Vandals splashed red paint on two luxury cars owned by influential Manchester United shareholder Maurice Watkins.
Police would not confirm news reports that the vandalism was linked to a possible takeover bid for the club by American businessman Malcolm Glazer.
The incident took place late on Monday, just hours after the Manchester United board said it had received a ”preliminary approach” to buy out the club.
Although the club did not identify the bidder, is was widely reported to be Tampa Bay Buccaneers owner Malcolm Glazer.
Watkins (61) the club’s lawyer and a member of the board of directors, declined comment about the incident at his home southeast of downtown Manchester. His house was also doused with red paint.
Manchester police on Tuesday refused to link the attack to the takeover bid, but the Manchester Evening News said the vandalism was believed to be ”part of a concerted campaign” to keep Glazer from taking control of the club.
Fans groups on Monday expressed overwhelming opposition to any takeover. Five years ago, fans helped block Rupert Murdoch’s British Sky Broadcasting from buying the club.
Watkins is Manchester United’s largest individual shareholder, with a 1,9% stake valued at 13-million pounds ($23,1-million). Earlier this year he sold 1-million
shares, which were purchased by Glazer.
Glazer’s company owns a 19,2% share in the club, the second largest stake behind Irish racehorse owners JP McManus and John Magnier. Their company, Cubic Expression, owns about 29%.
Glazer would have to buy the Irishmen’s shares to gain control of the club. Any shareholder with a stake of 30% or more is required to make a formal takeover bid.
Manchester United condemned the vandalism.
”The behavior of a few individuals does nothing to enhance the reputation of the club they claim to support,” a club statement said.
In a related matter, a spokesperson for Shareholders United said the Man U fan association had received support for its opposition to Glazer’s takeover bid.
”Fans from all over the world have made contact with us, especially in the United States where they almost seem to feel a sense of responsibility because it’s Malcolm Glazer,” spokesperson Duncan Drasdo said. – Sapa-AP