Malcolm Glazer is keeping the football world waiting as to whether he has passed the 90 per cent threshold needed for complete ownership of Manchester United.

Shareholders had until 3pm yesterday to accept the Glazer family's 300p a share offer, although one report said the US party already had about 92 per cent of shares - enough to compulsorily purchase the rest if they wished.

It is expected the family's Red Football investment vehicle will reveal this morning how much equity it owns.

The last update from Red Football showed ownership of more than 76 per cent although this was before the posting of a formal offer document and a subsequent recommendation from the United board that investors sell their shares.

The family already has control with 75 per cent ownership, although fans had hoped to hold on to a sufficient number of shares so they could put pressure on Glazer, who they believe will saddle United with too much debt.

The offer document posted to shareholders last month also indicated that United shares could be removed from the London Stock Exchange on June 22, ''or as soon thereafter as is practicable".

Shareholders United chief Nick Towle has conceded that Glazer now controls the club, but the fans group are determined to keep fighting while even the faintest hope remains.

''Stopping Glazer controlling the company is difficult,'' Towle said.

While Glazer has steadily built up his holding, SU have fought what increasingly has looked like a losing battle.

But Towle said: ''I'm not so sure it is.

''We can also take legal action. If he gets to less than 95 per cent then 5 per cent of shareholders can go and take him to court to block the special resolution to take the company private.

''He certainly gets control of the company and will certainly end up with more than 90 per cent, that is my guess.

''We will wait and see how far he gets, but there are things we can do by law to make life difficult for him and a lot of Manchester United fans want to do that.''

Meanwhile United expect to sell a record 42,500 season tickets before a ball is kicked in August.

The club have already eclipsed last year's mark of 40,072 despite a 10 per cent average price rise.

On the day Glazer's 300p-a-share offer to United shareholders formally closed, supporters appear to be staying loyal to the team.

A club spokesman said: ''We have already sold more season tickets than last year, which automatically puts us at a record level.

''The likelihood is well we will sell all 42,500 season tickets by the start of the season.''

Meanwhile, United goalkeeper Ricardo admits he will take very few happy memories with him when he leaves Old Trafford.

The 33-year-old former Spanish international moved from Valladolid three years ago but has been unable to battle his way into the starting line-up.

With his contract coming to an end, Ricardo is expected to return to his native Spain ahead of the new Primera Liga season and admits he has been frustrated by the lack of opportunities given to him under Sir Alex Ferguson.

He said: ''I am very disappointed as I was never given a chance and so the United fans and people in England never had the chance to see the real Ricardo, I am very upset.

''I am happy that I tried because you have to take these opportunities - to go to a big club - but it was a difficult move for me to make and so I suppose for that reason it was even worse that I was never given a real chance."

*Kevin Phillips is set for talks with Southampton chairman Rupert Lowe to determine his future at St Mary's.

Phillips, 31, was relegated from the Premiership with Saints last season but has been linked with a move back to the top flight.

The former Sunderland striker's agent Jon Smith believes his player is happy at his current club but could still perform at the highest level.

''Kevin's very happy there,'' said Smith. ''We have to have those talks with Rupert.

''It's been handled in the right way, Rupert will decide what he wants to do and I think something will happen in the next two or three weeks.

''He (Phillips) believes he is a Premiership player, but by the same token he loves Southampton, the fans and was part of the team that went down.

''He wants to play Premiership football and feels he has 15 to 20 goals a season in him. He's 31 and would like to continue playing in the Premiership.

''But he doesn't want to be seen leaving them when when they've just gone down. It's difficult but it will be resolved in about two to three weeks.''