‘There is a path’ - intriguing Man Utd takeover claim as Fabrizio Romano offers verdict

Manchester United are now closing in on their return to Premier League action as the international break slowly winds to a close. Erik ten Hag’s men return with a winnable clash with Sheffield United this weekend after going into the break with a comeback win over Brentford.

It has been a tough start to the season for the Red Devils, and indeed for Ten Hag, who is going to need to put together a good run of results between this break and the next to avoid serious pressure. In the meantime, we have rounded up all the latest news and transfer rumours surrounding Old Trafford.

Maguire key to business

Harry Maguire could be key to any United transfer business as it relates to a defensive signing, according to Fabrizio Romano. Maguire was heavily linked with a move away from Old Trafford in the summer, with West Ham coming the closest, but the England star later decided to stay.

“If they receive a proposal for Maguire they could invest in a new centre-back in January, or else they will wait until the summer,” Romano has said.

Maguire has a contract at United until 2025 as things stand.

Takeover latest

Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solhekol has issued the latest on the proposed partial takeover by Jim Ratcliffe at Old Trafford.

“The Glazers ultimately are going to do what is best for them,” he said on Sky Sports News. “At the moment, they believe the best thing to do is to sell 25 per cent of Manchester United to Sir Jim Ratcliffe for around £1.3 billion. If he wants to buy the whole of United, and if the deal he signs with the Glazers guarantees they will sell the rest of their shares to him for a set price in the future, then there is a path to him owning 100 per cent of Manchester United.

“Then, I think a lot of United fans will be happy. Sir Jim Ratcliffe ticks a lot of boxes - he’s a self-made billionaire, he’s a United supporter, he was born not far from Old Trafford. He’s a local lad who’s done well, he’s one of the richest people in the UK. No United fan is dancing in the streets of Manchester at the moment, because I think the majority of them wanted a clean break from the Glazers. That is not happening at the moment.”