Live BlogUpdated: 3:30, 25 Aug 2023LUKE SHAW has handed Manchester United a major blow with news that he will be out “for an extended period”. On the takeover front, Sheikh Jassim is set to complete his £6billion takeover of Manchester United by mid-October, SunSport can exclusively reveal. And United have been handed a major boost in their pursuit of Sofyan Amrabat Fiorentina have reportedly slashed their asking price to £21million amid the Red Devils’ interest in the midfielder. PADDY POWER WELCOME OFFER – Get £20 back as cash if your first bet loses Stay up to date with all the latest from Old Trafford… ‘Amrabat ‘not working with Fiorentina squad’ No-one has bid for Manchester United and Liverpool target Sofyan Amrabat, Fiorentina claim. But the Red Devils are thougth t be lining up an approach for the Moroccan midfield hero ahead of the transfer window shutting on September 1. Credit: Getty That’s especially because £55million summer buy Mason Mount faces four to six weeks out with a new injury. Fiorentina have suggested they are ready to cash in on Amrabat as he hopes to join a larger club. Utd second favourites to land Mbappe Unsettled PSG legend Kylian Mbappe is tipped to join Real Madrid by NEXT summer – with Manchester United second favourites and Arsenal not out of the running. That’s according to the odds from bettingsites.co.uk, who rate a switch to Saudi Arabia at 10/1. The France striker, 24, is also just 4/1 to stay at PSG. Credit: Getty Neil Roarty, of bettingsites.co.uk, said: “The uncertainty surrounding Kylian Mbappe’s future has been raging on for some time and we’re still not much closer to knowing where his long-term future lies. “It now appears Manchester United could swoop in for the Frenchman if Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani’s takeover of the club goes through, which is why we make them 3/1 to be the club that Mbappe will be representing come the end of next summer’s transfer window. “Real Madrid have long been linked with a move for Mbappe for years, which is why we make them the 2/1 favourites, while he could well stick around at PSG for the foreseeable future and they are 3/1 in the betting.” Mbappe’s club on September 1 2024 – odds: Real Madrid 2/1Man Utd 3/1PSG 4/1Chelsea 8/1Any Saudi club 10/1Arsenal 14/1Liverpool 20/1Barcelona 25/1Newcastle 25/1Any MLS club 33/1Man City 33/1Bayern Munich 50/1 Altay tipped for Red Devils Turkey goalkeeper is reportedly convinced he is departing Fenerbahce for Manchester United. Journalist Yağız Sabuncuoğlu says the 25-year-old is headng in as deputy to Andre Onana. Credit: Getty Dean Henderson is unsettled after coming back from his Nottingham Forest loan spell still as United’s No2 But with Tom Heaton out crocked, Henderson is needed for the time being. Sabuncuoğlu reckons a move for Bayindir has been progressing well in recent days. ‘Chelsea should have kept Mount’ Ex-Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder Emmanuel Petit has already decided Mason Mount should have stayed at Chelsea. England midfielder Mount now has a thigh injury after struggling in his first two United games. Petit told BettingSites.co.uk why he reckons the creator, 24, was wrong to move this summer. I was very frustrated Mason Mount asked to leave Chelsea. We could feel his frustration for months last season. He was injured for a while and he didn’t play too many games towards the end. His contract issues had been really poorly managed by the club. I think he is suffering from last season right now and the fact that he signed for Manchester United means he is under huge pressure. He has been struggling in midfield and Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount is not working at all at the moment. Maybe it will work in the future but at the moment it’s not working at all. With all the money that Chelsea have spent in the last eighteen months they are not able to give a proper respectful contract to one of their homegrown English players? Emmanuel Petit Shaw crocked and out for ‘extended period’ Luke Shaw faces an ‘extended period’ out. The Athletic say Manchester United’s England left-back has suffered a muscular injury. He is still being assessed but could be sidelined for weeks. Red Devils handed ‘last Pavard chance’ Manchester United could get one more bite at signing Benjamin Pavard. The Red Devils appeared to have lost out to Inter Milan for the Bayern Munich centre-back. But the German giants have been hesitant to sell as they look for a possible replacement. And that hold-up has reportedly given United a new shot at the 27-year-old Frenchman. Red Devils handed ‘last Pavard chance’ Manchester United could get one more bite at signing Benjamin Pavard. The Red Devils appeared to have lost out to Inter Milan for the Bayern Munich centre-back. But the German giants have been hesitant to sell as they look for a possible replacement. And that hold-up has reportedly given United a new shot at the 27-year-old Frenchman. Bruno treatment of Pellistri ’embarrassing’ Bruno Fernandes has been blasted for his “embarrassing” treatment of young Manchester United team-mate Facundo Pellistri. Pundit Micah Richards also believes the body language of new skipper Fernandes “disturbs” other United players. Richards was unhappy with the Portuguese midfielder’s reaction after Pellistri came on during Saturday’s 2-0 defeat at Tottenham. The ex-Manchester City defender told The Rest Is Football podcast: “Fernandes is trying to get his team playing and I totally understand he’s frustrated. “Pellistri made a run, Fernandes didn’t see him and [so] he made a different run but because he wasn’t where [Fernandes] wanted him to be, he’s going off at Pellestri. “It’s every time. I saw an interview with him the other day and he said he needs to be emotional when he performs because it makes him play better. “But I feel like his body language on the pitch is disturbing the rest of the team and it’s just not a good look at all. It’s pathetic at times.” Albanians linked with shock approach for Greenwood Another foreign team is showing interest in offering Manchester United exile Mason Greenwood an escape after being dumped. A potential move abroad is being lined up for the former England striker after the decision to let him leave Old Trafford. Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard has rejected talk of a move to his Saudi Arabian club Al-Ettifaq. And ex-United manager Jose Mourinho has ruled out a reunion with him at Serie A side AS Roma in Italy. Yet Greenwood could be welcome at a new club abroad – but in the relative footballing backwater of Albania, talkSport reports. An unnamed side in the Balkan Peninsula nation are said to have expressed interest in the 21-year-old. Goodbye, Bay – keeper ‘prepares to join Utd’ Keeper Altay Bayindir has “said goodbye to Fenerbahce” as he prepares to join Manchester United. That’s the claim from journalist Yağız Sabuncuoğlu as the Turkey star looks to come in as Old Trafford No2 behind Andrew Onana. Dean Henderson is unhappy at returning from his Nottingham Forest loan spell still as United’s second-choice. But with Tom Heaton injured, Henderson is needed – for now at least. Sabuncuoğlu believes a deal for Bayindir has been developing over the past week or so. And he is confident the giant 25-year-old will move before the September 1 deadline. ‘Still no offer for Sofyan’ Fiorentina insist no summer offers have yet come in for reported Manchester United and Liverpool target Sofyan Amrabat. United in particular are believed to be ready to bid for the Morocco midfielder shortly before the transfer deadline on September 1. Credit: Getty That possibility has increased since new Red Devils’ creator Mason Mount was ruled out through injury for up to six weeks. And Fiorentina have already indicated they are willing to sell Amrabat as he wants a bigger challenge. Now the club’s chief executive Giuseppe Barone has told Sky: “Sofyan’s not working with the squad — but we have still not received any bid for Amrabat this summer. “If there are players who are unhappy here, we can start considering bids for them of course.” Utd loan Brandon to Ipswich Manchester United have loaned forgotten left-back Brandon Williams to Ipswich. The academy product, 22, was borrowed by Norwich two seasons ago but returned to Old Trafford to slip further out of the first-team picture. Rasmus ‘available’ but not fully fit Star summer signing Rasmus Hojlund is “available” for Saturday’s home Prem clash with Nottingham Forest. But Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag admits the £72million striker is not yet fully fit after a minor pre-season injury with Atalanta Credit: Getty Kobbie Mainoo (ankle), Amad Diallo (knee), Tom Heaton (knock) and Tyrrell Malacia (muscle) all remain out. And unsettled centre-back Harry Maguire (knock) remains a doubt. Forest could be missing Felipe (knock), Ola Aina (groin), Omar Richards (leg) and Wayne Hennessey (knee). World record bid for Mary rejected Manchester United have turned down a WORLD RECORD bid for England keeper Mary Earps. The Lionesses star, 30, was named top stopper at the Women’s World Cup and saved a penalty in last Sunday’s 1-0 final loss to Spain. And she is now attracting interest from other clubs. Sky Sports News revealed the huge offer – but without naming the club. United signed the ex-Reading keeper from Wolfsburg in 2019. Red Devils fight Mourinho for Marcos Santos striker Marcos Leonardo could end up at Manchester United ahead of Roma. La Gazzetta dello Sport claim United are planning to swoop in and steal the 20-year-old Brazilian from under the noses of old boss Jose Mourinho in Serie A. Credit: Reuters But Leonardo’s home-country club want him to stay in their fight against relegation. However, the Brazilian side opposed the transfer as they battle to avoid relegation. Roma have been working on an agreement to sign the Under-20 international in January 2024. Leonardo is already approaching 50 senior goals for Santos. La Gazzetta dello Sport suggest the Red Devils are ready to outbid Roma. United could offer £17million and £4.2m add-ons. United look to hijack Roma transfer Santos striker Marcos Leonardo could end up at Manchester United ahead of Roma. La Gazzetta dello Sport claim United are planning to swoop in and steal the 20-year-old Brazilian from under the noses of old boss Jose Mourinho in Serie A. Credit: Reuters But Leonardo’s home-country club want him to stay in their fight against relegation. However, the Brazilian side opposed the transfer as they battle to avoid relegation. Roma have been working on an agreement to sign the Under-20 international in January 2024. Leonardo is already approaching 50 senior goals for Santos. La Gazzetta dello Sport suggest the Red Devils are ready to outbid Roma. United could offer £17million and £4.2m add-ons. Happy to change from Rej Devil to Czech mate Keeper Ondrej Mastny has no regrets about leaving Manchester United – for the Czech Republic’s second division. Mastny, 21, spent five years at Old Trafford after departing home-country club Vysocina Jihlava and was loaned to Northern Irish club Portadown last season. But Mastny has now rejoined Jihlava, despite not being guaranteed first-team football and having a year left on his Red Devils contract. He said: “I certainly don’t see it as a backward step. Maybe it would be if I were 26, but not at the age of 21. “I tried to gain as much experience as possible in United’s academy, and now I want to succeed in senior football. “I have developed as a person and a footballer. Those five years have given me a lot of experience. “Sometimes it was heavy going, especially when I could not play. I wasted almost all my first season. And Covid was challenging. I wasn’t able to go home or see my parents for almost a year. “Jihlava has a great history, and is well above standard for the second division. It is pointless to compare them with United, whose size can be seen everywhere.” Happy to change from Rej Devil to Czech mate Keeper Ondrej Mastny has no regrets about leaving Manchester United – for the Czech Republic’s second division. Mastny, 21, spent five years at Old Trafford after departing home-country club Vysocina Jihlava and was loaned to Northern Irish club Portadown last season. But Mastny has now rejoined Jihlava, despite not being guaranteed first-team football and having a year left on his Red Devils contract. He said: “I certainly don’t see it as a backward step. Maybe it would be if I were 26, but not at the age of 21. “I tried to gain as much experience as possible in United’s academy, and now I want to succeed in senior football. “I have developed as a person and a footballer. Those five years have given me a lot of experience. “Sometimes it was heavy going, especially when I could not play. I wasted almost all my first season. And Covid was challenging. I wasn’t able to go home or see my parents for almost a year. “Jihlava has a great history, and is well above standard for the second division. It is pointless to compare them with United, whose size can be seen everywhere.” Man Utd & Arsenal tipped to miss top 4 Ex-Chelsea winger Florent Malouda believes Arsenal and Manchester United will NOT repeat last season’s top-four finishes. The 80-cap Frenchman, 43, tips his old club and Liverpool to squeeze into the Champions League spots – with Manchester City making it four Prem titles in a row. Malouda, 43, told Betway: “I think Chelsea will struggle to get in the top four but I think they’ll still do it. “Manchester City are above all teams in the league, then I would pick Liverpool, Newcastle and Chelsea after that. “It’s a transition season for them, but I’d pick them over Man Utd. “To make it in the top-four now is very difficult. City will be champions again.” How Utd could line up vs Forest Erik ten Hag could ditch his underperforming stars for academy talents against Nottingham Forest. Facundo Pellistri is amongst those in line for a start after coming off the bench in each of Manchester United’s first two matches. The Uruguayan winger has been linked with a loan move to Sheffield United but remains in Manchester ahead of Saturday’s match. United have made a slow start to the new Premier League season. After labouring to a 1-0 opening win against Wolves, the Red Devils were beaten by Spurs last weekend. Their performances have even prompted Ten Hag to call up four under-21 players ahead of the visit of Forest. Ten Hag made changes in training this week due to his side’s slow start and an injury to Mason Mount. The England midfielder is set to be sidelined until after the international break. Hannibal Mejbri, Isak Hansen-Aaroen, Omari Forson and Marc Jurado were all called up to first-team training ahead of the Forest match. Facundo Pellistri is hoping to finally start for the Red Devils Andre out.. at same time Mount is crocked Manchester United face being without keeper Andre Onana for at least four games – a similar length of time that midfielder Mason Mount will be out Onana is back in the International fold for Cameroon after his public fallout with manager Rigobert Song at the World Cup. He retired following the incident but reports are suggesting a U-turn is on the cards. And this may mean United could lose Onana for a month due to the African Cup of Nations. it comes as Mount is reeling from a hamstring injury. Scott set for new chance Scott McTominay could land the chance to snuff out transfer talk – as Manchester United face being without Mason Mount for up to six weeks. Mount is likely to be sidelined until after the international break, having been taken off with a hamstring problem in Saturday’s 2-0 loss at Spurs. The £55million summer buy can surely write off United’s next two Premier League matches – at home to Nottingham Forest this Saturday and a trip to Brighton on Sunday week. That should put Newcastle and West Ham target McTominay back in the first-team frame. New look for young Reds Erik ten Hag has called up four U21 players to train with the Manchester United first team following his side’s poor start to the season. The Dutch manager has rolled the dice ahead of United’s clash with Nottingham Forest this weekend by calling up four U21s players to the first team. According to Steve Railston at the Manchester Evening News, Ten Hag has asked Hannibal Mejbri, Isak Hansen-Aaroen, Omari Forson and Marc Jurado to train alongside the first team. Ten Hag may be hoping the four youngsters can add something different to his team who have been uninspiring so far this season. Hard knock life for Antony Man United winger Antony is seen fighting back tears as he talks about going through “a lot of hardship” in a trailer for an upcoming series about his life. In the 433 film presented by Puma, the Brazil international described himself as: “A boy who struggled a lot. “A boy who went through a lot of hardship.” Talking about his hometown, he added through tears: “I will carry this place here, for the rest of my life.” Mitoma tipped for Man Utd transfer BBC Sport pundit Garth Crooks has tipped Brighton star Karou Mitoma for a transfer to Man Utd. Mitoma, 26, has started the season in fine form with a goal and two assists. And Crooks, who played for United during his career, believes Mitoma is the perfect player to upgrade on Antony and Jadon Sancho. Writing his famous Team of the Week picks on the BBC website after last weekend’s action, he said on the Japanese international: “What a goal. The run, control and quality of finish against Wolves were world-class. “In fact, Mitoma has been producing this type of form with such regularity that I can’t believe he’s still on the south coast. “Manchester United have Jadon Sancho and Antony in their ranks and I haven’t seen anything like the quality or ability from either of those two players that I have seen from this lad. “How do United get it so wrong? “I accept that Old Trafford is a daunting stage and the stakes are much higher there, but Mitoma is a United player if ever I saw one.” Credit: Alamy
