It has long been speculated the group would eventually take over United and install Alex Ferguson as chairman.

But Desmond, who also owns shares in United, maintains he has too much at stake at Parkhead to think about a takeover elsewhere.

Desmond said: “I have no interest in taking over Manchester United.

“My commitment is to Celtic Football Club. I’m emotionally committed to Celtic Football Club.

“Any interest that my family I have is purely financial in United.

“Our hearts and our minds rest with Celtic Football Club.”

Celtic boss Martin O’Neill, who has guided the club to its first European final since 1970, has also been linked with a move to United as an eventual successor to Ferguson.

The Parkhead boss has finally put pen to paper on a one-year rolling contract with the club recently after agreeing the deal in January.

But Desmond insists a signature on a piece of paper means little in comparison to having the club’s well-being at heart.

He told Scotland Today: “As long as Martin O’Neill wants to, and has the passion to, manage Celtic Football Club, there will always be a position for him there.

“If Martin does not have that and doesn’t want to be there, he won’t be there and we won’t want him there.

“As long as he has the passion and commitment there is a job there for him because he is an outstanding individual and manager.

“I don’t need a contract with Martin O’Neill. I don’t believe in contracts.

“What I want is to have people that believe in Celtic Football, that are committed to the club, want to develop the club and take it to new heights.

“Martin O’Neill is that person. He has done that and there is no reason to believe he has changed his mind.

“If he does change his mind, we won’t want him at Celtic and he won’t want to be at Celtic.”