Without citing sources, the newspaper said Keith Harris, executive chairman of Seymour Pierce, was holding informal talks with other financiers and advisers.
The world's richest soccer club said on Monday it had received a bid approach. Industry sources believe US sports tycoon Glazer is behind the approach and planned a bid of more than £650million.
The Independent says Harris believes the club should be taken private.
Glazer, who owns the Tampa Bay Buccaneers American football team, already has a stake of 19.2 per cent in United.
But to mount a bid he would probably need the support of United's top shareholders, Irish racing tycoons John Magnier and J.P. McManus, who own 28.9 per cent.
