Man Utd takeover LIVE: Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s new bid CONFIRMED, Rashford EXCLUSIVE, Thomas Zilliacus latest

Camavinga blow

Man Utd look set to miss out on Eduardo Camavinga as Real Madrid open new contract talks with the midfielder.

The 20-year-old joined Real Madrid in 2021 for £26million as a long-term replacement for Casemiro.

Madrid want a reported £115million for the six-cap French international, with United willing to break their club record to sign him.

However, Los Blancos have made a bold move in their attempt to lock down Camavinga, which could jeopardise United chances of pinching the player.

According to The Athletic, the Spanish team have responded to United’s moves by offering the Frenchman a potential €1billion (£874million) release clause.

The new release clause would make it almost impossible for Ten Hag’s team to secure Camavinga, even with the sale of the club looming.

Ten Hag surprise

Erik ten Hag has surprised everyone in Holland, according to Ruud Gullit.

Gullit admitted during an interview with A Bola that he and everyone else back in Holland are impressed with how well the ex-Ajax man has done.

He said: “I’m surprised, we’re all surprised, with Erik ten Hag at Manchester United.

“The Dutch Eredivisie does not have the same levels of competitiveness as the Premier League, perhaps the most attractive championship in world football.

“But the truth is that he was able to impose a work philosophy and the playing formula he advocates.”

Andy Cole on United’s next striker

Manchester United legend Andy Cole has revealed who he thinks Manchester United should sign next.

The club have been linked with both Harry Kane and Victor Osimhen, but Cole has tippd United to sign Osimhen and build for the future in a similar way Manchester City have with Erling Haaland.

He told King Casino Bonus: “Harry Kane is 30 years old next season and Victor Osimhen is currently 24-years-old and he’s already done a lot at his age too.

“Italian football is difficult but there will be no doubts that he can adapt to the Premier League.

“If Manchester United want to pay £100m for a 24-year-old or a 30-year-old, you have to look at it in the long term.

“The only value Manchester United can get from Kane is if he can win them the Premier League.

“Meanwhile, Osimhen is near the same age as Erling Haaland and look what he’s doing at the moment.

“Everyone wants instant success, but that does not guarantee a bright future for the club.

“Look at Manchester City, they did not have instant success and look at them now. The players Pep Guardiola brought in were always young and he could still sell them for a decent price if he needed to.

“That’s what I think Manchester United should do because they have been caught too many times bringing in players for ridiculous fees and on ridiculous wages who have run down their contracts, I don’t think they can afford to be caught in that position again.”

Ronaldo ‘robbed’ of hat-trick

Cristiano Ronaldo was “robbed” of a hat-trick while playing for Portugal.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner was making his 197th appearance for his country and celebrated by bagging a brace against Liechtenstein in the Euro qualifiers.

It could – and should – have been an even better night for the former Manchester United star as he deserved to be awarded another goal.

In the 8th minute of the match, Man City’s on-loan star Joao Cancelo fired a shot goalwards.

The ball ricocheted off a defender and clipped Ronaldo’s heel on the way into the goal.

But the officials did not see the touch and the goal was awarded to Cancelo.

Berbatov on Mount rumours

Dimitar Berbatov has had his say on transfer rumours linking Mason Mount to Manchester United.

Speaking to Betfred, he said: “He’s a talent and I like to see young players making the next step and the next challenge of moving to a bigger club.

“He’s at a big club already, of course, but let’s say if Manchester United can’t sign Jude Bellingham, then why shouldn’t they sign Mason Mount?

“He has the talent and he has proven quality.

“At the end of the day, when you sign new players, you need to ask yourself whether you need them, where are they going to play and who’s not going to play as a result of a new player coming in.”

McTominay out the door

With the reported boost in the pursuit of Ruben Neves, Erik ten Hag is reportedly set to allow Scott McTominay to leave.

The Daily Telegraph have reported McTominay is attracted to the idea of a move to Newcastle.

This could mean Ten Hag will be able to upgrade his midfield with minimal effort.

In Wolves clothing

Wolves have set a £50million price tag on Manchester United target Ruben Neves.

Football Insider claim United, Liverpool and Barcelona all want to sign the Portugal international.

The midfielder’s contract at Wolves expires in 2024, and the club are expected to cash in on him in the summer.

This price could be cut further if Wolves are relegated at the end of the season.

Red-faced

Manchester United could launch a £100million bid for Atletico Madrid star Joao Felix, reports suggest.

Felix is currently on loan at Chelsea, and has impressed so far.

However, if the Blues decide not to make his switch permanent, United could come in with an offer according to AS, via football365.

The Red Devils are looking for a new frontman to bolster their attack, with Marcus Rashford being the only reliable goalscorer for the team this season.

Surprise package

Erik ten Hag has left his Manchester United squad “surprised” with his continued selection of Wout Weghorst, reports suggest.

According to GiveMeSport, the Dutchman’s insistence to use Weghorst at all times has come as a shock given the lack of goals he contributes to the team.

Weghorst has his uses, such as helping the ball to stick up front and bringing other attackers into play.

But with just two goals and assists to his name since joining his selection has been questioned.

Morning United fans

United expect to have at least two massive takeover bids in by tonight’s 9pm deadline.

Britain’s richest man Sir Jim Ratcliffe made an improved world-record £5billionn offer on Thursday.

And Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani is expected to match that.

US investment company Elliott have offered to buy a minority stake, no matter who ends up owning the club.

And Finnish entrepreneur Thomas Zilliacus says he will bid £3billion – but half of that must come from supporters.

He said: “Any club ultimately should belong to its fans. My bid is built on equality with fans.

“The current development, where billionaire sheiks and oligarchs take over clubs and control them as their personal playgrounds, is not a healthy trend.”

Meanwhile, Napoli are reportedly willing to sell striker Victor Osimhen – but only for around £115-£130million.

United are rated favourites to sign the Nigeria frontman ahead of PSG as talk of nabbing Harry Kane fades – at least for now.

Fourth-choice Old Trafford centre-back Victor Lindelor has suggested he might think over his future in the summer.

Finally, Red Devils’ fans on social media didn’t seem too unhappy Luke Shaw was sent off in England’s 2-1 win in Italy last night.

It means the left-back will be suspended for Sunday’s home Euro qualifier against Ukraine on Sunday – leaving him fresher for United’s return to Prem action at Newcastle on Sunday, April 2.

Red Devils’ fans happy with Luke seeing red

Luke Shaw’s red card for England came as welcome news to Manchester United fans.

The left-back was sent off in the 2-1 win over Italy after picking up two yellow cards in less than a minute.

He is now suspended for England’s next game against Ukraine on Sunday.

That means the 27-year-old faces an extended rest before returning to United duty.

The Red Devils return to action after the international break with a tough trip to Newcastle on April 2.

But United fans are safe in the knowledge that Shaw can put his feet up for the England game against Ukraine at Wembley and not play again until United’s match at St. James’ Park.

Red Devils supporters took to social media after Shaw was sent off to rejoice at the fact he doesn’t have to play on Sunday.

One exclaimed: “SHAW SUSPENDED LETS GOOOOO.”

Another sarcastically wrote: “Oh dear! Luke Shaw red card and suspended for next game. As a United fan I’m devastated.”

A third added: “Shaw suspended niceeeeee.”

Finnish bidder wants fans to contribute £1.5BILLION

Finnish entrepreneur Thomas Zilliacus has joined the race to buy Manchester United — but wants fans to cough up a staggering £1.5BILLION.

Zilliacus vowed to finance the other half of the £3bn bid.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe made an improved world-record £5bn offer on Thursday, while Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani is expected to match that before Friday’s 9pm deadline.

Both believe Zilliacus’ pitch is nothing more than a publicity stunt.

But he said: “Any club ultimately should belong to its fans. My bid is built on equality with fans.

“The current development, where billionaire sheiks and oligarchs take over clubs and control them as their personal playgrounds, is not a healthy trend.”

US investment company Elliott have also made an offer to purchase a minority stake in the Prem giants, irrespective of who ends up owning the club.

Zilliacus, 69, added: “The market value of the club is just under £3.17bn.

“That means  if every one of the fans would join in, the sum per fan would amount to less than £5.

“My group will finance half of the sum needed to take over the club.”

Shaw sent off for 2 bookings in 54 seconds

Luke Shaw was given his marching orders in the second half of England’s 2-1 Euro 2024 qualifying win in Italy for two bookings inside 54 SECONDS.

The Manchester United defender received his first yellow of the match in the 78th minute for time-wasting in a bid to help the Three Lions maintain their 2-1 lead.

And he found himself heading for an early shower a few seconds later after a clumsy tackle.

Shaw, 27, received his two bookings in a mere 54 SECONDS.

Manager Gareth Southgate had to quickly reshuffle the pack following Shaw’s dismissal.

And it was poor Phil Foden – one of England’s star performers at the World Cup – who was the sacrificial lamb.

PSG rated United’s main rivals for Osimhen

United could make Victor Osimhen their “main focus” in the summer transfer market.

Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio said: “I think Osimhen can leave Napoli and Paris Saint-Germain could be a possibility for him. 

“But Manchester United are probably the favourites to take him.

“Man United’s main focus is definitely Osimhen and has been for at least two seasons. He is an excellent player and very particular with his skills of him.

“I think Napoli will let him go for between 130 and 150 million euros and Man United can afford it.”

Victor will ponder next move in summer

Victor Lindelor has cast doubt over his Manchester United future and indicated he will hold talks with the club at the end of the season.

The Swedish defender has been at Old Trafford for six years after being signed by Jose Mourinho.

But this season he has found first-team football hard to come by as the club brought in reinforcements to strengthen their backline.

Lindelof is now fourth-choice behind Rafael Varane, Lisandro Martinez and club captain Harry Maguire.

The 28-year-old is currently away on international duty but faced questions from reporters on life at Old Trafford and what the future could hold for him.

Asked if he found it frustrating to not be playing more regularly, Lindelof said: “Well of course like every player, you want to play every game and obviously I have not done that this season.

“But I haven’t thought about that, right now I’m focusing on the national team and then of course the rest of the season with the club and then in the summer we’ll have to re-evaluate and see what’s best.

“But like I always say when I come here, it’s a pleasure to be here and I’m very happy to represent my country and I’m really looking forward to the games that we have.”

Utd have Prem’s 2nd most expensive squad

Chelsea and Manchester United’s annual wage bill busts the £200million mark – at seven times more than Brentford’s.

And although the traditional “Big Six” are the top half-dozen payers, table-toppers Arsenal are bottom of that list on £98m.

Online independent casino reviewer CasinoBonusCA compiled the table, with Chelsea belying their mediocre season by heading the pile above United and then Manchester City.

TOP PAYERS:

Chelsea £212,090,000 
Man Utd £211,875,000 
Man City £182,640,000 
Liverpool £158,788,000 
Spurs £110,438,000 
Arsenal £97,878,000 

Takeover latest – Ratcliffe CONFIRMS bid

SIR Jim Ratcliffe made his formal pitch to take control of Manchester United – 24 hours BEFORE the new bidding deadline expired.

Ratcliffe and Qatari Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani remain the leading contenders with both due to confirm world record £5bn-plus second bids for Manchester United.

But they face the growing threat that the club could still remain in the hands of the Glazer family – after US hedge fund Elliott Management made an offer to take a minority stake that will allow the owners to STAY in charge.

Osimhen could cost up to £130m

Manchester United are favourites to sign Napoli star Victor Osimhen, according to Gianluca Di Marzio.

But the transfer guru claims it could take a Premier League record fee for United to get their man.

Napoli are reportedly willing to sell Osimhen for a fee in the region of £115-£130million.

Red Devils could nab ‘Liverpool transfer target’

United could nab transfer guru Paul Mitchell from under Liverpool’s noses… if Sir Jim Ratcliffe buys the club.

Recruitment expert Mitchell, 41, is leaving his position as sporting director at AS Monaco at the end of the season.

And Liverpool have explored the prospect of bringing Mitchell to Anfield, according to the Independent.

However, the same source suggests the Reds could face competition from United, who may also choose to target Mitchell.

That’s if the Ratcliffe-led consortium is successful in its bid to buy the Red Devils.

Mitchell is claimed to have been touted for an Old Trafford role should Ratcliffe and Co fight off rival interest from Qatar’s Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani.

US hedge fund Elliott Management have also made an offer to take a minority stake in the club.

Ratcliffe’s INEOS group are said to already have an idea as to what their potential structure at the club will be.

Although it’s not yet clear what exact role Mitchell has been identified as being suitable for at Old Trafford.

Meanwhile at Anfield, current sporting director Julian Ward is set to step down this summer, just a year after taking over from Michael Edwards.

Fans enjoy Ronaldo ‘bromance’ with Dalot

Any stresses or strains Cristiano Ronaldo feels seem to melt away when he reignites his “bromance” with Diogo Dalot.

Fans homed in on Ron greeting his former Manchester United team-mate with a beaming smile, huge embrace and mischievous antics during training with Portugal.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner goes into Thursday’s opening Euro 2024 qualifier with Liechtenstein as the world’s joint-most capped player ever on 196.

But Ronaldo bounced around as if it was his first call-up when he engaged with the defender he has publicly described as his favourite squad-mate at Old Trafford.

The 38-year-old’s brutal departure and ensuing move to Al-Nassr was forgotten as he grabbed Dalot for some physical banter.

One observer said: “Ronaldo and Dalot bromance is giving me life.”

A second fan posted: “Football is great with CR7.”

‘Utd probably favourites’ for Victor ahead of PSG

United could make Victor Osimhen their “main focus” in the summer transfer market.

Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio said: “I think Osimhen can leave Napoli and Paris Saint-Germain could be a possibility for him. 

“But Manchester United are probably the favourites to take him.

“Man United’s main focus is definitely Osimhen and has been for at least two seasons. He is an excellent player and very particular with his skills of him.

“I think Napoli will let him go for between 130 and 150 million euros and Man United can afford it.”

Why is Rashford NOT playing tonight?

England are playing in Italy tonight as they look to start their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign with a win.

But Marcus Rashford will not be featuring, and here is why:

Rashford suffered a knock in Manchester United’s 3-1 FA Cup quarter-final win over Fulham on Sunday.

United’s club statement said: “Our No.10 required treatment after being hurt in the build-up to Aleksandar Mitrovic’s opener for the visitors and was later withdrawn from the 83rd minute, with Fred taking his place.”

Former England striker Alan Smith told Sky Sports: “Marcus Rashford has been in fantastic form but if England were going to be missing a player from any department, they’d probably choose a player from the attacking ranks.

“There are still great options for Southgate to choose from, so England can get by.”

Lindelof to ‘re-evaluate’ his Utd position

Victor Lindelor has cast doubt over his Manchester United future and indicated he will hold talks with the club at the end of the season.

The Swedish defender has been at Old Trafford for six years after being signed by Jose Mourinho.

But this season he has found first-team football hard to come by as the club brought in reinforcements to strengthen their backline.

Lindelof is now fourth-choice behind Rafael Varane, Lisandro Martinez and club captain Harry Maguire.

The 28-year-old is currently away on international duty but faced questions from reporters on life at Old Trafford and what the future could hold for him.

Asked if he found it frustrating to not be playing more regularly, Lindelof said: “Well of course like every player, you want to play every game and obviously I have not done that this season.

“But I haven’t thought about that, right now I’m focusing on the national team and then of course the rest of the season with the club and then in the summer we’ll have to re-evaluate and see what’s best.

“But like I always say when I come here, it’s a pleasure to be here and I’m very happy to represent my country and I’m really looking forward to the games that we have.”

Takeover in doubt

United could remain in the hands of the Glazer family – after US hedge fund Elliott Management made an offer to take a minority stake in the club.

In what would be a U-turn that would leave many Old Trafford fans aghast, there are increasing suspicions that the planned sale could be OFF – unless bidders match the Glazers’ £6bn valuation.

And some reports even claim the American owners are actually holding out for £6.5bn.

The contest to control the club descended into farce on Wednesday evening when the Glazers’ chosen deal-makers, US banking group Raine, gave a last-minute extension to the previous 9pm bidding deadline.

That left both the declared public bidders, Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani and Britain’s richest man, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his Ineos group, scrambling to work out their next move.

Sheikh Jassim withdrew the £5bn offer he had made ahead of the deadline, while Ineos, which had been on the brink of making a similar offer, was forced into a rethink.