Man Utd’s insane XI if takeover completed as Saudi chief issues bombshell update | Football | Sport

There’s never a quiet day at Manchester United. As the international break rumbles on in the background, fresh claims that the Red Devils could be subject to a takeover bid from Middle Eastern billionaires have surfaced.

This time it’s Saudi Arabia who could chance their arm, with sports chief Turki Alalshikh sparking speculation around potential investment. The Glazers portioned off 27.7 per cent of the club to Sir Jim Ratcliffe for £1.25billion a couple of years ago, but Alalshikh has hinted United could be about to land further investment.

The sports chief doesn’t detail exactly who it is, but a cryptic social media message has fans questioning whether it could be the Saudis themselves. As such, Express Sport have detailed who we think United could target in the upcoming transfer windows if they were to land a mega-money boost from the Saudis.

Goalkeeper: Costa

The goalkeeper has been a long-time admirer for plenty of Premier League clubs, with some surprise over the fact that Diogo Costa remains in Portugal. Tipped to be one of the world’s best in the coming years, perhaps the Portuguese No.1 could be the answer to United’s problems between the sticks.

Defence: Martinez, Yoro, Diomande

Despite United’s struggles in recent times, their defence has held up pretty well. Lisandro Martinez and Leny Yoro have impressed for the 20-time champions and would likely retain a spot in the squad, even if there was to be a wholesale change. That doesn’t mean a new arrival wouldn’t be welcomed, with Ousmane Diomande a potential target, after the defender shone alongside Ruben Amorim at Sporting.

Midfield: Amad, Baleba, Anderson, Dorgu

Moving up into midfield and assuming Amorim is still at the club to insist on playing a 3-4-3, United’s wingbacks could remain the same. Amad and Patrick Dorgu have plenty of promise, meaning it’s the central areas that require attention. Carlos Baleba has emerged as a target for the three-time European champions, with Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson the ideal man to partner him in the middle of the park. That would mean Bruno Fernandes is moved on, with a sale to Saudi Arabia the most likely outcome.

Attack: Mbeumo, Kane, Barcola

It was an area of the pitch that saw plenty of investment in the summer, but the only name to retain a spot in the starting XI is Bryan Mbeumo. On the opposite flank, United could test their luck for Bradley Barcola, whose performances have impressed for Paris Saint-Germain. While leading the line is Harry Kane, who has been rumoured to be eyeing up a Premier League return following his stint with Bayern Munich.