Ratcliffe gets Man Utd takeover boost amid interest from Qatar investors

1150     0
Ratcliffe gets Man Utd takeover boost amid interest from Qatar investors
Ratcliffe gets Man Utd takeover boost amid interest from Qatar investors

Manchester United endured a frustrating evening on Wednesday, as they were held to a 2-2 draw by rivals Leeds at Old Trafford.

The visitors opened the scoring in the first-minute through Wilfried Gnonto's excellent strike before Raphael Varane's own goal made it 2-0. Erik ten Hag's side then completed a comeback thanks to second-half goals from Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho.

The result leaves United third in the Premier League, while Leeds have jumped into 16th. The Red Devils will be aiming not to drop more points when the two teams meet at Elland Road on Sunday. Here are the latest headlines from Old Trafford.

Fernandes admits mistake

United stand-in captain Bruno Fernandes has admitted his mistake in being dispossessed in the build-up to Leeds' opening goal on Wednesday night.

"We’re not happy, obviously, with the result," said Fernandes. "Our main goal today was to win the game. We didn’t, we get one point, it’s really frustrating because we started the first half and second half really badly, conceding goals in the first few minutes.

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

"The team had a great reaction, it was a massive reaction and great to see it, but it wasn’t the result we wanted. It was nothing to do with [team] changes, it doesn’t mean anything, in the first few minutes of the game we conceded a goal.

Ratcliffe gets Man Utd takeover boost amid interest from Qatar investorsBruno Fernandes was dispossessed in the build-up to Leeds' opening goal (Dave Thompson/AP/REX/Shutterstock)

Do you think Manchester United will beat Leeds on Sunday? Let us know in the comments below!

"I should’ve been stronger in the second duel, I won the first but in the second I should’ve been stronger, they got the ball then they scored a goal. After I think we had control of the game, they did nothing.

"I think we did pretty well, created a lot of chances but not good enough to score the chances. We have to look forward now to the next game, it’s coming quick, it’s them again, away, it will be a big game again but hopefully a different result for us."

Click here to read the full story!

Takeover latest

The Glazers could lower their asking price for United - potentially opening the door for Sir Jim Ratcliffe to beat the Qataris in the takeover race.

Unpopular custodians the Glazers put United up for sale in November and all bids must be submitted by this month. It is believed a number of parties are interested in purchasing the Premier League club - including Ineos CEO Ratcliffe and a Qatar-based consortium.

It is believed the Glazers want around £6billion for United, which will make them the most expensive club in Premier League history. Realistically, however, they may accept a bid of between £4bn and £4.5bn for the club - which is a boost for Ratcliffe.

Click here to read the full story!

Sancho shares delight

Ratcliffe gets Man Utd takeover boost amid interest from Qatar investorsJadon Sancho came off the bench to score on Wednesday night (OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)

Sancho has admitted his elation at scoring United's equaliser against Leeds - his first goal in the Premier League since the beginning of last September.

Man Utd deadline day live updates as Sabitzer completes loan moveMan Utd deadline day live updates as Sabitzer completes loan move

The 22-year-old forward missed around three months of football after Ten Hag deemed him both physically and mentally unfit to contribute ahead of the World Cup in Qatar. The England international was left out of Gareth Southgate's squad for that tournament.

Yet Sancho has since returned to United's squad and seems reinvigorated. "I can’t tell you how much I’ve missed this feeling! Team showed great character to stay in the game, we go again on the weekend," wrote Sancho on Twitter.

Ten Hag added: "He's all the way back. I'm proud he did it. I'm backing him, the coaches are backing him, the team is backing but he has to do it by himself.

"It's in his own hands. If he wants, he can do it. I'm really enjoying seeing him playing the way he did with so much confidence and belief. We know he's a magnificent player. I think consistently he can have a big impact, but he has to work hard."

Click here to read the full story!

Tom Blow

Manchester United takeover, Footballblog, Erik ten Hag, Jim Ratcliffe, Bruno Fernandes, Jadon Sancho, Manchester United FC

Read more similar news:

01.02.2023, 04:00 • Sport
Ten Hag has dream Man Utd line up as last-gasp January transfers are secured
01.02.2023, 05:30 • Sport
Man Utd finally listen to Ralf Rangnick after ignoring his six-man transfer plan
01.02.2023, 05:45 • Sport
Man Utd lose seven players and sign three as January transfer window closes
01.02.2023, 06:00 • Sport
Man Utd's January transfer window winners and losers as 'new Scholes' makes exit
01.02.2023, 06:47 • Sport
Marcel Sabitzer opens up on frantic deadline day dash to join Man Utd
01.02.2023, 07:30 • Sport
New Man Utd signing Marcel Sabitzer had trial so bad his agent "apologised"
01.02.2023, 07:36 • Sport
Rio Ferdinand delivers verdict on Marcel Sabitzer transfer with no hesitation
01.02.2023, 08:00 • Sport
Man Utd predicted line-up vs Nottingham Forest as Ten Hag eyes Carabao Cup final
01.02.2023, 09:26 • Sport
Full list of Premier League's biggest transfers as Enzo Fernandez smashes record
01.02.2023, 10:44 • Sport
Man Utd initially wanted to sign Sabitzer's teammate but Bayern Munich refused