SIR JIM RATCLIFFE is seemingly wasting no time in laying out his plans for the new-look Manchester United.
According to reports, The 71-year-old billionaire held virtual talks with co-chairman Joel Glazer and the two are said to have discussed structural changes and personnel changes.
The Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund are reportedly exploring a deal for Manchester United skipper Bruno Fernandes.
Elsewhere, Marcus Rashford returned to training today ahead of the Red Devil's Champions League trip to Copenhagen.
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Follow ALL of the latest from Old Trafford below…
- By Kostas Lianos
Football ownership shake up
Football supporters were cheering today as a sweeping crackdown on dodgy owners was formally announced during the King’s Speech.
PM Rishi Sunak confirmed plans for an independent regulator to protect bad proprietors driving clubs into the ground or wrecking their heritage.
It will also ban clubs joining breakaway competitions like the doomed European Super League, and consult fans on all major changes.
King Charles stated: “Legislation will be brought forward to safeguard the future of football clubs for the benefit of communities and fans.”
The proposed charter was leaked to The Sun in full last year but fears were growing it was being kicked into the long grass.
But today’s inclusion in the King’s Speech outlines the Prime Minister's hopes to have it ready by the next election.
- By Kostas Lianos
Rival fans slam Arteta
Rival fans hit out at Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta following his comments about VAR against Newcastle.
One posted: “Arteta is a cry baby. He can never ever accept his team lost. He does it every time.”
Another wrote: “Still crying on Tuesday.”
And a third said: “There’s defending and then there’s being downright rude, dramatic and disrespectful to the team that beat you.
“Be gracious, work out where it went wrong and go again. This crying feels endless. It’s one loss, get over it.”
- By Kostas Lianos
A b-Roo-tal assessment
Birmingham City ace Ethan Laird recalled the "scary" time he crossed paths with his current manager Wayne Rooney in Manchester United training.
I haven't actually told Wayne this! When I was really young, a couple of us trained up.
I must have been about 15 or 16. We went to the first team and saw all these stars.
Wazza was there and you could see from the off his mentality, the tackles he put in, he worked hard.
It was almost scary for us as young kids: this is the level.
You see it in the way he is as a manager with us now and he wants that.
Ethan Laird
- By Kostas Lianos
Marcus Rashford injury update
Manchester United star Marcus Rashford missed the trip to Fulham on Saturday with an injury.
Rashford sustained a heavy knock during United's last training session before travelling to Craven Cottage on Friday.
Although the forward did travel with the squad the next day, he failed a fitness test ahead of the Premier League game.
It is unknown if the England international will be absent from the next few fixtures.
- By Kostas Lianos
Ratcliffe on Ten Hag
Sir Jim Ratcliffe will allow Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag to continue at the helm after agreeing a deal to buy a stake in the club.
Ratcliffe is set to take over football operations at United once his 25 per cent stake is finally confirmed.
Ten Hag is under pressure after the Red Devils' disastrous start to the campaign, though the club did pick up a valuable 1-0 win at Fulham on Saturday.
However recruiting a new head coach is not a priority for Sir Jim at the moment, according to the Mirror.
The British billionaire is instead more concerned with improving the Manchester giants' transfer business.
The 71-year-old is believed to be confident the Dutch tactician can change United's fortunes if he is given more time and the support of an effective recruitment strategy.
- By Kostas Lianos
How about that
PGMOL chief Howard Webb is set for a massive VAR grilling when he addresses a recent set of controversial decisions.
The weekend’s football action saw Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta brand the officiating a “disgrace” after his sides 1-0 defeat to Newcastle.
Other games over the weekend where VAR was called into action saw Harry Maguire ruled offside for Scott McTominay's opener minutes into the Manchester United and Fulham game.
Webb will address all the complaints in the coming days after another weekend of VAR controversy.
The former Premier League ref is due to appear on the latest episode of “Match Officials Mik’d Up” which is scheduled to be broadcast at the start of next week in the international break.
Anthony Gordon’s winner for the Toon is expected to be given top billing.
- By Kostas Lianos
Fernandes linked with exit
Manchester United skipper Bruno Fernandes could be set for a shock exit.
Transfer insider Rudy Galetti has has claimed the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund are exploring a deal for Fernandes
The PIF, who are also majority shareholders of Newcastle, control stakes in the Saudi Pro League's four biggest teams Al-Nassr, Al-Hilal, Al-Ittihad and Al-Ahli.
It's now suggested PIF officials are set to hold talks with the playmaker's entourage over the potential for future talks.
- By Anthony Chapman
Rashford and Fernandes talents 'wasted'
Joe Cole reckons Man United are not getting the most out of Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes.
He said: "Rashford and Fernandes are both world-class players.
"They're outstanding footballers but they’re in a system that’s not allowing them to express their creative abilities.
"Rashford is the face of Manchester United and Bruno is the captain but I wouldn’t want my creative players to be the main leaders."
PANIC ATTACK Man Utd are ‘holding Rashford and Fernandes back’ with new captain advised
- By Anthony Chapman
Rooney reveals favourite teammate
Wayne Rooney admits Darren Fletcher was his favourite Manchester United teammate… while Nani was the toughest!
He said: “Best team-mate, I'd probably say Darren Fletcher.
“My worst team-mate, there are a lot more than you'd probably think!
“On the pitch, the toughest one was Nani. He was frustrating to play with.”
- By Anthony Chapman
United finish predicted by supercomputer
A supercomputer reckons Man United will finish ninth this season.
The boffin PC predicts Erik ten Hag's side will have a dismal campaign, with rivals City winning a fourth straight title.
Arsenal, Liverpool and Newcastle will get Champions League football, with Spurs, Aston Villa and Chelsea also finishing in Europe.
Down the bottom, Burnley, Luton and Sheffield United are tipped to go down.
- By Anthony Chapman
Copenhagen vs Man Utd – TV info
Man United face a crucial Champions League fixture against Copenhagen on Wednesday evening, as they could fall to the bottom of Group A should they lose… or go top with a win.
- Copenhagen vs Manchester United will be broadcast LIVE on TNT Sports 1 in the UK.
- Coverage is expected to commence from 7pm GMT – a whole hour before kick-off.
- Fans also have the option to stream the action through Discovery+
- Alternatively, follow SunSport's live blog for minute-by-minute coverage of the entire match.
Exclusive – Ten Hag has Fergie backing
Sir Alex Ferguson is 100 per cent behind Erik ten Hag turning things around at Man United.
A source told SunSport: "Erik has Sir Alex's unwavering support. He's been hugely supportive of Erik since he arrived at the club.
"He's impressed at the job he is doing and, in particular, the way he has taken on big decisions.
“[Ferguson] thinks he’s shown the kind of character and mentality required to turn the club around – and he firmly believes Erik deserves time, like he got, to make a success of things at the club."
HERE FER GOOD Erik ten Hag in huge Man Utd boost as Sir Alex Ferguson is 100% behind him
- By Anthony Chapman
Devils eye Juventus ace
Man United are interested in a move for Juventus winger Federico Chiesa.
Calciomercato claims the Italian forward is high on Erik ten Hag's wishlist as a replacement for Jadon Sancho.
Chiesa is valued at £56million by Juventus, who are ready to sell to ease their financial woe.
But United face stiff competition from Arsenal, who are also searching for attacking reinforcements.
United on their Tod
Manchester United have been joined by Chelsea in the race to sign Jean-Clair Todibo.
The France star is enjoying a stellar season with Nice.
United and Chelsea are both keen on signing a new centre-back.
And it could come down to who bids first, with Todibo open to a January transfer.
Former loanee pinpoints United hopes
Marcel Sabitzer believes THREE players hold the key to rescuing Erik ten Hag and says their absences are behind Manchester United’s poor start.
The midfielder, now at Borussia Dortmund, told the Athletic: “I feel very positive about my time there and still talk to a couple of people.
“I feel sorry for them because they’re all good guys, and extremely hungry for success.
“Casemiro, Luke Shaw and Lisandro Martinez – they are leaders that provide structure and stability to the team.”
- By Anthony Chapman
Wazza reveals booze pain
Wayne Rooney spent “days at home drinking until he almost passed out" as he struggled to cope with “challenges” while in his early 20s.
He told rugby league legend Rob Burrows: “I’ve had many different challenges, both on the pitch and off the pitch, and my release was alcohol.
“When I was in my early 20s, I’d spend a couple of days at home and wouldn’t move out of the house and drink almost until I passed out.
“Ultimately I didn’t know how else to deal with it, so I chose alcohol to try and help me get through that."
- By Anthony Chapman
New role for Neville brother
Ex-Inter Miami manager Phil Neville as been named new Portland Timbers boss – and claims it reminds him of Manchester.
The former United star and brother of Gary said: "From the very first moment I met the staff I knew it was the right opportunity for me, the right club for me and the right city for me.
“The fans are the most important part of this football club with their intensity and support, and I think this journey is going to be something special."
Nev added: "I have great memories visiting Portland, which reminds me of Manchester, my hometown, and I can’t wait for my family to get to know this beautiful city."
- By Anthony Chapman
Exclusive – Sancho booted from group
Jadon Sancho has been axed from Manchester United’s WhatsApp group.
Manager Erik ten Hag and staff use the messaging platform to send key info to first-team players.
But in a move that further exiles the winger, Sancho has been removed from it.
He is already barred from training with the senior side or using any of their facilities, including the canteen, with his food taken across to the academy section — where he also changes in his own dressing room.
SAY WHAT? Sancho REMOVED from Man Utd WhatsApp group with Old Trafford future looking bleak
- By Kostas Lianos
Sabitzer praises Ten Hag
Borussia Dortmund star Marcel Sabitzer, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Manchester United, praised manager Erik ten Hag claiming he learned a lot from him.
You can wake him up at 3am, he’d tell you his whole match plan by heart.
He’s very knowledgeable about football and tactics — a very hard worker, a perfectionist.
And he’s very straight with you. When I had a bad game, he showed me some situations and told me how to do it better next time. I liked that.
You knew where you stood with him. He never threw you under the bus. Instead, he told players to go out and do better in the next game.
I learned a lot about football working under him. He’s a very good coach.
Marcel SabitzerThe Athletic
Credit: AFP - By Kostas Lianos
Rasmus Hojlund cooked
A horror stat regarding Manchester United ace Rasmus Hojlund has emerged on Sky Sports' Monday Night Football.
Liverpool heroes Daniel Sturridge and Jamie Carragher analysed Hojlund's performances and opened with a damning statistic that places him 100th in the Premier League for shots taken per 90 minutes.
The striker averages just 1.7 shots per 90 which is dwarfed by the attacker with the most shots, Darwin Nunez, with 5.7 per 90.
Sturridge defended the Norway international, saying that his low shot volume is partly caused by his team's struggles to make chances for him.
The ex-England international also said the presence of Marcus Rashford on the left wing limits the number of opportunities the 20-year-old receives because of his tendency to shoot often.
Hojlund ranks behind both Rashford and United captain Bruno Fernandes for shots taken despite being the focal point of the team.
- By Kostas Lianos
Neville calls from Prem action
Manchester United hero Gary Neville insists PGMOL has "got to start to protect referees" after the controversial clash between Arsenal and Newcastle.
At the very beginning, I was excited by the new transparency, the apologies to managers and the fact that the referees were communicating with the clubs.
But in return what they're getting is significantly and seriously undermined by their own clubs and I think the Premier League have to get this in order.
Gary Neville Sky Sports
- By Kostas Lianos
‘Step too far’
Manchester United legend Gary Neville has slammed Arsenal’s statement against PGMOL and described it as “poor” as well as “dangerous”.
I think the Arsenal statement is quite dangerous.
I think all clubs have signed up to a new behavioural charter at the start of the season.
I'm not saying that referees shouldn't be put under pressure and Mikel Arteta or other managers shouldn't feel aggrieved at the end of matches, what I am saying is that the clubs themselves should definitely behave better in these circumstances.
Gary Neville Sky Sports
- By Kostas Lianos
Sancho's WhatsApp removal
Jadon Sancho has been axed from Manchester United’s WhatsApp group, report SunSport's Neil Custis and Paul Sims.
United manager Erik ten Hag and staff use the messaging platform to send key info to first-team players.
But in a move that further exiles him from the team, Sancho has been removed from it.
The winger is already barred from training with the senior side or using any of their facilities, including the canteen, with his food taken across to the academy section — where he also changes in his own dressing room.
The 23-year-old has been left to train on his own during a stand-off that started after he was left out for September’s 3-1 loss at Arsenal.
Ten Hag said the England international's training was not up to standard and he issued a now deleted post on Twitter claiming he was being used as a "scapegoat".
- By Kostas Lianos
It's nothing personal
Ex-Manchester United goalkeeper Ben Foster has claimed Tottenham's rapid rise under Ange Postecoglou is down to the players' top-tier personalities.
It's not a different level of player, it's a different level of person.
That's the big difference in all of this and that's the problem in all of this is Tottenham seem, to me, to have good quality people that want to work hard and want to dig in.
And hard work will always overcome skill.
Ben FosterThe United Stand
- By Kostas Lianos
Ticket price slammed
Fulham and Manchester United hero Paul Parker launched a scathing attack on the “obscene” ticket prices at Craven Cottage this season.
It’s insulting to Fulham and football fans that they are expected to pay anything up to £140-£160 to watch games at the ground. I cut my teeth as a player at the club in the early 80s. They are not a ‘Big Six’ club in the Premier League, but the die-hard fans are among the best I played for during my career.
I am angry because I feel they deserve to be treated better. I’m delighted they held up yellow cards in protest during the game against the price hikes – and I was pleased to see the Manchester United fans joined in too.
It just annoys me that fans are expected to pay the rate however high clubs set the prices – and then have to witness a bore fest like Saturday. If I paid £140-£160 to go to a show or concert at the Royal Albert Hall, I know I’d be royally entertained.
I just don’t feel it’s fair for the football fan to have to cough up these extreme prices to watch a second rate game of football for what should be an elite sporting event. How can they justify increasing the price of tickets by 18 per cent – with the way the cost of living is today in this country?
Of course it would be the perfect protest by boycotting games, but I know that will never happen. Football fans – and the Fulham supporters in particular – are incredibly loyal.
Paul Parker
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- By Anthony Chapman