

And Cronan said there are already fears in Tampa Bay that the 76-year-old may have to sell the Buccaneers to raise extra funds for his planned takeover at Old Trafford.

"The speculation here is that he can own one or the other but not both," said Cronan.

"If he is absolutely serious about buying Manchester United it appears he is going to have to sell the Buccaneers.

"But Glazer's sons have pledged not to sell the team."