محمود متولي يوجه رسالة لـ جمهور الأهلي بعد انتقاله للاتحاد السكندري

أعرب اللاعب محمود متولي، المنضم حديثًا إلى صفوف نادي الاتحاد السكندري، عن امتنانه الكبير لجماهير النادي الأهلي، مؤكدًا على الدور الكبير الذي لعبوه في مسيرته الكروية.

وانضم متولي إلى نادي الاتحاد السكندري خلال موسم الانتقالات الصيفية الجاري، بعد انتهاء تعاقده مع الأهلي.

وقال محمود متولي في تصريحات عبر برنامج “يا مساء الأنوار”، على قناة “mbc masr”: “أحب أن أوجه رسالة لجمهور الأهلي، كان لهم فضل كبير علي، وأحب أن أشكرهم على دعمهم الكبير لي في السنوات الماضية، وأتمنى أن يستمر هذا الدعم طوال الوقت”.

طالع أيضًا | سالي منصور تكشف تفاصيل أزمتها مع الأهلي وسبب تراجعها عن الانضمام للقلعة الحمراء

وتابع: “الاتحاد السكندري ناد كبير وجمهور كبير، وهذا تحد جديد، أي لاعب له الشرف أن ينضم للفريق، ومن أول يوم جماهير الإسكندرية تدعمني، وإن شاء الله أكون إضافة قوية للنادي”.

واختتم: “المفاوضات مع محمد مصيلحي رئيس الاتحاد السكندري كانت مُريحة للغاية، هو يتعامل معي كأنه والدي وليس رئيس نادي، وهو شخص عظيم على المستوى الأخلاقي”.

يذكر، أن الاتحاد السكندري أتم التعاقد مع العديد من الصفقات في الميركاتو الصيفي الحالي، منها عبد الرحمن خالد جبنة وأحمد الشيمي ثنائي المقاولون العرب، وعبد الله بكري لاعب فاركو وكريم يحيى وحامد الجابر من الداخلية، وإسلام سمير لاعب حرس الحدود، وأحمد أيمن لاعب النجوم، وهشام عادل من مودرن سبورت، وعمرو جمعة مهاجم نادي راية، ومروان داوود من إنبي.

وتجدر الإشارة إلى أن الاتحاد السكندري أنهى الموسم الماضي في بطولة الدوري المصري الممتاز 2023-2024، محتلاً المركز الحادي عشر في جدول الترتيب، بعد الفوز في 9 لقاءات والتعادل بـ14 مباراة وتلقى 11 هزيمة.

Samiuddin: Pakistan need to first figure out what their best XI actually is

Beaten Pakistan have made six changes over three games after their opening match

Osman Samiuddin in Manchester16-Jun-2019Asif Ali made 51, 52, 17 and 22 and he made his way into Pakistan’s World Cup squad. These 142 runs came in four games against the top-ranked side in ODI cricket at their home. They came at a strike rate of 131.48.Despite not having anyone with anywhere near that strike rate, he didn’t make the original World Cup squad. Once he made it, with runs and form behind him, Pakistan didn’t pick him for their opening tournament game against West Indies despite not having anyone else for a position which would otherwise be crucial to finishing off the big starts their top order was giving them.In their second game against England they brought Asif Ali in and dropped Imad Wasim. Against England in the ODI series just before this game, Imad had taken six wickets and, in a very high-scoring series, conceded 6.37 runs per over. They also brought in Shoaib Malik who, at that time, was averaging 14 with the bat in England over his career. They wanted his experience and calm on the field. They dropped Haris Sohail who is considered by the Pakistan management to be the second-best batsman in the squad behind Babar Azam.Shoaib Malik has been under-par with the bat so far•Getty ImagesThen they took on Sri Lanka and, fortunately for their selection group, the game got rained off and they didn’t have to pick an XI.Australia next, at Taunton, and the pitch looked green and friendly for fast bowlers. They brought in Shaheen Afridi to bolster their pace attack and dropped Shadab Khan. The latter is their best ODI player and absolutely essential to their bowling attack. They thought they’d be fine getting ten overs from Malik and Mohammad Hafeez. They went 11-0-86-1.Shadab is also their best fielder, the one who sets the tone as much as he can in what is now the worst fielding side in the tournament. Pakistan dropped two catches – one as a direct result of Shadab not being where he would usually be – and were generally abysmal in the field.WATCH on Hotstar (India only) – Fakhar Zaman’s half-centuryWATCH on Hotstar (US only) – Match highlightsAgainst India, Pakistan put Shadab back in the XI and also Imad, dropping Asif and Shaheen. They kept Malik in the side, despite his last three scores reading 4, 8 and 0. Experience, they reasoned, they needed his experience. He was out first ball.Pakistan have made six changes over three games after their opening match. None of them have been injury induced. They have argued the reasons for each change, but whether they are tactical or strategic, it’s clear that they have little idea what their best XI is. Five games into this tournament.Asked about the decision to drop a specialist bowler and batsman on Sunday, Sarfaraz Ahmed insisted it was the right move. “I think it was right. We were going with five bowlers and six batters. So I think our decision was right.” Similarly he had defended the decision to drop Shadab against Australia.Imad, who’s been at the receiving end of these decisions, was suitably diplomatic when asked whether Pakistan knew what their best XI was. “I can’t give an answer to this. Only the captain and the coach can. Whatever XI we put on the field, the players try and do their best.”That isn’t a surprise given that they weren’t all that sure about what their best XV for this World Cup should be. They picked Abid Ali on the basis of two innings in their provisional World Cup squad. Then, having allowed him just one game in the series just before this World Cup, they dropped him.Mohammad Amir was always going to be a part of their plan, even if he wasn’t in the provisional squad but Wahab Riaz had not played an ODI in two years when he was suddenly pulled into the squad. He was nowhere on the scene or in their plans and yet here he is, one of their more successful players. Mohammad Hasnain, picked for his youth and pace, has not played a single game yet and is unlikely to until Pakistan are definitely out. There will be almost certainly be changes for the next game against South Africa too.This is a tournament which they have been building up to for the best part of two years, for which they have actually had a very good run-in, for which they actually have a good, young core of players to work with.”We need to win our next four matches now, we need to play well,” Imad said. “Other results are not in our hands but we need to win those four games.”For that, they will need to first figure out what their best XI actually is.

Why Ben White isn't in England squad for Euro 2024 as Gareth Southgate provides update on Arsenal full-back

Gareth Southgate did not include Arsenal defender Ben White in his 33-man preliminary England squad for Euro 2024.

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Southgate revealed why White was omitted from Euro squad33-man preliminary England squad namedGunners defender made himself unavailable in MarchWHAT HAPPENED?

The Gunners star was left out of the Three Lions' preliminary squad as Gareth Southgate named a 33-man party for the upcoming Euro 2024. The squad will be trimmed down to 26 players ahead of the competition with the final selections to be locked in by June 7.

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In March 2024, White made himself unavailable for selection for the England squad for their international friendlies after Arsenal sporting director Edu informed Southgate not to include the defender. The 26-year-old's decision, at that time, drew a lot of criticism from all quarters.

WHAT GARETH SOUTHGATE SAID

When asked about the full-back's absence his the team, the England boss told reporters, "No. As far as I am aware he isn't available to us."

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR ENGLAND?

Southgate's men will be next seen in action in a couple of friendly matches against Bosnia & Herzegovina and Iceland on June 3 and June 7 respectively. Whether White returns to the England set-up once the incumbent manager leaves remains to be seen.

Poch could land Chelsea’s answer to Isak by signing £40m “machine”

Chelsea don't quite have their past luxuries anymore when it comes to the striker options at Stamford Bridge, long gone are the days of Didier Drogba and Diego Costa being talismanic figures for the Blues.

Now, Mauricio Pochettino's men rely on a patchy Nicolas Jackson to lead the line effectively for the stumbling Premier League club whilst Armando Broja waits in reserve for a rare moment to shine.

The Blues could well prioritise a new striker addition in this upcoming transfer window to bolster the squad therefore, with Pochettino's side rumoured to be in for this attacker from the Bundesliga.

Chelsea transfers latest – Striker search for the Blues

Recent reports from 90min suggest that a number of Premier League clubs are interested in RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Sesko this January, Chelsea just one notable admirer among many for the young Slovenian's services.

Manchester United, Arsenal and Newcastle United are all tempted by the former RB Salzburg sharp-shooter alongside the Blues and could all reignite their previous interest.

Sesko's troubled time at Leipzig to date – which has seen him start just three games in total this season for the German club – could open up the possibility of the 20-year-old seeking out pastures new soon with 90min further reporting that Sesko himself is keen on a potential move away.

Chelsea could well look to replicate Newcastle's success by swooping in for Sesko, the Magpies purchasing Isak from Real Sociedad after previously enduring a barren spell with German giants Borussia Dortmund before exploding into life on his arrival to Tyneside.

The Blues will hope a similar story unfolds in their pursuit of the promising 20-year-old if they manage to land him, with a fee in the region of £40m expected to be enough to see Sesko relocate to west London next month.

How Benjamin Sesko compares to Alexandar Isak

Both Sesko and Isak were strikers thrust into the limelight from a very young age, both emerging onto the scene at their respective first clubs in Salzburg and AIK whilst still being wide-eyed teenagers learning the ropes.

Away from this connection, the two strikers operate in a similar fashion on the pitch too – both attackers using their towering 6 foot 4 frames to their advantage.

Yet, the players in question are anything but traditional target-men and are deceptively quick and agile.

marc-cucurella-alexander-isak-newcastle-united-transfer-news-premier-league

Likewise, both forwards are clinical in approach – Sesko amassing seven shots on target this season from just 13 registered in total as per FBRef, and Isak managing an equally impressive 11 shots on target from 24 registered.

Sesko has managed three goals in the league too despite a lack of game time, rekindling some of his previous Salzburg potency in the process which saw him net 16 goals in his final season in Austria from just 30 games played.

#1 Habib Diallo (Al Shabab)

#2 Eddie Nketiah (Arsenal)

#3 Beto (Everton)

#4 Alvaro Morata (Atletico)

#5 Akor Adams (Montpellier)

#6 Odsonne Edouard (Palace)

#7 Jorgen Strand Larsen (Celta Vigo)

#8 Alex Lacazette (Lyon)

#9 Alex Isak (Newcastle)

#10 Valentin Castellanos (Lazio)

Data via FBRef.

The 6 foot 4 attacker has even been referred to as a "machine" by football journalist Antonio Mango for his coolness in front of goal, one part of Sesko's varied skillset that will have impressed Chelsea and other parties interested in him.

In stark contrast, Jackson at Stamford Bridge has notched up 41 shots in total and has only scored four more than his Leipzig counterpart over the top-flight season to date.

The young Slovenian prospect manages to go the distance with Jackson in other aspects of the Chelsea striker's game, offering friendly competition if he was signed.

Benjamin Sesko

The 20-year-old does better Jackson when it comes to successful take-ons over the last year per 90 minutes, averaging 1.81 to Jackson's slightly lesser 1.74.

The current Leipzig man also goes toe-to-toe with the ex-Villarreal man in terms of his progressive play on the ball – Sesko just narrowly falling flat with 1.81 progressive carries to Jackson's impressive 2.54.

Chelsea will weigh up whether gambling on Sesko this January is a risk worth taking, looking at Newcastle's decision to spend big on Isak and hoping Sesko can be a similar figure up top for the Blues who can only get better in England.

Liverpool could hinder Gravenberch by signing £34m "monster"

In the dying embers of the summer transfer window, Liverpool got the deal to sign Ryan Gravenberch from Bayern Munich over the line, wrapping up the transfer for roughly £34m.

It was the end of a market that had stretched every emotion of those on the red half of Merseyside, missing out on the likes of Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia to Chelsea but then replacing many of the struggling midfielders with exciting new signings.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.

Creative stars Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai were the first to arrive, while the Premier League club signed Wataru Endo after missing out on the Chelsea-bound duo and indeed iced the cake with the acquisition of Gravenberch.

Jurgen Klopp still has work to do over the coming months to fortify his squad with impactful signings, and according to recent reports, the German has rekindled interest in a summer target.

Liverpool transfer news – Khephren Thuram

According to Italian outlet Calciomercato, Liverpool are among the clubs monitoring Khephren Thuram's situation with OGC Nice, Manchester City and Manchester United also interested.

It's revealed that both United and Liverpool have been in contact with the player's agents and the club itself, who would be happy to grant his departure and are eager to hold an auction to recuperate as much as possible.

Nice midfielderKhephren Thuram.

The France international is out of contract in 2025 and has been immense for his Ligue 1 side over recent years, but given that he is valued at €40m (£34m), whether Klopp will forge ahead with a move remains to be seen.

Khephren Thuram's style of play

Thuram is regarded as an exciting talent and a multi-functional midfielder with a knack for breaking up the play and distributing into promising positions, or indeed opting to carry the ball into the danger area himself.

As per FBref, he ranks among the top 3% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for progressive carries, the top 5% for successful take-ons, the top 15% for shot-creating actions and the top 13% for shots taken per 90.

Effectively, this evidences the player's natural aptitude as a vehicle, stretching the lines and allowing his teammates to find space and overload defences – with Les Aiglons sixth in Ligue 1 after 15 matches, this appears to be working.

Not just a penetrative midfield presence, Thuram – who has chalked up 150 appearances for Nice, scoring eight goals and supplying 11 assists – has been touted to become a "monster" of a player under Klopp's stewardship by analyst Sam McGuire, and given such traits and his dynamism, it's understandable why Klopp was so invested in pursuing his signature in the year.

While not the specialist No. 6 that Liverpool perhaps need, Thuram is adept across multiple roles and could certainly play such a part when called upon, with Ligue 1's official profile piece listing the Frenchman as a modern-day Sergio Busquets.

Placing praise on his skill set, Thuram's former youth coach, Serge Gnahoré, said: "He's a player with technical ease far above the average and physically ahead of others in his age group. He's intelligent, kind and endearing. He plays as a central midfielder but will end up in defensive midfield over time. He has significant potential and can have a great career."

Self-proclaimed to be effective wherever he is deployed, Thuram seems to embody the qualities that Klopp so dearly craves to turbo-charge his engine room.

Khephren Thuram's season in numbers

As per Sofascore, Thuram has earned 11 starts in the French top-flight this season, completing 89% of his passes and averaging 4.5 ball recoveries and 1.3 tackles and key passes per outing, showcasing his protean ability in the middle.

The 22-year-old has also completed 65% (1.5) of his dribbles per game, highlighting the progression that always seems to occur when he finds space to roam in the centre of the park.

Blocking the ball

Tackling

Dribbling

Key passes

*Sourced via WhoScored

With Nice performing so admirably and conceding so few goals (Francesco Farioli's side have shipped just six all term, a divisional best) Thuram's role in sweeping away transitions in the engine room is one of great success.

But the question of whether Liverpool would need to make their move remains, with Gravenberch capable of performing all of the 6 foot 3 phenom's duties with just as much success.

How Khephren Thuram compares to Ryan Gravenberch

Having fallen by the wayside with Bayern Munich in Germany, starting just three Bundesliga fixtures across the 2022/23 campaign, Gravenberch received a new lease of life when transferring to Liverpool before the deadline in August.

This season, having been unleashed, the Dutchman has made a flying start to life on English shores, posting two goals and assists apiece across 18 matches thus far and receiving praise for his "sensational" impact by journalist Josh Bunting.

Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch.

The 21-year-old ranks among the top 18% of positional peers for goals, the top 8% for shot-creating actions, the top 11% for progressive passes, the top 6% for successful take-ons and the top 8% for blocks per 90.

Creative and zestful, the £150k-per-week ace is still in the early stage of his career but has demonstrated much potential, and Liverpool will be delighted with success in getting the move over the line.

As the graph corroborates just below, Thuram and Gravenberch are seemingly cut from the same cloth; one would assume that Klopp and his transfer team weighed up the respective skill sets and made their choice.

1

Khephren Thuram

OGC Nice

2

Jude Bellingham

Real Madrid

3

Dominik Szoboszlai

Liverpool

4

Joelinton

Newcastle United

5

Conor Gallagher

Chelsea

While Thuram is a talented midfielder with an illustrious future undoubtedly attainable, it might not be the best call for the Anfield side to throw precious transfer funds on a deal, unless, of course, Klopp wishes to permanently anchor him at the base of the midfield.

With the likes of Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Szboszlai, Curtis Jone and Harvey Elliott all eager to shine at the club, it's increasingly clear that a player of pure defensive qualities might be the best option going forward.

With the defence also needing attention, perhaps Liverpool should shelve their intrigue in Thuram once again, with Gravenberch offering the tools to serve the multi-functional role well over the coming years – adding a player of similar like would only be detrimental to his progress.

Com novidades da base no treino, Corinthians segue preparação para o duelo contra o Fluminense

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Na manhã de sábado (9), o Corinthians realizou mais um treino no CT Dr. Joaquim Grava para a partida de quarta-feira (13), contra o Fluminense,às 21h30, na Neo Química Arena, pela29ª rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro.

Jogo até fevereiro! Veja o calendário do seu time até o final da atual temporada

Depois do aquecimento, orientado pelo preparador físico Flávio de Oliveira, no Campo 1, o técnico Vagner Mancini comandou um trabalho tático com a equipe no Campo 3. Durante a atividade, o treinador passou instruções aos seus jogadores.

A sessão de treinos do dia foi encerrada com um coletivo em campo reduzido.

TIMÃO CHEGA AO G6? SIMULE OS RESULTADOS DO CLUBE NO BRASILEIRÃO

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O treino contou com a participação de duas novidades da base: o lateral esquerdo Biro, do sub-17, e o zagueiro Belezi, do sub-20. Eles completaram a atividade do dia como parte do plano de integração entre os departamentos de Formação de Atletas e de Futebol.

O Corinthians não entrou em campo neste meio de semana, para a 28ª rodada do Brasileirão, pois o seu adversário, o Palmeiras, teve compromisso pela semifinal da Libertadores, na terça-feira (5). O clássico foi remarcado para o dia 18 de janeiro, às 19h, no Allianz Parque.

O duelo contra o time das Laranjeiras, válido pela29ª rodada do campeonato, seria no final de semana. No entanto, ele foi remarcado para a próxima quarta-feira (13), para ser transmitido na TV aberta.

Contra o Flu, o único desfalque certo do Timão é Ramiro, suspenso pelo terceiro cartão amarelo. Em contrapartida, o zagueiro Bruno Méndez volta de suspensão e vai disputar uma vaga com Jemerson, que é o favorito e foi titular no treino da última quinta-feira (7).

VIDEO: Man Utd's next manager?! Sam Allardyce spotted with Sir Jim Ratcliffe & Sir Dave Brailsford in Old Trafford box as pressure builds on Erik ten Hag after fortunate Liverpool draw

Sam Allardyce was spotted with Manchester United chiefs Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sir Dave Brailsford during the Red Devils' 2-2 draw with Liverpool.

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Liverpool draw 2-2 against Man UtdRatcliffe and Brailsford watch on at Old TraffordAllardyce also spotted with the INEOS duoWHAT HAPPENED?

United secured a massive point against Jurgen Klopp's side as the two bitter rivals played out a 2-2 draw. Allardyce was spotted watching on from the stands alongside the INEOS boss and Brailsford. Footage of the three of them speaking during half-time have surfaced, and jokes circulated that Allardyce was positioning himself to take over from Erik ten Hag.

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Given that the team is unlikely to qualify for the Champions League, Ten Hag's future at Old Trafford is still up in the air. Although he is scheduled to meet with the new leadership at the end of the current season to talk about his continuation in the role, the Dutchman seems certain that the Red Devils will still employ him come next season, as he believes the ownership trusts his project.

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It is highly unlikely that Allardyce will be in the running to take over from Ten Hag next season as he has not held a managerial position since last season when he was sacked by Leeds United after the team's relegation from the Premier League.

Joe Clarke becomes latest Nottinghamshire import for 2019

Nottinghamshire have announced the signing of England Lions batsman Joe Clarke from Worcestershire on a four-year deal

ESPNcricinfo staff22-Sep-2018

Joe Clarke drives•Getty Images

Nottinghamshire have announced the signing of England Lions batsman Joe Clarke from Worcestershire on a four-year deal. Clarke, 22, had been widely tipped to leave Worcestershire, with Trent Bridge his likeliest destination.Worcestershire’s chief executive, Matt Rawnsley, said the club “did everything that we could” to hold on to the player, who broke into the first team in 2015. Clarke will be available for Worcestershire’s final Championship game of season, at home to Yorkshire, starting on Monday.”Obviously we’re disappointed that Joe will be leaving us, but I’m very confident that we did everything that we could to retain him,” Rawnsley said.”Joe wondered if we wanted him to play this next game against Yorkshire. My view was that we would always pick our best eleven and want to win matches, and he should be part of that. It will give him a chance to sign off in the way he, and we want him to, with runs and a win.”We wish Joe all the very best for the future. Our goal as a first class county is to produce England cricketers, and I sincerely hope that Joe goes on to play at the highest level.”Clarke is Worcestershire’s leading run-scorer in the Championship this season, although their relegation from Division One was confirmed by defeat to Essex this week. He also played a key role in the club winning this year’s Vitality Blast, their first T20 title.In his first-class career, Clarke has scored 3812 runs at 40.12, in addition to 1390 in List A and 1020 in T20 cricket. He made his Lions debut against Pakistan in the UAE in 2015-16.The signing is the fourth example of Notts bringing in talent from elsewhere ahead of the 2019 season: batsmen Ben Slater and Ben Duckett recently joined from Derbyshire and Northamptonshire respectively, while allrounder Zak Chappell signed from Leicestershire.Notts director of cricket, Mick Newell, said: “We’re very pleased that Joe has decided to join us. He’s a very good young player with a great record already behind him. Hopefully we can make the most of his talent and help him become the best player he can be.”

'Vai virar tattoo', posta Paulo Miranda sobre desenho alusivo a briga em GreNal da Libertadores

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O zagueiro Paulo Miranda, que passa por processo de recuperação física para voltar a ser opção ao técnico Renato Portaluppi, causou polêmica após postagem feita em sua rede social nessa terça-feira (24).

Ao publicar uma imagem referente ao desenho feito pelo desenhista Matheus Ceresa que faz alusão a briga generalizada no clássico contra o Internacional pela fase de grupos da Libertadores na Arena, o jogador colocou a seguinte legenda:

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O posicionamento do defensor, apesar de mexer com o brio do arquirrival, algo explícito nas respostas colocadas nos comentários, não foi necessariamente unânime em relação aos próprios gremistas que comentaram o post feito.

Isso porque, enquanto alguns reclamaram da longa ausência de Paulo Miranda devido a sequência de lesões (diante do Ceará ele saiu aos 12 minutos reclamando de dores musculares), outros apontaram que fazer referência a uma briga entre colegas de profissão não seria um momento necessariamente para se orgulhar.

Sky Sports man reacts to "worst of both worlds" Man Utd takeover update

It's no secret that Manchester United fans are unhappy with their current owners, the Glazer family. The fanbase have shown their displeasure on several occasions, and looked likely to finally get their wish of a sale when the club was put on the market last November. Yet, almost a year later, the Glazers are still at the helm, searching for a solution.

Meanwhile, on the pitch, things haven't been going much better for United, with Erik ten Hag's side losing four of their first eight Premier League games, as well as their recent Champions League clash against Galatasaray. And after hearing an update over a potential takeover, Sky Sports' Kieran Maguire has reacted.

Man Utd takeover news…

The talks over a potential takeover at Manchester United remain ongoing, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe still at the centre of those discussions. Football Insider provided a Man Utd takeover update in the week, saying that Ratcliffe's latest offer for the club would see him take majority control of the club in 2026. He would initially take a minority stake in the club, leaving the Glazers at the helm, before increasing his share in three years to eventually take control at Old Trafford. Reacting to the Man Utd takeover news, finance expert Maguire said to Football Insider that it "appears to be the worst of both worlds for fans".

"The part acquisition of Man United by INEOS to a certain extent appears to be the worst of both worlds for fans. The Glazers get immediate cash which makes them happy and Sir Jim Ratcliffe only gets 25 per cent of the club so he can’t control any decision-making. Man United would still have the spectre of the Glazers still haunting the club for another three years. So it is difficult to see why this approach would be taken. It would make much more sense for all parties involved if there was a clean break. However, whether that is through INEOS or Sheikh Jassim is still yet to be decided.“

Who is Sir Jim Ratcliffe?

Receiving his knighthood in the Queen's Birthday Honours in 2018, Sir Jim Ratcliffe is the chairman and CEO of chemicals company INEOS, and has a reported net worth of £6 billion earlier this year. With that said, it's clear that United would be in a position to splash the cash if he completed a takeover of the Manchester club.

As things stand, though, the Glazer family remain at the helm at Old Trafford, much to the frustration of Manchester United fans, who were initially handed hope when the club was put up for sale in November. If Ratcliffe buys a minority state, that frustration may grow even more, too, as Maguire alludes to, given that fans could have to deal with the Glazers for another three years.

Whilst things edge closer to a crisis point on the pitch under Ten Hag, who must guide his side back into top form, any takeover talk isn't exactly leaning towards the positive direction, making the current campaign a miserable one for all associated with the Red Devils so far.

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