The failed Manchester United takeover that paved the way for £6bn revolution

There has never been a time before when football ownership has ever been such a hotly debated topic.

Hot on the heels of failed plans for a European Super League, spear-headed by Manchester United co-owner Joel Glazer but then kaiboshed amid huge fan protests against the idea, the Glazers announced last November that they were putting the club up for sale.

The subsequent 11 months have seen offers and counter-offers from the main two interested parties, Qatar-backed Sheikh Jassim and United fan and INEOS billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe. But almost a year on - and with Sheikh Jassim's offer of a full purchase now withdrawn - the Glazers are still in charge, and the club appears to be sat in limbo, just when it is in dire need of huge investment, on and off the pitch.

ALSO READ: Why Sheikh Jassim has withdrawn his United takeover bid

ALSO READ: Sir Jim Ratcliffe - Britain's richest man set to buy major stake in United

United fans are tired of the whole thing. all they want is someone with the best interests of the club as their main focus - and 34 years ago it looked like such an opportunity had arisen.

It was in 1989 when former United chairman Martin Edwards sanctioned the £20million sale of the club to Isle of Man-based property tycoon and former hopeful footballer Michael Knighton.

"I believe that under new direction and with new financial backing this club can go even further," Edwards stated after reluctantly deciding to part ways with the club nine years after taking over following the death of his father, Louis.

The entrepreneur set up a company called MK Trafford Holdings specifically for the purpose of the takeover bid and a £10m contract was signed for Edwards's 50.06 per cent controlling stake in the club,