With Japanese investment bank Nomura pledging to match any cash raised, funds that will be covered by future dividend payments, SU are hoping to build a 10% blocking stake which could prevent the Tampa Bay Buccaneers owner from gaining total control.

SU officials have already admitted the organisation will know “within three weeks” whether the initiative is likely to prove a success but getting a famous name like Eccleston on board so quickly has given the campaign a significant lift.

The group have also been approached by a major fund manager, responsible for in excess of five million United shares, who would be willing to use that stake in support of the planned investment trust.

“We are delighted that Chris has put his money where his heart is and we hope that he is the first of many high-profile United fans who will lead the way by coming forward in our club’s hour of need,” said SU vice-chairman Oliver Houston.

“We also hope that more of the large individual and institutional shareholders will soon come onside with our ambitious and innovative scheme to preserve the club’s heritage and safeguard its future.

“This is an historic opportunity to see off unwanted predators like Glazer and to provide much-needed stability to the ownership structure of the company.

“We urge all those with United’s best interests at heart to act, and act now.”

SU are likely to offer a further update at their annual general meeting on Saturday, by which time Glazer will be 10 days away from the ‘put up or shut up’ deadline imposed by the Stock Exchange takeover panel last week.

The American business tycoon has so far shown no sign of being put off by opposition among United fans which has even led to calls from the ‘Not For Sale Coalition’ of major fans’ groups to boycott Saturday’s Premiership clash with West Brom.

United chief executive David Gill has described Glazer’s 300p-per-share proposals as “fair” but claimed he would not be able to recommend them to shareholders.

Gill believes Glazer’s business plan is too aggressive and also feels the amount of debt it would entail could be detrimental to the future running of the club.

Glazer is still in talks with major backers NM Rothschild and JP Morgan over his next move, although it is widely expected he will eventually plough on with a formal offer.

SU are committed to continuing their campaign in an effort to ensure Glazer does not get the 75% stake JP Morgan have made an essential component of their offer to the American.

Even if SU are not successful, Glazer would still require the agreement of Cubic Expression duo John Magnier and JP McManus, who have given no indication whether they would be willing to offload their 28.9% stake.