NOT FOR $ALE

The huge 'Not4Sale' banner hoisted at the Stretford End in the middle of last season, will be taken down today, with supporters planning to unveil it in Chicago, Philadelphia and New York as United embark on their three-game pre-season tour.

After the final match against AC Milan at the Giants Stadium on July 31, influential pressure group Shareholders United will host a rally at the famed Nevada Smiths bar, where they will attempt to widen support for their cause.

United chief executive David Gill has admitted he would be powerless to prevent a takeover bid for the club, and Glazer is widely believed to be the most likely candidate to launch such a move.

Fans are worried that Glazer, who was criticised for raising ticket prices at Tampa Bay, could sneak in through the back door by purchasing Magnier and McManus' holding for a below-market price, which could enable him to take a controlling interest without having to fund a total buy-out of shares.

And they have vowed to take the fight into the American's homeland this summer and believe United's vast Stateside support is sympathetic to their plight.

'This problem is not going away and fans across the world realise it,' said SU spokesman Richard Stubbs, who will take the symbolic banner down.

'The banner is a useful focal point for us and we expect it to be on display at all three matches, so Malcolm Glazer can see just how opposed we are to any prospect of him taking control. David Gill may think there is nothing he can do to stop a takeover but we will not stop fighting to save our club. “

'Supporters in the United States are switched on to the issues affecting Manchester United and the 500% rise in Shareholders United membership over the last 12 months proves they are not alone. There are 55million United fans worldwide and if each one of them bought a share, it would send a clear message to the people who want to take the club away from us.'