Manchester United are preparing to face Tottenham and will be looking to continue their impressive run of form under Ruben Amorim as takeover talk intensifies
Manchester United are enjoying a strong run of form and will be looking to snatch all three points from Tottenham this Saturday.
The Red Devils will make the journey to London for the early 12.30pm kick-off, following a week’s training at Carrington. Ruben Amorim’s squad has been on a roll lately, boasting three victories and one draw in their last four matches. Their most impressive win was at Anfield against champions Liverpool, where Harry Maguire netted the decisive goal to secure a 2-1 triumph over their rivals.
At present, United are eighth in the Premier League table, but they have an opportunity to close the gap to leaders Arsenal to just five points – and leapfrog Manchester City, Sunderland and Bournemouth – with a win on Saturday before any other teams take to the pitch. A victory over Spurs would also serve as sweet revenge after their disappointing loss to the same opponents in the Europa League final back in May.
As takeover talk ignites again, here’s all the latest news from Old Trafford.
Glazers’ takeover stance
The Glazers, who hold the majority stake in United, could potentially be persuaded to sell their shares in the club if ‘the price is right’, reports the Mirror.
The American business family have faced significant backlash from supporters over their handling of the Premier League team, overseeing the Red Devils’ demise in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era, piling debt on the club and lining their own pockets in the process. Minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has since taken control of football operations, but is yet to turn around United’s fortunes.
Earlier this season, rumours were rife about a potential takeover from a new investor, but these have since been quashed by United officials. However, The Times suggests that if the price is right and meets the Glazers’ expectations, they could be tempted to sell their stake in the club.
The report states: “I think for the right price, [the Glazers] definitely would [sell]. There is a clause within Ratcliffe’s agreement when he bought the club – I think it was triggered in August this year – that meant if the right offer came in – and I think that it was over something like $33 a share – that the Glazers could sell the whole club.
“Not just their portion of it, but Sir Ratcliffe will be bought out, as well, so there is potential that the Glazers could sell the entire club but, at the minute, it just seems like a strange one with this news, this hype and this excitement that’s been triggered by this one tweet.”
The Glazers last publicly commented on their takeover stance in April when the youngest sibling, Edward, said: “I think that… We’re a family business, and it was really a decision we made collectively.
“Not every decision is six-nothing. But, ultimately, why we have been successful as a family business is that we’ve always kind of agreed that, if the majority of family members want to do something, we realise we are in a family business and we have to do it.
“One day it might be something that I’m in favour of. The next day, it may be something I’m not in favour. It was a family decision [the minority takeover].”
Sir David Beckham celebrates knighthood
Sir David Beckham marked his recent knighthood from King Charles with a celebratory dinner at Gordon Ramsay’s Chelsea restaurant.
The ex-United ace, recognised for his contributions to sport and charity, was spotted savouring a meal at the Michelin-starred establishment.
Beckham was accompanied by wife Victoria and their family, including sons Cruz and Romeo, daughter Harper, and parents Ted and Sandra. Close mate and restaurateur Ramsay was also present with his wife Tana, as were Beckham’s pal Dave Gardner and his spouse Jessica Clarke.
Eldest son Brooklyn was noticeably absent from the festivities amid ongoing family tensions. The 26-year-old has yet to publicly acknowledge his father’s honour, while Sir David expressed his delight at receiving such a significant accolade.
Post-ceremony, the 50-year-old shared: “I couldn’t be prouder. People know how patriotic I am – I love my country. I’ve always said how important the monarchy is to my family.
“I’m lucky enough to have travelled around the world and all people want to talk to me about is our monarchy. It makes me proud.”