THERE has been a HUGE twist in the takeover tale as Manchester United owner Avram Glazer is reportedly against selling the club.
It is believed that Glazer, 62, was merely on a fishing expedition to see how much his family could fetch for the club at some point in the future.
Meanwhile, United's interest in Sofyan Amrabat has been confirmed by his brother.
And SunSport can exclusively reveal that Red Devils midfielder Brandon Williams appeared to be inhaling 'hippy crack' in the passenger seat of a Mercedes near the club's training ground.
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- Alex Smith
Bruno the hero
Bruno Fernandes will surely be one of the first names on the Portugal team-sheet for new manager Roberto Martinez.
The Man Utd star got an assist yesterday for Cristiano Ronaldo's second goal against Luxembourg in a 6-0 win.
Fernandes now has the second most goals and assists for the national team since 2021 with 18 – only Ronaldo has more.
Diogo Dalot played 90 minutes in the win while Fernandes was on the pitch for 75 minutes.
Credit: Getty - Alex Smith
Man Utd went for Amrabat
Man Utd were one of a number of clubs that made a January attempt to sign Sofyan Amrabat.
The combative midfielder was one of the standout players at the World Cup, helping Morocco reach the semi-finals.
His brother has now revealed that Man Utd tried to buy him, saying: "I can name three clubs who were concrete in the last two or three days of the transfer window.
"Manchester United wanted a loan with an option to buy deal, Fiorentina rejected."
Barcelona and Chelsea were the other sides keen.
- Dylan Terry
Good morning Man Utd fans
Man Utd star Brandon Williams appears to inhale nitrous oxide from a balloon near the club’s training ground.
The £60,000-a-week full back, 22, was a passenger in a parked Brabus supercar.
He was seen with a balloon in his mouth as he passed a friend a canister of the legal high.
A witness told The Sun: “It was so obvious to anyone driving by what he was doing.
“Anyone who follows United or football seriously would have recognised him instantly. It’s irresponsible considering he’s a public figure.
“He’s meant to be a role model for youngsters and upcoming footballers.
Taking that rubbish, especially so casually, could be hindering his ability on the pitch.
“There is no doubt his manager will not be impressed by it.
“He expects his players to be completely devoted to their career, especially when they are attempting to break into the side.”
Man Utd co-owner Avram Glazer does not want to sell the club, according to reports.
The Red Devils were put up for sale in November with the Glazers reportedly seeking £6billion.
They have attracted bids from three parties – Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Sheikh Jassim, and Thomas Zilliacus, all of which fall under their asking price.
Elliott Management are also interested in investing into the club in a deal that would see the Glazers retain majority control.And it would seem that is Avram’s preferred course of action as the American is against the full sale of the club, report the Daily Mail.
It is believed Avram, 62, was merely on a fishing expedition to see how much his family could fetch for the club at some point in the future.
His brother Joel, 55, is also said to be hesitant about a sale.
But it is claimed he would greenlight a takeover if the winning bid matches his £6bn valuation, which would mark a significant profit.
Man Utd remain interested in Benfica sensation Goncalo Ramos, according to reports.
The Portugal striker has been left frustrated that a new deal with the Lisbon giants has yet to be agreed.
And Record report that the Red Devils are still monitoring the situation.
Ramos is said to be “very disappointed” with Benfica for not fulfilling their promise.
Sofyan Amrabat’s brother has revealed that Man Utd tried to sign the Morocco ace in the January transfer window.
However, his club Fiorentina weren’t interested in the type of deal United were offering.
“I can name three clubs who were very concrete in the last two or three days of the transfer window [in January], Nordin Amrabat revealed.
“Manchester United wanted a loan with an option to buy, but Fiorentina didn’t didn’t want.”
Marcel Sabitzer wants to stay at Old Trafford, according to reports.
Journalist Fabrizio Romano has revealed a decision will be made in May and June.He tweeted: “Marcel Sabitzer, very happy with Man United experience — player would be happy to stay with ten Hag.
“Loan deal doesn’t include buy option, it will be up to Bayern… and Tuchel now. His Bayern chapter was already closed with Nagelsmann. Decision time around May/June.”
Arsenal and Man Utd target Rasmus Hojlund is set to appoint a new agent, according to reports.
The Denmark striker has become hot property, after scoring five goals in two starts for the national team.
While he has torn up Serie A with Atalanta, scoring eight goals in 25 games.
The 6ft4in striker, 20, has been compared to Man City ace Erling Haaland.
Fabrizio Romano tweeted: “Understand Rasmus Højlund will be set to appoint a new agent very soon, as top European clubs are following him.
“Højlund has five goals in two starts for Danish national team — sounds huge after excellent first season in Serie A with Atalanta.”
Napoli defender Kim Min-jae has revealed he cannot be bothered by the transfer rumours linking him to other clubs.
The South Korean centre back was said to be a target for Man Utd.
But Kim isn’t having any of it.
“As you know, those rumours are not true at all. I want to focus on my team. I have many tournaments to play,” Kim said.
“It’s been four or years I have had these rumours. It’s uncomfortable. I wish you don’t spread those stories.
“I cannot be bothered by transfer rumours because they aren’t true. Now I’m focusing on the team, rather than that kind of nonsense. There are so many important matches to go and right now I only want to focus on Napoli.”
- Jon Boon
Hojlund to name new agent
Arsenal and Man Utd target Rasmus Hojlund is set to appoint a new agent, according to reports.
The Denmark striker has become hot property, after scoring five goals in two starts for the national team.
While he has torn up Serie A with Atalanta, scoring eight goals in 25 games.
The 6ft4in striker, 20, has been compared to Man City ace Erling Haaland.
Fabrizio Romano tweeted: “Understand Rasmus Højlund will be set to appoint a new agent very soon, as top European clubs are following him.
“Højlund has five goals in two starts for Danish national team — sounds huge after excellent first season in Serie A with Atalanta.”
- Jon Boon
Sabitzer wants to stay
Marcel Sabitzer wants to stay at Old Trafford, according to reports.
Journalist Fabrizio Romano has revealed a decision will be made in May and June.
He tweeted: "Marcel Sabitzer, very happy with Man United experience — player would be happy to stay with ten Hag.
"Loan deal doesn’t include buy option, it will be up to Bayern… and Tuchel now. His Bayern chapter was already closed with Nagelsmann. Decision time around May/June."
- Jon Boon
Williams appears to inhale nitrous oxide
Man Utd star Brandon Williams appears to inhale nitrous oxide from a balloon near the club’s training ground.
The £60,000-a-week full back, 22, was a passenger in a parked Brabus supercar.
He was seen with a balloon in his mouth as he passed a friend a canister of the legal high.
A witness told The Sun: “It was so obvious to anyone driving by what he was doing.
"Anyone who follows United or football seriously would have recognised him instantly. It’s irresponsible considering he’s a public figure.
“He’s meant to be a role model for youngsters and upcoming footballers.
Taking that rubbish, especially so casually, could be hindering his ability on the pitch.
"There is no doubt his manager will not be impressed by it.
"He expects his players to be completely devoted to their career, especially when they are attempting to break into the side.”
- Jon Boon
Avram Glazer doesn't want to sell
Man Utd co-owner Avram Glazer does not want to sell the club, according to reports.
The Red Devils were put up for sale in November with the Glazers reportedly seeking £6billion.
They have attracted bids from three parties – Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Sheikh Jassim, and Thomas Zilliacus, all of which fall under their asking price.
Elliott Management are also interested in investing into the club in a deal that would see the Glazers retain majority control.
And it would seem that is Avram's preferred course of action as the American is against the full sale of the club, report the Daily Mail.
It is believed Avram, 62, was merely on a fishing expedition to see how much his family could fetch for the club at some point in the future.
His brother Joel, 55, is also said to be hesitant about a sale.
But it is claimed he would greenlight a takeover if the winning bid matches his £6bn valuation, which would mark a significant profit.
- Jon Boon
Telles future
Alex Telles' future is up in the air.
The defender is currently on loan at Sevilla.
However, according to Fabrizio Romano it's unlikely they will make his move permanent.
While the Red Devils will decide what to do with Telles in the summer.
Romano tweeted: "Alex Telles, expected to return to Man United at the end of the season — no buy option clause in the loan contract with Sevilla."
He added: "Manchester United will make a decision on Telles future in June/July."
- Jon Boon
Casemiro's big role
Former Man Utd star Dion Dublin believes suspended midfielder Casemiro will have a massive part to play in the changing room over the next few matches.
The Brazilian is set to miss four matches, after he was sent off against Southampton.
But, he will still be a presence among his team-mates, according to Dublin.
"Whoever takes his position, I am sure Casemiro will be chatting to him about what he expects as well because he has done it and won everything," Dublin told United's website.
"I know the players who play in Casemiro's position – Fred has been a Brazil international for years, Scott McTominay has been a Scotland international for years, but I am still sure they will be having a word with Casemiro.
"Just what he thinks and he'll be saying listen, this is how to do it, how to play against this team. So conversations are going to be had."
- Jon Boon
Min-jae can't be bothered with Utd link
Napoli defender Kim Min-jae has revealed he cannot be bothered by the transfer rumours linking him to other clubs.
The South Korean centre back was said to be a target for Man Utd. But Kim isn't having any of it.
"As you know, those rumours are not true at all. I want to focus on my team. I have many tournaments to play," Kim said.
"It's been four or years I have had these rumours. It's uncomfortable. I wish you don't spread those stories.
"I cannot be bothered by transfer rumours because they aren’t true. Now I'm focusing on the team, rather than that kind of nonsense. There are so many important matches to go and right now I only want to focus on Napoli."
- Jon Boon
Ramos a target
Man Utd remain interested in Benfica sensation Goncalo Ramos, according to reports.
The Portugal striker has been left frustrated that a new deal with the Lisbon giants has yet to be agreed.
And Record report that the Red Devils are still monitoring the situation.
Ramos is said to be "very disappointed" with Benfica for not fulfilling their promise.
- Jon Boon
Amrabat deal
Sofyan Amrabat's brother has revealed that Man Utd tried to sign the Morocco ace in the January transfer window.
However, his club Fiorentina weren't interested in the type of deal United were offering.
"I can name three clubs who were very concrete in the last two or three days of the transfer window [in January], Nordin Amrabat revealed.
"Manchester United wanted a loan with an option to buy, but Fiorentina didn't didn't want."
- Jon Boon
Mitrovic cost himself Utd move
Aleksandar Mitrovic has reportedly cost himself a big-money move to Manchester United.
That’s after being charged by the FA for shoving a referee while playing the Red Devils.
Mitrovic, 28, lost his head in Fulham’s 3-1 FA Cup defeat to United at Old Trafford earlier this month.
The Serbian reacted furiously when teammate Willian was sent off for a penalty handball.
Mitrovic was shown a straight red card for shoving Chris Kavanagh before aggressively shouting in his face.
And the striker now faces a 10-match ban after being pulled up by FA chiefs.
However, Mitrovic’s implosion could cost him a whole lot more.
The Daily Star claims he was being lined up by Man United for a big-money move this summer.
Erik ten Hag had been left impressed by Mitrovic’s impressive haul of 11 strikes – not to mention last season’s record-breaking 43 goals in the Championship.
And Mitro was seen as an alternative to loanee Wout Weghorst, who could return to Burnley this summer.
- Alex Smith
Confident Maguire
Harry Maguire has claimed he "can't remember losing a game for Manchester United" and has nothing to prove at the top level.
The 30-year-old Red Devils and England defender has struggled to nail down a regular place for his club this season – starting just 12 games in all competitions under Erik ten Hag.
Maguire said: "Obviously this season, I haven’t played as much as I’d like but, for my club, I feel like my form’s been good this year.
"I know people obviously look at me not playing but when I’ve played, I think in my last eight or nine starts for Manchester United we have won.
"I can’t remember losing a game for Manchester United, it must be the third week of the season.
"So my influence is still there. But of course I love playing for my country and in 50-odd caps I feel like I’ve never let my country down."
"Obviously, last season was difficult for the club but listen, I’ve proven myself to Gareth, who works with a wide range of centre-backs.
"He has the choice of all the English centre-backs in the country and every time I’m available, I’ve been in the team. I’m sure if you ask the rest of the lads they know what I bring to the team.
- Alex Smith
Eriksen recovering at Carrington
Christian Eriksen has stepped up his recovery from an ankle injury and is currently undergoing rehab at Man Utd's training ground.
He has just begun doing sessions on grass as he looks to make it back in time to play again this season.
Eriksen said: "It is weird, you are normally away and now it's more the thing you are following your national team, and you are here instead.
"That is weird, but it has happened before so you get used to it. But, still.”
- Alex Smith
Bidders promise development
Both Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sheikh Jassim have reportedly promised to modernise Old Trafford.
The bid from Qatar remain confident that they will buy Man Utd and are ready to spend heavily in renovating the stadium as well as investing in the team and community.
Meanwhile, Ratcliffe tabled a second offer on Thursday that outlined stages of development and how long his plans would take to be put into place.
- Alex Smith
Takeover Update: Glazers split on selling
The Glazer family are reportedly split on selling Manchester United.
The Daily Mail claim that Avram does not want to part ways with the club and that he was on a "fishing expedition" to see how much they could get for Man Utd.
Meanwhile, Joel is said to be "persuade-able" about a sale providing they receive an offer in the region of £6billion.
Additionally, the four other Glazer siblings siblings – Bryan, Kevin, Edward and Darcie – want to sell Man Utd.
Credit: AP - Alex Smith
Elanga on his future
Anthony Elanga has opened up on his future and hinted that he could leave Man Utd.
The winger spoke while away with the Swedish national team and said: "I love the club, but it’s important for me to play.”
"We have a lot of conversations, not only about game time but also what is happening around. That’s the good thing about the club, we talk a lot and they help me a lot."
- Alex Smith
Exclusive: Ferguson to snub United
Brighotn wonderkid Evan Ferguson is set to snub a host of suitors to stay on the South Coast.
Manchester United will send scouts to watch the young Republic of Ireland international play against France tomorrow.
Tottenham and Chelsea are also admirers of Ferguson, who is having a breakout season for the Seagulls.
But the 18-year-old is in no hurry to leave Brighton and believes his development will be better served by remaining at a club where he will have more opportunities to play first-team football.
- Alex Smith
Varane drops transfer hint
Raphael Varane has named the two clubs he would consider joining if he decided to leave Old Trafford in the near future.
In an interview with GQ Magazine, he said: "I will finish my career either in Madrid, or in Manchester, or in Lens.
"I will not move to another club [other than those].
"But Madrid seems complicated to me. Players don't usually go back there.
"The most likely outcome today is that I will finish [my club career] in either Manchester or Lens."
- Alex Smith
Southgate defends Rashford withdrawal
Gareth Southgate has defended Marcus Rashford jetting off to New York after pulling out of the England squad
Three Lions boss Southgate was surprised to see Rashford posting pictures on a mini-break following his withdrawal from the Euro 2024 qualifiers against Italy and Ukraine with a toe problem.
But diplomatic Southgate said: “Once he’s ruled out of the squad, it’s entirely up to him how he spends his time.
“The players don’t get a lot of breaks. They will be flying off wherever after Sunday’s game.
“If they get 48 hours, with the schedule as it is, they have to take advantage of it.”
Rashford’s holiday is not a great look because the Manchester United forward, 25, has now pulled out of five of the last six non-tournament squads he has been picked for.
- Alex Smith
Exclusive: Garnacho new deal pending
Alejandro Garnacho, 18, is in line for a new £50,000-a-week United contract worth TEN times his current salary.
Talks over a new deal began in December. And United insiders say there is growing confidence Garnacho will put pen to paper soon, when the small print over image rights is agreed.
He is out of contract next year, but United hold a 12-month option to extend that.
The attacker has enjoyed a fine debut campaign, making 29 appearances and scoring five goals.
- Alex Smith
Exclusive: Sheikh offers Glazers NFL sweetener
The billionaire Qatari sheikh trying to buy Manchester United hopes to persuade the Glazer family to sell — by dangling an NFL-sized carrot in front of them.
Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani put in an improved world-record £5billion offer to rival Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s bid a day earlier.
SunSport understands the sheikh also discussed a joint venture with the Glazers which could see NFL games in the Middle East.
Sheikh Jassim thinks buying United from the Glazers, who also own the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, could kick-start a relationship which would see NFL teams take American football to the Middle East.
In recent years, team owners, including Joel Glazer, have tried to grow the popularity of the game by sending teams to London to play at Tottenham’s stadium.
And Sheikh Jassim believes the idea could give him the upper hand in ongoing negotiations.
- Alex Smith
Fratessi interest
Man Utd are interested in Davide Frattesi, according to reports in Italy.
The Sassuolo midfielder has signed a new deal at the club, keeping him there until 2026, but United are ready to test their resolve.
Frattesi's strengths are in possession and he could feature in the role Christian Eriksen and Marcel Sabitzer have played in alongside Casemiro in midfield.
- Alex Smith
United eye Ferguson
Man Utd are supposedly lining up a move for Brighton striker Evan Ferguson this summer.
The 18-year-old is enjoying a breakout year on the south coast and is one of the most highly sought after youngsters in the Premier League.
Football Insider report that Brighton are readying themselves for offers.
Erik ten Hag sees bringing in a striker as a priority this summer and is looking to add youth to his attacking options.
Atalanta star Rasmus Hojlund, who has been compared to Erling Haaland, is another potential alternative.
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