THE Glazer family could be taking Manchester United off the sales market in a huge U-turn SunSport can exclusively reveal.
Representatives for Britain’s richest man, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, and Qatari banker Sheikh Jassin bin Hamad al-Thani are due to meet United bosses on TODAY.
However, the Glazer family is considering a scheme to make money from the club's global fanbase instead.
Elsewhere, the race for Eintracht Frankfurt star Daichi Kamada is heating up as Chelsea are also keen on securing his signature.
And former Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini is looking forward to going up against the Red Devils in a huge Europa League encounter TONIGHT.
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- Dylan Terry
Morning, United fans
The Glazers could remain in charge of United and Casemiro is battling to make tonight's big Europa League tie.
And on the transfer front the Red Devils are tipped to join a summer scramble for Napoli winger Hirving Lozano.
That's this morning's wide range of news and gossip around Old Trafford.
It's claimed United could be taken OFF the sales market in a massive U-turn.
Current owners the Glazer family might instead try to raise money from the club’s global fanbase rather than on the football pitch.
Meetings have still been agreed with bidders Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Qatari Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani.
But it's claimed all options are on the table, with little sign that anyone is close to the Glazers’ £6billion valuation of the club.
Midfielder Casemiro is the Red Devils' main doubt for this evening's last-16 first leg against Real Betis at Old Trafford.
Defenders Harry Maguire and Aaron Wan-Bissaka might be recalled following last Sunday's 7-0 loss at Liverpool as boss Erik ten Hag keeps one eye on this Sunday's home Prem game with Southampton.
Meanwhile, United, Arsenal and Chelsea could all move for Mexico star Lozano in the summer.
And Barcelona are understood to be keen on Borussia Monchengladbach striker Marcus Thuram – a reported Red Devils' target – in a free-transfer tussle at the end of the season.
- Ian Tuckey
‘Barca in for Utd and Arsenal target Thuram’
Barcelona have reportedly entered the race to sign Borussia Monchengladbach star Marcus Thuram on a free transfer in a blow to Premier League sides.
The French international – whose contract at the Bundesliga side is set to expire in the summer – has a host of admirers.
Premier League sides including Man United, Chelsea and Arsenal have all been linked with moves for him.
They may all find it more difficult to land Thuram as Barcelona are now interested in signing him, according to fichajes.
The report suggests that the 25-year-old could arrive as a replacement for Ansu Fati or Ferran Torres.
Barca could be tempted to cash in on one of them in order to alleviate their financial struggles.
The club are currently dealing with an impending transfer ban which would make registering new players difficult.
Thuram also has ties to Barcelona as his father, Lilian, played for the club between 2006 and 2008.
The forward has been in great form this season for Monchengladbach.
He has scored 14 goals and provided four assists in 24 appearances in all competitions.
- Ian Tuckey
Red Devils 'could be taken off market'
United could be taken OFF the sales market in a massive U-turn.
And instead the Glazer family is considering a scheme to make money from the club’s global fanbase and not the football pitch.
Despite agreeing to meetings with Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Qatari Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani over a potential sale, it appears that ALL possible moves are on the table including scrapping the entire process.
So far there is little sign that any bidders are coming close to the Glazers’ £6bn valuation of the club.
Suggestions of a rift between the Glazer brothers or a possible buy-out by co-chairmen Joel and Avram are being strongly denied.
One senior source said "The family will act as one. It will either be a full sale or an alternative".
The US-based Raine Group, appointed by the Glazers to handle the sale process set in train in November, is understood to still be looking at a range of options and no final decision has been made.
Those include the full sale that is the intention of Sheikh Jassim, a banker and member of the Qatari royal family.
It would also allow for the proposed Ineos buy-out of the Glazers’ 69 per cent holding but not the rest of the club share stock.
But another option being given serious consideration would be using external cash – four US hedge funds are in the market to have a possible role – to create a new company to push the club’s merchandising and digital commercial operation.
- Ian Tuckey
Bailly and Tavares struggling
THE loan plights of Eric Bailly and Nuno Tavares at Marseille have taken another plunge.
Manchester United central defender Bailly and Arsenal left-back Tavares joined the French giants for the season in search of regular starts.
But a scathing verdict has been delivered – for very different reasons.
Ivory Coast star Bailly, 28, has impressed – when he's not been injured or picking up a SEVEN-GAME ban for a shocking challenge.
But Portuguese ace Tavares, 23, has struggled defensively, albeit looking menacing when pushing forward.
And ex-Marseille midfielder Jean-Charles de Bono hopes it's "fake news" that there's a clause in both players' deals forcing the second-placed Ligue 1 club to buy them in the summer.
- Ian Tuckey
Scramble predicted over Lozano
Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea could join a scramble for Napoli winger Hirving Lozano.
The runaway Serie A leaders are braced for a summer bidding war over the Mexico star, 27.
Credit: Rex The hottest speculation is that Chelsea will launch a huge offer, despite all of Graham Potter's spending in January.
But a string of other European clubs are said to be keen, including United, the table-topping Gunners and Liverpool.
Indeed, Lozano has been one of the Italian giant’s most important players this term, with them currently sitting 15 points clear at the top of the table.
The wideman has notched three goals and three assists in 24 league games this season.
And Italian journalist Raffaele Auriemma told Radio CRC: “Chelsea likes the Mexican footballer, given that the Blues coach likes this type of winger.”
- Ian Tuckey
From Fergie time to selling watches
He won the Premier League title with Manchester United and even earned eight England caps, writes JOSHUA JONES.
But now the former footballer is selling luxury watches for millions of pounds.
Kieran Richardson hung up his boots and retired aged just 33.
However, he continues to make the big bucks and travel the world with his new business venture.
The former Red Devils wide man, now 38, co-owns the Broadwalk Group, specialising in buying and selling expensive timepieces.
Richardson's love of watches started aged 16 when he bought his first Cartier Tank model and has now made exclusively trading Richard Milles, Patek Philippes, Audemars Piguets and Rolexes.
Asked about some of his biggest sales, the former footballer told the The Steven Sulley Study: "Definitely a Richard Mille, for sure. It must have been around $2.3m [£1.7m].
"It was to an Asian client, an RM Skull – big money.
"We all start somewhere. When I first got into watches, I bought a Rolex for £14,000, then £18,000 then £21,000 then I made £3,000 on that watch.
"You get more confidence, you've got to get involved.
"Spend what you can afford, enjoy it, wear the watches, and collect, I know London can be unsafe, some buy them strictly as investments and leave them in a vault.
"Every day I'm learning, you have to know your products."
Richardson once turned down someone trying to sell him a watch worth £300,000 because it was "too niche" and had a Lamborghini Murcielago and Ferrari 458 in his garage.
He has a number of major clients and believes his fame from his football career has helped him gain trust.
- Ian Tuckey
I'm having Nan of that
Sir Alex Ferguson's brutal reaction to Nani after he was the victim of a horror challenge from Jamie Carragher has been revealed.
The infamous incident occurred in 2011 at Anfield during Liverpool’s 3-1 victory over Manchester United.
During the feisty first half, Reds legend Carragher lunged at United’s Portuguese winger and was duly booked for the X-rated challenge.
Nani’s shin was left with a gaping wound, forcing him to be taken off at half-time, as his team-mates raced over to confront Carragher.
However, now an ex-colleague has recalled how their anger turned to embarrassment when they saw tears running down Nani’s cheeks – which led to a fierce Fergie response.
Patrice Evra, speaking to Rio Ferdinand on the FIVE podcast, said: “You remember Anfield when Nani got tackled by Jamie Carragher?
“I remember he got butchered, he nearly broke his leg.
"We started fighting with Liverpool players, Steven Gerrard, and then Scholsey [Paul Scholes] came and he saw Nani crying. He said ‘f*** that, let's go’.
'”After that Ferguson gave him two weeks off because he says he needed to recover from that because we were waiting for him because in that team we didn't care we were ready to kill him.
“Because you know someone crying at Anfield… and even Ferguson, you remember when he said: ‘I hope your legs are f*****g broken, I really hope your legs are broken’.”
Evra added: “Ferguson always wanted to kill Nani when he was falling on the floor, saying you can't be a United player and doing that.”
- Ian Tuckey
Strong Case to sign Camavinga
United have begun targeting Real Madrid star Eduardo Camavinga after Casemiro told them to get on the hunt for him, according to reports in Spain.
Erik ten Hag is searching for a high-quality midfielder to play alongside Casemiro next season. And with Arsenal leading the race for West Ham’s Declan Rice, the boss has moved onto Camavinga.
Casemiro seems to have played a big role in the transfer pursuit. The report claims he has told Man Utd chiefs to sign Camavinga as he rates the Angola-born France international very highly.
The 20-year-old has forced his way into Carlo Ancelotti’s starting eleven, despite fierce competition for midfield places coming from the likes of Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, Fede Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni.
- Ian Tuckey
Red Devils 'keen on Kamada'
Manchester United and Chelsea hope to persuade Eintracht Frankfurt's Daichi Kamada to U-turn on joining Borussia Dortmund.
That's the claim this evening as the Japan attacking midfielder, 26, becomes a free agent this summer.
Kamada has notched 18 Bundesliga goals plus 14 in European competitions since joining Eintracht in 2017.
- Ian Tuckey
Hammers could go for Carrick
West Hams could target Manchester United legend Michael Carrick if they sack David Moyes, reports suggest.
Moyes has come under fire amid an intense relegation scrap that heated up on Saturday when the Hammers suffered an embarrassing 4-0 loss at Brighton.
SunSport understand chairman David Sullivan and the board are sticking by him but pressure is mounting with the team 16th in the Premier League table and just one point away from the danger zone.
According to The Times, Middlesbrough manager and former Hammer Carrick is expected to be a potential replacement if the 59-year-old tactician is relieved of his duties.
The ex-England midfielder played for Moyes at Old Trafford during the latter's ill-fated stint that barely lasted nine months after he replaced Sir Alex Ferguson at the helm in 2013.
- Ian Tuckey
'Barca in for Utd and Arsenal target Thuram'
Barcelona have reportedly entered the race to sign Borussia Monchengladbach star Marcus Thuram on a free transfer in a blow to Premier League sides.
The French international – whose contract at the Bundesliga side is set to expire in the summer – has a host of admirers.
Premier League sides including Man United, Chelsea and Arsenal have all been linked with moves for him.
They may all find it more difficult to land Thuram as Barcelona are now interested in signing him, according to fichajes.
The report suggests that the 25-year-old could arrive as a replacement for Ansu Fati or Ferran Torres.
Barca could be tempted to cash in on one of them in order to alleviate their financial struggles.
The club are currently dealing with an impending transfer ban which would make registering new players difficult.
Thuram also has ties to Barcelona as his father, Lilian, played for the club between 2006 and 2008.
The forward has been in great form this season for Monchengladbach.
He has scored 14 goals and provided four assists in 24 appearances in all competitions.
- Ian Tuckey
Erik still positive after 'huge setback'
Erik ten Hag believes the humbling at Anfield can teach them important lessons for the rest of the season.
He said: “We know in a season setbacks will always be there, it was a huge setback, that’s clear.
“But we had a run of 23 games with one loss, that was the second.
“The way it was there as a lot of lessons in it and that can help us for the future, that’s the positive, how negative it is.
“We were really below average, especially mentally wise. We have to take that lesson, that is IF we want to win trophies you have to act differently.
“We got a big lesson, we take that and know we have to move on and look forward. That’s the way we treated it, all the energy, all the focus has to be on the next game.
“We are in the same boat, we win together, we lose together, we make a mess on Sunday and we have to deal with it.”
- Ian Tuckey
'Utd and Arsenal target Fati offered to clubs'
Barcelona attacker Ansu Fati has allegedly been offered to “half of Europe” by his agent Jorge Mendes.
We reported last month how a trio of Premier League clubs had allegedly been in contact with the ace over a potential summer transfer.
The trio of Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool are all circling for Fati, whose current deal contains a world record €1billion (£898million) release clause.
The Spain ace, 20, has a contract at Barcelona until 2027.
However, their president Joan Laporta has announced that he wants to sign another forward this summer but one will have to depart.
With Robert Lewandowski and Ousmane Dembele being first-choice, then that would leave Fati, Raphinha or Ferran Torres as the likely ones to be sold.
Fati announced a fortnight ago that he wanted to stay at the Nou Camp – but Catalan journalist Joan Fontes claims that the youngster could be sold.
- Ian Tuckey
Marcus urges fans to 'trust the process'
Marcus Rashford has urged Manchester United fans to "trust the process" despite the club's 7-0 humiliation against Liverpool.
The Red Devils were losing by just one goal at half time before their staggering second-half collapse on Sunday.
Many players – most of all captain Bruno Fernandes – have come under fire as a result, despite an impressive season before their trip to Anfield.
But Rashford has urged fans to keep the faith and get behind the team.
He tweeted: "I wish we could play a game today to try and put things right.
"The result is the result, and we can’t see past that! We must not let it define our season.
"We have to trust the process and stick together."
Rashford has been United's star player this season.
In 40 appearances across all competitions, the England international has scored 25 goals and assisted nine.
Many fans and pundits have even claimed that he is currently the best player in the world.
- Ian Tuckey
'No reason for Ten Hag to trust Martial'
France international Anthony Martial has been told that he “doesn’t deserve” to play again under Erik ten Hag amid his ongoing injury woes.
Martial’s career at Man Utd looked to be over last season as he was sent out on loan to La Liga outfit Sevilla.
And now former Red Devil Paul Parker believes the Frenchman has played his last game for the club.
He said: “I think the prognosis for Anthony Martial is that he has played his last game for Man United.
"He can’t play through a pain barrier and that has caused Erik ten Hag now doesn’t trust him anymore, which makes sense. There is no reason to trust Martial.
“So, I don’t think that we will ever see Martial playing for Man United again. I don’t think Erik ten Hag is that concerned about it because Martial doesn’t fit into his way of playing.”
- Kealan Hughes
Weghorst snapped amid Anfield controversy
Wout Weghorst has been snapped driving to Manchester United training after causing a storm for touching the "This Is Anfield sign" before the 7-0 drubbing at the hands of Liverpool.
The Dutch loanee, 30, caught flack after the humiliating loss to Liverpool at Anfield.
Weghorst touched the Liverpool badge before kick-off as he headed out of the tunnel – a tradition done by home players.
Weghorst looked glum-faced as he drove into United's Carrington training ground in his Range Rover.
- Kealan Hughes
Casemiro recommends Real Madrid star
Manchester United have begun targeting Real Madrid star Eduardo Camavinga after Casemiro told them to get on the hunt for him, according to reports in Spain.
Erik ten Hag is searching for a high-quality midfielder to play alongside Casemiro next season. And with Arsenal leading the race for West Ham’s Declan Rice, the boss has moved onto Camavinga.
Casemiro seems to have played a big role in the transfer pursuit. The report claims he has told Man Utd chiefs to sign Camavinga as he rates the Angola-born France international very highly.
The 20-year-old has forced his way into Carlo Ancelotti’s starting eleven, despite fierce competition for midfield places coming from the likes of Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, Fede Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni.
- Kealan Hughes
Merson slams Ten Hag tactic
Erik ten Hag has been "getting away with it" according to Paul Merson, who cannot understand his use of Wout Weghorst as a No 10.
He told Sky Sports: "The manager, for me, has been getting away with it. Yes, he’s done great in a way. But Wout Weghorst as a No 10, I’m not having that. How is he a No 10? How is the manager getting away with that?
"It’s Manchester United Football Club and you’ve got Weghorst as a 10 – he can’t turn and run, he can’t pass through the eye of a needle. What is the thinking? I’m not blaming Ten Hag because they lost, but why play Marcus Rashford against Virgil van Dijk? He plays out wide every week.
"You’ve got Liverpool ’s weakest defender in Trent Alexander-Arnold having a free ride. Trent wouldn’t have believed his luck. Man Utd got it tactically wrong. I couldn’t believe it when I saw the set-up of the team – there is only one manager who could have got away with that and that is Ten Hag."
- Kealan Hughes
Diogo Dalot in contract talks
Manchester United are in advanced talks with Diogo Dalot over a new long-term deal.
SunSport understands the Red Devils are keen to tie the 23-year-old down for several more years after impressing this campaign.
United are also wary of interest from Real Madrid and Barcelona, who are admirers of Dalot and are ready to pounce should an agreement on a new deal fall flat.
- Kealan Hughes
Romano provides Jurrien Timber update
Manchester United's chances of signing Ajax defender Jurrien Timber are slim, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The transfer guru provided an update saying: “Erik ten Hag is always been big fan of Jurrien Timber but there’s nothing new or concrete at this stage.
“Nothing to report about Manchester United, as of now.
“Ajax don’t even want to speak to clubs about Timber now. But it will be something to see in June – for sure. Timber signed a short contract last year because his dream remains to join another top European club in the future.”
- Kealan Hughes
Henderson set for United meeting
Manchester United are reportedly poised to meet with Dean Henderson and his team before the end of the month. Erik ten Hag is rumoured to be weighing up a change between the sticks and he has seemingly come to a conclusion on David de Gea.
United will hold a meeting with Henderson's representatives before the end of the month to decide how best to proceed, report ESPN.
De Gea leaving the club may not necessarily lead to the Englishman taking the No 1 spot if Ten Hag would prefer to recruit from elsewhere.
Henderson supposedly wants regular football that can help him work towards a place in the England squad.
- Kealan Hughes
Ten Hag taking lessons from Anfield
Erik ten Hag believes the humbling at Anfield can teach them important lessons for the rest of the season.
He said: “We know in a season setbacks will always be there, it was a huge setback, that’s clear.
“But we had a run of 23 games with one loss, that was the second.
“The way it was there as a lot of lessons in it and that can help us for the future, that’s the positive, how negative it is.
“We were really below average, especially mentally wise. We have to take that lesson, that is IF we want to win trophies you have to act differently.
“We got a big lesson, we take that and know we have to move on and look forward. That’s the way we treated it, all the energy, all the focus has to be on the next game.
“We are in the same boat, we win together, we lose together, we make a mess on Sunday and we have to deal with it.”
- Kealan Hughes
Rashford reflects on Liverpool defeat
Marcus Rashford has insisted it is 'nonsense' to suggest Manchester United gave up during the second half of their 7-0 defeat to Liverpool.
He said: "We didn't give up, that's nonsense. Organisation was bad, yeah, that's why we conceded the goals.
"I believe everybody was trying to get back into the game that much we came away from the team's principles in and out of possession.
"Our attack wasn't connected with midfield and the same with the midfield and defence.
"We tried to get a grip then it was 2-0, 3-0. We were talking but not in agreement of what to do.
"The only thing we can do is learn from it. I'm happy we have another game so quickly."
- Kealan Hughes
Ten Hag backs Bruno Fernandes
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has responded to criticism of Bruno Fernandes following his side’s 7-0 defeat to Liverpool by hailing the Portuguese international as an “inspiration” and backing the midfielder to continue wearing the captain’s armband in the absence of Harry Maguire.
Ten Hag said: “I think he’s playing a brilliant season, he’s played an important role in the position that we are in.
“He’s giving energy to the team, running a lot with intensity, in the right way. He’s pointing and coaching players, he’s an inspiration for the whole team.
“No one is perfect, everyone makes mistakes. I’m really happy to have Bruno Fernandes in my team and I’m happy with him as our captain with Harry not on the pitch."
- Kealan Hughes
Martial may have played last game
France international Anthony Martial has been told that he “doesn’t deserve” to play again under Erik ten Hag amid his ongoing injury woes.
Martial’s career at Man Utd looked to be over last season as he was sent out on loan to La Liga outfit Sevilla.
And now former Red Devil Paul Parker believes the Frenchman has played his last game for the club.
He said: “I think the prognosis for Anthony Martial is that he has played his last game for Man United. He can’t play through a pain barrier and that has caused Erik ten Hag now doesn’t trust him anymore, which makes sense. There is no reason to trust Martial.
“So, I don’t think that we will ever see Martial playing for Man United again. I don’t think Erik ten Hag is that concerned about it because Martial doesn’t fit into his way of playing.”
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