MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly expecting EIGHT bids for the club before tomorrow's deadline.
Both Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani and billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe are in the running to buy the Red Devils.
Meanwhile, Bayern Munich loanee Marcel Sabitzer has hinted that his United career may not be over at the end of the season.
Elsewhere, Dimitar Berbatov believes Red Devils' target Joao Palhinha is good enough to make the step up to the next level.
In other news, United's Europa League quarter-final opponents, Sevilla, have sacked manager Jorge Sampaoli.
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Stay up to date with all the latest from Old Trafford…
- Joshua Jones
Ran the show
United target Randal Kolo Muani is one of just five players in Europe's top five leagues to reach both ten goals and ten assists this season.
The Eintracht Frankfurt forward's red-hot form has seen him heavily linked with a £105million switch to Old Trafford.
He is join by Lionel Messi, Neymar, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Bukayo Saka with the incredible feat.
- Joshua Jones
Mad Mag
Fresh footage from Manchester United's FA Cup clash against Fulham has shown why Harry Maguire was furious before United's penalty.
The United captain was involved in a mass of players from both teams after the spot-kick was awarded.
However, as he then moved towards the penalty spot, Antony told him how Fulham defender Issa Diop had been kicking up the penalty spot.
Maguire confronted the ex-West Ham star, repeatedly pushing him back as he tried to step back on to the spot while other United players attempted to fix the damage caused.
Bruno Fernandes went on to score the penalty, sparking the Red Devils' comeback as they sealed a 3-1 victory.
Credit: https://twitter.com/_StrettyEnd/status/1637759049729994754 Credit: https://twitter.com/_StrettyEnd/status/1637759049729994754 - Joshua Jones
Pal has got the power
Manchester United target Joao Palhinha is good enough to make the step up to the next level, says Dimitar Berbatov.
The Fulham midfielder is enjoying a stunning season and is wanted by a host of big-six clubs.
Ex-Red Devils striker Berbatov told Betfred: "Yes, he certainly has the quality to do so.
"He has everything that a holding midfielder needs. He’s not afraid of challenges, he can pass, he’s great at spraying a diagonal ball and switching the play. He’s also capable of scoring goals too.
"If a team like Manchester United, or a team of a similar calibre, comes for him, then he’s going to think it’s time for the next step and to win trophies.
"He can’t believe that all the hard work is done after one season because remaining consistent is going to benefit his career a lot more. He is good enough to play for Manchester United at the moment.”
- Joshua Jones
Eur all done
And a quick update on the situation at Europa League opponents Sevilla.
As expected, Jorge Sampaoli has been relieved of his duties at the beginning of the international break with the club just two points above the relegation zone.
United welcome Sevilla to Old Trafford on April 13 before the return leg in Spain a week later.
- Nyle Smith
Bidding war
Manchester United are reportedly expecting up to EIGHT bids before Wednesday's deadline as the race hots up to take over at Old Trafford.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani have publicly made their interest clear.
But Sky Sports are now reporting that as many as six other parties could enter the bidding process in the next 48 hours.
Other potential bidders have remained under the radar, although US hedge fund Elliott Management also visited the club after making its initial proposal.
- Joshua Jones
Jor time is up
MANCHESTER UNITED could be handed a Europa League boost with Sevilla set to sack and replace their manager THIS WEEK.
The Red Devils were drawn against yet another Spanish side in the quarter-finals having seen off Barcelona and Real Betis in the previous rounds.
Record six-time winners Sevilla beat Fenerbahce to progress to the last eight.
But results in LaLiga have left Jorge Sampaoli on the brink of losing his job after just five months.
Sunday's 2-0 defeat at Getafe followed recent losses to Osasuna and a 6-1 hammering by Atletico Madrid.
Sevilla sit 14th in the table, just TWO points above the relegation zone with 12 games to go.
Now Fabrizio Romano reports the club's board are in the process of completing the documents and agreements with Sampaoli's lawyers to terminate his contract.
Jose Luis Mendilibar is ready to step in as the new Sevilla boss until the end of the season.
- Joshua Jones
'We will see'
Asked about his future, Sabitzer said: "I had to make a quick decision to join in January. I was focused on this, it was clear it is just a loan until the summer.
“I take every game as it comes, I am very happy to be here and I will give 100 per cent. Whatever happens in the summer, we will see.
‘I am very happy to be part of this team, this amazing club at the moment – and I feel very welcomed.”
- Joshua Jones
Bit of a hint?
Marcel Sabitzer has not ruled out extending his stay at Manchester United beyond the summer.
The Bayern Munich midfielder, 29, was brought to Old Trafford in a loan deal just before the January transfer deadline.
Initially intended to be cover for Christian Eriksen and Donny van de Beek, his role has increased due to Casemiro's suspensions.
And he popped up with the crucial winner goal in the FA Cup quarter-final against Fulham on Sunday.
- Anthony Chapman
Good morning Red Devils fans
Marcus Rashford is one of three England players to withdraw from the squad with injury.
The 25-year-old, who has been enjoying the best run of form in his career, picked up a knock in Sunday's FA Cup win over Fulham and now will miss games against Italy and Ukraine.
Nick Pope and Mason Mount are the other players who have had to bow out of international duty due to injury.
Meanwhile, the contenders to take over Manchester United are expected to put in their revised bids by tomorrow.
Both Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani and Britain’s richest man, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, are in the running to buy the Old Trafford club from the Glazer family.
The next stage of the contest will begin in earnest with the would-be new owners asked to make their “non-indicative” second bids.
These are more formal offers, expected to be higher than the initial valuations which were understood not to exceed £4.5bn.
With the Glazer family believing the club is worth £6bn, there is a considerable gap which is unlikely to be completely filled in the next stage.
And Chelsea are reportedly stepping up efforts to try and beat Man United to Victor Osimhen.
The Blues are believed to be willing to put up American star Christian Pulisic in a swap plus money deal to spring the Nigerian striker from Napoli.
Osimhen is enjoying a stunning season and has hit 25 goals in 29 games across all competitions in this campaign.
Finally, Donny van de Beek is on the road to recovery after taking to Instagram to update fans.
The midfielder, who has been out since January, shared a video with followers of himself in the gym as he looks to fight back to fitness.
- Kiro Evans
On the Way Beek
Donny van de Beek has posted a video of himself in the gym on the road to recovery.
The 25-year-old has been out since colliding with Bournemouth's Marcos Senesi in January.
But he posted a video of himself hard at work in the gym this evening.
The video was accompanied with the caption: "Trust the process. Step by step."
- Kiro Evans
Super Vic
Napoli striker Victor Osimhen has been compared to Spider-Man as a result of his improvement since wearing a mask.
The Nigerian forward, 24, has established himself as one of the most prolific goalscorers in European football as the Italian side fly high at the top of Serie A.
Italian outlet Pazzi Di Fanta have now likened him to superhero Spider-Man following his stellar run.
Osimhen broke his cheekbone in November 2021 following a head clash with Inter Milan defender Milan Skriniar and has seen his goal numbers spike since donning the mask.
Not all heroes wear capes – including Napoli's 'Spider-man' Victor Osimhen - Kiro Evans
Red Hot
The contenders to take over Manchester United are expected to put in their revised bids by tomorrow.
Both Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani and Britain’s richest man, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, are in the running to buy the Old Trafford club from the Glazer family.
Now, though, the next stage of the contest will begin in earnest with the would-be new owners asked to make their “non-indicative” second bids.
These are more formal offers, expected to be higher than the initial valuations which were understood not to exceed £4.5bn.
With the Glazer family believing the club is worth £6bn, there is a considerable gap which is unlikely to be completely filled in the next stage.
- Kiro Evans
The Trophy Hunt
Erik ten Hag said the fight for trophies is inspiring the players.
United could still add the FA Cup and Europa League to the Carabao Cup in ten Hag's first season.
And the Dutch boss said: "I think we are in the position we want where to be, we are definitely in the position we want to be, and we battle for it, we deserved it, but trophies will be won in the end of the season.
"We are in the position to win trophies but we have to fight for it. We need the whole squad because we already played from Christmas on every third, fourth day a game and that will continue until the end of the season.
"But that is what we love, that will give us energy when you can compete for trophies, when you are in the position where you want to be, that gives you also energy."
- Kiro Evans
Keep Calm and Carry On
Erik ten Hag has urged his Man United stars to keep their feet on the ground after making it to another cup semi-final yesterday.
He said after yesterday's win over Fulham: "One thing is important – don’t think too far ahead, go from game to game.
"But I think we had a really massive run from Christmas on, I think we play 25 games or so.
"I think two defeats and the rest draws, and especially a lot of wins. You see the progress in the team. This team has a strong character, strong belief, strong determination to win games, and yeah, today was an example of it.
"I never think so far ahead, I am thinking how to develop, getting into the process, make sure you get progress, and go from game to game. We have to win every game."
- Kiro Evans
The Comeback Kids
Yesterday's victory over Fulham was the TENTH time this season that United have come from behind to get something out of game in all competitions this season. The club will be hoping to take this habit all the way till the end of the season.
United Comebacks
6th October – Omonia Nicosia 2-3 United (Europa League)
9th October – Everton 1-2 United (Premier League)
22nd October – Chelsea 1-1 United (Premier League)
10th November – United 4-2 Aston Villa (Carabao Cup)
14th January – United 2-1 Man City (Premier League)
8th February – United 2-2 Leeds (Premier League)
16th February – Barcelona 2-2 United (Europa League)
23rd February – United 2-1 Barcelona (Europa League)
1st March – United 3-1 West Ham (FA Cup)
19th March – United 3-1 Fulham (FA Cup)
- Kiro Evans
Rashford Out
Marcus Rashford pulled out of the England squad earlier this afternoon with a knock.
It is not clear how bad the injury is or how long Rashford could be out for.
But the knock came in the build-up to Aleksandr Mitrovic's goal and the 25-year-old was subbed off in the 83rd minute.
United fans will be praying he is not out too long given his golden second half of the season.
He has scored 27 goals in total including 19 since returning from the Qatar World Cup.
- Kiro Evans
Blue Sky Thinking
Chelsea could offer cash plus one of their stars to beat Manchester United in the race to sign Victor Osimhen, according to reports.
The Napoli striker has been in hot form all season and looks set to be one of the most coveted players when the transfer window reopens this summer.
Premier League clubs have been keeping a close eye on the 24-year-old as he continues to lead Napoli to the Serie A title with his outstanding performances.
Chelsea are believed to be among those in the hunt and could offer out one of their own players to get the Nigerian.
Calciomercato report that the Blues' hierarchy could use Christian Pulisic in a swap arrangement to try and get the deal over the line.
- Kiro Evans
Per Shaped
Chelsea are keen on Fulham star Andreas Pereira as they look to replace Mason Mount, according to reports.
The Blues midfielder sees his contract expire at the end of next season and he is no closer to agreeing an extension.
Therefore, Chelsea are preparing for his exit and have highlighted Pereira as a potential replacement, claim ESPN.
They report that Atletico Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain are also interested as he is seen as a cost-effective option.
Pereira was at Manchester United for 11 years before leaving.
- Kiro Evans
Nice Nev
Gary Neville saved Mother's Day for a family of Manchester United fans after he spotted one mum struggling to walk to a restaurant and gave her lift.
Ann Knowles, 67, had left her wheelchair at home thinking that her family would be able to park right outside steak restaurant Fazenda in Manchester on Mother's Day.
But they discovered that all the spaces were taken when they arrived.
So the 67-year-old began the difficult, eight minute journey with the help of her husband Phil, 69, and granddaughter Jess Ward, 19 and her partner Kian Kempshall, 19.
With the grandmother struggling to make the walk, Neville spotted her as he drove by and insisted on giving the family a lift to the restaurant.
- Emillia Hawkins
Great Scott
Newcastle are planning a summer bid for Manchester United ace Scott McTominay, reports suggest.
That is according to the Telegraph, who report that Eddie Howe believes McTominay as can add a greater physical presence to his midfield.
Howe is also confident the Scotland international would compliment Bruno Guimaraes by shielding the back-four while the Brazilian adds creativity further up the pitch.
The Toon tried to sign the 26-year-old in January but United refused to sell to a direct Premier League rival.
However, Newcastle are now confident the Red Devils' resolve will soften as manager Erik ten Hag will need to raise funds as he continues his Old Trafford rebuild.
- Emillia Hawkins
United want Kane
Man Utd will have to table a club-record transfer bid if they want to sign Harry Kane from Tottenham this summer, according to reports.
Earlier this month, SunSport exclusively revealed that United chiefs had made contact with Kane’s camp through a third party and were encouraged by the response.
The striker will enter the final year of his contract with Tottenham at the end of the season, so the Red Devils had hoped that a cut-price offer would be enough to persuade Daniel Levy and Antonio Conte to part with their star man.
However, according to The Times, Tottenham are demanding £100million for Kane.
The Lilywhites want the record fee in a single up-front payment.
So if Kane was to join Man Utd, he would become a club-record signing.
He would also become the joint most expensive English player of all-time with Jack Grealish, who joined Manchester City in a £100m transfer from Aston Villa in 2021.
Credit: Getty
- Emillia Hawkins
BREAKING: Rashford withdraws from England squad
Marcus Rashford is out of England’s two Euro2024 qualifiers against Italy and Ukraine.
The Manchester United striker has withdrawn from the squad after picking up a slight injury in Manchester United’s FA Cup win over Fulham on Sunday.
And the news is a blow for Southgate because Rashford has been in terrific form since the World Cup.
Another injury is also a frustration because over the last three seasons, the United forward has withdrawn from a number of internationals with injuries.
England play Italy in Naples on Thursday and Ukraine at Wembley on Sunday.
Credit: Getty - Emillia Hawkins
EXCLUSIVE: United scouting Mitoma
Man Utd have sent scouts to watch Brighton star Kaoru Mitoma this season.
The Japan international has been a sensation for Roberto De Zerbi's side and is another huge success for the Seagulls' recruitment team.
Brighton picked up Mitoma from Japanese side Kawasaki Frontale for just £2.7million in 2021.
And after a year on loan with their sister club Union Saint-Gilloise in Belgium last season, he has been a revelation.
The 25-year-old only made his full Brighton debut in August, starting against Forest Green Rovers in the second round of the Carabao Cup.
But since De Zerbi's arrival he has bagged nine goals and laid on six assists in all competitions.
Mitoma's fine form and electric pace has caught the eye of bigger clubs, who have started to keep tabs on his progress.
While it is custom for the big six to have scouts at other Premier League games, those reporting for United at recent Brighton matches have done so with a focus on Mitoma.
Those reports will now also come in handy for Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag as he prepares to face Brighton in the FA Cup semi-final next month.
- Emillia Hawkins
Frenk Talk
Frenkie De Jong has confirmed that he is "very happy" Barcelona.
The news comes as a blow to Manchester United, who were linked with the Dutchman for the entirety of last summer's transfer window.
Old Trafford boss Erik ten Hag was keen on a reunion with De Jong, 25, after the pair previously worked together at Ajax.
In the end a move failed to materialise, but De Jong has remained linked with a move to the Red Devils throughout the current campaign.
However, the midfielder has ruled out an Old Trafford switch this summer.
After helping Barcelona to victory over Real Madrid on Sunday, De Jong was asked by a Ziggo Sport reporter: "You won’t join Manchester United in the summer, correct?"
And while De Jong admitted that he could never say never, the midfielder declared that a move to Old Trafford is not on the cards.
He replied: "No, I don't think so. You never know of course. But I'm very happy in Barcelona."
De Jong's latest comments just days after he confirmed his intentions to stay at Barca "for many years".
Credit: Getty - Emillia Hawkins
VARcical
Another weekend of VAR controversy left fans up and down the country asking big questions.
Supporters of Wolves, Newcastle, Spurs and Fulham were up in arms over big calls going against their teams.
But Prem refs’ chiefs insist there are now far more correct decisions than wrong ones – with the vast majority of errors overturned.
The biggest issue of all is how VAR has changed things this season.
And SunSport’s analysis of the 81 on-field calls overturned on the advice of the men in the booth at Stockley Park does show a significant impact.
We have looked at every decision and altered the results that were affected, although we have also assumed that each of the nine penalties initially awarded and then rescinded was scored.
Without VAR, our study finds that only SEVEN teams – the top two, bottom four and 11th-placed Aston Villa, would still be in the same place in the table.
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