United fans continue fight against takeover

Manchester United fans fighting to block BSkyB's takeover of the club have won the support of the Trades Union Congress.

The Independent Manchester United Supporters Association (IMUSA) lobbied the TUC's general council in Blackpool yesterday. IMUSA chairman Andy Walsh claimed the general secretaries they spoke to were "very receptive".

Walsh added that IMUSA now hopes to organise a fringe meeting at the coming Labour Party conference.

"We handed over our document which we put to the meeting in the Bridgewater Hall on Tuesday to the general secretary of the TUC, John Monks," said Walsh.

"We spoke to many of the general secretaries and they were very receptive to our campaign.

"Everytime we are able to speak to people about the fans' concerns they are invariably won over.

"Our campaign is gaining support everywhere we go and every time we talk to anybody."

IMUSA's campaign against the £623.4 million deal gathered further momentum when the group was able to secure office space to step up its operations.

Rock star Roger Taylor has given IMUSA £10,000, but Walsh claimed the group still needs more financial and logistical help to fight its campaign.

"We plan to contact every MP, which will cost us about £400 so we're in desperate need of financial support," he said.