Jim Ratcliffe issues ‘excruciating’ Man Utd takeover update as Graeme Souness slams ‘let down’ star

Manchester United are back in action this weekend with the international break now winding down.

It has been a turbulent start to the season for the Red Devils, with Erik ten Hag’s men winning twice and losing as many, while off-field issues have also proved a distraction from what’s happening on the pitch. United are now preparing for a tough home clash with Brighton as they look to bounce back from defeat.

In the meantime, we have rounded up all the latest news and transfer rumours surrounding Old Trafford.

Ratcliffe speaks

Jim Ratcliffe has spoken as he waits for a response over his takeover at United.

“The Manchester United bid would have been unthinkable two or three years ago if we hadn’t had some of experiences — some quite difficult experiences with Lausanne and Nice,” he said on Ineos TV. “You can’t really contemplate acquiring a brand like Manchester United and failing because the failure is just far too public and excruciating in a deal like that.”

Ratcliffe is rivalling Sheikh Jassim for the purchase of United, but the Glazers are yet to decide whether they will go through with a sale.

Martial criticism

Pundit Graeme Souness remains unimpressed by Anthony Martial at United, with the Frenchman having been kept through the summer despite talk of a move.

“I wrote an article five years ago stating it was the last chance saloon for Anthony Martial. Yet he’s still starting matches as their main focal point in attack,” he told The Daily Express.

“He isn’t a Man United player. He will get you excited and then let you down. I still don’t think Antony or Jadon Sancho are long-term solutions for United if they want to win the Premier League and Champions League. They’re still relying on Marcus Rashford.”