Man United forced to close club shop on day of kit release due to protests

Anti-Glazer protests are taking place outside of Old Trafford

Fans have gathered outside of Old Trafford to protest against United's current owners - the Glazer family - as they continue to wait for news on what is happening with the takeover.

The Glazers put United up for sale in November but since then have failed to provide supporters with any updates on how far away a deal is from being completed. Sheikh Jassim and Sir Jim Ratcliffe are believed to be the two in the mix, with Jassim said to be the favourite.

Those protesting bought pyrotechnics, forcing staff inside the club shop to close. United had been expecting a protests after the Manchester United Supporters' Trust (MUST) released a statement.

It said: The overwhelming majority of United fans want to see a conclusion to this protracted sale process with the majority supporting a full sale, at least based on our soundings. Protest planned on Tuesday to make that message clear."

United have since reopened the megastore for fans as they try to get their hands on the new kit.

Manager Erik ten Hag will be hoping to add a number of new recruits to his side and is also planning to sell as many as 13 players in order to generate more funds.

A number of high-profile targets such as Harry Kane and Mason Mount have been linked however United coach Benni McCarthy allegedly revealed that the club have been tracking the young midfielder Taylor Booth.

Booth, who plays for Dutch side FC Utrecht, has reportedly been on the club's radar for the last year and during an interview with 947 Joburg, McCarthy said: "Erik ten Hag came in and he spoke to my agent Rob Moore about one of the players that was playing in Holland and he asked Rob about an American player that Rob also managed.

"They were just speaking about that and once the conversation had ended, he said to him, ‘By the way, how’s Benni?'”

The midfielder is managed by Moore, as revealed by Voetbal International.

Related links:

• Man United give Harry Kane ultimatum in last-ditch attempt to sign forward
• Man United make 13 players available for transfer
• Erik ten Hag ‘left fuming’ by ongoing takeover saga