By Chris,
June 3 2010
The much-publicised Red Knights have confirmed that they will not make a bid for Manchester United Football Club this summer. The consortium have been put off by the Glazer's valuation of the club - which reportedly stands at the £1.5billion mark.
Speculation had suggested that he secret consortium of mega-rich United fans could launch a formal bid for the club over the summer months.
However, a statement on behalf of the group has confirmed that won't be happening.
The Glazer family have publicly said they will not entertain any offers to sell United in the near future, though privately they are thought to have priced up the club with a £1.5billion price tag.
The statement read: "The Red Knights remain committed to pursuing their efforts to try and help bring ownership of Manchester United to its supporters, and under a structure with materially less debt," said a statement on behalf of the group.
"As we have maintained however since news of our ambitions first emerged in March, we will only attempt to purchase the club at a sensible price, consistent with the long-term interests of the club."
With thousands of fans opting not to renew season tickets with the Glazers - and their cheeky Automatic Cup Scheme - still in place, the statement continued: "We understand that many supporters were hoping that we might be in a position to make a bid before the season ticket renewal deadline.
"However our approach is best served by long-term interests of all. We have never taken a stance on season ticket renewals; it is a personal choice for all supporters."
The news will come as a disappointment to supporters, though the Red Knights have underlined their commitment to purchase the club at a "sensible price". Most will now continue their protest against the club's owners - with many ditching season tickets and green and gold still as prevalent as ever at supporter events.
However, there are question marks over the impact of the protests. American insurance giant Aon have kicked-off a lucrative four-year shirt sponsorship deal, while chief executive David Gill has claimed that there has been no notable decline in season tickets sales in comparison with previous years.
Time will tell - but fans will have to wait until the Red Knights perhaps find the clout to ride into Manchester and wrestle control of the club from the Glazer family.

