Man Utd takeover news LIVE: Sir Alex Ferguson breaks silence on Jim Ratcliffe, Raphael Varane transfer EXCLUSIVE

Saha: Something not right at United

Louis Saha feels too many players at Manchester United are not pulling their weight.

He told Paddy Power: “At Manchester United, there are about five or six players who aren’t at the level they should be confidence-wise, and that brings a lot of pressure to the likes of Bruno Fernandes who must deliver each week.

“Marcus Rashford, Antony, Rasmus Højlund all need to do more because in one game, there aren’t enough players playing with full confidence. It should be eight or nine at least but that’s the current dynamic at Manchester United.

“It’s not right! The link between the players is not right, the speed of the buildup is not right. They don’t shoot when they’re in the right position and when it's about creativity they need to stop thinking that someone else will move."

Saha offers Jadon Sancho advice

Former Red Devil Louis Saha believes it is time for Jadon Sancho to move on and leave Manchester United.

He told Paddy Power: "The Jadon Sancho situation is horrible for everybody. As a Manchester United fan, you want to see the best players and most talented players on the pitch and Sancho is definitely one of those players that can disrupt the opposition.

"But, since he signed, he hasn’t performed regularly, and it’s been going on for months now so it's time to find the solution for everybody.

“We want to see him go somewhere he’s playing, scoring and enjoying his football, wherever it is he wants to go. I’m sad because I really like him when he’s in form, but it hasn’t happened for him at United.

“Even if Erik ten Hag considered bringing him back into the team, I doubt it would work because if he starts playing well, people will say that ten Hag should have brought him in earlier. But if he doesn’t play well, then people will say that he shouldn’t have brought him back."

Harry Maguire issues defiant message

Manchester United's Harry Maguire expressed his gratitude towards English fans while insisting he is "really appreciated" across the football world.

He said: "Listen, playing for my country means everything, it’s a huge honour and playing for my country is such a big privilege for me, it’s what I dreamed of as a kid so every time there’s a game I want to available, I want to play every minute, start every game and help the lads.

"It’s been a really successful six years for me since I made my debut, also for the team as well but now we just need to get over the line now.

"I know I’m appreciated in the dressing room. I know I’m appreciated in the football world, coaches, players, the support I have from ex-players, managers and I know I’m really appreciated in the world of football. I know I’m appreciated by the England fans whom I have made many memories over the years and that’s the most important thing for me."

Romano offers Todibo transfer update

Long-term Manchester United target Jean-Clair Todibo is attracting interest from several high profile clubs, per transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.

He told Caught Offside: “There have been rumours about Newcastle and Chelsea being interested in Nice’s Jean-Clair Todibo and I can say that he’s been scouted by many clubs.

“Manchester United made contact with the player’s representatives last summer, while Newcastle were tracking him in June then nothing happened.

"At the moment, there is not something concrete as he is a key player for Nice, therefore, it is not easy at all to imagine a deal in January.”

United to decide on Casemiro

Manchester United could decide to cash in on Casemiro, according to talkSPORT.

The report claims that clubs in the Saudi Arabian Pro League are interested in Casemiro, and that United could considering selling the player if an offer is received.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who is likely to soon become minority owner of the club and take charge of sporting affairs, is said to be open to the prospect of selling the Brazil international in order to fund a rebuild of the current squad.

The midfielder – who cost United around £60 million last summer and is one of their highest earners – is currently contracted to the club until the summer of 2026.

Man Utd receive injury boost

Manchester United defender Luke Shaw has returned to first-team training after a period on the sidelines with injury.

Shaw has been absent with a 'muscle injury' since the 2-0 defeat against Tottenham on August 19, but he trained with the main group at Carrington this week and he's set to be available for selection again.

United return to Premier League action with a visit to Everton on Sunday and Shaw could make his first start for three months.

Cole backs Fernandes as skipper

Andy Cole believes Bruno Fernandes is the right captain for Manchester United.

He told Betfred: “There’s talk about Bruno Fernandes not being the right choice for captain, but if you look around the Manchester United dressing room currently, then who else would you give the captaincy to instead? There’s not four or five standout contenders.

"Bruno leads in a different way and I understand it. I can also understand that people don’t want to see a captain waving his arms about in frustration, which I personally believe is disrespectful to his teammates, but at this moment in time, he’s the man and he will captain the side in a way which he believes is beneficial to himself and his teammates.”

Ferguson tips Ratcliffe for success

Sir Alex Ferguson is confident Sir Jim Ratcliffe will be a success at Manchester United.

He told Gambling Zone: "I am still a director of the club and I know Jim [Ratcliffe] well. We shall have to see what he does but I am optimistic."

United tried to sign Muller

Erik ten Hag tried to sign Thomas Muller in January, according to Bild.

The Dutchman is claimed to be a big admirer of the Bayern Munich veteran.

The report claims it was felt that the 34-year-old's experience could benefit United.

And that Ten Hag and Co could try again for Muller in this season's January transfer window.

Man Utd receive Ferguson boost

Manchester United have received a boost in their pursuit of Evan Ferguson thanks to Brighton CEO Paul Barber.

He admitted the young striker could leave despite recently signing a new long-term deal.

Speaking to Soccerex TV, he said: "When we can put them into long contracts to give them security, give us security, but very importantly, with young players, also to help them keep learning.

"At some point in the future, Evan's gonna be playing at an even higher level if his trajectory continues as it is.

"We want to make sure that we do everything we can to prepare him for that. Not just on the field, but off the field as well, give him as much support as we can."

Fulham rival United for wonderkid

Fulham are targeting a January move for Fluminense midfielder Andre, who is wanted by Manchester United.

Fulham have moved ahead of Liverpool and Manchester United in the race to sign Andre after their chief executive Alistair Mackintosh flew to Brazil for face-to-face talks last week.

Mackintosh was at the iconic Maracana stadium to watch the 22-year-old Brazil international lead Fluminense to victory over Boca Juniors in the final of the Copa Libertadores.

Man Utd stars feeling fatigued

A number of senior players at Manchester United believe the club’s poor start to the season is down to their intense training and travelling schedule over the summer.

The Guardian reports that some players feel the poor form has been down to being overworked during pre-season, with the squad beginning the campaign tired rather than refreshed.

Erik ten Hag reportedly introduced a more intense training regime over the summer in order to whip his squad into shape and become title challengers, but it appears to have backfired.

The tough training sessions alongside a hectic travel itinerary left players past their physical peaks before the season even got underway.

Silvestre eyes Nice pair for United

Sir Jim Ratcliffe has been told of two “easy” transfers he can make once his deal to purchase a minority stake in Manchester United is confirmed.

Former Red Devil Mikael Silverstre told Bettingexpert: “Khephren Thuram and Jean-Clair Todibo definitely have the level to play for Manchester United.

“And I’m sure they’re on the radar and they will be scrutinised.

“They will probably be put forward because it will be an easy and sensible transition and will make sense for INEOS to get the best scouting reports on these two players specifically.

“They’re quality players. Both French internationals. Todibo is having a very good season. Thuram, a little bit less this season compared to last season but still a quality midfielder.”

Larsson lauds Man Utd youngster

Former Manchester United striker Henrik Larsson admits he is impressed by what he has seen from Rasmus Hojlund early on in the striker’s career at the Premier League giants.

He said of the youngster: “I watched him when United played against Copenhagen at Old Trafford. I liked what I saw.

“He is a striker with some speed. He was willing to go beyond the opponents’ back four or back three. It’s early to say, but he looks interesting because physically, there is a presence about him.

“It’s going to take some time before he settles in. He’s new to the club and getting used to the other players. But hopefully, for United, he can be a good striker.”

Sancho not keen on Saudi

Manchester United outcast Jadon Sancho will not agree to join a club in Saudi Arabia once the transfer window reopens in January.

A new report from The Telegraph has outlined that Sancho is being targeted by his former club Borussia Dortmund and Juventus, while there is also interest from Saudi Arabia.

His preference, though, is to continue his career in Europe rather than joining the Saudi Pro League.

Sancho was the subject of interest from Saudi Arabia in the latter stages of the summer transfer window but did not pursue a move. And it seems as though that stance has not softened even in light of his current situation at Old Trafford.

United keeper faces Wales

Altay Bayindir came off the bench for Turkey in their 1-1 draw with Wales.

The Manchester United goalkeeper replaced injured team-mate Ugurcan Cakir after 33 minutes in Wales.

Bayindir has yet to make his United debut, but could be called upon this weekend amid Andre Onana's injury fears.

Supporters were keen to see the 25-year-old in action on Tuesday, with one fan writing on social media: "Time to see Altay Bayindir cook."

Neves not for sale

Benfica have no intention of selling Manchester United target Joao Neves in January.

The Red Devils have sent scouts to watch the teenager multiple times already this season.

However, the Portuguese giants are not open to a deal when the window reopens, according to Fabrizio Romano.

He adds that the midfielder has the same £105million release clause as Enzo Fernandez last season.

Varane WILL leave United

Raphael Varane is set to leave Manchester United in the summer.

The Frenchman has fallen down the pecking order at Old Trafford and is reportedly on his way out of the club.

However, SunSport understand Varane will remain at United until the end of the campaign.

Sources also claim he is more interested in a move to Saudi Arabia or Italy over a return to Real Madrid.

United scouts watch Kvaratskhelia

Manchester United sent scouts to watch Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in Georgia's loss to Spain on Sunday.

The 22-year-old scored in a 3-1 loss in his country's final Euro 2024 qualifier.

90min report that Chelsea, Manchester City and Newcastle also had representatives at the match as interest in the Napoli winger grows.

Kvaratskhelia has scored 17 goals for the Serie A champions since joining Napoli last summer.

United dealt transfer blow

Manchester United have been dealt a blow in their hopes of signing wonderkid Roony Bardghji.

The teenager has signed up with agency CAA Base, who represent a host of top stars.

Bardghji, who scored a dramatic late winner against United earlier this month, is wanted by United, Chelsea and Newcastle.

Tottenham may also fancy their chances of signing the youngster, with CAA Base already representing James Maddison and Heung-min Son.

Fofana 'ticks a lot of boxes'

Monaco midfielder Youssouf Fofana has been tipped for a Premier League move by Mikael Silvestre.

The former Manchester United defender told bettingexpert.com: "Every club could have moved for Youssouf Fofana early in the summer. I know he was available as he has two years left on his contract.

"He could have been a potential midfielder for Man Utd then. He has a bit more physical presence than Fred had for instance, but the club decided to sign Amrabat instead of Fofana. We know it was a reaction to the early start of the season.

"Fofana is ticking a lot of boxes to play as a defensive midfielder for a Premier League team and Man United could definitely be his next move, for sure."

United have reportedly entered the race to sign Fofana but face competition from Italian giants Juventus.

United urged to sign Nice duo

Mikael Silvestre has urged Manchester United to sign Nice duo Khephren Thuram and Jean-Clair Todibo.

The French internationals currently play for Sir Jim Ratcliffe's Ligue 1 side.

"Thuram and Todibo definitely have the level to play for Man Utd," the former United defender told bettingexpert.com. "And I'm sure they're on the radar and they will be scrutinised.

"They will probably be put forward because it will be an easy and sensible transition and will make sense for INEOS to get the best scouting reports on these two players specifically.

"They're quality players. Both French internationals. Todibo is having a very good season. Khephren Thuram, a little bit less this season compared to last but still a quality midfielder."