THERE could be one last twist in the Manchester United takeover saga as Sheikh Jassim is reportedly preparing one last bid.
Meanwhile, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has revealed for the first time he told Manchester United to buy Erling Haaland for just £4million.
And Red Devils striker Marcus Rashford is a major doubt for the Red Devils' clash with Wolves on Saturday.
The England international is currently struggling with a leg injury – which could rule him out for the rest of the season.
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Keep up to date with all the latest news from Old Trafford…
- Alex Smith
Old Trafford awaits
Man Utd welcome Wolves to Old Trafford this afternoon in a key game in the top four race.
Three points will tighten their grip on fourth place with Liverpool not playing until Monday.
Man Utd sit one point ahead of their rivals but do have a game in hand over them.
Meanwhile, Wolves are safe having hit 40 points last weekend and have little to play for.
You can follow live text commentary of the game on SunSport later.
- Nyle Smith
Three is the magic number
Manchester United can jump up to third by the end of the day should results go their way.
The Red Devils will be determined to bounce back from their damming defeat to Brighton when they take on Wolves this afternoon.
And victory would see them climb above Newcastle who are edging closer to securing a Champions League spot.
BUT that is only if the Magpies lose to Leeds in the lunchtime kick-off.
Follow all the action with our live blog
- Nyle Smith
Sheikh-ing things up
Sheikh Jassim is set to throw a spanner in the works as he prepares a last-gasp improved bid to secure ownership of Manchester United according to reports.
SunSport exclusively revealed that Sir Jim Ratcliffe is the preferred bidder of the two.
And Britian's richest man was set to enter final talks with the Glazers and Raine Group to conclude a deal.
But reports claim that the Qatari Group believe that they are in still in the run-in as Sheikh Jassim looks to blow Ratcliffe out of the water.
- Dylan Terry
MORNING, UNITED FANS
Marcus Rashford is out but Raphael Varane could be back against Wolves – while United have made a “colossal” contract proposal to Napoli's Kim Min-jae.
Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo is also on the transfer radar, plus there's more transfer talk over Declan Rice.
Boss Erik ten Hag confirmed a leg injury means 29-goal top scorer Rashford sits out this afternoon's home Prem game.
But centre-back Varane has returned to the squad after being absent with an ankle problem since mid-April.
Fourth-placed United are two points behind Newcastle, who visit Leeds in today's 12.30pm match.
Ten Hag admits he's been delighted to have had no game since last Sunday's 1-0 loss at West Ham.
He said: “We had a week and we needed it, to make a rest, to reload, recharge, to get the energy back.
“Because we had a lack of it in both games, in the last two games."
There are growing claims United are serious rivals to Arsenal for Rice.
But neighbours City are now also being mentioned in connection with the Hammers' £100million-rated anchorman.
Newcastle are said to be close to bidding for United midfielder Scott McTominay.
And as for possible new centre-backs, it seems a £50m-plus offer for Kim is likely.
The Red Devils, plus Liverpool and Newcastle, have reportedly watched £40m-rated, uncapped Frenchman Todibo, 23.
- Ian Tuckey
Ole told Utd to buy Haaland… for £4m
EXCLUSIVE: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has revealed for the first time he told Manchester United to buy Erling Haaland for just £4million, writes NEIL CUSTIS.
Solskjaer was manager of 51-goal Manchester City scorer Haaland during his time in charge of Molde, before he went on to sign for RB Salzburg and Borussia Dortmund.
But he could have been at United if they had listened to their former striker Solskjaer just before he became manager at Old Trafford himself in 2018.
Solskajer said: “I called United about six months before I took over and told them that I’d got this striker that we had but they didn’t listen. I asked for £4 million for Haaland but they didn’t sign him.”
He ended up going to City for £50million and is now rated as the world’s most valuable striker at £200million.
United have been desperate for a decent number nine despite Marcus Rashford scoring 29 goals this season mainly from the left flank.
Anthony Martial has flopped again and Wout Weghorst has not been up to it.
Meanwhile across City they have seen a player rewriting the record books, as Solskjaer told them he would.
Solskjaer was manager between 2018 and 2021 taking the club to five semi-finals, one final and a secobd place finish in the Premier League.
- Ian Tuckey
Varane back and Martial chance?
Marcus Rashford's injury could give Anthony Martial the chance to dampen talk of a summer exit.
Star striker Rashford sits out tomorrow's home Prem clash with Wolves.
That's left Martial favourite ahead of Wout Weghorst to be a lone spearhead.
The main team news, however, might be fit-again Raphael Varane starting in central defence.
If the Frenchman does return, Luke Shaw would revert to left-back and Harry Maguire remain on the bench.
Possible United team: De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Lindelof, Shaw; Casemiro, Eriksen; Antony, Fernandes, Sancho; Martial.
- Ian Tuckey
O'Shea linked to Reading boss job
Ex-United defender John O’Shea is allegedly in the running to take over at relegated Reading.
The Royals, who suffered a six-point deduction, axed Paul Ince last month and named Noel Hunt as interim boss until the end of the campaign.
However, the former Reading striker was unable to stop them from slipping into League One and they are now searching for a new man to try and lead an instant return.
Meanwhile, 42-year-old O’Shea this week left his role as coach at Stoke City after just one year.
He said that was to focus on his job as assistant manager to Stephen Kenny with the Republic of Ireland national team.
But now journalist Darren Witcoop claims O'Shea, who finished his career with a stint at Reading in 2019, could make a surprise return to his old club.
- Ian Tuckey
Birmingham urged to keep Mejbri
Birmingham City have been urged to do all they can to borrow Manchester United midfielder Hannibal Mejbri for a second season.
The Tunisia star, 20, has been outstanding in the Championship this term.
Ex-Leeds and Sheffield Wednesday star Carlton Palmer believes Blues' chief John Eustace should try to keep Mejbri – and even enter a bidding war if he's to be sold.
- Ian Tuckey
Ratcliffe still leads takeover hunt
Sir Jim Ratcliffe is still firmly in front in the fight to take over United.
The Brit's Ineos Group only want a majority share whereas Qatari Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani wants a total buy-out.
But it could take three more weeks for a decisive breakthrough – with no major development expected this weekend.
- Ian Tuckey
Utd and Liverpool 'scout Todibo'
Manchester United reportedly joined Newcastle and Liverpool in watching Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo last weekend.
Transfer expertFabrizio Romano says Prem giants monitored the 23-year-old in last Saturday's 2-1 home Ligue 1 win over Rennes.
The former France Under-20 star failed to break though at Barcelona from 2019-21 before returning to his home country via loan spells with Schalke and Benfica.
- Ian Tuckey
Time finally up for Martial?
Manchester United are willing to sell Anthony Martial this summer, one report tonight suggests.
TEAMtalk say the Red Devils are ready to offload the Frenchman eight years after he became the-then world's most expensive teenager.
Injuries and doubts over consistency have again beset the attacker this season.
And it's claimed cashing in would help United focus on recruiting a new world-class, out-and-out striker.
- Ian Tuckey
Moyes reveals 'good chance' of Rice leaving this summer
David Moyes has revealed for the first time that there is a “good chance” Declan Rice will leave West Ham this summer, writes JORDAN DAVIES.
Arsenal are favourites to snap up the Hammers skipper, 24, while the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City are also keeping tabs on his situation.
Rice – whose current deal expires in June 2024 with a club option to extend by a further year – has turned down several contract extensions over the past 18 months.
Boss Moyes has admitted recently that he is planning for life with and without the England midfielder, but now appears to be resigned to losing him.
The Scot said: “We would love Declan to be a West Ham player but we are aware that may not be the case come the end of the season.
“That is one of the scenarios when it comes to planning. There are plans that we have Dec here but we are fully aware that there is a good chance we won’t have him.”
- Ian Tuckey
Spurs ahead of United in race for Emi
Tottenham are winning the race to sign former Arsenal goalie Emi Martinez.
TYC Sports claims Man United and Chelsea are keen on landing the Argentina World Cup winner.
But Spurs have stolen a march as they look to replace Hugo Lloris.
Martinez has told Aston Villa he wants to leave and hopes to agree a swift exit once the season ends.
- Ian Tuckey
Red Devils lodge 'colossal' Kim bid
Manchester United have lodged a "colossal" contract proposal to Napoli star Kim Min-jae, according to reports.
The 26-year-old has been a rock at the back in Napoli's first title-winning season since 1990.
His form has led to reported interest from the Red Devils.
Earlier this week, reports claimed United were in advanced talks to sign Kim and are open to activating his release clause, thought to be between £43million and £52m.
And, according to Foot Mercato, United held discussions with Kim's representatives some weeks ago over personal terms.
There it is claimed the Red Devils offered a "colossal" salary offer to the South Korean international.
Foot Mercato claim Kim is happy in Naples, but "dreams" of playing in the Premier League.
He only joined the club last summer in a £16m deal from Turkish giants Fenerbahce.
Kim was signed as a replacement for Kalidou Koulibaly, who joined Chelsea, in the heart of Napoli's defence.
He has played 43 times in all competitions for the Italian outfit this season, chipping in with two goals and two assists.
- Ian Tuckey
Could McTominay exchange be key to Rice deal?
Manchester United offering Scott McTominay in part-exchange could be the key to landing Declan Rice.
That anyway is the theory of Stan Collymore, who believes Old Trafford rather than Arsenal would be "best" for West Ham's England midfielder.
Ex-Liverpool and Three Lions' striker Collymore said in his column for Caught Offside: “He’s obviously in demand and is likely to be at the centre of a summer battle.
"But I actually think going to Manchester United would be the best move for Declan Rice.
“Rice is the exact type of midfielder they’ve been crying out for, for years. He’s powerful, dynamic and can run box-to-box for days.”
Collymore argued: “Although the Red Devils probably wouldn’t want to splash £120m on one midfielder, especially when we all know how much Erik Ten Hag wants a new striker, I can definitely see a situation where they offer some money and a player.
“I think including Scott McTominay in an offer would be quite appealing to West Ham.”
- Ian Tuckey
Rashford 'must create more for others'
Paul Parker believes Marcus Rashford needs to work harder to help Man Utd achieve their goals.
He told Betfred: “Despite the fact that Marcus Rashford has scored a lot of goals this season, he doesn’t do enough to create goals for others and doesn’t join in play.
“Sometimes he loses the ball and he walks, so he needs to show a little more enthusiasm and good or bad, he needs to be more willing to help.
“Goals cover over cracks. People only look at stats and they forget the rest of it. Manchester United are having to carry too many players at the moment.”
- Ian Tuckey
United prepare for huge Kim offer
Manchester United are tipped to up their hunt for Kim Min-jae with a massive offer.
The Red Devils cold be prepared to bust the reported £52million release clause for the Napoli centre-back.
- Ian Tuckey
Toon eye McTominay if they can't sign Rice
Newcastle will focus on signing Scott McTominay if they miss out on Declan Rice.
That's the latest claim after Manchester United and their neighbours City were tipped to rival Arsenal for West Ham's main man Rice.
Scotland star McTominay has mainly been used off the bench in his 21 Prem games for the Red Devils this season.
And Toon chief Eddie Howe is a long-term admirer, with theIndependent suggesting the Magpies are increasingly keen.
Meanwhile, Arsenal's status as overwhelming favourites to recruit £100million-rated England anchorman Rice has weakened.
And yesterday it was even suggested the Gunners would prioritise Rice if a huge-money move for a world-class striker like Harry Kane or Victor Osimhen came to nothing.
- Ian Tuckey
Erik hails 'strong bond' of Red Devils
Erik ten Hag feels the spirit is just right around Old Trafford despite their loosening grip on fourth place.
The United boss said: “We beIieve in the way we work and the way we play and the togetherness with the fans, a strong bond, there's a really good ambience at Old Trafford.
“It's difficult for opponents to arrive here and face us.”
United go into the home game against Wolves having lost back to back league games for the first time since the opening two league games of the season.
But the boss says there are no nerves about the camp despite their Champions League place now in jeopardy.
He said: “We are convinced with what we are doing, we have a lot of success, we have a lot of games, the way we work, the way we're playing.
“The structures are really clear but we have to execute them and show 100 per cent discipline in rules and principles. When we do that, we are successful.”
- Ian Tuckey
Ten Hag 'ignoring' threat of Liverpool
Erik ten Hag says he is ignoring Liverpool as everything is Manchester United’s hands in the battle for the top four.
A run of six wins on the trot has moved Jurgen Klopp’s side to within a point of the Red Devils who hold the final Champions League spot and spread some nervousness around the fan base.
But the club’s bitter rivals are not giving Ten Hag any sleepless nights.
Ten Hag said: “Of course I can ignore that.
“It's not important, we have everything in our hands and as long as we have everything in our hands we are not dependent on them.
“If we bring our performance, then it's not important.
“What is important is the opponent we face next, Wolves. We have to take them seriously.
“They have done a great job, we focus on that but they also have deficits, we have to take advantage of that.”
- Ian Tuckey
Erik confirms Rashford out of Wolves clash
United host Wolves tomorrow without Marcus Rashford.
But boss Erik ten Hag would not be any more specific than say his 29-goal top scorer has a leg injury.
But there is a major boost with centre-back Raphael Varane back from an ankle injury.
United have won only two of their seven games since the former Real Madrid star was injured.
Ten Hag said: “He has experience and knows how to win and will show us how to win, he will guide us.”
- Ian Tuckey
Ten Hag calls for 'right focus' from De Gea
Erik ten Hag says David De Gea has to get the ‘right focus’ back after his blunder at West Ham cost Manchester United, writes NEIL CUSTIS.
After Luke Shaw’s injury time handball at Brighton it was another high profile error that lead to defeat.
It has cast doubt over De Gea’s future with a new contract still not signed.
Ten Hag said: “We can't ignore it but individual mistakes are part of football and there was in the Brighton game also a big individual mistake.
"But sometimes it's happening, it shouldn't happen, when you are in the right focus it will not happen, that is part of the reset of this week."
United have had their first midweek since September without a game and the boss believes that break has given De Gea and the rest of a tired-looking side time to recharge.
He said: “We had a week and we needed it to reset, to reload, to recharge to get energy back because we had a lack of it in the last two games. I see a lot of energy, joy on the pitch.”
- Ian Tuckey
Spurs ahead of United in race for Emi
Tottenham are winning the race to sign former Arsenal goalie Emi Martinez.
TYC Sports claims Man United and Chelsea are keen on landing the Argentina World Cup winner.
But Spurs have stolen a march as they look to replace Hugo Lloris.
Martinez has told Aston Villa he wants to leave and hopes to agree a swift exit once the season ends.
- Giacomo Pisa
Todibo a potential target
Manchester United have reportedly sent scouts to watch Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo in action.
The Red Devils had representatives watching the 23-year-old play against Rennes last weekend, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Premier League rivals Liverpool and Newcastle are also said to have scouted the defender.
Nice will reportedly demand £40million to sell Todibo this summer.
- Giacomo Pisa
Varane back for United
Manchester United are set to welcome Raphael Varane back to the squad this weekend.
The defender has not played since April 13.
Varane picked up a foot injury in the 2-2 draw with Sevilla at Old Trafford.
But he is set to return to action for the visit of Wolves on Saturday.
Erik ten Hag confirmed: "We are happy Rapha Varane is back."
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