Man Utd news LIVE: Qatari investment to make BID within days, Busquets OUT of Europa League clash, Osimhen's £107m fee | The Sun
MANCHESTER UNITED are set to receive a takeover bid within DAYS, according to reports.
United owners, the Glazers revealed that they were willing to listen to offers and reports suggest claim that a Qatari-based investment are readying a tantalising bid.
Meanwhile, the Red Devilshave received a huge boost for their Europa League clash with Barcelona as Sergio Busquets has been RULED OUT of the first leg.
The Spanish serial winner picked up a knock against Sevilla and is set to be out for two to three weeks.
Elsewhere, Napoli have slapped a heavy £107million price tag on their talisman Victor Osimhen.
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- Giacomo Pisa
Matchday for the Red Devils
Manchester United return to action this evening as they host rivals Leeds in the first game between the two sides in five days.
However, the match is NOT being shown on live TV in the UK.
You can, however, keep up to date with the game right here on SunSport with our live blog.
The game isn't on TV because it is a rearranged fixture from earlier in the season.
- Gary Stonehouse
MORNING UTD FANS
A SENSATIONAL report has claimed that Old Trafford could be DEMOLISHED and rebuilt if the Qatar group complete their Manchester United takeover.
The Glazers revealed in November that they were willing to listen to offers for either a stake in the Premier League giants or an outright purchase.
The Daily Mail, a Qatar-based investment group will bid for Man Utd.
And that could lead to the Theatre of Dreams having a “state-of-the-art” refurd.
The Mail states: “United’s owners are seeking more than £6 billion for the club, and there is the prospect of another huge bill to redevelop Old Trafford, or knock down the iconic venue and build a new state-of-the-art facility.
“Such a project could cost more than £2bn, but that would not be a problem for the Qatari group.”
- Henry Tomlinson
Trippier on facing Rashford
Kieran Trippier will come face to face with England team-mate when Newcastle take on Manchester United in the Carabao Cup final this month.
The defender admitted that it is going to be a tough match-up but he knows what he has to do.
Trippier told the Rio Ferdinand Presents FIVE YouTube channel: "Yeah, it's gonna be important. It's about the areas of the pitch where I can get tight, when I can stand off.
"But I can't be worried about him, I need to make him chase me going back to his goal.
"I need to be on the front foot, I need to be positive in my thinking about pushing back. I need to keep him pinned back as much as I can so he's not a threat near our goal.
"That's going to be hard, that's going to be difficult, but I'll do everything I can to make him follow me and track me back."
Credit: Reuters
- Henry Tomlinson
Ten Hag has 'faith' in forward
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has revealed that while Anthony Martial is not always available, he is putting in the work to be fit.
He said: “He is not always available, but also I see the other side when he is available.
“He was never 100 per cent this season but he had a big impact every time he is available, even when he is at 80, 85, 90 per cent. So we do everything and Anthony Martial is doing everything.
“I think he is the player who has spent the most hours at Carrington this season, to return to recover, to get back. It is really a pity for him that he is disappointed.
“He is not always available and we want him to be always available because that will improve our game and because routines can’t become routines when you are not always available.”
Credit: AP - Henry Tomlinson
Sancho in plans
Erik ten Hag has also revealed that he was planning on using Jadon Sancho against Crystal Palace but his plan was stopped as Casemiro was sent off.
He said: “We saw last week that he came in and did really well.
“It was also a pity, but one of the consequences of Casemiro's sending-off is that I couldn’t bring him on because we had to make other subs.
“I planned to bring him on, so that was also a setback for him, but we were very happy with the win over Palace. It shows the good spirit in the team and gives the team more motivation and confidence, but it was bad in a lot of other aspects.”
- Henry Tomlinson
Kane urged to reject Red Devils
Manchester United transfer target Harry Kane has been told to reject a move to the club by Danny Murphy.
The former Liverpool player suggested that Kane, 29, does not have enough time in his career left to join a "building" United.
Instead, Murphy reckons the Tottenham star should opt for Bayern Munich if possible.
He wrote in the Daily Mail: "If Bayern Munich come calling this summer, he should go. It would be hugely sad if a player of his quality finished [his career] without winning a trophy. It’s something he himself would regret after retirement.
"He turns 30 this summer, it’s getting to that now-or-never stage – but it shows how good his form is that one of the biggest clubs in Europe are still interested.
I"’m sure Kane will get other offers. Manchester United have been mentioned, but he hasn’t got time to be part of a team that is building. If he was going to leave, it would be primarily to win trophies from the get-go, which would make Bayern his best option."
- Henry Tomlinson
United 'in Qatari bid
Qataris are in the running to buy Manchester United and are set to launch a takeover bid in DAYS.
The Glazers revealed in November that they were willing to listen to offers for either a stake in the Premier League giants or an outright purchase.
A number of parties have expressed an interest in buying United, which could be purchased for a world-record price for a sports franchise at close to, or above, £6billion.
Interest comes from the Far East, Middle East and United States with Raines Group, the merchant bank tasked with the sale.
British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who happens to be a Man Utd fan, is also keen.
But according to the Daily Mail, a Qatar-based investment group will bid for Man Utd.
The report states that "a group of private, high-wealth individuals based in the oil-rich state, buoyed by Qatar’s hosting of the World Cup, have set their sights on" the Old Trafford club.
An offer is expected to be made in the coming days ahead of the mid-February deadline set by the Glazers.
- Henry Tomlinson
Barce 'consider' Fati sale
Barcelona are reportedly considering cashing in on Manchester United target Ansu Fati this summer.
The LaLiga giants don't want to sell the winger, but if he wants to leave the club they would not "stand in his way", according to Sport.
Fati was highly rated at the club as he came through the ranks, but injuries have curtailed his progress.
Credit: AFP - Henry Tomlinson
Trippier picks Rice over Red Devil
Kieran Trippier has admitted that he would rather have Declan Rice in his side over Casemiro.
When asked to pick between the two, Trippier told the Vibe with Five podcast: “Declan – Declan’s unbelievable.
“I don’t know if you watched the game the other day when we played West Ham, but just his intelligence, the way he breaks up play and how he travels with it, and how powerful he is.
“Unbelievable, probably one of the best in the world at what he does.
“As defenders like me or yourself, you appreciate a Michael Carrick, or what Declan does.
“So it makes your job easier when they’re just mopping everything up.
“Don’t get me wrong, Casemiro, the trophies he’s won, the Champions Leagues, he’s a world-class player, but if you’re talking right now, Dec’s incredible.”
Credit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
- Henry Tomlinson
Ex-Blue seen as 'back-up option'
Manchester United are reportedly considering a swoop for former Chelsea star Tammy Abraham.
The Red Devils could make a move for the current Roma striker should they fail with moves for other targets, according to CaughtOffside.
The club's top targets are believed to be Harry Kane and Victor Osimhen.
Credit: Getty - Henry Tomlinson
United target value rises
Manchester United target Victor Osimhen has been valued at €300million (£267m) by Naples media.
The striker is hotly tipped for a blockbuster move this summer, with the Red Devils heavily linked with him.
His form his season has helped Napoli to the top of Serie A and he is the league's top scorer.
And reporter Paolo de Paola has put him on the same level as PSG star Kylian Mbappe.
Paolo de Paola told Radio Punto Novo, via Tutto Napoli: "Osimhen is worth at least €300m!
"I don’t see any huge differences between him and Mbappé.
"On the contrary, Osimhen places himself more at the disposal of the team and his teammates."
- Henry Tomlinson
More from Yorke
He added: "These fringe players have to stand up… it’s why you have such big squads.
"You can’t rely on one player all season.
"There has to be depth in quality, otherwise what are you getting paid for?
"I hope the players recognise that, and I hope Ten Hag can trust his players.
"This is their moment. He needs them now."
Credit: Getty - Henry Tomlinson
Yorke urges duo to take chance
Manchester United legend Dwight York is hoping duo Scott McTominay and Fred can make the most of their chances following Casemiro's suspension.
He told Ladbrokes: Fanzone: "It’s harsh on his [Casemiro’s] teammates, because we all know what he brings to the table, and they’re a much better side with him involved.
"It’ll be a massive loss for them, but this is where the top teams are tested; you need players to come in and do the job while he’s out.
"For the likes of Scott McTominay and Fred, their job right now is simple: they’ve got to stand up now, and earn their money. You’ve got to come in when the team needs you.
"Erik ten Hag needs to pull those players aside and just stress how much he needs them in Casemiro’s absence. That’s where you get team unity, when the boys sitting on the bench can come in and do a job. Help the team."
- Henry Tomlinson
Busquets to miss United clash
Barcelona star Sergio Busquets is set to miss the Europa League clash against Manchester United.
The midfielder is believed to have been ruled out for two to three weeks after picking up a knock against Sevilla in LaLiga.
Credit: AFP - Henry Tomlinson
Why United vs Leeds is not on TV
Manchester United's rescheduled match against Leeds United will not be on TV in the UK tomorrow, causing some confusion to fans.
The game was originally set for September 18, but will now be played tomorrow at 8pm.
But it will not be televised, like the fixture on Sunday between the two clubs.
But as the original game was not picked for broadcast, the rescheduled game can not be either.
- Henry Tomlinson
More on Greenwood
If higher-ups at Old Trafford do make the decision to fire Greenwood, his financial prospects would likely be severely impacted, even factoring in possible earnings in China.
For comparison, his teammate Marcus Rashford is reportedly set to re-sign with the club for up to £300,000 a week.
It comes after major sponsor Nike dropped Greenwood despite the allegations against him collapsing.
According to David Winnie, former professional footballer and head of the sports law department at Blaser Mills solicitors, the loss of sponsors could see the striker lose "millions" in possible earnings.
David told The Sun Online: "The financial benefits [of the sponsorship deal] would have been significant given how far he came in his career.
"Prior to the charges he was good for sponsors…[but] now there's a residual stigma for brands."
He added that major brands "probably wouldn't want to be associated" with Greenwood "if or until his career picks back up again" and that they will be "slow to connect with him again".
Credit: Getty - Henry Tomlinson
Greenwood's 'new earnings'
Mason Greenwood's potential new salary has been revealed as the suspended Manchester United star eyes a major career change.
The Bradford-born ace is considering a move to China to continue as a player if United axe him over sex attack claims.
If that transfer was made, he could earn up to £2.7m a year, which is the maximum allowed for foreign players in the Chinese Super League under a salary cap imposed by the country's FA last March.
This works out at about £50,000 a week for a full season.
Charges of attempted rape, assault and coercive control against Greenwood, 21, were dropped earlier this month after several key witnesses withdrew.
However, he remains suspended while the club carry out an internal investigation.
- Henry Tomlinson
Ten Hag laughs off fine shout
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag apologised to reporters after he arrived late for a press conference.
The Dutchman has made a particular point about discipline and being late already this season – dropping Marcus Rashford after he missed a team meeting due to oversleeping.
However, this time it was the United gaffer who failed to live up to his own high standards as he was late to his own press conference ahead of the clash against Leeds.
Ten Hag kicked off his presser with an apology and an explanation for his lateness.
He said: "I want to apologise [that] I am late.
"I had to do a procedure for the Visa and there was a technical problem, so that's why I'm late."
A reporter jokingly asked whether he would be handed a fine as a result, with the United boss casting a smile before replying: "Fine? No, it's not a fine.
"(Laughing) I could do nothing about it.
"That's why [Visa]. So it was important… No, no [is it not a story], it was a technical problem."
Credit: Sky Sports – Twitter - Henry Tomlinson
United 'won't catch Arsenal'
Manchester United have been tipped to fall short in the Premier League title race by Jason Cundy.
United are eight points short of the Gunners and would need to put together a winning run in order to catch the North London outfit.
The talkSPORT pundit said: “Manchester United can’t go on a run, they are not brilliant.
“Arsenal are the best club in the country and the league table will tell you that.
“They are the most balanced, in my opinion, the best side to get the balance between defence and attack right.”
- Henry Tomlinson
Ten Hag refuses City comment
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has refused to comment on the current issues amid charges of rule breaches.
When asked about the cross-city rival's situation, he remained focused on his own team's clash with Leeds.
He said: “I’m not here for regulations. I’m a football manager so I’ll stick to that.”
"It's about the match of the Roses", he added
"It's definitely a big game in this part of England, it's a big game for us. We know we have Manchester City and Liverpool, but for our fans this means so much.
"Our players are aware of that and know what to do.
"I'm really happy with the process at home.
"It's great to have that connection at Old Trafford, but when we play away a lot of fans are following us."
- Henry Tomlinson
United squad announced
Manchester United have announced the club's squad for the Europe League clash against Barcelona.
There are spots for January signings Wout Weghorst, Jack Butland and Marcel Sabitzer.
Goalkeepers: David De Gea, Jack Butland, Tom Heaton.
Defenders: Diogo Dalot, Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire, Tyrell Malacia, Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, Raphael Varane, Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
Midfielders: Casemiro, Christian Eriksen, Bruno Fernandes, Fred, Scott McTominay, Marcel Sabitzer, Donny van de Beek.
Forwards: Antony, Alejandro Garnacho, Anthony Martial, Facundo Pellistri, Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Wout Weghorst.
- Henry Tomlinson
United 'keeping tabs' on forward
Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing Eintracht Frankfurt star Randal Kolo Muani.
The Red Devils are joined by Liverpool and Bayern Munich in the race to sign the French international, according to L'Equipe.
The report suggests that the Bundesliga side wants up to £89million to let him leave the club.
Credit: Reuters - Henry Tomlinson
United in 'pole position' for strike
Manchester United are reportedly at the head of the queue to sign Napoli star Victor Osimhen.
Naples based outlet, Il Mattino, has reported that the Red Devils are ahead of Chelsea in the race to sign the Serie A hot-shot.
It claims that the club have got into the position by holding off on a move during the winter window and instead make a move in the summer.
Credit: Reuters - Henry Tomlinson
Shoretire earns praise
Manchester United youngster Shola Shoretire has already impressed during his loan spell at Bolton.
The 19-year-old joined the club on loan in January and is already getting plaudits.
Ex-EFL striker Sam Parkin told the What the EFL Podcast: “He’s a top player as you would expect from that academy, that game understanding, the awareness, the variety of positions that he’s played already.
“He’s played in a two and played in the ten at the weekend behind (Dion) Charles and (Victor) Adeboyejo.”
Credit: Alamy - Henry Tomlinson
Fred 'excited' for Leeds
Man United midfielder Fred has revealed that he considers fixtures against Leeds as a "classico".
He told club media: "Games against Leeds are another 'classico' of English football, a really important derby.
"Whenever we come up against them, everyone's talking about it in the week leading up to the game.
"Scoring in this fixture is great, a wonderful feeling seeing the fans jumping, you can feel their excitement.
"It's really satisfying scoring in these games, as I've said before, I hope to score more of these goals."
Credit: AP
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