Man Utd takeover live - Sheikh Jassim concerns, Onana transfer bid, Mount number

Has Sheikh Jassim really made his final offer?

The Qatari, depending on who you believe, has now submitted four different final offers - take it or leave it submissions that are increased gradually each time. Rio Ferdinand believes that the latest is the final, final one but considering we have read very, very similar on several occasions now why should anyone be certain? The reality is no one is sure what the Glazers' intentions really are. And until we do know then second guessing or predicting anything is an exercise in futility.

Ratcliffe's change in tune

While Jim Ratcliffe has said that he believes United is a worthwhile investment opportunity, the Ineos chief appears to have changed his tune considering he previously described Premier League clubs as too expensive.

Compare and contrast these two answers, four years apart.

This is what he is saying now: "Looking at Manchester United, my general view is that if we invest, even if the price tag is quite high, then in 10 years' time, not two years' time, we would probably be in a good place. I don't think I am throwing my money away."

And here he is in a 2019 interview: “Ineos never wants to be the dumb money in town, never, never ... [the Glazers] are in quite a big pickle as a business. They haven’t got the manager selection right, haven’t bought well. They have been the dumb money, which you see with players like Fred.”

Sheikh Jassim's bid still not accepted

Sky Sports have refuted reports from Qatar earlier this week which claimed that Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani was close to sealing a deal to buy Manchester United.

Sheikh Jassim's camp are said to remain confident but the Glazers are still holding out for £6billion, it's added.

Mount explains Ronaldo's role in taking iconic No.7 shirt

Mason Mount wants to emulate Manchester United icons Cristiano Ronaldo and David Beckham after being handed the No.7 shirt they wore with such distinction.

Mount, who joined United from Chelsea in a £60million deal, revealed he was inspired by the formidable free-kick techniques of Ronaldo and Beckham. England midfielder Mount was at Old Trafford as a nine-year-old Portsmouth fan in 2008 when Ronaldo scored a stunning long-range free-kick past David James.

Read what Mount had to say HERE.

Man Utd deadline day live updates as Sabitzer completes loan move

(PA)

Maguire, Fred and Elanga on chopping block

Erik ten Hag could sell Harry Maguire, Fred and Anthony Elanga in a desperate bid to free up funds for more Manchester United arrivals this summer.

The Dutchman has already spent half of his £120million budget after Mason Mount became their first arrival of the window in a £60m move from Chelsea. The England international has signed a five-year contract and will earn a reported £240,000 per-week during his time at Old Trafford.

Having got Mount over the line, Ten Hag is now ready to move on to other targets. Signing a new goalkeeper is said to be a priority for United following the expiration of David de Gea's contract on June 30. Andre Onana has been lined-up as a potential option, although the Red Devils could be priced out of a move.

Read the full story HERE.

Fred could be set to leave Old Trafford this summer (Getty Images)

De Gea posts another cryptic tweet

Another cryptic post from David de Gea, who's simply tweeted a juggling emoji.

Is he suggesting that he has a few options on the table?

Forest willing to pay £30m for Henderson

Nottingham Forest are prepared to pay around £30million to sign Dean Henderson permanently, according to the MEN.

The 25-year-old goalkeeper expects to leave Manchester United this summer, despite the club wanting to hold talks with him amid David de Gea's uncertain future.

If Henderson is sold, United are reportedly expected to provide the once-capped England international's boyhood club, Carlisle, with a portion of the fee due to a sell-on clause.

(PA)

Mount aims parting shot at Chelsea

Mason Mount has risked the wrath of Chelsea by claiming he made his mind up about joining Manchester United MONTHS ago.

The England international completed his move to Old Trafford this week, signing for an initial £55million with a further £5m due in add-ons. Mount offered an emotional farewell to Chelsea upon his departure, having been at Stamford Bridge since the age of 6.

The move came after months of speculation regarding his future in West London, with conflicting reports regarding his situation. The 24-year-old ultimately left with one year remaining on his contract having failed to reach an agreement on an extension.

Read how Mount took a parting shot HERE.

(MUFC TV)

Onana hope emerges

Manchester United feel that a £45million (€52.5m) fee, which would include add-ons, could be enough to sign Andre Onana from Inter Milan.

The Red Devils have already seen their lowball offer worth £38.5m (€45m) rejected by Inter, who are demanding closer to £51m (€60m).

Onana, 27, is keen on the move and a reunion with former Ajax manager Erik ten Hag.

Sky Sports add that the two clubs remain in dialogue.

(ISABELLA BONOTTO/AFP via Getty Images)

Mount tells ten Hag which position he wants to play

Mason Mount may have been handed the iconic No.7 shirt for Manchester United, but the Red Devils' new signing sees himself playing as a No.8 for Erik ten Hag.

On Wednesday, Mount became Ten Hag's first signing of the summer transfer window, as United announced a deal with Chelsea worth up to £60million. The England international, 24, is now raring to go for pre-season and has made it clear where he'd like to play under his new manager.

In his first interview as a Red Devil, Mount told club media: "I can't wait to sit down with him and go through things and understand his way of working. I can't wait to get on that pitch in the next couple of months."

More from Mount HERE.

(Manchester United/Manchester United via Getty Images)

Ratcliffe's reason for buying United

Sir Jim Ratcliffe has gone into more detail as to why exactly he wants to buy Manchester United - other than being a lifelong fan.

Ratcliffe is quoted as saying by the Athletic, who cite an extract of his company, INEOS' new book: "(The United bid) is in that box of challenge.

"I am not parsimonious but I have never liked the concept of economic failure. There are very few things I have done where I have ended up losing. There are things we have tried at INEOS, some investments we have made, where we were not successful and it is not enjoyable.

"Looking at Manchester United, my general view is that if we invest, even if the price tag is quite high, then in 10 years' time, not two years' time, we would probably be in a good place. I don't think I am throwing my money away."

(INEOS)

United face fresh Maguire issue after pay rise

Manchester United may find it even more challenging to offload Harry Maguire after the defender was handed a pay rise.

The centre-half, along with the rest of the squad, saw his earnings go up after the club returned to the Champions League following their third place finish. Maguire rarely featured in the Premier League, despite being captain, after being usurped by summer signing Lisandro Martinez.

Maguire was largely a squad player with his minutes coming in the cup competitions. It has cast serious doubt over his future with his role likely to stay the same next term. Erik ten Hag is looking to raise funds for summer arrivals and selling the former Leicester man is a major possibility.

More HERE.

(Getty Images)

Brighton want £100m-plus for Caicedo

Manchester United target Moises Caicedo would cost them at least £100million, according to the Telegraph.

Brighton have slapped an eye-watering price tag on their Ecuadorian midfielder, 21, having rejected bids from Arsenal and Chelsea in January.

United have been tipped to sign Caicedo on multiple occasions, although the arrival of Mason Mount has lessened their need for a midfield signing.

(Getty Images)

Ratcliffe's thoughts on renaming Old Trafford

Sir Jim Ratcliffe insists that he will NOT rename Old Trafford should he become Manchester United's new owner.

The boyhood United supporter has described such a move as "heresy," as he outlined his plans for a potential takeover. Ratcliffe, 70, is competing against Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani, with current owners the Glazer family still undecided on selling the club - nine months after putting United on the market.

Bidding through his giant petrochemical company INEOS, who already boast multiple sporting enterprises - such as owning French club Nice and being the principal sponsor of F1 team Mercedes - Ratcliffe hopes to make key changes at Old Trafford should he win the race. However, he won't rename Old Trafford for the sake of extra revenue.

"I hadn't thought of that, but no," the Manchester-born billionaire, recently named as the UK's second richest person, is quoted as saying by the Sun. "That would be heresy. I would not change it. It's always Old Trafford."

Read what else he had to say HERE.

(PA)

United's pitiful 10-year record is holding Ten Hag back

Manchester United's shocking ability to move players on for a profit is now coming back to haunt them in a major way.

The Red Devils have been more than happy to flex their financial muscles over the past decade, breaking transfer records on numerous occasions, but attracting the type of player that other clubs envy and also want has been a major issue, which speaks to their recruitment.

Erik ten Hag has somewhat been left picking up the broken crockery which has manifested itself in the form of a minimal transfer budget. Minimal being £120m, but in the modern age, with United looking to push on after a promising first season under the Dutchman, they are now being restricted.

More HERE.

(PA)

The story of Timber's United snub

Arsenal will sign Dutch international Jurrien Timber from Ajax in a deal worth £38.5million – after Erik ten Hag failed in his attempt to be reunited with the player at Manchester United.

Defender Timber had been a primary transfer target for United boss Ten Hag – who coached him at Ajax – last summer prior to the 21-year-old’s decision to remain in Amsterdam for a further year. Timber was always likely to be on the move this summer after insisting a year ago that he wished to spend the 2022/23 to continue developing at Ajax before moving on to pastures new.

As Mirror Football exclusively revealed back in June, Ten Hag was left 'stunned' that Timber rejected the chance to join United. He told the Red Devils boss that he would not be moving to Manchester before the World Cup in Qatar. Ten Hag successfully signed Lisandro Martinez and Antony from the Amsterdam giants last summer but his attempts to sign Timber hit difficulties.

It was no secret that he admired the Dutch international but was unable to advance a deal.

Read the full story HERE.

Jurrien Timber is set to join Arsenal (Getty Images)

FULL STORY: United chiefs at loggerheads over Greenwood return

Manchester United are claimed to be at loggerheads over deciding Mason Greenwood's future at the club.

The forward, 21, has been the subject of an internal investigation at Old Trafford since February. That was when the Crown Prosecution Service confirmed that charges of attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm had all been dropped.

Greenwood remains under contract with United until June 2025, having last featured for the club 18 months ago. Now, the Athletic report that a resolution to his future is imminent, despite him not being present at training on Thursday when the Red Devils' non-international players returned for pre-season.

United officials are said to be conflicted over a decision, with a split in opinion between the club's football and commercial departments. Sponsors are already said to have conveyed their feelings about Greenwood's employment to staff.

More HERE.

(PA)

Ten Hag's vote of confidence in Mount

Erik ten Hag handed Mason Mount the iconic No.7 shirt at Manchester United - after telling him he can handle the pressure that comes with it.

Mount completed his £55million move from Chelsea on Wednesday, rising to £60m with add-ons, signing a five-year contract with the option of an extra year. The England midfielder will earn £250,000-a-week, with Ten Hag's decision to hand him the No.7 shirt proof of his firm belief in the 24-year-old.

Past wearers of the No.7 at United include Old Trafford legends George Best, Bryan Robson, Eric Cantona, David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo. But Ten Hag has no qualms about Mount following in their footsteps, after it emerged the United boss personally handed him the famous number.

Read the full story HERE.

(Manchester United/Manchester United via Getty Images)

FULL STORY: Ratcliffe issues bid update

Sir Jim Ratcliffe has confirmed he's still in the race to buy Manchester United, despite speculation in Qatar suggesting otherwise.

INEOS chief Ratcliffe is locked in a takeover battle with Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani after the Glazers put the club up for sale in November. Both parties have submitted final bids, with a preferred bidder expected to be named shortly.

It was claimed Sheikh Jassim, who is the favourite to win the takeover race, was just 'hours away' from being named as the preferred bidder. Yet Ratcliffe has rubbished this rumour by insisting his bid is exactly what this "special" club needs.

Read what Ratcliffe had to say HERE.

(PA)

Mane decision made after Man Utd agreement and Kane

Bayern Munich boss Thomas Tuchel has met with Harry Kane over a stunning summer transfer but any deal is likely to be dependant on the future of Sadio Mane.

Former Liverpool forward Mane had appeared set to leave Bayern this summer and had refused to rule out a shock return to the Premier League. Things have not gone to plan for the Senegalese star in the Bundesliga after a £35.1million agreement last summer to move to Munich from the Reds.

Mane has even been linked with a move to Manchester United this summer - the Red Devils are in need of attacking reinforcements. It comes after he outlined that he previously had an agreement in place to join United, before moving instead to Merseyside.

A report from Sky Germany now details how Bayern are intent on moving on Mane this summer, amid interest from Saudi Arabia. However, no formal discussions have yet to take place and the player himself recently spoke of his intentions of remaining in Bavaria.

More HERE.

Sadio Mane in action for Bayern Munich last month (Getty Images)

ICYMI: United make verbal Onana proposal

Manchester United have verbally proposed a bid worth £39million for Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana, multiple reports say.

The Cameroonian shot-stopper, 27, is Erik ten Hag's first choice if David de Gea leaves Old Trafford on a permanent basis.

Their offer, however, falls short of Inter's current £60m valuation which United will hope to haggle down during negotiations.

Greenwood decision expected imminently

Mason Greenwood won't be invovled when Manchester United players who weren't invovled in recent international fixtures return for pre-season training today.

However, as reported the Athletic, United chiefs are imminetly expected to make a decision on the 21-year-old's future after conducting an internal investigation.

Greenwood is under contract until June 2025, having been suspended in January of last year following charges of attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm, all of which have now been dropped.

Mason Greenwood has not played for Man United since January 2022 (Getty Images)

Mourinho plans McTominay raid

Jose Mourinho wants Roma to sign Scott McTominay this summer, having previously claimed the midfielder was Manchester United’s “best player”.

McTominay, 26, was handed his senior debut by Mourinho in 2017 and has gone on to become a regular under several of the Portuguese’s successors in the Old Trafford dugout. He has amassed 209 first-team appearances at the club, scoring 19 goals.

The Scotland international has been linked with an exit from United this summer as the club look to freshen up their midfield options. Mason Mount has already been signed from Chelsea while Moises Caicedo and Sofyan Amrabat are among other midfielders linked to the side.

Read the full story HERE.

(Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)

ICYMI: How Ten Hag tried to sign Mount in 2018

Get into an argument about Mason Mount and you're always likely to hear this in his defence: "Every manager loves him!"

After all, it was only in April when Frank Lampard vowed: "You can ask myself, you can ask Thomas Tuchel, you can ask Gareth Southgate, you can ask Graham Potter. It's clear he's a top player and a top lad."

Now that Mount, 24, has completed an initial £55million transfer move to rivals Manchester United, Lampard best add Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag to that list. The average Premier League fan knows all about his qualities from watching him over four seasons in the English top flight, but Ten Hag's admiration for the highly-rated midfielder stretches back to when he was only a teenager.

In 2017, having just lifted the FA Youth Cup as captain and signed a four-year professional deal with boyhood club Chelsea, Mount was loaned out Vitesse Arnhem, the Dutch side who the Blues had forged a partnership with in order to blood their youngsters. Many failed to find their feet and are long forgotten, but not Mount.

Read the full story HERE.

(Getty Images)

Ratcliffe confirms he's still in the race

Sir Jim Ratcliffe has confirmed that he's still in the race to buy Manchester United, having tabled a "good offer."

"I've signed an non-disclosure agreement so I can't say too much," the INEOS founder and chief executive is quoted as saying by the Sun. "But there is still a process - and we are in the process.

"We have a good offer and we have met with the Glazers a couple of times. We have had good discussions with them. We would still very much like to do it. And we would be doing it for the right reasons.

"But in the end it is their decision not our decision."

(PA)

Garnacho snubbed for No.7

Alejandro Garnacho will have to wait for the Manchester United No.7 shirt after it was handed to new signing Mason Mount.

The England international completed a £60m move from Chelsea on Wednesday and will take on the iconic shirt number at Old Trafford. It has been absent since Cristiano Ronaldo's sudden exit but has previously been donned by the likes of George Best, Eric Cantona and David Beckham.

Garnacho, who made his admiration for Ronaldo known, has been tipped as a future star given his impact in the first-team at a young age. He recently penned a new long-term deal, earning him £50,000-a-week, and on social media highlighted his desire to wear No.7 with a cryptic post regarding his number of followes.

More HERE.

Alejandro Garnacho penned a new deal back in April (Getty Images)

Sheikh Jassim's concerns emerge

According to the Guardian, Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani is growingly increasingly concerned that the Glazers may not sell Manchester United at all.

The Qatari banker remains the favourite ahead of Sir Jim Ratcliffe's INEOS but is yet to hear a response to his fifth and final offer to buy the club, worth roughly £6billion.

Good morning

Hello and welcome to Thursday's live Manchester United blog.

Mason Mount is official, so now Andre Onana has become Erik ten Hag's top priority in the transfer market, with details of United's first offer emerging.

And, of course, there are still plenty of developments on the takeover front.

Let's get straight into it!

Guardiola praise for Onana

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag is intent on signing Inter goalkeeper Andre Onana this summer after Pep Guardiola lavished praise on the Cameroon international.

The Red Devils are keen to sign a new goalkeeper to replace David de Gea, who is out of contract and is no longer a United player. As revealed by Mirror Football, United sources have indicated they are in ‘preliminary discussions’ over signing Onana.

Ten Hag had initially drawn up a three-man shortlist for signing a goalkeeper this summer which included Brentford goalkeeper and Diogo Costa of Porto but Onana has emerged as the firm favourite, having been coached by Ten Hag at Ajax and with Inter’s ongoing financial concerns.

Read more on Guardiola's praise of Man Utd target Onana

United handed Onana update

Manchester United's pursuit of a new goalkeeper is set to face stubborn resistance from Inter.

After finally confirming the signing of Mason Mount from Chelsea for £60 million, manager Erik ten Hag has turned his attention to bringing a new world class keeper to Old Trafford. And with David de Gea's contract having been allowed to expire, Inter No 1 Andre Osana is his primary target.

But the two clubs are reportedly in disagreement over the valuation of the Cameroon international. The Champions League finalists want around £50 million for the stopper, some £10 million more than United were intending to bid.

Read the latest on Man Utd’s pursuit of Onana