BILLIONAIRE hedge fund manager Leon Cooperman has secured a stake in Manchester United after buying 1million shares for $17m (£13.5m).
The news of the 80-year-old's investment comes with theannouncement for Jim Ratcliffe's deal for 25% of the club expected within days.Cooperman has with a net worth of over £2bn.
Elsewhere, United have been handed a major boost in the hunt for Kylian Mbappe.
Real Madrid – favourites to sign the PSG superstar – cannot afford his wages when his contract runs out next summer, according to reports.
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- By Ian Tuckey
Sir Jim prepared to offload Casemiro
Casemiro could be on his way out of United, talkSPORT suggest.
The Brazi midfielder arrived at Old Trafford in the summer of 2022 for £70million.
He was instrumental in helping Erik ten Hag's side win the Carabao Cup, finish third in the Premier League and reach the FA Cup final last season. However, the 31-year-old has struggled to find his best form again this season – with a hamstring injury ruling him out until Christmas.
And in a bid to freshen up the squad, incoming minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe will be open to letting the midfielder leave.
According to talkSPORT, the former Real Madrid star is being eyed up for a big-money move to Saudi Arabia.
Four clubs in the Gulf State are owned by Newcastle owners PIF.
This has seen a number of stars flock to the Saudi Pro League.
Casemiro's departure could come along with attacking trio Jadon Sancho, Antony and Anthony Martial, who SunSport revealed are all up for sale under Ratcliffe's transfer plans.
The British billionaire, 71, is also the owner of Ligue 1 outfit Nice, for whom United target Jean-Clair Tobido currently plays.
- By Ian Tuckey
It all Add's up to interest from United
Manchester United are being linked with an AZ Alkmaar 18-year-old yet to play senior football.
Football Transfers say the Red Devils are amongst the leading admirers of AZ's youth-team goal-machine Jayden Addai.
The winger has notched 10 goals and four assists from 13 games for the Under-19s this season.
And he caught the eye in the Dutch club's incredible triumph in the UEFA Youth League last term.
After dispatching Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Sporting Lisbon, Alkmaar thumped Hajduk Split 5-0 in the final.
AZboss Pascal Jansen has hailed Addai as a "great talent".
Jansen also told De Telegraaf: "He is a good player, so I hope he shows up in 30-plus games in the KKD [Dutch youth league]. I hope that he can standout there.”
- By Ian Tuckey
United 'watch top Prem target Neves'
Manchester United and Arsenal are amongst Premier League giants linked to 19-year-old Benfica starlet Joao Neves.
Manchester City and Liverpool are also said to be interested in the midfielder, 19, who made his Portugal debut last month.
Credit: Getty 90min's Graeme Bailey reckons United scouted the Benfica academy product last weekend.
Bailey wrote on X: “Joao Neves impresses Premier League scouts as Benfica see off Sporting. Man City, Man Utd, Liverpool and Arsenal all checked on the Portuguese midfield starlet on Sunday.”
- By Ian Tuckey
If you can't stand the tweet, get out of the kitchen
Ex-Arsenal defender Bacary Sagna has told footballers to expect abuse as well as praise if they use social media.
The Frenchman, 40, believes players should be aware of the "positives and dangers" of such online exchanges.
He told Paddy Power: “Social media wasn’t as much of an issue when I was a player.
"Tweeting after the game was sometimes forbidden but the world has changed.
"If they have social media, they have to be able to take the criticism on it when they’re not performing.
“Players are old enough to understand the positives and the dangers of social media but it’s part of the game now. When they use it, they have to be ready for the critics.”
- By Dylan Terry
Second-tier De Gea?
Former Manchester United keeper David de Gea could be set for a shock move to the Spanish SECOND TIER, according to reports.
The Spaniard left Old Trafford in the summer after 12 years as his contract expired and he was not offered another one.
Since then, De Gea, 33, has been unable to find a club.
SunSport recently revealed Erik ten Hag's men were considering a remarkable U-turn by re-signing the Spanish shot-stopper. He is also said to have met with Real Betis.
However, Marca say De Gea has met with Eldense chiefs – a Spanish side who sit 11th in LaLiga Hypermotion.
The keeper was in Alicante last week for a meeting with the team's bosses as he sought to understand their project and vision.
It is understood Eldense would be keen to sign De Gea.
But there is also a belief De Gea's interest in the club may come in the form of ownership.
Eldense president Pascual Perez recently revealed he intends to sell his majority stake.
And De Gea could see the club as an attractive organisation to invest in.
- By Ian Tuckey
'Keane a hypocrite for Fernandes blast'
Arsenal cult hero Bacary Sagna claims Roy Keane is a hypocrite for slating Bruno Fernandes' captaincy of Manchester United.
The ex-France defender, 40, not only reckons Fernandes' "temper" makes him an ideal choice, he also believes Keane was a legendary United skipper for identical reasons!
Former Manchester City star Sagna told Paddy Power: “When it’s not going well, the captain has to speak up and Roy Keane was the same.
"He would always argue before games so I'm not sure he’s the best person to talk because I've seen him arguing with his own players and with people like Patrick Vieira.
“Roy Keane was a top captain and leader, but he was also not always great towards his players. I would back up Bruno Fernandes because you need someone with a bit of a temper!”
It follows ex-midfield hardman Keane saying of Fernandes: "The first thing I would do is take the captaincy off him.
"I know it's a big decision but Fernandes is not captain material.
"He's a talented player, but what I saw today – he's whingeing, he's moaning, he's throwing his arms up in the air constantly – it really isn't acceptable."
- By Joshua Hall
Seaman spotlights regular Onana error
Arsenal goalkeeping legend David Seaman has highlighted a mistake that both Manchester United stopper Andre Onana and Aston Villa's Emiliano Martinez continuously mae.
The legendary goalkeeper knows a thing or two about keeping the ball out of the net and has identified where the two Premier League shot-stoppers are going wrong.
Onana has faced a barrage of criticism for a number of high profile errors since joining Manchester United for £47m this summer.
World Cup winner Martinez came under fire for failing to keep out a savable effort from Orel Mangala during Villa's 2-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest.
And Seaman thinks the Argentina international could have done much better if he'd used two hands, citing Onana as another keeper that regularly makes the same mistake.
In an exclusive interview with LuckyBlock.com, he said: "I saw that goal and I'll tell you who else has been getting away with it is Andre Onana.
"He did a couple over the weekend and got away with it. You could easily get two hands there. Control the direction of where you're going to actually push the ball as well, not just knock it back into play.
"It's a big thing that I have at Arsenal with the young goalies is to be aware of where you're pushing the ball to."
- By Joshua Hall
Surprise as US billionaire buys into Red Devils
US billionaire Leon Cooperman has invested in United in a major twist to the takeover saga.
The former hedge fund manager has bought almost ONE MILLION shares in the Red Devils for around £13.5million.
And he could invest more in the future with his net worth reportedly sitting at well over £2BILLION.
The American is the founder of Omega Advisors which is based in New York City.
The news comes just days before British billionaire businessman Sir Jim Ratcliffe is set to secure his 25 per cent takeover of the club.
Cooperman's reported stake will be significantly less than that owned by Ratcliffe who is expected to pay £1.4billion for his quarter control of the Manchester giants.
- By Ian Tuckey
Ratcliffe could cash in on Casemiro
Casemiro could be on his way out of United, talkSPORT suggest.
The Brazi midfielder arrived at Old Trafford in the summer of 2022 for £70million.
He was instrumental in helping Erik ten Hag's side win the Carabao Cup, finish third in the Premier League and reach the FA Cup final last season.
However, the 31-year-old has struggled to find his best form again this season – with a hamstring injury ruling him out until Christmas.
And in a bid to freshen up the squad, incoming minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe will be open to letting the midfielder leave.
According to talkSPORT, the former Real Madrid star is being eyed up for a big-money move to Saudi Arabia.
Four clubs in the Gulf State are owned by Newcastle owners PIF.
This has seen a number of stars flock to the Saudi Pro League.
Casemiro's departure could come along with attacking trio Jadon Sancho, Antony and Anthony Martial, who SunSport revealed are all up for sale under Ratcliffe's transfer plans.
The British billionaire, 71, is also the owner of Ligue 1 outfit Nice, for whom United target Jean-Clair Tobido currently plays.
- By Ian Tuckey
Rasmus in Theatre of No Dreams
Ex-England striker Alan Shearer believes Rasmus Hojlund will be having “sleepless nights” over still not bagging a Prem goal.
United's £72million summer buy does at least have five Champions League goals to his name.
But BBC pundit Shearer told the Rest is Football podcast: “I feel a bit sorry for him. He shouldn’t be in the position he is in, in terms of the fee that’s been paid for him and the pressure that is on him.
Credit: Getty “He should be one that is in, then out, using him as a substitute and starting him here and there. They should have a big hitter in there so I do have a bit of sympathy for him.
“I do see that there is a potential goal-scorer in there. He will be having sleepless nights because of what is happening in front of goal in the Premier League.
"It looks like he’ll be injured now with his hamstring, but there’s definitely something there.”
- By Alex Smith
Stat attack
Mason Mount has struggled to adapt to life at Man Utd and stats back up Louis Saha's concerns over his lack of impact on the team.
The ex-Chelsea star is yet to score or register an assist for the Red Devils since his £60m move.
And he is also still waiting to get a shot on target and create a big chance in the Premier League.
Mount's passing impact is also not good reading with him struggling to get on the ball enough to play a key role in United's build-up and he certainly isn't receiving possession in advanced areas.
BEST PAL How Chelsea won big as £40m Palmer dazzles while £125m Mount and Havertz struggle
- By Alex Smith
Mount's role baffling
Ex-United star Louis Saha has been left scratching his head over Mason Mount's role.
He told Betfred: "I think there may be a misunderstanding about where Mount fits into the team positionally.
"When he plays in the centre of midfield, he seems like he’s too far advanced up the pitch when he should be protecting pockets of space that leave his team exposed.
"I personally don’t understand his position.
"He should be coming in late like Paul Scholes used to do and I’m not seeing that in his game."
- By Alex Smith
Mount-ing issues
Louis Saha has hit out at Mason Mount and believes he is escaping criticism.
He told Betfred: "I get asked a lot to comment on players, especially the likes of Rashford and Antony, but is there some sort of protection over Mount?
"Mount should have an important role in this team, but nobody can understand his impact.
"In his first six months at Man Utd, Antony was already under fire, so can somebody tell me why the press are okay with Mount not playing well?
"It seems fine that he’s not playing well, why is there not the same level of criticism for Mount than there is for Antony? I just don’t understand it.
"Mount should be a big player for Manchester United like Rashford or Antony, so I don’t understand why those two get the intense criticism but Mount doesn’t when he’s not performing at all.
"He’s not scoring goals, he’s not assisting and nobody’s speaking about it."
Credit: getty - By Alex Smith
Best United signings ever
Man Utd's top signings of all time have been named by football magazine FourFourTwo.
And fans quickly noticed that not a single acquisition post-Sir Alex Ferguson made the top 20.
See who came out on top and the full list here:
SIGN OF THE TIMES Man Utd's top 20 signings ever named as fans notice 'none post Sir Alex'
- By Alex Smith
Keane back to management?
Roy Keane should be the next Ireland manager, claims former Premier League star Dietmar Hamann.
Current boss Stephen Kenny is expected to depart later this month after matches against the Netherlands and New Zealand.
Keane, 52, was assistant to Martin O'Neill between 2013 and 2018 – helping his country qualify for Euro 2016.
With Ireland having endured a dismal few years, Hamann reckons that the Manchester United legend could reinvigorate them.
- By Alex Smith
Keeping company
David De Gea has been enjoying some time with Manchester United star Sergio Reguilon.
The Spanish goalkeeper is searching for a new club since departing from the Red Devils when his contract ran out in the summer.
But in the meantime, De Gea has continued to make appearances in Manchester.
And last night he played padel with his compatriot as they shared a snap on social media.
- By Alex Smith
Raph patch
Rio Ferdinand thinks Raphael Varane is perplexed as to why he has fallen down the pecking order.
Ferdinand said on his Vibe with FIVE Youtube show: "We don’t know. If he’s on the bench, you think he must be fit.
"But I know that Varane is waking up and his head has got scramblers going off it in, because he’s thinking 'I’ve banged out five Champions League medals, I’ve played an integral part in all of those.
"I’ve played with the best players in the world, I’ve come to Man United and Jonny Evans is starting in front of me."
- By Alex Smith
Ferdinand's Ratcliffe concerns
Rio Ferdinand has raised concerns over Sir Jim Ratcliffe's transfer plans ahead of his 25 per cent takeover.
The 71-year-old is set to be in charge of football operations at Man Utd and has Crystal Palace chief Dougie Freedman on his radar as he looks set to overhaul transfers.
But Ferdinand is not convinced by his work, saying to the Vibe with Five show: "His name has come out of left field. No disrespect, but I don't remember anyone saying 'wow, look at what Palace are doing.'
"Paul Mitchell, I get it, he has a history of doing good things and the same with Michael Edwards, Julian Ward at Liverpool, so has Dan Ashworth with England and then Brighton and now at Newcastle.
"You can understand that but nobody says that about Palace.
"Michael Olise, Eberechi Eze and Marc Guehi are three players you look at that have been good signings but for everyone one of those, there are others that haven't worked.
"They don't have a reputation that makes you understand why United would go for him."
FER REAL? Ferdinand baffled by Ratcliffe's Man Utd transfer plan and questions first move
- By Alex Smith
Palmer on Rooney
Cole Palmer's footballing hero is Wayne Rooney.
The Chelsea star said: “What a player. When I was growing up I used to watch all the football and the one that sticks in my mind is Rooney.
“Ever since I was a little kid he has been my footballing hero.”
ROOINED Palmer breaks City hearts again as Chelsea ace is Man Utd fan who idolised Rooney
- By Alex Smith
Palmer was a United fan
Cole Palmer grew up worshipping Wayne Rooney and has also been mentored by Raheem Sterling.
Now the Chelsea star is set to emulate both his heroes after Gareth Southgate handed the in-form forward a first senior England call-up.
But the attacker — from Wythenshawe in Manchester — admits despite growing up playing for City’s academy, he was a huge fan of United and their 253-goal all-time record scorer Rooney as a kid.
- By Alex Smith
United's Todibo loan ban
Man Utd will not be allowed to sign Jean-Clair Todibo from Nice on loan.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe's imminent investment at Old Trafford could help make a deal more straightforward for the defender.
But Premier League clubs are looking to push through a ban on loans between sides which are part of the same ownership group ahead of the January window.
The rule looks set to stop Newcastle from signing Al-Hilal's Ruben Neves on loan due to the Saudi Arabian connection.
- By Alex Smith
Chelsea in Todibo race
Chelsea are also interested in Jean-Clair Todibo from Nice.
They view him as a replacement to Thiago Silva, who could leave Stamford Bridge at the end of the season aged 39.
Previous reports have hinted that Todibo could cost clubs around £40m-£50m.
- By Alex Smith
BREAKING: Rashford to join England late
Marcus Rashford will link up with the England squad late due to "personal matters".
The Three Lions face Malta at Wembley on Friday night before taking on North Macedonia away on Monday.
Kalvin Phillips will also join the team later this week.
The FA confirmed the pair's delay at the same time that Jude Bellingham and Levi Colwill pulled out of the squad.
Boss Gareth Southgate had already been hit with a trio of withdrawals as James Maddison, Lewis Dunk and Callum Wilson will all miss the matches.
- By Alex Smith
EXCLUISVE: United want Todibo
Man Utd are considering a move for defender Jean-Clair Todibo from Sir Jim Ratcliffe's Nice.
The Red Devils want to sign a right-sided centre-back in January as Erik ten Hag looks to bolster his defence.
Man Utd made an approach to sign Todibo from the Ligue 1 side in the summer, but the 23-year-old later revealed he "didn’t want to make the wrong choice" having established himself at Nice.
NICE MOVE Man Utd want £35m ex-Barcelona star but 'Newcastle rule' could derail deal
- By Alex Smith
United keen on Krstovic
Man Utd are scouting 23-year-old striker Nikola Krstovic, according to reports.
The Montenegro international was scoring goals for fun in Slovakia last season and earned a move to Serie A side Leece in the summer.
He has since scored four goals in seven games.
United want to bolster their attack in January but may not have the funds to spend big.
Therefore, the highly-rated Krstovic could become a surprise arrival.
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