Man Utd takeover news: Sir Jim Ratcliffe CONFIRMED as new owner, Graham Potter latest, updates on Ten Hag’s future

Morning, United fans

Sir Jim Ratcliff'es 25 per cent stake in Manchester United could turn into a complete takeover thanks to a clause in the agreement.

British billionaire Ratcliffe, 71, was confirmed as having acquired a minority stake in the Red Devils on Sunday.

It was also revealed he will take charge of the footballing operations at Old Trafford.

But the 25 per cent stake could well lead to a complete takeover in the coming years.

That's because, according to The Mail, a clause in the deal says that if the Glazers want to sell then they first have to offer their shares to Ratcliffe.

Ratcliffe was initially interested in a majority stake, before he settled for 25 per cent - which cost him £1.3billion. Man Utd fans are keen to end the Glazers reign after 18 years at the helm.

Red Devils supporters have held a number of protests against the family in that time.

And they could finally see the back of them if they choose to sell their remaining shares to Ratcliffe - who is a boyhood Man Utd fan.

Varane ‘not in favour’ of Saudi move

Raphael Varane is reportedly not keen on a January move to the Saudi Pro League.

The defender has been linked with Karim Benzema’s Al-Ittihad in recent weeks.

Supercomputer predicts Boxing Day fixtures

A supercomputer has predicted the results for the Premier League's Boxing Day line-up of matches.

There are five games scheduled for the day after Christmas as part of a busy festive period.

Newcastle welcome Nottingham Forest to St. James' Park in the early kick-off, with Liverpool also in action at Burnley.

Manchester United and Aston Villa will conclude the day's play at Old Trafford in an 8pm kick-off.

BestGamblingSites' supercomputer has predicted the results of all five matches ahead of Boxing Day.

The results were predicted using a variety of factors, including each team's form this season and on Boxing Days of the past.

Manager form and home team advantage were also considered by the supercomputer.

Newcastle fans are in for a nightmare after Christmas if the predicted results come true.

The supercomputer expects Eddie Howe's side to fall to a 2-1 home defeat against Forest.

Forest have not won a league game at St. James' Park since 1988 but the Magpies have a shocking record on Boxing Day, winning just once since 2013.

Fulham are predicted to win 3-0 away to Bournemouth along with a 1-0 win for Luton at Sheffield United in the 3pm matches.

Liverpool are also expected to have plenty of festive cheer thanks to a 4-0 win at Burnley.

Meanwhile, there will not be a record-extending Boxing Day win for United.

The Red Devils have won 21 of their 27 Premier League matches on December 26, giving them the best record of any side in the league's history.

Erik ten Hag's side are predicted to be held to a 2-2 draw by high-flying Villa, though, despite winning eight of their last 10 league meetings at Old Trafford.

Villa do have an encouraging recent record against United, however, beating their opponents at home last November as well as securing a 1-0 win on the road in April 2021.

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Team news ahead of Villa clash

Erik ten Hag would have been delighted to escape West Ham with no fresh concerns despite losing 2-0.

But the United boss could still be without; Raphael Varane (ill), Harry Maguire (groin), Amad Diallo (knee), Mason Mount (calf), Tyrell Malacia (knee), Casemiro (hamstring), Lisandro Martinez (foot), Victor Lindelof (knock) and Anthony Martial (knock).

Jadon Sancho's banishment continues.

However, Unai Emery's injury list is just as lengthy.

Youri Tielemans (knock), Robin Olsen (knock), Tyrone Mings (knee), Bertrand Traore (muscle), Kortney Hause (knee), Pau Torres (knock) and Emiliano Buendia (knee) look all set to miss out.

While Matty Cash and Boubacar Kamara are suspended.

Former Liverpool sporting director in running for Utd role

Julian Ward has emerged as a contender for the sporting director role at Manchester United, according to the Telegraph.

Newcastle's Dan Ashworth has reportedly also been considered as Jim Ratcliffe's plans to overhaul the football department at Old Trafford.

Crystal Palace's Dougie Freedman, former Tottenham chief Paul Mitchell, AC Milan's Paolo Maldini and Andrea Berti of Atletico Madrid have all been linked to the role.

United's next five fixtures

Here is how the Red Devils' fist full of games look.

This includes a mid-season break after their clash against Spurs at Old Trafford.

Will Erik ten Hag last the distance, you have to wonder?

• Dec 26 - Aston Villa (H) Premier League
• Dec 30 - Nottingham Forest (A) Premier League
• Jan 8 - Wigan (A) FA Cup
• Jan 14 - Tottenham (H) Premier League
• Feb 1 - Wolves (A) Premier League

Three Cantonas, two Cantonas and an Eric Cantona

Eric Cantona celebrated Christmas the French way - with presents exchanged on Christmas Eve.

The iconic Old Trafford No7 celebrated with his actress wife Rachida Brakni and his brothers Joel and Jean-Marie.

Of course, he wore a red cardigan, what other colour could it be?

There appeared to be plenty of vin rouge consumed also.

Agent refuses to discuss details of Osimhen's 'confidential' contract

Victor Osimhen's agent has refused to entertain talk of a release clause.

The Napoli striker, 24, is a top target for Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal.

All three clubs are looking for a new striker, but the Nigerian has extended his stay in southern Italy for until 2026.

By which time he will be 29 years old, and the interest in him from England may have waned.

But infamously difficult Napoli owner Aurelio de Laurentiis has made it very difficult for other clubs to prise Osimhen out of their grasp.

United linked with transfer bid for Benfica starlet

Manchester United are being linked with a move for Portuguese sensation Joao Neves, 19, with a host of Premier League sides casting a beady eye on the teen.

The central midfielder has a 100million Euro release clause in his contract, which equates to £86million, according to A Bola.

United have had their fair share of overpriced duds in the recent past and surely would not bow to such a huge price for an unproven teenager from the Portuguese league.

But Benfica president Rui Costa is keen to cash in on the midfield talent and is clearly lining up suitors.

Neves made a name for himself at the Estadio da Luz this season when he scored against Sporting Lisbon in the derby and has picked up some crucial Champions League experience this term.

Garnacho celebrates Christmas with newborn son

Wing sensation Alejandro Garnacho has shared a picture of himself with girlfriend Eva Garcia and their newborn boy.

Baby Enzo arrived in October and the pair showed the world their festive cheer with matching pyjamas and a richly-decorated Chrismtas tree.

Supporters Trust Sceptical

Manchester United's Supporters Trust have issued a statement on Sir Jim Ratcliffe's acquisition of shares in the club, which they have reacted to with scepticism.

It read: "During 18 years of debt, decay and mismanagement, Manchester United fans have loudly and consistently called for change at our Club.

"When the so-called Strategic Review was announced nearly a year ago, it finally appeared that the sale of the club was on the horizon, potentially bringing the new investment and new direction MUFC so clearly needs.

"Against that backdrop, fans have very mixed feelings today. We welcome the investment from a boyhood red, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS company, but many will wish his ownership stake was greater than the initially rumoured 25%.

"We note the statements that he and his team will control sporting activities, yet puzzle how any organisation can put its very core business in the hands of a minority shareholder, and how that meaningfully works in practice.

"It is now incumbent on the Club’s owners and management to properly explain how this new structure will work, where the new investment will be directed and how it will benefit the team on the field.

"As the Supporters Trust, we expect to have discussions with the Club management and the INEOS team in the near future to understand their plans, and to put to them the very many questions fans have today.

"Today might – just might – be a step forward for Manchester United after some very difficult years.

"But with the Glazers still in charge, people should understand that United fans will remain sceptical and wait for the proof in the pudding."

Osimhen hope

Victor Osimhen's agent has refused to rule out a summer exit for his client, who has been linked with a move to Old Trafford.

Roberto Calenda said: “Look, last summer many offers arrived, even monstrous ones.

"But De Laurentiis wanted to keep Victor, and we made ourselves available.

“If there had been the desire to leave, we would have said so. And instead, we worked, and a lot, only upon renewal.

“And next summer, it will be the same: we will talk to De Laurentiis and see together what to do.”

Glazers in the money

The Glazer family are reportedly pocketing close to a three-quarters of a BILLION pounds for the sale of their B shares.

The American magnates officially offloaded 25 per cent of their shares to Britain's richest man this week.

And figures from the sale have revealed the fan-loathed family have banked £717,131,000 for parting ways with the shares.

Ratcliffe's decision on Ten Hag

Sir Jim Ratcliffe has reportedly made a decision on Erik ten Hag's future at the club.

The Dutchman's future at Old Trafford is on a knife-edge due to a string of poor results this season.

It's understood Ratcliffe is contemplating axing the former Ajax man if results don't improve.

But Give Me Sport claims Britain's richest man won't make a decision on Ten Hag's future until the end of the season.

Untrustworthy stars

Gary Neville has singled out has claimed Manchester United stars can't be trusted to perform consistently.

He said on his Sky Sports podcast: "It doesn't surprise me.

"I didn't get carried away when they played against Liverpool because I thought Liverpool were below par.

"United were relatively poor in possession.

"But they showed resilience and you always have to respect a draw at Anfield.

"Now, what we see from this team, and I don't just mean under his manager, is pretty much the same. You can't trust them.

"They will let you down when they give you a glimmer of hope that they might be on track, they go lose a game they shouldn't.

"They have Aston Villa on Boxing Day but could lose against Nottingham Forest four days later."

Ratcliffe's message

In case you missed it, Sir Jim Ratcliffe has issued a heartfelt message to Manchester United fans following his acquisition of 25 per cent of the club.

He said: “Our shared ambition is clear: we all want to see Manchester United back where we belong, at the very top of English, European and world football.

"As a local boy and a lifelong supporter of the Club, I am very pleased that we have been able to agree a deal with the Manchester United Board that delegates us management responsibility of the football operations of the club.

"Whilst the commercial success of the Club has ensured there have always been available funds to win trophies at the highest level, this potential has not been fully unlocked in recent times.

"We will bring the global knowledge, expertise and talent from the wider INEOS Sport group to help drive further improvement at the Club, while also providing funds intended to enable future investment into Old Trafford.

“We are here for the long term and recognise that a lot of challenges and hard work lie ahead, which we will approach with rigour, professionalism and passion”.

“We are committed to working with everyone at the Club – the Board, staff, players and fans – to help drive the Club forward”.

Neville slams club

Gary Neville has ripped into Manchester following the news of Sir Jim Ratcliffe's acquisition of shares.

 He tweeted: "Manchester United 2023 has been a disgrace to the end.

The timing of this is truly awful and no functioning organisation would even think about it.

"Anyway, all the very best to Jim Ratcliffe and I hope he can somehow work out a way to get the club right again and back to being something respectable on and off the pitch."

Fan reaction

The Old Trafford faithful were rejoicing the news of Sir Jim Ratcliffe's acquisition of shares in the the club.

One Man Utd fan said: "A new era, let’s hope the future brings better days!"

Another said: "We are winning Treble next season!"

And another chimed in: "Christmas has come early! WHAT A TIME TO BE ALIVE!"

One remarked: "Finally! We move... I see a bright future now."

Another joked: "This is the best statement of statements in history of statements."