Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani's long-awaited second bid for Manchester United was finally tabled as Friday turned to Saturday, the Qatari banker joining Sir Jim Ratcliffe in the second phase around three days after the original Wednesday 9pm deadline.
The pair have long been accepted as frontrunners in a potential takeover but have been joined in recent days by Finnish businessman Thomas Zilliacus, those unique proposal of a partly fan-led model has shaken up the process - as has his plea for Sheikh Jassim and Ratcliffe to join forces and share ownership between them.
In matters on the pitch, United's players are enjoying the international break with solid results all round for their nations. Marcel Sabitzer and Scott McTominay each scored twice for Austria and Scotland respectively, while Casemiro captained Brazil in their friendly against Morocco.
Erik ten Hag will have one eye on his current crop over the next few days while also keeping an eye on any potential summer targets, with plans for a significant transfer window spend already underway. The Dutchman wants Harry Kane to lead the line next season and is also interested in Victor Osimhen.
TODAY'S BIG TALKING POINT: Would you be on board with Thomas Zilliacus fan influenced ownership model? Have your say here.
Keep tabs on the latest news, views and rumours with dedicated blog updates below.
Antonio Conte sacked
News away from United late this evening as Tottenham confirm that Antonio Conte has left the club by mutual agreement.
The Italian has been under huge pressure since lamenting his players for throwing away a two-goal lead against Southampton. The Italian labelled his team as 'selfish' and claimed they didn't want to play under pressure in an explosive post-match press conference.
His future has been hanging in the balance ever since, and late this evening Spurs confirmed his departure.
Club announcement.
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) March 26, 2023
Axel Tuanzebe praise
Axel Tuanzebe has been praised for giving Stoke City "more security" since arriving on loan from United in the January transfer window.
The 25-year-old has made five appearances for the Potters since joining the club on loan for the second half of the season.
He has been praised by his central defensive partner Ben Wilmot, who suggested the Reds man had 'relieved the pressure' on the back-four after they were struggling with injuries:
"He’s been really good, settled in really quickly and it’s given us lads a bit more security in terms of numbers at the back, where were light. We always felt we were one or two injuries away from being really short. It’s relieved the pressure a little bit and allowed us to rotate. Axel has come in and played well. I enjoy playing with him."
Bruno Fernandes in action for Portugal tonight
The United midfielder set up Cristiano Ronaldo and his side are currently 4-0 up at half-time against Luxembourg.
REPORT: Pochettino appointment could see Kane stay at Spurs
Harry Kane would be inclined to stay at Tottenham Hotspur if they decide to reappoint Mauricio Pochettino as manager, according to Football Insider.
Kane's future at Spurs remains uncertain following another year without winning major silverware. The 29-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to United, Erik ten Hag earmarking the striker as a prime target.
Another underwhelming season in North London has left current manager Antonio Conte hanging on to his future by a thread after the Italian publicly slammed his players before the international break. The former Chelsea and Inter Milan boss has not yet been sacked but is expected to leave the the end of the season at the latest.
Spurs have been in discussions over who will succeed Conte, and the report suggests that a return to Tottenham for Pochettino could see Kane decide to stay.
Steven Gerrard on Harry Kane decision
Steven Gerrard has compared thoughts he endured during his time at Liverpool to Harry Kane with the Tottenham striker contemplating his own future.
Kane, like Gerrard in the past, has been heavily linked with a move away from a club in which he is a legend in order to win major silverware. In this case, it is United offering the chance to fight for trophies.
Here's what Gerrard told Channel 4 after Sunday's England game:
“Listen, I don’t want to open a can of worms, he’s got a big decision to make career-wise. I’ve been there myself where you’re thinking is my team good enough to get me the medals? Am I going to get out of my career what I want to get?
“It’s different for me because I grew up a Liverpool fan from the city, all my family were Liverpool fans, and I knew winning one trophy more with Liverpool would have meant a lot more to me than being anywhere else.
“He’s not from Tottenham, he’s not been through Tottenham all the time, he’s got a big decision to make. I can’t give him any advice on that but I bet you every single day of his life now moving forward it’s gonna be on his mind.”
REPORT: Ruben Neves 'already negotiating' United move
Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves is 'already negotiating' a summer move to Old Trafford with Barcelona withdrawing from the race, according to Spanish outletSport.
United are expected to sign a ball-playing central midfielder come summer, with Erik ten Hag originally keen on Frenkie de Jong but potentially forced to look elsewhere.
Reports have linked United with a move for Neves, who is currently on international duty with Portugal alongside Bruno Fernandes, and the most recent report suggests a deal is already in the making.
Two more Reds in action this evening
Starts for both Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot later this evening as Portugal face Luxembourg.
Fernandes racked up another 90 minutes on Thursday as his side beat Liechtenstein 4-0 in their opening Euro 2024 qualifier, with Dalot an unused substitute in that game.
Best of luck boys!
Tudo a postos!Este é o nosso 11 inicial de hoje! #VesteABandeira pic.twitter.com/0rvhu3YlTj
— Portugal (@selecaoportugal) March 26, 2023
FT: England 2-0 Ukraine
Full-time at Wembley and England have cruised to a 2-0 win over Ukraine, thanks to first-half goals from Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka.
United defender Harry Maguire managed another full 90 minutes, relatively untested by a Ukrainian side who failed to get a foothold in the game from the off.
The Reds man did have two late chances to find the net, rising high from corners but directing his headers either straight at the goalkeeper or off target.
Casemiro's big role during suspension
Former United striker Dion Dublin believes Casemiro will still play a big role in the Reds' dressing room despite his current suspension.
Casemiro will miss upcoming Premier League games against Newcastle, Brentford and Everton after receiving a four-game suspension for his second straight red card of the season - his first omission being against Fulham before the international break.
Despite the 31-year-old missing from the pitch, Dublin believes that United's midfielders will still be calling on the ex-Real Madrid man for guidance in the Premier League fixtures to come, as he told United's official website:
"Whoever takes his position, I am sure Casemiro will be chatting to him about what he expects as well because he has done it and won everything.
I know the players who play in Casemiro's position - Fred has been a Brazil international for years, Scott McTominay has been a Scotland international for years, but I am still sure they will be having a word with Casemiro.
"Just what he thinks and he'll be saying listen, this is how to do it, how to play against this team. So conversations are going to be had. "
England two up at the break
Two goals inside three minutes from Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka have England 2-0 up against Ukraine in their second Euro 2024 qualifier.
Gareth Southgate's side have enjoyed the share of possession and chances, Kane finding the breakthrough for international goal No.55 before Saka's wonderful finish made it two.
For Maguire, it has been a relatively quiet game against the physical Roman Yaremchuk.
to the #ThreeLions at the break! pic.twitter.com/ynrZNfntCp
— England (@England) March 26, 2023
Reds made Sofyan Amrabat offer in January
United approached Fiorentina with a loan-to-buy deal for Sofyan Amrabat in January, according to the midfielder's brother.
Amrabat put himself onto the world stage over the winter with his brilliant performances for Morocco as they became the first African side to reach a semi-final. The defensive midfielder was pivotal to a side that kept four clean sheets in Qatar.
Such form attracted plenty of interest at club level, United one of three sides to have made an approach for the 26-year-old alongside Chelsea and Barcelona, as his brother toldVoetbal Premier:
"Manchester United wanted a loan with an option to buy, Fiorentina rejected. And the third was Chelsea."
Kick-off at Wembley
England have kicked off in their second Euro 2024 qualifier against Ukraine, with Harry Maguire starting a second consecutive game.
We'll keep you up to date with any goals and major talking points from Wembley!
Raphael Varane on future
United defender Raphael Varane admits he will most likely end his career at Old Trafford or with French side Lens, the club he started his senior career at.
Varane joined United in 2021, signing a four-year deal that will keep in M16 until 2025. By that time the defender will be 32, and potentially looking to make one final move before retiring.
And speaking toGQ Magazine the French veteran admitted it may be with United that he calls time on his playing career, if not with a return to Lens.
“I will finish my career either in Madrid, or in Manchester, or in Lens. It is sure that I will not join another club. But Madrid, it seems complicated to me, we don't usually come back to it. The most likely today is that I finish with Manchester or Lens.”
Zidane Iqbal starts for Iraq today
Zidane Iqbal starts for Iraq against Russia pic.twitter.com/zbiZCai73b
— UtdDistrict (@UtdDistrict) March 26, 2023
Maguire starts as Shaw suspended vs Ukraine
Harry Maguire will start again for England this afternoon when they host Ukraine at Wembley for the second of their Euro 2024 Qualifiers.
Maguire completed a full 90 minutes on Thursday as the Three Lions beat Italy 3-1, a game in which Luke Shaw was sent off for two bookable offences.
Your #ThreeLions to play Ukraine!pic.twitter.com/egZwmgW3bq
— England (@England) March 26, 2023
United target Rasmus Højlund in the goals again
After a hat-trick against Finland on Thursday, reported United target Rasmus Højlund has been in the goals again with two inside 35 minutes against Kazakhstan.
Here's the first, a wonderful lob.
Rasmus Højlund is at it again!
— Viaplay Sports UK (@ViaplaySportsUK) March 26, 2023
A beautiful lob over the keeper opens the scoring for Denmark against Kazakhstan #EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/PFfixOFoWO
United stars in international action today
Let's get it, Reds! #MUFC https://t.co/wgjrMFIMwl pic.twitter.com/zi82MMCKpj
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) March 26, 2023
OPINION: Murtough got his biggest call right with Ten Hag
Murtough has understood the role and played his part in United's success this season, however. He got the appointment of Erik ten Hag right and has led the football department with diligence and professionalism. Having alighted on Ten Hag as the right manager, he also helped encourage the club to back him in the summer transfer market. The window was an unqualified success and Murtough deserves credit for that. But it is Murtough's first decision in the job that now reflects well on him. He had been in the role, alongside technical director Darren Fletcher, for six months when it became clear Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's time was coming to an end.
Click here to read the full story.
United 'remain interested' in Gonçalo Ramos.
NEW:
— UtdPlug (@UtdPlug) March 26, 2023
Manchester United remain interested in Gonçalo Ramos. Benfica had promised to renew Ramos’ deal last year but that remains unfulfilled, leaving him ‘very disappointed’. @Record_Portugal #MUFC pic.twitter.com/hs6N5hlkjn
Napoli ace Kim Min-jae responds to transfer rumours
Napoli defender Kim Min-jae hit back at persistent rumours linking him with a move to United in the summer.
Kim has been linked with a host of sides in recent months after impressing for the Serie A outfit. However, he dismissed those rumours while after South Korea's 2-2 draw with Colombia this week.
"As you know, those rumours are not true at all. I want to focus on my team. I have many tournaments to play," Kim told reporters. "It's been four or years I have had these rumours. It's uncomfortable. I wish you don't spread those stories.
"I cannot be bothered by transfer rumours because they aren’t true. Now I'm focusing on the team, rather than that kind of nonsense. There are so many important matches to go and right now I only want to focus on Napoli."
OPINION: Ten Hag can repeat Guardiola trick to solve captaincy dilemma
When Guardiola rotates his squad, Man City have a leadership group in the dressing room that allows them to maintain some consistency. United haven't previously had the depth of leaders to take this approach themselves, but it is testament to the squad that Ten Hag has established that he could now consider it himself. As well as the obvious candidates in both Fernandes and Maguire, if he were to stay, the United manager also has three players in his senior squad who are captains of their respective national teams.
Click here to read the full story.
WATCH: Quickfire questions with Malacia
Putting @TyrellMalaciia under the spotlight with our quickfire questions! #MUFC
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) March 26, 2023
Fernandes jokes with McTominay after Scotland brace
Bruno Fernandes was quick to joke with United teammate Scott McTominay after the Scotland midfielder scored a brace in a 3-0 win over Cyprus.
Man United 'suffer blow in Camavinga pursuit'
United have been dealt a blow in their rumoured pursuit of Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga, according to reports.
As per The Sun, the Reds are interested in signing the Frenchman, with Erik ten Hag identifying him as a long-term successor to Casemiro.
However, the 20-year-old, who is under contract until 2027, could sign a new deal with Los Blancos so the Spanish side can insert a huge release clause into his deal. The report claims Madrid want to set that clause at £874m.
Eriksen opens up on rehabilitation mindset
During an episode of the UTD Podcast - set to be released in April - Christian Eriksen discussed his ongoing recovery from injury.
"I am very good thank you, very well thank you. It's very quiet at Carrington I would say, I haven't been here when it's this quiet. Maybe it was a bit similar when I signed and the whole team was in Australia. That was also very quiet. There is literally no-one here [laughs]. Nah, there are still a few people, but compared to normal there is nobody here. It is weird not being on international duty, you are normally away and now it's more the thing you are following your national team, and you are here instead of being with them. That is weird, but it has happened before so you get used to it. But, still, you enjoy it less."
Casemiro on target for Brazil
Captain @Casemiro on the scoresheet! #MUFC pic.twitter.com/M15TLZJdsm
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) March 26, 2023
'Talks held' over Wan-Bissaka changing international team
Aaron Wan-Bissaka could end up representing the Democratic Republic of the Congo at international level.
LeopardLeader claim talks have been held between manager Sébastien Desabre and the family of the United right-back.
Wan-Bissaka has represented DR Congo and England at youth level but has yet to make a senior international appearance so far.
United 'join' Mateo Kovacic race
United have reportedly joined the race to sign Mateo Kovacic this summer.
90min has added United to the list of potential suitors for the Chelsea star, alongside the likes of Man City and Liverpool.
Kovacic will enter the final 12 months of a five-year contract this summer, with talks over a fresh deal stalling despite Chelsea's desire to keep the Croatian at Stamford Bridge.
United hold Romeo Lavia 'meeting'
United reportedly met with the father of Southampton star Romeo Lavia earlier this month ahead of a possible summer transfer.
Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri claims that United was one of the sides that met with the Belgian's father to discuss a potential deal.
