MANCHESTER UNITED's takeover talks are hotting up as club chiefs prepare to meet potential buyers on Thursday.
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 Thursday.
Elsewhere, the Red Devils are keen to tie down Diogo Dalot to a new deal after impressing so far this season.
Meanwhile, United's chances to sign Ajax defender Jurrien Timber are slim, according to Fabrizio Romano
He said: “Erik ten Hag is always been big fan of Jurrien Timber but there’s nothing new or concrete at this stage.
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- 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.”
- Kealan Hughes
Sabitzer prepared for Real Betis
Marcel Sabitzer is aiming to reach teh Europa League final but admitted their are "no easy games" ahead of the Real Betis clash.
He told MUTV: "I think, in the knockout stages, there are no easy games, no easy opponents.
"We have to be ready for Real Betis as well. They are a good team with quality players but I think, when we’re on the pitch, we’ll show our qualities and we will win these games.
"It’s not about getting to the final.
"We want to win the competition, you know, so it’s a way to go. We are focused on it and we will do everything to get to the final and bring this trophy to Manchester United."
- Kealan Hughes
Marcel Sabitzer loving busy schedule
Marcel Sabitzer believes the hectic fixture list has helped him to settle quickly at Manchester United.
He told MUTV: "Every footballer loves the games.
"That’s good we have a lot of games. We are fit, we are ready and enjoying the moment. One hundred per cent [I can play three games a week].
"I saw the comment Bruno [Fernandes] did and it was the same for me. I want to play every day, if possible, I am ready for every game."
- Kealan Hughes
Pallister advises change of captain
Casemiro should replace Bruno Fernandes as Manchester United captain after the 7-0 defeat to Liverpool, according to club legend Gary Pallister.
Fernandes was one of a number of United players to be heavily criticised after the loss, particularly from the perspective of his role as captain.
Pallister said: "I think Casemiro is a captain in waiting. I think everyone's been impressed with the way he's come in, with the winning mentality that he's brought from Real Madrid.
"I don't think they've had leaders recently. When I was at the club we were fortunate to have the likes of Steve Bruce, Bryan Robson, Roy Keane and Paul Ince. These guys were warriors on a football pitch.
"Bruno is different to that, as is Harry Maguire. I don't think they've got that warrior mentality."
- Kealan Hughes
United icon sends Rashford warning
Former Manchester United star Gary Pallister has warned Marcus Rashford “the grass isn’t always greener” amid transfer speculation linking the forward with an exit.
He said: “Rashford’s put himself in a position where there’s a lot of European clubs looking at him.
“He’s sorted his life out away from football because perhaps there was too much going on which muddied the water. I wouldn’t say he owes it to the club to sign but every Man Utd fan wants to see him stay.
"My gut feeling is that he will sign but if he’s thinking otherwise I’d say be careful, because the grass isn’t always greener.”
- Kealan Hughes
Weghorst explains Anfield sign tap
Wout Weghorst came under fire from Manchester United fans are tapping the iconic 'This Is Anfield' sign ahead of kick-off.
It is a ritual for Reds players but a big no-no for visiting opposition players, especially United stars.
Weghorst explained his action saying: “I just want to clarify the video that is doing the rounds.
“From the national team I know that Virgil always touches that sign and the only intention I had was to stop him touching it and wind him up before the game.
“As a child I always supported FC Twente, and as a proud player now for Man United, my dedication to this incredible club can never be questioned.”
- Kealan Hughes
Chelsea plot De Jong hijack
Chelsea are hoping to poach Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong from under Manchester United's noses, according to reports.
The Blues are planning to launch a bid worth £70million to prize him away from the Nou Camp.
De Jong, 25, wants to stay at Barca but could be forced out due to the club's financial situation.
Reports suggest that club president Joan Laporta and manager Xavi see selling the midfielder as one of the ways to solve their off-field problems.
Barcelona may not be able to sign players this summer with LaLiga effectively putting a transfer ban on them until they can balance the books.
- Kealan Hughes
Man Utd takeover hots up
Manchester United's takeover talks are set to ramp up further as club chiefs prepare to meet potential new owners on THURSDAY.
According to The Mail, those bids that have made it through to the second stage of the process are now due to meet Man Utd bosses on Thursday.
It comes as merchant bankers Raine Group – put in charge of finding a buyer or investors – step up talks with potential bidders.
And a "period of due diligence" is already underway, with interested parties beginning that process last Monday.
Bidders are able to request financial information before travelling to Old Trafford for more in-depth discussions.
Neither Sheikh Jassim or Ratcliffe are expected to be at the talks, but representatives for both are set to attend.
- Kealan Hughes
Timber open to summer transfer
Ajax defender Jurrien Timber has opened the door to a possible move to Manchester United after Erik ten Hag's side failed to sign him last year.
The 21-year-old centre-back was one of Ten Hag's first targets when he walked through the door at Old Trafford, with the Dutchman keen to improve United's defence.
Timber said no to the Red Devils but he has revealed he is open to a potential summer transfer.
He said: "Timber opened up on his Ajax future: "Transfer? You never know what crosses your path. This summer I will look at my options and make a decision.
"I feel good at Ajax, that's important for now. Last summer there was interest, but I chose to stay at Ajax."
- Kealan Hughes
Real Betis stars risk suspension
Manchester United host Real Betis in the first leg of their Europa League last 16 tie on Thursday – and the Spanish side risk having four players suspended for the second leg.
Four Betis players have picked up two yellow cards this season. They include former Manchester City goalkeeper Claudio Bravo, with the Chilean recording two bookings in the group stage.
Centre-backs German Pezzella and Luiz Felipe are also one yellow card from a ban, as is right-back Aitor Ruibal.
Meanwhile key man Nabil Fekir has been sidelined with an ACL injury.
- Kealan Hughes
Man Utd still want Caicedo
Manchester United remain keen to sign Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo this summer.
United saw offers of £60million and £70m rejected by the Seagulls in the January transfer window.
Caicedo, 21, then agreed a new four-year deal with Brighton earlier this month to keep him at the club until 2027.
Yet despite recruiting in the mid-season window AND seeing Caicedo pen a new deal, Football Insider understand the Red Devils are still interested in the Ecuadorian international.
Arsenal and Chelsea are also thought to be in for the South American – who is reportedly still keen on a big move at the end of the season.
- Kealan Hughes
United in hunt for midfielder
Manchester United have reportedly held "internal talks" about signing Brighton forward Alex Mac Allister.
The Argentine, 24, has attracted interest from Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City following a stellar campaign for club and country.
Caught Offside are reporting that Man Utd have been internally discussing the possibility of signing him in the summer transfer window.
It is understood a fee of around £60million would get a deal over the line.
- Dylan Terry
Morning, United fans
Mohammed Kudus has been added to Erik ten Hag's wishlist.
But there's mixed news over fellow strike targets Harry Kane and Victor Osimhen.
That's the pick of the gossip as United prepare for tomorrow's Europa League home tie against Real Betis.
Boss Ten Hag will surely make changes for the last-16 first-leg tie following Sunday's record-equalling 7-0 Prem loss at Liverpool
The Dutchman, as well as skipper Bruno Fernandes, is still coming under fire for that Anfield annihilation.
Transfer wise, Ten Hag is tipped to launch a third raid on old club Ajax.
In came £57million defender Lisandro Martinez and £85m winger Antony during the summer.
Now Ghanaian Mohammed Kudus, 22, is expected to attract Ten Hag's attention at the end of the season.United are also rated strong favourites ahead of Bayern Munich to sign England skipper Kane – IF the frontman leaves Tottenham in the summer.
But Arsenal are regarded as serious rivals to sign Napoli main man Osimhen.
Finally, there's more talk of Harry Maguire and Anthony Martial departing Old Trafford.
- Ian Tuckey
Erik ‘adds Kudus to wishlist’
Erik ten Hag could raid old club Ajax for a third time.
Ghanaian Mohammed Kudus, 22, is tipped to be a summer target, partly as he can play as an out-and-out frontman or at No 10.
Ten Hag brought in £57million defender Lisandro Martinez and £85m winger Antony in his first transfer window.
- Ian Tuckey
Merson blasts Ten Hag selection
Arsenal legend Paul Merson has been staggered by Erik ten Hag’s selections – and partly blames it for Liverpool’s 7-0 win.
Ex-England striker Merson can’t believe the roles given to Wout Weghorst and Marcus Rashford.
He believes Weghorst is NOT a No 10 and should have lined up against Virgil van Dijk – leaving Rashford t face Liverpool’s “weakest defender” in Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Sky Sports pundit Merson wrote: “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.
“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.”
- Ian Tuckey
Don't Bet on Case
Casemiro is a doubt for Manchester United’s Europa League clash with Real Betis on Thursday.
The Brazilian has been an integral player for the Red Devils since his £70million summer switch from Real Madrid.
But even he was powerless to prevent United’s 7-0 mauling at Liverpool on Sunday.
According to ESPN, Casemiro sustained an injury against the Reds.
He was substituted on 77 minutes, replaced by Marcel Sabitzer.
Casemiro will be assessed by medical staff before United’s Europa League round of 16 first leg against Betis at Old Trafford.
- Ian Tuckey
Maguire and Martial again tipped for exit
Harry Maguire and Anthony Martial are once more more being tipped for summer departures.
United boss Erik ten Hag is reportedly even more certain his squad needs bolstering following Sunday's 7-0 humiliation at Liverpool.
England centre-back Maguire also wants regular football.
And Martial could be one of those to lose out when Ten Hag prioritises a new striker at the end of the season.
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