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    Michael Knighton pleads with Sir Alex Ferguson to back his takeover bid to buy Man Utd and convince Glazers to sell

    MICHAEL KNIGHTON has challenged Sir Alex Ferguson to finally call for the Glazer family to sell Manchester United.The legendary Scot was at the Old Trafford helm when the Americans took over in 2005.
    Michael Knighton was a board member at Old Trafford during Sir Alex Ferguson’s early years at the clubCredit: Getty
    He worked with them as manager for eight years, and still acts as an adviser at United to this day.
    Knighton, 70, was a board member at the Theatre of Dreams between 1989 and 1992 and has launched an audacious campaign to buy the club from the Glazers.
    To help him, or fellow prospective bidder Sir Jim Ratcliffe, succeed – Knighton has called on Sir Alex to speak out.
    Discussing United at the Royal Academy of Arts, he said: “I call out Sir Alex Ferguson and I call out David Gill.
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    “I also call out Michael Edelsen, who was a director when I spent three years on the United board, and chairman Martin Edwards used the blueprint I put forward to begin the transformation of the club into the powerhouse it became.
    “Ferguson, Gill and Edelsen still work alongside the Glazers.
    “How can they stand by and allow the wilful destruction of Manchester United to continue?
    “Sir Alex and David Gill could have stopped the Glazers in their tracks before the takeover happened.
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    “For reasons only they know, they didn’t. But now they have to act.”
    Further explaining why he feels the 80-year-old should speak out, he said: “Ferguson only has to look at where the team are in relation to Manchester City and Liverpool.
    “Look at Old Trafford. One of the most iconic stadiums in the world, in such a state of disrepair that it’s an embarrassment.”
    Knighton’s bid has been overshadowed by Ratcliffe’s concrete interest in buying United, amid the news this week that the Glazers could be open to selling a stake.
    The former Carlisle owner accepts this, adding: “My consortium doesn’t have the funds to do what needs to be done.
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    “You’re talking £2.5bn to buy the club, £500m to pay off the debts, £700m to renovate Old Trafford and another £500m to invest in the team.
    “We would need help – and that’s why I’ve been smoking out Sir Jim over the last six months.”
    Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants to buy his beloved Man UtdCredit: Getty More

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    Man Utd blow as Casemiro suffers visa issues and will NOT complete transfer in time to face Liverpool

    MANCHESTER UNITED’S new signing Casemiro is experiencing visa issues and won’t arrive in time to face Liverpool.The midfielder is leaving Real Madrid, where he spent nine successful years, after United agreed a deal up to £70million with the Spanish champions.
    Manchester United won’t have Casemiro in time for the derby against LiverpoolCredit: Getty
    According to The Athletic, however, the Brazil international is dealing with visa problems and will thus be unavailable for Monday’s derby against the Reds at Old Trafford.
    Therefore, the 30-year-old is likely to make his debut at Southampton next week.
    The Brazilian is set to put pen to paper on a four-year contract with the option of an extra year.
    Casemiro amassed a total of 31 goals and 29 assists in 336 appearances with Real.
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    The Brazilian also won three LaLiga titles, the 2014 Copa del Rey and five Champions League trophies.
    Real midfielder Toni Kroos warned the Red Devils players that Casemiro will put them through their paces as he always demands perfect physical condition from his team-mates.
    But Rio Ferdinand believes the Brazil international’s advanced age, lack of resale value, mobility and zero Prem experience could work against United.
    The legendary defender told his Vibe podcast: “Are there negatives? Yes there are.
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    “Obviously the age, 30 years old. I wouldn’t say that’s a massive negative but I think if you’re talking from a business standpoint there’s gonna be zero resale value.
    “So it’s £60m, plus £10m add-ons, and then obviously you bounce on top of that the wages. So you’re probably looking somewhere near £100m – if you get change out of that, you will be lucky.
    “In a time when we don’t have the finances, it doesn’t seem we can bring big players we have put it all into him. So he needs to work.
    “To come from Spain for Casemiro into a team that is absolutely bereft of any confidence, is absolutely struggling in all areas, tactically especially, physically, mentally.
    “I think it’s going to be a huge ask for a 30-year-old to come in, recharge, reboot and go again.”
    Real may have already lined up their replacement for Casemiro.
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    They have been linked with a stunning move for Borussia Dortmund ace Jude Bellingham.
    Carlo Ancelotti sees the ex-Birmingham prodigy as the ideal third man for a new-look midfield with Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga. More

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    Chelsea and Everton join Man Utd in Ivan Toney transfer battle with Brentford braced for bids for striker

    CHELSEA and Everton have joined Manchester United in the race to sign Brentford star Ivan Toney, according to reports.The Red Devils are set for a busy final ten days in the transfer market, as they desperately look to bolster Erik ten Hag’s squad following a shocking start.
    Ivan Toney is in demand this monthCredit: Getty
    United are keen on Bees striker Toney and could launch a bid before the end of the window, but they may not be the only ones.
    According to the Mirror, Chelsea and Everton also see the 26-year-old as the answer to their respective forward woes.
    The Blues are after a front man after flogging Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner – with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang their No1 choice.
    Personal terms have been agreed with the former Arsenal ace, but Chelsea are yet to settle upon a fee with Barcelona.
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    The poverty-pleading Catalan side want £21million for Aubameyang, a fee the Blues don’t want to pay.
    Chelsea have offered £15m plus Marcos Alonso and could move on to Toney if Barca don’t accept.

    Alternatively, boss Thomas Tuchel could still demand TWO strikers be brought in as he looks for extra firepower.
    As for Everton, Frank Lampard’s side have been hit by yet another injury to Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
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    In the England international’s absence, Anthony Gordon and Salomon Rondon have been tried up front, with neither able to inspire the Toffees to a first win of the season.
    Man United, meanwhile, are chasing moves for Eredivisie wingers Antony and Cody Gakpo.
    But should Cristiano Ronaldo leave, they could accelerate efforts to try and sign Toney.
    The Brentford ace has started the season on fire, scoring twice and providing two assists in three appearances. More

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    Man Utd ‘set to launch £85m Antony transfer bid as Ajax star goes AWOL’ and misses Ajax clash against Sparta Rotterdam

    MANCHESTER UNITED are set to launch an £85million bid for AWOL Ajax star Antony, according to reports.The Red Devils have been keen on the Brazil ace, 22, all summer and were originally quoted £68m by the Dutch champions when they submitted a bid in July.
    Antony is pushing for a reunion with former Ajax boss Ten Hag at UnitedCredit: Getty
    Alternative targets were explored, including Dutch star Cody Gakpo.
    However, according to The Times, United are now expected to launch an £85m bid for Antony with the club scrambling to reinforce Erik ten Hag’s squad.
    And despite the player being under contract until the summer of 2025, Antony trained alone on Friday.
    Fabrizio Romano is also reporting the player didn’t turn up to training on Saturday in an attempt to push Ajax into negotiating with the Old Trafford club.
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    Antony is not involved in Ajax’s matchday squad to face Sparta Rotterdam.
    He also refused to commit his future to the club when speaking to Dutch outlet De Telegraaf.

    He said: “I can’t [commit].
    “Now I am focusing on playing football and I have put all other matters in the hands of my agents and my brother. They will advise me on what is best.”
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    United have had a tough start to life in the Premier League under Ten Hag.
    The Red Devils lost their opening game 2-1 to Brighton.
    They then followed it up with an embarrassing 4-0 defeat away at Brentford.
    Ten Hag is also having to deal with Cristiano Ronaldo’s situation, with the legendary forward seeking a move away from the club.
    However, Antony is convinced United’s fortunes will change under the Dutchman.
    He said on Ten Hag: “Manchester United will improve at his hand. At his previous clubs, he has proven that his method works.
    “Erik has been super important to me. I am grateful to him and I will always cheer for Erik after working so closely together.
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    “I have not been able to celebrate or cheer for him as he got no points yet.
    “I couldn’t until now anyway and that makes me sad. But knowing Erik, I am convinced that he will turn the tide soon.” More

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    Frank Lampard sends scouts to watch PSV winger Cody Gakpo as Everton line up transfer swoop for Man Utd target

    EVERTON have an eye on flying Dutch winger Cody Gakpo in the hope he comes on the market.Boss Frank Lampard sent spy Steve Davis to watch Gakpo, 23, dazzle for PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League qualifier last week when they drew 2-2 with Rangers.
    Gakpo is being linked with a move to the Premier League this summerCredit: Getty
    PSV may sell Gakpo if they are beaten by the Scottish giants in Wednesday’s return leg and miss out on the group stage money.
    The Dutch international has been linked with Manchester United.
    But Everton may be a more realistic destination for the player who has a lot of similarities to ex-Toffee Richarlison.
    He has made 141 appearances for the Eredivisie outfit, scoring 45 goals.
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    And he has also contributed an impressive 37 assists during his five seasons in the first team.
    Everton are keen to land the young, exciting forward but face stiff competition from Erik ten Hag’s United.
    The Red Devils are looking to bolster their squad after a disastrous start to their Premier League campaign.
    United have lost both of their opening matches to Brighton and Brentford.
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    But Everton are also struggling – with their draw against Nottingham Forest making it just one point from three matches for Lampard’s side.
    The Toffees have also been linked with a number of other targets as clubs enter the final two weeks of the summer window.
    Former United youngster Adnan Januzai, Coventry City striker Viktor Gyokeres and Brighton forward Neal Maupay have all been reported as possible acquisitions. More

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    Man Utd scouts watch Yann Sommer after David de Gea blunders but face transfer rejection and could turn to Tim Krul

    MANCHESTER UNITED are homing in on a move for Switzerland international keeper Yann Sommer — as they look for a safe pair of hands.United scouts watched the experienced Sommer claim a clean sheet for Borussia Monchengladbach on Friday night.
    Yann Sommer is being eyed by Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty
    Tim Krul is also an option Manchester United are consideringCredit: Alamy
    Sommer, 33, is emerging as the top candidate to provide competition for faltering No 1 David de Gea.
    But it will be hard to tempt him to sign as cover when he needs to play to stay in the national side.
    The Red Devils would have to convince Sommer he would play in enough games to make the move worthwhile for him.
    The Old Trafford vacancy is proving a nightmare to fill with United even considering Norwich’s Tim Krul, 34, as a No 2 option.
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    Watford’s Austrian international goalkeeper Daniel Bachmann, 28, is also a live alternative — but Sommer seems to be the hot choice right now.
    Meanwhile, United’s 21-year-old James Garner — who has never started a Premier League game for them — is of interest to Tottenham, Leeds and Southampton.
    But none are willing to meet the £14million price-tag the Red Devils have slapped on the midfielder, who has been loaned out three times.
    Erik ten Hag’s club are willing to let him go despite turning down previous offers this summer with Aston Villa and Newcastle also interested.
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    While Manchester United are desperate to bring in new faces before the window closes, they also have the looming fixture with bitter rivals Liverpool.
    They go into the match at Old Trafford on the back of two defeats. More

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    Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag shocked by Donny van de Beek’s broken confidence but will NOT let him seal Ajax loan transfer

    AJAX have been told there is no chance of taking Donny van de Beek back to Holland – because Erik ten Hag is convinced he can still play a key role at Manchester United.Van de Beek’s former club had hoped a lack of game time may see United let him return to them on loan for the season.
    Donny van de Beek won’t be allowed to leave Man Utd on loan this transfer windowCredit: Getty
    Erik ten Hag has been stunned by Van de Beek’s lack of confidence compared to when he coached midfielder at AjaxCredit: Getty
    But Ten Hag, the man who sold him to United two years ago, is confident the midfielder can force his way into the starting line-up.
    The Old Trafford manager was shocked at how far Van de Beek’s confidence has dropped since he was his gaffer in Amsterdam.
    Now Ten Hag has held talks with the 25-year-old to find out why he hasn’t shown the form which saw United pay £35million for him in 2020.
    And he has told Van de Beek there is no reason why he cannot make a big impression in Manchester.
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    United’s coaching staff are happy with his efforts in training.
    But Ten Hag is keen for him to take the risks in his game that earned a move to England in the first place.
    Ajax cannot afford van de Beek’s wages of around £100,000 a week.
    The Dutch champions hoped United would subsidise any deal if a spell back at the club where he established his reputation sparked a return to his best.
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    But although it could happen in January if he remains a bit-part figure, there is no chance in this window, with ten Hag also wary of being left with a lack of numbers.
    Despite arriving with a tag as one of Europe’s hottest prospects, Van de Beek has started just four league games for United and spent the second half of last season on loan at Everton.
    Yet the Reds’ woeful start to the campaign, leaving them without a point from the first two fixtures, could open the door to a bigger role in Monday’s clash with Liverpool. More

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    Man Utd midfielder James Garner wanted by Spurs, Leeds and Southampton in transfer scramble as Red Devils demand £14m

    MANCHESTER UNITED’s 21-year-old midfielder James Garner — who has never started a Premier League game for them — is of interest to Tottenham, Leeds and Southampton.But none are willing to meet the £14million price-tag the Red Devils have slapped on the midfielder, who has been loaned out three times.
    James Garner is free to leave Manchester United – at the right priceCredit: Getty
    Erik ten Hag’s club are willing to let him go despite turning down previous offers this summer with Aston Villa and Newcastle also interested.
    Garner has featured just twice in the Prem for Manchester United – both as a substitute and with the most recent coming during the 2019-20 season.
    In total he’s made seven appearances.
    He went on loan to Watford for the first half of the 2020-21 season, where he made 20 appearances in the Championship.
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    The Merseyside born star then spent the second half of the season at Nottingham Forest.
    He extended his stay at the City Ground, making 41 appearances the following term and helping them get promoted to the Premier League.
    Playing in a central defensive role, Manchester United clearly see little hope of him making his way into the first team.
    That view will only have intensified with the £70m arrival of Casemiro from Real Madrid.
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    He has two years remaining on his contract.
    Manchester United’s more pressing concern is their upcoming clash with bitter rivals Liverpool on Monday night.
    They go into the Old Trafford clash off the back of two defeats from their first two games of the season. More