ARES Management Corp, based in the US, have become the latest asset manager to try and get involved in the proposed Manchester United takeover, according to reports.
Reuters have reported the buyout financier worth £290bn has offered funds to at least one bidder to support a potential takeover.
They add that funds were offered to "at least one bidder" in the form of "structured equity".
But they were reportedly turned down, as their terms were "unattractive".
United have received confirmed offers from the likes of Sheikh Jassim and Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Meanwhile, Anthony Martial has been doing individual training as the Frenchman battles back from his injury lay-off.
And United boss Erik ten Hag held a meeting with Sir Alex Ferguson ahead of the huge clash with Barcelona, SunSport can exclusively reveal.
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- Kealan Hughes
Sabitzer open to permanent stay
Manchester United could sign Marcel Sabitzer on a permanent basis in the summer, according to his agent.
He told German outlet Sport1 that they "will see what happens" when the transfer window re-opens.
But with Bayern Munich believed to be open to an £18million sale it is possible Sabitzer will remain at United.
Sabitzer also refused to rule out a permanent switch after revealing he liked the atmosphere at the club.
- Jack Figg
Morning, United fans
Lisandro Martinez and Marcel Sabitzer can boost United's Europa League dream tonight.
Centre-back Martinez and loanee midfielder Sabitzer are available after being suspended for last Thursday's 2-2 first leg in Barcelona.
In contrast, Barca's big-name absentees include Pedri, Gavi and Ousmane Dembele, although Sergio Busquets is back in the squad after injury.
The Red Devils are gunning for a last-16 place – three days before facing Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final.
And Barca boss Xavi said: “It’s the best Man United in a few years.
“That’s the work (Erik) Ten Hag have done. They showed personality and passion at Camp Nou. It (Old Trafford) is a tough stadium to go to and it will be difficult for us.”
Xavi also believes United bidder Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani would do a "good job".
The Qatari Sheikh is rivalling British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe to buy out the Glazers, but the American family are not certain to sell out.
Xavi played for Qatar side Al Sadd from 2015-19 and coached them for the next two years.
He said: “I have a good relationship with the Sheikh… I think he is a very good person with serious responsibilities.”
On the transfer front, Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis admits Victor Osimhen could leave for a “crazy”offer.
United have been linked with a £107million bid for the Nigeria frontman.Meanwhile, it's suggested the Red Devils, neighbours City, Arsenal and Liverpool might all be monitoring Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount.
But despite claims of fresh interest from United, the Gunners are rated favourites to land Leicester midfielder Youri Tielemans in the summer.
Finally, West Ham are reportedly keen on FOUR Old Trafford stars – Scott McTominay, Harry Maguire, Donny van de Beek and Anthony Martial.
- Ian Tuckey
'No chance if we're not at our best'
Erik ten Hag believes only United’s “best performance this season” will KO Barcelona tonight.
Chasing a Europa League last-16 spot, the Red Devils are level at 2-2 for the Old Trafford second leg.
United boss Ten Hag said: “When you face such big teams as Barcelona you have to play your best, otherwise you don’t have a chance.
“We have to keep in the same mindset that every day we want to give a better version of ourselves.”
- Ian Tuckey
‘Ronaldo transferred his energy to Marcus’
Ex-United striker Louis Saha claims Cristiano Ronaldo has “transferred his energy” to Marcus Rashford since the legend left United for Al-Nassr.
And Saha reckons on current form only PSG’s France striker Kylian Mbappe is better than Rashford.
The England hitman is again United’s main hope as they face Barcelona tomorrow night.
And Saha told Lord Ping: “There’s not many better than Rashford at the moment in world football, but Kylian Mbappe is still the best as he’s been incredible over the last three years and the boss at PSG, even with Neymar and Messi there.
In terms of how good he was in the World Cup too, but Mbappe and Rashford are the best two in the world at the moment.
“(Erling) Haaland is playing well, but he doesn’t provide as much.
“The excitement, speed, confidence of this guy at the moment, he’s unplayable and Kylian Mbappe is the same – it’s impossible to defend these skilful players.
“It seems he’s been transferred the energy of Cristiano Ronaldo since his departure – I don’t know what’s happened to the kid.”
- Ian Tuckey
Gunners tipped to get hands on Dec
Arsenal have emerged as frontrunners to sign Man Utd transfer target Declan Rice after talks with the player’s representatives, reports say.
The England international has been linked with a move away from relegation battling West Ham.
And according to Football Insider, his team have held talks with Arsenal over a move.
The league leaders have long been in the market for a midfielder to partner Thomas Partey, 29.
And after missing out on Brighton’s Moises Caicedo, 21, they settled for a £10million deal for Jorginho, 31, from Chelsea.
But Rice, 24, would act as a long-term solution, with the star ready to target Champions League football.
He has also been linked with Man Utd, Chelsea and Liverpool.
- Ian Tuckey
Only our best will KO Barca – Ten Hag
Erik ten Hag believes only United's "best performance this season" will KO Barcelona tomorrow night.
Chasing a Europa League last-16 spot, the Red Devils are level at 2-2 for the Old Trafford second leg.
United boss Ten Hag said: "When you face such big teams as Barcelona you have to play your best, otherwise you don't have a chance.
"We have to keep in the same mindset that every day we want to give a better version of ourselves."
- Ian Tuckey
Tielemans tipped for Emirates
Arsenal are again rated favourites for Youri Tielemans, who has also been linked with Manchester United.
Football Insider claim the Gunners are best placed to sign the Leicester midfielder, despite reported interest for the Belgian from Barcelona and Newcastle.
The Foxes still hope the 25-year-old will sign a contract past June.
But Tielemans is expected to eye a free transfer move after two years on the radar of top Prem rivals.
- Ian Tuckey
Jules vows Barca will be at their best
Jules Kounde has warned United that Barca will be at their formidable best tomorrow night.
The in-form Red Devils are confident of securing a Europa League last-16 spot.
But France centre-back Kounde said: "I'm sure tomorrow we will see the best verision of Barcelona.
"I think they're always pressure. It's that pressure that you like, each of us want to play in big games and the pressure is positive.
"I think everybody is up for giving that bit extra. I'm completely sure we will respond tomorrow."
- Ian Tuckey
Wout's key role for Red Devils
Wout Weghorst is an “important” United player and it’s “crazy” to criticise boss Erik ten Hag over the striker’s role.
That’s the verdict of former Old Trafford defender Paul Parker as some pundits question the loanee’s worth.
Parker believes the Holland star’s “withdrawn forward” position – behind rampant Marcus Rashford – suits United.
Credit: Reuters The ex-England ace told Kelbet: “I think it makes really good sense and I find it crazy that people are criticising Erik ten Hag for making him do that.”
“But there are a lot of FIFA-fans out there who are only looking at stats.
“They are looking at how many goals he has scored and even the TV pundits are doing the same but they don’t know anything about Weghorst.”
Parker added: “Erik ten Hag knows him very well. He sees him everyday at training and he even knew him very well before he moved to Man United so he knows how he can get the best out of Wout Weghorst”
“Do I think that Weghorst has been a positive asset for Man United? Of course, I do. He has been very important for Man United since his arrival.”
“And he is working very hard everyday because he doesn’t want to return to Burnley or Turkey. He wants to stay at the biggest club in the world.”
- Ian Tuckey
Thuram would be 'great' for Utd
Louis Saha believes Marcus Thuram would be "great" for Manchester United.
The ex-Red Devils frontman says the Borussia Moenchengladbach winger would "guarantee goals and assists".
Fellow Frenchman Saha told Lord Ping: "Marcus Thuram is a terrific lad and a terrific player. Lots of energy, confidence, doesn’t think twice.
"He’s a dedicated player and the type of player that gives you guarantees with goals and assists.
"It’s not just because he’s a French lad. I really like the mentality of the player and he had a little issue last year but bounced back brilliantly to get into the World Cup.
"I don’t follow German football that much but I follow how he’s doing and I think these type of players provide more guarantees than others."
"This guy is skilful and aware tactically, he’d be a great player for United."
- Ian Tuckey
'Fans want Utd to entertain vs Barca'
Ex-United defender Paul Parker expects Erik ten Hag’s men to KO Barcelona tomorrow night.
The Red Devils grafted superbly for a 2-2 draw in last Thursday’s play-off first leg for a place in the Europa League last 16.
And former England star Parker told bettors: “I really do consider Man United to be the favourites against Barcelona because they are not in the best place compared to where they were a few years ago.
“But I wouldn’t consider it to be a massive failure if they are being knocked out by Barcelona. They are a huge club with an amazing history.”
Parker also expects Red Devils’ fans to be happy if their heroes up the thrill factor – whatever the score.
He explained: “People want to watch entertaining football, so if Man United are not entertaining the crowd at Old Trafford, they would be disappointed.
But if Man United are playing at a high tempo, trying to score goals but lose at the end, the fans will accept it.”
- Ian Tuckey
Man Utd & Arsenal linked to Mount
Chelsea's Mason Mount could be a summer target for Manchester United and City plus Arsenal and Liverpool.
That's the claim from The Athletic's David Ornstein amid suggestions the England midfielder is far from reaching an agreement over a new Blues' contract.
Ornstein believes Juventus might also be monitoring the Stamford Bridge academy product, 24.
The journalist reckons it's unlikely Mount wants £300,000 a week as claimed in some quarters.
But it's thought a sticking point could be Chelsea's keenness to tie the playmaker to a contract of six to eight years.
- Ian Tuckey
Martial in individual training
Anthony Martial has been spotted doing individual training as he edges closer to a return from injury.
The Manchester United forward has not featured in the first team since the Manchester derby on January 14, owing to a hip injury.
Martial, 27, has struggled for fitness throughout the season, having played just 14 times all season.
Indeed, following the 3-0 win against Leicester last weekend, January signing Wout Weghorst has now played more Premier League games for Man Utd this season than Martial.
However, when Martial does play, Man Utd look like a far better team and his own record is impressive, with six goals and two assists in nine starts and five substitute appearances.
Boss Erik ten Hag has previously used individual training to get players into gear before returning to the first team, as seen with Jadon Sancho.
- Ian Tuckey
'Rashford second only to Mbappe'
Ex-United striker Louis Saha claims Cristiano Ronaldo has "transferred his energy" to Marcus Rashford since the legend left United for Al-Nassr.
And Saha reckons on current form only PSG's France striker Kylian Mbappe is better than Rashford.
The England hitman is again United's main hope as they face Barcelona tomorrow night.
And Saha told Lord Ping: "There’s not many better than Rashford at the moment in world football, but Kylian Mbappe is still the best as he’s been incredible over the last three years and the boss at PSG, even with Neymar and Messi there.
In terms of how good he was in the World Cup too, but Mbappe and Rashford are the best two in the world at the moment.
"(Erling) Haaland is playing well, but he doesn’t provide as much.
"The excitement, speed, confidence of this guy at the moment, he’s unplayable and Kylian Mbappe is the same – it’s impossible to defend these skilful players.
"It seems he’s been transferred the energy of Cristiano Ronaldo since his departure – I don’t know what’s happened to the kid."
- Ian Tuckey
'4 Utd stars targeted by Hammers'
West Ham could target FOUR out of favour Manchester United stars this summer, sensational reports claim.
CBS journalist Ben Jacobs, writing for CaughtOffside, claimed West Ham could even look at signing a United quartet at the end of the season.
Jacobs says Scott McTominay, Harry Maguire, Donny van de Beek and Anthony Martial are all possible options for David Moyes.
- Ian Tuckey
Strong Case for Carabao Cup glory
United stars Raphael Varane and Casemiro enter Sunday’s Carabao Cup final against Newcastle having won 90.91% of their major finals.
The pair lost just one of 11 such showpieces for Real Madrid.
Overall, France centre-back Varane has won 12 of his 14 finals, while Brazil midfielder Casemiro has triumphed 15 times out of 17.
Genting Casino delved into final history to find the disheartening stats for the Toon.
And Casemiro’s personal facts ‘n figures this season show why he’s become so important as the Red Devils chase silverware on four fronts.
The £70million summer signing has a tackle-success rate of 77% plus 79% pass-completion, as well as notching two goals and three assists.
- Ian Tuckey
'Crazy' offer could land Victor
Napoli’s president has admitted that star man Victor Osimhen could leave if they receive a “crazy” transfer offer.
Recent reports have emerged suggesting Man Utd are preparing to launch a staggering £107million transfer bid.
Such a deal would equal the current British transfer record set by Chelsea’s acquisition of Enzo Fernandez in January – with the Blues also keen to land the hitman.
Liverpool are another club believed to be looking at launching a mega move for him.
But Napoli president Aurelio de Laurentiis has so far remained defiant over the possibility of a sale and wants to keep him.
But now, when quizzed about the futures of both Osimhen and fellow star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, he has admitted that the pair could leave this summer in a huge boost to the circling Premier League clubs.
De Laurentiis said: “Kvara and Osimhen? It won’t be difficult to keep our best players, we’re good with contracts — but never say never in case of crazy proposals. I think they will stay for a long time.”
- Ian Tuckey
Xavi: Qatar takeover good for Red Devils
Xavi believes a Qatar takeover will be good for Manchester United, writes NEIL CUSTIS.
The Barcelona coach played for Qatar side Al Sadd between 2015-19 and went on to coach them from 2019-21.
He was also an ambassador for the recent World Cup and knows United bidder Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani.
Xavi said: “I have a good relationship with the Sheikh and I think he would do a good job.
“I think he is a very good person with serious responsibilities.”
Sheikh Jassim is up against Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS group to take control of the club after the Glazer’s put it up for sale for around £6billion.
In a statement last week Sheikh Jassim made his intentions clear to buy the club out right and make it number one again.
His statement said: “The bid plans to return the club to its former glories both on and off the pitch, and – above all – will seek to place the fans at the heart of Manchester United Football club once more.
“The bid will be completely debt free via Sheikh Jassim’s Nine Two Foundation, which will look to invest in the football teams, the training centre, the stadium and wider infrastructure, the fan experience and the communities the club supports.
“The vision of the bid is for Manchester United Football Club to be renowned for footballing excellence, and regarded as the greatest football club in the world.”
- Ian Tuckey
'Exceptional' Marcus in 'extraordinary' form'
Xavi hailed Marcus Rashford as an "exceptional" player in "extraordinary form".
The Barcelona boss believes the England striker is United's main potential matchwinner tomorrow night.
Xavi said: "Rashford is an exceptional footballer, in extraordinary form.
"He can make the difference for Manchester United.
"You need to be aware he's there, but the team are more important than an individual player."
- Ian Tuckey
Xavi vows to attack
Xavi insists Barcelona will focus on attack at Old Trafford.
Last week's 2-2 draw in Spain suggests Barca's likeliest route to the Europa League last-16 is a second-leg victory.
And Xavi said:"It could go to extra time or penalties, our idea won't change much.
"We want to be attacking and if we can play in their half, much better.
"I want them to feel uncomfortable and we have to play with intensity and passion.
"They showed at Camp Nou they're a great side."
- Ian Tuckey
Dembele absence a 'hugeblow'
Xavi admits Ousmane Dembele's absence tomorrow night will be a "huge blow" when weakened Barcelona visit United.
Star midfielders Pedri (injured) and Gavi (suspended) are amongst Barca's other missing names.
And boss Xavi said: "Dembele is also a big blow, a huge blow for us. He can make a difference on the pitch.
"Pedri and Gavi are players that are so important for us on the pitch.
"Gavi has pure passion and intensity and that’s exactly what we need tomorrow. It’s a big absence for us but we have alternatives."
- Ian Tuckey
Xavi: Best Utd for years
Barcelona chief Xavi believes the Red Devils could be on the way to a new golden era.
The Spain legend said: "It's the best Man United in a few years.
"That's the work Ten Hag have done. They showed personality and passion at Camp Nou.
"It (Old Trafford) is a tough stadium to go to and it will be difficult for us."
- Ian Tuckey
We must cut supply to Rashford
Barcelona have been urged to cut the supply line to in-form United striker Marcus Rashford tomorrow evening
Defender Jules Kounde told an ongoing press conference: "I think he’s a very good player, He can do a lot of things, he’s very fast so it makes it difficult. Great at reading space too.
"So it’s always a challenge to play against this type of player but also exciting, this is why we play.
"It’s our mission to make it difficult for his team to find him."
- Ian Tuckey
'You'll see the best version of Barcelona'
Jules Kounde has warned United that Barca will be at their formidable best tomorrow night.
The in-form Red Devils are confident of securing a Europa League last-16 spot.
But France centre-back Kounde said: "I'm sure tomorrow we will see the best version of Barcelona.
"I think they're always pressure. It's that pressure that you like, each of us want to play in big games and the pressure is positive.
"I think everybody is up for giving that bit extra. I'm completely sure we will respond tomorrow."
- Ian Tuckey
Kounde tells Barca to up game
Jules Kounde believes Barcelona must up the pressure on United to reach the Europa League last 16.
Barca visit Old Trafford tomorrow night level at 2-2 from the first leg in Spain.
And defender Kounde told a press conference this evening: "I think we have to make another step beyond what we did last week, although I think we played well.
"I think we need to up our intensity, to press high, to win the ball back and cause them damage. If we press them, they will give us things."
"We have to take that extra step. Since the start of the season, we have responded very well, we have a lot of confidnece and we will have to play well tomorrow."
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