DETAILS of Malcolm Glazer's '790m takeover plan for Manchester United were due to be revealed today after a night of protest by furious fans.

The American tycoon seized control of the club after buying out Irish racing tycoons JP McManus and John Magnier, triggering a demonstration by hundreds of fans at Old Trafford.

But Tony Lloyd, the Labour MP for Manchester Central and a fan of the club, said there was a case for looking at the corporate structure of big sporting companies so that there was a balance between business activities and "the legitimate needs of the club as a sporting institution".

Mr Lloyd told the BBC Radio 4 Today programme: "I do want Government ministers to look into this. I think there are real questions of how we run any type of industry."

He added: "Manchester United is the provider of a monopoly service, and Mr Glazer is taking over a monopoly, and that does raise issues about competition policy."

Five fans were arrested as the mood turned ugly. Police formed a barrier to prevent fans - some hurling beer cans - getting into the ground and to protect guests, including United star Ryan Giggs, attending a charity function for the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital scanner appeal.

Oliver Houston, the spokesman for Shareholders United, a group opposed to the bid, said there could be a campaign of disruption against United's commercial activities.

Fans will launch a mass demonstration in Cardiff at the FA Cup final a week on Saturday, and there could be boycotts of matches, sponsors, products, and more demonstrations.

Pursuit

One group of fans says it will push ahead with plans to form another club, FC United, and begin all over again in a minor league. But Mr Glazer will try to win over the hearts and minds of the fans, possibly by granting manager Sir Alex Ferguson a summer transfer war chest.

He is expected to put his son Joel in charge of day-to-day running of the club, and expects him to work alongside chief executive David Gill.

Mr Glazer's two-year pursuit of United ended in success after his company, Red Football Ltd, agreed to buy the 28.7 percent stake belonging to Mr McManus and Mr Magnier for '3 a share.

Then he bought the 6.45 per cent stake of Scottish mining millionaire Harry Dobson, United's third biggest shareholder.

By the close of trading on the Stock Market yesterday, Mr Glazer is believed to have upped his stake to 70 per cent of the club, giving him effective control. United shares were trading at '3, an increase of 34.25p, or 12.9 per cent on the day.

Shortly before lunchtime today , he confirmed that he now owns 69.55% of the club. Bankers representing Mr Glazer bought the shares yesterday and it means the multi-millionaire is on the brink of being able to take the former Premiership champions private.

The update to the stock market on his shareholding came as fans pledged to boycott the club's merchandise in opposition to the '790.3 million takeover.

He is now trying to gain the remaining shares he needs to cross the 75% threshold and wrap up the deal, putting him in a position to transfer his debt on to the company.

Chief Supt Andy Holt, divisional commander for police in Trafford, said the protests by fans had been largely peaceful but some demonstrators had been abusive.

He said: "Greater Manchester Police respects people's right to peaceful protest and we police any peaceful demonstration to ensure people's safety."One person was arrested after 300 United fans protested outside Manchester Art Gallery last night.

Police were called after campaigners attempted to disrupt an event at the city centre gallery sponsored by Rothschild Bank, which has been involved in Malcolm Glazer's bid for the club.

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