Premier League

SHEIKH JASSIM has made a SECOND huge bid for Manchester United before the extended deadline. Believed to be in the region of a massive £5billion, the bid goes head-to-head with Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who also wants to purchase the Premier League giant.
SunSport can exclusively reveal that Manchester United bidder Thomas Zilliacus wants to team up with Ratcliffe and Qataris to complete a £6billion takeover.
Speaking to SunSport, The Finnish entrepreneur said: “I have reached out to both Sheikh Jassim and Sir Jim to try and join forces and am waiting to hear back.”
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Marc Me Out
Tyrell Malacia has spoken about his relationship with Marcus Rashford down United’s left-hand side.
The England striker has been in amazing form since the turn of the year while Malacia has rotated with Luke Shaw at left-back.
Before heading off on international duty, the Dutch full back told club media about their blossoming partnership.
He said: “We give each other energy, we speak a lot with each other and, in the dressing room, we sit next to each other. We have a good connection, that’s important and you can see it on the pitch.”
The Race is On
Man United will be fighting on three fronts as club football enters its final hurdle from next week.
They will be targeting silverware in the FA Cup and Europa League and have to secure a place in the top 4. These are what their first few fixtures look like after the international break.
2nd April – Newcastle United (A)5th April – Brentford (H)8th April – Everton (H)13th April – Sevilla (H) – Europa League16th April – Nottingham Forest (A)20th April – Sevilla (A) Europa League 22nd April – Brighton (N) FA Cup Semi-Final
‘We are ready to go’
Marcel Sabitzer has opened up on how he’s faring at Man United.
The 29-year-old arrived on loan in January to replace the injured Christian Eriksen.
He told club media: “We have a lot of quality in the squad. As well, in the midfield especially. Very good players, experienced players and I think we have a good relationship on the pitch and off the pitch. It helps us a lot and I’m enjoying playing with the guys.
“I felt it [a bond] from the very first moment on, you know, the spirit in the dressing room and the connection between the players. It’s something special. So it was very easy for me to come in and have relationships with the guys. As I said, I enjoy being in this group and, as I said, we are ready to go.”
Big Day in the WSL
Manchester United’s men team might be busy with international action but the first team women’s squad are still in the thick of it in the league.
They welcome West Ham to Manchester in the tea time game later as the club look to hunt down league leaders Chelsea.
United are two points off Emma Hayes side and will go top with victory.
And with two of their title rivals, Chelsea and Man City, going head to head tomorrow, it’s a great chance for the Red Devils to pick up points.
Di End Goal
Amad Diallo believes his loan spell at Sunderland has allowed to mature as a player.
The 20-year-old is enjoying a brilliant campaign at the Stadium of Light and has registered nine goals in the Championship.
He told MUTV: “Since I’ve been here, I’ve played in all the games and so I have felt I have more confidence. The manager and all the staff are confident in me and I think that this will help me a lot for next year. I hope that next year will be a good season for me.
“And, like I said before, I think this loan spell will help me for next season because it has helped me mature, and I have grown lots, on a mental level as well, and feel I have the ability to show this next season.”
Case In Point
Dion Dublin is convinced Casemiro will pass on his years of experience to his teammates when he misses matches with suspension next month.
Another red card for the midfielder against Southampton will leave him missing from United’s first three domestic games after the international break.
But former Red Devils striker Dublin told MUTV: “It’s going to be difficult but I just think the lads know how important these games are.
“Whoever takes his position, I am sure Casemiro will be chatting to him about what he expects as well because he has done it and won everything.
“Just what he thinks and he’ll be saying listen, this is how to do it, how to play against this team. So conversations are going to be had. Yes, it’s going to be a difficult void to fill but he’ll be back.”
Bidding War
Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani has followed in the footsteps of Sir Jim Ratcliffe by submitting an improved bid for Man United.
The Qatari investor and British billionaire are direct rivals for ownership of one of football’s biggest clubs.
An extended deadline has allowed both parties to submit bigger bids as they compete to get the edge.
Reports earlier this week indicated that Ratcliffe was set to submit the biggest ever bid for a sports club.
The New Man
For a while it appeared as though Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani were heading up the only parties with a realistic chance of taking over Man United.
But the Sun exclusively revealed that Finnish buisnessman Thomas Zilliacus is now in the running for the club.
He has tabled a bid of his own but would prefer to link up with Sheikh Jassim and Sir Jim Ratcliffe in a three way push for the club.
The founder and chairman of investment company Mobile FutureWorks believes that would avoid the Glazers benefitting further financially from a bidding war and leave extra billions left over to invest in the club.
Zilliacus, 69, told SunSport: “A bidding war favours nobody except the Glazers. I have reached out to both Sheikh Jassim and Sir Jim to try and join forces and am waiting to hear back.”
Top Qat
Qatar’s Sheikh Jassim submitted a second bid for Manchester United overnight.
His representatives confirmed that another offer has been tabled, according to the BBC.
It’s claimed Sheikh Jassim’s group are “confident” with the offer they have proposed.
They also believe the offer is the best one for United and the local community.
Sky Sports News reported the bid to be worth £5billion.
Current owners the Glazers value Manchester United at £6billion.
Kovavic linked to Old Trafford
Manchester United are reportedly eyeing a shock move for Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic.
The 28-year-old is out of contract at Stamford Bridge at the end of next season.
Chelsea are eager for the Croatian to stay but contract talks are still in the initial stages.
And 90min claim the Red Devils are exploring the possibility of a surprise swoop.
Both Liverpool and Manchester City are also claimed to be keen on Kovacic, who joined Chelsea in 2019 from Real Madrid.
Good morning, Manchester United fans
Qatari Sheikh Jassim played a game of “dare” with United’s sale agents by virtually declaring his own bid timetable.
And on the transfer front there’s frustrating speculation over midfielders Eduardo Camavinga and Gabri Veiga.
Britain’s richest man, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, handed in his revised world record £5billion takeover bid 24 hours ahead of Friday’s 4pm deadline.
But Sheikh Jassim only signalled his new offer would be coming before the end of the weekend.
That suggests his team believe they are the only bidders who can come close to the Glazers’ £6bn valuation of the club.
And it could lead to a wider feeling from other interested parties that Raine and the Glazer family might be “playing” them.
Meanwhile, rumoured United and Arsenal target Veiga would reportedly prefer to join Real Madrid.
Liverpool are also being linked with Celta Viga’s 20-year-old midfielder.
And Frenchman Camavinga is tipped to sign a new contract with Real.
Finally, Old Trafford centre-back Raphael Varane reckons United could be his final club.
The 29-year-old is under contract until 2025.
He feels he could return to Real but it’s more likely he’ll remain with the Red Devils or go back to Lens.
Varane: I’ll end career at Real, Utd or Lens
Raphael Varane reckons United could well be his final club – but says olds clubs Lens or Real Madrid are also possible.
The France centre-back is delighted at the way his and the Red Devils’ fortunes have transformed in his second season at Old Trafford
Varane, 29, is under contract until 2025 and he rates not moving again as a “serious option”.
He told GQ in France: “I will finish my career either at Real Madrid, Manchester United or at Lens.
“It’s sure that I won’t do another club, but Madrid, it seems complicated. You don’t tend to go back generally.
“The most likely is that I end in Manchester or Lens.”
Wout on after 33 mins as Holland wilt
Wout Weghorst was part of a “mercy substitution” in the Netherlands’ 4-0 Euro 2024 qualifier loss in France.
The Manchester United loanee watched from the bench as his team-mates fall 3-0 down in a mere 22 minutes.
The Oranje’s terrible start to the match prompted a quick reaction from manager Ronald Koeman, who hooked Ajax youngster Kenny Taylor in favour of Weghorst.

Netherlands fans were quick to respond, with one tweeting: “Ronald Koeman has had enough and takes Kenneth Taylor off.”
Another said: “Very Harsh on the youngster.”
And another said: “Weghorst coming in for Taylor?!!
“Koeman’s head is completely gone I’m cryin’.”
Another chimed in: “Weghorst is on for Taylor. A mercy substitution.”
Weghorst was unable to make the desired impact as the Oranje struggled to create any clear-cut chances.
Sabitzer free-kick ‘better than Messi and Ronaldo’
Marcel Sabitzer netted a worldie of a free kick on Friday night.
The Manchester United loanee opened the scoring for Austria against Azerbaijan, but it was his second goal that caught the eye.
Sabitzer, 29, bent a beauty of a free-kick into the top corner from 25 yards out.
His second strike came after Michael Gregoritsch had added to Sabitzer’s opener.

The United man is currently on loan at Old Trafford from Bayern Munich.
There is no option to make the deal permanent, but United fans begged for the club to extend his stay past the end of the season after seeing the free kick.
One lauded: “Sabitzer with a banger free kick. Better than Ronaldo and Messi.”
Another gushed: “I’ve seen enough sign him permanently.”
A third added: “Nah get him on a permanent immediately.”
And a fourth said: “We should buy him.”
‘Kane bad value unless he helps Utd win title’
United legend Andy Cole has revealed who he thinks they 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.”
Ed Devil looking unlikely
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.
Do you know the way to San, Jose?
Alexis Sanchez has revealed Jose Mourinho persuaded him to snub Manchester City and join Manchester United by promising him the No.7 shirt.
Sanchez completed a shock move to Old Trafford from Arsenal in January 2018, with Henrikh Mkhitaryan moving the other way.
A reunion with former Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola at the Eithad was on the cards for the Chilean before he moved to the red side of Manchester.

But Mourinho twisted his arm by promising him the iconic No.7 shirt.
Sanchez said: “I was about to go to City. I spoke to Guardiola every day, he told me happy birthday.
“He was like my dad. He was my dad at Barcelona and he was like my dad at City.
“We talked, we talked every day, he sent me messages.
“And everything was ready, there was a player who was going to go to Arsenal.
“Then [Arsene] Wenger tells me you are not leaving because the other player did not want to come and they do not have another.
“Suddenly the cell phone rings. Mourinho tells me: ‘Alexis, here is the seven [shirt] available for you.'”
Erik’s United success a ‘surprise’ in Holland
Erik ten Hag’s instant success as United boss has “surprised” everyone in Holland, according to Chelsea legend Ruud Gullit.
Gullit admitted during an interview with A Bola that he and everyone else back in their home country are impressed with how well the ex-Ajax chief is doing.
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.”
Veiga fancies Real over Prem giants
Rumoured Manchester United and Arsenal target Gabri Veiga would prefer to join Real Madrid,
That’s according to reports in Spain amid claims Liverpool are also keep on Celta Viga’s 20-year-old midfielder.
The Spanish Under-21 international has notched nine goals and three assists for his mid-table LaLiga side this season
But Cadena SER say he’d rather join home-country giants Real than move to the Prem.
Veigas is thought to have a release clause of around 40million euros – about £35million.
Coronation pickin’
The Premier League have confirmed which games have been selected for TV coverage on the weekend of King Charles’ Coronation.
New dates for previously postponed fixtures have also been confirmed.
And there are two awkward kick-off times for Manchester United.
There is an 8pm KO for the trip to Brighton on May 4, which will be shown live on Sky Sports.
Then just three days later the away game at West Ham on May 7 will now get underway at 7pm.
That clash will be shown live on BT Sport.
Other games selected for TV include Manchester City vs West Ham (May 3 at 8pm), Liverpool vs Brentford (May 6 at 5.30pm), Manchester City vs Leeds (May 7 at 2pm), Newcastle vs Arsenal (May 7 at 4.30pm), Brighton vs Everton (May 8 at 5.30pm) and Nottingham Forest vs Southampton (May 8 at 8pm).
Just four matches will be played on May 6, the day of King Charles’ Coronation.
Bournemouth vs Chelsea, Spurs vs Crystal Palace and Wolves vs Aston Villa will all kick-off at 3pm, with Liverpool vs Brentford to be shown on TV later that evening.
Why not sign Mount AND Jude?
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.”
Ruben rated at £50m
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.
Sheri buried Cole hatchet in a nightclub
Teddy Sheringham has revealed he buried the hatchet with former Manchester United team-mate Andy Cole – in a nightclub, writes CHISANGA MALATA.
Despite banging in the goals for United during the ’90s, the pair were far from pals – with their feud stemming from Sheringham snubbing Cole when he was replaced by his fellow striker during England’s clash with Uruguay in 1995.

Sheringham failed to acknowledge Cole as he was replaced, a snub the latter took to heart and held against his future Red Devils team-mate.
But the bad blood was put to bed ten years after they retired as Sheri told talkSPORT: “Probably about ten years after we finished playing, I was in a nightclub with a couple of pals.
“Andy was in the nightclub and I saw him walking towards me. And I thought to myself, ‘He looks a little bit stern, this looks a bit naughty’.
“I just looked over his shoulder and his wife Shirley was in the background, and I could see her looking over and looking a little bit apprehensive.
“I thought ‘Hello, this could turn a bit nasty’, I don’t know whether he’s going to try and put one on me or what.
“He walked over and he said, ‘Ted look, let’s let bygones be bygones and forget about what’s happened and move on’.
“He put his hand out and I was like, ‘Wow, I did not expect that Andy’.
“But yeah I’m happy to do that, put my hand out and shook hands.”
Mata returning to Manchester for shock role
Juan Mata is coming back to Manchester in the summer, but it’s not to rejoin Erik ten Hag’s revolution.
The ex-Manchester United star returns to the city to curate an art exhibition focusing on football.
The Galatasaray ace left United in 2022 but will be attending this year’s Manchester International Festival.

The playmaker is known for his artistry on the pitch as he won a raft of trophies with the Red Devils as well as Chelsea where he also conquered the 2012 Champions League.
But now the former Spain international has turned his attention to actual art as he teams up with Hans Ulrich Obrist.
Together they will produce new works inspired by the Trequartista, a legendary football position most akin to a modern No10.
Mata said: “It is fantastic to be returning to Manchester, the city I called home for more than eight years, and to be part of Manchester International Festival for the first time.
“I am thrilled to be co-curating ‘The Trequartista – Art and Football United’ with Hans Ulrich Obrist over the next two years, bringing together two of my passions: the worlds of football and art.”
Scott freed?
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.
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