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.
PADDY POWER WELCOME OFFER – Get £40 in free bet builder bets
Follow ALL of the latest from Old Trafford below…
Middlesbrough tribute
Bobby Charlton was born in Ashington, not far from Middlebrough’s Riverside Stadium.
The Boro paid a special tribute to the football legend on their scoreboard, as fans applauded.
Infantino pays tribute
On behalf of FIFA, and the global football family, I send my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Sir Bobby Charlton.
“We mourn the loss of one of England’s 1966 FIFA World Cup winning team and a football legend, whose impact on the game spanned generations.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone who was close to him, his former teammates, The Football Association and Manchester United. Rest In Peace.”
Gianni Infantino
Most famous image
As iconic as Bobby Moore’s image holding the Jules Rimet trophy is, Bobby Charlton is their alongside him.
A true leader, he was inspirational for England in lifting the trophy in 1966.
Gary Neville on Insta
Gary Neville has poured his heart on Instagram about the death of Sir Bobby Charlton.
Charlton died aged 86, following a long battle with dementia today.
Simon Thomas choked
Soccer Saturday’s Simon Thomas choked up as he announced the sad news of Sir Bobby Charlton’s death.
The 1966 World Cup winner passed away aged 86 today after a battle with dementia.
The Sky Sports presenter was visibly emotional as he confirmed the passing of the football icon.
He said: “It’s one of those moments that you kind of knew was coming at some point but it is the moment that has so sadly arrived in the last few minutes.
“It’s a statement that comes from the family of the Manchester United, the England legend Sir Bobby Charlton.”
Thomas then read out the family statement.
Cantona’s Instagram note
Eric Cantona has paid tribute to Bobby Charlton on Instagram with a poignant message.
Alongside a snap of the legend in Utd colours, Cantona wrote: “Rest in Peace dear Sir Bobby Charlton. One of the best of all-time.”
Becks owes Charlton everything
David Beckham revealed in the past how he owes Bobby Charlton everything.
Becks told BBC Sport: “To look back all those years ago and to say Sir Bobby was one of the main reasons why I was able to join Manchester United.
“Because after being at his soccer school, he passed the world on to the club that maybe you should look out for me.
“I owe everything to Sir Bobby because if not, maybe I wouldn’t have had the chance of living my dream of playing for the club that I supported for so many years and the club that my dad supported, so me and my dad have a lot to thank Sir Bobby for.”
Geoff Hurst’s reaction
Fellow 1966 World Cup Geoff Hurst said: “Very sad news today 1 of the true Greats Sir Bobby Charlton has passed away. We will never forget him & nor will all of football
“A great colleague & friend he will be sorely missed by all of the country beyond sport alone. Condolences to his family & friends from Geoff and Judith.”
More tributes incoming
Ex-Man Utd star Gary Neville wrote: “So sorry to hear the news of Sir Bobby Charlton.
“The Greatest English Football player and Manchester United’s greatest ambassador.
“A champion on and off the pitch and a Busby Babe that paved the way for all to come at United. Rest In Peace Sir Bobby.”
Tributes pour in
Following the sad news of Bobby Charlton’s passing, tributes poured in from across the world of football.
Gary Lineker tweeted: “Deeply saddened to hear that Sir Bobby Charlton has died. A truly wonderful footballer and genuinely lovely man.
“A World Cup winner, Man Utd great and, for me, England’s greatest ever player. He may no longer be with us but he’ll have footballing immortality. RIP Sir Bobby.”
Family statement
A statement from his family confirmed: “It is with great sadness that we share the news that Sir Bobby passed peacefully in the early hours of Saturday morning.
“He was surrounded by his family. His family would like to pass on their thanks to everyone who has contributed to his care and for the many people who have loved and supported him.
“We would request that the family’s privacy be respected at this time.”
Charlton family statement
Utd hero
Bobby was United’s all-time top scorer for over 40 years with 249 goals.
That was eventually beaten by Wayne Rooney.
However, his legacy at Old Trafford will never be forgotten.
Three title wins and a European Cup sealed that forever.
BREAKING: Sir Bobby Charlton dies aged 86
Manchester United and England legend Sir Bobby Charlton has passed away aged 86.
Rooney makes managerial return
Wayne Rooney returned to the dugout for his game in charge of Birmingham this afternoon.
Credit: Reuters Fans give mixed reviews on Ferdinand commentary
Rio Ferdinand’s commentary on the Merseyside Derby generated a mixed response from football fans this afternoon.
The Manchester United legend was on punditry duty for TNT Sports ahead of the game, but he moved up to the commentary box after kick-off.
Ferdinand, 44, joined Ally McCoist in providing analysis throughout the match.
But he jokingly issued a quick apology to viewers after reacting to a shot from Dominik Szoboszlai.
As the midfielder unleashed a powerful strike from around 30 yards out, Ferdinand shouted: “Wow!”
Which prompted commentator Darren Fletcher to say: “I think Rio thought he was in!”
Szoboszlai’s shot narrowly flew over the crossbar, but Ferdinand was convinced that Jordan Pickford wouldn’t have been able to save it if it was on target.
Ferdinand then added: “If that was on target I don’t think Pickford’s got enough to get it.
“Sorry guys, I can’t control myself up here!”
Credit: TNT Sports
Join our Man Utd WhatsApp chat
Want to contribute to our conversations around Manchester United?
Well, you can by joining the WhatsApp channel via this link to keep up to date with all the goings on at Old Trafford.
Ferdinand in awkward moment with Liverpool fans
Man Utd legend Rio Ferdinand had an awkward exchange with Liverpool supporters ahead of the Merseyside Derby on Saturday.
The 44-year-old was on punditry duty alongside Jules Breach, Phil Jagielka and Peter Crouch for TNT Sports.
However, just before going on air he was given a “lukewarm” welcome from fans.
Breach said: “You got a warm reception as you stepped up here Rio, didn’t you.”
To which Ferdinand responded: “Lukewarm. It’s better than when I played here I’ve got to say that!”
Breach then recalled the moment he greeted a group of fans waiting outside Anfield, adding: “He said ‘hello’ and I think one person just went, ‘hiya!'”
Ferdinand, joking around, then said: “Alright Jules!”
Credit: TNT Sports Premier League ‘considering’ Christmas Eve football
Prem chiefs are considering the introduction of Christmas Eve football this year, according to reports.
No Premier League match has been played on December 24 since 1995.
Ten Hag gives Shaw injury update
Erik ten Hag has provided a worrying update on Luke Shaw’s injury.
Ten Hag tells Onana to step up
Erik ten Hag has warned Andre Onana he must step up his performances after his struggling start at Manchester United.
Onana has made several mistakes since replacing David de Gea as United’s No1 goalkeeper.
Ten Hag said at his Sheffield United pre-match press conference: “He knows, we know, he will do much better.
“‘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 too good. Andre knows that it is good to know a little bit from history.
“But 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 the semi-final and final of the Champions League, I’m sure he will give a great performance.”
Credit: Getty Best Premier League stadiums ranked
A poll has determined which Premier League stadium is the best.
Shaw set to miss another FIVE weeks
Luke Shaw is set to be sidelined for another five weeks due to injury.
During Friday’s press conference, Erik ten Hag said: “For Luke Shaw, I don’t expect him back in this block of games.
“Aaron Wan-Bissaka, I don’t think he’s too far away from returning to team training and so back in the team.”
Credit: Getty Join our Man Utd WhatsApp chat
Want to contribute to our conversations around Manchester United?
Well, you can by joining the WhatsApp channel via this link to keep up to date with all the goings on at Old Trafford.
Inside the Premier League’s left-back curse
Andy Robertson has become the latest star to fall victim to the Premier League’s left-back curse.
With Halloween around the corner, there appears to be a spooky curse causing injuries to left-backs across the division.
Promised land
Man Utd fans have been told that they can look forward to better times with “no bulls***” Sir Jim Ratcliffe by Mercedes F1 boss Toto Wolff.
Wolff, who holds a 33 per cent stake in Mercedes, was asked ahead of this week’s Austin F1 GP what Ratcliffe would bring to United.
And he provided plenty of positives to fed-up supporters who are sick of the Glazers being in charge.
The Austrian said: “Jim and his partners, they are first of all complementary.
“They are huge in terms of profit and decisions being made very quickly, three bullet points on a page and here we go.
“With Jim, all the bulls*** is cut out and I think that wherever he gets his power and resource and character behind it I think that’s going to be an add on for any team.”
The Merc chief added: “He’s a Manchester boy. He has the resource that are needed, the heart in the right place for this team and I’m sure that he can be very creative for Manchester United.
“With us he’s been a fantastic shareholder and a good sounding board for myself.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
