Feb 25 (Reuters) - The following are the top stories in the Financial Times. Reuters has not verified these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.

Headlines

- Brookfield buys National Grid's renewables business in US for $1.7bn

- EU and UK in talks about Europe-wide defence funding amid fear of US pullback

- Emirates boss warns against forcing airlines to finance Heathrow's third runway

- No free lunch at Manchester United as Jim Ratcliffe puts squeeze on spending

Overview

- Asset manager Brookfield BAM.TO is buying London listed National Grid’s NG.L onshore renewables business in the US for $1.7 billion

- The UK and EU are in talks about setting up Europe-wide defence funding arrangements amid fears of reduced US support, with discussions including the possibility of a "Rearmament Bank".

- Emirates' president Tim Clark warned that Heathrow's third runway could face legal challenges if airlines are forced to pay higher landing fees to finance it.

- Manchester United MANU.N is cutting costs, including job cuts and ending free lunches for staff, as shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe tightens spending to revive the struggling team.

(Compiled by Bengaluru newsroom)

((globalnewsmonitoring@thomsonreuters.com))