Games continue to come thick and fast for Manchester United as they prepare to resume their Premier League campaign against Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday afternoon (4.30pm).
Transfer-wise, with one eye on the summer window United will target at least two major signings with Ten Hag wanting another central midfielder and long-term striker.
Late on Saturday, it was reported that both known takeover bidders Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani and Sir Jim Ratcliffe had made it through to the second round of the process.
Meanwhile, rumours also suggested that Raphael Varane faces a late fitness test ahead of Liverpool due to leg complaints, with Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof on standby to come in if needed.
Varane came on in the second half of Wednesday's FA Cup win over West Ham after starting on the bench.
TODAY'S BIG TALKING POINT: Are United in danger of becoming over reliant on Casemiro? Have your say here.
Look back on Saturday's news, views and transfer rumours below.
Key Events
Ten Hag and Klopp issue joint statement
Isaac Johnson
That's all
Take a look back at the day's main events, updates and news.
Isaac Johnson
Virgil van Dijk on Liverpool's approach United
Virgil van Dijk has detailed how Liverpool should combat the threat of United in tomorrow's fixture.
United have lost just one league game since November while Liverpool are unbeaten in four Premier League matches albeit recently lost to Real Madrid 5-2 in the Champions League.
Van Dijk admitted United are the team in form going into the contest.
Read what he said here >>>
Isaac Johnson
Varane 'faces late fitness test' vs Liverpool
Raphael Varane apparently faces a late fitness test ahead of United's trip to Liverpool.
The defender has reportedly complained of leg pain in recent days after coming on from the bench in the second half of Wednesday's 3-1 FA Cup win over West Ham.
The Daily Mail says Erik ten Hag is hoping he will be fine to start the contest although Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof are readying themselves in case of his absence.
Isaac Johnson
Dusan Vlahovic agent 'stopped United move'
United are said to have agreed a deal for Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic in January before his agent put a stop to proceedings.
AS (via Sport Witness) says the striker was offered to United but his representative was not keen for the 23-year-old to make the switch.
Erik ten Hag ended up with Wout Weghorst on loan, who has one goal and two assists in 12 outings although United could dip for Vlahovic again this summer, the report claims.
Isaac Johnson
Weghorst given brutal nickname by teammates after Messi spat
Lisandro Martinez has revealed the nickname teammates give Wout Weghorst following his World Cup spat with Lionel Messi.
The PSG star was involved in a verbal exchange with the Dutchman after Argentina's quarter-final penalty shoot-out win over the Netherlands.
Martinez had admitted he teases the striker about the incident between him and Messi.
Read on here >>>
Isaac Johnson
Rio Ferdinand on United vs Liverpool
"This is the most confident I’ve been going into a Liverpool fixture for the last six or seven years. I think Man United are going like that [on the up] whereas Liverpool have stagnated, taken a couple of steps back.
"They’ve been on a formidable run in the last few years, but they aren’t the Liverpool team that we’ve seen in the last few years at the moment. What a time to go to Anfield. It’s the best place to win as a Man United player."
Isaac Johnson
'Third bidder invited to Old Trafford for takeover talks'
A report from the Daily Mail claims that Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani and an undisclosed third bidder have been vinted to Old Trafford for takeover talks over the next fortnight.
US hedge fund Elliott Management Investments and Oaktree Capital and MSD Partners have been linked with investment interests although neither are spying a full takeover.
It's thought there is frustration from bidders about the lack of financial insight provided by the club despite it being more than two weeks since the initial 'soft deadline'.
Isaac Johnson
Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sheikh Jassim enter 'next stage' of takeover bidding
Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani and Sir Jim Ratcliffe have reportedly entered the second stage of the Manchester United takeover process.
MEN Sport revealed last month that all initial bids were indicative only and that a second phase would see bidders allowed access to a 'data room' where financial documents could be viewed.
The Telegraph tonight reports that both bidders have been told they have made it through to this stage but are yet to be presented with any further insight into club finances.
It claims bidders have signed a non-disclosure agreement although the takeover race is said to be intensifying and the Glazers wish to see the process over by April.
The report further adds it is unclear whether two investment-linked entities - US hedgefund Elliott Management Investments and Oaktree Capital and MSD Partners - have made it to said second phase.
Isaac Johnson
United to put 'six players' up for sale
As many as six players are apparently to be put up for sale by Erik ten Hag this summer.
MEN Sport reported last month that Anthony Martial and Harry Maguire are considerations to be chopped.
Meanwhile, a report from Football Insider claims Scott McTominay, Donny van de Beek, Dean Henderson and Brandon Williams are set to be offered exits too.
Isaac Johnson
Nicky Butt: 'I was wrong about Casemiro'
"I didn’t think he [Casemiro] took to it that well when he started. I thought he looked heavy and sluggish. I don’t know if he had trained well before he came.
“I must admit I thought he was an ageing player leaving one big club and coming to another one for money, if I am honest. But what he has done, he looks like a proper leader, a proper guy.
“I always look at people and think I would like to play with him and he is one of them.”
Read what Nicky Butt said in full here >>>
Isaac Johnson
'Goosebumps' - Martinez on his United chant
Lisandro Martinez has shown his appreciation for the support United fans give him during matches.
The defender has become one of the first names on Erik ten Hag's teamsheet this season with his performances at centre-half this season.
The Argentine has thanked supporters for their role in his displays.
Read what he said here >>>
Isaac Johnson
Why potential Qatar takeover is dividing United fans
Co-director of human rights group FairSquare, Nick McGeehan, says a Qatar-led takeover of Manchester United would be “tremendously dangerous” for both the club and the city amid a bid from one of the country's high-ranked bankers, Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani.
“There are obvious reasons why the Qataris would want a club like Manchester United - Manchester United is the type of club that obviously they would want to use as a vehicle for their interests,” he said.
“I do think it’s tremendously dangerous and sets a precedent for English and European football. Then there’s ramifications for Manchester the city itself, which I think need to be considered."
Read the full piece here >>>
Isaac Johnson
United 'set price' for McTominay
United are reportedly willing to let Scott McTominay leave this summer with the hopes of reaping around £25-£30m for the midfielder.
The academy graduate has played 28 games this season but started just 12 of them with Fred, Casemiro, Christian Eriksen and January recruit Marcel Sabitzer ahead of him in the pecking order.
90min claims a number of Premier League clubs hold an interest in the 26-year-old and United would be open to allowing him to exit.
MEN Sport understands, as well as a striker, Erik ten Hag is also keen on a new midfielder this summer and that there are likely to be more departues than arrivals next window.
Read more about that here >>>
Dan Brown
THROWBACK: Sancho goal vs Liverpool
Still in awe of @Sanchooo10's nerve #MUFC || #PL
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) March 4, 2023
Dan Brown
OPINION: Ten Hag's praise shows players deserve recognition too
A trip to Anfield this weekend is a reminder of just how far this team has progressed under the stewardship of Erik ten Hag. Eight players who started the dismal 4-0 defeat against Liverpool back in April, remain at the club today. While the likes of Anthony Elanga and Harry Maguire are unlikely to start on Sunday, players such as David de Gea, Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford still hold prominent roles in this squad. They were all called out by Roy Keane after that annihilation, as he exposed the squad's failings for the world to see.
Click here to read the full story.
Dan Brown
United 'continue to monitor' Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa
United are reportedly interested in signing Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa and have been scouting him regularly.
As reported by Portuguese newspaper O Jogo, the 23-year-old shot-stopper is a target for several clubs in Europe, with the Reds said to be the favourites to sign Costa.
It adds that the club's scouts have been a 'regular presence' at the Estadio do Dragao this season.
Dan Brown
Biancheri scores on his debut for United Under 18s
GOAL! Gabriele Biancheri scores on his debut! pic.twitter.com/qPUYmBYQNj
— utdreport Academy (@utdreportAcad) March 4, 2023
Dan Brown
Why potential Qatar takeover is dividing fans
Co-director of human rights group FairSquare, Nick McGeehan, says a Qatar-led takeover of Manchester United would be “tremendously dangerous” for both the club and the city amid a bid from one of the country's high-ranked bankers, Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani.
Click here to read the full story.
Dan Brown
Cody Gakpo looks ahead to United clash
— Anfield Watch (@AnfieldWatch) March 4, 2023Cody Gakpo on Liverpool vs Manchester United:
"Obviously for us it’s a big, big game, we need the three points again, especially at home, so we can continue the run we are making at the moment. It’s a big game, I think everybody knows it." #lfc [lfc] pic.twitter.com/m48Ze4sr8M
Dan Brown
Rio Ferdinand discusses Man United vs Liverpool
Speaking on BT Sport, Ferdinand said:
"This is the most confident I’ve been going into a Liverpool fixture for the last six or seven years. I think Man United are going like that [on the up] whereas Liverpool have stagnated, taken a couple of steps back. They’ve been on a formidable run in the last few years, but they aren’t the Liverpool team that we’ve seen in the last few years at the moment. What a time to go to Anfield. It’s the best place to win as a Man United player."
Dan Brown
ICYMI: United 'revive interest' in Barcelona midfielder De Jong
According to the Guardian, Frenkie de Jong is again a transfer target for United, however, it is thought that the Dutchman is not currently seeking a move away from Spain.
De Jong, who came close to a move to Old Trafford last summer, has made 32 appearances for Xavi's side this term. Erik ten Hag is keen to bolster his midfield, and the 25-year-olc could provide competition for the first-choice Casemiro and Christian Eriksen.
Dan Brown
Eriksen nominated for award
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) March 4, 2023Proud of you, @ChrisEriksen8
Our no.14 has been nominated for the @LaureusSport Comeback of the Year award! #MUFC
Jack Flintham
Pick your United team to face Liverpool
Pick the team
Jack Flintham
REPORT - United getting 'closer and closer' to Bundesliga signing
According to Caught Offside, United are becoming increasingly confident of signing Jeremie Frimpong.
The Bayer Leverkusen man has five goals and seven assists in 30 appearances this season from the right-back or right-side of midfield position.
It is claimed that Ten Hag knows Frimpong well and wishes to make the Dutchman a member of the United squad.
Jack Flintham
Guardiola claims United are in the title
Speaking ahead of his side's clash with Newcastle, Guardiola confirmed that United are back and in the title race.
He told BT Sport:
They are back. Some are happy, this reunion, happier than the other ones, but it should happen sooner or later. I said a month ago United is back. Their body language, how they celebrate the goals, the commitment, how they run for each other - in the past it was not like that - you feel that this is United, come on. Sooner or later they should be back. The strange thing about [the last] seven or eight years is that they were not there. That was the big surprise for me when I arrived seven years ago.
Read more from Guardiola here.
Jack Flintham
REPORT - United continue to monitor Tammy Abraham
According to iNews, United are continuing to monitor Roma's English striker.
Abraham has scored seven goals in 33 appearances for Jose Mourinho's side this season.
It is claimed that although United are monitoring Abraham is not their main target.
Jack Flintham
How United are expected to line-up vs Liverpool
Luke Shaw and Casemiro are both expected to start on Sunday against Liverpool in the Premier League.
United are in great form going into the clash at Anfield and find themselves third.
Liverpool meanwhile have struggled this season and sit sixth, ten points behind the Reds.
Here is how we expect United to line-up this weekend.
Jack Flintham
Ferdinand admits to feeling confident ahead of Liverpool clash
BT Sport pundit Rio Ferdinand admits that he is not feeling nervous ahead of United's clash with Liverpool on Sunday.
Speaking ahead of Manchester City vs Newcastle, Ferdinand said:
Nervous? This is the most confident I’ve been going into a Liverpool game for probably the last six or seven years. This is the most confident I’ve been. I think Man United are on (the way up) whereas Liverpool have stagnated and taken a couple of steps backwards. They’ve been on a formidable run in the last few years, but they aren’t the Liverpool team that we’ve seen in the last few years at the moment.
Jack Flintham
Vote for United's player of the month
Fans' Footballer of the Year
Richard Fay
United 'have been in touch' over Zaha move
United are being linked with a sensational swoop to re-sign Wilfried Zaha this summer.
London World report that Tottenham are confident of securing Zaha’s signature when his Crystal Palace contract expires at the end of the season, but say that United have also been in touch with the player’s representatives, along with AS Roma.
