Sir Jim Ratcliffe ‘frustrated’ by Man Utd saga as Ten Hag told to make change

22 November 2023 , 03:00

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Manchester United will be back in action this weekend as the international break finally comes to an end and Erik ten Hag’s side travel to Goodison Park to play Everton.

United come into the game on the back of two narrow 1-0 wins over Fulham and Luton in the Premier League, which have left plenty of room for improvement. Ten Hag has had two weeks to think about how to inspire a convincing performance against Everton, who are sure to be fired up following their 10-point deduction.

The international break was supposed to bring some movement off the pitch, with a break in proceedings allowing Sir Jim Ratcliffe to get his £1.3billion deal for 25 per cent of the club across the line. That is yet to happen and it is now a year since the Glazers put the club up for sale by announcing their intentions to “explore strategic alternatives". With that in mind, here are the latest United headlines from Mirror Football.

Ratcliffe deal delayed

The international break started amid some excitement that Ratcliffe’s deal would finally be announced. But that has not been the case and there are now concerns that the delay could impact the club’s plans for the January transfer window.

Ratcliffe may have to wait until after the Everton game on Sunday before his deal is confirmed and there will then be a six to eight-week ratification process done by the Premier League. The 71-year-old billionaire is expected to be given sporting control of the club by the Glazers, but any ideas for the January transfer window could be in jeopardy now.

Marcel Sabitzer completes Man Utd transfer after last-minute deadline day dash

Ten Hag urged to change McTominay role

Scott McTominay has been in goalscoring form for Scotland (Getty Images)

Scott McTominay has been in great goalscoring form this season for club and country. The 26-year-old has scored seven goals in Euro 2024 qualifying for Scotland and has three in the Premier League, including two at the death to secure a dramatic win over Brentford in October.

And his form is such that former Scotland manager Alex McLeish thinks Ten Hag should play him in a more advanced position for United. “Maybe when he goes back to Man Utd, Ten Hag will play him in an attacking, forward role,” McLeish told BBC Radio Scotland.

“There’s no shame in what Ten Hag thought his best position would be, but you can learn from other things and, for me, he should have looked at the way Steve Clarke has been playing him."

Van der Sar names favourite United keeper

Manchester United legend Edwin van der Sar has sent a message to Altay Bayindir (Getty Images)

Edwin van der Sar has told Altay Bayindir that Andre Onana is his favourite United goalkeeper, despite being called a "legend" by the Turkey international.

Bayindir is yet to play for United since joining from Fenerbahce in the summer, but appeared in a video on the club’s social media channels recently talking about Van der Sar. "When I was younger, I watched a lot of Manchester United games," he said. "My favourite goalkeeper, I say this and Edwin van der Sar is a legend. I know him."

Van der Sar replied and was clear that Onana, who he worked with at Ajax, was his favourite. He said: "Hi Altay, will see you soon in Manchester and we will have a chat about goalkeeping but my favourite is still Andre as you will know!"