Man Utd news: Bidder confirms takeover interest as Red Devils dressing room claim main

It's been a turbulent start to the season for Manchester United, who are still searching for consistency under Ruben Amorim. Last weekend's 2-0 victory over Sunderland offered a rare boost, injecting some much-needed optimism ahead of the international break.

However, the victory, while promising, merely masks some fairly large cracks. United have already suffered three Premier League defeats this season, and the humiliating EFL Cup exit to League Two side Grimsby Town back in August still stings.

It's also worth noting that their three league victories came against two newly promoted sides and a Chelsea team that spent almost the entire match with 10 men. Even so, there have been encouraging signs of progress in recent weeks.

Summer signing Benjamin Sesko has found the net in consecutive games, while fellow newcomer Senne Lammens impressed on his debut between the sticks against the Black Cats. Amorim's tactical philosophy is also beginning to take shape, with United occasionally looking sharper and more fluid in possession than under the Portuguese coach last season.

Up next, United face a daunting trip to Anfield to take on Liverpool, with belief building given the champions' poor form of late. Here, Mirror Football brings you the latest updates on the Red Devils ahead of the return of domestic football next week.

READ MORE: Sir Jim Ratcliffe's 'surprise' at Man Utd takeover claim after Turki Al-Sheikh message

READ MORE: Man Utd's Kobbie Mainoo transfer stance to be tested as Napoli update emerges

Lammens claim made

Senne Lammens made a strong case to become United's permanent No. 1 with an assured display against Sunderland. Having spent the early weeks of the campaign behind Altay Bayindir, the Belgian seized his opportunity in style - keeping United's first clean sheet of the season and exuding a composure that's been sorely lacking between the posts in recent years.

Confident with the ball at his feet and decisive when called upon, Lammens' performance may have gone some way to convincing his team-mates that he's the right man for the job - amid reports he wasn't universally backed in the dressing room when he arrived at Old Trafford last month.

According to GiveMeSport, sections of the squad had "strongly pushed" the club's hierarchy to sign Aston Villa's Emiliano Martinez instead. The 33-year-old was heavily linked with United throughout the summer, following what appeared to be an emotional farewell to Villains fans on the final day of last season.

Many within Amorim's coaching circle were said to be admirers of Martinez as well, but United ultimately chose to pursue Lammens. Whether the 23-year-old - who joined for £18.5million from Antwerp on Deadline Day - is aware of those early doubts remains unclear. If he is, his performances suggest he's using them as motivation rather than a burden.

Bidder reignites takeover talks

Manchester United's ownership saga shows no signs of abating, with Finnish billionaire Thomas Zilliacus confirming fresh interest in acquiring a stake in the club - or potentially the whole thing. The 61-year-old entrepreneur, a lifelong Red Devils supporter, revealed he's drafting a new proposal to rally investors, including a possible reunion with former rival bidder Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani.

Zilliacus previously fronted a fan-backed consortium during the 2023 sale process, but his late entry missed the window as Sir Jim Ratcliffe's Ineos secured a 27.7 per cent minority stake and control of football operations for £1.25billion. Undeterred, Zilliacus insists this time around would be a collaborative effort, not a hostile bid.

"Last week, I was sitting and thinking through all the possibilities of investing in Manchester United and drafting a basic plan on how I could approach certain parties to see if something could be done," he told the Manchester Evening News.

"This is about joining forces with the right parties with the sole aim of bringing Manchester United back to where it should be as the number one club in the world.

Zilliacus emphasised that his plan would include a fan-led model rather than a traditional takeover, something he believes the Glazer family currently rejects. "I think the Glazers, unfortunately, are a good example of somebody who is not really looking out for the club, but rather using it as a cash cow," he said.

"I have a program that involves the fans who are overseas, who cannot come to watch a game. And my program can evolve in a way that can bring significant new revenues to the club."

He also expressed openness to working with other investors, including Ratcliffe and Sheikh Jassim. "I actually have nothing against working with people like Jim Ratcliffe or any investor, whoever that may be. Because I'm not in this to have a trophy that I can show off to other people," he said.

"When I had made my bid I realised that the Glazers were playing a game where Jim Ratcliffe and Sheikh Jassim and myself were just trying to outbid each other... I publicly said that this is madness… So I said, 'Why don't we join forces and take over the club together?'"

Zilliacus concluded that he remains "completely open" to renewed talks with potential partners, reaffirming his ambition to restore Manchester United to "the best club in the world."

Join our new MAN UTD WhatsApp communityand receive your daily dose of Manchester United content from Mirror Football. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.