Alan Shearer sends clear message to five Man Utd stars as Graeme Souness issues takeover verdict

Manchester United are now preparing for Champions League action after taking care of business in the Premier League. Diogo Dalot helped the Red Devils dodge a scare against Sheffield United, and Erik ten Hag’s men suddenly have back-to-back league wins.

They haven’t been able to show such form in the Champions League just yet, though, losing both of their first two outings. On Tuesday night, they host Copenhagen in what will be seen as a must-win game as they look to make up ground on Galatasaray, in particular. In the meantime, we have rounded up all the latest news and transfer rumours surrounding Old Trafford.

Souness’ takeover verdict

Graeme Souness has issued his verdict on a possible partial takeover of United by Jim Ratcliffe.

“The club in which he is about to take a 25 per cent stake are so far behind where they want to be, and where they should be, it’s a risk,” he said in his Daily Mail column. “They are one of, if not the biggest club in the world. Yet, they have a modest group of players.”

“I said in June ahead of the FA Cup final, a composite team of the Manchester clubs would have 11 names from City. Nothing has changed. Because of that, there is one area Ratcliffe must address with urgency. Recruitment. This is the most important thing you have to get right at any club. Man United, since Sir Alex Ferguson and David Gill left in 2013, have given a masterclass in how not to do it, and they’ve spent over £1billion in the process.”

Shearer on forwards

Alan Shearer told United to demand more of their forwards while discussing their performance against Sheffield United on Match of the Day.

“If they want to get in and around the top four, one thing has to change and that is the forwards have to chip in more with goals,” said Shearer. “They certainly created the chances today and they should have put the ball in the back of the net more than they did.

“[Marcus] Rashford, [Rasmus] Hojlund, Antony, [Alejandro] Garnacho, [Anthony] Martial, you have got to ask for more, you have got to demand more when you are getting into these positions.”