BYE BYE RUPERT?

Manchester United, the world's richest football club, has put its public relations account out to tender for the first time since it became a quoted company 12 years ago. The footballing giant is holding a 'beauty parade' of potential advisers this week.

The appointment of new spin-doctors comes at an important time for United.

Speculation is mounting that a group of friends of manager Sir Alex Ferguson, led by Irish racing tycoons JP McManus and John Magnier, may launch a bid for the company after building up an 8.7% stake.

Rupert Murdoch's BSkyB is the biggest shareholder with 9.9% - a legacy of the satellite broadcaster's failed bid for United five years ago. But Murdoch is thought to be increasingly keen to sell after losing enthusiasm for holding minority stakes in sports companies.

United is vulnerable to takeover. Its shares have plunged from a peak of 412p in 2000 to 116 3/4p, valuing the company at about £303m.

The public relations contract, now held by City firm Holborn, has attracted strong interest and is seen as one of the most prestigious, if challenging, in corporate communications. United, with an estimated fan base of seven million in Britain and Ireland, is rarely out of the headlines.

But while the club has enjoyed phenomenal success on the pitch, it has suffered a number of public relations disasters, often involving the colourful personal life of former chief executive Martin Edwards.

But perhaps the biggest PR issue is Ferguson, who refuses to speak to sections of the press he regards as hostile to the club.