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    How Man Utd takeover will affect four stars’ futures including Marcus Rashford who is out of contract next summer

    MANCHESTER UNITED are hoping the ongoing ownership race does not impact the contract situations of four stars, including Marcus Rashford.Owners the Glazer family are open to selling the club and are demanding they receive £6billion to part ways with United.
    Marcus Rashford has been in incredible form this season, netting 24 goalsCredit: EPA
    The Glazers are open to selling Man UtdCredit: AFP
    Britain’s richest man Sir Jim Ratcliffe and chairman of the Qatar Islamic Bank, Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani, have both tabled offers.
    But the current uncertainty regarding the club’s future could influence players that see their deals expire soon like Rashford, 25, whose contract is up at the end of next season.
    However discussions over the sale of United are not thought to be a potential stumbling block when it comes down to the England attacker putting pen to paper.
    The Athletic claim that initial conversations over Rashford signing a long-term deal are well underway with more meetings scheduled soon.

    Manager Erik ten Hag said after yesterday’s 3-0 win over Leicester that tying their star man down was a “priority” for the club.
    Man Utd have supposedly drawn up budgets for next year that include expenditure on new contracts and transfer business as they battle to not break Financial Fair Play rules.
    Other stars like David de Gea, Luke Shaw and Diogo Dalot are all nearing the end of their deals and talks are reportedly progressing well with all.
    De Gea, 32, sees his time up this summer and there are rumours he could be replaced despite contract negotiations happening.
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    Shaw, 27, has been vital for Man Utd this season playing at left-back and centre-back, and Ten Hag does not want to watch him walk away from Old Trafford next summer.
    Dalot, 24, is another that could become a free agent in July 2024, but he is seen as United’s long-term right-back.
    It is not uncommon for club’s undergoing a change of ownership to withhold contract talks as seen recently at Chelsea.
    Stars like Marcos Alonso, Andreas Christensen and Jorginho all departed for Barcelona and Arsenal respectively, following being unable to agree new deals.
    Yet Man Utd are keen to not see any on-field negative impacts of the ownership battle with Ten Hag claiming his team are not distracted by it. More

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    Gary Neville fears Glazer family will REMAIN at Man Utd as ‘significant shareholders’ even if they agree to sell

    GARY NEVILLE says fans fear the Glazer family will try to retain a significant stake in Manchester United instead of selling up and walking away.The Red Devils legend’s concerns follow SunSport’s revelation that United’s US owners are demanding a staggering £6billion  to gain control of Old Trafford.
    Gary Neville believes the Glazer family will want to keep significant shares at Old TraffordCredit: EPA
    The Glazers are demanding £6bn to sell upCredit: AFP
    Neville said: “There is a focus this isn’t one big charade that the Glazers are running for their brothers and sisters to exit and the couple that want to stay in to stay.”
    He added: “The whole emphasis from fans is this has to be the end of the Glazer ownership.
    “They’ve run out of money and not invested in the stadium.
    “The fans want a new stadium — whether that’s Old Trafford refurbished or a new one rebuilt.
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    “The sporting project they’ve failed on in the last ten years.
    “It’s doing quite well at the moment, third in the league, but it’s not where Man United want to be.”
    Neville’s comments came as Raine, the bank managing the sale, told bidders not to run public campaigns which could harm the Glazers’ reputation.
    Neville also revealed on his podcast that a majority of fans he polled ­preferred the Qatari bid, rather than rival offers from Sir Jim Ratcliffe or a US investment firm.
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    This was despite Qatar’s treatment of women, migrant workers and the LGBTQ+ community.
    But seeing Manchester City and then Newcastle prosper under Middle Eastern state ownership trumped those concerns, Neville concluded.
    He said: “They want a debt-free club. They’ve become harmed mentally by debt over these last few years.
    “There’s a feeling they want an ownership that can compete with the Middle East states we have in this league.
    “We have already got two state-funded clubs.
    “They’ve been allowed to come, so I find it difficult to say Manchester United shouldn’t have a Qatari ownership.
    “The horse has bolted in that respect, when Abu Dhabi came into Man City 15 years ago and Saudi Arabia came into Newcastle two years ago.”
    Manchester United fans Sir Jim Ratcliffe fancies some of the pieCredit: AFP
    Qatar’s Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani vowed to return Manchester United to ‘its former glories’ More

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    Erik ten Hag hoping to stay on as Man Utd boss long-term over fears he could be replaced if £6bn takeover is completed

    ERIK TEN HAG hopes he will get the chance to stay as Manchester United boss for the long-term as a takeover draws closer.The club’s supporters trust (MUST) highlighted some concerns about the two bids to take over the club – but stressed the Dutch boss has to stay.
    Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag wants to stay at the helm long-termCredit: Getty
    Manchester United fans fear Erik ten Hag could go amid takeover talksCredit: Rex
    Ten Hag’s Red Devils continued their impressive progress on the pitch – despite a first half the boss described as “rubbish” and a “mess”.
    Marcus Rashford’s two goals took his tally for the season to 24 and put United firmly in the title race.
    Yet their long-term future is shrouded in uncertainty with Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Qatar based Sheikh Jassim both lodging bids over the weekend.
    Asked about the statement issued by MUST, Ten Hag said: “I thank the fans they have their trust in me. I feel committed with this club,
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    “I love to be here but it is not in my influence. What I can influence is the performance of this team and I will do everything to continue.
    “We are committed with this club, it is our club, in our heart – but it is not our job.
    “We focus on football and perform and that is what the players and staff have to do.”
    United shook off a lacklustre first half to ensure they go into a huge week on a high note.
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    Ten Hag admitted his team were fortunate to be ahead at the break, saying: “We have to follow the rules and principles from our way of playing. When we don’t. it is getting a mess.
    “We were really lucky at half-time we were one goal up – great pass from Bruno [Fernandes], great finish from Rashy [Rashford]. But the rest is rubbish.”
    Rashford struck either side of the break and also had a hand in the third goal scored by his fellow England man Jadon Sancho.
    The forward has now had his most prolific season for United and said: “It’s still early in the season, we’re fighting for a lot of different things.
    “There is always something to look forward to and I don’t feel like slowing down. I always try to improve.”
    As for a title challenge, Rashford said: “We’re there, we’re close but at the same time both teams in front of us are really good teams and playing good football.
    “We have to just focus on ourselves, do as well as we can and keep picking up points.”
    Leicester were disappointed they had nothing to show from a bright opening – but Foxes boss Brendan Rodgers felt there was a key moment in the first half.
    United’s new boy Marcel Sabitzer somehow escaped unpunished for an X-rated challenge on Wout Faes.
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    Rodgers said: “It is a sending off, a straight leg on to the knee, how it was not looked at is incredible.
    “I don’t know why. Someone has said it was after an incident but I don’t buy that.”
    Manchester United fans want manager Erik ten Hag to stay for longCredit: Getty More

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    Michael Owen names his Premier League title favourite as he warns Arsenal and Man City that Man Utd are in the hunt

    MICHAEL OWEN believes Arsenal are “in the driving seat” but insists Manchester United can’t be ruled out of the Premier League title race.The Gunners have climbed back up to the top of the table after a dramatic 4-2 victory at Aston Villa and have a game in hand.
    Michael Owen revealed Arsenal are favourites to win the Premier League titleCredit: Getty
    Manchester City are back in second place after dropping points at Nottingham Forest and are two points behind the North Londoners.
    Third-placed United, on the other hand, picked up a comfortable 3-0 win over Leicester at Old Trafford and are just three points behind City.
    Liverpool legend Owen admits Arsenal are the favourites but warned there will be “many ups and downs and twists”.
    The former United star, though, still believes the rejuvenated Red Devils could cause a shocker.
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    Owen told Premier League Productions: “It’s amazing isn’t it?
    “Because you see them sat there on 52 points and it’s a really good total, but you just don’t feel like they’re absolutely purring and at the top of their game this season so far, Manchester City.
    “And Arsenal, even though they’ve had a couple of iffy results in recent times, they’re probably sat there confident now.
    “They’ve gained another couple of points on Manchester City – and probably had the harder game.
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    “However, cast your minds back a month or so and Manchester City would probably snap your hand off only being two points behind now, because that gap was quite big.
    “Everyone knows there are going to be so many ups and downs and twists – and nobody is mentioning Manchester United.
    “Because if Manchester City are involved, and obviously Manchester United, if they win their game in hand, they’re only three points behind City, so you cannot rule anything out at the moment.
    “But you’d have to say that Arsenal are in the driving seat.” More

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    Man Utd fans convinced Tielemans is joining them on free transfer after Ten Hag’s sneaky gesture during Leicester game

    MANCHESTER UNITED fans joked Youri Tielemans is on his way to Old Trafford this summer after Erik ten Hag’s sneaky gesture. The Leicester star, 25, was brought on by Brendan Rodgers as a second-half substitute in the 3-0 defeat to United.
    Youri Tielemans came on in the second half for Leicester at Old TraffordCredit: AFP
    But as Tielemans prepared to replace Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Ten Hag made a beeline, casually walking over to the Belgian on the touchline.
    And the United manager gave the midfield technician a cheeky tap on the back before he jogged on.
    Tielemans is out of contract at the King Power at the end of the season and has refused to sign any of the extensions offered by the Foxes.
    He continues to be linked with a free transfer move to United – or possibly to the Emirates with Arsenal.
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    Now eagle-eyed Red Devils fans on Twitter are convinced he is joining them in the North-West after Ten Hag’s magic touch.
    One wrote: “Erik ten Hag patting Tielemans on the back as he enters the field. Ten Hag cooking for the summer already.”
    Another said: “Did anyone see Erik ten Hag pat Youri Tielemans when he got subbed on? Might be only me but I’d love to see him in a Manchester Utd shirt.”
    And a third added: “Ten Hag’s tap on Tielemans back as he came on didn’t go unnoticed…”
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    Erik ten Hag had a cheeky tap for the Leicester manCredit: Sky Sports

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    Tielemans joined Leicester for a club-record £40million in 2019 and etched his name into the history books with his stunning winning goal in the 2021 FA Cup final.
    The 58-cap Belgium international, though, was unable to do anything to prevent a Leicester defeat today – in what some plucky fans dubbed his Old Trafford “audition”.

    He took to the field with his side 2-0 down through a Marcus Rashford double – and just two minutes later Jadon Sancho completed the scoring.
    However, plenty of fans and pundits were stunned that Marcel Sabitzer avoided a red card for a studs-up tackle into Wout Faes’ knee. More

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    Man Utd ratings against Leicester: Marcus Rashford and David De Gea shine but Wout Weghorst cannot buy a goal

    MANCHESTER UNITED moved a step closer to sealing third place – and keeping themselves in with a sniff of the title – with a routine win over Leicester.The Red Devils ran out 3-0 winners at Old Trafford thanks to a brace from Marcus Rashford and a second-half strike from Jadon Sancho.
    Manchester United ran out 3-0 winners over Leicester thanks to a Marcus Rashford braceCredit: REX
    Jadon Sancho also got on the scoresheetCredit: AP
    Wout Weghorst, despite his best efforts, struggled in front of goalCredit: EPA
    Victory over the Foxes has seen United stretch their lead over fourth-placed Newcastle to eight points, although the Magpies do have a game in hand on them.
    Folllowing an impressive win for United, SunSport’s Martin Blackburns rates the performances turned in by Erik ten Hag’s troops.
    David de Gea
    Made a brilliant early save with his legs to deny Barnes early on and also clawed out a header from Iheanacho. Those saves proved vital as United got a grip on the game. 7
    Diogo Dalot
    Stretched to get on the end of Fernandes’ cross but somehow diverted it just wide – showing why he has still never scored a Premier League goal. Did his bit defensively, though. 6
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    Lisandro Martinez
    A thumping header from a Shaw free-kick hit the top of the bar early in the second half – and eventually got to grips with Iheanacho and Barnes after a testing opening. 7
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    Victor Lindelof
    Stepped in so Varane could have a breather. Diverted Iheanacho’s effort wide of post early on and a couple of vital clearances to keep United in control. 7
    Luke Shaw
    Curled a free-kick over the bar and put one on the head of Martinez, which the Argentine put against the bar. Could even have had a goal himself as United took control after the break. 7
    Marcel Sabizter
    Won the ball off Faes to set the wheels in motion for the opener. Has filled in well for Casemiro while the Brazilian has been suspended but may make way at Wembley on Sunday. 6
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    Fred
    Made a great clearance under his own bar from a Tete cross and played Rashford in for his second with a superb pass before making way for McTominay just before the hour. 6
    Marcus Rashford
    Pushed further up front and showed why with a clinical first half finish. Repeated the trick after the break to make it 24 for the season. Even had a hand in the build-up to number three. What a season he is having. 9
    Bruno Fernandes
    Played a super ball to Rashford for the opener and a lovely cross which Dalot bundled wide. Also created the third for Sancho. Some real moments of class from the Portuguese international who helped lift his team from a lacklustre start. 8
    Alejandro Garnacho
    Just a fourth Prem start for the exciting teen, but this wasn’t his day. He skied an effort over the bar but did not reappear after the break with Sancho taking his place. 5
    Wout Weghorst
    Playing as a No10 but was moved further up after the interval, although he could not find the goal he needs. Tried a spectacular overhead kick soon after the break but his radar was off and he fluffed a couple of late chances. 5
    SUBS
    Sancho (for Garnacho 46 mins)
    Looked really sharp as a half-time sub and proved it by converting Fernandes’ cross for the third. 7
    McTominay (for Fred 59 mins)
    Came on at 2-0 with the game more or less won and kept United on the front foot. 5
    Elanga (for Rashford 68)
    Replaced the man of the moment but did not get a sight of goal. 5
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    Wan-Bissaka (for Shaw 68 mins
    Put one on a plate for Weghorst but he couldn’t finish it off. 5
    Mainoo (for Sabitzer 80 mins)
    Made a brilliant tackle to deny Maddison a shot. 6 More

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    Patrice Evra and David Moyes had a huge row over a BACON SANDWICH at Man Utd – and French defender refused to back down

    PATRICE EVRA and David Moyes once had a row over a bacon sandwich while at Manchester United. The Scottish manager endured a miserable year at Old Trafford as he attempted to replace Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013.
    Moyes and Evra appear to have a very interesting dynamicCredit: AFP
    He would lose his job before the end of the season as he became the first of several bosses to fail to revive the Red Devils.
    His time at the club would include a bizarre fallout with Evra which almost symbolised the dysfunction at the club.
    Ahead of a Champions League away game, club staff were handing out bacon butties at the airport.
    But the Manchester Evening News reported that Moyes was infuriated when Evra took one of the sandwiches.
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    The row did not end there though with the left-back having the last laugh.
    While on the flight, the impish defender is rumoured to have somehow made an announcement where he told passengers over the tannoy system that the menu had changed and bacon sandwiches would be served.
    Whatever beef the pair had, they appeared to kiss and make up years later when Evra joined Moyes at West Ham as the pair attempted to save the Hammers’ bacon and stave off relegation.
    Although their relationship may have entered awkward territory again after the 41-year-old’s eyebrow-raising comments on Sky Sports a few years ago.
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    West Ham continue under Moyes’ management despite unease among fans over the club’s performances this season.
    Sensational wins by Bournemouth, Everton and Southampton yesterday means the Hammers have slipped back into the bottom three. More

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    I’m an ex-footballer who also worked as body-double for Man Utd and England legend – can you guess who it was?

    NON-LEAGUE journeyman Mat Mitchel-King combined battling in England’s lower-divisions with modelling for a Manchester United legend. The defender acted as a body-double for one star alongside playing on muddy pitches on the weekends for the likes of Histon and Hemel Hempstead.
    Mitchel-King, now 39, played for several clubs across his careerCredit: PA:Empics Sport
    Mitchel-King played as high as League 2 during his career but failed to replicate the success of the man he stood in for during photo shoots.
    The glamorous body-double job also saw Mitchel-King appear in Nike adverts alongside football icons such as Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
    The role allowed him to meet his heroes, but at one stage he had to give up the life of stardom to play football.
    Mitchel-King, now 39, performed the role of body double for none other than six-times Premier League winner Rio Ferdinand.
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    The non-league star was required to stand in for the former England captain during his long commercial commitments when the star could not spend several hours on set.
    As a body-double, he filled in when long shots were required or directors needed someone of Ferdinand’s height and build present for framing.
    Mitchel-King said he enjoyed the contrast it provided to life in non-league.
    He previously told the BBC: “Modelling has allowed me to travel all over the world and meet some of my heroes at the same time.
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    “But I love my football too. I captained Histon to the third round of the FA Cup in 2008-09 when we beat Swindon and Leeds before losing to Swansea.”
    He added: “People get confused and think you have to look exactly the same. You don’t.
    “I did all the stuff from a distance and they filmed Rio for the close up stuff. If there is a six-day shoot lasting 12 hours a day, there’s no way a player can be there that long.
    “I’ve met Rio. When I played for Crewe I lived in Cheshire and would see him out and about. He’d always acknowledge me.
    “You have to be professional on set. You don’t ask them for autographs or selfies. It’s a strict no-no.”
    Mitchel-King had to quit his modelling work for four years when he began playing in the EFL for Crewe and AFC Wimbledon between 2009 and 2013.
    But he returned to the job when he was back in non-league with Dartford in 2013.
    In contrast to Mitchel-King’s career, Ferdinand played most of his career at the top level.
    After emerging at West Ham, he went on to win ten major trophies for United including the 2008 Champions League.
    Ferdinand formed a solid partnership with Nemanja Matic during the second-half of his Man United careerCredit: AFP
    Unlike Ferdinand, Mitchel-King spent much of his career in non-leagueCredit: Getty Images – Getty More