THE Glazer family arrived at Old Trafford last night and left, hidden in the back of a van to the sound of police dogs, abusive chanting and outright violence.

If Joel, Avi and Bryan, all three newly elected to the United board, felt their policy of non-communication during father Malcolm's controversial £790million takeover would ease the resentment among rank and file Red Devils support, they were badly mistaken.

It took more than 100 Greater Manchester Police officers, scores of dogs and a massive security operation, including the complete closure of Sir Matt Busby Way, to get the Glazers out of the ground as around 500 fans swarmed the Old Trafford stadium.

Never in the history of English football can such an unwelcome reception have been laid on for the new owners of a club.

It may be doubtful whether the same anger can be whipped up again today should the trio return to meet the United staff, but the consistent chants of "die Glazer die" left little room for debate over the Glazer family's popularity in Stretford, nor the scuffles which erupted between police and fans as the way was paved for the brothers to make their speedy exit, hidden away in the back of a police van.

"The Glazer family are the enemies of Manchester United," said Shareholders United vice-chairman Sean Bones, who was present throughout the five-hour demonstration.

"We find them disgusting and repulsive. They may have captured the club but they only have it on a temporary basis.

"It might take a long time, maybe two or three years, but we are showing Glazer that we won't give up.

"In the long-term the Glazer brand will be suffocated. The previous Manchester United brand was peerless in terms of sporting brand names.

"The Glazer brand is toxic and tarnished, uncool and unstylish. Glazer will lose the war."

The Glazers were accompanied on a tour of Old Trafford by chief executive David Gill and commercial director Andy Anson - ironically ousted and then reinstated to the United board by Malcolm Glazer.

Their visit followed meetings with club sponsors and came 24 hours after they held discussions with English soccer's top brass, plus Sports Minister Richard Caborn.