ANY takeover bid for Manchester United has to be submitted TODAY.
A bid from a Qatari consortium is expected to be made, along with one from Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
United held Barcelona to a 2-2 draw in their Europa League playoff contest at the Nou Camp.
And Marcus Rashford shone once again after scoring and playing a key role in Jules Kounde's own goal.
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- Kiro Evans
New Red Devil Chief
Manchester United have announced David Harrison as their new Head of Football Operations.
Harrison joins from Everton where he held the same role of leading "all operations aspects of the club's football activities".
He will report to Football Director John Murtough and be based at Carrington, according to the club website.
Harrison will oversee all of the men's, women's and academy teams football operations.
- Kiro Evans
Top Level Football
Erik ten Hag said last night's clash between Barcelona and Manchester United was so good it reminded him of a Champions League game.
The pair, who met in the 2009 and 2011 final of Europe's finest competition, played out a fantastic end-to-end game that finished 2-2.
And ten Hag told BT Sport: "I think it was a Champions League game, even more than that, so I really enjoyed the game.
"We have to finish it in Old Trafford. If the game is like this, I can imagine everyone will want to see that game."
- Kiro Evans
The Quad is On
Paul Scholes insists that Manchester United are very much in the hunt for a remarkable QUADRUPLE.
United are currently third in the Premier League table, five points behind leaders Man City, and also have a Carabao Cup Final at Wembley against Newcastle next week.
They also have their Europa League second leg against Barcelona next week and West Ham in an FA Cup fifth-round tie.
Scholes told BT Sport: "They are (alive in all competitions) the quadruple is still on. Every game is a big game."
- Kiro Evans
Door Open for Ascensio
Carlo Ancelotti has admitted he doesn't "care much" if Marco Asensio stays at the club.
The 27-year-old, who has been linked with Arsenal and Manchester United, is out of contract at the end of the season.
And Ancelotti said: "He looks good to me, so I don't know if he stays or not. Maybe he does, maybe he doesn't. I don't care much.
"We have some important challenges this season. The most important thing is that he contributes like last year. Let him continue as he is doing now. Then the club makes the most appropriate decision in the end."
- Kiro Evans
A Year of Difference
Yesterday's 2-2 draw at Barcelona was the latest reminder of how much United have changed.
A year ago the Red Devils were in the Champions League under Ralf Rangnick, with Anthony Elanga scoring a late equaliser to rescue a draw at Atletico Madrid.
The Swedish star has since completely fallen off the radar, and United would go on to lose the return leg at Old Trafford in March.
February 2022 also saw a goalless home draw with Watford, who were eventually relegated that season, and a shocking penalty shootout FA Cup defeat at home against Middlesborough.
- Kiro Evans
Come On You Red
Erik ten Hag slammed the officials for not sending off Jules Kounde after a last-man tackle on Marcus Rashford.
Ref Maurizio Mariani did not even award a foul when Barcelona's Kounde barged over Rashford on the edge of the box – with Man United leading 2-1 in the Europa League blockbuster at the Nou Camp.
Ten Hag said: "You can discuss whether it was inside or outside the box – but it is still a red card. I asked the referee why – and he said it was outside the box and no foul.
"It's just a really bad decision and I do not understand it. We were 2-1 up at the time and the momentum would have been totally different."
- Kiro Evans
Forward Thinking
Ex-Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov has offered his two cents to Erik ten Hag over the club's forward dilemma.
Berbatov thinks it all depends on what type of striker ten Hag wants at the club with United looking to recruit big in the summer
The 42-year-old told Betfred: "When it comes down to Harry Kane, Victor Osimhen and Dušan Vlahović, it all depends on what Erik ten Hag is looking for in a striker and his vision.
"If you want a quick striker, then you go for Victor Osimhen because he’s unbelievably quick.
"If you want a striker that has a history of producing many goals in the Premier League, then you go for Harry Kane because he’s broken many records and has won three Golden Boots.
"If you want somebody a bit younger, then you could go for Dušan Vlahović, because he’s only 23-years-old and is capable of scoring goals. It all depends on Erik ten Hag’s plan."
- Kiro Evans
Man of the Moment
Manchester United fans were not being shy about hailing Marcus Rashford as the best player in the WORLD last night.
They might well have a point. It’s 14 goals in 16 games for the England International after a decisive showing at the Nou Camp.
He looks like scoring every time he goes forward and could spearhead United to any success they have this season.
Rashford scored and set up Jules Kounde's own goal last night - Kiro Evans
Europa Ratings
It was quite the night in Barcelona as Manchester United played out a 2-2 draw with the Catalan giants.
The game could have swung either way and the Red Devils can feel unlucky not to record a huge win with Jules Kounde avoiding a red for a last-man tackle on Marcus Rashford.
Who shone on one of Europe's biggest stages and who shrunk under the Nou Camp lights? SunSport's match ratings are here.
- Kiro Evans
Deadline Day
A Qatari consortium will today make a £5BILLION bid for Manchester United, writes SunSport's Cliff Hayes.
British billionaire and lifelong Red Devils fan Sir Jim Ratcliffe, plus a group of US private equity firms are also set to make a similar offer on the "soft deadline" day for bids for the club.
But Uefa have been urged to BLOCK any Qatar-based bid.
Human Rights group FairSquare have written to Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin to express concerns over Qatari investors owning United and Paris Saint-Germain.
- Kiro Evans
What a Night at the Nou Camp
Barcelona and Manchester United played out one of the games of the season yesterday evening at the Nou Camp.
It finished 2-2 but it could have been more for either side with chances spurned and both Marc-Andre her Stegen and David de Gea pulling out big saves throughout the game.
The pace never let up from the first minute in this European classic and the draw sets United up well for the second-leg clash in six days time as the Red Devils look for their first win over the Catalan giants since 2008.
The drama is set to continue off the pitch today as the deadline for club bidders looms large.
- Chisanga Malata
Good morning, United fans
Manchester United drew 2-2 with Barcelona in the Europa League Round of 32 at the Nou Camp.
Marcos Alonso opened the scoring for Barca on 50 minutes and dedicated his goal to his late father Marcos Alonso Pena.
But United responded and equalised just two minutes later with Marcus Rashford.
The Red Devils turned the game on its head just seven minutes later thanks to Jules Kounde's own goal.
But Raphinha salvaged a draw for the Blaugrana in the 76th minute.
Meanwhile, United could be under new ownership in just six weeks.
Bids from both Sir Jim Ratcliffe and a group of Qatari investors are set to be made by tonight’s deadline at 10pm.
The Glazer family are looking for a full sale of the Red Devils for around £6billion.
There are also expected to be offers from the United States and Saudi Arabia.
And Raine, the investment bank handling the sale of the club, is "confident" it can be completed quickly, according to The Times.
The same report adds that a deal can be finalised quickly due to the "financial structure" of the prospective owners.
But UEFA have been urged to block the Qatari's takeover bid.
According to The Athletic, human rights group FairSquare have issued a letter to UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin, general secretary Theodore Theodoridis and Premier League chief Richard Masters.
It reads: "A basic study of Qatar’s political and economic system amply demonstrates the impossibility of any Qatari consortium proving itself independent of state influence, and thus separate from the ownership of PSG.
"Freedom House’s World Freedom Index classifies Qatar as ‘not free’, and its most recent assessment is highly critical of Qatar’s record on the rule of law, corruption, and political participation: ‘Qatar’s hereditary emir holds all executive and legislative authority and ultimately controls the judiciary.'"
Finally, United manager Erik ten Hag has opened the door to a shock second bid for Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong this summer.
The Red Devils had an offer of £56.2million accepted by Barca last year but De Jong refused to move until he had settled an issue over back-dated wages and the deal collapsed.
Ten Hag, who worked with the midfielder at Ajax, said: “Frenkie is an incredible player and for every club in the whole world he will strengthen the squad because he has a unique quality.
“If you can get him in the squad your team will be stronger. I think we had a team [Ajax] in 2019 with a lot of fascination and he brings a lot of fascination.
“He has developed and, in Spain, become even better. He's a fantastic player, plays out from the back, he always has time and it was a pleasure to work with him”
- Kostas Lianos
Ten Hag reacts
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag was impressed with his players' display against Barcelona but admitted they missed the opportunity to win.
Ten Hag said: "If you face No1 of Spain in an away game and you are that dominant, you can see it as a positive. We should have won this game so we have steps to go.
"Two good teams on a high level and I think it was really enjoyable to watch.
"I think everyone agrees it was a really high performance level from both teams. I was really happy with our performance against a strong team.
"The criticism is to be more clinical and finish chances. That's what we didn't do.
"We created many chances – more than you can expect, actually – and there's a little bit of disappointment that we didn't score them. We should have scored minimum four goals tonight"
- Kostas Lianos
Alonso pays tribute
Barcelona ace Marcos Alonso dedicated his goal against Manchester United to his late father.
Alonso' dad Marcos Alonso Pena, who also played for Barca, tragically passed away at the age of 63 following a "long illness" last week.
The Spain international latched onto a stunning cross from Raphinha, who curled it from a corner-kick down the right.
The ex-Leeds star found Alonso who headed it past United goalkeeper David de Gea at the far post.
The emotional Spaniard immediately pointed to the sky in dedication to his father during the Blaugrana celebrations
Credit: Reuters - Kostas Lianos
Scholes' Casemiro comparison
Manchester United legend Paul Scholes sparked a fierce debate among fans as he compared Casemiro to Roy Keane.
Scholes told BT Sport: "People say he's a defensive midfielder, but I don't see that.
"He's as close to Roy Keane as I've seen."
Casemiro has helped rejuvenate United's midfield since his £70million move from Real Madrid
- Kostas Lianos
UEFA urged to block Qataris
UEFA have been urged to block the Qatari's Manchester United takeover bid.
According to The Athletic, human rights group FairSquare have sent a letter to UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin, general secretary Theodore Theodoridis and Premier League chief Richard Masters.
It reads: "A basic study of Qatar’s political and economic system amply demonstrates the impossibility of any Qatari consortium proving itself independent of state influence, and thus separate from the ownership of PSG.
"Freedom House’s World Freedom Index classifies Qatar as ‘not free’, and its most recent assessment is highly critical of Qatar’s record on the rule of law, corruption, and political participation: ‘Qatar’s hereditary emir holds all executive and legislative authority and ultimately controls the judiciary'"
Credit: Reuters - Kostas Lianos
Qat's out the bag
Qatari investors are now focusing on a full Manchester United takeover.
That’s after failing with a bid to buy rivals Liverpool, as per Qatar-based journalist Mohammed Al-Kaabi.
However, the Reds' American owners have refused to give up majority control in any sale.
This goes against the Qataris' wishes, who apparently want much more than a minority stake in any club.
But any offer made for United is likely to come under the Glazers' valuation
- Kostas Lianos
Man Utd takeover date
Manchester United could be under new ownership in just six weeks.
Bids from both Sir Jim Ratcliffe and a group of Qatari investors are set to be made by the deadline on Friday at 10pm.
The Glazers are looking for a full sale of United for around £6billion.
There are also expected to be offers from the USA and Saudi Arabia.
And Raine is "confident" it can be completed quickly, according to The Times.
The same report adds that a deal can be done with hast due to the "financial structure" of the prospective owners
- Kostas Lianos
Barcelona 2-2 Man Utd
Manchester United drew 2-2 with Barcelona in their Europa League Round of 32 clash at the Nou Camp.
Marcos Alonso opened the scoring for Barca on 50 minutes in a touching moment as he dedicated his goal to his late father Marcos Alonso Pena.
But United equalised just two minutes later with Marcus Rashford.
The Red Devils turned the game on its head just seven minutes later with Jules Kounde's own goal.
But Raphinha salvaged a draw for the Blaugrana after 76 minutes.
Follow all the live reaction HERE
- Kostas Lianos
UEFA won't block Qatar
Manchester United have had a breakthrough in ownership negotiations after it was reported UEFA won't block investors from Qatar buying the club.
Despite interest from the Middle Eastern state, there were fears any ownership bid would be blocked due to Qatar Sports Investment already being owners of Paris Saint-Germain.
This is due to UEFA having a rule which prohibits a party from owning multiple clubs that compete in the same competition.
With United and PSG often clashing in Europe, the governing body may have deemed any takeover bid illegal due to the two sides being in the same competition.
But according to the Daily Mail, any bid from Qatar will come from a separate entity to QSI.
This satisfies UEFA chiefs enough for them to not block any prospective takeover, which was put up for sale by the Glazers last November
Credit: Reuters - Kostas Lianos
Barcelona 0-0 Man Utd
Manchester United are still goalless agaisnt Barcelona at the Nou Camp.
Follow all the action on The Sun's live blog HERE
- Kostas Lianos
Barcelona vs Man Utd subs
Barcelona: Pena, Tenas, Fati, Torres, Christensen, Roberto, Garcia, Balde, Casado, Torre, Alarcon
Man Utd: Heaton, Butland, Lindelof, Maguire, Dalot, Pellistri, Elanga, Garnacho, Iqbal, Mainoo
- Kostas Lianos
Barcelona vs Man Utd XI
Barcelona: Ter Stegen, Kounde, Araujo, Alonso, Alba, Pedri, De Jong, Kessie, Raphinha, Lewandowski, Gavi.
Man Utd: De Gea, Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Shaw, Malacia, Casemiro, Fred, Sancho, Fernandes, Rashford, Weghorst.
- Kostas Lianos
Man Utd breakthrough
Manchester United’s takeover race keeps gaining more steam.
Qatari bidders are expected to make an offer of £4billion-plus to owners the Glazers.
The Glazer family have set this Friday as the deadline to have offers submitted.
It has been reported there are at least five interested parties willing to buy the Manchester giants
Credit: Reuters - Kostas Lianos
Barcelona vs Man Utd preview
Manchester United collide with Barcelona in the Europa League's Round of 32 tonight at the Nou Camp.
United boss Erik ten Hag will be missing Donny van de Beek (knee), Christian Eriksen (ankle), Anthony Martial (hip), Scott McTominay (muscle) and Antony (leg).
Lisandro Martinez as well as Marcel Sabitzer are sidelined due to suspension.
Barca manager Xavi, on the other hand, will be without Ousmane Dembele and Sergio Busquets due to a thigh and ankle injury respectively
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