Security will be stepped up at Manchester United‘s next home match following concerns over fan reaction to the Glazer family staying at the club.
After a long-running saga, Sir Jim Ratcliffe is now expected to take a 25 per cent stake in United, with his proposal likely to be ratified at a board meeting later this week.
While being viewed as a staged takeover, which would give Ratcliffe’s group control over football operations, the deal would mean that the deeply unpopular Americans would remain for now.
Such a scenario may trigger outrage when Copenhagen visit Old Trafford next Tuesday in the Champions League, among a fanbase that has already staged protests calling for a full sale only.
United face Manchester City at home the following Saturday and there has already been talk among fan groups of a potential boycott or walkout.
On Saturday, Qatari Sheik Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani pulled out of a process which began last November. His group had offered to buy 100 per cent of the club and invest heavily on players and infrastructure.
However, they failed to meet the Glazers’ valuation and have now walked away from the table.
While the prospect of Ratcliffe’s team taking over on the football side may appease some, club security staff will take the situation and potential for unrest into account when carrying out their planning.
Police say they will be working closely with the club. Chief Superintendent Collette Rose explained: ‘Greater Manchester Police (GMP) will be assisting Manchester United outside Old Trafford during the match with Copenhagen.
‘Officers will be highly visible to maintain safety, while facilitating the right to peaceful protest.
‘GMP has significant experience in policing public demonstrations and live events and officers liaise with local football clubs, as well as partner agencies, on a regular basis to ensure football fixtures pass with as little disruption as possible, so everyone can enjoy the game.’