Thomas Zilliacus confirms unique takeover bid as Manchester United handed FA charge

Here are your Thursday evening Manchester United headlines.

Zilliacus bid confirmed

Finnish entrepreneur Thomas Zilliacus says he has submitted a unique bid to buy half of Manchester United and says he will allow fans to buy the other half.

Zilliacus, who is chairman of the social media group novaM Group, has submitted an offer through XXI Century Capital, an investment firm owned by his holding company. The Finn's unique bid comes via his fan involvement, which would allow them to buy a stake in the club and have an equal say via an app.

ALSO READ: United Q&A on takeover bid drama, transfers, Ten Hag and season run-in

A statement released on Thursday read: "Any sport club ultimately should belong to its fans. The current development, where billionaire sheikhs and oligarchs take over clubs and control them as their personal playgrounds is not a healthy trend."

Zilliacus has previously been chairman of Finnish side HJK Helsinki and is a current owner of Finland’s 6-times ice hockey champions Jokerit.

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United charged

Manchester United have been charged by the FA for failing to control their players during the chaotic red card moment against Fulham last weekend.

The charge relates to United players surrounding referee Chris Kavanagh as they appealed for a penalty after Willian handled the ball on the line in their FA Cup quarter-final tie.

Fulham were the better side for much of their clash but imploded in a 40-second spell that saw manager Marco Silva, Aleksandar Mitrovic and Willian sent off following the decision to award United a penalty.

Former Arsenal and Chelsea winger Willian was shown red for his handball on the line to deny Jadon Sancho a goal, Mitrovic was shown red for his