THE Margin noted with great interest that the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority has picked up more than 4 per cent of Manchester United's shares.

Don't have any ideas, however, that this £11 million investment is just for love of the game and of the Red Devils. The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority doesn't usually have altruistic motives when it comes to investments it will be looking for a profit.

No doubt the sheikhs will be hoping that the Red Devils will be a much better investment than a previous part of their portfolio one BCCI.