Manchester United transfer news RECAP takeover latest

Manchester United will be looking to get the upper hand when they face Barcelona in the first leg of their Europa League knockout round play-off tie at the Camp Nou this evening.

United, who have not beaten the Spanish giants since April 2008, will be determined to record a positive result and give themselves the best possible chance of advancing to the last-16 ahead of the two sides meeting again in the return leg at Old Trafford next Thursday. United flew out to Spain yesterday and will be looking to build on Sunday's 2-0 win over Leeds United.

However, they will have to make do without a plethora of senior figures, including both Lisandro Martinez and deadline day recruit Marcel Sabitzer, both of whom are suspended. Fortunately, though, manager Erik ten Hag can include Casemiro in his plans this evening.

The Brazilian is available for selection, despite being in the middle of a three-game domestic ban, with red cards handed out in the Premier League not applicable in European competitions. His return will give United a significant midfield boost.

Elsewhere, prospective buyers of United have until tomorrow to submit their final offers to purchase the club from the Glazer family. The 'soft deadline's is tomorrow, meaning reported Qatari investors and Sir Jim Ratcliffe will no doubt be busy putting the finishing touches to their expected bids.

TODAY'S BIG TALKING POINT: How should United line-up against Barcelona this evening?

Keep tabs on the latest news, views and transfer rumours with our dedicated blog below:

For those of you still with us, now is the time to head over to our dedicated live coverage of United's Europa League clash against Barcelona.

Our very own Samuel Luckhurst will be live from Camp Nou to