However, the DTI has rejected the call and insist the ownership of the club is solely a matter for United shareholders.

“We don’t believe there is a case for changing the Enterprise Act to allow for takeovers of football clubs to be looked at on non-competition grounds,” said a DTI spokesman.

While the news will come as a blow to the large section of United supporters bitterly opposed to Glazer’s involvement, it will not stop their protests, which are bound to become even more fierce should the Tampa Bay Buccaneers owner finally get a chance to inspect club accounts.

United chief executive David Gill has already stopped Glazer’s financiers from carrying out ‘due diligence’ once, a move which saw the American gain revenge by voting three directors off the Old Trafford board.

However, although he acknowledges opposition to Glazer is widespread, Gill knows his first priority is to look after shareholder interests and would risk sparking an emergency general meeting if he rebuffs a second approach.

Should Glazer be granted access to the secret financial information, his major backers JP Morgan would decide whether the projected future growth prospects and profit forecasts are realistic, before advising their billionaire client if they are prepared to back a formal bid.

While the takeover process would take weeks to complete, United fans are already making their voices heard, with a well-attended demonstration outside Old Trafford on Wednesday following the Manchester Education Committee’s sinister warning the previous day.

More protests are expected on Sunday when United visit Eastlands for the televised Manchester derby, although City officials have warned fans they will not be allowed to demonstrate against Glazer inside the stadium.

“We have no objection to leaflets being handed out outside the stadium by United fans to United fans,” said City spokesman Paul Tyrrell.

“However, it is not appropriate to bring any protest into the stadium.”