The Glazer family are already 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 on Monday once all replies to their offer of £3 per share have been received.

Fans this week called on Gill and Humby to resign in the wake of Glazer appointing his sons – Joel, Avram and Bryan – to the United board.

It remains to be seen how they react to the latest news.

Meanwhile, the Old Trafford faithful did have some glad tidings today as Edwin van der Sar’s move was finalised after the goalkeeper passed a medical.

As expected, the 34-year-old has signed a two-year deal after an undisclosed fee was agreed with Fulham.

Van der Sar said: “I am delighted to have signed for Manchester United, one of the most famous clubs in the world.

“I’m looking forward to joining my new team-mates to start preparations for the new season, which promises to be one of the most exciting of my career.”

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has been looking for a goalkeeper after releasing Roy Carroll and Ricardo, leaving just Tim Howard as a recognised stopper in his squad.

Ferguson said: “Edwin brings a wealth of experience to the team. He is an international goalkeeper with proven class”

Ferguson had been linked with moved for a number of high-profile stoppers, although he is not believed to have the funds to bid for the likes of Gianluigi Buffon of Juventus.

Van der Sar, who could be a short-term solution while Howard gains experience, was linked with United in January only to sign a contract extension at Craven Cottage until summer 2006 instead.

At the time van der Sar admitted he would probably not have signed a new deal if either United or Arsenal had come in with a firm bid for him.

The Holland international now has the task of filling the boots of Peter Schmeichel, who left Old Trafford in 1999 after a wonderful spell at the club which ended with a Champions League victory.

Mark Bosnich, Massimo Taibi, Raimond van der Gouw, Fabien Barthez, Carroll and Ricardo have all tried and failed to command the United defence in the same manner as Schmeichel.

Van der Sar is United’s first new signing since the club’s takeover by Malcolm Glazer and he is likely to join the squad for next month’s tour of the Far East.

United were involved in an acrimonious transfer deal with the Cottagers for Louis Saha last year but this deal appears to have been reached cordially.