THE Glazer family are reportedly willing to sell Manchester United, but only if they receive a whopping £4bn offer.
Old Trafford was beset by protests on Sunday as the game against Liverpool was called off.
And one fan even posted a picture of himself sniffing white powder from the CORNER FLAG.
Meanwhile Dortmund have confirmed they have a gentleman's agreement allowing Man Utd target Jadon Sancho to leave if the price is right.
Get all the latest Man Utd news, updates and transfer gossip here…
- Marc Mayo
SKY’S THE LIMIT
Gary Neville has formed a 'pundits army' WhatsApp group in the aftermath of the failed European Super League, according to reports.
The Manchester United legend and Sky Sports analyst played a prominent role in publicly fighting the ESL during its short-lived launch.
For the good of the game, he is stepping across broadcasting lines to unify with BT Sport pundits.
The former England star has created a WhatsApp group, featuring some of the biggest names in UK punditry.
Alongside his fellow Sky Sports stalwart Jamie Carragher, Neville has introduced the likes of Gary Lineker, Rio Ferdinand, Steve McManaman and Jake Humphrey from BT to the chat.
According to the Mail, these pundits recognise that they can play a huge part in protecting the values that fans hold dearest in the game.
- Marc Mayo
BREAKING
Paulo Fonseca will quit Manchester United's Europa League opponents Roma at the end of the season.
The long-awaited news has just been confirmed with Maurizio Sarri tipped to arrive in the Eternal City this summer.
Roma general manager Tiago Pinto said: "Even if the results have not always been there on the pitch, we know that he has left many positive elements that will continue to help our development – like the many talented and young players he has encouraged and improved, and our progress in the Europa League this season."
United defend a 6-2 semi-final lead at the Stadio Olimpico on Thursday.
- Marc Mayo
FAME HUNGRY
There were two further Manchester United heroes nominated by Thierry Henry and Jamie Carragher, although they disagreed on their picks.
While the ex-defender chose Peter Schmeichel, Arsenal hero Henry opted for Paul Scholes.
The Frenchman said: "I'm a Stevie G lover but Paul Scholes. When we played Manchester United, we had to stop him. He made the team tick.
"We were scared of him, first and foremost. If we stopped him, we stopped a lot of Manchester United."
- Marc Mayo
SAM THE MAN
Manchester United are ready to compete with West Ham and Tottenham to sign Sam Johnstone in the summer.
According to ESPN, West Brom want around £18m for the goalkeeper ahead of their likely relegation to the Championship.
The Hammers are said to be the favourites due to their offer of first-team football and the Red Devils maintain a sell-on clause in any deal.
Johnstone’s arrival would herald the potential exit of David De Gea.
- Marc Mayo
SANCH SWOOP
Chelsea have reportedly joined Manchester United in the chase for Jadon Sancho.
The chase for the England winger is beginning to hot up since Borussia Dortmund admitted they have a ‘gentleman’s agreement’ to sell him this summer.
Manchester United have held a long-term interest in the 21-year-old star with Liverpool also keen.
According to Bild in Germany, Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel is plotting a raid on his old Bundesliga club to swoop for the attacker, who they claim could be available for £78m.
It has already been reported that Dortmund may drop their valuation of Sancho to around £85m – having previously demanded £108m.
- Marc Mayo
CANT DO BETTER
Jamie Carragher and Thierry Henry picked their next six Premier League Hall of Fame inductees.
And the pair agreed on Roy Keane and Eric Cantona as two Manchester United additions.
Speaking on Sky Sports, the Liverpool legend said of Cantona: "He is one of the biggest figures in Premier League history. Look at how Manchester United's fortunes turned on that signing. The decision to leave Leeds, he came in and there was just something special about him.”
While Henry described Keane: "I get annoyed when people talk about Roy Keane and his tackles and being hard – yes he was. But what a player he was, he could pass, score.”
- Marc Mayo
PAU BLOW
Roma will be without Pau Lopez for Thursday’s return leg at home to Manchester United.
Antonio Mirante replaced the goalkeeper in the 6-2 semi-final thrashing that begin the Europa League tie.
A shoulder injury suffered by the Spaniard will require surgery, according to Sky Sport Italia.
Daniele Fuzato, 23, started the weekend defeat to Sampdoria but may not keep his place after an error led to a goal.
Credit: AP - Marc Mayo
VAN MEN
Edwin van der Sar has expressed his concern over Donny van de Beek.
The Dutch midfielder continues to be a fringe player in his first season at Manchester United, leading to rumours of a swift exit.
And former goalkeeper Van der Sar told ESPN: “Of course I feel sad for Donny.
“He walked the perfect path before joining United. He joined the [Ajax] first team from the academy, became a starter, won trophies, performed in Europe.
“But the midfield of Manchester United is too stacked, they’ve not had any injuries. It’s hard for him.”
- Marc Mayo
ERLI RISER
Erling Haaland is STAYING at Borussia Dortmund, the club have claimed.
Manchester United, Chelsea, Barcelona, Real Madrid and Manchester City are all said to be pushing hard to sign the star striker.
But the Bundesliga side's director Sebastian Kehl has asserted that Haaland is 'in agreement' about playing another year in Germany.
He said: "Erling is staying for another year.
"He is in total agreement.
"I see him every day and I can say that he identifies completely with the club."
Credit: EPA
- Marc Mayo
GOING NOWHERE
The Glazer family are described as intent on seeing out their 'long-term plan' at Manchester United despite Sunday's protests.
A report in the Guardian outlines their mega-money ambition.
With the club currently worth just over £3billion, the Americans are said to want to grow it into a £7.2billion ($10bn) empire.
- Joshua Jones
GOOD MORNING MAN UTD FANS
The Manchester United Supports Trust published an open letter to United co-owner Joel Glazer yesterday.
In the letter, the trust say: “No-one wants what happened at Old Trafford Sunday to be a regular event.
“We are football fans and we want to support our team. We don’t want to spend our days off work protesting outside our football ground.
“But what happened was the culmination of sixteen years in which your family’s ownership of the club has driven us into debt and decline, and we have felt ever more sidelined and ignored.
“After sixteen years not one member of the Glazer family has ever had so much as a conversation with us, the club’s Supporters Trust. Yesterday, that frustration reached boiling point.
“For the vast majority of the thousands of attendees at the protest they made their voice heard peacefully and respectfully. We support the right of fans to protest lawfully and, although we did not personally witness any such acts, of course we do not condone any acts of violence.”
United released a statement in response to Sunday’s protests and refuted the idea supporters were allowed into the stadium by club staff.
It read: “Following events yesterday, while many fans wanted to exercise their right to protest and express their opinion peacefully, some were intent on disrupting the team’s preparation and the game itself, as evidenced by activity at the Lowry Hotel and at the stadium.
“Reports in mainstream and social media that protesters were able to access the stadium and pitch via a gate opened by club staff are completely incorrect.
“After breaking through barriers and security on the forecourt, some protestors climbed the gates at the end of the Munich tunnel, then forced access to a side door in the stand, before opening an external door that let others through to the concourse area and the pitch.
“A second breach occurred when a protestor smashed the door of a disability access lift, enabling a group to enter the stand. The majority of our fans have and will condemn criminal damage, along with any violence towards club staff, police or other fans, and these now become a police matter.
“The club has no desire to see peaceful protestors punished, but will work with the police to identify those involved in criminal activity, and will also issue its own sanctions to any season ticket holder or member identified, per the published sanctions policy.”
The most likely course of action will be that Liverpool’s trip to West Brom, scheduled for May 16, will now be brought forward by four days to May 12, when United are due to be playing Leicester.
That will allow the rescheduled clash of the north-west giants to be played at Old Trafford on Sunday, May 16.
Elsewhere, the Premier League and FA have vowed to crush the Super League plotters if they attempt another breakaway.
In a move to reassure fans the threat has been killed off for good, the FA launched an inquiry by demanding full and frank answers from Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Spurs and the two Manchester giants.
And the Premier League promised it will change its rulebook to dismiss any possibility of the rebels coming back for a second attempt.
A Prem statement read: “The Premier League has prepared a series of measures to enshrine the core principles of the professional game an open pyramid, progression through sporting merit and the highest standards of sporting integrity.
“These measures are designed to stop the threat of breakaway leagues in future.”
The Big Six are facing disrepute charges for their parts in the attempted coup. FA top brass are understood to feel heavy fines are more likely, rather than punishments that would hit the fans such as points deductions.
- William Pugh
BREAKAWAY BAN
The Premier League and FA have vowed to crush the Super League plotters if they attempt another breakaway.
In a move to reassure fans the threat has been killed off for good, the FA launched an inquiry by demanding full and frank answers from Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Spurs and the two Manchester giants.
And the Premier League promised it will change its rulebook to dismiss any possibility of the rebels coming back for a second attempt.
A Prem statement read: “The Premier League has prepared a series of measures to enshrine the core principles of the professional game an open pyramid, progression through sporting merit and the highest standards of sporting integrity.
“These measures are designed to stop the threat of breakaway leagues in future.”
The Big Six are facing disrepute charges for their parts in the attempted coup. FA top brass are understood to feel heavy fines are more likely, rather than punishments that would hit the fans such as points deductions.
- William Pugh
TA CARRA
Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has defended Manchester United fans from ‘lazy’ criticism over Sunday’s Old Trafford protest.
The majority of pundits appeared to lend their backing to the angry group of protestors as the game was eventually postponed. But ex-Red Graeme Souness wasn’t too positive, saying: “I think (the anger) is out of United not being top dogs as much as what happened (with the ESL) last week."
However, fellow Sky Sports pundit Carragher has dismissed Souness’ comments as ‘lazy’, claiming United fans had every right to be angry and protest. He responded on Monday Night Football: "I really want to get this message across. This is not the European Super League for me.
"The supporters who really felt this more and marched on stadiums (after Super League) are Manchester United and Arsenal – that's because they had a huge problem with their owners before this.
"I've listened to a lot this morning and I watched other things. I've got no problem with people having a different point of view or a different opinion from me, because it's nuanced what happened yesterday. But get the facts. Please. When you are going to talk about this, know what's going on.
"So let's not accuse Manchester United fans of just throwing the toys out the pram because they're not competing with [Manchester] City or in the Champions League, whatever it may be. That is absolute nonsense."
- William Pugh
G NEV WANTS FOOTBALL TO SUPPORT PROTEST
Gary Neville believes all football fans should support the United protesters.
Speaking yesterday, the former United defender said: “Look, I’ve never thought they were brilliant owners but I have seen in football that there are worse owners than the Glazer family.
“However, I think all football fans should unite today behind what Manchester United fans have done because honestly, what they [the owners] did two weeks ago was really dangerous for English football, we must not forget that.
“They tried to create a famine two weeks ago in English football, in Dutch football, in German football, in French football, all over Europe.
“Those 15 clubs would have walked away from their leagues with their money and basically destroyed the ethos of the pyramid of relegation and promotion in English football, so that’s number one.”
- William Pugh
CROSSED THE LINE – EXCLUSIVE
By Sarah Ridley and Daniel Hammond
A protester who ran across the Old Trafford pitch with a Manchester United corner flag was later filmed sniffing a suspicious white powder off it.
In scenes that will do nothing for his cause, he was shown outside the ground emptying the substance on the bottom of the pole. After appearing to snort it, he holds up the flag — bearing the club’s crest — and shouts “United” while laughing into the camera.
The video was shared on Snapchat with a laughing emoji and a caption reading: “Striped off the flag.”
Sunday’s demo saw 1,000 fans gather outside the stadium to protest at the club owners, the US-based Glazer family, in the wake of the failed European Super League proposals.
Around 100 stormed the pitch. Others massed at the hotel where United players were staying. The match against Liverpool was postponed. Police said six officers were hurt, including one who suffered a fractured eye socket and another whose face was slashed.
- William Pugh
RED LIGHT – EXCLUSIVE
Manchester United and Liverpool stars are frantically ramping up security following yesterday’s incident at Old Trafford.
Players at the Premier League giants had already been reviewing safety arrangements due to concerns about some fans’ reaction to the European Super League proposals.
But Sun Online understands those plans have now escalated with one security expert – who specialises in protecting football players – urging stars to take extra precautions.
Paul Davies, who runs Manchester-based firm Benchmark Security, said: “I’d strongly recommend players use live monitoring of their homes with CCTV and also consider putting in place security with K9 dog units.”
On the scale of the risk now posed to players another source said: “There is a real anger from a small minority of fanatical fans who follow the big six clubs and the fear is this has put players at increased risk.
“Many players are worried about being targeted to and from training as well as on matchdays. As a result many are now stepping up security in and around their homes to protect them – and their families. There is also a huge amount of venom being spewed on social media towards some."
- William Pugh
FORG-ED ABOUT IT
Manchester United legend Roy Keane has warned his former club not to extend Edinson Cavani's contract because he can't lead them to titles.
Cavani joined United last year from Paris Saint-Germain on a one-year deal and has so far recorded a total of 12 goals and five assists in 33 matches across all competitions.
Keane said: "Cavani is a good point, because I kind of hope in one sense they don’t keep him.
"Because then they might look at it and go, 'We don’t need to go out and get another striker'. It might be an easy way out.
"He’s 34. If you’re hanging your hat on Cavani next year to get Man Utd back to winning league titles, forget about it.
"He’d be a back-up striker, and he wouldn’t want to be a back-up striker. That’s why he’s reluctant to sign a new contract. And obviously his family reasons behind it."
- William Pugh
UNDER ATTACK
The copper slashed in the face with a bottle during the chaos at a protest by Manchester United fans is 'incredibly lucky' to have not lost sight in his eye, Greater Manchester Police Federation said.
The police constable, with around 20 years service under his belt, suffered a 'significant' slash wound to his face during Sunday's demonstration at Old Trafford.
The unidentified officer remains unnamed by the Federation – which represents the force's rank-and-file – but they did confirm he is in "lots of pain" and will need a considerable period off work to recover.
The largely peaceful protest spilled into incidences of violence, with Greater Manchester Police confirming two officers were injured – explaining one had been 'attacked with a bottle and sustaining a significant slash wound to his face, requiring emergency hospital treatment'.
The violence was condemned by GMP and the club as 'reckless and dangerous' as some football fans took the demonstration too far.
Stu Berry, Chairman of the Federation, said: "Our brave colleague went to work yesterday to keep the people of Greater Manchester safe – and he ended up coming under attack. He is incredibly lucky not to have lost the sight in an eye. This is not right."
- William Pugh
BLUES MOVE
Chelsea are reportedly planning a summer transfer move for Manchester United starlet Lauren James.
The Daily Mail claims the WSL club are willing to pay a record fee for the forward whose brother Reece plays for the Blues' Prem giants. But Emma Hayes' side may have to fight off stiff competition from French champions Lyon who are also thought to be interested in the 19-year-old..
If the Blues' rumoured move comes to fruition, it could see James link up with older brother Reece who has already made a name for himself at Stamford Bridge
And it would also see the duo make history as the first siblings to play for the same club after already achieving the feat on the national stage for England.
The Mail claims the allure of Champions League football could tempt James to a Chelsea switch. James has managed 11 starts for Casey Stoney's side this season, having missed part of the Red Devils' 2020-21 campaign due to injury.
The striker, who received her first senior England call-up in November 2020, has netted 22 goals in 40 Man United appearances following a 2018 switch from Arsenal.
- William Pugh
RON APPETIT
Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly wants an emotional return to Sporting Lisbon when his Juventus contract expires next year.
Italian journalist Claudio Raimondi claims the Portuguese legend, 36, is eager to see out his career with the Primeira Liga leaders.
And it means his other former employers Manchester United and Real Madrid will miss out, after both were linked with moves. Ronaldo was just 12 years old when he joined Sporting’s academy in 1997.
And now, it is claimed, Ronnie is eager to add to his sole season with Sporting.
Ronaldo’s time at Juventus is said to be nearing its end after the Turin giants lost their grip on the Serie A title to Inter Milan.
However, Italian journalist Raimondi claims Ronaldo intends to see out the final year of his Juventus contract regardless of the circumstances.
- William Pugh
WHEN WILL THE MATCH BE PLAYED?
With United playing in a Europa League semi-final on Thursday, there is little time remaining in the season for the postponed Liverpool game to be played.
Here is the current schedule…
- William Pugh
TWO LIONS
Manchester United are believed to be in hot pursuit of Jadon Sancho and Jack Grealish this summer – but who should they go for?
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is keen to add a new attacking midfielder to his squad in a desperate bid to add some natural width.
Man Utd were on the brink of signing Sancho, 21, last summer, but failed to pay the £108million Borussia Dortmund were demanding. It's claimed there's a 'gentleman's agreement' in place allowing the ex-Manchester City youth ace to head to leave in the upcoming window.
But United may now have turned their attention back to Grealish – with Old Trafford icon Roy Keane admitting he'd swap Paul Pogba for the Aston Villa captain.
Grealish, 25, was another on Solskjaer's radar – along with Three Lions pal James Maddison – before the club went all-out for Sancho. And now, in a repeat of 2020, United are set to reignite the whole saga once more.
But with both Sancho and Grealish valued at around £100million it's unlikely the club will be able to afford both.
- William Pugh
BOSS VAN
Robin van Persie has joined Feyenoord's Under-16 team as assistant manager and will be coaching his own son Shaqueel next season.
Arsenal and Manchester United legend Van Persie has cemented himself as one of the greatest strikers in Premier League history.
But the Netherlands' record goalscorer ended his glittering career two years ago at his boyhood club Feyenoord.
After his retirement the 37-year-old was hired by the Rotterdam giants as the first team's striker coach on a part-time basis.
However, the Algemeen Dagblad report that Feyenoord decided to promote him to the youth squad under manager Brian Pinas.
Van Persie is now set to work with his son Shaqueel, 14, who has apparently taken after his father on the pitch.
Robin van Persie will take over as Feyenoord's Under-16s assistant manager Robin van Persie will be coaching his son Shaqueel at Feyenoord - William Pugh
OWNING UP
Wembley chiefs confirmed the FA has begun its formal investigation into the proposed breakaway, demanding answers from all of the Big Six.
And the Prem agreed, vowing to ensure its rulebook would rule out any possibility of the plotters coming back for a second attempt.Club chiefs will also have to sign an 'Owners' charter' in future.
A statement read: “The Premier League, supported by The FA, is taking the following actions to protect our game, our clubs and their fans from further disruption and uncertainty:
“Additional rules and regulation to ensure the principles of the Premier League and open competition are protected A new Owners’ Charter that all club owners will be required to sign up to, committing them to the core principles of the Premier League.
“Breaches of these rules and the Charter will be subject to significant sanctions. We are enlisting the support of Government to bring in appropriate legislation to protect football’s open pyramid, principles of sporting merit and the integrity of the football community.
“And we will work with the fan groups, Government, Uefa, The FA, EFL, PFA and LMA to defend the integrity and future prospects of English Football.”
Credit: PA - William Pugh
REDS RESPOND
Manchester United have released a statement in response to Sunday's fan protests at Old Trafford and refuted the idea supporters were allowed into the stadium by club staff.
It read: "Following events yesterday, while many fans wanted to exercise their right to protest and express their opinion peacefully, some were intent on disrupting the team’s preparation and the game itself, as evidenced by activity at the Lowry Hotel and at the stadium.
"Reports in mainstream and social media that protesters were able to access the stadium and pitch via a gate opened by club staff are completely incorrect.
"After breaking through barriers and security on the forecourt, some protestors climbed the gates at the end of the Munich tunnel, then forced access to a side door in the stand, before opening an external door that let others through to the concourse area and the pitch.
"A second breach occurred when a protestor smashed the door of a disability access lift, enabling a group to enter the stand. The majority of our fans have and will condemn criminal damage, along with any violence towards club staff, police or other fans, and these now become a police matter.
"The club has no desire to see peaceful protestors punished, but will work with the police to identify those involved in criminal activity, and will also issue its own sanctions to any season ticket holder or member identified, per the published sanctions policy."
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