Manchester United takeover news recap Sir Jim Ratcliffe arrival looming plus Rasmus Hojlund fitness update

Neto eyed

United are 'interested' in signing Wolves winger Pedro Neto, according to TEAMtalk.

The 23-year-old's early-season form has 'drawn a lot of interest', with both Arsenal and United reportedly keen on his signature. The report adds that Erik ten Hag is a 'huge fan', as is Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta.

The report also states that clubs in Saudi Arabia are keeping an eye on him. It is claimed that it will take 'at least £60m' for Wolves to even consider the prospect of selling him in the upcoming January window.

Rabiot reignited

United could 'reignite' their interest in Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot at the end of this season, according to Italian outlet CalcioMercato.

The Reds attempted to sign the Frenchman in August 2022 but the deal collapsed due to his wage demands.

Rabiot, who has been at Juventus since 2019, has continued to be linked with a move to United. He is out-of-contract at the Serie A giants next June after signing a one-year contract extension in the summer.

Calvert-Lewin warning

Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin insists the Goodison Park atmosphere will be 'more electric' than ever for the visit of United on Sunday following their points deduction, as he told Everton's official website:

“I’ve played in a lot of games against United at Goodison, and the atmosphere is always incredible. I expect the weekend to be no different – if not, more electric.

"I’m sure the fans will be ready. Us as players, we’ll prepare the same as normal and make sure we’re ready to put in a performance and collect the three points.

“I think, given the circumstances, I’ve sensed a lot of unity and togetherness. We were off on the international break when the news broke, but coming back in this week, I don’t feel like it’s fazed us players.

“We know, as a group, we can’t affect that. All we can affect is what’s in front of us, and that’s the game on Sunday, so we’re looking forward to that.”

Varane stance

United are aware that Raphael Varane is unhappy with his standing and would green-light a sale in January, according to Sky Germany's Florian Plettenberg.

Varane has fallen behind Harry Maguire in the pecking order with Erik ten Hag keen to keep the right-footed defenders at right centre-back.

Bayern Munich are monitoring the defender's situation and a move is expected to bring around £20-25m.

ManUtd is aware of the fact that Raphaël Varane is unhappy with his situation.

Understand that he would receive the light for a transfer in winter. But: #MUFC wants to sale him. A loan is not an option at the moment. Price valuation: €20-30m.

Bayern is still monitoring… pic.twitter.com/s3SqpuGy5n

— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) November 23, 2023

Wan-Bissaka AFCON risk

United could lose Aaron Wan-Bissaka for the Africa Cup of Nationsafter the defender received an offer to represent DR Congo, according to the Athletic.

Wan-Bissaka was born in England but is of Congolese descent and made one appearance for their under-20 side in 2015.

Should he accept, United will be without the right-back in the new year, with AFCON running from January 13 to February 11.

Bayindir 'considering' United exit

According to Turkish newspaper Fotomac, United goalkeeper Altay Bayindir is 'considering' a move to Galatasaray.

Bayindir only joined United from Fenerbahce on September 1 but is reportedly 'unhappy' with his lack of game time at Old Trafford. He is still waiting to make his debut for the club after Andre Onana was preferred between the sticks for the Carabao Cup clashes with Crystal Palace and Newcastle United.

It was originally thought that Bayindir, who helped Turkey beat Germany 3-2 in a friendly last weekend, would have featured in the cup matches.

Fernandes at risk of Premier League ban

Captain Bruno Fernandes will have to watch himself when United face Everton at Goodison Park on Sunday afternoon.

The Portuguese international is just one yellow card away from picking up his fifth booking of the season, which will result in a one-game ban. Premier League rules state that any player who amasses five yellow cards within his side's first 19 games must serve a one-match ban.

Galatasaray to 'hold talks' with United about Van de Beek

Galatasaray are poised to 'hold talks' with United about the prospect of signing Donny van de Beek next week, according to a report by Turkish outlet Sporx.

United face Galatasaray in Turkey next week, going head-to-head in their penultimate UEFA Champions League group stage fixture. Van de Beek has featured just twice for the Reds this season and has no future at Old Trafford.

United 'ready' to sanction Casemiro exit in January

United are 'ready' to let Casemiro leave the club as soon as the January transfer window, according to a report by TEAMtalk.

The report claims United have 'slapped a £50million price tag' on the Brazilian's signature. Despite being one of the Reds' most important players last season, there has been a recent increase in reports linking the 31-year-old with an exit this term.

He has been linked with clubs in Saudi Arabia and French giants Paris Saint-Germain.

United's next six fixtures

United are now less than 72 hours away from resuming their Premier League campaign.

The Reds are back in action against Everton on Sunday, locking horns with the Toffees at Goodison Park. The trip to Merseyside marks the beginning of a relentless period for the Reds, featuring 10 games in just 35 days.

With that said, here is a quick reminder of their next six challenges...

• Everton (A) - Premier League - November 26
• Galatasaray (A) - Champions League - November 29
• Newcastle United (A) - Premier League - December 2
• Chelsea (H) - Premier League - December 6
• Bournemouth (H) - Premier League - December 9
• Bayern Munich (H) - Champions League - December 12

United issue Hojlund and Eriksen injury update

United manager Erik ten Hag has confirmed that striker Rasmus Hojlund is touch-and-go for Sunday's clash with Everton at Goodison Park.

The Dane was forced off in the latter stages of the 1-0 win over Luton Town prior to the international break with a muscle strain. Fellow countryman Christian Eriksen was also forced off, being withdrawn shortly before half-time with a knee problem.

Issuing an update on the duo, Ten Hag said:

"Christian will take a little bit longer. It will take some weeks until he will return. Rasmus Hojlund, not too bad. Everton will be a close finish but we're working on that. We're not sure if he can make that but, hopefully, in the next week, he will return to the squad."

Ten Hag backing Rashford and Hojlund to find form

United manager Erik ten Hag is confident Rasmus Hojlund and Marcus Rashford will score the goals his side is in need of.

Hojlund is still searching for his first Premier Legaue goal since his arrival from Atalanta in August, and Rashford has scored just once in all competitions so far this season. The latter has not scored since September 3 against Arsenal.

Hojlund has plundered five goals for United so far, all of which have arrived in the Champions League. Ten Hag, however, is confident he can replicate similar standards in the Premier League.

Newcastle 'considering' move for United-linked defender

According to a report by Mais Futebol, Newcastle United are 'considering' the possibility of making a move for Sporting Lisbon centre-back Goncalo Inacio in the January transfer window.

Inacio, 22, has been closely linked with a move to United in recent weeks amid their plans to strengthen their centre-back options in 2024. Inacio signed a new deal at Sporting in the summer, resulting in his buyout clause being increased to €60million.

OPINION: United's best defence has only been used once before

"Erik ten Hag likes having a settled option at right-back, hence why they effectively each played for half of last season, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka will keep the role for the forseeable future unless there is reason for him to be dropped again. The other position up for grabs is centre-back, where Ten Hag likes having a right-footed option to compliment Lisandro Martinez as a partnership. Raphael Varane has been that man for much of his time in charge but in recent weeks, Harry Maguire has reclaimed the role and is starting on merit after a fine run of form. "

Click here to read more from Senior Football Writer, Rich Fay.

Ratcliffe handed £40m United transfer warning

United are seeking to become better at offloading players, while they are understood to be targeting younger signings in the mould of Rasmus Hojlund to ensure the possibility of a return on investment if a move doesn’t work out.

It’s a move away from signing established stars with little regard for the future or the squad complexion.

The topical case of Raphael Varane is a case in point. No-one can deny his quality, he played in a World Cup final last year and has won it all at Real Madrid.

'Bullies' - Gary Neville slams Premier League

Gary Neville has slammed the Premier League after Everton were docked ten points for Financial Fair Play (FFP) breaches and questioned whether Manchester United or Manchester City would have received the same treatment.

Last Friday, the top flight found the Toffees guilty of making a loss of over £300m during a three-year period between 2019 and 2022. This was far higher than the permitted £105m loss which clubs are permitted to make.

Sean Dyche's side are appealing the ruling but in the meantime, they have been deducted the points and now sit in the relegation zone.

Roy Keane backed for shock return to United

Steve Bruce believes Roy Keane may be open to taking up a role back at Manchester United if the opportunity arose.

Keane’s last dugout position was at Nottingham Forest when he became Martin O’Neill’s assistant in January 2019 before leaving the position the five months later.

He has since become a staple on Sky Sports and ITV football pundit panels, although has never closed the door on a return to coaching.

Erik ten Hag warns Everton about points deduction fury

Erik ten Hag has warned Everton’s anger over their Premier League points deduction could be to their detriment in Sunday’s clash against United.

A charged atmosphere at Goodison Park awaits United as Everton play their first game since being handed a record 10-point deduction.

Protests are being planned by a number of Toffees supporters, with the hosts hoping to harness that energy into a winning drive.

Shaw availability vs Everton

Luke Shaw could make the Manchester United squad that faces Everton on Sunday after returning to training.

However, Erik ten Hag says the club must be “patient” with the recovery of several long-term absentees including Lisandro Martinez and Casemiro. Both are not expected to play again in 2023 but Shaw could make the matchday for the first time since August.

The left-back has been on the training pitch within the last fortnight as he completes his return from a muscular injury that has kept him sidelined for 14 weeks.

United make decision on Forson

United youngster Omari Forson is set to sign a new contract at the club.

Forson's contract with United expires at the end of the season, but the Manchester Evening Newsunderstands he's set to sign a new deal in recognition of his progression.

Sources have played down suggestions of negotiations hitting a stumbling block and he's set to put pen to paper.

REPORT - Ratcliffe considering former Liverpool sporting director

According to The Independent, Ratcliffe is considering bringing in former Liverpool sporting director Michael Edwards to the club.

Edwards is apparently admired by INEOS having overseen much of the Klopp revolution at Anfield.

However, it is unclear whether he would want to return to football.

Sancho told moving to Saudi Arabia would be 'extreme'

Former United striker Louis Saha is adamant Sancho does not need to leave the club for Saudi Arabia if he wants to play more minutes.

Speaking to Paddy Power, Saha said:

Moving to Saudi Arabia would be a bit extreme, but I can see him playing in Spain or another top league where he can go and enjoy his football before coming back to England when his mind is settled.

Tumultuous week for United's opponents Everton

Everton have been through it this week after discovering they had been docked ten points for breaching the Premier League's FFP rules.

The Toffees are going to be appealing the decision but for now they have been plunged into the relegation zone.

Protests against the decision are expected to take place at Sunday's game.

United sent Everton warning ahead of Premier League clash

Former Everton and City defender Richard Dunne has warned United the home crowd will be buoyed on Sunday and expects them to see Sean Dyche's side over the line.

He told Betway:

With what's gone on at Everton in the past week or so, the atmosphere is going to be unbelievable. It’ll be a brilliant place to be at the weekend and they won’t have lost any of their confidence after what’s been happening off the field. United are somehow the form team in the Premier League but they should be winning the games they’ve won. I think Everton will get one over them and I’m going for a 1-0 home win.

United injury news and return dates

As Ten Hag worries over the fitness of some players, he did get a boost in training this week.

Defender Shaw returned to the fold at Carrington following a long absence with a muscular issue.

The England international is now in contention for a start but the boss may be unwilling to risk the full-back so soon after his return.

United could be missing nine players vs Everton

Speaking of the injury concerns at United, Ten Hag could be without as many as nine players for the trip to Goodison Park.

Among the doubts are Onana and Pellistri who both suffered complaints on international duty.

Martinez, Casemiro, Evans and Eriksen are all confirmed absentees for Sunday.

ANALYSIS - United have a player they can't keep ignoring

Away from the threat of future Champions League bans, United have a game to prepare for this weekend when they travel to Everton in the Premier League.

As always Ten Hag will have a number of choices to make especially with a host of players carrying knocks going into the game.

However, there is one member of the squad who he must stop ignoring.

How United and Nice can avoid European ban

While it is true, under the current UEFA rules, that United and Nice are at risk of being banned from Europe if they both qualify for the Champions League, recent precedent suggests this fear could be alleviated.

UEFA instigated proceedings against Aston Villa and Vitoria de Guimareas, Brighton and Union Sant-Gilloise and AC Milan and Toulouse. But in July the governing body said that "following the implementation of significant changes by the clubs and their related investors", they had all been accepted into European competition for the 2023/24 season.

United's current chances of qualifying for the Champions League

Currently, United's chances for qualifying for next season's Champions League are slim.

The Reds sit bottom of Group A and face two tough tests away in Galatasaray and at home to Bayern Munich where they will need to win both matches to stand a chance of progressing to the knockouts.

Of course United will need to win the competition to automatically qualify for next season's tournament so their more realistic route is through the Premier League.

Ten Hag's men sit sixth, five points off the top four heading into the weekend.

Why United could be banned

In a report from The Sun, they have underlined how the current 'multi-club ownership rules' prevent teams with the same owner competing in the same European competition.

Should Ratcliffe enter the boardroom, he will own both United and French club Nice.

If both teams finish in the Champions League spots, the side which finished higher in their respective league will qualify for the competition while the other is blocked from European football.

Currently, Nice sit second in Ligue 1.