Manchester United takeover news live Sir Jim Ratcliffe arrival latest ahead of Man Utd vs Chelsea

Manchester United are not helping themselves amid their struggles this season. Poor selections in Saturday’s defeat to Newcastle preceded the news that players are losing faith in Erik ten Hag, with questions over his signings and tactics.

In response, the club banned reporters from the Manchester Evening News and three other outlets who had covered the story from attending Tuesday’s press conference. In the media meet, Ten Hag denied there was a rift with his players and believes they are behind his process.

Meanwhile, the takeover saga still looms over Old Trafford. Sir Jim Ratcliffe has not yet had his 25 per cent stake investment ratified, although his arrival is expected imminently. The process has now been rolling on for over a year with the Glazers set to stay in situ.

United will look to get things back on track on the pitch tonight when they welcome Chelsea to Old Trafford.

You can follow all the very latest United news and transfer updates on the blog below:

During a heated discussion with a Manchester United player outside the team coach at Southampton last season, the player asked me, "Do you support us?"

I informed him, "Journalism is an impartial industry."

The exchange ended with the player having more of an understanding of what the role of a United correspondent entails. I stressed to him I had "criticised and praised every player on that coach".

We are accused of being negative. The irony is players, players' relatives, managers, fans and press officers home in on the negative more.

The Manchester Evening News is among the outlets that were banned by Manchester United from Tuesday's press conference over coverage of their worst start to a season since the club was last relegated.

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