SIR Jim Ratcliffe's proposed deal to buy a 25 per cent stake in Manchester United may not be completed in time for the opening of the January transfer window, according to reports.
The British billionaire is expected to pay £1.4bn for a quarter stake in the club, which would reportedly give his company, INEOS, control over footballing operations at Old Trafford.
Meanwhile, United have been dealt a triple boost ahead of their trip to Sheffield United tonight.
Boss Erik ten Hag has revealed Raphael Varane, Sergio Reguilon and Sofyan Amrabat are all fit and in contention to face the Blades.
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Follow ALL of the latest from Old Trafford below…
- By Emillia Hawkins
Match Day
Good Morning, United fans!
The Red Devils face Sheffield United away at Bramall Lane this evening.
Erik ten Hag's side will be expecting nothing less than a win against the team bottom of the Premier League table.
- By Ian Tuckey
Varane better than Saliba
Manchester United’s Raphael Varane is among four Prem rivals reeled off by William Gallas as better than William Saliba.
Former Arsenal, Spurs and Chelsea defender Gallas told Lord Ping: “Thiago Silva comes to mind when thinking about truly world-class defenders.
“He was great in the past, and he’s great now, even at his age. I also like Josko Gvardiol, and he’s a great example of a player who adapted to a new system straight away.
“Look at how he plays now compared to how he played at RB Leipzig – the way he’s adapted is unbelievable and he’s a world-class defender.
“There’s also Raphael Varane. He may not be at his best at the moment, but what he’s achieved speaks for itself.
“Virgil van Dijk is great, too, even if he’s not quite been the same since his injury. He was top-class back then, but he’s making some mistakes now. He’s not perfect, but he’s still very good.”
- By Ian Tuckey
By Heck! Hojlund warned about Blades
Rasmus Hojlund has been warned to expect more ‘hurt’ at Bramall Lane.
But the Manchester United striker, 20, does not need to brace himself for another battering like the one he took from San Marino.
The £64million signing claimed he was targeted during Denmark’s Euro 24 qualifier on Tuesday — with Danish skipper Simon Kjaer insisting he heard San Marino’s part-timers telling each other to ‘go for Hojlund’s knees’.
Hojlund hopes to recover from a nasty knock to the back suffered before he was taken off during the stormy 2-1 win to lead the line at Sheffield United.
But Blades boss Paul Heckingbottom hopes to cause the United star pain of a different kind tonight as his side look to kick-start their campaign with a first win.
Heckingbottom said: “Hojlund has looked the part and is an exciting addition to the league. He works hard and has got pace and power and that desire to get in the box to score a goal. He’s really impressed me so far.
“It’s not just about him and, similar to Manchester City, they have got moments in them as a team to take the game away from you. Concentration will be key, but at the same time it’s also about us trying to hurt them.”
- By Ian Tuckey
Bruno's where he'll end up
Erik ten Hag rates Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes a “very good right winger” – in a hint at a new role for the No10.
The Red Devils have been beset by injuries – plus the sagas over Mason Greenwood, now on loan at Getafe, and outcast England winger Jadon Sancho.
And Ten Hag said: “As a squad, in periods of the season, you have to deal with certain situations like injuries, at full-back and right wing in last couple of games.
“Bruno is a very good right winger as well. He has his freedom there, playing not typical but coming inside more, the 10 role and always you want to use a player like this.
“He’s a player that creates one of the most chances in all of the games.”
- By Ian Tuckey
Prem eye Xmas Eve game
Premier League bosses are pondering having a match on Christmas Eve for the first time in nearly 30 years.
Chelsea’s trip to Wolves, initially scheduled for December 23, is understood to be the game under discussion.
Sky Sports are believed to be pushing for a match on the day before Christmas to be part of their festive TV offer to fans.
It would be the first time a top flight game has been played on December 24 since Leeds beat Manchester United 3-1 at Elland Road in 1995.
But the idea has already brought a backlash from Chelsea fans and supporters of the Molineux outfit.
Chelsea’s recent decision to end the subsidy for fans travelling to away matches has added to the frustration of Blues fans.
And there is also the likelihood of pushback from West Midlands Police ahead of a night when their resources are likely to be stretched thin patrolling the streets and ensuring revellers are safe.
Prem bosses were due to announce the full list of December and January fixture switches on Friday.
Instead the League only announced the seven matches moved from the 3pm Saturday slot on December 2, which include Manchester United fans facing ANOTHER 8pm away match, this time at Newcastle.
- By Ian Tuckey
Have a Devil of a chat
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Well, you can by joining the WhatsApp channel via this link to keep up to date with all the goings on at Old Trafford.
- By Ian Tuckey
Ratcliffe 'first step' towards restoring Utd glory
Sir Jim Ratcliffe buying 25% of United would be the first step to helping the club compete with Man City and Liverpool on and off the field.
So says ex-Old Trafford striker Dwight Yorke, who reckons the Red Devils should ultimately be competing to recruit the world's best players like Kylian Mbappe.
Yorke told Stocklytics of Ratcliffe's expected investment: "At least that's a quarter of the club in the right direction!
"It may not have full control, but it gives Ratcliffe enough to get the club to a certain standard. You need to win the domestic league to start attracting the best players, and if we don't do that, we can forget about Mbappe right now. You have to win and show intent to compete against City and Liverpool.
"I think Man United has always had the pulling power to attract players like Mbappe, but the success on the pitch in recent years hasn't been able to back that up, and that's why United are struggling to attract the best players in the world."
But Yorke believes Sheikh Jassim taking over United could also have transformed the club – but instead the banker withdrew his interest..
He added: "Manchester City have been able to attract the world's best players due to their success. There are no two ways about the Qataris – their promises to eliminate the debt and put money into the squad would have been major for the club.
They had the intention to develop the stadium and training ground, too, and that's the way I would have liked to see the club go. However, it's not turned out that way as the Glazers decided against it. They want full control."
Rasmus told to expect Bramall Pain
Rasmus Hojlund has been warned to expect more ‘hurt’ at Bramall Lane.
But the Manchester United striker, 20, does not need to brace himself for another battering like the one he took from San Marino.
The £64million signing claimed he was targeted during Denmark’s Euro 24 qualifier on Tuesday — with Danish skipper Simon Kjaer insisting he heard San Marino’s part-timers telling each other to ‘go for Hojlund’s knees’.
Hojlund hopes to recover from a nasty knock to the back suffered before he was taken off during the stormy 2-1 win to lead the line at Sheffield United.
But Blades boss Paul Heckingbottom hopes to cause the United star pain of a different kind tonight as his side look to kick-start their campaign with a first win.
Heckingbottom said: “Hojlund has looked the part and is an exciting addition to the league. He works hard and has got pace and power and that desire to get in the box to score a goal. He’s really impressed me so far.
“It’s not just about him and, similar to Manchester City, they have got moments in them as a team to take the game away from you. Concentration will be key, but at the same time it’s also about us trying to hurt them.”
- By Ian Tuckey
Hojlund doing better than Ronaldo was!
Dwight Yorke admits Rasmus Hojlund was a £64million mystery to him – but reckons the frontman is doing better at United than Ronaldod did last year!
Old Trafford strike legend Yorke reckons summer recruit Hojlund has already surpassed the Red Devils' forward options of last season.
The former Aston Villa hero told Stocklytics: "I have to be totally brutal and say I don't know much about Hojlund as he's never been on the radar and he's come out of nowhere.
"Nobody was searching him until he arrived! He certainly has potential, I get that, and him playing at this level already was something I couldn't see happening.
"The fact he's got three goals to his name is a real positive and I like what I've seen so far. He's better than what United had last year, and I'd certainly take him over what was on offer last year."
Ronaldo departed for Saudi club Al-Nassr last December after an unhappy return to United
And Yorke knows – so early in his career – Hojlund is far from emulating the long-term impact of such legends.
He added of the Dane: "He'll find it difficult in this league, particularly as he's doing it in a side who aren't playing particularly well.
"I wouldn't say he was someone who excited me off my seat and got me saying 'Wow, this kid is amazing'. It'll take time and he's still relatively young at 20. He's done extremely well so far, though."
- By Ian Tuckey
Have a Devil of a chat
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Well, you can by joining the WhatsApp channel via this link to keep up to date with all the goings on at Old Trafford.
- By Ian Tuckey
Red Devils urged to sign 'Haaland replacement'
United could target Borussia Dortmund striker Youssoufa Moukoko – who has been linked with Man City as a long-term replacement for Erling Haaland.
Bild suggest that the twice-capped Germany star, 18, is itching to move on – as he struggles for Bundesliga game-time this season.
And it's claimed Sir Jim Ratcliffe might be keen to nick Moukoko if the Ineos owner lands a 25% share in United.
Ratcliffe wants the Red Devils to target younger players.
But Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl has scotched talk of a transfer.
Kehl said: “Neither the club nor Youssoufa are thinking about the January transfer window now.
“Of course he hopes for more playing time, but the squad is very big, there are many other players who would also like more playing time.
"As for Youssoufa, I can say that he accepts it 100 per cent, that he puts in the effort in training and that he works hard on himself.
"We will still need him. We believe in him too.”
- By Ian Tuckey
Said Devils
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- By Joshua Hall
May the Borth be with Man U
Impressing a Champions League-winning manager is no guarantee of success.
Louis van Gaal was wowed by Cameron Borthwick-Jackson during his time at Manchester United, but the Englishman's career has failed to kick on since.
Speaking in 2015, Van Gaal said: "I have seen him once or twice and I have been impressed by him. I knew that Marouane Fellaini was injured, so I talked with Warren Joyce [Man Utd U21 coach] and asked what he had for me.
"I put Cameron in the line-up without any fear, and I have to say he did very well."
But disappointing loans with Wolves, Leeds Scunthorpe and Tranmere before a promising temporary spell with Oldham became a permanent move.
But after switching to Burton he was released this summer.
Now he's with Polish first division side Slask Wroclaw.
But so far this term the 26-year-old has played just ONE MINUTE of league football after coming on in a 1-1 draw with Gornik Zabrze.
- By Martin Lipton
The top-flight before Christmas
Prem chiefs are considering playing a match on Christmas Eve for the first time in nearly 30 years.
Chelsea’s trip to Wolves, initially scheduled for December 23, is understood to be the game under discussion.
Sky Sports are believed to be pushing for a match on the day before Christmas to be part of their festive TV offer to fans.
It would be the first time a top flight game has been played on December 24 since Leeds beat Manchester United 3-1 at Elland Road in 1995.
But the idea has already brought a backlash from Chelsea fans and supporters of the Molineux outfit.
Chelsea’s recent decision to end the subsidy for fans travelling to away matches has added to the frustration of Blues fans.
And there is also the likelihood of pushback from West Midlands Police ahead of a night when their resources are likely to be stretched thin patrolling the streets and ensuring revellers are safe.
Prem bosses were due to announce the full list of December and January fixture switches on Friday.
Instead the League only announced the seven matches moved from the 3pm Saturday slot on December 2, which include Manchester United fans facing ANOTHER 8pm away match, this time at Newcastle.
- By Joshua Hall
Love and 8 for angry Utd fans
United fans are fuming after being handed ANOTHER 8pm kick-off on a Saturday.
The Premier League announced a new batch of kick-off times after TV coverage was chosen for the start of December.
And Man Utd's trip to Tyneside to face Newcastle will be televised on TNT Sports in the UK on December 2.
It's not the first time that Erik ten Hag's side have been dealt the unusual kick off time either.
Their 1-0 win over Burnley took place at 8pm last month and they're set to face Sheffield United in the same timeslot this weekend.
It's safe to say the late kick off has left supporters of the Red Devils less than pleased.
Many took to social media to vent their frustrations at the Premier League's decision to give them the unwanted slot once again.
One wrote: "Another Saturday 8 o’clock!" While another simply added: "Joke."
- By Ian Tuckey
Utd's triple fitness boost
Boss Erik ten Hag has revealed Raphael Varane, Sergio Reguilon and Sofyan Amrabat are all fit for United's Prem trip to Sheffield United tomorrow night.
France central defender Varane missed the clash with Brentford on October 7 due to a niggle but has recovered after sitting out the international break.
And Spanish left-back Reguilon has shrugged off a hamstring issue.
- By Ian Tuckey
Ex-Utd ace shocked City haven't bid for Saka
Former Manchester United midfielder Kieran Richardson is stunned Prem champs City haven't yet bid for Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka.
But Gunners' fan Richardson is praying the "perfect fit" transfer never happens.
The eight-cap ex West Brom star, 38, is sure the 22-year-old is destined for greatness – as long as he's lucky with injuries
Richardson exclusively told Ladbrokes Fanzone: "This player is just an exceptional talent. I'm happy he's still at Arsenal, but surprised Man City still haven't come in for him yet.
"He's one of the best players in the Premier League. He's such an important part of this whole Arsenal set-up, he's a massive talent and he's got a great family behind him.
"I've spoken with his dad a few times in the past and he's just a very well-grounded young man. The world's his oyster. He does his thing on the pitch, but he does so much off it, too."
Richardson added: "I do feel like if he does leave the club, he'll go to City.
"Even though I don't want him to go, they've obviously lost a couple of players in the summer, Riyad Mahrez being one… it seems a perfect fit for Saka, if he wants it."
- By Ian Tuckey
Mount tipped to shine for United
Summer buy Mason Mount has been backed to transform his United fortunes in "the long run"- but first needs to shake off his injury woes.
Ex-Old Trafford defender Mikael Silvestre believes the England midfielder might still be suffering from his in-and-out final few months at Chelsea.
Silvestre told GGRecon: “I was very pleased with this move because he’s been playing in the Premier League for quite some time with Chelsea and he did a very good job for them.
“Unfortunately for him, his final few months at Stamford Bridge wouldn’t have gone the way he would have liked them to, but he’s still young and he’s an international player for England, so ultimately I believe he will be a good fit for Manchester United in the long run.
“In his first few months at Old Trafford, he’s not hit the ground running and he’s had to miss a couple of games through injury too.
"In football, you always have the opportunity to bounce back and he will be given the time he needs to to settle in, improve and get back to his very best.”
- By Ian Tuckey
Neves still on Red Devils' radar
Benfica midfielder Joao Neves, 19, is still tipped to be a major United target next summer.
However, the Portugal star, 19, is also being trailed by a string of other tob clubs.
Sky Sports’ Florian Plettenberg said: “Neves is a potential transfer target for Man Utd. Not in winter, but for summer – confirmed.
“More top clubs are monitoring the top talent from SL Benfica!”
- By Ian Tuckey
Neves still on Red Devils' radar
Benfica midfielder Joao Neves, 19, is still tipped to be a major United target next summer.
However, the Portugal star, 19, is also being trailed by a string of other tob clubs.
Sky Sports’ Florian Plettenberg said: “Neves is a potential transfer target for Man Utd. Not in winter, but for summer – confirmed.
“More top clubs are monitoring the top talent from SL Benfica!”
- By Ian Tuckey
Ten Hag hint over new role for Bruno
Erik ten Hag has hailed his Manchester United skipper Bruno Fernandes as a “very good right winger” – in a hint at a new role for the attacking midfielder.
The Red Devils have been beset by injuries – plus the sagas over Mason Greenwood, now on loan at Getafe, and outcast England winger Jadon Sancho.
And Ten Hag said: “As a squad, in periods of the season, you have to deal with certain situations like injuries, at full-back and right wing in last couple of games.
“Bruno is a very good right winger as well. He has his freedom there, playing not typical but coming inside more, the 10 role and always you want to use a player like this.
“He’s a player that creates one of the most chances in all of the games.”
- By Jack Figg
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- By Jack Figg
On the defence
Erik ten Hag has spoken out amid fan abuse aimed towards Harry Maguire.
He said: "I've not heard it [boos]. All of the fans were supportive for us against Brentford and the games before, I think we have a strong bond with our fans.
"I don't think Harry is booed. He doesn't deserve it. His performance against Brentford and for England he was very good."
Credit: Getty - By Jack Figg
On top form
Erik ten Hag has spoken out amid keeper Andre Onana's struggling form.
He said: "He knows, we know, he will do much better and as every player who's coming into the Premier League, you need an integration period but he has to step up.
"Big United keepers like Peter Schmeichel and David de Gea started not doomed and Andre knows that it is good to know a little bit from history.
"We live now, we live in the future and he has to make his future by giving better performances. I'm sure he will do.
"He showed it at Barcelona, Ajax, Inter Milan, he was in semi-final and final of Champions League, I'm sure he will give a great performance."
- By Jack Figg
Looking Jad-ed
Erik ten Hag refused to give an update on Jadon Sancho's club future.
It comes after Sancho was not included in squad photos as his feud with the Old Trafford manager rumbles on.
But Ten Hag said: "Everything has been said about him."
Credit: Getty
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