Manchester United's ownership picture took another twist today with a Finnish businessman entering the race.
Thomas Zilliacus is ready to throw his hat into the ring and test the Glazer's resolve as they weigh up their options having delayed their deadline for second bids. The Finn wants to mount an offer that also includes fan ownership, insisting the club belongs to the fans.
His comments come amid good news regarding Christian Eriksen, who is edging closer to a return having been sidelined for several months. The Red Devils' resources are being tested through injury and suspension as they target more silverware in what has been a progressive season.
Here's the latest from Old Trafford.
New bidder enters the race
Finnish entrepreneur Zilliacus is ready to submit bid for Manchester United that will see fan ownership introduced.
The Glazers are currently open to potential sale options, with a minority investor also an options for the Americans, with interest so far coming from Britain's richest man, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, and Qatari businessman, Sheikh Jassim. Following Wednesday's deadline, both have been granted an extension to submit their second bid with another new bidder coming to the table.
Zilliacus had made his riches through novaM Group, a new social media group, and is ready to submit his offer through XXI Century Capital, an investment firm owned by his holding company. The Finn's unique bid comes via his fan involvement, which will be hugely appealing to supporters.
United chose not to pay cash for Van Dijk
United could have beaten rivals Liverpool to the signing of Virgil van Dijk back in 2018 only for the Glazers to stand in the way of a big-money move.
The Red Devils were linked with a swoop for the Dutch defender before he sealed a £75m move to Anfield from Southampton in January 2018. He proved to be the catalyst for the success that has been experienced under Jurgen Klopp.
He has helped the Merseyside outfit to the Premier League and Champions League titles, but it could've been so different had United swooped in when Jose Mourinho was looking for a new centre-half - but the Special One knew the owners would never have produced the money.
Eriksen takes another recovery step
Eriksen has provided Red Devils fans with a positive injury update by posting an image on social media.
Two weeks ago, Erik ten Hag confirmed the Denmark international, who has brought more class to United's midfield alongside Casemiro, would return before the end of the season. Now the former Tottenham man has revealed he has ditched his protective boot for a football one by uploading before and after pictures to his Instagram.
It means Eriksen has finally returned to grass training, which is timely given that Casemiro is serving a four-match ban with United still in three different competitions as they look to tie up a spot in the top four having dropped points in recents weeks.
