'Shareholders United have reported a near 'triplefold' increase in membership as May 17, the deadline for Malcolm Glazer to make his £800m bid for looms.
The American has been in talks with major backers JP Morgan and NM Rothschild over the past seven days and, while a move in the next couple of days looks unlikely, a bid does appear on the way.
Such a move would trigger a groundswell of opposition from the United fans groups, who insist their campaign remains strong despite abandoning plans for a total boycott of the match with West Brom for fear of a lack of support.
Instead, SU in particular point to the massive increase in members, up from 8,682 in March 2004 to 25,876, plus the involvement of celebrity fans such as Doctor Who, Christopher Eccleston, as evidence their campaign has the widespread backing of United fans.
"If we weren't here, if Shareholders United, the Independent Manchester United Supporters Association and the fanzines did not exist, would Glazer have won by now?" SU chairman Nick Towle said yesterday.
"Each step in this battle takes us another inch towards the goal we are aiming for, the continued independence of United.
"This brilliant campaign, this amazing fight will go down in history, win or lose, and we will not lose.'