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A Manchester United fans group – opposed to the club's US owners – has attracted more than 200,000 members.

The Manchester United Supporters Trust (MUST), who have campaigned against the Glazer family's debt burdening tenure of the Reds, hit the landmark last week.

Initially founded in 1998 by a group of shareholders opposed to Rupert Murdoch's attempt to seize control of United via BskyB they have remained committed to obtaining a substantial stake in the club for its supporters.

MUST chief executive Duncan Drasdo hailed the news.

He said: “I think it shows that there is a lot of credible opposition. I don't think there is anything to stop the figure from going global and rising to 1m.

“The aim is still to own a significant stake in the club and I think that is a realistic prospect.”

The group hit the headlines earlier this year after successfully applying to have Old Trafford listed as an asset of community value.

United appealed the decision, made by Trafford council, but were unsuccessful.

The move means that the Reds' owners must give six-months notice if they plan to sell the ground – which would allow community groups to bid for it.

Recent figures released by the club show they spent £71m in 2012-13 financing the Glazer's leveraged takeover in 2005.

That figure took costs related to their buyout to around £680m.

At June 30 United's debt stood at £389m.