Man Utd news LIVE: Ratcliffe set to axe Arnold, De Gea lined up for return, Glazers latest

Man Utd news LIVE: Ratcliffe set to axe Arnold, De Gea lined up for return, Glazers latest

Manchester United face their noisy neighbours in the Manchester derby at the weekend, but there’s plenty going on behind the scenes at Old Trafford ahead of Sunday’s big match

KEY EVENTS
De Gea reacts to United return talk06:25
Ratcliffe to axe Arnold05:58
Onana defends Garnacho18:25
Garnacho faces FA probe17:30
By Dan Marsh
UPDATED11:27, 27 Oct 2023
Manchester United are just two days away from the Manchester derby – but preparations for the big match have been overshadowed by several developments behind the scenes at Old Trafford.

Chief executive Richard Arnold is now expected to leave United if Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s £1.4billion proposal for a 25 per cent stake in the club is approved in the coming weeks, with the Ineos chief set to overhaul the structure around Erik ten Hag.

While it’s seemingly goodbye to Arnold, club stalwart David de Gea could be welcomed back with open arms.

The veteran goalkeeper has been sounded out about the possibility of returning to the club who gave him the boot back in July on a short-term basis to cover for Andre Onana, who is expected to be part of Cameroon’s squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations.

It remains to be seen, though, if De Gea – who is back in Manchester and still without a club – would be open to such a move.

CHECK OUT ALL THE LATEST MANCHESTER UNITED NEWS THROUGHOUT THE DAY BELOW….

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ICYMI: A closer look at Blanc
Manchester United have yet to finalise Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s investment in the club, but speculation over big changes has already begun.

Ratcliffe looks to have won the race to take a stake in the Premier League giants, though it is for less than the 69 percent he had initially eyed up. The billionaire is expected to take a holding of around 25 percent, though he will also enjoy significant sporting control despite current owners the Glazer family remaining in the picture.

Chief executive Richard Arnold is one of those tipped to leave his role, with Jean-Claude Blanc reportedly lined up to step in. Here, Mirror Football takes a closer look at Blanc as he continues to be heavily linked with an Old Trafford switch.

Carragher questions Ten Hag deals
Jamie Carragher insists Erik ten Hag – not the Glazers – must take responsibility for signing Casemiro, Christian Eriksen, Mason Mount and Sofyan Amrabat.

Manchester United have made a poor start to the season. They’ve suffered home defeats to Brighton and Crystal Palace to leave them eighth in the Premier League table. They’ve also lost twice in the Champions League, including to Galatasaray at Old Trafford.

United have spent a fortune on players since Sir Alex Ferguson’s exit in 2013, signing the likes of Harry Maguire, Paul Pogba and Anthony Martial for record fees. The three-time European champions have been criticised for adopting a scattergun transfer policy.

Ten Hag told to act amid Casemiro links
Dimitar Berbatov believes Erik ten Hag should be planning for life after Casemiro – regardless of whether or not the Manchester United midfielder has regrets over joining the club.

The veteran enforcer, 31, enjoyed a fine maiden season at Old Trafford but has struggled to replicate the same imperious form this term. And amid the Brazil international’s current woes, there have been reports suggesting that Casemiro is regretting his decision to swap Real Madrid for the Premier League.

That’s according to El Nacional, who claim that not only is Casemiro currently unhappy at United, but also that the club are less than impressed with the midfield maestro they shelled out £70million to acquire last summer.

Ten Hag to listen to Fergie ally
Manchester United were urged to keep David de Gea at the club by former goalkeeping coach Eric Steele, who worked under Sir Alex Ferguson.

It was Steele who suggested to Ferguson that the club should pursue a deal for a young De Gea, who was then at Atletico Madrid. The Scot took his advice and paid just shy of £20m to land the Spaniard, who spent over a decade at Old Trafford before leaving in the summer.

De Gea won numerous personal accolades, but mistakes became all too regular and his limitations saw Ten Hag green light his exit when his contract expired. Now, as the club plans for the Africa Cup of Nations period, which will see Andre Onana head off, a shock return is being considered.

Neville hits out at Glazers
Gary Neville believes all of Manchester United’s recent managers have been “very good” – insisting the Glazer family are to blame for their lack of trophies.

Neville was asked during a Q&A on Twitter who United’s best post-Ferguson manager is. The club’s former captain replied: “All very good managers but hampered by the ownership, (there’s a) lack of good leadership below the owners and poor recruitment.”

United have been accused of adopting a scattergun approach to transfers since Ferguson’s exit, as the Glazers didn’t appoint a football director until March 2021. John Murtough was given that job, with Darren Fletcher taking on the role of technical director.

ICYMI: United announce record revenues
Manchester United have announced a Premier League record revenue of £648.4million for the year ending June 30.

It is an increase of 11 per cent from the previous year. However, despite this record-breaking income, the club still reported a loss of £42.1million.

The impressive earnings were achieved despite the team played in the Europa League, not the more profitable Champions League, last season. The club predicts that revenue for the 2023-24 period will be between £650m and £680m.

United’s wage bill was reduced by £52.8m to £331.4m, which the club says is due to “squad turnover” and their absence from last season’s Champions League.

Redknapp defends Maguire
Harry Redknapp has hit back at critics of Harry Maguire after his son Jamie said the Manchester United defender has been “treated disgracefully by football fans”.

Maguire has started United’s last three games in all competitions due to an injury crisis in defence, helping to three successive victories over Brentford, Sheffield United and Copenhagen. And former Premier League manager Harry Redknapp says he is hopeful Maguire can build on his recent performances, branding some of the criticism he has received in recent years “rubbish”.

ICYMI: Onana defends Garnacho
Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana has said the controversy over a social media post from team-mate Alejandro Garnacho “should go no further”.

Garnacho posted on social media hailing Onana after the Cameroon international saved a late penalty against FC Copenhagen in the Champions League. The youngster used gorilla emojis alongside a photo from the 1-0 victory, later deleting the post after racial connotations were pointed out.

A closer look at Arnold’s prospective replacement…
Manchester United have yet to finalise Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s investment in the club, but speculation over big changes has already begun.

Ratcliffe looks to have won the race to take a stake in the Premier League giants, though it is for less than the 69 percent he had initially eyed up. The billionaire is expected to take a holding of around 25 percent, though he will also enjoy significant sporting control despite current owners the Glazer family remaining in the picture.

Chief executive Richard Arnold is one of those tipped to leave his role, with Jean-Claude Blanc reportedly lined up to step in. Here, Mirror Football takes a closer look at Blanc as he continues to be heavily linked with an Old Trafford switch.

De Gea reacts to United return talk
David de Gea has responded to reports claiming he has been offered a sensational return to Manchester United with a cryptic social media post.

De Gea, 32, is still a free agent after leaving the Red Devils in the summer after 12 years of service. The Spaniard clocked up 535 appearances during that time and was a hugely popular figure at Old Trafford prior to his departure.

After months of speculation, it was eventually agreed between United and De Gea that he would leave the club upon the expiration of his contract back in July. His replacement, Andre Onana, has failed to convince so far, though – and it now seems as though De Gea could be offered an unlikely olive branch by the same club who gave him the boot.

David de Gea(Ash Donelon/Manchester United FC)
05:58Key Event
Ratcliffe to axe Arnold
In case you missed it last night, Richard Arnold could be first in the firing line once Sir Jim Ratcliffe formalises his investment in Manchester United, it has been claimed.

Arnold succeeded Ed Woodward as the club’s CEO in early 2022, remaining in the post when the Glazer family began exploring takeover options in November of that year.

Following a long and drawn-out process, with bids from Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani considered, a minority stake for British billionaire Ratcliffe looks to be on the cards.

Man Utd missing stars for derby
Manchester United could be without as many as four senior defenders for Sunday’s Manchester Derby, the club have confirmed.

Luke Shaw and Lisandro Martinez are definitely out, while Tyrell Malacia and Aaron Wan-Bissaka aren’t expected to feature despite making progress in their respective recoveries from injury.

One man who could return, however, is Casemiro. The midfielder was suspended for Tuesday’s Champions League win but is in contention to play a part.

Premier League rivals thrive in Europe
Brighton and Liverpool are among the sides in Manchester United’s way in the race for Europe, and both claimed Europa League victories tonight.

Brighton claimed a 2-0 win over Erik ten Hag’s former side Ajax, with Joao Pedro and Ansu Fati on target.

Liverpool were even more comfortable, racing to a 5-1 victory over Toulouse despite making multiple changes.

FULL STORY: Onana comes to Garnacho’s defence
Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana has said the controversy over a social media post from team-mate Alejandro Garnacho “should go no further”.

Garnacho posted on social media hailing Onana after the Cameroon international saved a late penalty against FC Copenhagen in the Champions League. The youngster used gorilla emojis alongside a photo from the 1-0 victory, later deleting the post after racial connotations were pointed out.

Man Utd’s festive fixtures
Manchester United have avoided a Christmas Eve fixture, but will host Aston Villa on Boxing Day.

The full festive programme has been confirmed, with some matches moved for TV.

Other games include a lunchtime trip to West Ham on December 23 and a 5.30 kick-off at Nottingham Forest one week later.

Arnold could leave
Richard Arnold could be first in the firing line once Sir Jim Ratcliffe formalises his investment in Manchester United, it has been claimed.

Arnold succeeded Ed Woodward as the club’s CEO in early 2022, remaining in the post when the Glazer family began exploring takeover options in November of that year.

Following a long and drawn-out process, with bids from Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani considered, a minority stake for British billionaire Ratcliffe looks to be on the cards.

Redknapps defend Maguire
Harry Redknapp has hit back at critics of Harry Maguire after his son Jamie said the Manchester United defender has been “treated disgracefully by football fans”.

Maguire has started United’s last three games in all competitions due to an injury crisis in defence, helping to three successive victories over Brentford, Sheffield United and Copenhagen. And former Premier League manager Harry Redknapp says he is hopeful Maguire can build on his recent performances, branding some of the criticism he has received in recent years “rubbish”.

Redknapp told BetVictor : “Harry has had so much stick over the last couple of years and a lot of it has been completely rubbish. He’s been out of favour, but he’s knuckled down and waited for his opportunity.

“He was superb at Bramall Lane and hopefully the lad can build on that performance moving forward.” And Redknapp’s son Jamie has also defended Maguire in recent weeks, stating that he “doesn’t deserve the amount of hate he gets”.

De Gea breaks silence
David de Gea has responded to reports claiming he has been offered a sensational return to Manchester United with a cryptic social media post.

De Gea, 32, is still a free agent after leaving the Red Devils in the summer after 12 years of service. The Spaniard clocked up 535 appearances during that time and was a hugely popular figure at Old Trafford prior to his departure.

After months of speculation, it was eventually agreed between United and De Gea that he would leave the club upon the expiration of his contract back in July. His replacement, Andre Onana, has failed to convince so far, though – and it now seems as though De Gea could be offered an unlikely olive branch by the same club who gave him the boot.

According to The Sun, United are hopeful that De Gea will agree to return on a short-term basis to provide cover in the New Year, where it’s expected Onana will head off to the Africa Cup of Nations with Cameroon. That would lead Erik ten Hag with just Altay Bayindir and Tom Heaton as goalkeeping options.

While it remains to be seen if De Gea would be open to a return, the veteran shot-stopper fuelled speculation amongst fans on social media by posting a thinking emoji on Thursday afternoon.

How Sancho enraged Ten Hag in training
Jadon Sancho and Erik ten Hag ‘had words’ after the Dutchman criticised the Manchester United forward’s commitment to a training drill.

Sancho, 23, has been exiled from the first-team squad at Old Trafford after publicly hitting out at his manager on social media. The former Borussia Dortmund star reacted angrily after Ten Hag claimed his absence from the matchday squad against Arsenal back in September was due to his performances in training – a statement Sancho insisted was “completely untrue”.

And now, a new report from The Athletic has provided fresh insight on how the feud between Sancho and Ten Hag has exploded behind the scenes in recent weeks. The pair spoke face-to-face after Sancho’s social media outburst with Ten Hag explaining that, in his eyes, the forward ‘failed to commit’ to a training drill prior to the match against Arsenal after recognising he would not be starting said game.

In the post, Garnacho used gorilla emojis in relation to Onana. In response, the goalkeeper wrote on his Instagram story: “People cannot choose what I should be offended by. I know exactly what @garnacho7 meant: power and strength. This matter should go no further.”

Wright-Phillips makes Manchester derby prediction
Former Manchester City winger Shaun Wright-Phillips believes Pep Guardiola’s side should “steamroll” Manchester United on Sunday.

However, he also warned that “derbies are completely different” and that he expects to see a much better version of United when they host City at Old Trafford.

“If you go off performances, I would imagine that City would steamroll them, especially after watching United against Sheffield United,” Wright-Phillips told Betway. “But that’s never the case – it’s a derby. Derbies are completely different.

“I remember playing when Man Utd were dominating the Premier League, and City were just ambling through mid-table, but that game changes everything. Both sets of players know the culture of Manchester, they know how much it means to the fans and the club. It’s almost bragging rights, isn’t it?

“Even if your team is doing worse than the other team, the fans will brag about that for the rest of the season, and kids will go to school bragging about it to other kids. It will be completely different. We’ll see a completely different Man Utd to what we’ve seen so far this season, I’d imagine.”

Shaun Wright-Phillips spent most of his playing career at Manchester City(Getty Images)
17:30Key Event
Garnacho faces FA probe
Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho could face disciplinary action because of a social media post in which he used gorilla emojis in relation to a picture of Andre Onana’s penalty save.

The Argentina international uploaded an image of both Garnacho and Onana, alongside other United team-mates but the teenage winger added two gorilla emojis on to the picture. The picture was of the Red Devils players celebrating the Cameroon international’s last-minute spot-kick save against Copenhagen on Tuesday night.

Garnacho soon deleted the post from his profile once he was made aware of the potential racial connotations involved, but the FA have since requested his observations on it via United. There is a chance the governing body could still charge the wide-forward with a breach of their guidelines around racially sensitive social media posts.

Beckham has already shown Sancho how to resurrect Man Utd career
A month on from unleashing a verbal volley at Erik ten Hag on social media, Jadon Sancho’sManchester United career is at a crossroads.

The 23-year-old forward has not only failed to make a single matchday squad since disputing claims from his manager over his performances in training but Sancho has also been banished from all first-team facilities at the club’s Carrington training base – even the canteen.

With Sancho reluctant to apologise and Ten Hag unlikely to soften his stance either, it’s hard to see a way back for the former Borussia Dortmund man, who only arrived at Old Trafford back in the summer of 2021. However, a former United icon has already proven nothing is ever certain in football.

While Sancho’s application in training was questioned after recognising he wouldn’t be featuring against Arsenal back in September, David Beckham had a completely different approach, albeit after his exit from Manchester United.

During his time at Real Madrid, Beckham was also told he’d never play for the club again and was effectively exiled by Fabio Capello, who effectively made him train alone. But Beckham responded by excelling in training and, eventually, forced Capello into a U-turn.

City ban two fans over Bobby Charlton chant
Manchester City have banned two young supporters who were filmed chanting a sick song about the death of Sir Bobby Charlton.

The Manchester United and England legend passed away aged 86 in the early hours of Saturday morning. The sad news was announced at half-time of City’s game against Brighton in the Premier League.

It was followed by some vile chanting from a small group of supporters, with video footage then shared on social media. City were quick to condemn the actions of the minority and have since studied CCTV footage from the concourse at the Etihad Stadium to identify those responsible. They have now issued those young fans with bans and handed over their details to the police. Their identities have not been made public due to their age.

A club statement said: “Manchester City can confirm that two minors have been identified in connection with the vile chanting heard at the Etihad Stadium. The individuals in question have subsequently been suspended from attending all home or away fixtures and their details have been shared with Greater Manchester Police, who are investigating the matter.”

Man Utd financial records
Manchester United have announced a Premier League record revenue of £648.4million for the year ending June 30.

It is an increase of 11 per cent from the previous year. However, despite this record-breaking income, the club still reported a loss of £42.1million.

The impressive earnings were achieved despite the team played in the Europa League, not the more profitable Champions League, last season. The club predicts that revenue for the 2023-24 period will be between £650m and £680m.

United’s wage bill was reduced by £52.8m to £331.4m, which the club says is due to “squad turnover” and their absence from last season’s Champions League.

Man Utd fans question transfer policy
Manchester United fans have questioned the club’s transfer policy after taking note of Marcel Sabitzer’s performance for Borussia Dortmund against Newcastle.

Sabitzer was one of the stand-out performers in Dortmund’s 1-0 win over the Magpies in the Champions League on Wednesday night. The midfielder caught the eye for Edin Terzic’s side, who took all three points from St James’ Park thanks to Felix Nmecha’s tidy finish on the counter-attack.

The 29-year-old scored twice on international duty for Austria and has brought his form back to his club side, who paid around €20million (£17m) to sign him on a four-year contract from Bayern Munich in the summer. Sabitzer had spent the second half of last season on loan with United, but Erik ten Hag decided not to make the move permanent.

Marcel Sabitzer starred for Borussia Dortmund vs Newcastle(Hendrik Deckers/Getty Images)
13:38Kieran King
Dunne’s Manchester derby prediction
Ex-Manchester City defender Richard Dunne has backed his former side to come out on top and beat Manchester United on Sunday afternoon.

Speaking to BoyleSports, who offer the latest Premier League odds, Dunne said: “I think there’s a difference between City and United over a league campaign and you’d bet that City will finish above them. The derbies, however, teach you that anything can happen. Teams can have one-off performances.

“United were the best team in the world in my day, and City used to beat them occasionally. I would say City are the favorites on a normal day and I think they’ll win 2-0. You never know, though…”

Neville on United’s biggest problem
Gary Neville believes all of Manchester United’s recent managers have been “very good” – insisting the Glazer family are to blame for their lack of trophies.

Neville was asked during a Q&A on Twitter who United’s best post-Ferguson manager is. The club’s former captain replied: “All very good managers but hampered by the ownership, (there’s a) lack of good leadership below the owners and poor recruitment.”

United have been accused of adopting a scattergun approach to transfers since Ferguson’s exit, as the Glazers didn’t appoint a football director until March 2021. John Murtough was given that job, with Darren Fletcher taking on the role of technical director.

Ferdinand’s De Gea prediction
Manchester United are reportedly considering bringing back David de Gea amid concerns over Andre Onana – and their U-turn may please Rio Ferdinand.

Onana received a confidence boost by saving a last-minute penalty from Jordan Larsson in the 1-0 win over Copenhagen on Tuesday. But according to The Sun, the wheels are already in motion to bring De Gea back, with experienced cover during the Africa Cup of Nations needed.

United have Tom Heaton and Altay Bayindir as back-ups to Onana, but neither have played yet this season. De Gea remains without a club since leaving United and could be brought back on a short-term contract. The 32-year-old has different attributes to Onana and Ferdinand thinks he might have been under-appreciated.

“I think they’ll miss him,” he told TNT Sports in August. “He’s arguably the best shot-stopper around, won the Golden Glove last year. So, I don’t think in any other era would the keeper that won the Golden Glove be relieved of his duties at a football club.”

Gary Neville has admitted that he is still unsure on Andre Onana despite the Manchester United goalkeeper’s midweek heroics in the Champions League.

When he was asked for his thoughts on Onana during a social media Q&A, Neville made his feelings clear by responding with a shrugging emoji and “for now,” indicating that the jury is still out on United’s new No.1.

Neville was one of the many who felt his former club needed to move on from De Gea, who made plenty of errors himself last season. And while United had seemingly done just that, it now appears that a remarkable return could be on the cards for the Spaniard.

According to a new report from The Sun, De Gea has been approached by United about a short-term return to provide goalkeeping cover. Onana is set to take part in the Africa Cup of Nations in the New Year, meaning United would be without their current No.1.

Neville’s six-point plan
Gary Neville has told Sir Jim Ratcliffe he must appease six ‘hungry beasts’ if he’s to make Manchester United successful again.

INEOS chief Ratcliffe is on the verge of buying a 25 percent stake in the Red Devils after beating competition from Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani. The Glazers put United up for sale nearly a year ago, with a conclusion to the saga finally in sight.

Although the Glazers are staying at Old Trafford for now, Neville hopes that Ratcliffe can turn United’s fortunes around. The former Red Devils captain outlined six main priorities for the incoming shareholder during a Q&A on Twitter on Thursday morning.

Man Utd/Villa combined XI
Manchester United have fallen so far under Erik ten Hag that just two of their players would get into Aston Villa’s starting XI.

That is the opinion of former Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor, who has savaged United with a damning assessment of their squad. United have made a slow start to the campaign and sit eighth in the Premier League with 15 points from nine games.

“My team now, I have taken some Manchester United players out,” Agbonlahor said on talkSPORT. “So I have got [Emiliano] Martinez in goal, I have got Matty Cash at right-back. [Esri] Konsa, has been outstanding at centre-half with [Pau] Torres. Left-back I have got [Lucas] Digne – [he’s] not even my first-choice left-back, [Alex] Moreno is injured!

“In midfield, I have gone for Douglas Luiz, John McGinn and [Boubacar] Kamara. On the left I have gone for Rashford and cutting in from the right is Bruno Fernandes, and [Ollie] Watkins up front.”

Hojlund opens up on start
Rasmus Hojlund is adamant that there is plenty more to come from him in the wake of his indifferent start to life at Old Trafford.

The Denmark international has plundered three goals in as many games in the Champions League but is still yet to get off the mark domestically ahead of this weekend’s mouthwatering Manchester derby.

And while Hojlund has branded his United career so far as “alright”, he stressed that he is capable of achieving much more in the coming months and years.

Ratcliffe sent message over Ten Hag
Manchester United legend Paul Scholes believes Erik ten Hag has done a good job and hopes that the Dutchman will be backed by Ineos chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe if his offer for a minority stake in the club is ratified in the coming weeks.

Ratcliffe has tabled a proposal worth £1.4 billion for 25 per cent of United and is expected to be granted control of sporting matters by the Glazers once the formalities of a deal are concluded.

There has been speculation that Ineos could embark on an overhaul behind the scenes in the coming weeks, although it is anticipated Ten Hag will remain in his post – something that Scholes hopes will be the case.

Hojlund’s honest admission
Rasmus Hojlund has stressed that he is still finding his feet at Manchester United following his £72million summer transfer.

Hojlund, 20, became the Red Devils’ marquee summer capture from Atalanta in the transfer window after being identified as a top target by Erik ten Hag. However, the Denmark international has endured a mixed start to life at Old Trafford.

The striker has plundered three goals in as many games in Europe but has yet to break his duck in the Premier League, where he has failed to register a goal or an assist in six games so far. But Hojlund is adamant that his best is yet to come as he continues to adapt to life at a new club in a new country.

“In the end, I am only 20 years old and I am not the finished article yet,“ Hojlund said after the Copenhagen match. “I still have a lot to improve and I am getting there slowly. It (his start) has been alright. I’ve tried my best every time I play, and I still need to find the rhythm.“

Rooney suffers defeat
Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney suffered defeat in his first home games as Birmingham City boss.

Rooney replaced John Eustace at Birmingham earlier this month and lost his debut match against Michael Carrick’s Middlesbrough at the weekend. And Birmingham have now suffered a second consecutive defeat after Hull City beat them 2-0 at St Andrew’s thanks to goals from Liam Delap and Jaden Philogene.

Alejandro Garnacho did all he could to aid Andre Onana’s penalty saving efforts as Manchester United secured three points for the first time in this season’s Champions League.

Copenhagen had the chance to thwart them late on at Old Trafford when they were awarded a spot kick four minutes into injury time. The Dane’s would’ve left Old Trafford with a point had Onana not produced a big save late on, but that was only after Garnacho made every effort to scuff up the penalty spot.

Whilst the players remonstrated with the referee the young Argentina wandered up to the spot and repeatedly dug his boots into the ground, attempting to make Jordan Larsson’s job that much harder – and so it proved.

Alejandro Garnacho was spotted scuffing up the penalty spot(TNT Sports)
21:01Nathan Ridley
Scholes backs Ten Hag
Paul Scholes has urged Sir Jim Ratcliffe to stick with Erik ten Hag when he arrives at Manchester United.

INEOS founder and chief executive Ratcliffe is on course to seal a £1.4billon deal with the Glazers which will see him own 25 per cent of the club. Britain’s second-richest man will also assume control of football operations, running the rule over United’s transfer business and their choice of manager.

Although Ratcliffe and his fellow INEOS executives appreciate Ten Hag’s body of work – with the Independent claiming that they once attempted to put him in charge of another club that they own, French side Nice – there’ve been suggestions that the Dutch boss could be axed given United’s shoddy start to the season. But Scholes, speaking ahead of the Red Devils’ narrow 1-0 win at home to Copenhagen on Tuesday thanks to a Harry Maguire goal and Andre Onana penalty save, insists that the former Ajax manager remains the right man to bring the glory days back to Old Trafford.

“I think it’s hard to say – I think he’s been a very good coach so far, I like him,” the ex-Red Devils midfielder told TNT Sports. “He’s been ruthless in a job that is incredibly difficult, he’s essentially been thrown out to the lions in the sense of answering every single question thrown at him by the media and I think he’s handled it really well.

Boxing champion and Manchester United fan Tyson Fury praised Andre Onana after the goalkeeper’s penalty save secured three vital Champions League points for the Red Devils.

The summer signing has copped his fair share of criticism after several error-strewn displays, but produced when it counted on Tuesday night as United picked up their first Champions League win of the season. Copenhagen were awarded a penalty in the 94th minute, but still couldn’t find an equaliser.

Onana produced a big save from Jordan Larsson – son of former United man Henrik. Old Trafford rejoiced as did the fans who weren’t there, Fury among them. The heavyweight boxer is a life-long supporter of the club and commented on Onana’s Instagram to show his love.

The Cameroon international said on social media: “For all Mancunians, for us, for Sir Bobby Charlton. We are UNITED” Fury then replied: “GETTTTTUPPPP” with Onana coming back at him with a salute emoji.

Maguire’s wife sends message
Fern Maguire has issued a sweet six word response to her footballer husband after his huge Champions League win.

The Manchester United defender scored the winning goal against FC Copenhagen where he managed to silence critics. Harry Maguire had been facing harsh criticism from fans and pundits over his recent performance. Yet his winning header has seen him receive heaps from praise, including from devoted wife Fern.

Taking to her Instagram, Harry’s wife reposted a picture of Harry celebrating his smart second-half header. Alongside the picture, Fern gushed: “Cream always rises to the top” followed by a red heart emoji.

Fern Maguire issued a sweet response to her footballer husband’s huge win
19:30Colin Millar
Mbappe’s mum makes admission
Kylian Mbappe used to wear Manchester United shirts emblazoned with Cristiano Ronaldo’s name, his mother has revealed.

Fayza Lamari has been speaking of her son’s love of football since a very early age and described the range of football tops he wore as a child. Milan, Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, and Rennes were other clubs that Mbappe had shirts of while younger.

Mbappe, who joined Paris-based club AS Bondy aged six, was hugely passionate about football from a very early age with Lamari explaining how his shirt choices and general fandom were inspired by top strikers during his childhood in the 2000s.

Lamari said of her son’s Milan shirt, in quotes carried by Football Italia: “He wore it for training and even to bed. But like so many others: Real Madrid, France, PSG, Manchester United for CR7. He loved top strikers, but he could also wear the shirt of (Swiss striker, Alexander) Frei of Rennes.”

Eriksen proves point
Erik ten Hag reserved special praise for Christian Eriksen after the Manchester United midfielder made a significant impact in Tuesday night’s 1-0 win over FC Copenhagen.

Eriksen, who started the match on the bench, was introduced at the break for Sofyan Amrabat in a bid to spark United into life. And the former Brentford and Tottenham man did just that before teeing up Harry Maguire for the game’s only goal in the second-half.

After seeing his side finally get off the mark in the Champions League, Ten Hag was quick to emphasise the positive impact Eriksen had on the match. The Dutchman’s glowing endorsement could signal a return to the team for Eriksen, who has not started a match since the chastening 3-1 defeat against Brighton in the Premier League back in September.

When he was asked why he had been left out the team for recent games by Ten Hag during the international break earlier this month, Eriksen gave a fairly frank response to Danish outlet Ekstrabladet. “I think you should ask the coach what he thinks,” he stated.

Maguire has a long way to go to save his Man Utd career
For his first Manchester United goal in 20 months, Harry Maguire scored with a good header while Andre Onana kept out a late spot-kick that should see FC Copenhagen’s Jordan Larsson removed from penalty duties.

It was a fine save but it was a pretty poor penalty. Nice height, nowhere near the corner. Not only were those contributions widely deemed as redemption for Maguire and Onana, they prompted some observers to get a bit feisty.

Among them was none other than Mesut Ozil, not always renowned for feistiness during his playing days. “Harry Maguire & Andre Onana deserve that – silencing the haters,” Ozil told his 26.3million social media followers.

Haters? Haters? Maybe I’m looking in the wrong places but I don’t see many ‘haters’ out there … unless, of course, Mesut means people who have had a strong opinion on Onana’s form since he joined Manchester United and on Maguire’s plight over the last year or so.

Ex-Man Utd star opens up on addiction struggles
Former Manchester United star Darron Gibson says he is in a happier place after opening up on his addiction to sleeping pills.

The ex-Ireland international, who also played for Everton and Sunderland during a career hampered by injuries, was taking a dozen tablets per night during the worst moments. And his problems came to a head last year when he was hospitalised following a seizure at home that left him fearing for his life.

In an interview with The 42, Gibson said: “I don’t even think I was functioning at that point. Looking back at pictures, I was grey, if I had kept going I would have died. I was taking 12 to 14 sleeping tablets a night.

“I was rushed to hospital and I didn’t mention any sleeping tablets to anyone. Danielle [his wife] knew I took them but she had no idea to what extent. I was good at hiding it. Sometimes I’d take them all at once when we’d be going to sleep and I’d say I was bringing up a drink of water for her.”

Man Utd women’s star target “redemption”
Following a weekend in which Manchester United midfielder Hayley Ladd, along with Brazil striker Geyse and forward Leah Galton, was forced to miss the 5-0 win over Everton to make amends for their midweek Women’s Champions League exit due to a stomach bug (“a lot of nastiness but it’s all over now”), resilience and redemption feel like more than suitable talking points.

“It definitely fuels your desire,” Ladd reflects. “We wouldn’t be as together and so many things wouldn’t be the same if we didn’t have those set-backs, especially with the Wales squad, coming close and getting good results but not quite getting it over the line.

“The result on Wednesday was tough. It was hard to take. Everyone left everything out on the pitch and in terms of United, we’re early on our journey so to qualify for the first time for the qualification stages and to beat someone like PSG would have been a huge leap speaking realistically.”