Geoff

The car of a Manchester United director has been daubed with red paint as the row over ownership of the club hots up.

The vandalism took place at the home of Maurice Watkins in south Manchester.

Paint was also sprayed on an Audi and over parts of Mr Watkins' house.

The director is the largest individual shareholder on the United board, owning a 1.9% stake - valued at around £13m.

It is thought the attack could be part of a growing campaign to stop American Malcolm Glazer taking control of United.

Mr Watkins attracted criticism from fans in April when a million shares he put up for sale ended up with Mr Glazer.

Although Mr Watkins had no prior knowledge of who the shares would be sold to, fans voiced their anger.

Some accused the solicitor of selling United's heritage and assisting Mr Glazer's efforts to purchase the club.

As well as being part of the board, Mr Watkins is also the club's legal adviser and is widely respected.

Mr Glazer, who is owns the Tampa Bay Buccaneers NFL franchise, is thought to be behind the "preliminary approach" to buy the club.

United are currently waiting for clarification of the initial proposals, which saw the club placed into an "Offer Period" for the second time this year.