Man Utd news LIVE: £110m target Osimhen in action tonight, Garnacho 'agrees' contract, club RAISE season ticket prices | The Sun
MANCHESTER UNITED have raised season ticket prices for the first time in 11 years.
It comes as the club is on the verge of a potential multi-billion pound sale to one of three interested parties.
There have been offers of up to £5bn from Qatari Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani and Sir Jim Ratcliffe and American hedge fund investors Elliott.
The club are also set to get a boost with a breakthrough finally being reached on a five-year contract for Alejandro Garnacho.
Meanwhile, United target Victor Osimhen, who could cost up to £110m in the summer, is in action tonight for Napoli in the Champions League.
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- James Colasanti
Saka or Rashford?
Former Arsenal defender Nigel Winterburn says he would start Bakayo Saka in front of Marcus Rashford in any team he was in charge of – but it is a close call.
Both England forwards have been in scintillating form since the World Cup, Saka for the Gunners and Rashford for Manchester United.
When asked which one he would go for, Winterburn told OLBG: “I think it’s a bit disrespectful to say which one you would rather pick.
“But I’m an Arsenal man, so I’m going to take Saka because I’ve seen his development and what he can do.
“There were questions over Rashford at the start of the season whether he could be the main man for Manchester United.
“But since the World Cup we are seeing a player who is on a hot streak.
“He’s up there with the in-form players – if not the most in-form player in the world right now.”
- James Colasanti
Man Utd v Barca – helpful info
Manchester United's Europa League play-off second leg against Barcelona takes place on Thursday, February 23.
Kick-off at Old Trafford is at 8pm GMT in the UK, which is 9pm in Spain.
The sides drew 2-2 at the Nou Camp last week.
BT Sport has coverage of the match and it will be shown on BT Sport 2 and Ultimate.
- James Colasanti
Rashford at London Fashion Week
Manchester United ace Marcus Rashford looked sharp as he joined other top sports stars at London Fashion Week’s Moncler event.
The 25-year-old England striker has scored 16 goals in 17 matches since the winter World Cup and he hit the back of the net again with his outfit last night.
Rashford wore a black sweatshirt with zipped trousers in the same colour along with a pair of white trainers, and a blue puffy hooded coat.
Rashford at London Fashion Weekâs Moncler eventCredit: Getty
- James Colasanti
Boost on Thuram availability
Manchester United fans are waking up to some encouraging news on transfer target Marcus Thuram this morning.
The France forward has rejected a new deal offer from Borussia Monchengladbach and will leave for this summer.
Gladbach’s sporting director Roland Virkus told Sport1: “We have to accept that it’s the even bigger clubs where Marcus might go.”
- James Colasanti
Ten Hag’s Tielemans tap
Arsenal might face some stiff competition from Manchester United in the race to sign summer free agent Youri Tielemans it seems.
Eagle-eyed views spotted Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag giving him a cheeky tap on the back after he came off the bench to enter the fray in their weekend clash with the Foxes.
The Gunners are also long-term admirers of the Belgium midfielder and he could be at the centre of a tug-of–war at the end of the season.
- Gary Stonehouse
Morning, United fans
Barcelona's fitness worries have boosted the Red Devils as their four-pronged assault on silverware hots up.
Suspended Gavi and crocked Pedri are already out of Thursday's Europa League play-off second leg at Old Trafford.
And Barca boss Xavi admits he's concerned about superstars Frenkie de Jong and Robert Lewandowski because they've had so little rest.
Buoyant United are level at 2-2 following last week's first encounter in Spain.
And centre-back Victor Lindelof insists two offers coming in to buy out club owners the Glazers have NOT distracted the squad.
The Swede said: “We just have to think about the games and preparing the best that we can do.
“I haven’t thought about that [the takeover]. Whatever happens happens, but we’re just focusing on our performances.”
On the transfer front, the Red Devils are reportedly monitoring the situation of two Chelsea stars.
England midfielder Mason Mount has yet to sign a new Blues' contract.
And it's been suggested that only injury stopped Chelsea selling Christian Pulisic in January.
The USA attacker is also on the radar of Newcastle, Juventus, AC Milan, Atletico Madrid and Borussia Dortmund.
- Ian Tuckey
'No crazy money' to buy out Utd
Bidders for United won't pay "crazy money" amid claims the Glazers want more than £6billion.
That's the claim of Sky Sports chief reporter Kaveh Solhekol as Qatar's Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani and Britain's richest mane Sir Jim Ratcliffe fight to take over the Red Devils.
Solhekol said: "The really important thing here is, what do the Glazer family want to do?
"Do they actually want to sell Manchester United? Or do they just want to sell a minority stake in the club, and use that money to redevelop Old Trafford?
"Do they feel that now is not the right time to sell Manchester United? Ultimately, it's up to them.
"What we're being told is that the bidders for United are not going to pay crazy money for the club. They are not going to dance to the Glazers' tune.
"They have a valuation of what they believe Manchester United is worth, and they won't pay more than that."
- Ian Tuckey
Pulisic boost
United's interest in Christian Pulisic could be revived after claims Chelsea hoped to sell him in January.
The American attacker's injury meant he stayed put after Mykhailo Mudryk's arrival.
United, Juventus, AC Milan, Atletico Madrid, Borussia Dortmund and Newcastle have all been linked with Pulisic over the past year.
- Ian Tuckey
Heir of the Drog
Manchester menaces Erling Haaland and Marcus Rashford are the talk of the Premier League — but a star 1,500 miles away is causing a stir in Italy.
Nigeria hitman Victor Osimhen has scored 19 in 23 games for runaway Serie A leaders Napoli and has been compared to former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba by none other than old boss Jose Mourinho.
If the Blues have their way, Osimhen could follow in Drogba’s footsteps this summer should Todd Boehly prise him from stubborn Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis.
The new Chelsea owner is considering a £110million summer swoop, as revealed by SunSport earlier this month.
Nigeria hero and ex-Everton forward Daniel Amokachi reckons Lagos-born Osimhen is a blend of THREE legendary African strikers — not just Ivorian Drogba but also Liberia talisman George Weah and Nigeria star Rashidi Yekini.
The 1994 World Cup star told SunSport: “Osimhen is a reflection of Rashidi Yekini, Didier Drogba and George Weah.
"That’s what makes him different. All those players never gave less than 100 per cent.
“He’s the same. He’s strong, he shoots very good, he’s technically sound, he’s got speed. He’s the best No 9 in the world.”
- Ian Tuckey
Reald join fight for Vlahovic
Dusan Vlahovic’s agent reportedly stopped the Juventus striker joining United last month.
It’s thought a Prem club – said to be the Red Devils – had an £89milion offer for the Serbia hero rejected.
It’s understood his agent stepped in to insist the 23-year-old wait until the summer to assess his future.
Now it’s claimed Real Madrid are keen.
- Ian Tuckey
Utd are genuine contenders – Owen
Manchester United are title contenders but Arsenal are "in the "driving seat".
That's the verdict of Liverpool and England strike legend Michael Owen.
Yesterday's 3-0 win over Leicester put United three points off neighbours City and five behind leaders Arsenal, who have a game in hand on both clubs.
Owen told Premier League Productions: “It’s amazing isn’t it? You see Man City sat there on 52 points and it’s a really good total, but you just don’t feel like they’re absolutely purring and at the top of their game this season so far.
“And Arsenal, even though they’ve had a couple of iffy results in recent times, they’re probably sat there confident now. They’ve gained another couple of points on Manchester City.
“However, cast your minds back a month or so and Manchester City would probably snap your hand off only being two points behind now, because that gap was quite big.
“Everyone knows there are going to be so many ups and downs and twists – and nobody is mentioning Manchester United.
“But you’d have to say that Arsenal are in the driving seat.”
- Ian Tuckey
Red Devils &Liverpool tipped to Mount move
Mason Mount could be targeted by United and Liverpool this summer as speculation swirls over the future of Chelsea boss Graham Potter.
England midfielder Mount has yet to be tied down to extending his contract beyond next season – despite Blues' owner Todd Boehly regarding that as a priority.
And it's suggested tonight that United are one of the clubs who will keep an eye out on the situation.
- Ian Tuckey
De Gea in form of his life
Manchester United icon Dimitar Berbatov hailed their keeper David de Gea as “”irreplaceable” following their 3-0 win over Leicester yesterday.
The Spanish star made crucial saves to deny Harvey Barnes and Kelechi Iheanacho from opening the scoring in the first half.
Berba, 42, wrote on Instagram: “De Gea is irreplaceable.
“These two saves today 100 per cent goal and he was there like Spiderman, guarding the goal and not letting the opposition score.”
He added: “He is unbelievable at the moment and then the score stay nil-nil, it is more easy for the whole team to play.
“When it’s two-nil down, then the pressure is on even more.”
- Ian Tuckey
Vic's emotions just the same
Manchester United star Victor Lindelof says takeover talk will not distract them from their fight for silverware on four fronts, writes Neil Custis.
After yesterday’s 3-0 Prem win over Leicester, centre-back Lindelof says the players remain focused on domestic and European success.
He said: “We just have to think about the games and preparing the best that we can do.
“I haven’t thought about that [the takeover]. Whatever happens happens, but we’re just focusing on our performances.”
United are in the title race, reached the fifth round of the FA Cup, and will face Newcastle in the final of the Carabao Cup and Barcelona in the Europa League over the coming week.
Lindelof added: “Games are the most fun thing about football so of course I’d rather play a lot of games than train for like five, six days and then and then play a game.
“It’s tough but the squad is very important and we’ve been performing great.
“I think everyone is ready when they go out to the pitch.”
- Ian Tuckey
Xavi admits Barca fitness worries
The Red Devils have been handed a boost ahead of Thursday's Europa League play-off second leg against Barcelona.
The tie is delicately poised following last week's thrilling 2-2 draw at the Nou Camp.
And Barca boss Xavi is facing a potential selection headache ahead of Thursday's return fixture.
Gavi's yellow card in the first leg means he is suspended, while Pedri is also out after he limped off in the same game.
But elsewhere, Xavi has been left sweating on whether key duo Robert Lewandowski and Frenkie de Jong will be match fit.
The Barca gaffer said: "Frenkie de Jong and Robert Lewandowski played more minutes.
"I think they have been playing a lot of minutes, that's why I made the changes. The other day Pedri was injured, and we can't afford more injuries.
"Let's prepare for Thursday's game from tomorrow and see how tired they are."
- Ian Tuckey
Utd raise season ticket prices
United have increased their season ticket prices for the first time in 11 years.
And supporters have slammed the club in a furious backlash to the five per cent rise.
It follows the news that Arsenal have also raised their prices for the 2023-24 campaign by the same amount.
The shock moves comes amid claims the Glazer family, who thousands of United fans regularly protest against, are asking for £6billion to buy the club.
And that casts major doubt on rival offers of up to £5bn from Qatari Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani and Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
American hedge fund giants Elliott are also offering to stump up a package for a figurehead who wants to front any bid.
But one insider said: “It’s still not clear if the Glazers actually want to sell and — if they do — it will only be for top dollar."
- Ian Tuckey
New Jadon role hailed by Neville
Gary Neville believes Jadon Sancho is emerging as a sensational support striker.
Half-time sub Sancho bagged the third goal in United’s 3-0 win over Leicester as boss Erik ten Hag continues to ease him back into regular football.
The former Borussia Dortmund star is normally a winger but came on alongside two-goal striker Marcus Rashford.
Old Trafford legend Neville told Sky Sports: “He’s best when he’s in tight areas, in tight spaces on the edge of the box.
“This number 10 position could really suit him.”
Nev rated Sancho’s 45 minutes as “outstanding” and “absolutely brilliant”.
- Ian Tuckey
Title 'very difficult' unless Gunners tighten up
Gary Neville claims it will be "really difficult" for Arsenal to win the Prem unless they solve their recent defensive problems.
The Gunners conceded 16 goals from their first 19 league games – but have leaked 12 in their last six games across all competitions.
Nonetheless, Saturday's 4-2 comeback win at Aston Villa put Arsenal back on top, two points clear of Manchester City and five above United.
Red Devils' legend Neville told Sky Sports: "It was a really good and important victory. There’s such a long way to go in the title race, it will twist back and forth.
‘"We’ve got an intriguing title race but Arsenal needed a good weekend after that Man City defeat.
"One thing I would say though is that Arsenal have conceded 12 goals in the last six games.
"One of the traits of a run-in is if you’re conceding goals and teams think they have a chance of scoring, it’s very difficult to win a league, it really is.
"They just need to watch that. This weekend will give them confidence and if they can get back to some clean sheets that will be really important."
- Ian Tuckey
'New TV channel for Prem games'
Prem games will reportedly be shown on a new TV channel from next season.
It comes after a merger between BT Sport and Eurosport last year, with the former set to change its name.
An announcement of a number of new channels is expected on Tuesday, according to the Daily Mail.
And for the first time in ten years, Premier League games will be shown on a new TV channel.
Champions League matches are also set to be shown on the new channels.
The new channels will broadcast all of BT Sport and Eurosport's live sports rights, which also include the Champions League, Europa League, UFC, boxing and the Olympics, as well as the Prem.
Warner Brothers Discovery, who own Eurosport, acquired BT Sport last May in a deal reportedly worth £633million.
The overhaul at BT Sport will see them move to WBD's studios in Chiswick and Stockley Park from their current Stratford HQ in East London.
- Ian Tuckey
Dusan agent 'blocked Utd move'
Dusan Vlahovic’s agent reportedly stopped the Juventus striker joining United last month.
It's thoughta Prem club -said to be the Red Devils – had an £89milion offer for the Serbia hero rejected.
It's understood his agent stepped in to insist the 23-year-old wait until the summer to assess his future.
Now it's claimed Real Madrid are keen to move for Vlahovic – as a long-term successor to Karim Benzema.
- James Colasanti
Transfer update boost on Thuram
Borussia Monchengladbach have confirmed Marcus Thuram will leave them in the summer on a free.
That is good news for the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham, who are all reported to be interested in the versatile France forward, 25.
- James Colasanti
Garnacho set for new deal
Alejandro Garnacho has agreed to extend his Manchester United deal, according to ESPN.
The 18-year-old winger has been attracting interest from Real Madrid and Juventus.
Now he has reportedly agreed a five-year deal which could see his wages rocket from £7,000 to £50,000-a-week.
- James Colasanti
Berbatov praises "irreplaceable" De Gea
Manchester United icon Dimitar Berbatov hailed their keeper David de Gea as ""irreplaceable" following their 3-0 win over Leicester yesterday.
The Spanish star made crucial saves to deny Harvey Barnes and Kelechi Iheanacho from opening the scoring in the first half.
Berba, 42, wrote on Instagram: "De Gea is irreplaceable.
"These two saves today 100 per cent goal and he was there like Spiderman, guarding the goal and not letting the opposition score."
He added: "He is unbelievable at the moment and then the score stay nil-nil, it is more easy for the whole team to play.
"When it’s two-nil down, then the pressure is on even more."
- James Colasanti
Lindelof not distracted by takeover
Manchester United star Victor Lindelof says takeover talk will not distract them from their fight for silverware on four fronts, writes Neil Custis.
After yesterday's 3-0 Prem win over Leicester, centre-back Lindelof says the players remain focused on domestic and European success.
He said: "We just have to think about the games and preparing the best that we can do.
"I haven't thought about that [the takeover]. Whatever happens happens, but we're just focusing on our performances."
United are in the title race, reached the fifth round of the FA Cup, and will face Newcastle in the final of the Carabao Cup and Barcelona in the Europa League over the coming week.
Lindelof added: "Games are the most fun thing about football so of course I'd rather play a lot of games than train for like five, six days and then and then play a game.
"It's tough but the squad is very important and we've been performing great.
"I think everyone is ready when they go out to the pitch."
- James Colasanti
Takeover bidders given PR warning
Anyone bidding to buy Manchester United has been told to keep a lid on their PR campaigns, according to The Times.
US bank Raine, who is overseeing any potential deal, has "firmly" reminded suitors "the process is meant to be private”.
The hedge fund giant has also warned interested parties against making remarks that reflect badly on the club's current and unpopular owners, the Glazers.
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