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      Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Man Utd takeover bid is ‘£1billion less than Sheikh Jassim’s offer’ as Glazers weigh up options

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      SIR JIM RATCLIFFE’s bid to buy Manchester United is £4billion, reports claim.That is £1bn less than the £5bn Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani is believed to have tabled for the Red Devils.
      Sir Jim Ratcliffe has lodged a bid to buy Manchester UnitedCredit: AFP
      Ratcliffe has lodged an offer worth £4bn, according to Foot Mercato.
      That falls short of the £6bn the Glazers are thought to be demanding to sell the club.
      However, in contrast to Sheikh Jassim’s attempt to take full control, Ratcliffe’s bid is for “majority ownership” of the club.
      The current owners set a soft deadline of 10pm on Friday for interested parties to submit their offers to buy United.
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      That prompted bids from both Sheikh Jassim and Ratcliffe, while Saudi and US-led consortia are also believed to be in the contest.
      Oldham-born Ratcliffe already has experience in football ownership.
      His INEOS chemicals company own French side Nice and Swiss outfit Lausanne-Sport.
      And INEOS released a statement on Saturday morning, outlining their bid and their goals for United.
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      It comes after Sheikh Jassim vowed to return United to “its former glories” if his bid for full control is successful.
      INEOS’ statement set out a plan to get the Red Devils challenging for Champions League glory and becoming the No1 club in the world.
      It read: “We can confirm that Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS have submitted a bid for majority ownership of Manchester United Football Club.
      “We would see our role as long-term custodians of Manchester United on behalf of the fans and the wider community.
      “We are ambitious and highly competitive and would want to invest in Manchester United to make them the number one club in the world once again.

      “We also recognise that football governance in this country is at a crossroads.
      “We would want to help in this next chapter, deepening the culture of English football by making the club a beacon for a modern, progressive, fan-centred approach to ownership.
      “We want a Manchester United anchored in its proud history and roots in the North-West of England, putting the Manchester back into Manchester United and clearly focusing on winning the Champions League.”
      The Raine Group, the bank overseeing the process, will now determine the next steps in the sale following Friday’s soft deadline for bids. More

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      Tom Hanks shocked reaction to Ollie Watkins’ opener against Arsenal caught on live TV as Hollywood star heads to Villa

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      HOLLYWOOD superstar Tom Hanks was in the stands at Villa Park as Ollie Watkins gave Aston Villa a 1-0 lead over Premier League title challengers Arsenal today.The 66-year-old actor, who is an Aston Villa fan, looked on in shock as Watkins broke the deadlock within six minutes.
      Tom Hanks celebrated Aston Villa’s opening goalCredit: BT Sports

      And his reaction caused quite a stir on social media, with one person tweeting: “Arsenal bottling the league right in front of Tom Hanks.”
      Another added: “Tom Hanks is in the house!”
      A third joked: “Looked like it might hit ‘The Post’ but Tom Hanks knows that was a ‘Big’ goal. It could be ‘The Terminal’ moment in the title race for Arsenal…”
      A fourth said: “Tom Hanks enjoyed that one!”
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      While another shocked fan added: “I was so baffled when I saw this has this always been a thing?”
      Aston Villa’s lead didn’t last long as Bukayo Saka fired home a fantastic strike to draw Arsenal level just over 10 minutes later.
      However, Philippe Coutinho put his team back in front at the 30 minute mark.
      Oleksandr Zinchenko cancelled out the Brazilian’s effort in the second half before an Emiliano Martinez own goal and a Gabriel Martinelli strike sealed all three points for the Gunners in the final minutes of the match.
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      Arsenal went into today’s game level on points with Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table.
      However, following Wednesday’s 3-1 defeat, they dropped down to second on goal difference.
      Mikel Arteta made two changes to the starting line-up ahead of kick-off, with Leandro Trossard replacing Martinelli and Ben White replacing Takehiro Tomiyasu. More

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      Five things Sheikh Jassim will do at Man Utd if he wins takeover battle with Jim Ratcliffe

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      QATAR’S Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani vowed to return Manchester United to “its former glories” if he buys the club.The chairman of Qatari bank QIB submitted a bid for the Old Trafford giants ahead of Friday’s 10pm deadline.
      Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani has submitted a bid for Manchester United
      Sheikh Jassim’s plan to return United to “its former glories”
      He is set to battle it out with Sir Jim Ratcliffe, one of Britain’s richest men, after the INEOS owner also lodged an offer.
      Elsewhere, Saudi and US-led consortia are still believed to be in the contest.
      In a statement, Sheikh Jassim set out a plan to get Manchester United back to the pinnacle of football through a number of different steps.
      Here SunSport breaks down what he has promised to do if he wins the takeover battle.
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      Redevelop the stadium
      Part of Sheikh Jassim’s statement promised investment in the “stadium and wider infrastructure” at the club.
      United legend Gary Neville has been vocal in his belief that the club’s 74,310 seater stadium and 112-year old home needs redeveloping.
      Reports earlier this month claimed Old Trafford could even be demolished altogether under new ownership.
      And a successful Sheikh Jassim bid would see him pump money into the stadium.
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      Sheikh Jassim has promised to put money into redeveloping Old TraffordCredit: Getty
      Put fans at the heart of the club
      The Qatari bid said it would “place the fans at the heart of Manchester United Football Club once more.”
      United supporters have been vocal in their protests against current owners the Glazers.
      A whopping £33.6million in dividends was paid to Red Devils shareholders last year – despite the club finishing with its worst ever Prem points tally.
      And Sheikh Jassim has promised fans will come first if he assumes the reigns.
      Manchester United fans have protested against the GlazersCredit: Getty
      Many supporters want the American owners out of the clubCredit: AFP
      Make the club debt free
      United supporters have also been left furious by the Glazer family piling debts on the club, but Sheikh Jassim is promising a different strategy.
      Friday’s statement revealed: “The bid will be completely debt free via Sheikh Jassim’s Nine Two Foundation.”
      In September 2022, figures revealed that the Glazers had increased United’s debt by £95million over the previous 12 months.
      But Sheikh Jassim’s offer comes without any debts, and is for “100 per cent” of the club.
      Invest in the men and women’s teams
      Shekh Jassim’s statement claimed a successful bid would see investment in “the football teams” at Manchester United.
      The Red Devils didn’t make a permanent signing in January due to limited funds, instead signing Wout Weghorst, Jack Butland and Marcel Sabitzer on loan.
      Manchester United Women are also set for investment if Sheikh Jassim takes control of the club.
      The club are yet to win the Women’s Super League after being formed as a professional team in 2018, but they are currently top of the table, and new investment should make them regular challengers.
      Update Carrington training HQ
      Sheikh Jassim’s statement promised to deliver investment into the “training centre” if the bid is successful.
      Read More on The Sun
      Club legend Cristiano Ronaldo criticised the club in his bombshell interview with Piers Morgan for not making any progress behind the scenes.
      And the Red Devils are currently planning an overhaul at Carrington in order to keep up with the times.
      Sheikh Jassim’s proposed takeover would see money pumped into the club’s Carrington HQCredit: Getty
      Cristiano Ronaldo hit out at the club’s facilities late last yearCredit: Getty More

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      Sir Jim Ratcliffe releases statement confirming Man Utd takeover bid and makes two MAJOR vows to make club great again

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      SIR JIM RATCLIFFE has released a statement confirming his Manchester United takeover bid, making two MAJOR vows on what he plans to achieve at Old Trafford.The 70-year-old is determined to help the Red Devils win the Champions League and become the No1 club in the world.
      Sir Jim Ratcliffe is determined to buy Manchester UnitedCredit: PA
      Sir Jim launched his bid prior to last night’s deadline, and will go up against Qatari Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani.
      His company INEOS have this morning released a statement, outlining their bid and their goals.
      It read: “We can confirm that Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS have submitted a bid for majority ownership of Manchester United Football Club.
      “We would see our role as long-term custodians of Manchester United on behalf of the fans and the wider community.
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      “We are ambitious and highly competitive and would want to invest in Manchester United to make them the number one club in the world once again.
      “We also recognise that football governance in this country is at a crossroads.
      “We would want to help in this next chapter, deepening the culture of English football by making the club a beacon for a modern, progressive, fan-centred approach to ownership.
      “We want a Manchester United anchored in its proud history and roots in the North-West of England, putting the Manchester back into Manchester United and clearly focusing on winning the Champions League.”
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      Ratcliffe has emerged as a popular choice to take over among fans.
      Although a SunSport poll yesterday revealed that Sheikh Jassim’s £5bn bid is not far behind in popularity.
      Having received Wall Street backing, a source close to INEOS chief Ratcliffe told the Telegraph: “His aim is to be a long-term custodian of Manchester United and set the standard for a progressive approach to club ownership.
      “As locally born, he wants to put the Manchester back into Manchester United.”
      Sheikh Jassim, meanwhile, is the son of former Qatari Prime Minister Hamad.
      He has vowed to make the club debt free, while restoring them to “former glories”.
      The Raine Group, the bank overseeing the sale, will determine the next step, following last night’s soft deadline.
      This will involve putting together a shortlist of bidders, much like the one that was compiled during the process that saw Todd Boehly buy Chelsea last year.
      The Glazer family stand to make around 40 TIMES what they paid for United.
      Having purchased the club in a leveraged buy-out, the Glazers spent only around £150million on Man United, while receiving dividends over many years.
      Read More on The Sun
      They are now chasing £6bn for the club, but could sell for between £4bn-£5bn.
      The Glazers will also pocket the money tax free, having relocated United HQ from Old Trafford to the Cayman Islands.
      Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani has bid £5bn for the Red Devils More

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      Why is Thomas Partey not playing for Arsenal against Aston Villa today, and when could he return?

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      ARSENAL are again without the services of Thomas Partey this afternoon for the Aston Villa clash.The Ghana midfielder has been an integral part of the Gunners XI this season, and they have missed him when he’s been absent.
      Thomas Partey, right, misses out again for ArsenalCredit: Getty
      Jorginho has kept his spot in midfield due to the absence of Partey for the Villa Park clash.
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      Why is Thomas Partey not playing for Arsenal?
      Thomas Partey has a back spasm and is out injured for Arsenal.
      This forced him to miss the 3-1 defeat by Manchester City last week.
      The result saw City leapfrog Arsenal to the top of the Premier League.
      Gunners manager Mikel Arteta said about Partey’s injury before the City loss: “It’s what happens in football, players pick up injuries.
      “Unfortunately Thomas felt something in his back muscle and he wasn’t available to play.”
      Thomas Partey has a back injuryCredit: Getty
      When is Thomas Partey set to return?
      Partey was assessed before the Villa game, so his injury is not thought to be long-term.
      Arteta said: “He probably needs another week.”
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      This would put him down as an expected return for the match at Leicester next Saturday, February 25. More

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      Chelsea post emotional tribute to Christian Atsu as footballing world pays respects after death in earthquake confirmed

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      CHELSEA have paid a touching tribute to former player Christian Atsu, who has passed aged 31.The Ghanian was one of the thousands of people to tragically lose their lives in the fatal earthquakes which rocked Turkey and Syria earlier this month.
      Christian Atsu tragically lost his life in the devastating earthquakes that rocked Turkey and SyriaCredit: REX
      Former club Chelsea paid tribute to the late Atsu with an obituaryCredit: GETTY
      Atsu was trapped under the rubble at Turkish Super Lig side Hatayspor’s headquarters for two weeks before his body was found.
      And Chelsea, like many in the footie world, paid tribute to the late player in an obituary on their website.
      It read: “It is with enormous sadness that Chelsea Football Club receives the news that Christian Atsu is confirmed as one of the many victims of the dreadful earthquake in Turkey and Syria.
      “Atsu was a Chelsea player between 2013 and 2017 having signed from Porto.
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      “He did not make a competitive appearance for our men’s first team having spent his seasons as a Blue out on loan, although he featured in some pre-season games.
      “During those years, the Ghanaian international was named the Player of the Tournament at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations, also scoring the Goal of the Tournament as Ghana finished runners up.
      “His loans took him to Vitesse, Everton, Bournemouth, Malaga and Newcastle before he was transferred permanently to St James’ Park.
      “He moved to Turkey to play for Hatayspor last year.
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      “Chelsea sends our heartfelt condolences to Christian’s family and friends and to all those affected by the earthquake tragedy.”
      Blues legend John Terry paid his own tribute to Atsu, tweeting a picture of the late winger and saying: “RIP my friend.”
      Atsu’s former club Newcastle also paid tribute, with an excerpt of their statement reading: “We are profoundly saddened to learn that our former player Christian Atsu tragically lost his life in Turkey’s devastating earthquakes.
      “A talented player and a special person, he will always be fondly remembered by our players, staff and supporters.”
      Everton also followed suit, tweeting: “We are deeply saddened by today’s news that Christian Atsu has been found dead following the earthquake in Turkey earlier this month.
      “Our thoughts are with his family, friends, colleagues at @Hatayspor_FK and everyone affected by this tragic event that has claimed so many lives.” More

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      Arsenal confirm shock team news with Gabriel Martinelli DROPPED for Leandro Trossard and no Thomas Partey at Aston Villa

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      GABRIEL MARTINELLI has been dropped from Arsenal’s starting line-up ahead of today’s Premier League clash with Aston Villa.The Brazilian, 21, has started every Premier League game so far this season.
      Martinelli has been dropped from Arsenal’s starting line-upCredit: Getty
      Jorginho keeps has spot in midfieldCredit: Getty
      However, Arteta has dropped him to the bench this afternoon with January signing Leandro Trossard taking his spot on the left wing.
      The Arsenal boss has also made a change to his back four with Ben White returning to the line-up to replace Takehiro Tomiyasu.
      Aston Villa vs Arsenal: Follow the action as it happens with SunSport’s live blog
      New boy Jorginho has kept his spot in midfield due to the absence of Thomas Partey.

      Partey was ruled out of Wednesday’s huge clash with Manchester City at the last minute due to a muscle injury.
      And Arteta has decided to leave him out of today’s squad completely as a precaution.
      Emile Smith-Rowe has returned to the fold following a long spell out of action with a recurring groin injury.
      He could make an appearance off the bench late in the game to replace one of Arsenal’s three midfielders.
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      The Gunners go into this game level on points with Man City following Wednesday’s 3-1 defeat.
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      However, they have dropped down to second in the table, for the first time since November, on goal difference.
      Meanwhile, Aston Villa sit 11th in the table following two successive defeats. More

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      ‘Won’t beg him to stay’ – Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers hints Newcastle transfer target James Maddison could quit club

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      LEICESTER manager Brendan Rodgers has hinted that James Maddison could leave the club when the summer transfer window opens.Maddison, 26, has been linked with a move away from the King Power Stadium since last summer.
      Maddison has been linked with a move away from LeicesterCredit: PA
      Rodgers will not force the midfielder to stay at the clubCredit: Getty
      Newcastle boss Eddie Howe reportedly made the midfielder his priority transfer target last month following two failed attempts to sign him on a permanent deal.
      And he is expected to make another bid to sign him before the 2023-24 Premier League season kicks off.
      Despite the growing interest from Newcastle, Leicester chiefs have been eager to keep Maddison in the East Midlands by offering him a new contract.
      However, Rodgers has admitted that he does not want to beg the midfielder to stay.
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      When asked about Maddison’s future during his press conference ahead of Sunday’s league clash with Manchester United, the Foxes boss said: “It’s a conversation we’ve been having with James’ representatives for a while so there’s no change in that.
      “For me, it’s about making sure that, despite whatever the situation is, that James is playing at the best level he can be.
      “Thankfully as a player he’s got experience now, he’s very focused on purely doing his best for us and staying available and fit.
      “He’s a top player in the league and he’s shown that in his time here, gradually from when he’s come in to the position he’s in now, you can see that development take place.
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      “I think that’s the type of club we are – we’ll develop players, we’ll improve players, we can give them great conditions to work in – but I won’t be begging for a player to stay.”
      Maddison has less than 18 months remaining on his current contract, so Leicester could be forced to cash-in on him this summer if he decides against signing a new deal.
      While Newcastle maintain a strong interest in signing him, Manchester City are also keen to strike a deal.
      Bernardo Silva is expected to leave the club at the end of the season and Pep Guardiola reportedly believes that Maddison could be the ideal player to fill the void. More