"They never said they were going to sell it. They didn't put it up for sale, they actually said they were going to be looking for strategic alternatives for investment, including a full sale.

"So they opened gives for individuals to come back in and say 'yeah we'll purchase it, we'll do that, we'll do this, or we'll offer you some cash or make investments a sure proportion'. But I feel, what they're making an attempt to do, is get an enormous quantity of income into the membership however on the identical time retain a portion of the membership."

Groves believes there will be "uproar" among the United fans if the Glazers don't sell after the lengthy takeover process. He said: "They're simply holding on and holding on and holding on for much more cash.

"Can you imagine the uproar that there will be if they don't actually sell the club when they've gone through this process?"