05 October 2023 , 02:00
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The chaos engulfing all aspects of Manchester United is continuing to gather pace following their shocking home defeat by Galatasaray on Tuesday night.
United twice threw away leads given to them by Rasmus Hojlund and ended up losing 3-2 in farcical circumstances. Mistakes were rife at the back as the rocky start to the season continued in a second straight defeat in the Champions League.
Erik ten Hag’s side came in for some strong criticism from fans and pundits after capitulating to allow Galatasaray to complete a famous victory. They are now preparing to host Brentford in the Premier League on Saturday, when victory is paramount before a two-week international break.
In the meantime, the recriminations rumble on for the latest defeat and the takeover saga enters day 317. Here are the latest headlines concerning the club.
Ratcliffe picks transfer chief
Despite all the chaos, Sir Jim Ratcliffe remains interested in buying United and is pushing ahead with his plans. The Glazer family are yet to make a decision on the two offers, from Ratcliffe and Sheikh Jassim, but Ratcliffe is clearly confident.
Marcel Sabitzer completes Man Utd transfer after last-minute deadline day dash
The INEOS billionaire already owns French side Nice, so has experience of running a club. He has therefore sounded out former Southampton, Tottenham and Monaco director of football Paul Mitchell as United's next transfer chief.
Mitchell recently left his role at Monaco and is considering his next steps. United’s transfer policy is currently overseen by John Murtough – but it seems that his position as director of football could be under threat if Ratcliffe takes over.
Read more here.
Hojlund’s crisis admission
Rasmus Hojlund spoke openly after the game (CBS Sports)Hojlund was the stand-out player for United on Tuesday night. He scored two excellent goals, heading in Marcus Rashford ’s powerful cross before running from the halfway line to chip in.
The Danish striker is full of confidence and beginning to repay his £72million transfer fee from Atalanta in the summer. But he recognises the weaknesses in the side – and even went as far to call it a crisis.
“I think we need to build a better togetherness and to build this confidence in the group again. Right now we need to improve together and stick together, that's the only way we can get out of this crisis," he told CBS Sports.
"You can say so [a lack of confidence]. It's about being proud and fighting for the badge. We need to deliver more and deliver more to our fans and give more back to the club."
Read more here.
United launch investigation
Galatasaray fans were pictured celebrating in the home end (Michael Regan/Getty Images)The club have launched an investigation to try and understand how so many Galatasaray fans appear to have infiltrated the home stands at Old Trafford. Many supporters complained about being sat near fans of the Turkish side, who should have been confined to the away end.
The problem became clear after the final whistle, when Galatasaray supporters stayed behind in the Sir Alex Ferguson Stand and Sir Bobby Charlton Stand to cheer on their victorious side. There appeared to be hundreds of supporters of the away side.
Man Utd deadline day live updates as Sabitzer completes loan move
United only sell tickets through their official online portal and only club members or season ticket holders should have been eligible. Club staff believe that touting must have been the cause of the issue and are looking into how they can eradicate the problem in the future.