Manchester United takeover drama assessed, next steps and summer transfer plans

The current international break looks set to be anything but quiet around Manchester United with future ownership and investment at the centre of the news over the next week or so.

A total of 17 Reds have jetted off to represent their countries between now and the trip to face Newcastle United on April 2 - by which time prospective new majority shareholders will all have tabled improved offers and Raine Group may even have selected a preferred bidder.

There was late drama on the Glazers' takeover 'deadline day' on Wednesday as neither Sir Jim Ratcliffe nor Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani saw their improved bids received by the New York merchant bank by the 9pm deadline, with both requesting extensions that were subsequently granted. A number of proposals were sent in time, however, with Finnish entrepreneur Thomas Zilliacus putting forward a unique bid.

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How this story unfolds over the following months will undoubtedly have an effect on Erik ten Hag's summer transfer plans, with the Dutchman eyeing at least two major signings including a world-class striker. Harry Kane has been earmarked as the Dutchman's prime target, with Victor Osimhen also the subject of interest.

Senior football writer Tyrone Marshall was on hand around Thursday lunchtime to answer a multitude of questions, which you can catch up on below.

Q: Considering Sheikh Jassim had his finances ready and was ready to outbid, why did he ask for an extension of the deadline? Is it what fans fear the most, that the Glazer Family got the perfect minority investment they wanted?

TM: I believe this delay is actually the opposite. That the Glazers didn’t get what they wanted. It’s