US businessman Malcolm Glazer has revealed that he has “no current intention” of making an offer for Manchester United.
The owner of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers has been linked with a takeover of the club since he increased his stake to 16.69% – making him the second largest shareholder after Irish billionaires John Magnier and JP McManus.
“The Glazer Family Partnership confirms that it has no current intention to make an offer for Manchester United,” said a statement released on Tuesday.
The statement added that the clarification came “at the request of Manchester United”.
Glazer’s announcement comes on the day when United announced better-than-expected six-month profits of £26.8m. This represents an increase of 32% on the previous period.
During the six months to 31 January, the club’s media revenue went up 24%, following rises in the final year of the current Premier League domestic TV contract and an increase in revenue for the Champions League.
Total wage costs in the first six months were £37.7m, down 5%. Wages are now 41% of turnover, compared with 43% last year and below the club’s target for the year of 50%.
