Former Carlisle United owner Michael Knighton appears to have ruled out a bid for Manchester United - two months after claiming he was preparing an offer.

It comes despite Knighton claiming two months ago that he was preparing a “hostile”approach  for the Old Trafford club.

The controversial ex-Blues supremo has today reacted to the news that the Glazers are seeking to sell Man Utd.

Knighton was a director of the club from 1989-92 before he bought Carlisle.

In August he claimed to be “working on an offer document” and that he had “good pledges with good finance” from unnamed parties.

But, speaking to the BBC today, Knighton made no suggestion that such a bid was in prospect despite reports that the Glazers were now ready to sell the Premier League club.

Knighton said he reacted with "pure delight" that the American owners had decided to sell, adding: “I’ve been unhappy with the business model since 2005…lumbering it with this debt pile of half a billion, thereabouts.

“I’m delighted they have realised their time is coming to an end. I’m sure the important stakeholders, the supporters, will be delighted.”

Knighton said that it would require a “multi-billionaire” or a “nation state sovereign fund” for the club to have the necessary finance in the modern game.

He said he remained behind the possibility of Sir Jim Ratcliffe taking over Man Utd.

“I went public more than six months ago to say the [the Glazers] will be gone by the end of the season and I still believe that,” he added.

Knighton also referred to his move to Carlisle in his Radio Manchester interview.

“[In 1992] I left the glamorous portals of Old Trafford for the gusty corridors of Brunton Park, when I bought Carlisle…” he said

“I only left there because I didn’t like what was coming out of the big six, the noises about what they wanted to do with the TV money and keep it for themselves.”

Knighton insisted that, at the time, he said it was important to protect the pyramid because of the “community asset” nature of clubs.

“Would I like to get involved at Manchester United? My blood will always be red because of my involvement in that club and the part I played in resurrecting it,” he added.

“I’ll offer my blueprint and consultancy services but do I want to be a director? No. Do I want to be in front of the camera? No. I just want proper football people who care about the soul of Manchester United.”

Knighton was United’s owner from 1992-2002 – a highly eventful and turbulent decade at Brunton Park.

It saw success, promotions and Wembley appearances in the first half of his reign before the club plunged into crisis and supporters campaigned for his removal.

He eventually sold to John Courtenay in 2002. The controversial figure returned to Carlisle last year for a speaking event at the city’s Old Fire Station.

There was further controversy when he was welcomed into the directors’ box for United’s home game against Tranmere on the weekend of his return to the city.

CUOSC, the supporters’ trust that had campaigned for his removal, said they were “surprised” by the decision and that “many supporters would be saddened” by the sight of Knighton in the directors’ seats.

Blues chief executive Nigel Clibbens responded by describing it as a “simple act of human kindness”.

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