THE Manchester United takeover saga has taken another twist as potential buyer Thomas Zilliacus pulls out of the race to buy the club.Zilliacus tweeted: “I have declined participation in a third bidding round for United.”
Meanwhile, Man United midfielder Christian Eriksen is set to return to the starting line-up with Casemiro for their European clash with Sevilla on Thursday night.
Elsewhere, Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag has backed £85million winger Antony following his disappointing start to his career in Manchester.
Stay tuned to our blog as we have the very latest takeover updates from Old Trafford.
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Marcus eyes “asap” return
United star Marcus Rashford issued a positive fitness update after being sidelined with an injury.
Rashford has been ruled out of Thursday’s Europa League clash with Sevilla at Old Trafford due to a muscle problem.
The winger picked up the knock on Saturday during United’s 2-0 victory over Everton in the Premier League.
The England international is also set to “be unavailable for a few games” following the quarter-final clash with the LaLiga giants.
However, the 25-year-old has eased some of the fans’ fears by revealing he is “working hard” with the Red Devils’ physios.
The Manchester giants’ top scorer of the season tweeted: “I’m working hard with the physio to get back asap! See you soon.”
Rashford’s injury comes as a major blow for United after 28 goals and 10 assists in 47 appearances across all competitions this season.
Bellingham would cost up to £130m
EXCLUSIVE: Manchester United and City City will have to pay as much as £130million to land Jude Bellingham, writes MARTIN BLACKBURN.
Liverpool have pulled out of the race to sign Borussia Dortmund’s 19-year-old superstar, but Real Madrid remain in the hunt.
City are interested and United could also move if their takeover is completed in time for the summer window.
Dortmund have not given up hope of keeping Bellingham for another season.
But if he does decide to go, the Germans believe the £138m deal they did with Barcelona for Ousmane Dembele in 2017 is a yardstick for how much they should get for the young Englishman.
Eriksen tipped to pair up with Casemiro
Christian Eriksen’s return to fitness is poised to be confirmed with a starting role alongside Casemiro in midfield tomorrow.
United manager Erik ten Hag is expected to pick his strongest possible side at home to Sevilla in the Champions League quarter-final first leg.
The main absentee will of course be injured 28-goal striker Marcus Rashford.
Erik backs Antony
Erik ten Hag is sure winger Antony, 23,will come good.
The £85.5m Brazilian has seven goals in United colours — four of which have come in the FA Cup, Carabao Cup and Europa League.
Boss Ten Hag said: “Of course, we expect from front-line players that they are not only a threat but also they have effect in the final third. And he has to work on that — but he is a young player.
“You mention he is not scoring in the Premier League but he did score a really important goal against Real Betis after half-time and he did score against Barcelona, the winner, and you can’t say they are not big games. He has scored also in cup games.
“If you can do it in such games you can also do it in Premier League games, so I am not concerned about that.
“But like many more players, we have to have to step up and he has to step up as well and we have to win games together.
“He is still a very young player, he can kill opponents, we have seen on Saturday when the manager of Everton brings on another player at half-time because he is killing the left full-back. He is able to do it but he has to do it every game.”
‘We play our best when Martial is firing’ – Ten Hag
The time has come for Anthony Martial to step up to the plate, writes NEIL CUSTIS.
With Marcus Rashford out for the next six games, Manchester United need the Frenchman fit and firing.
The fitness bit is the main issue, with the player constantly in and out of the squad with strains, pulls and knocks. Most recently it was a hip problem.
The 27-year-old — who spent the second half of last season on loan at Thursday’s Europa League opponents Sevilla — has seven goals this term from nine starts and a further eight sub appearances.
On Saturday, he grabbed his first goal since February 1 in the 2-0 win over Everton.
Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag has constantly defended the player despite admitting he is ‘fragile’ when it comes to injury.
But he insists that when he is in the team, United are at their best.
Ten Hag said: “You say I defended him but I just point to the stats. The stats are telling you that the moment he is on the pitch, then the time he needs for a goal is really less than others.
“When he is in the team, I refer to games against Manchester City, against Liverpool when he’s in the team, we play our best football and have our best results as a team.
“I just pointed to the stats and I see how he contributes to this team. He is ready to start a game.”
De Gea vows to shut out contract speculation
David de Gea vowed to keep his focus amid a contract stand-off.
United reportedly want to slash his weekly wages from £375,000 to £200k but the Spanish keeper will not sign.
De Gea, 32, is out of contract this summer — although United do have an option to extend for a further 12 months.
But he said: “It is time just to be focused as we play many games in a row.
“It is not time to lose focus and think about contracts. My aim is to keep going and play my best.”
De Gea insists he is still one of the top flight’s best goalkeepers, despite question marks over his distribution.
The Spaniard argues that clean sheets are the vital stat — and he has the most in the Premier League alongside Newcastle’s Nick Pope on 13.
In all competitions, he boasts 20, second only to Barcelona’s Marc-Andre ter Stegen (23).
And De Gea, who joined United in 2011 from Atletico Madrid for £17.8million, said: “When we keep a clean sheet, it means the team and I did a good job.
“But criticism is always there, you cannot please everyone. I have 20 clean sheets, close to the most in Europe, so we are doing a great job and I help the team do it.”
Neville backs United’s for top four
Gary Neville has backed Manchester United to finish in a Champions League place while Tottenham and Newcastle battle it out for the other spot in the top four.
He has backed United to finish in the top four and thinks that the Magpies will join them even though Spurs still a “chance”.
Neville told Sky Sports: “I didn’t have Newcastle down as top-four probably three weeks ago and even after the United game, I thought ‘well they’ve got three tough away games now in West Ham, Brentford and Aston Villa.’
“You’ll probably drop points in that and it will give Tottenham and Liverpool maybe a chance.
“But looking at them now, watching them closely against Manchester United where I thought they were absolutely brilliant, I think they will finish in the top four now because their confidence will be so high.
“I thought Man Utd were really poor against Newcastle. But what we’ve seen with this side under Erik ten Hag is that they do respond and they do bounce back.”
Credit: Getty
Third round bids
A third round of bidding is expected take place between prospective Manchester United buyers by the end of the month,
That is according to Sportico, who claim that the likes of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al-Thani will have to raise their bids.
That is because there are seven prospective ownership groups and all have apparently received feedback from Raine.
According to the Daily Mail, movement on the sale process is expected this week.
Sabitzer ‘giving everything’ until summer decision
Loan midfielder Marcel Sabitzer says he’ll “give everything” until his future is decided in the summer.
The Austria star joined from Bayern Munich in January for the rest of the season after Red Devils’ playmaker Christian Eriksen got injured.
Arsenal legend Ian Wright is among those pundits urging Old Trafford boss Erik ten Hag to sign Sabitzer permanently.
But the 29-year-old told German outlet BILD: “Manchester United made it clear that my loan was [a] project until the summer, then we’ll see.
“Until then, I want to give everything here. Then in the summer, the whole situation will be evaluated.”
Gunners tipped to target ex-Utd winger
Arsenal could finally land Wilfried Zaha this summer.
The ex-Manchester United winger’s Crystal Palace deal runs out this summer.
And SportBible suggest Emirates boss Mikel Arteta is tempted to launch a free transfer bid for the 30-year-old.
Zaha struggled at Old Trafford from 2013-15 but returned to Selhurst Park to thrive again.
Christian must Cara on waiting for silverware
Christian Eriksen has claimed he is still waiting for his Carabao Cup winners medal.
The midfielder missed the final against Newcastle with injury, but is still due to get one after playing in the earlier rounds.
Eriksen told Man United’s podcast: “I haven’t got it yet, no. I’m supposed to get one. I will get a medal at some point.
“It’s different though, when you don’t play in the final.
“Obviously [those who played] get it [winners medal] on the pitch, celebrate and do their stuff.
“And there’s me limping around in a boot, trying not to do too much.
“But still you want to be a part of it.”
Rashford ‘back for final weeks’
United have confirmed crocked striker Marcus Rashford will miss a “few games”.
But the Red Devils expect their 28-goal England striker to return for the “final weeks of the season”.
That means Rashford will definitely miss tomorrow’s Europa league quarter-final first leg at home to Sevilla.
Toon ‘join Arsenal and Utd in Rice race’
Newcastle have reportedly joined the race to sign Declan Rice this summer.
But they will have to see off competition from Arsenal and Manchester United for the West Ham captain.
Rice, 24, has spent his entire pro career in east London.
He’s played 232 times after making his senior debut in 2017.
But the England ace is now being tipped for a move away this summer.
Rice has made no secret of his desire to play Champions League football.
And Arsenal are thought to be leading the charge for his signature.
United are also interested in Rice as they bid to return to Europe’s elite competition.
However, Newcastle are now ready to stun their rivals after a spectacular season under Eddie Howe.
The Magpies are third in the table and look good for a shock Champions League spot after some impressive results.
Red Devils train after 999 alert
United stars are in training after an incident at Carrington that led to a 999 call.
The emergency services rushed to United’s base due to a car rolling down a bank outside.
Up to ten firetrucks, police cars and ambulances blocked the road while dealing with the incident and thankfully nobody has been hurt.
Calm around Carrington has since been restored and the players headed out for a practice session ahead of their Europa League tie with Sevilla tomorrow.
The likes of Rapheal Varane, Harry Maguire and Anthony Martial were pictured in training.
Christian Eriksen also featured as he hopes for his first start since returning from injury.
Casemiro is also expected to play tomorrow, having missed United’s previous four matches due to suspension.
However, Marcus Rashford was not seen in training after he picked up a groin issue in the 2-0 win over Everton.
Utd target Kane ‘needs a change’
Harry Kane has been urged to join either Man United or Bayern Munich this summer by Richard Keys.
He told Casinos En Ligne: “Kane’s worth now is not what it was. And as the months and then the season subsequently pass it’s only going to get less and less as his contract diminishes.
“So {Spurs} have got a big decision to make. I think that they will be looking to sell this summer. If I’m Kane I’m looking to leave this summer. I think that would suit all parties.
“I think Kane needs a change. There are two clubs that I think would suit him. The first, if he wants to be part of a project, that’s Manchester United.
“If he wants to go and win things: Bayern Munich. The only guarantee of a trophy next season for Kane is in Germany.”
Neville backs United’s for top four
Gary Neville has backed Manchester United to finish in a Champions League place while Tottenham and Newcastle battle it out for the other spot in the top four.
He has backed United to finish in the top four and thinks that the Magpies will join them even though Spurs still a “chance”.
Neville told Sky Sports: “I didn’t have Newcastle down as top-four probably three weeks ago and even after the United game, I thought ‘well they’ve got three tough away games now in West Ham, Brentford and Aston Villa.’
“You’ll probably drop points in that and it will give Tottenham and Liverpool maybe a chance.
“But looking at them now, watching them closely against Manchester United where I thought they were absolutely brilliant, I think they will finish in the top four now because their confidence will be so high.
“I thought Man Utd were really poor against Newcastle. But what we’ve seen with this side under Erik ten Hag is that they do respond and they do bounce back.”
Credit: Getty
Brown backing United title charge with signings
Brown has also suggested that Man United can win the Premier League title next season should they sign Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham.
He said: “If Manchester United sign Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, they win the league in the next three years. I don’t see why they couldn’t with those players and the manager they have.
“Kane wants to go to Manchester United; they’d love him. We know what he can do in the Premier League, so they aren’t messing about there. He is a bit older and will probably cost a lot of money, but he will do the job straight away.
“He’ll bring the missing piece United can’t seem to get right at the moment. They need someone that is scoring goals week in, week out.”
Credit: Getty
Brown on Rashford contract
Brown also admitted that he believes that Marcus Rashford will sign a new contract at Old Traford.
He said: “I think it will happen. Obviously, these things take time these days but, he is the star of the team, and they will do anything to keep him there.
“I just think there will be a lot of details there that both parties are going to need to be happy with, but I am pretty sure he will stay at Manchester United, and their future will be brighter together.”
Credit: EPA
Maguire faces ‘difficult decision’
Former Manchester United defender Wes Brown has insisted that Harry Maguire faces a difficult summer as he decides whether or not to leave the club.
He told William Hill and Footy Accumulators’ podcast, No Tippy Tappy Football: “It’s a tough one. No one wants to leave Manchester United, but Erik ten Hag isn’t playing him as much anymore. It doesn’t look like he is going to be there in the starting 11 when everyone is fit.
“It will be a difficult decision, but things could turn around quickly, and he’ll be straight back in. Football is a crazy game! I think he’ll sit down in the summer with his people and have some big chats, they’ll talk it out and see what happens from there. I think it will be up to Harry in the end.
“He plays well for England; he’s come under a lot of stick the last couple of seasons and I think he has handled it quite well. It gets to the point where it is too much but that is modern football, you have to be able to handle it. Ultimately, he’ll be disappointed he hasn’t played as much but the manager has gone with different players. Personally, he’ll have to look at it and I’m sure the manager will want him to stay, but he’ll want to talk to him and determine if he is going to play more. From there it is his decision.
“When I was a player, Sir Alex Ferguson said he wanted me to stay and that I wouldn’t be playing as much, but they still needed me. Anything can happen, and you’ll be in. I just hope that he has those conversations with the manager because I think that Harry does need to play, he is not as bad of a player as everybody thinks.”
Old Trafford misses out on Euros
Old Trafford has not been submitted as one of the ten stadiums that have been submitted for the UK and Ireland’s joint bid for Euro 2028.
RIO’S RAGE
Rio Ferdinand has recalled a blazing row with Sir Alex Ferguson that left Bayern Munich stars stunned.
The Scot, who was known for his hairdryer treatment, was on the other end of it one night – when Ferdinand disagreed with a substitution in a loss to the German giants.
And Ferdinand, 44, has revealed Bayern star Mark van Bommel thought he was a “lunatic” after witnessing the argument.
Speaking to former team-mate Ben Foster on the Fozcast, Ferdinand said: “I remember he made a substitution in the game that I didn’t agree with. After the game I remember walking off the pitch and I was screaming, going nuts in the changing room and the tunnel.
“I remember Van Bommel, the Bayern player, looking at me thinking what is going on with this guy, lunatic.”
Saka ‘is better’ than United legend
Gabby Agbonlahor believes that Arsenal star Bukayo Saka is a better player than Man United legend David Beckham.
He said on talkSPORT: “I’d pick Saka over Beckham if I could pick an England team.
“I said it during the World Cup, I would have Saka over Beckham.
“When I saw Saka at the World Cup, he was outstanding. In the Euros just gone as well, he was outstanding.
“Kept [Phil] Foden out of the team. If I’m picking my best England team, I’m having Saka on that right-hand side.
“Pace, scores goals, more of an all-round game. Can take players on, score goals, get assists as well. I’m picking Saka.”
Credit: Getty
Newport boss wants United prospect back
Graham Coughlan has admitted that he would like the club to re-sign Manchester United youngster Charlie McNeill, when asked about his summer transfer plans.
He told the South Wales Argus: “We had to bring in young players in January and couldn’t do what some other clubs did but I don’t think anybody has signed better when you include Harry Charsley.
“The age and experience might count against them but they have been brilliant and I hope we can keep giving them the education and development they need to go back to their parent clubs and compete for the first team after massive growth.
“But I wouldn’t say no to having them here again next season if Middlesbrough, Manchester United and Stoke were open to that. I will pursue them for sure.”
Credit: Alamy
RED ALERT
Several emergency vehicles were called to Manchester United’s training ground after a car rolled down a bank.
A silver car was seen on the “edge of a cliff”, which prompted panic at Carrington.
Up to 10 emergency vehicles were reported at Carrington.
Thankfully nobody was believed to have been hurt in the incident, according to Sky Sports News.
A reporter from the channel was live from the scene giving the latest on Man United following an update on Marcus Rashford’s injury.
But he had to explain the chaos unfolding behind him with a fire engine visible in the TV shot.
Read the full story here
Kane ‘should’ join Man United or Bayern
Harry Kane has been urged to join either Man United or Bayern Munich this summer by Richard Keys.
He told Casinos En Ligne: “Kane’s worth now is not what it was. And as the months and then the season subsequently pass it’s only going to get less and less as his contract diminishes.
“So {Spurs} have got a big decision to make. I think that they will be looking to sell this summer. If I’m Kane I’m looking to leave this summer. I think that would suit all parties.
“I think Kane needs a change. There are two clubs that I think would suit him. The first, if he wants to be part of a project, that’s Manchester United.
“If he wants to go and win things: Bayern Munich. The only guarantee of a trophy next season for Kane is in Germany.”
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