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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Kyle Newbould

INEOS confirm Sir Jim Ratcliffe takeover bid as Manchester United suffer Europa League blow

Here are your Saturday evening Manchester United headlines.

Ratcliffe bid confirmed

Chemical giant INEOS has confirmed that Sir Jim Ratcliffe has submitted a bid to secure 'majority ownership' of Manchester United.

Potential buyers were asked to submit their offers ahead of Friday evening's 10pm 'soft deadline', as set out by the Raine Group, who are overseeing the sale of United on behalf of the Glazer family. Shortly before the deadline, it was confirmed that Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani had submitted an official proposal.

READ MORE:Who is Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani? Qatari banker behind United offer

Ratcliffe, who is from Greater Manchester, was also widely reported to have submitted a formal offer, as was expected. He confirmed that he would be entering the bidding process last month.

Read the statement in full here >>>

Barcelona boost

Barcelona head coach Xavi has confirmed that midfielder Sergio Busquets will be available for Thursday's Europa League knockout round second leg against Manchester United at Old Trafford.

The legendary Spaniard, who will turn 35 later this year, missed Thursday's thrilling 2-2 draw between the two clubs at Camp Nou through injury. He was ruled out of the meeting with the Reds because of an ankle problem he had sustained earlier this month.

Fortunately for the Spanish giants, however, they have strength in depth in midfield and Xavi was able to call upon United transfer target Frenkie de Jong, Franck Kessie and highly-rated youngsters Gavi and Pedri, all of whom started. However, Pedri was forced off during the first half with a muscular injury, for which he is expected to be sidelined for up to a month.

Read the full story here >>>

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