31 March 2023 , 02:00
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Manchester United's Premier League campaign resumes on Sunday, with Erik ten Hag's side travelling to Newcastle hoping to strengthen their hold on a Champions League spot.
United sit just three points above their top four rivals after drawing blanks in their last two games, and will be without the suspended Casemiro for the meeting. For others in the squad, it's an opportunity to lay down a marker after returning from international duty.
All of this is coming against the backdrop of questions around a takeover, and there is more on that front as well today. Here are the latest lines from around Old Trafford.
Financial figures released
Man Utd's debt has risen to £535.7 million from £477.1 million, according to the club's latest financial results. The change has been attributed to the dollar's strength against the pound, and there were increases in some areas.
"Commercial revenue for the quarter was £78.7 million, an increase of £14.3 million, or 22.2%, over the prior year quarter," the club said. "Sponsorship revenue was £50.4 million, an increase of £15.2 million, or 43.2%, over the prior year quarter due to the impact of our training kit agreement with Tezos, together with a one-off sponsorship credit."
Marcel Sabitzer completes Man Utd transfer after last-minute deadline day dash
The latest figures come at a time when current owners the Glazer family are listening to offers for the club. The Americans could yet retain a stake in the club while taking investment from a new party, rather than sanctioning a full sale.
Read more here
Sheikh Jassim bid implications explained
As fans wait to learn the outcome of Manchester United's takeover process, some will have questions. Sir Jim Ratcliffe's bid is understood to be for the Glazers' 69 per cent holding, compared to Sheikh Jassim's plan for a 100 per cent takeover, while other parties could end up taking different sized stakes.
Dr Naaguesh Appadu, senior research fellow at Bayes Business School., has spoken to Mirror Football about the situation. Among the elements explained by Dr Appadu is what would happen to the remaining 31 per cent of shares - outside the Glazers' holding - in the advent of a 100 per cent takeover like that proposed by the Qatari bidder.
"Once there is an agreed buyer it should go very fast," Dr Appadu adds. "Most of the financial information is already available and the legal side should be straightforward. As long as there’s no litigation it should be over by summer - once the Glazers accept a bid soon.”
Reads more here
Maguire's transfer options
Harry Maguire could leave United this summer (Matthew Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images)Harry Maguire has already lost his regular starting spot under Erik ten Hag, but things could be about to get even tougher for the Englishman. With United linked again with Jurrien Timber, Maguire could drop even further down the pecking order.
Maguire - who cost United £80m - was linked with West Ham and Inter Milan in January, but ended up staying to fight for his place. Whether he decides that is still the right move in a tournament year, with England making a strong start to Euro 2024 qualifying, is a different matter.
West Ham and Inter could remain options for the Three Lions star, but those aren't the only ones. Mirror Football has taken a closer look at what could await Maguire if he opts to leave Old Trafford this summer.
Read more here
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