'We are focusing on football' - Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag speaks about possible takeover

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has been kept updated about the potential takeover of the club.

At least five proposals are expected to be submitted before today's soft deadline of 10pm as United's American owners the Glazer family "explore strategic alternatives to enhance the club's growth".

Investors from the United States, Qatar and Saudi Arabia are expected to table offers while Sir Jim Ratcliffe remains the only prospective buyer to have publicly declared his interest.

Also read: Ten Hag explains what United have to do to be title challengers this season

United are valued at around £5billion by the Glazer family, who could extract a larger fee amid intense interest. United’s share price soared on Thursday to place the club's valuation at $4.5bn, causing the club’s market value to rise more than $400m since the start of trading yesterday.

United are the only side in Europe competing in four competitions and are now favourites to progress to the last 16 of the Europa League after a 2-2 first leg draw with Barcelona in their play-off at Camp Nou on Thursday night.

United are only five points adrift of Premier League leaders Manchester City, take on Newcastle in the League Cup final next week and host West Ham in the FA Cup fifth round on March 1.

"We are following it, it’s our club," Ten Hag said. "And of course, we are committed but we are focusing on football, on training and our way of play, and games, we are focusing on that.

"We are enjoying our togetherness at the moment. It’s really enjoyable to work and we are focusing on games and we are in four competitions. Others in the club will have to make decisions and give efforts in the process but it’s not up to us."

When asked if the Glazers or chief