Manchester United are going through the most tumultuous period of their recent history - and that's some going.
New manager Erik ten Hag has suffered back-to-back defeats to get his first Premier League campaign in charge off to a nightmare start, the Red Devils' recruitment team can't seem to sign anyone with just two weeks of the summer transfer window remaining, and the Glazer family are receiving relentless criticism.
All that add to the ongoing saga surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo, and it's been summer to forget for the Old Trafford faithful. But those working at United are keen to turn things around both on and off the pitch, as pressure mounts to make 2022-23 a more successful season than last time out.
Here's a round-up of the latest news from Old Trafford.
Ratcliffe declares takeover interest
Britain's richest man, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, has officially declared his interest in buying a stake in Manchester United, "with a view to long-term ownership." As the Glazers continue to be scrutinised for their ownership, Ineos founder and boyhood Red Devils supporter Ratcliffe has become the latest name put his hat in the ring - one way or another - as talk of a takeover ramps up.
Former United director Michael Knighton recently outlined his intentions to complete a hostile takeover before billionaire technology mogul Elon Musk joked that he was buying the club in an irreverent tweet. Now, though, Ratcliffe has laid out his intentions and given fans hope that he can bring them out of the mire.
Glazers in talks over sale
Despite Ratcliffe declaring his interest in buying the club, the Glazers have reportedly begun exclusive talks with US private equity firm Apollo to sell a minority stake at Old Trafford. Although brothers Avram and Joel still aren't ready to cede full control of the club, it's been reported that the other members of the Glazer family are open to selling their shares.
The Mail claim Apollo are in discussions to purchase a minority stake in the club and could bring in other investors in due course. While any deal isn't expected to be concluded until next month at the earliest, the brothers are also expected to keep hold of their own shares and oversee the day-to-day operations at Old Trafford.
Ronaldo receives transfer offer
Get involved! Should Ronaldo go back to Sporting? Join the debate in the comments section.
Sporting Lisbon have reportedly informed Manchester United that they'd be willing take Cristiano Ronaldo off their hands - but only on a free transfer. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner spent his early years with the Portuguese giants before joining United as a teenager 19 years ago. Ronaldo's mother, Maria Dolores dos Santos Aveiro, has always dreamed of seeing him back playing at the Estadio Jose Alvalade, once claiming to have told him: "Son, before I die, I want to see you return to Sporting."
And now that dream could become a reality, as the Independent claim that Sporting want to re-sign the 37-year-old, who's desperate to leave the Red Devils this summer and continue competing in the Champions League.
