United In Focus

Manchester United’s Premier League rivals Tottenham are being linked with a majority takeover deal after a boardroom reshuffle.

It has been over 18 months since the change of ownership at Manchester United when Sir Jim Ratcliffe completed a £1.25bn takeover to purchase a minority stake in the club.

Ratcliffe now owns around 29% of United but, importantly, has complete sporting control with the Glazer family happy to take a back seat.

During the takeover saga, Sir Jim Ratcliffe went head-to-head with Qatar’s Sheikh Jassim and came out on top. Jassim was linked with a Tottenham takeover before and after his interest in United.

Spurs recently announced the departure of long-term chairman Daniel Levy, which has sparked rumours of a potential takeover on the horizon.

Tottenham’s £4bn takeover valuation suits Sir Jim Ratcliffe

Tottenham have confirmed interest in a takeover, but current owners ENIC have also claimed that the club is definitely not for sale.

However, the Daily Mail report that interested parties value Tottenham around £4 billion with a takeover not entirely ruled out.

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In comparison, Ratcliffe’s bid for United valued the Red Devils at around £5 billion. Jassim submitted a £5bn proposal during the takeover saga, but ultimately it was Ratcliffe’s offer that was preferred by the Glazers.

As reported by The Athletic, it has been strongly suggested that Ratcliffe eventually wants full control at United by continuing to buy shares from the Glazer family.

Ratcliffe has a ‘right of first offer’ on any shares the Glazers try to sell, which puts him in a good position to continue building his ownership stake at Old Trafford.

If he had any concerns about any other bidders coming in, or the Glazers raising the price, the Tottenham valuation suggests that he is already paying a premium rate for shares in United.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe can continue building Man United stake

Ratcliffe’s infrastructure investment at United has already boosted his ownership to around 29%, and it doesn’t look as though he will stop there.

The price of purchased shares so far value United at around £5bn, and the Glazers must be pleased with that price when compared to Tottenham.

Tottenham have a new £1.2bn state-of-the-art stadium capable of bringing in hundreds of millions in revenue, a London location and revenue streams from European football.

United in Focus recently spoke to Kinnaird Sports Intelligence and their model valued United at just £1.75bn which suggests Ratcliffe is massively overpaying.

Ultimately, the Glazers should be delighted if Ratcliffe continues to buy up their shares at the current price. That is a win-win for all involved.

Tottenham’s stunning acquisition of Joao Palhinha from Bayern Munich has had a direct knock-on effect for one ‘heavily linked’ Manchester United player, according to sensational reports.

Joao Palhinha was subject to Manchester United’s interest this summer and the Tottenham summer signing is all too familiar with Red Devils boss Ruben Amorim.

The 30-year-old midfielder played under the United manager during his loan spell at Braga, with Ruben Amorim in charge at the Primeira Liga club at the time.

Palhinha would link up again with Amorim after the Portuguese coach left his role at Braga and became the head coach of Primeira Liga outfit Sporting CP in 2020.

Fast-forward to the 2025 summer transfer window and United had been linked with Palhinha, but a move for the Portuguese defensive midfielder failed to materialise.

Joao Palhinha’s move from Bayern Munich to Tottenham has caused a potential roadblock for Man Utd

Manchester United’s reluctance to sign Joao Palhinha allowed Premier League side Tottenham to swoop in for the out-of-favour Bayern Munich star last week.

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Tottenham completed their signing of the Portugal international on a season-long loan deal, with an option to make Palhinha’s move permanent to England in 2026.

Bayern’s asking price for a permanent deal is set at £25.9m for midfielder Palhinha, who had only arrived at the Bundesliga champions last summer from Fulham.

According to CF Bayern Insider, Palhinha’s move to Tottenham from Bayern has now thrown a spanner in the works for United-linked midfielder Leon Goretzka.

The outlet claims that Leon Goretzka is now ‘expected to stay at the Allianz Arena’ for the forthcoming Bundesliga campaign with the German champions.

It has been added that United were ‘heavily linked’ with the 30-year-old German midfielder at one time and there ‘were suggestions’ that Bayern could sell Goretzka.

Bayern Munich’s transfer stance on Leon Goretzka after Man Utd-linked Joao Palhinha made his exit to Tottenham

Leon Goretzka is under contract with Bayern Munich until 2026 and there had been rumbling that the German side could cash in on him now ahead of his deal expiring.

CF Bayern Insider said that the Germany midfielder ‘fought back brilliantly’ amid rumours around his exit last season and secured his ‘spot back’ in the starting XI.

The publication reports that the ‘perception’ around Goretzka has now ‘changed’ and there is ‘no way’ that Bayern would sell the midfielder after Palhinha’s departure.

Goretzka has been at the Allianz Arena since 2018 after his exit from German side Schalke and is now a key part of manager Vincent Kompany’s plans at Bayern.

Manchester United finally snapped up Bryan Mbeumo this week as Ruben Amorim landed a major addition to his attack.

Manchester United’s pursuit of Bryan Mbeumo dragged on and on, with fans left concerned that the deal would ultimately collapse.

Mbeumo wanted to join United and made his desire clear in June, but it still took around six weeks for United to thrash out a deal.

Now fully signed, sealed and delivered, Mbeumo will wear number 19 at Old Trafford and will make his first appearance during the tour of the United States.

United may still chase further attacking additions, but landing proven Premier League attackers in Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha is an enormous boost.

Paul Merson on Bryan Mbeumo to Manchester United

United were not exactly alone in the race for Mbeumo, which is no surprise given his proven Premier League record.

Reports suggest that Chelsea wanted to sign Mbeumo and tried to hijack United’s move.

Mbeumo held out for United, but one other potential move could have been appealing.

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Tottenham Hotspur were interested in Mbeumo, having appointed his former Brentford boss Thomas Frank as their new manager this summer.

Spurs couldn’t sway Mbeumo’s mind, with pundit Paul Merson now admitting that he got it wrong over the Cameroon forward.

In a video posted on X, Merson noted that he thought Mbeumo would prefer to join Tottenham.

Merson pointed to Champions League football and the ability to stay in London, believing that Mbeumo would choose Spurs over United.

Merson feels that Mbeumo has moved a long way to risk not winning anything, seemingly believing that he will struggle to win trophies at United.

The former Arsenal man added that he thinks Mbeumo is a ‘top player’ and a ‘great signing’ for United, having added goals to his game last season.

“I’m getting a little bit of stick at the moment about Bryan Mbeumo, about going to Man Utd… I said he’d pick Tottenham over Man Utd,” said Merson.

“I thought he would. I thought he might want to play in the Champions League, and he’s lived in London while playing for Brentford. I thought he might want to stay, but he chose to play for Man Utd, where… it’s a long way to go if you’re not going to win anything; better off staying at Tottenham and winning nothing.

“That was my opinion, I got that wrong. Fair to play him, he’s a top player. I’ve always liked him; I just didn’t think he scored enough goals, but last season he brought goals to his game.

“I think he’s a very, very good player, so he’s a great signing for Man Utd in my opinion,” he added.

Manchester United’s pulling power on show this summer

Merson won’t have been the only person questioning Mbeumo’s move to Old Trafford.

Even the most ardent of United fans would accept that the club isn’t exactly in its most appealing state right now.

No European football at all, never mind the Champions League, back-to-back seasons outside of the top seven… United are a long way away from the glory days under Sir Alex Ferguson.

Players like Mbeumo and Cunha are still willing to join United, though, and will have a firm belief that they can turn the club around.

United still have major pulling power, and for Mbeumo to snub other Premier League clubs just goes to show that there is still an appeal at Old Trafford.

Mbeumo will now be desperate to prove that he made the right choice and take United back to glory in the coming years.

Manchester United are powering ahead with plans to build a 100,000-seater stadium in the next five years.

Concept images of a 100,000-seater stadium were revealed back in March, with Manchester United opting for a new venue rather than refurbishing Old Trafford.

The stadium is expected to cost £2bn, but there are growing concerns about the funding as well as the projected timeline. After initially setting an opening date of 2030, recent reports suggest United’s stadium could be delayed a further year.

One option is for Ineos to strike a stadium naming rights deal to help fund the construction project, and as the biggest and best stadium in the country, Sir Jim Ratcliffe will hope for a very lucrative deal.

£375m Tottenham naming rights deal will interest Man United

United are at the very beginning of their stadium project, but one Premier League club that recently built and moved into a state-of-the-art venue was Tottenham.

Spurs spent £1bn on their 62,850-seater stadium, and are still paying back the debt from the project.

However, journalist Ben Jacobs reports that Tottenham are in advanced talks over a naming rights deal.

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Tottenham are in talks with two companies and are close to signing a deal which will see their stadium re-named for a big fee.

The Telegraph reports that Spurs chairman Daniel Levy had previously hoped to secure a £375m naming rights deal – spread to £25m a year for 15 years.

If Ineos are looking to strike a similar deal in five years, the valuation of the Tottenham deal will be of great interest to the leadership at Old Trafford.

Man United told they could strike £300m naming rights deal

Old Trafford is at the heart of Manchester United, and moving into a new venue is already a controversial move. Giving the naming rights to a brand would prove even more controversial among the fanbase.

But Ratcliffe has made it very public that United are not in great financial health and the club has to figure out how a new stadium can be afforded – a naming rights deal will appeal.

As per The Athletic, stadium finance expert Michael Weaver claimed that United could strike a £300m naming rights deal over a 10-year span.

It certainly wouldn’t fund the entire project, but it would take a sizeable chunk out of the £2bn fee hanging over Ratcliffe’s head.

Manchester United continue to chase the signature of Bryan Mbeumo and will hope to fend off Tottenham Hotspur.

Manchester United have already snapped up Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers, but further attacking additions are wanted.

After all, United scored just 44 Premier League goals last season and must become a more dangerous side next season.

Amorim has told Alejandro Garnacho to leave United, and the likes of Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Antony are also expected to leave.

Cunha is a fine start, but United need more additions – and Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo is the next key target.

United made a bid for Mbeumo earlier in June, but Brentford turned down the offer and left the ball in United’s court.

Tottenham Hotspur stance on Manchester United target Bryan Mbeumo

United don’t appear to have made much progress on a move for Mbeumo, and Tottenham Hotspur are now posing a threat.

Spurs have appointed Thomas Frank as their new manager to replace Ange Postecoglou, with the Dane leaving Brentford for a move to North London.

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Tottenham are now keen on Mbeumo in a potential reunion with Frank, leaving United’s pursuit in question.

Reporter Rudy Galetti now claims that Tottenham are losing hope in their pursuit of Mbeumo, believing that United are almost impossible to beat in this race.

Tottenham have allegedly ‘cooled their interest’ in signing Mbeumo, believing that the Cameroonian only wants to join United.

The prospect of reuniting with Frank may have been appealing, but few could blame Mbeumo for wanting to hear a new voice.

Mbeumo joined Frank at Brentford in 2019, meaning they have spent six years together in the capital.

Rather than sign up for more action under Frank, Mbeumo may fancy something new – and leave United in the lead for his signature.

United’s pulling power clear with Mbeumo stance

United have been through back-to-back rough Premier League seasons and look a long way away from a title challenge.

Still, United lost to Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final in May, missing out on European football next season as a result.

Tottenham qualified for the Champions League, which usually brings increased power in the transfer market.

In the case of Mbeumo, United are still the preferred option, and Tottenham could be left lagging behind.

Tough times may have dented United’s reputation of late, but some players may still fancy the challenge of a move to Old Trafford.

Mbeumo would have the chance to help United become a force once again, and that opportunity may be more appealing than a reunion with Frank.

Manchester United were in the market for a striker in January and nothing has changed in the summer window.

Last summer, Joshua Zirkzee was signed by Ineos to strengthen Manchester United’s attack, but Ruben Amorim views Zirkzee as a No.10 more than a centre-forward.

Rasmus Hojlund disappointed last season, but as United’s only senior striker, Amorim had no option but to continue playing the Dane week-in, week-out.

United scoured the market for attacking options in January but ended the window with just Ayden Heaven and Patrick Dorgu arriving to bolster the defence.

One option that was considered was a loan offer for Mathys Tel, but talks with the French forward collapsed.

Mathys Tel set for £42.5m permanent move to Tottenham

The main reason Ineos walked away from the Tel deal was because Bayern Munich were demanding a huge £9 million loan fee for the youngster to join for a six-month spell.

United fans were angry at missing out on Tel, with the now 20-year-old instead joining Tottenham on loan for the 2024/25 campaign.

But Ineos were right to avoid Tel given his lack of impact made at Spurs last season. Despite scoring just three goals in 34 appearances last campaign, the North London side have now agreed a permanent deal.

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As reported by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Tel has agreed terms with Tottenham for a permanent deal with his contract valid until 2031.

Via YouTube, Romano explained the fee that Tottenham are paying for Tel.

“Tel is staying. Bayern will receive 35 million Euros, plus five million Euros in add-ons. The total package is 40 million Euros, but they also received a 10 million Euros loan fee in January for Ten.

“So the whole package is going to be 50 million Euros for the French, talented striker.”

A 50 million Euro package for Tel converts to a £42.5million fee for Tottenham.

Mathys Tel was not in Man United’s striker options this summer

United remain on the lookout for a striker this summer but Tel was one of the few strikers across Europe who wasn’t being linked with a permanent move to Old Trafford.

Tel struggled to make an impact in the Premier League with Tottenham and Amorim needs a marksman who can consistently lead United’s front line.

United have been calling Viktor Gyokeres ‘daily’ to try and get a deal over the line for the Sporting Lisbon forward, but reports suggest he favours a move to Arsenal.

But Ineos didn’t put all their eggs in one basket and there are seven Gyokeres alternatives for United to consider this summer.

Tottenham’s recently launched pursuit of Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo may throw a spanner in the works.

Manchester United have started the summer transfer window with one signing after announcing Matheus Cunha’s arrival from Wolves.

With one forward addition and more to follow, Ruben Amorim has identified United’s lack of goals as the team’s biggest problem before preparations begin for the 2025/26 campaign.

United are trying to bounce back from a 15th-place finish in the Premier League and they won’t be competing in any European competition following a 1-0 defeat against Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final.

Ineos are also trying to sell players to generate funds for more signings. That way, they can bolster Amorim’s squad and give the head coach every chance next season.

Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo has attracted several clubs, including United, but competition for his signature has heated up in the past 24 hours.

United are expected to make a second bid for Mbeumo next week.

Talks have been ongoing since Brentford rejected United’s first offer for the Cameroon international.

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However, Tottenham have begun negotiations with Brentford over a deal for Mbeumo, shortly after announcing Thomas Frank as their new manager.

Frank replaces Ange Postecoglou at Tottenham and reports suggest the former Brentford manager wants to form a reunion with Mbeumo.

After a conversation with Graeme Bailey, United In Focus learned that Tottenham are ready to compete with United for Mbeumo’s signature.

However, those who communicate in football circles no longer believe Mbeumo is certain to move to Old Trafford this summer.

The prospect of staying in London may appeal to Mbeumo.

“Tottenham are in touch with Mbeumo’s camp and whilst a bid is being denied, there is clearly something happening – I was told earlier this week that Spurs were on to watch as they were waiting in the wings, safe to say they have taken to the stage now and are ready to compete with United,” Bailey said.

“United are not going to get into whether they are worried, but I can say that within football a number of people no longer believe he is certain to move to Old Trafford.

“United had clearly seen off the likes of Newcastle previously, but this Spurs interest with the chance of staying in London is different and certainly a genuine option for him now.”

Mbeumo shares tribute to Frank

Mbeumo blossomed under Frank at Brentford and his interest may turn the forward’s head, amid interest from United.

The 25-year-old shared a tribute to Frank on Instagram, thanking his former manager for the work he did at Brentford.

It remains to be seen if Mbeumo and Frank will work together again, although Tottenham are doing what they can to make it happen.

United don’t want to deal with the embarrassment of losing out on a top target to Tottenham, a month after losing the Europa League final to the same club.

Manchester United are keeping one eye on Tottenham Hotspur’s managerial situation, with Bryan Mbeumo’s future under the microscope.

Ruben Amorim already has his first signing of the summer transfer window wrapped up after Manchester United signed Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers.

United aren’t done there, though, and another attacker is on the radar in Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo.

United had a bid rejected for Mbeumo last week, but the Bees star is still expected to make his move to Old Trafford.

There have been some concerns in recent days amid claims Tottenham Hotspur want to hijack United for Mbeumo’s signature.

Spurs are set to land Thomas Frank as a replacement for Ange Postecoglou, with the Dane potentially taking some former United men with him.

Justin Cochrane could follow Thomas Frank to Tottenham Hotspur

United fans will hope to avoid seeing Frank hijack Mbeumo’s move, while Brentford are eyeing former United coach Kieran McKenna as their new boss.

There are United connections throughout Frank’s move and one former Old Trafford youth coach could join him in North London.

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The Mirror report that Tottenham are in talks to land Brentford coach Justin Cochrane as part of Frank’s backroom staff.

Cochrane’s name will be familiar to United fans, having become head of player development and coaching with the Red Devils in 2021.

The former Rotherham United midfielder arrived with a strong reputation having coached at Tottenham and in the England setup.

Cochrane spent just one year at United, though, as he departed for the head of coaching role at Brentford.

Cochrane is now working under Thomas Tuchel with the England squad alongside his Brentford role, but could return to Tottenham very soon.

United didn’t manage to keep Cochrane for quite as long as initially hoped, but he could soon visit Old Trafford as part of Frank’s Tottenham team.

Andreas Georgson could join Thomas Frank’s Tottenham

Cochrane may not be the only former United coach following Frank to North London.

Sky Sports add that Tottenham may also bring in Andreas Georgson to work alongside Frank.

United hired Georgson as a set-piece coach last summer as the Swede quit his post as Lillestrom boss for a move to Old Trafford.

Georgson’s role was brought into question when Ruben Amorim arrived, with Carlos Fernandes taking control of most set-piece coaching.

Georgson has now left United but may not have to wait long for his next Premier League chance with Spurs keen.

Frank and Georgson actually worked together at Brentford in the 2019-20 season and could reunite in North London.

Georgson’s time at United didn’t quite work out, and he will hope for a longer stint with Tottenham if the deal goes through.

Manchester United are battling Tottenham Hotspur for Bryan Mbeumo, but Spurs may end up focusing on another Red Devils target.

Manchester United have snapped up Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers, but the attacking recruitment does not stop there.

Ruben Amorim is seeking more signings in the final third and United launched a bid for Bryan Mbeumo last week.

Brentford rejected United’s first offer, but Mbeumo wants a move to Old Trafford this summer.

Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with Mbeumo, potentially moving to hijack United.

Bees boss Thomas Frank is on the verge of taking charge at Tottenham, sparking rumours of a reunion with Mbeumo.

Tottenham Hotspur target Antoine Semenyo amid Bryan Mbeumo rumours

United will hope to fend off Spurs and ensure Mbeumo’s move to Old Trafford isn’t thwarted.

Sky Sports now claim that Tottenham are actually stepping up their interest in signing Bournemouth attacker Antoine Semenyo.

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That may not completely rule out a move for Mbeumo too, but the fact that both players prefer to play on the right flank suggests it’s surely one or the other.

Tottenham have ‘recently done more work’ on Semenyo than Mbeumo, pointing towards the Ghana international being their top target.

Semenyo hit 11 goals and five assists in 37 Premier League games this past season.

Semenyo has been expected to leave Bournemouth this summer, potentially following Dean Huijsen out of the club following his move to Real Madrid.

Amorim is thought to be a big fan of Semenyo, but it’s Tottenham who appear to be making their move – and potentially shutting down the Mbeumo rumours.

How Antoine Semenyo feels about Manchester United

Sky Sports also note that United ‘remain keen’ on Semenyo alongside Tottenham.

Semenyo hasn’t ruled out a move to Old Trafford this summer but would prefer to play for a club in the Champions League.

Tottenham beat United in the Europa League final, booking their place in the Champions League for next season.

United have no European action at all, meaning a move to Manchester may not be Semenyo’s priority.

That’s just as well, really; Mbeumo is United’s top target and we can’t see Semenyo being targeted if the Cameroonian joins.

The main boost here is that Tottenham appear to be focusing on Semenyo rather than Mbeumo, easing some fears from the weekend.

Manchester United are hoping to finalise the signing of Bryan Mbeumo but could face late competition.

Manchester United secured the signing of Matheus Cunha last week and Ruben Amorim is seeking more attacking additions.

Cunha hit 16 Premier League goals last season and represents a major addition to United’s attack.

Amorim isn’t done there, though, and United had a first bid for Bryan Mbeumo rejected by Brentford.

Mbeumo wants to join United, but Amorim may now face unwanted competition for the Cameroonian forward.

Tottenham Hotspur linked with Bryan Mbeumo move

United are pressing ahead for Mbeumo’s signature just as Brentford wrestle with the pain of losing boss Thomas Frank.

Tottenham Hotspur axed boss Ange Postecoglou on Friday afternoon, despite Spurs winning the Europa League final against United.

Postecoglou hasn’t even been gone 48 hours, but Tottenham are already moving for Brentford boss Thomas Frank.

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The Dane wants to become Tottenham manager according to Fabrizio Romano – but that could bring Spurs into the mix for Mbeumo.

The Mirror claim Frank has asked Tottenham to enter the race for Mbeumo as he seeks a North London reunion with the forward.

That is backed up by The Sun, who claim that Spurs want to hijack United’s £60million move for Mbeumo by offering Champions League football.

Mbeumo has become a star under Frank at Brentford and a reunion could appeal – or he may fancy a fresh voice at this stage in his career.

Tottenham need to appoint Frank before really advancing a move, but United will be trying to ramp up the move for Mbeumo to see off Spurs.

United should remain confident about Bryan Mbeumo move

The Frank connection may give United something to fear.

Mbeumo has smashed 70 goals and 51 assists in 242 games under Frank and Spurs can offer a chance to keep the magic going.

However, Mbeumo wants to join United – and was even ready to snub Tottenham in the process, according to The Athletic.

Spurs have had Champions League football on offer since winning the Europa League final, but he still wasn’t keen.

Frank’s potential arrival may change matters, but Mbeumo has so far made it clear that he wants a move to Old Trafford.

United have done the groundwork on Mbeumo’s potential move and should remain confident of securing his services – potentially handing Frank an early blow at Spurs.