Man United takeover news LIVE as Turki Al-Sheikh gives update and 'legends approached'

Barcelona star puts United speculation to bed

Frenkie de Jong has revealed that he's 'very close' to signing a new contract with Barcelona, finally putting to bed years of speculation over a move to United. The 28-year-old midfielder has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford on numerous occasions in the past, but a deal never materialised.

"We are very close," De Jong told reporters ahead of the Netherlands' trip to Malta on Thursday. "If there's real news, you'll hear about it, but I can't say anything for now.

"I hope to stay at Barcelona for the rest of my career," De Jong added. "This is the place I wanted to be as a child. Now we have a team with a great future, I want to win the big trophies here."

Napoli prepare second Mainoo swoop

According to Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport, Napoli has been following Kobbie Mainoo for 'some time', and the club's sporting director 'appreciates his qualities'. The report claims that talks with the United playmaker in the summer were positive, and that he'd have gladly accepted a loan.

Even though a deal failed to materialise, it's said that Napoli are still in the market for a midfielder. Gazzetta dello Sport suggests that United could let Mainoo leave on loan in January if there's no obligation to buy clause inserted into the deal.

Denmark boss aims dig at United over Hojlund form

Brian Riemer believes Rasmus Hojlund has what it takes to still be successful in the Premier League. Speaking to reporters, as quoted by TipsBladet, the Denmark boss said: "I think Rasmus has the quality for both leagues, without discussion.

"Does he fit in Italian football? Yes. There was no doubt about that, because he had already proven that. But that doesn’t mean he doesn’t fit in English football. On the contrary, I would almost say."

Riemer added: "The fact that he is now on a well-functioning team and has players around him who take pride in doing good for others helps to make the outcome for a striker like Rasmus, who needs to be serviced.

"It is more important than which league you play in..."

Al-Sheikh explains takeover truth

Turki Al-Sheikh has clarified that he is not in talks with Manchester United regarding a potential takeover. In a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter, he said: "My yesterday’s post about Manchester United's potential sale meant one thing: the club is in an advanced negotiation phase with a new investor.

"Just to clarify, I am not the investor, nor are they from my nation. I'm posting this as a fan who wishes the deal to happen, though it might not necessarily happen."

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United to offer Maguire a new deal

According to Fabrizio Romano, United are in talks with Harry Maguire over a new contract. The 32-year-old defender has recently entered the final year of his current deal at Old Trafford, making him available for a free transfer in the summer.

The report claims that the Reds recently had a face-to-face meeting with Maguire's camp. It's said that United have been satisfied with the England international's performances and leadership.

Neville, Keane and Scholes pick Amorim replacement

Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, Gary Neville, Roy Keane and Paul Scholes revealed who they would appoint to replace Ruben Amorim as United boss.

Neville and Keane backed Diego Simeone to take the reins at Old Trafford following his brilliant work over the years at Atletico Madrid. The duo, however, agreed that Amorim should be given more time.

Scholes opted for Eddie Howe, but he expressed doubts about the Newcastle boss' long-standing assistant, Jason Tindall.

United eye Juventus star

According to CaughtOffside, United are hoping to sign Kenan Yildiz next year. The Juventus winger, who's enjoyed an electric start to the season, was linked with a move to the Premier League in the summer.

The report claims that the Reds face tough competition from Chelsea and Arsenal for his signature. It's said that United could be willing to pay as much as £78million for Yildiz.

Neville says he’s changed his mind on Fernandes

Speaking on The Overlap, Gary Neville claimed that he's changed his mind after recently meeting Bruno Fernandes. The former United defender said: "I say Bruno [changed my mind after meeting him personally].

"I met him for half an hour, and I thought it was fair to say that when people talk about him at the club, they say he’s a good type and he’s hardworking.

"He really looks after the staff, and that was the thing that impressed me most when the staff said he looked after the staff; he looks after people."

How much would the Glazers want for United shares?

According to the Mirror, the Glazers would consider offers of more than £5billion for their stake in United, which is more than double what the English giants are currently worth on the stock market.

The report acknowledges speculation that Turki Al-Sheikh could launch a bid – despite what the club have said. The Mirror reckons that the Saudi billionaire would have to start the bidding at around £5.2billion, just to stand a realistic chance of persuading the Glazers to sell up.

Double Mbeumo boost

Manchester United have received a Bryan Mbeumo boost during the October international break.

The Cameroonian arrived at Old Trafford from Brentford this summer for £65million, plus £6m in add-ons. The forward, who scored 20 goals in the Premier League last season, has made a positive start to life under Ruben Amorim with two goals and an assist so far across all competitions.

Mbeumo has been a regular in the league, having played 90 minutes in all but one fixture so far in 2024/25. The 26-year-old is currently away on international duty with Cameroon, where he has continued his fine form.

Read more here

Ratcliffe on the Glazers

Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has defended the Glazer family's ownership of the Reds.

The Glazers have come under intense scrutiny from fans for their stewardship of United ever since their leveraged acquisition in 2005 saddled the club with a hefty debt - currently estimated at around £725million. Numerous fan groups voiced their opposition to the deal 20 years ago.

British billionaire Ratcliffe acquired a 27.7 per cent stake in United in a $1.2bn deal at the start of 2024 after striking a deal with the Glazer family. The Ineos CEO was handed oversight over footballing and strategic matters at the club.

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Ratcliffe doubles down on cost cutting

In the midst of all this, Ratcliffe's interview that was made public on Wednesday has been buried.

However, he made no indication that he was on the verge of leaving United and insisted that his recent budget cuts are to secure the long-term future of the club.

The more cash you've got, the better squad you can build. It’s like a Formula One car - the better car you can build, the quicker you go. The better your squad, the better your football should be. So a lot of what we've done in the first year is spend an awful lot of time putting the club on a sustainable, healthy footing. If you look at our results for last year, we have the highest revenues ever. Profitability, the second highest ever. We're not seeing all the benefits of the restructuring that we've done in this set of results, and we weren't in the Champions League. Those numbers will get better. Manchester United will become the most profitable football club in the world, in my view, and from that will stem, I hope, a long-term, sustainable, high-level of football.

MORE HERE

United response to the takeover talk

United have been surprised at the claim of a fresh takeover bid being prepared.

Turki Al-Sheikh has written on social media to suggest United are on the brink of new investment - causing confusion among supporters and staff within the club.

There has been no indication that Sheikh Jassim could be the man returning to make a fresh offer for United.

MORE HERE

How much do the Glazers want?

If the Glazers were to sell United they would be looking for a whopping £5bn.

Currently, the club is worth just £2bn.

However, the American family are factoring in the potential the club has to rise in value, into their price tag.

MORE HERE.

Could Turki Al-Sheikh be rich enough to buy United?

While the Saudi did not suggest that he is the person looking to purchase United, he has fueled speculation that he could be the person seeking to acquire the team.

However, if he is, then he might need some wealthy backers helping him.

Take a look at his net worth compared to those running the club right now, HERE.

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