Manchester United news – latest: Takeover deadline nears amid reports of Qatari bid
Manchester United is up for sale. The club has been owned by the Glazer family since 2005 but the Americans announced in November last year that they would be putting the club up for sale following years of unrest and fan protests surrounding their ownership.
Today marks the first stage of that process with a soft deadline for potential takeover proposals to be submitted to the Glazers by 10pm GMT alongside a formally registering of any possible bidders interest. The document which will hold the proposal must include a paragraph-long statement from the interested buyer explaining how much of the club they want to own and what their offer is.
At this stage Sir Jim Ratcliffe is the only interested party to publicly announce his interest in taking over Manchester United. He is Britain’s richest man, who also owns French club Nice, and is a boyhood United fan. He confirmed in January he will be making a bid.
On the pitch, Erik ten Hag’s men travelled to Barcelona last night for the first leg of their Europa League play-off game. The host took the lead through Andreas Christiansen’s header before Marcus Rashford equalised and a Jules Kounde own goal but United in front. They couldn’t hold onto that lead though and Raphinha slotted home a lovely curling finish to beat David De Gea and keep the tie delicately poised ahead of the return leg at Old Trafford next week.
Follow along as we bring the latest updates on Manchester United’s sale and reaction from their draw with Barcelona:
Manchester United takeover new
Manchester United drew 2-2 with Barcelona in the first leg of their Europa League play-off tie
The club is up for sale with 10pm on Friday the deadline for initial proposals
Sir Jim Ratcliffe has publically announced his interest in taking over the club
Investors from Qatar also attracted to buying the club
Barcelona's rep jeopardized by payments to former referee
18:45 , Michael Jones
Barcelona, the team that once awed the soccer world with its beautiful style on the field and its social commitment to being “more than a club,” is in danger of tarnishing its reputation with a scandal of its own making.
Although the club denies doing anything wrong, a Spanish state prosecutor is probing Barcelona’s payment of millions of dollars over several years to a company that belonged to the vice president of the refereeing committee in Spain.
Spanish soccer has been reeling since the story broken by radio station SER Catalunya earlier this week said Barcelona had paid 1.4 million euros ($1.5 million) from 2016-18 to a company belonging to former referee José María Enríquez Negreira, who was a part of the Spanish soccer federation’s refereeing committee from 1994-2018. Barcelona says the money was for techincal reports on referees and youth players. Those payments, which have yet to be linked to any illegal or improper activity by the club, came to light as part of a tax probe into the company.
Barcelona's rep jeopardized by payments to former referee
Is Qatar really buying Manchester United?
18:30 , Michael Jones
It was around the turn of the year that the Raine Group, who are handling the sale of Manchester United, approached Qatari state investors over whether they would be interested in purchasing the club. Sources with knowledge of the discussions say the response was initially lukewarm, in part because they thought it was a “fishing expedition” and there was doubt about how much the Glazer family owners really want to sell. This is one of the questions that clouds this week, and could yet ensure that Friday isn’t as decisive a day in the history of England’s biggest club as has been built up.
It is at least bigger than Thursday’s match against Barcelona, which is saying something about why the situation is where it is. As historically resonant as this fixture at Camp Nou is, it’s also a Europa League tie that used to be a Champions League tie, which has played its part in making the Glazers wonder over whether now is the time to sell.
There are only a few things in this whole process that can be said with certainty right now. As first reported by The Independent as far back as August, the Glazers are interested in a sale but want £5bn for the club.
Is Qatar really buying Manchester United?
Qatari investors reportedly set to bid for Manchester United
18:15 , Michael Jones
Qatari investors are planning to make a huge bid to buy Premier League club Manchester United, the Daily Mail newspaper reported, citing unnamed sources.
The report described the investors as “a group of private, high-wealth individuals” from Qatar, which hosted the 2022 World Cup.
United declined to comment when contacted by Reuters.
Jim Ratcliffe’s company INEOS formally entered the bidding process to buy United last month after the club’s US owners, the Glazer family, said in November they had begun looking at options including new investment or a potential sale.
Qatari investors reportedly set to bid for Man United
Man Utd LGBTQ+ supporters group expresses ‘deep concern’ over takeover
18:00 , Michael Jones
Manchester United LGBTQ+ supporters’ group the Rainbow Devils have raised “deep concern” regarding some of the parties reportedly interested in buying the club.
Reports suggest a bid from a fund linked to Qatar – where same-sex relationships are criminalised – could be imminent, while there is also rumoured Saudi Arabian interest in the club.
Friday evening marks the so-called ‘soft deadline’ for bidders keen to buy United to register their interest and provide proof of funds with merchant banking firm Raine.
Hours before that deadline, the Rainbow Devils have decided to speak out.
Man Utd LGBTQ+ supporters group expresses ‘deep concern’ over takeover
Will the Glazers remain as Man Utd shareholders?
17:50 , Michael Jones
There is a possibility that the Glazer family won’t relinquish full control of Manchester United and instead sell of most of their shares to remain as minority shareholders within the new regime.
The Athletic ran a poll of Manchester United fans and asked whether they would be okay with this outcome. 98% of the people who voted wanted the Glazers to sell the club in it’s entirety.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Oldham born and the only bidder to make his interest public, is a favourite among the fanbase with around 66% of United supporters backing his bid.
Will the Glazers actually sell Man Utd?
17:40 , Michael Jones
According to some sources with an understanding of the discussions taking place concerning the sale of Manchester United. Tonight’s deadline may be anti-climactic due to suspicion surrounding the Glazers’ intentions.
There are several people who know Joel and Avram Glazer who doubt their desire for a full takeover of the club while the other four Glazer siblings, Bryan, Kevin, Ed and Darcie, are said to want out of Man Utd entirely.
As the Glazers are in charger there is nothing to stop them from extending the deadline should the offers fail to meet their aspirations.
The Raine Group - who is overseeing the sale - were targeting a price of £6bn to £7bn ($7.2bn to $8.4bn) and there remains scepticism in the industry about that fee being achieved. A lower price of around £5bn has also been rumoured which seems like a more realistic prospect if the Glazers are willing to take it.
Should today’s proposals appeal to the family then bidders will be granted full access to Manchester United accounts so that proper due diligence can be carried out.
There is no time limit on this step, although some feel everything ought to be wrapped up before the football season is over.
Erik ten Hag warns Marcus Rashford over ‘laziness’
17:30 , Michael Jones
Erik ten Hag has warned Marcus Rashford that he must avoid “laziness” to continue his rich recent vein of form.
Rashford was again on the scoresheet as Manchester United battled to a late 2-0 victory over Leeds on Sunday before netting against Barcelona last night.
A well-taken finish to beat Marc-Andre ter Stegen as the near post was the forward’s 2nd goal of the season so far, equalling his personal best tally in a single campaign.
Ten Hag is enjoying Rashford’s recent scoring run, but has urged the player to not get complacent and keep his “focus” to ensure it continues.
Erik ten Hag warns Marcus Rashford over ‘laziness’
It felt like a loss’ - Rashford’s reaction to draw with Barcelona
17:20 , Michael Jones
‘Marcus Rashford continued his outstanding form when he netted against Barcelona to bring the scores level at 1-1 in the second half at the Camp Nou last night.
Both sides scored again but United were the ones to concede the late equaliser and Rashford told BT Sport: “It felt like a loss.
“We did well to get back into the game, stayed calm and composed.
“We tried to create chances when we could and we scored two quick goals, then felt in control of the outcome, but they are a top team and managed to get an equaliser.”
Rashford on his penalty shout
17:10 , Michael Jones
25-year-old Marcus Rashford was furious not to win a penalty having been felled by Jules Kounde on the edge of the box. It was a decision for which manager Erik ten Hag was booked as he protested about the lack of VAR intervention.
“I have not watched it back, but I don’t understand why the linesman or the referee thinks I am going down there?” Rashford said after the game.
“I have touched it past him, my foot is in front of the ball and he hits my leg. It is clear contact and was 100 per cent a foul. Hopefully the second leg is going to be another good game and we can go that one step further.”
‘We should have score four’ says Ten Hag
17:01 , Michael Jones
How long will the sale take?
16:53 , Michael Jones
There is no exact timeline for the sale of Manchester United. When interested parties are revealed after Friday’s soft deadline, the Glazers may well opt to extend the timeline for potential investors to come forward, hoping that a publicity battle will drive up the price buyers are willing to pay.
Should a deal be agreed upon, it would then have to receive ratification from the Premier League. Depending on the source of the money and the nature of the buyer it can vary as to how long this process would take.
PIF’s interest in Newcastle was announced in April 2020 but was not finalised until October 2021, for example.
How much is Man Utd worth?
16:43 , Michael Jones
The Glazers have set a £5bn valuation on the Premier League club but it is expected that bids after Friday’s deadline will not reach that price initially.
The club has a value of roughly £3bn on the New York Stock Exchange and there is a belief all of Friday’s offers will come in at least 30% under their £5bn valuation.
As a rough comparison Todd Boehly’s consortium bought Chelsea for £4.25bn so this will be the ball-park figure that the Glazers will want to aim for.
When is the deadline?
16:33 , Michael Jones
Friday’s deadline is, crucially, not the deadline for the sale of the club to be agreed. Instead, it is merely a deadline for interested buyers to register their interest and financial capability of buying the club from its current owners.
Bids do not have to be disclosed by the potential new owners with this process merely about gauging interest from interested parties.
What do bidders have to do before it?
In line with formally registering their interest, each party needs to submit a document to the Glazers by 10pm UK time.
In the document, there will be a paragraph-long statement from the interested buyer explaining how much of the club they want to own and what their offer is.
Manchester United sale explained: Everything you need to know ahead of the deadline
16:23 , Michael Jones
The sale of Manchester United is set to reach its first important stage with the soft deadline for potential takeover proposals to be submitted coming on Friday.
Manchester United have been owned by the Glazer family since 2003 but the Americans announced in November last year that they would be putting the club up for sale.
The announcement follows years of unrest and fan protests surrounding their ownership.
Ahead of Friday’s deadline, here is everything you need to know.
Alejandro Garnacho progress is a further sign of Erik ten Hag’s Midas touch
16:10 , Michael Jones
One of the elements to football coaching that separates the great from the good is understanding that each individual footballer needs to be managed in their own individual way.
Over the years, Pep Guardiola has drawn much criticism for being hard pressed to issue Phil Foden with any praise and has often pointed out where the England starlet has gone wrong. Foden, however, has never once showed any sign of discontent, the constructive criticism taken on board to help him develop into one of the country’s most exciting talents for a generation.
His current spell out of the team is another way of Guardiola giving Foden reminders there is still work to be done to make him the finished article.
Alejandro Garnacho progress is a further sign of Erik ten Hag’s Midas touch
Who is interested in buying Man Utd?
16:00 , Michael Jones
Interest from the Middle East is also expected. The emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, is a Man Utd fan and has been suggested as a potential bidder.
However, Qatar Sports Investment (QSI) - the state’s wealth fund that the emir owns - already runs Paris Saint-Germain with a bid therefore unlikely unless the sale of the French club is agreed.
There may be interest from private Qatari investors as well but as The Independent’s Miguel Delaney reports, such a move would likely still require state-level sanctioning and therefore would again be a conflict of interest with the state’s current ownership of PSG.
Saudi Arabian bidders are expected but the state-run Public Investment Fund (PIF) - majority owners of Newcastle United since last year – are unable to be one.
Who is interested in buying Man Utd?
15:50 , Michael Jones
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, at this stage, is the only interested party to publicly announce his interest in taking over Manchester United. Britain’s richest man, who also owns French club Nice, is a boyhood United fan and confirmed in January he will be making a bid.
The Oldham-born billionaire owns INEOS Group, a British chemical company, and has hired American banks JP Morgan and Goldman Sachs to help him during the process.
Man United and Barcelona ‘needed a reset’ after fall from Europe’s top table, says Erik ten Hag
15:40 , Michael Jones
Erik ten Hag says Manchester United and FC Barcelona had to press “reset” after challenging periods for giant clubs that are back on track heading into their eye-catching Europa League clash.
Having met in the 2009 and 2011 Champions League finals, these European heavyweights now find themselves in a knockout play-off to decide whose continental campaign extends beyond February.
Barca dropped into the Europa League after finishing third in their Champions League group behind Bayern Munich and Inter Milan after a summer of wild transfers, despite financial uncertainty.
United stumbled home sixth last season and went straight into the Europa League, where they finished second behind Real Sociedad on goal difference.
Man United and Barcelona ‘needed a reset’ after fall, says Ten Hag
Jim Ratcliffe confirms interest in buying Manchester United
15:30 , Michael Jones
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, one of Britain’s richest people, has confirmed he has entered the bidding to buy Manchester United from the Glazer family.
The Ineos chairman, whose wealth in 2020 was estimated at $28.2billion, is a lifelong United supporter from Greater Manchester.
The petrochemicals billionaire is the owner of Nice, Swiss team FC Lausanne-Sport and the Tour de France-winning cycling team Ineos Grenadiers, which he took over from Team Sky, and submitted a £4.25billion bid for Chelsea before Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital sealed their takeover.
The Glazers have owned United since 2005 but announced in November that they were considering a sale when they said they were “commencing a process to explore strategic alternatives”.
Jim Ratcliffe confirms interest in buying Manchester United
Barcelona vs Manchester United player ratings: Marcus Rashford and Casemiro shine in draw
15:20 , Michael Jones
Manchester United came from behind but couldn’t see out the win, drawing 2-2 with FC Barcelona in a pulsating Europa League play-off first leg in Spain.
The first half was certainly a case of goalkeepers on top, as David de Gea denied Robert Lewandowski early on before, at the other end, Marc-Andre ter Stegen denied both Wout Weghorst and Marcus Rashford.
The finishing was far stronger after the restart though, with a flurry of second-half goals seeing the tie swing back and forth after Marcos Alonso first headed home the opener at the far post.
Rashford quickly equalised with a brilliant near-post finish, before his run then ended in a cross being turned into his own net by Jules Kounde - only for Raphinha’s cross to then drift in at the other end for 2-2.
Here are the player ratings from the first leg at the Camp Nou.
Barcelona vs Manchester United player ratings: Rashford and Casemiro shine
Marcus Rashford’s rich vein of form can usher in Manchester United’s long-awaited dominance
15:10 , Michael Jones
It was another game that made it feel like Marcus Rashford’s season, even his world, but there is an alternate timeline where he was on the other side.
Way back in the 2018/19 season, Barcelona were making serious overtures for the Manchester United forward. Eric Abidal was intent on Rashford, and the belief was they could get him.
The player himself wasn’t as intent, though, and was ultimately only interested in staying at United. Figures within Barcelona would later talk of Rashford “bottling it”, something rather ironic given how that season’s Champions League campaign ended at Anfield.
They are thinking rather differently now, after this Europa League match at Camp Nou. Almost everyone was wowed. Rashford was all they could talk about. It was one of those nights when the Catalan and Spanish media are just taken aback by a “star”, someone they have to have.
Marcus Rashford’s rich vein of form can be curtain-raiser to long-awaited dominance
‘Players like busy schedule’ says Ten Hag
15:02 , Michael Jones
Manchester United boss, Erik ten Hag, says that his players are enjoying this busy period of play which sees the club compete every three days or so.
The Red Devils are the only team still competing for four trophies. They’ve reached the final of the Carabao Cup have progressed into the FA Cup fifth round, are five points off the top of the Premier League and face Barcelona in the Europa League play-off round.
“The players in our squad like it,” he said when asked about the busy schedule. “They like it. They like to play big games and they know also as a team and as individuals that you grow from such games.
“Today we are better players, a better team, so that will help us in our process. We are in the right direction, so we have to keep this process going.
“We will analyse again, we will criticise, what went good, what went wrong and we move on.
“Sunday next game, next big game.”
Ten Hag is aware of Man Utd takeover talk
14:54 , Michael Jones
Today has been described as the soft deadline for initial offers in the sale of Manchester United and comes in the midst of a frantic schedule, creating background noise that Erik ten Hag says will not distract the team.
“We are following it,” Ten Hag said. “It’s our club and of course we are committed. But we are focusing on football, on training and our way of play, on games. That is what we are focusing on.
“We are really enjoying in the moment with the togetherness. It’s enjoyable to work. We are focusing on games and we have four leagues, so others in the club will have to take decisions, give efforts in the process but it’s not up to us.”
Erik ten Hag reacts to Manchester United takeover talk
14:48 , Michael Jones
Erik ten Hag and his players are following the ongoing takeover talk but the Manchester United manager says there is no chance of their focus wavering as they fight on four fronts.
The Glazer family completed their controversial leveraged takeover at Old Trafford in 2005, with initial success on the field drying up after Sir Alex Ferguson retired a decade ago.
United have not won any silverware since 2017 and Ten Hag took over at a time of palpable fan anger against the ownership given the debt, dividends and perceived mismanagement.
November’s announcement that the Glazers were conducting a strategic review brought hope to frustrated supporters, with the sale of United one option being considered.
Erik ten Hag reacts to Manchester United takeover talk
Bidders to buy football club Manchester United face deadline
14:40 , Michael Jones
It’s the final day for serious bidders to step forward in the race to buy Manchester United.
After months of speculation and soaring share prices, initial offers need to be presented on Friday to merchant bank Raine Group, which is handling the sale of one of the most famous soccer teams in the world.
By the end of the day, the American-owning Glazer family will have an idea of how much they can expect to make on the club they bought for about $1.4 billion in 2005.
The price is now estimated to reach as high as $6 billion, with reported interest from Saudi Arabia seeing its value rise sharply as the deadline for bids approaches.
While Friday is described as a soft deadline, Raine and the Glazers will have a clearer picture of potential buyers before moving on to the next stage of the process.
Bidders to buy soccer club Manchester United face deadline
All confirmed bids for Manchester United sale as deadline looms
14:32 , Michael Jones
USA
Potential buyers from America are also expected ahead of Friday’s deadline. Josh Harris and David Blitzer, who attempted to buy Chelsea, are thought to be interested while Joel and Avram Glazer may well make a bid to buy out the club from their siblings.
Elon Musk, the owner of Twitter, has also joked on social media about making a bid for the club and is said to be still interested.
All confirmed bids for Manchester United sale as deadline looms
14:24 , Michael Jones
Saudi Arabia
There is also the possibility of interest in United from Saudi Arabia.
Last November, the country’s sports minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal told the BBC that the government would support any Saudi private sector bids for United or Liverpool.
The country’s sovereign wealth fund already owns a controlling stake in Newcastle with a bid therefore likely to come from a different Saudi group.
All confirmed bids for Manchester United sale as deadline looms
14:16 , Michael Jones
Qatar
Following on from hosting the World Cup, the state is keen to own a Premier League club and a bid of some form is expected.
Sky Sports News have reported that investors linked to the Qatari royal family will bid to buy the Manchester club.
The Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund with assets estimated at more than £370bn, has also been linked with a full buyout in other reports.
Qatar Sports Investment - a sub-section of QIA - already runs Paris Saint-Germain with a bid from the nation-state, therefore, needing to prove that the club will be run by different people than those currently in charge of PSG.
A bid from Ratcliffe - who owns French-top flight club Nice, will also raise similar questions due to his involvement in the French club.
UEFA regulations prohibit individuals or legal entities having control or influence over more than one club participating in a UEFA club competition.
Reports of Qatari interest have been criticised by Amnesty International.
Peter Frankental, the human rights group’s UK economic affairs director, told PA last week any Qatari buyout would be a “continuation of (Qatar’s) state-backed sportswashing project”.
Amnesty and other groups have criticised Qatar over its treatment of migrant workers and its criminalisation of same-sex relationships.
All confirmed bids for Manchester United sale as deadline looms
14:07 , Michael Jones
Sir Jim Ratcliffe
At this stage, only Ratcliffe, one of the UK’s richest men, has publicly expressed an interest.
The Oldham-born billionaire owns INEOS Group, a British chemical company, and has hired American banks JP Morgan and Goldman Sachs to help him during the process.
His company told the PA news agency last month: “We have formally put ourselves into the process.”
Barcelona midfielder Pedri to miss Europa League second leg against Manchester United
13:56 , Michael Jones
FC Barcelona and Manchester United fought out an engrossing draw in the first leg of their Europa League play-off on Thursday night, the Catalan outfit both taking the lead and hitting back late on to secure a 2-2 draw.
It leaves the tie finely poised ahead of the return fixture at Old Trafford, but Barcelona have discovered the extent of an injury to key midfielder Pedri and the Spanish international will be missing for that second leg.
One of head coach Xavi’s go-to starters, Pedri has been a fixture in both the Barcelona and Spain football lineup since his breakthrough in 2020/21. However, he went off injured shortly before half time against the Red Devils and tests have revealed a muscle issue which will sideline him for up to five weeks, report Sport.
A hamstring strain will see him miss up to seven matches, with the Copa del Rey semi-final against Real Madrid and a LaLiga fixture against Valencia also on Barca’s upcoming run. With the second leg against Man United only a week away, Xavi will need to plan a midfield without him - with Gavi the most likely candidate to move from the attacking line back into midfield.
Barcelona midfielder Pedri to miss second leg against Man United
Manchester United appoint new director of football operations from Everton
13:47 , Michael Jones
David Harrison is joining Manchester United from Everton as director of football operations. The Red Devils have made a number of appointments at Carrington recently, including Andy O’Boyle as deputy football director.
O’Boyle’s role sees him focused on football strategy and performance, with Harrison focusing on operational aspects at the club. Both report to football director John Murtough.
Harrison started his career in the Old Trafford ticket office before moving to Everton in 1995, going onto become club secretary in 2002 and director of football operations in 2018.
Manchester United appoint new director of football operations from Everton
Erik ten Hag wants to finish off job against Barcelona
13:39 , Michael Jones
Following Manchester United’s 2-2 draw with Barcelona last night, manager Erik Ten Hag told BT Sport: “I think it was a great game.
“Two attacking teams, I think it was a Champions League game, even more than that, so I really enjoyed the game. In the end (it finished) 2-2, and we have to finish it in Old Trafford.
“Of course I will credit [Marcus] Rashford definitely because he is in great form, but the whole team did well. I think it was a really good team performance.
“We have a lot of character and determination in this team. The belief we had to score the first goal and the meaning of the first goal is so important and that’s what we didn’t do.”
Manchester United Supporters Trust chief calls for fans to get stake in club if sale goes ahead
13:31 , Michael Jones
A representative for supporters of Manchester United has called for fans to get a stake at Old Trafford if the club’s owners, the Glazer family, sell the club.
The American owners bought United in a controversial £790million leveraged buy-out in 2005.
In a statement, the club said that its owners were examining “strategic alternatives to enhance the club’s growth.”
Duncan Drasdo, chief executive of the Manchester United Supporters Trust, has called for a Chelsea-style takeover to become a model if the sale is to go ahead.
How much might Manchester United sell for?
13:22 , Michael Jones
After Boehly and his group paid £2.5bn for Chelsea last year, there has been a rapid recalculation of what the Premier League’s top clubs might be worth.
Football finance expert Kieran Maguire has said that, based on a comparison with Chelsea’s revenues, profitability and assets, United would be worth around £4-4.5bn, with a reasonable expectation that a possible bidding war would push the price up to £5bn.
Arsenal must remind themselves of their brilliance against tricky Aston Villa
13:17 , Michael Jones
Just over a month ago, the murmurings began. A 2-0 away win at north London rivals, Manchester City suffering a derby defeat the day before. Eight points the gap. They couldn’t, could they?
Skip forward to Wednesday night, as Erling Haaland fired home City’s third, and Arsenal’s lead at the top of the Premier League was no more.
If a month feels a long time in today’s unrelenting footballing world, Mikel Arteta and his Arsenal squad will now appreciate that better than most.
There can be no period of reflection, no time to lick the wounds. Arteta must rouse his troops immediately. Just three days on from that crushing defeat lies Saturday’s tricky encounter away against Aston Villa, a team now managed by his predecessor Unai Emery.
Arsenal must remind themselves of their brilliance against tricky Aston Villa
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta calls for protection ahead of ‘very difficult’ Aston Villa trip
13:12 , Michael Jones
Mikel Arteta has called for the Premier League to offer all clubs the protection of not being forced to kick-off early on a Saturday having played on a Wednesday night.
Champions League teams do not have to play in the 12.30pm slot on a Saturday if they have played in Europe on the Wednesday night.
However, Arsenal will kick off at Villa Park just 63 hours after the full-time whistle blew in their 3-1 loss to title rivals Manchester City.
Speaking in 2020, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp fumed in an interview with BT Sport after his side had been held to a 1-1 draw by Brighton in the early kick-off having faced Atalanta in the Champions League.
Mikel Arteta calls for protection ahead of ‘very difficult’ Aston Villa trip
Can Arsenal bounce back from poor run in form?
13:07 , Michael Jones
Arsenal have taken just one point from their last three league games which has seen them lose first place to Manchester City. Mikel Arteta was asked what is to come for his side as they look to reignite their title challenge:
“It is normal that you want to get maximum points, which we didn’t in the last few games.” he said, “We have to look at ourselves. We have to be more efficient - with amount of play and situations we generated we haven’t had enough points. That is down to us, we have to improve on that because we want to win more games.
“So we are highly motivated for tomorrow’s game because we want to perform well and win the game.
“It’s an opportunity. We have talked about it for a few months now - the position that we are in, the way the team is playing and all the things we need to continue to do to continue to be there.
“We have seen where the level is. We want to be at that level. We are in that journey together.”
Arteta seeking to regain top spot
13:02 , Michael Jones
Looking ahead to this weekend’s Premier League games, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, spoke about dropping down to second place after losing to Manchester City.
As part of his media duties ahead of their match versus Aston Villa tomorrow the Arteta said: “I know the right things we have to do to continue to be there [at the top]. We have seen where the level is and what we have to do to be at that level.
“There are a lot of positive things to take, for sure, from the season so far [and Wednesday night’s defeat at home to Manchester City].
“We know that the level of efficiency has to be good with every single game to beat them [City] at the end. We are highly motivated to do that.
“The minimum is today that they need to train exceptionally well - that is the minimum. You have to give credit to a team when they beat you, but when you analyse the game again, I think we lost it.”
Jurgen Klopp on 18-year-old midfielder Stefan Bajcetic
12:57 , Michael Jones
“We judge every game whether he is ready. So far, there are no signs that he isn’t okay to play.
“There are long breaks between the games at the moment. How it is with three games, I don’t know. We have other games as well. He played exceptional [against Everton], not just because he’s 18, but he was exceptional.
“We had senior players not available for a long time; they are options now. Long may it continue. Top talent. Super player, he has played well. He has been a joy to work with. The mix of Serbia and Spain is a good one for football.
“He is an intelligent boy. His dad and Thiago’s dad played together for Celta Vigo, so Thiago took him under his wing a little bit. He has a great bunch of players around him.”
Jurgen Klopp on Newcastle
12:52 , Michael Jones
“Eddie Howe has done an exceptional job, absolutely exceptional. The financial possibilities they have, or will have, are exceptional, but it is not because of that, not at all. He arrived in a difficult situation, they stayed comfortably in the league, now the team is unrecognisable.
“He’s improved players like [Miguel] Almiron, I always liked him but the way they are playing suits him. Callum Wilson is a fantastic striker, Bruno Guimaraes is massive for them. But he’s turned them around and they are a proper threat.”
‘This is a massive game’ says Klopp
12:46 , Michael Jones
Liverpool are hoping to move up the Premier League table and get themselves back in contention to challenge for the Champions League spots.
The Reds are currently ninth in the table but could jump as high as sixth if they defeat Newcastle tomorrow. This is an incredibly vital match for Liverpool as Newcastle currently sit fourth so a victory for them is effectively a six point swing in their favour.
“This is a massive game.” said Jurgen Klopp, “If you want to reach something this season, we have to chase everybody, especially those who are ahead of us in the table.
“It will never be easy, but we have to try. It’ll be tough; Newcastle are the best defence in the league, lost just once to us, we needed a late goal. They are very consistent and that is the first step to success.”
Klopp gives team news update
12:41 , Michael Jones
Ahead of this Saturday’s clash with Newcastle Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, says he has no new injury concerns: “Same squad [as against Everton in their previous match].
“Nothing has happened on the injury side. Thiago is not available and Calvin [Ramsay] has had surgery and Luis [Diaz] is not available.
“[I think] Virgil van Dijk is available. Yesterday, he looked ready. Today he will look the same, and we’ll make a decision.”
‘No-one can handle Rashford'
12:38 , Michael Jones
Marcus Rashford was the catalyst for Manchester United’s revival against Barcelona last night in a deadly second-half display where he scored one goal and played a huge part in the other.
He is on course for his best-ever season in football after the England forward’s goal took his total in a sensational season to 22 in all competitions, equalling his best return with plenty more games still left.
“He is virtually unplayable at the moment,” said former United midfielder Paul Scholes on BT Sport. “No-one can handle him. Wherever he is playing, left, right or down the middle, he just seems unplayable.”
What other interest is there in United?
12:30 , Michael Jones
As well as Ratcliffe’s interest, bids are expected from the Middle East, Asia and the United States.
Avram Glazer reportedly spoke to potential investors in Qatar during the World Cup and United currently have a pop-up shop in Davos during this week’s World Economic Forum annual meeting.
United fans will hope for better owners than the Glazers, but supporters’ trust chief executive Duncan Drasdo warned last November that they could yet “be stepping out of the frying pan and into the fire”.
Who has announced their interest in United?
12:20 , Michael Jones
Having failed with a last-ditch £4.25billion bid for Chelsea last year, Ratcliffe – one of the UK’s richest men – is the only prospective buyer to make his interest public.
The 70-year-old, who was born in Failsworth and supported United growing up, founded Ineos, with a spokesman for the global chemical company confirming to PA on Tuesday they had “formally put ourselves into the process”.
Ineos already owns Ligue 1 club Nice and Swiss Super League team FC Lausanne-Sport, plus holds interests in sailing, cycling, rugby union and Formula One.
What is the potential timescale for a sale?
12:10 , Michael Jones
The Raine Group is looking to keep the process with United moving as quickly as possible, with the first quarter of the year recognised as a key time.
Prospective investors need to demonstrate seriousness in a swift process, leading to suggestions that Manchester United could even be under new ownership by the end of the 2022/23 season.
Manchester United and the Glazers’s debt explained
12:00 , Michael Jones
The Glazer family’s acquisition of Manchester United remains controversial to this day.
Their £790m takeover in the summer of 2005 came by way of a leveraged buyout: when a significant amount of borrowed money is used to fund the acquisition of a company, with the debt secured against that company itself.
In the case of this leveraged buyout, it was not just any company but one of the most famous and successful clubs in English and world football.
Over the years, that debt, the interest paid on it and the dividends handed out to shareholders along the way – the majority going to the Glazers themselves – have proved controversial.
Manchester United and the Glazers’s debt explained
What has happened since November’s announcement?
11:51 , Michael Jones
The Raine Group is acting as United’s exclusive financial advisor and is in charge of the ongoing process.
The US-based investment banking firm has already overseen the sale of one Premier League club in the past year, having whittled down more than 250 expressions of interest in Chelsea to a handful of serious bids before Todd Boehly’s takeover.
That sale moved quickly due to the unique circumstances left by the sanctions placed on former owner Roman Abramovich.
Why would the Glazers cash in now?
11:42 , Michael Jones
The November statement followed Liverpool’s owners, the Fenway Sports Group, in making it known their club is for sale, meaning England’s two most successful teams on the pitch and most marketable assets off it are both on the market.
It comes at a time when the failure of both the European Super League and Project Big Picture thwarted attempts by the so-called big clubs to take greater control over football.
And with Newcastle forcing their way into the competition for the limited number of Champions League places after their Saudi-backed takeover, plus the price paid last year for Chelsea, both the Glazers and FSG appear to think now is the time to cash in.
At United there is an overdue need for investment in Old Trafford and the Carrington training complex on top of backing Erik ten Hag’s improving side.
What is the situation with the Glazers?
11:34 , Michael Jones
There has been widespread anger, frustration and protests since the Glazers’ leveraged deal landed the club in debt in 2005, costing millions in interest payments and dividends at a time when success on the pitch has dried up.
However, a November 22nd statement brought fans hope of a fresh start as United confirmed the board “will consider all strategic alternatives, including new investment into the club, a sale, or other transactions involving the company”.
Executive co-chairmen Avram and Joel Glazer added that they were looking to “maximise the significant growth opportunities available to the club today and in the future”.
Uefa urged to prohibit Qatari takeover of Manchester United
11:25 , Michael Jones
Uefa has been urged to prohibit Qatari state investors from any prospective takeover of Manchester United due to the conflict of interest arising from Qatar Sports Investment (QSI)’s ownership of Paris Saint-Germain.
Current owners the Glazer family are interested in selling Manchester United and although British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe is so far the only party to have officially confirmed his interest, Qatar are being strongly linked with a bid for the club.
The Glazers have set an initial deadline of Friday for parties to declare their interest, although they may well extend that by two weeks to encourage more expressions of interest if they feel their £5bn valuation won’t be met.
Uefa urged to prohibit Qatari takeover of Manchester United
Is Qatar really buying Manchester United?
11:16 , Michael Jones
It was around the turn of the year that the Raine Group, who are handling the sale of Manchester United, approached Qatari state investors over whether they would be interested in purchasing the club. Sources with knowledge of the discussions say the response was initially lukewarm, in part because they thought it was a “fishing expedition” and there was doubt about how much the Glazer family owners really want to sell. This is one of the questions that clouds this week, and could yet ensure that Friday isn’t as decisive a day in the history of England’s biggest club as has been built up.
It is at least bigger than Thursday’s match against Barcelona, which is saying something about why the situation is where it is. As historically resonant as this fixture at Camp Nou is, it’s also a Europa League tie that used to be a Champions League tie, which has played its part in making the Glazers wonder over whether now is the time to sell.
There are only a few things in this whole process that can be said with certainty right now. As first reported by The Independent as far back as August, the Glazers are interested in a sale but want £5bn for the club.
Is Qatar really buying Manchester United?
Qatari investors reportedly set to bid for Manchester United
11:08 , Michael Jones
Qatari investors are planning to make a huge bid to buy Premier League club Manchester United, the Daily Mail newspaper reported, citing unnamed sources.
The report described the investors as “a group of private, high-wealth individuals” from Qatar, which hosted the 2022 World Cup.
United declined to comment when contacted by Reuters.
Jim Ratcliffe’s company INEOS formally entered the bidding process to buy United last month after the club’s US owners, the Glazer family, said in November they had begun looking at options including new investment or a potential sale.
Qatari investors reportedly set to bid for Man United
Will the Glazers remain as Man Utd shareholders?
11:01 , Michael Jones
There is a possibility that the Glazer family won’t relinquish full control of Manchester United and instead sell of most of their shares to remain as minority shareholders within the new regime.
The Athletic ran a poll of Manchester United fans and asked whether they would be okay with this outcome. 98% of the people who voted wanted the Glazers to sell the club in it’s entirety.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Oldham born and the only bidder to make his interest public, is a favourite among the fanbase with around 66% of United supporters backing his bid.
Will the Glazers actually sell Man Utd?
10:55 , Michael Jones
According to some sources with an understanding of the discussions taking place concerning the sale of Manchester United. Tonight’s deadline may be anti-climactic due to suspicion surrounding the Glazers’ intentions.
There are several people who know Joel and Avram Glazer who doubt their desire for a full takeover of the club while the other four Glazer siblings, Bryan, Kevin, Ed and Darcie, are said to want out of Man Utd entirely.
As the Glazers are in charger there is nothing to stop them from extending the deadline should the offers fail to meet their aspirations.
The Raine Group - who is overseeing the sale - were targeting a price of £6bn to £7bn ($7.2bn to $8.4bn) and there remains scepticism in the industry about that fee being achieved. A lower price of around £5bn has also been rumoured which seems like a more realistic prospect if the Glazers are willing to take it.
Should today’s proposals appeal to the family then bidders will be granted full access to Manchester United accounts so that proper due diligence can be carried out.
There is no time limit on this step, although some feel everything ought to be wrapped up before the football season is over.
Erik ten Hag warns Marcus Rashford over ‘laziness’
10:49 , Michael Jones
Erik ten Hag has warned Marcus Rashford that he must avoid “laziness” to continue his rich recent vein of form.
Rashford was again on the scoresheet as Manchester United battled to a late 2-0 victory over Leeds on Sunday before netting against Barcelona last night.
A well-taken finish to beat Marc-Andre ter Stegen as the near post was the forward’s 2nd goal of the season so far, equalling his personal best tally in a single campaign.
Ten Hag is enjoying Rashford’s recent scoring run, but has urged the player to not get complacent and keep his “focus” to ensure it continues.
Erik ten Hag warns Marcus Rashford over ‘laziness’
Rashford on his penalty shout
10:42 , Michael Jones
25-year-old Marcus Rashford was furious not to win a penalty having been felled by Jules Kounde on the edge of the box. It was a decision for which manager Erik ten Hag was booked as he protested about the lack of VAR intervention.
“I have not watched it back, but I don’t understand why the linesman or the referee thinks I am going down there?” Rashford said after the game.
“I have touched it past him, my foot is in front of the ball and he hits my leg. It is clear contact and was 100 per cent a foul. Hopefully the second leg is going to be another good game and we can go that one step further.”
‘It felt like a loss’ - Rashford’s reaction to draw with Barcelona
10:35 , Michael Jones
Marcus Rashford continued his outstanding form when he netted against Barcelona to bring the scores level at 1-1 in the second half at the Camp Nou last night.
Both sides scored again but United were the ones to concede the late equaliser and Rashford told BT Sport: “It felt like a loss.
“We did well to get back into the game, stayed calm and composed.
“We tried to create chances when we could and we scored two quick goals, then felt in control of the outcome, but they are a top team and managed to get an equaliser.”
Ten Hag unhappy with officiating against Barcelona
10:28 , Michael Jones
Manchester United boss, Erik ten Hag, was displeased with the standard of refereeing during his team’s 2-2 draw against Barcelona and the Dutchman was very vocal from the dugouts about decisions that went against his side.
His antics earned himself a yellow card and following the match he explained why he had a problem with the officiating.
Marcus Rashford continues hot streak as Man United earn pulsating first-leg draw in Barcelona
10:22 , Michael Jones
A 2-2 of many twists, most of all in what a coruscating game represented. Manchester United’s trip to FC Barcelona is after all a famous Champions League fixture that was here an early Europa League play-off first leg, with the lessened pressure eventually bringing heightened entertainment, the Spanish league leaders not really looking like what that phrase has historically meant.
Their defence certainly looked off the level. Having conceded just seven goals in 1,890 minutes of LaLiga football this season, Barcelona suffered two in six minutes here, as United regularly looked like they could score at will – especially the effervescent Marcus Rashford.
He claimed one and set up the other, before offering a last twist in missing a fine chance on this kind of form. That in itself still would have felt a little harsh on Barca, who had enough big chances towards the end themselves. Ansu Fati was their response to Rashford, shifting the game back the other way.
Rashford continues hot streak as United earn pulsating first-leg draw in Barcelona
How long will the sale take?
10:16 , Michael Jones
There is no exact timeline for the sale of Manchester United. When interested parties are revealed after Friday’s soft deadline, the Glazers may well opt to extend the timeline for potential investors to come forward, hoping that a publicity battle will drive up the price buyers are willing to pay.
Should a deal be agreed upon, it would then have to receive ratification from the Premier League. Depending on the source of the money and the nature of the buyer it can vary as to how long this process would take.
PIF’s interest in Newcastle was announced in April 2020 but was not finalised until October 2021, for example.
How much is Man Utd worth?
10:10 , Michael Jones
The Glazers have set a £5bn valuation on the Premier League club but it is expected that bids after Friday’s deadline will not reach that price initially.
The club has a value of roughly £3bn on the New York Stock Exchange and there is a belief all of Friday’s offers will come in at least 30% under their £5bn valuation.
As a rough comparison Todd Boehly’s consortium bought Chelsea for £4.25bn so this will be the ball-park figure that the Glazers will want to aim for.
When is the deadline?
10:05 , Michael Jones
Friday’s deadline is, crucially, not the deadline for the sale of the club to be agreed. Instead, it is merely a deadline for interested buyers to register their interest and financial capability of buying the club from its current owners.
Bids do not have to be disclosed by the potential new owners with this process merely about gauging interest from interested parties.
What do bidders have to do before it?
In line with formally registering their interest, each party needs to submit a document to the Glazers by 10pm UK time.
In the document, there will be a paragraph-long statement from the interested buyer explaining how much of the club they want to own and what their offer is.
Who is interested in buying Man Utd?
09:59 , Michael Jones
Interest from the Middle East is also expected. The emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, is a Man Utd fan and has been suggested as a potential bidder.
However, Qatar Sports Investment (QSI) - the state’s wealth fund that the emir owns - already runs Paris Saint-Germain with a bid therefore unlikely unless the sale of the French club is agreed.
There may be interest from private Qatari investors as well but as The Independent’s Miguel Delaney reports, such a move would likely still require state-level sanctioning and therefore would again be a conflict of interest with the state’s current ownership of PSG.
Saudi Arabian bidders are expected but the state-run Public Investment Fund (PIF) - majority owners of Newcastle United since last year – are unable to be one.
Who is interested in buying Man Utd?
09:54 , Michael Jones
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, at this stage, is the only interested party to publicly announce his interest in taking over Manchester United. Britain’s richest man, who also owns French club Nice, is a boyhood United fan and confirmed in January he will be making a bid.
The Oldham-born billionaire owns INEOS Group, a British chemical company, and has hired American banks JP Morgan and Goldman Sachs to help him during the process.
Manchester United sale explained: Everything you need to know ahead of the deadline
09:50 , Michael Jones
The sale of Manchester United is set to reach its first important stage with the soft deadline for potential takeover proposals to be submitted coming on Friday.
Manchester United have been owned by the Glazer family since 2003 but the Americans announced in November last year that they would be putting the club up for sale.
The announcement follows years of unrest and fan protests surrounding their ownership.
Ahead of Friday’s deadline, here is everything you need to know.
Manchester United sale explained: Everything you need to know ahead of the deadline
Manchester United takeover deadline
09:45 , Michael Jones
Good morning, welcome to The Independent’s live blog following all the latest updates about the sale of Manchester United as well as reaction from the clubs 2-2 draw with Barcelona in the Europa League last night.
The big story of the day is that the deadline for potential buyers closes at 10pm tonight UK time. That’s a soft deadline set by the Glazer family so other bids could come in further down the line but the current owners want an overall look at the landscape and willingness to purchase the club.
Elsewhere, Erik ten Hag’s men impressed in their away leg of the Europa League play-offs. They had the unenviable task of trying to defeat Barcelona at the Camp Nou last night and almost pulled it off. A match which United dominated for lenghty periods ended in a 2-2 draw as both teams relied on their attacking powerhouses to keep them in the contest.
The second leg will be played next Thursday at Old Trafford and Ten Hag will be quietly confident that his players can get the job done with home crowd advantage.
09:39 , Lawrence Ostlere
Follow Manchester United latest news.
