Man Utd takeover LIVE - Sheikh Jassim and Ratcliffe await final Glazer decision

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Opinion: Man Utd should sign Messi

Considering Manchester United are reported to have some sort of ‘Ronaldo Rule’ that will prevent any one player earning considerably more than anyone else, the chances of Lionel Messi rocking up at Old Trafford would appear to be slim and none.

And to paraphrase a favourite saying of boxing promoter Don King, slim is packing his bags and leaving town. Even if the ‘Ronaldo Rule’ proves to be extremely flexible, Messi could probably earn as much in Saudi Arabia in a month than he could at United in a year.

And it is quite obvious that money matters to Messi - if you have any doubt, check out his portfolio of commercial deals. There is not much Messi won’t put his name to if it means more millions.

Read more here.

ICYMI: Where we stand

There are two groups bidding to complete a full takeover: Sheikh Jassim and Sir Jim Ratcliffe. The Qatari group is trying to buy 100 per cent of the club, while INEOS wants to buy the Glazers' 69 per cent stake.

Then there are at least three groups who want to buy a minority share. They are Elliott Management, The Carlyle Group and Ares Management.

Murtough proven right in Ten Hag row

Former Manchester United target Sergino Dest looks to be on the move this summer after seeing a switch to Old Trafford cancelled at boardroom level.

The American defender was previously targeted by current Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag. He was keen to be reunited with the right-back at United after previously coaching him at Ajax.

Marcus Rashford makes tongue-in-cheek joke after being dropped by Erik ten Hag

Dest was on the move last summer but not to Old Trafford. He penned a season-long loan deal with Italian giants AC Milan but has struggled for minutes with just 14 starts throughout the season - just four of which have been starts for his adoptive employers.

Click here to read the full story...

Tottenham's Man Utd dilemma

Tottenham are set to hold further talks with Julian Nagelsmann, with the German coach interested in succeeding Antonio Conte.

The north Londoners want to appoint the former Bayern Munich boss, 35, as a show of their ambition - and Nagelsmann is interested. But he is understood to want clarity over Harry Kane's position - as well as assurances over transfers, the level of squad investment and overhauling the squad.

Manchester United are interested in England captain Kane.

Click here to read the full story...

Man Utd fans slammed as "entitled"

Simon Jordan has slammed Manchester United fans as self-entitled and “detached from reality” while defending the Glazers.

“The behaviour of certain Manchester United fans regarding the imminent takeover beggars belief – they embody the new generation of entitlement,” he wrote for the Daily Mail. “Their hypocrisy and double standards are so steeped in a lack of self-awareness that it borders on the staggering.”

Read more here.

Osimhen addresses rumours

Victor Osimhen helped Napoli win Serie A last night - their first title in 33 years.

He's been in red-hot form this season and Manchester United are among those interested in his services.

Read what he had to say on transfer rumours here.

Sheringham's verdict

Teddy Sheringham has shared his thoughts on Casemiro, Lisandro Martinez and Antony - almost a year on since the trio joined Manchester United.

Erik ten Hag revamped his United squad last summer after arriving from Ajax. He spent £200million on new signings, with Casemiro, Lisandro Martinez and Antony the most expensive. Tyrell Malacia, Martin Dubravka and Christian Eriksen also made the move to the Red Devils.

This also meant there was some outgoings. Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard and Edinson Cavani were amongst those to depart on free transfers, while United managed to get small fees for Andreas Pereira and Tanith Chong. Dean Henderson, Alex Telles and Amad Diallo all departed on loan.

Read more here.

Ten Hag uses £141m tactic again

Erik ten Hag wants to sign Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen this summer.

The Manchester United manager has enjoyed a stellar first season at Old Trafford after arriving from Ajax a year ago. His team are fourth in the Premier League table, four points ahead of Liverpool in fifth with a game in hand. They also won the Carabao Cup in February and will face Manchester City in the FA Cup final on June 3.

Yet Ten Hag will be thinking about the upcoming transfer window. He has already spent £141million to bring in Tyrell Malacia, Lisandro Martinez and Antony from the Dutch market. Although Frimpong plays in Germany, he is a Netherlands U21 international.

Click here to read the full story...

Ten Hag in the dark

The sooner a takeover is completed, the better for Erik ten Hag.

He admitted this week he has no idea how much money he has to spend on strengthening his Manchester United squad this summer, due to the takeover saga.

“I think it’s clear what I want, but it’s not up to me," he said. "It’s about others in this club. The family are the owners, they make the decisions, it’s not up to me. I do everything I can and I influence the processes that I’m in charge of."

Read the full quotes here.

Glazers keeping everyone waiting

It has been seven days since the third deadline for bids - and 164 since they first announce they were "exploring strategic alternatives" for the club - and the Glazers continue to take their time.

Bidders have grown frustrated over the past few months with the sluggish nature of progress, but - unlike Chelsea last year - there isn't much rush to get things done, from their perspective at least.

While the club could do with some certainty going into the off-season, when Erik ten Hag will be hoping for backing in the transfer window, the Glazers' main priority - now as ever - is financial. They want to make sure they get the decision right.

Sheikh Jassim has no transfer targets in mind

As Sheikh Jassim awaits a response from Manchester United following his takeover bid, Sky Sports reports that the Qatari’s team have not yet drawn up plans for the summer transfer window.

Erik ten Hag is keen to overhaul his squad with a number of signings planned including a new striker.

But Sheikh Jassim’s representatives have not drawn up a list of potential targets at this stage.

Sheikh Jassim and Sir Jim Ratcliffe await a response

A week on from submitting their third and final bids to buy Manchester United, and Sheikh Jassim and Sir Jim Ratcliffe are still waiting to be contacted.

But Sky Sports News reporter Kaveh Solhekol has revealed: "Sheikh Jassim is still waiting to hear back from Raine, the bank who have been appointed by the Glazer family to sell all or part of Manchester United. Five months into the process, and five weeks until the transfer window opens, there has only been one bid to buy the club in full which is from the Qataris."

The clock continues to tick.....

READ THE FULL STORY HERE.

Souness signs off with a 'boiling' jibe at United legend

Graeme Souness has left his role as a oundit on Sky Sports, with little doubt over his favourite game this season - Liverpool's 7-0 win over Manchester United.

Others in the studio weren't so jovial though.

He said on Up Front with Simon Jordan : "I think Roy [Keane] was boiling inside but took it gracefully, he knew his team were miserable and Gary [Neville] chose to see it that Man United weren't that bad and Liverpool weren't that good."

Those fiery exchanges will be missed.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE.

Moyes heaps praise on Man United manager ahead of Sunday's clash

West Ham manager David Moyes has also been addressing the media, and has praised the man who will be in the away dugout on Sunday.

"He’s approached it in a good way," he said, when asked about Erik Ten hag. "He’s had a good response and it looks like he’s getting Manchester United closer to where they want to be."

Moyes also revealed that captain Declan Rice, centre-back Nayef Aguerd and midfielder Tomas Soucek, all of whom missed the defeat at Man City with a virus, should be fit. But illness is still affecting his squad: "One other player was sent home this morning and another who just said he didn't feel so good," he said.

Ten Hag hoping for a key return for West Ham

(AFP via Getty Images)

Manchester United are likely to have largely the same squad at West Ham United on Sunday as they did at Brighton, but Erik ten Hag is hoping to have one player back.

Alejandro Garnacho, who has been absent for United’s last 12 games in all competitions after suffering an ankle injury at Southampton, has been touted for a possible return.

"No, I think it will be the same squad,” Ten Hag told the media today, when asked if he was planning on changes. “Maybe one player: Garnacho. I have to see. Maybe he can be involved but we will have to see how the progress can go.”

Ten Hag fears over missing out on top four

Qualification for the Champions League is still in Man United's hands, with the Red Devils four points clear of fifth placed Liverpool with a game in hand.

But after the defeat to Brighton, Ten Hag has warned that it is "vital" the team doesn't capitulate and miss out on Europe's elite competition.

“Manchester United need to be there in the Champions League. We want to be there because we want to challenge the best teams in the world so we do everything in our power to get that done," he said.

“I think it is always vital that we have to be in the Champions League. It is a battle because many teams and clubs in the Premier League are competing for it and they have the power to fight for that as well. We want to be there and will do everything to get there."

READ THE FULL STORY HERE.

Former United man Ronaldo urged to re-join Real Madrid

(AFP via Getty Images)

Safe to say it has not gone swimmingly for Cristiano Ronaldo since he left Man United for the Saudi Super League.

His side Al-Nassr have seen their lead at the top of the Saudi Arabian top division slip away in recent weeks after Ronaldo completed a stunning move to the club in January. They currently languish three points off league leaders Al-Ittihad, who lost their game on hand at the top on Thursday.

Urging to him to head back to Real Madrid, Brazilian legend Rivaldo has said: "I understand that sometimes the players are tricked by the big contract they sign in Saudi Arabia. But then life there is further away and your football may not always be as easy as expected."

READ THE FULL STORY HERE.

Weghorst won't be offered a deal at Old Trafford

Man United manager Erik ten Hag won't be offering Wout Weghorst a permanent deal at Old Trafford after growing frustrated over his lack of goals since signing in January.

Eyebrows were raised when the Dutch striker arrived on loan, despite his impressive World Cup cameo where he scored twice in a quarter final defeat against Argentina. But billed as a short-term replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo, the 30-year-old has struggled to make an impact at United.

Just two goals in 26 games in all appearances have made up Ten Hag's mind for him, it seems.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE.

Glazers keeping everyone waiting

It has been seven days since the third deadline for bids - and 164 since they first announce they were "exploring strategic alternatives" for the club - and the Glazers continue to take their time.

Bidders have grown frustrated over the past few months with the sluggish nature of progress, but - unlike Chelsea last year - there isn't much rush to get things done, from their perspective at least.

While the club could do with some certainty going into the off-season, when Erik ten Hag will be hoping for backing in the transfer window, the Glazers' main priority - now as ever - is financial. They want to make sure they get the decision right.

Sheringham's verdict

Teddy Sheringham has shared his thoughts on Casemiro, Lisandro Martinez and Antony - almost a year on since the trio joined Manchester United.

Erik ten Hag revamped his United squad last summer after arriving from Ajax. He spent £200million on new signings, with Casemiro, Lisandro Martinez and Antony the most expensive. Tyrell Malacia, Martin Dubravka and Christian Eriksen also made the move to the Red Devils.

This also meant there was some outgoings. Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard and Edinson Cavani were amongst those to depart on free transfers, while United managed to get small fees for Andreas Pereira and Tanith Chong. Dean Henderson, Alex Telles and Amad Diallo all departed on loan.

Read more here.

Osimhen addresses Man Utd rumours

Victor Osimhen helped Napoli win Serie A last night - their first title in 33 years.

He's been in red-hot form this season and Manchester United are among those interested in his services.

Read what he had to say on transfer rumours here.

Opinion: Man Utd should sign Messi

Considering Manchester United are reported to have some sort of ‘Ronaldo Rule’ that will prevent any one player earning considerably more than anyone else, the chances of Lionel Messi rocking up at Old Trafford would appear to be slim and none.

And to paraphrase a favourite saying of boxing promoter Don King, slim is packing his bags and leaving town. Even if the ‘Ronaldo Rule’ proves to be extremely flexible, Messi could probably earn as much in Saudi Arabia in a month than he could at United in a year.

And it is quite obvious that money matters to Messi - if you have any doubt, check out his portfolio of commercial deals. There is not much Messi won’t put his name to if it means more millions.

Read more here.

Man Utd's weakness obvious

A last-gasp 99th minute penalty from Alexis Mac Allister earned Brighton a 1-0 win over Manchester United on Thursday, with the result further highlighting one of United's biggest weaknesses this season.

United have a woeful record when travelling to face the other top nine Premier League teams, having picked up just a solitary point in eight fixtures. They have also conceded a whopping 28 times in those games, only scoring eight goals themselves.

United were thumped 6-3 by Manchester City at the Etihad back in October and then utterly thrashed 7-0 by Liverpool at Anfield in March. Brentford also put four past United in manager Erik ten Hag's first away game in charge last August.

Read more here.

Man Utd fans slammed as "entitled"

Simon Jordan has slammed Manchester United fans as self-entitled and “detached from reality” while defending the Glazers.

“The behaviour of certain Manchester United fans regarding the imminent takeover beggars belief – they embody the new generation of entitlement,” he wrote for the Daily Mail. “Their hypocrisy and double standards are so steeped in a lack of self-awareness that it borders on the staggering.”

Read more here.

Clock is ticking

As we've seen below, Erik ten Hag is desperate for some clarity on who will own the club in the summer.

The Manchester United boss and his colleagues are trying to put together a shortlist of targets for the transfer window, but they currently don't know how much they will have to spend.

The Glazers know the clock is ticking because the longer the process drags on, the more damage could be done to the club.

Ten Hag in the dark

The sooner a takeover is completed, the better for Erik ten Hag.

He admitted this week he has no idea how much money he has to spend on strengthening his Manchester United squad this summer, due to the takeover saga.

“I think it’s clear what I want, but it’s not up to me," he said. "It’s about others in this club. The family are the owners, they make the decisions, it’s not up to me. I do everything I can and I influence the processes that I’m in charge of."

Read the full quotes here.

Could the Glazers stay?

It's the million dollar question at the moment.

Sir Jim Ratclife has reportedly included the option for Avram and Joel Glazer to retain a say in how Manchester United is run, via a minority stake.

That would be massively unpopular with United fans, who are desperate to see the back of the Glazers.

Another alternative that would see the American billionaires stay is if they opt to sell a minority stake to one of the investment groups.

Where we stand

There are two groups bidding to complete a full takeover: Sheikh Jassim and Sir Jim Ratcliffe. The Qatari group is trying to buy 100 per cent of the club, while INEOS wants to buy the Glazers' 69 per cent stake.

Then there are at least three groups who want to buy a minority share. They are Elliott Management, The Carlyle Group and Ares Management.

Decision time?

It has now been seven days since the third - and final - deadline passed for bids.

Reports at the time suggested that the Glazers and Raine Group would take around 10 days to name a preferred bidder, who would then be granted a period of exclusivity to negotiate a deal.

We may be approaching a decision.