Nomura to advise Red Knights

The battle for control of Manchester United has taken another twist following confirmation that a leading global investment bank has agreed to advise on a possible acquisition of the Old Trafford outfit by the Red Knights group.

Nomura will work closely with the Red Knights, the Manchester United Supporters' Trust and other potential investors to "coordinate and formulate the proposal to be put to the Glazer family".

The Nomura team will be led by Guy Dawson and Andrew McNaught, both of whom advised the Board of Manchester United plc when the club was sold to the Glazer family in 2005.

Nomura is beginning its role by contacting the many expressions of financial support the Red Knights have received to date.

Whether that number includes David Beckham is not known but the former England skipper did the entire campaign a massive favour by donning a green and gold scarf after AC Milan's 4-0 Champions League defeat last night.

Protesters against the Glazers have adopted the green and gold colours and they have been highly visible at United matches in recent weeks.

"I'm a Man United fan. I saw the scarf there. I put it round my neck, it's the old colours of Man United, that's all I knew," Beckham said.

"To be honest it's (the protest) not my business. I'm a Manchester United fan. I support the club. I always have done and I always will do. It's nothing to do with me the way everything is run, that's to do with other people but I'm a Man United fan and I support the team. I will always support them."

With United over £700million in debt, many now see the Red Knights as the only salvation for the Old Trafford outfit, even though the Glazer family insist it is business as usual and the club is not for sale.