Fans want United pair to quit
Manchester United chief executive David Gill and finance director Nick Humby are being urged to resign in the wake of Malcolm Glazer strengthening his grip at Old Trafford.
Glazer’s sons, Joel, Avram and Bryan, have been appointed to the board in a major reshuffle.
Long-serving chairman Sir Roy Gardner confirmed at lunchtime he had stepped down and supporters’ trust Shareholders United are calling on Gill and Humby to follow Gardner’s lead.
“We hope that David Gill and Nick Humby show the same integrity as Sir Roy Gardner and resign,” said spokesman Sean Bones.
“Their position is really untenable. If they try and execute a business plan they previously described as too aggressive then it is a bizarre situation.
“Not only will we have the three stooges (the Glazer brothers) but Abbott and Costello as well.”
The Glazer family are already effectively in control of the Red Devils after increasing their shareholding in the club to 76% last month and are due to confirm their precise stake next Monday once all replies to their offer of £3 per share have been received.
It was only a matter of time before the Americans exercised their right to take a more hands-on role at United and today’s announcement had been anticipated.
Manager Sir Alex Ferguson has already indicated he would be staying on.
It is thought Joel will be his father’s main representative at the club, although he will be working without Gardner.
Gardner’s fellow non-executive directors Jim O’Neill and Ian Much have also quit, while commercial director Andy Anson has been reinstated after being voted off the board by Glazer at the last annual general meeting.
United released a statement confirming the boardroom reshuffle.
It read: “Following the unconditional mandatory cash offer for Manchester United plc made by NM Rothschild & Sons Limited on behalf of Red Football Limited on 23 May 2005, Sir Roy Gardner, the non-executive chairman of Manchester United plc, and Mr Ian Much and Mr Jim O’Neill, both non-executive directors of Manchester United plc, have each resigned from the board of directors of Manchester United plc with effect from 6 June 2005.
“Manchester United plc is pleased to announce the re-appointment to the board of directors of Andy Anson as commercial director and the appointment of Joel Glazer, Avram Glazer and Bryan Glazer as new non-executive directors. The appointments are effective from 6 June 2005.”
One of United’s transfer targets, South Korea midfielder Ji-Sung Park has indicated he may be tempted to move to Old Trafford.
PSV Eindhoven say they will allow the 24-year-old to speak to United after confirming the Barclays Premiership club had made an approach.
Coach Gus Hiddink does not want to lose Park’s services but the club admit they cannot stop the player moving if he wants to.
Speaking ahead of the World Cup qualifier against Kuwait tomorrow, Park told the Korea Times: “It is true that I have had an offer from Manchester United.
“Gus Hiddink may have some effect in making the decision, but his opinion is not absolute.”
United have already made one move in the transfer market since the season ended by agreeing terms with Dutch goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar.
The 34-year-old will finalise his move to Old Trafford from Fulham after returning from international duty with Holland this week.
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