THOMAS ZILLIACUS has entered the bidding war to own Manchester United – but wants fans to stump up £1.5billion to buy the club.
The Finnish entrepreneur said “The market value of the club is just under £3.17bn.
“That means if every one of the fans would join in, the sum per fan would amount to less than £5."
Meanwhile, Sir Jim Ratcliffe made an improved world-record £5bn offer on Thursday, while Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani is expected to match that before Friday’s 9pm deadline.
And SunSport can exclusively reveal that Manchester United star Marcus Rashford is stalling over a new deal at Old Trafford.
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Stay up to date with all the latest from Old Trafford
- Gary Stonehouse
Morning United fans
United expect to have at least two massive takeover bids in by tonight's 9pm deadline.
Britain's richest man Sir Jim Ratcliffe made an improved world-record £5billionn offer on Thursday.
And Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani is expected to match that.
US investment company Elliott have offered to buy a minority stake, no matter who ends up owning the club.
And Finnish entrepreneur Thomas Zilliacus says he will bid £3billion – but half of that must come from supporters.
He said: “Any club ultimately should belong to its fans. My bid is built on equality with fans.
“The current development, where billionaire sheiks and oligarchs take over clubs and control them as their personal playgrounds, is not a healthy trend.”
Meanwhile, Napoli are reportedly willing to sell striker Victor Osimhen – but only for around £115-£130million.
United are rated favourites to sign the Nigeria frontman ahead of PSG as talk of nabbing Harry Kane fades – at least for now.
Fourth-choice Old Trafford centre-back Victor Lindelor has suggested he might think over his future in the summer.
Finally, Red Devils' fans on social media didn't seem too unhappy Luke Shaw was sent off in England's 2-1 win in Italy last night.
It means the left-back will be suspended for Sunday's home Euro qualifier against Ukraine on Sunday – leaving him fresher for United's return to Prem action at Newcastle on Sunday, April 2.
- Ian Tuckey
Red Devils' fans happy with Luke seeing red
Luke Shaw's red card for England came as welcome news to Manchester United fans.
The left-back was sent off in the 2-1 win over Italy after picking up two yellow cards in less than a minute.
He is now suspended for England's next game against Ukraine on Sunday.
That means the 27-year-old faces an extended rest before returning to United duty.
The Red Devils return to action after the international break with a tough trip to Newcastle on April 2.
But United fans are safe in the knowledge that Shaw can put his feet up for the England game against Ukraine at Wembley and not play again until United's match at St. James' Park.
Red Devils supporters took to social media after Shaw was sent off to rejoice at the fact he doesn't have to play on Sunday.
One exclaimed: "SHAW SUSPENDED LETS GOOOOO."
Another sarcastically wrote: "Oh dear! Luke Shaw red card and suspended for next game. As a United fan I’m devastated."
A third added: "Shaw suspended niceeeeee."
- Ian Tuckey
Finnish bidder wants fans to contribute £1.5BILLION
Finnish entrepreneur Thomas Zilliacus has joined the race to buy Manchester United — but wants fans to cough up a staggering £1.5BILLION.
Zilliacus vowed to finance the other half of the £3bn bid.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe made an improved world-record £5bn offer on Thursday, while Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani is expected to match that before Friday’s 9pm deadline.
Both believe Zilliacus’ pitch is nothing more than a publicity stunt.
But he said: “Any club ultimately should belong to its fans. My bid is built on equality with fans.
“The current development, where billionaire sheiks and oligarchs take over clubs and control them as their personal playgrounds, is not a healthy trend.”
US investment company Elliott have also made an offer to purchase a minority stake in the Prem giants, irrespective of who ends up owning the club.
Zilliacus, 69, added: “The market value of the club is just under £3.17bn.
“That means if every one of the fans would join in, the sum per fan would amount to less than £5.
“My group will finance half of the sum needed to take over the club.”
- Ian Tuckey
Shaw sent off for 2 bookings in 54 seconds
Luke Shaw was given his marching orders in the second half of England's 2-1 Euro 2024 qualifying win in Italy for two bookings inside 54 SECONDS.
The Manchester United defender received his first yellow of the match in the 78th minute for time-wasting in a bid to help the Three Lions maintain their 2-1 lead.
And he found himself heading for an early shower a few seconds later after a clumsy tackle.
Shaw, 27, received his two bookings in a mere 54 SECONDS.
Manager Gareth Southgate had to quickly reshuffle the pack following Shaw's dismissal.
And it was poor Phil Foden – one of England's star performers at the World Cup – who was the sacrificial lamb.
- Ian Tuckey
Sir Jim in with formal bid
Sir Jim Ratcliffe made his formal pitch to take control of Manchester United – 24 hours BEFORE the new bidding deadline expired, writes MARTIN LIPTON.
Ratcliffe and Qatari Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani remain the leading contenders with both due to confirm world record £5bn-plus second bids for Manchester United.
But they face the growing threat that the club could still remain in the hands of the Glazer family – after US hedge fund Elliott Management made an offer to take a minority stake that will allow the owners to STAY in charge.
Sir Jim, Britain’s richest man, made his move this afternoon, a full day ahead of the extended bid deadline.
A spokesman said: “Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos can confirm we have submitted a revised bid.”
The move, a signal fo Sir Jim’s desire to land the club he has followed since his schooldays, comes after a farcical situation on Wednesday night in which the Glazers’ approved deal-makers the Raine Group gave a last-minute extension to the previous 9pm bidding deadline.
It was a move that left Sheikh Jassim and Ineos group, initially scrambling to work out their next move.
With Raine confirming this afternoon’s deadline, revised and fine-tuned offers will have been made by both parties by this afternoon (Fri), exceeding the previous record for a sporting franchise when the NFL’s Denver Broncos went for £3.8bn last summer.
- Ian Tuckey
PSG rated United's main rivals for Osimhen
United could make Victor Osimhen their “main focus” in the summer transfer market.
Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio said: “I think Osimhen can leave Napoli and Paris Saint-Germain could be a possibility for him.
“But Manchester United are probably the favourites to take him.
“Man United’s main focus is definitely Osimhen and has been for at least two seasons. He is an excellent player and very particular with his skills of him.
“I think Napoli will let him go for between 130 and 150 million euros and Man United can afford it.”
- Ian Tuckey
Victor will ponder next move in summer
Victor Lindelor has cast doubt over his Manchester United future and indicated he will hold talks with the club at the end of the season.
The Swedish defender has been at Old Trafford for six years after being signed by Jose Mourinho.
But this season he has found first-team football hard to come by as the club brought in reinforcements to strengthen their backline.
Lindelof is now fourth-choice behind Rafael Varane, Lisandro Martinez and club captain Harry Maguire.
The 28-year-old is currently away on international duty but faced questions from reporters on life at Old Trafford and what the future could hold for him.
Asked if he found it frustrating to not be playing more regularly, Lindelof said: “Well of course like every player, you want to play every game and obviously I have not done that this season.
“But I haven’t thought about that, right now I’m focusing on the national team and then of course the rest of the season with the club and then in the summer we’ll have to re-evaluate and see what’s best.
“But like I always say when I come here, it’s a pleasure to be here and I’m very happy to represent my country and I’m really looking forward to the games that we have.”
- Ian Tuckey
Utd have Prem's 2nd most expensive squad
Chelsea and Manchester United's annual wage bill busts the £200million mark – at seven times more than Brentford's.
And although the traditional "Big Six" are the top half-dozen payers, table-toppers Arsenal are bottom of that list on £98m.
Online independent casino reviewer CasinoBonusCA compiled the table, with Chelsea belying their mediocre season by heading the pile above United and then Manchester City.
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Takeover latest – Ratcliffe CONFIRMS bid
SIR Jim Ratcliffe made his formal pitch to take control of Manchester United – 24 hours BEFORE the new bidding deadline expired.
Ratcliffe and Qatari Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani remain the leading contenders with both due to confirm world record £5bn-plus second bids for Manchester United.
But they face the growing threat that the club could still remain in the hands of the Glazer family – after US hedge fund Elliott Management made an offer to take a minority stake that will allow the owners to STAY in charge.
- Ian Tuckey
Osimhen could cost up to £130m
Manchester United are favourites to sign Napoli star Victor Osimhen, according to Gianluca Di Marzio.
But the transfer guru claims it could take a Premier League record fee for United to get their man.
Napoli are reportedly willing to sell Osimhen for a fee in the region of £115-£130million.
- Ian Tuckey
Red Devils could nab 'Liverpool transfer target'
United could nab transfer guru Paul Mitchell from under Liverpool's noses… if Sir Jim Ratcliffe buys the club.
Recruitment expert Mitchell, 41, is leaving his position as sporting director at AS Monaco at the end of the season.
And Liverpool have explored the prospect of bringing Mitchell to Anfield, according to the Independent.
However, the same source suggests the Reds could face competition from United, who may also choose to target Mitchell.
That's if the Ratcliffe-led consortium is successful in its bid to buy the Red Devils.
Mitchell is claimed to have been touted for an Old Trafford role should Ratcliffe and Co fight off rival interest from Qatar's Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani.
US hedge fund Elliott Management have also made an offer to take a minority stake in the club.
Ratcliffe's INEOS group are said to already have an idea as to what their potential structure at the club will be.
Although it's not yet clear what exact role Mitchell has been identified as being suitable for at Old Trafford.
Meanwhile at Anfield, current sporting director Julian Ward is set to step down this summer, just a year after taking over from Michael Edwards.
- Ian Tuckey
Fans enjoy Ronaldo 'bromance' with Dalot
Any stresses or strains Cristiano Ronaldo feels seem to melt away when he reignites his "bromance" with Diogo Dalot.
Fans homed in on Ron greeting his former Manchester United team-mate with a beaming smile, huge embrace and mischievous antics during training with Portugal.
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner goes into Thursday's opening Euro 2024 qualifier with Liechtenstein as the world's joint-most capped player ever on 196.
But Ronaldo bounced around as if it was his first call-up when he engaged with the defender he has publicly described as his favourite squad-mate at Old Trafford.
The 38-year-old's brutal departure and ensuing move to Al-Nassr was forgotten as he grabbed Dalot for some physical banter.
One observer said: "Ronaldo and Dalot bromance is giving me life."
A second fan posted: "Football is great with CR7."
- Ian Tuckey
'Utd probably favourites' for Victor ahead of PSG
United could make Victor Osimhen their "main focus" in the summer transfer market.
Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio said: “I think Osimhen can leave Napoli and Paris Saint-Germain could be a possibility for him.
"But Manchester United are probably the favourites to take him.
“Man United’s main focus is definitely Osimhen and has been for at least two seasons. He is an excellent player and very particular with his skills of him.
“I think Napoli will let him go for between 130 and 150 million euros and Man United can afford it.”
- James Orr
Why is Rashford NOT playing tonight?
England are playing in Italy tonight as they look to start their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign with a win.
But Marcus Rashford will not be featuring, and here is why:
Rashford suffered a knock in Manchester United's 3-1 FA Cup quarter-final win over Fulham on Sunday.
United's club statement said: "Our No.10 required treatment after being hurt in the build-up to Aleksandar Mitrovic's opener for the visitors and was later withdrawn from the 83rd minute, with Fred taking his place."
Former England striker Alan Smith told Sky Sports: "Marcus Rashford has been in fantastic form but if England were going to be missing a player from any department, they'd probably choose a player from the attacking ranks.
"There are still great options for Southgate to choose from, so England can get by."
- Ian Tuckey
Lindelof to 're-evaluate' his Utd position
Victor Lindelor has cast doubt over his Manchester United future and indicated he will hold talks with the club at the end of the season.
The Swedish defender has been at Old Trafford for six years after being signed by Jose Mourinho.
But this season he has found first-team football hard to come by as the club brought in reinforcements to strengthen their backline.
Lindelof is now fourth-choice behind Rafael Varane, Lisandro Martinez and club captain Harry Maguire.
The 28-year-old is currently away on international duty but faced questions from reporters on life at Old Trafford and what the future could hold for him.
Asked if he found it frustrating to not be playing more regularly, Lindelof said: "Well of course like every player, you want to play every game and obviously I have not done that this season.
"But I haven't thought about that, right now I'm focusing on the national team and then of course the rest of the season with the club and then in the summer we'll have to re-evaluate and see what's best.
"But like I always say when I come here, it's a pleasure to be here and I'm very happy to represent my country and I'm really looking forward to the games that we have."
- Ian Tuckey
Takeover in doubt
United could remain in the hands of the Glazer family – after US hedge fund Elliott Management made an offer to take a minority stake in the club.
In what would be a U-turn that would leave many Old Trafford fans aghast, there are increasing suspicions that the planned sale could be OFF – unless bidders match the Glazers’ £6bn valuation.
And some reports even claim the American owners are actually holding out for £6.5bn.
The contest to control the club descended into farce on Wednesday evening when the Glazers’ chosen deal-makers, US banking group Raine, gave a last-minute extension to the previous 9pm bidding deadline.
That left both the declared public bidders, Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani and Britain’s richest man, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his Ineos group, scrambling to work out their next move.
Sheikh Jassim withdrew the £5bn offer he had made ahead of the deadline, while Ineos, which had been on the brink of making a similar offer, was forced into a rethink.
- Kealan Hughes
Lindelof speaks on United future
Victor Lindelof has dropped a new hint over his future at Manchester United while on international duty with Sweden.
He said: "Obviously I want to play. That’s why I play football because you want to play games.
"Right now I am focusing on the national team and the rest of the season with the club. In the summer, we have to re-evaluate and see what’s best."
- Kealan Hughes
Elliott Management make takeover bid
Elliott Management have made an offer to buy a minority stake of Manchester United, according to The Independent
It is claimed the bid, which was submitted before Wednesday night’s 9pm deadline, is potentially up to 40 per cent of the club.
Figures involved with the process have long maintained that the Glazers staying on with such a deal is an option that cannot be ruled out.
- Kealan Hughes
Man Utd told Osimhen price
Manchester United are favourites to sign Napoli star Victor Osimhen, according to Gianluca Di Marzio.
But the transfer guru claims it could take a Premier League record fee for United to get their man.
Napoli are reportedly willing to sell Osimhen for a fee in the region of £115-£130million.
- Kealan Hughes
New takeover bid emerges
Finnish entrepreneur Thomas Zilliacus is set to submit a bid for Manchester United that will see fan ownership introduced – allowing them equal say via an app.
The Glazers are currently open to potential sale options, which could yet involve a minority investor, with interest so far coming from Britain's richest man, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, and Qatari businessman, Sheikh Jassim. Following Wednesday's deadline, both have been granted an extension to submit their second bid…but now a new bidder has now come to the table.
Zilliacus had made his fortunes through novaM Group, a new social media group, and is ready to submit his offer through XXI Century Capital, an investment firm owned by his holding company. The Finn's unique bid comes via his fan involvement, which will be hugely appealing to supporters.
- Kealan Hughes
Rooney wanted Ozil at United
Wayne Rooney was shut down by Sir Alex Ferguson after he told him to sign Mesut Ozil.
The former Arsenal and Real Madrid midfielder retired from football this week, aged 34.
Recalling the story in his autobiography, Fergie wrote: "Wayne said that we should have pursued Mesut Ozil, who had joined Real Madrid from Werder Bremen.
"My reply was that it was none of his business who we should have gone for.
"I told him it was his job to play and perform. My job was to pick the correct teams. And so far I had been getting it right.
"Well, he was not on our radar at the time. Ozil when at Werder Bremen played wide right, then towards the end of the season played him off the front.
"He went to South Africa and did very well. But wasn't on our radar. But I explained to Wayne and we get most of our decisions right."
- Kealan Hughes
Man Utd receive Veiga boost
Celta Vigo will find it "impossible" to hold on to Manchester United and Newcastle target Gabri Veiga, reports suggest.
The attacking midfielder has a contract with Celta until 2026 but club president Carlos Mourino confirmed that he won't be able to keep him at the Balaidos this summer.
Mourino insists he wants hold on to the 20-year-old ace but his £35million release clause won't allow him.
- Connor Greaves
EXCLUSIVE: Marcus Rashford stalls over new United deal
SunSport can exclusively reveal that the England international is holding off signing a new contract at Old Trafford.
Rashford has 14 Premier League goals so far this season.
He's been a revelation under Eric ten Hag during his first season in charge at the club.
Credit: getty - Ian Tuckey
Luxury sea Devils
Fred's enjoying the type of international break all footballers would love.
United's Brazilian midfielderescaped back to the Maldives with wife Monique Salum and their son- three years after the couple spent their second honeymoon at the luxury location.
That time the couple spent £3,500 a night on a sea villa.
And since then they haven't seen much reason to change their tastes in the high life.
- Ian Tuckey
Ron a 'better man' after Utd exit
Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed that he is now a "better man" following his exit from Man United.
The Portuguese star left the club after his explosive interview with Piers Morgan.
His final months at the club were filled with trouble as he struggled to star under new manager Erik ten Hag.
Ronaldo even refused to come on as a substitute against Tottenham before his appearance on Morgan's TalkTV show.
In which he criticised the Dutch manager and the club's Glazer ownership, leading to his contract being mutually terminated.
He has since joined Saudi Arabian football club Al Nassr on a staggering £173-million-a-year deal.
Ronaldo has rediscovered his goalscoring form netting nine goals in his first eight Saudi Pro League games.
And he has now claimed that he has moved on from his struggles at Man United.
During a Portugal press conference ahead of their international fixtures, Ronaldo said of his issues at the Red Devils: "Sometimes, you have to go through some things to see who is on my side.
"I have no problem saying, I had a bad career run, but there’s no time for regrets.
"Life goes on and, doing well or not, it was part of my growth.
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"When we are at the top of the mountain, we often cannot see what is below.
"Now, I’m more prepared and learning that was important because I had never been through this, like in the last few months.
"Now I’m a better man."
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