Satellite broadcaster BSkyB has said it will not take control of Manchester United without state approval, the British government has said.
Junior trade and industry minister Ms Melanie Johnson said in a statement BSkyB, which owns 9.9 per cent of the club, had given undertakings not to acquire direct or indirect control of Manchester United without the British government's consent.
The Labour government, acting on Competition Commission advice, prevented BSkyB from taking over Manchester United in 1999.