Irish duo up United stake

Irish businessmen J P McManus and John Magnier have increased their holding in Manchester United plc to 11.4 per cent.

They have acquired the additional shares through their company Cubic Expression after it had been reported they were ready to sell their stake.

However, it is likely they have bought these new shares to cash in at any future takeover at United.

Meanwhile, Ronaldinho's future is set to be decided in the next 48 hours as Barcelona make a late bid to snatch the World Cup winner from under the noses of United.

The Spanish club have made a £20.75million offer for the Brazilian star, comprising of cash and two players, one of whom is reported to be Argentine Juan Roman Riquelme.