Manchester United takeover news recap Fernandes names star he would ‘love’ at Man Utd

Look back on Saturday’s Manchester United news and updates.

Manchester United supporters are on tenterhooks regarding confirmation of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s investment but news could well come during the international break.

Ratcliffe has long been set to take a minority share of United after beating Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al Thani. The INEOS chief is expected to invest around £1.4billion for a 25 per cent stake, and take charge of footballing operations.

Almost a full year since the Glazers announced plans for a strategic review, reports suggest that next week could see confirmation of Ratcliffe’s arrival. And major changes could follow, with chief executive Richard Arnold already out the door and sporting director John Murtough potentially following.

Should Murtough depart, a race is hotting up as to who will take over. Paul Mitchell is deemed to be the favourite but the likes of Dougie Freedman and Paolo Maldini have also been linked.

While everything pushed forward on a takeover front, several United players are away on international duty but Erik ten Hag will be nervously waiting on the fitness of two stars. Both Marcus Rashford and Andre Onana were forced off while representing England and Cameroon respectively last night, and there has been no update as of yet.

In transfer news, reports in Spain suggest United are eyeing a shock move for Antoine Griezmann, who is in the form of his life with Atletico Madrid. The 32-year-old could be available for just €25million due to a release clause in his contract.

Look back on the day’s United news below.

Positive Rashford injury update plus encouraging Onana reports
Takeover latest as Ratcliffe arrival closes in
Fernandes names player he would like Man Utd to sign
MEN Sport speak to former United player Tom Cleverley
22:37ISAAC JOHNSON
United ‘pressing’ to sign £22million World Cup winner
United have made contact with the agent of Antoine Griezmann ahead of a potential move, according to reports in Spain.

Griezmann, 32, has been in outstanding form for Atletico Madrid this season, registering eight goals and one assist in 12 appearances. Last season, he racked up an impressive 15 goals and 16 assists in La Liga.

That form is bittersweet for Atletico who are enjoying his goals but concerned about interest from top European clubs.

(Image: FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images)
22:13ISAAC JOHNSON
Ratcliffe ‘targeting’ ex-Liverpool coach
The Telegraph says Lee Congerton – Atalanta’s head of recruitment – could be brought into United by Ratcliffe.

The 50-year-old, who previously coached at Liverpool and Chelsea, is apparently being spied for the sporting director role.

He was a major player in bringing Rasmus Hojlund to Atalanta just over a year ago, the club buying him from Austrian side Sturm Graz for around £13m before selling him on to United for £72m.

Lee Congerton, centre, watches a Liverpool Under-21 match in 2014
21:53ISAAC JOHNSON
Ratcliffe influence on January transfers ‘explained’
A report from Football Insider claims Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s arrival at United will not affect Erik ten Hag’s January plans.

Those inside United were concerned about breaching Financial Fair Play rules in the summer and the same concern will be present in the upcoming window. The Reds spent more than £170m having spent £225m the year prior.

Last January, United were forced to lean on the loan market as a result of their spending and could be as equally hesitant this time around.

(Image: Eric Alonso/Getty Images)
21:25ISAAC JOHNSON
Bayindir jokes about Man City and Liverpool FC when asked United question
Goalkeeper Altay Bayindir has joked that Manchester United are by far the best supported English team in Turkey and that no one else comes second.

The Turkey international, who has helped his country qualify for Euro 2024, is yet to make his United bow after signing from Fenerbahce this summer.

He will be needed if Andre Onana decides to represent Cameroon in January’s Africa Cup of Nations, as expected.

Altay Bayindir(Image: Manchester United FC)
20:51ISAAC JOHNSON
Todibo ‘would suit United’
Former United striker Louis Saha has recommended Erik ten Hag targets Nice centre-back Jean-Clair Todibo to strengthen his defence.

Todibo has been linked with a transfer to United in the summer when Ten Hag was desperate to improve his central defence.

Speculation remains about Ten Hag adding to his defence though and Saha believes Todibo would be a good addition.

(Image: Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images)
20:40ISAAC JOHNSON
Fernandes names player he ‘would love’ United to sign
Bruno Fernandes has admitted he would love the Reds to sign João Neves.

Neves has been linked with a move to Old Trafford in recent weeks amid United’s midfield struggles. Erik ten Hag was keen to freshen up his midfield this summer and reduce the average age of his options in the middle.

Fernandes has now given any possible move his seal of approval on Portuguese colleague Neves.

(Image: MUTV)
20:22ISAAC JOHNSON
‘It got me down’ – The United title-winner labelled the next Scholes
A playing career can pass by in an instant. Tom Cleverley hasn’t yet truly reflected on the end of his after hanging his boots up in the summer, but as he looks back on the early chapters he remembers a fearless young midfielder taking the fight to Yaya Toure at Wembley a dozen summers ago.

It was August 2011 and Cleverley’s Manchester United debut. The opponents were Manchester City in the Community Shield and the then 21-year-old was summoned at half-time along with Jonny Evans and Phil Jones.

A newly-minted City, who had just won the FA Cup, were 2-0 up and hinting at the shift in power to come.

20:03KYLE NEWBOULD
Two former Reds reunite
Antonio Valencia and Juan Sebastian Veron have both been donning the famous red shirt of United once again.

Would you take either of these two in their prime at United now?

19:45KYLE NEWBOULD
Ferguson rivals
Chelsea look set to join the race for Brighton striker Evan Ferguson, according toFootball Insider.

United have long been admirers of Ferguson, who has burst onto the scene as one of Europe’s most promising young strikers. They see the 19-year-old as a star of the future but may be forced to act quickly if they want to sign him.

That is because Chelsea are keeping a close eye on the teenager’s development and could launch a move for him.

(Image: Steve Bardens/Getty Images.)
19:14KYLE NEWBOULD
Maguire trusted
Erik ten Hag has been quietly impressed with Harry Maguire’s attitude and can ‘trust’ the defender despite stripping him of the captaincy, according toESPN.

Maguire has been one of United’s most consistent performers in recent weeks, earning a regular place in the starting line-up despite being up for sale all summer.

The report states that despite the embarrassment of being demoted, Maguire continues to act as a leader and was part of the group that urged Jadon Sancho to apologise to his manager.

(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images.)
18:44KYLE NEWBOULD
Ten Hag criticised
Tim Sherwood has blamed Erik ten Hag for not getting the best out of Marcus Rashford.

Asked if the forward should start for England at Euro 2024, Sherwood told Sky Sports:

“No, not a chance. He can thank his manager for playing his way out of the England team, unfortunately.

“I think if he was at Man City now, I think he’s got all the attributes to be a world-class player and make the England team.

“I think there’s not going to be a turnaround between now and the end of the season, unfortunately, and I think he can thank Ten Hag for that because he’s not been good enough. ”

(Image: Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
18:14KYLE NEWBOULD
McTominay message
Former Scotland manager Alex McLeish has urged Erik ten Hag to take a leaf out of Steve Clarke’s book in using Scott McTominay further forward, as he told BBC Scotland:

“Scott’s versatile and I wonder why Man United and Ten Hag didn’t take a leaf out of Steve Clarke’s book. he’s played him in the back three, as a holding midfielder. But as an attacking midfielder, it seems to be more of his niche.

“So you think that Ten hag would play him in an attacking role. It’s no shame on Ten Hag thinking he knows where his best position would be, but he can learn from other things. For me, he should have looked at how Steve Clarke was playing him.”

(Image: 2023 Getty Images)
17:39KYLE NEWBOULD
Sancho’s Saudi stance
Jadon Sancho is not keen on a move to the Saudi Pro League in January, according to 90min.

The 23-year-old looks set to leave United after being frozen out of the first-team picture by Erik ten Hag in September. Saudi Arabian clubs were keen on the winger in the summer and will likely make another attempt to sign him mid-season.

But the report insists Sancho will not simply leave to the highest bidder – which will likely come from the Middle East – and would prefer to remain in Europe.

Borussia Dortmund and Juventus are both interested.

(Image: Julian Finney/Getty Images)
17:07KYLE NEWBOULD
Onana update
Andre Onana will miss Cameroon’s game against Libya on Tuesdayafter picking up an adductor injury last night, according to national outlet Actucameroun.

Onana was forced off in the 81st minute of his side’s 3-0 win over Mauritius.

We’llbe keeping a sharp eye out for manager Rigobert Song’s press conference as we await an official update.

(Image: 2023 Getty Images)
16:32KYLE NEWBOULD
Reds ‘pressing’ for Griezmann
United have made contact with the agent of Antoine Griezmann ahead of a potential move, according to Spanish outlet Nacional.

Erik ten Hag is thought to be open to signing a more experienced attacker, in the hope that they can bring much-needed goals to the squad and also relieve the pressure on Rasmus Hojlund.

Griezmann, 32, has been in outstanding form for Atletico Madrid this season, registering eight goals and one assists in 12 appearances. Last season, he racked up an impressive 15 goals and 16 assists in La Liga.

The report adds that Griezmann’s current contract includes a release clause, thought to be just €25m (£21.9m).

(Image: Defodi Images via Getty Images)
16:01KYLE NEWBOULD
Saha likes Todibo
Louis Saha has recommended Erik ten Hag targets Nice centre-back Jean-Clair Todibo to strengthen his defence.

The former United defender told Betfred:

“He’s a very good defender. He’s very unlucky because currently there’s a golden generation of French defenders and that’s why he doesn’t have many caps for the national team. He’s very good on the ball, he’s calm and he would very much suit Manchester United’s style of play.”

Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo(Image: Jean Catuffe/Getty Images)
15:31KYLE NEWBOULD
Toney transfer stance
Ivan Toney is ‘torn’ over a potential January transfer amid a feeling he owes Brentford for turning him into one of Europe’s top strikers, according tothe Sun.

United have been heavily linked with Toney in the past, although a mid-season move for the 27-year-old seems unlikely after £72m was spent on Rasmus Hojlund.

Chelsea and Arsenal are still interested in the striker but Brentford hope they can convince him to play out the second half of the season with them, following his lengthy ban.

Ivan Toney is working hard ahead of his return(Image: Alex Dodd – CameraSport via Getty Images)
14:54JACK FLINTHAM
ANALYSIS – Why United should not expect fireworks in January
During the winter transfer window, many United fans are wanting to see multiple signings made.

The squad has looked threadbare so far this campaign due to injuries and reinforcements are needed.

But, here is why United fans should not expect fireworks.

(Image: INEOS)
14:42GEORGE SMITH
ANALYSIS – Ten Hag has told Ratcliffe what needs to change
Ten Hag has already highlighted the importance of United coming up with a coherent strategy ahead of Ratcliffe’s impending arrival at the club.

Ratcliffe’s chemical giant, INEOS, is understood to be on the brink of securing a minority stake in the club. The group is understood to be paying north of £1billion to secure a 25 per cent stake from the Glazer family.

Though INEOS’ impending investment will not oust the Glazers from office, there is a general feeling of optimism that their input will generate much-needed changes and fresh optimism. Arnold’s exit as chief executive on Wednesday provided the biggest indication yet that huge changes are in the offing.

(Image: PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
14:29JACK FLINTHAM
United’s new kit ‘leaked’
It seems to come earlier and earlier every year…

No, not Christmas but the leaked United kits for the new campaign.

The Reds will have at least one noticeable change to their shirts next season with Snapdragon taking on the sponsorship rights. However, there could be more changes to come too.

(Image: footyheadlines.com)
14:05JACK FLINTHAM
United might finally be able to get man Ferguson wanted
If Maldini is the man to take on a role at United, it could finally end Ferguson’s pursuit of him which has span decades.

The former AC Milan centre-back was on the Reds’ radar during his playing days.

However, when Ferguson made an approach he got a firm response.

Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford.(Image: Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
13:43JACK FLINTHAM
ANALYSIS – Ten Hag knows what he will get from Maldini
The United manager will be watching with intrigue as the speculation grows surrounding who will become the next sporting director at the club.

As mentioned previously, Maldini is one of the names being linked with the coveted role after leaving his club AC Milan.

Should he be appointed, Ten Hag will know what to expect.

(Image: Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Ciancaphoto Studio/Getty Images)
13:28JACK FLINTHAM
Freedman’s competition for sporting director role
If reports are to be believed, Paul Mitchell is a key target for Ratcliffe as he looks to reshape the United boardroom.

Mitchell has overseen projects at Tottenham, Southampton and most recently AS Monaco.

Another more surprising name to be linked is AC Milan legend Paolo Maldini after he left the San Siro in June.

(Image: Johnny Fidelin/Icon Sport via Getty Images.)
13:10JACK FLINTHAM
ANALYSIS – Ten Hag told what to expect from Freedman
Should United choose to make Freedman their new sporting director, they will have no end of references to call upon to testify how good he is at his job.

One of whom is former Palace manager Patrick Vieira who has already told Ten Hag what he can expect from the Palace man.

Crystal Palace’s current sporting director Dougie Freedman is linked with a move to Manchester United(Image: Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
12:48JACK FLINTHAM
Freedman’s best signings for Palace
While Palace’s owner may be confident his director of football will be remaining at Selhurst Park, there is no knowing at this stage if United have made contact with Freedman without Steve Parish’s knowledge.

Ferdinand is uncertain about Freedman’s credentials for the job but MEN Sport has looked back at some of his signings for the Eagles and there have been some good deals.

(Image: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images.)
12:34JACK FLINTHAM
Palace chairman reacts to Freedman’s United links
Crystal Palace owner Steve Parish was adamant on Friday Freedman’s move to United would not be confirmed.

Freedman is reportedly being considered to take on the role of sporting director at Old Trafford once Ratcliffe arrives.

But Parish believes no conversations have taken place between Freedman and the Reds.

(Image: Harry Trump/Getty Images)
12:16TYRONE MARSHALL
ANALYSIS – United have already missed chance to prepare for latest setback
Sadly for United, they picked up another injury blow on Friday night as Onana was substituted with a suspected abductor injury.

The goalkeeper is now a serious doubt for next weekend and his understudy Bayindir is likely to take his place.

However, a chance to get the new signing up to speed has already been missed.

(Image: 2023 Getty Images)
12:00KEY EVENT
NEW: Manchester Is Red podcast
The latest episode of the Manchester Is Red podcast is available now.

You can listen for FREE on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

11:17STEVEN RAILSTON
The early 2024/25 kit photos for United
The colour scheme for the 2024/25 home and away kit have been ‘leaked’ in early pictures.

Snapdragon will be on the front of the shirt, with the TeamViewer deal coming to an end.

(Image: footyheadlines.com)
(Image: footyheadlines.com)
10:49STEVEN RAILSTON
Crystal Palace chairman breaks silence on Freedman
Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish has poured cold water on suggestions sporting director Dougie Freedman could head to United when Sir Jim Ratcliffe steps into the boardroom.

INEOS founder Ratcliffe, 71, is expected to complete his investment imminently. That will spark a further shake-up behind the scenes and Freedman has been mooted as one possible option.

The former striker had two spells with Palace during his playing days. He also served as manager at Selhurst Park before stepping into his current role as sporting director in 2017.

Parish, 58, was pressed on that subject by Gary Lineker when appearing on the latest Rest is Football podcast. He replied: “You’d have to get inside the minds of those people, wouldn’t you? There’s certainly I don’t think been any conversations, but it’s very flattering for the club.

“Totally [clubs get used to interest]. You guys live in the world where 50 per cent of the stories told in the media are true and 50 per cent aren’t, it’s just that we don’t know which ones.”

(Image: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
10:11STEVEN RAILSTON
Ratcliffe to ‘be guided by Ferguson’
Sir Jim Ratcliffe will take the advice of Sir Alex Ferguson when making decisions about boardroom changes in his role overseeing football operations upon his 25% stake purchase.

That’s according to The Telegraph, who claims this would come as a boost for Dougie Freedman’s prospects, who has been linked with a job at United

The report says the Crystal Palace sporting director is a close ally and former neighbour of Sir Alex although he is not the only contender on Ratcliffe’s shortlist.

(Image: Pascal Della Zuana/Icon Sport via Getty Images)
09:37STEVEN RAILSTON
Sancho next club odds
Sancho remains banished from the first-team and he’s set to leave.

Sancho to sign for before February 2, 2024

Not to sign or agree a contract with any other club 13/10
Juventus 3/1
Any Saudi Arabian Club 4/1
Chelsea 6/1
Dortmund 15/2
Tottenham, Manchester City 9/1
Odds via Betfair.

(Image: Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
09:01KEY EVENT
Exclusive interview with former United star Cleverley
A playing career can pass by in an instant. Tom Cleverley hasn’t yet truly reflected on the end of his after hanging his boots up in the summer, but as he looks back on the early chapters he remembers a fearless young midfielder taking the fight to Yaya Toure at Wembley a dozen summers ago.

It was August 2011 and Cleverley’s Manchester United debut. The opponents were Manchester City in the Community Shield and the then 21-year-old was summoned at half-time along with Jonny Evans and Phil Jones. A newly-minted City, who had just won the FA Cup, were 2-0 up and hinting at the shift in power to come.

But under Sir Alex Ferguson, United roared back. More than 12 years on Cleverley can still remember the feeling in that second half as a goal from Chris Smalling and a Nani double secured victory.

“I think we played Barcelona in the States a couple of weeks before that game and I had a good game and it all led to coming on at half-time in that game and I felt fearless,” Cleverley told the Manchester Evening News.

“It was unbelievable playing against world-class opposition like Yaya and feeling like we had our foot right on their throat and they didn’t get a breath. Nani was incredible in the second half.

Tom Cleverly made 22 Premier League appearances for Manchester United in 2012/13.
08:41STEVEN RAILSTON
Ferguson tried to sign player four times before he joined
It is not often a player turns down the chance to join United. It is even less often that they do it four times.

Yet that is the situation Sir Alex Ferguson found himself in as he looked to reinforce his defensive options with a centre-back numerous times during his most successful spell at the club.

In the summer of 1995, the legendary manager was searching for a new defender when he made an approach to signing one who had shone against his side four years earlier.

Laurent Blanc was already 29 at that point but Ferguson wasn’t deterred from bringing the French defender to Old Trafford, having been so impressed by him when they had played Montpellier in the successful European Cup-Winners’ Cup campaign.

The experienced defender had just scored 13 goals, yes, really, in his last season at Saint-Étienne, one in which they only avoided relegation because Marseille were denied promotion due to their financial difficulties.

This is the story of the player who turned down United four times.

‘Larry White’ was highly-rated by Sir Alex Ferguson
08:05STEVEN RAILSTON
United tracking Tah
United are ‘in the race’ to sign Bayer Leverkusen defender Jonathan Tah.

That’s according to a report by The Sun which claims United ‘like the look’ of the experienced centre-back, who is also attracting interest from other Premier League clubs.

United are understood to be planning to strengthen their central-defensive options in 2024, with doubts currently surrounding Raphael Varane’s long-term future at Old Trafford.

(Image: Ina Fassbender/AFP via Getty Images.)
07:39STEVEN RAILSTON
Blanc favourite for CEO role
Sir Jim Ratcliffe is likely to appoint former Juventus and Paris St-Germain executive Jean-Claude Blanc as Richard Arnold’s replacement, according to the BBC.

The report claims Blanc has previously been called ‘the Lionel Messi’ of sports business.

Blanc joined INEOS in 2022 as chief executive of Ineos Sport to oversee all of the company’s sports portfolio having spent 11 years at PSG.

Jean-Claude Blanc has been linked with a role at Manchester United(Image: Getty Images)
07:17STEVEN RAILSTON
Southgate on Rashford’s injury
Rashford sustained a knock during England’s game against Malta last night,

“I think he’s probably okay,” Southgate said. “We just thought given the nature of the collision, it was a chance to get Cole into the game. I haven’t assessed too much but I think Marcus was okay when he came off”.

Marcus Rashford reacts during England’s victory over Malta(Image: Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
KYLE NEWBOULD
Double injury blow
United look to have suffered yet more injury misery with both Marcus Rashford and Andre Onana forced off while away on international duty.

Rashford came off worse after clashing with Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold during England’s 2-0 Euro 2024 qualifying win at home to Malta. He received medical attention on the pitch at Wembley before being replaced by Cole Palmer on the hour mark.

Onana started in goal for Cameroon’s World Cup qualifying match against Mauritius. The Reds shot-stopper lasted 81 minutes but was also forced off with an injury, the nature of which is not known.

KYLE NEWBOULD
Ratcliffe announcement
Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s deal to take a 25% stake in United could be confirmed early next week, according to Sky News.

The INEOS chief is said to be closing in on finalising a $33-a-share deal that will see him take a minority stake but acquire control of footballing matters at the club.

(Image: Eric Alonso/Getty Images)
KYLE NEWBOULD
Morning Reds!
Good morning all and welcome to our LIVE United blog this Saturday.

It seems as though an announcement regarding Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s £1.4billion investment is imminent, and the INEOS chief is expected to continue his reshuffle, following the departure of chief executive Richard Arnold.

United suffered yet more misery last night, with both Marcus Rashford and Andre Onana forced off during international duty.

There is plenty to get your teeth stuck into this weekend, so let’s get right to it!