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Tag: Manchester United

  • Ten Hag tells glory-hunting United to live the high life and reap the rewards

    Erik ten Hag has told his Manchester United stars to “live the high standards” it will take to carry the club back to the top of English football.

    The United manager has the bulk of his squad back together after the World Cup interval and will embark on the next stage of rigging up a group capable of challenging for titles.

    Former Ajax coach Ten Hag says his players must not “get too satisfied” with their progress, which he nonetheless feels has been significant since a difficult start to his reign.

    United will be back in action on Wednesday when they host Burnley, leaders of the Championship, at the EFL Cup last-16 stage.

    Their first Premier League game after the resumption comes on December 27 when they tackle Nottingham Forest.

    Ten Hag said: “Satisfaction makes you lazy. So don’t get too satisfied with yourself as a team. Give every day the best.

    “Only when you set those high standards and keep the high standards – it’s up to me to control that and give that example, clear. But the players and staff at Manchester United have to live the high standards, and then it’s possible to compete with the best clubs in the Premier League and achieve our goals.

    “Where we were at the start of the season, we were just not good enough. I knew it when I stepped in that we would have days like that, that we would have defeats.”

    United lost their opening two Premier League games of the campaign to Brighton and Hove Albion and Brentford, but they have recovered strongly to win eight of their next 12 in the competition to rise to fifth place, three points off the top four with a game in hand.

    They were last champions of England in 2012-13 and have not won a major trophy since landing the EFL Cup and Europa League in the 2016-17 season.

    Ten Hag, who spoke to the Manchester Evening News and national newspapers during a training break in Spain, said it was obvious he was taking on “a difficult project”.

    “Manchester United was not in the circumstances that you would expect of them, and I think now we’re in the right direction, but we’re far away from where we need to be,” he said.

    United have lost three of their last four home games in the EFL Cup, as many as they had in their previous 36 at Old Trafford, and Ten Hag will be wary of the threat Burnley pose.

    The Dutchman is confident United can keep building in the coming weeks and months, but bringing everyone back into tune with how he wants to play is another challenge. Many have been away with their national teams, playing and being coached in contrasting ways to his methods.

    “Players come back and they have been playing six weeks in a different environment and different style of play,” said Ten Hag, “and then they have to get back to our style and system and our rules and principles, and it’s a team sport. So, all 11 have to be on the same page.”

    Source: Livescore

  • Transfer Talk: Red Devils favourites in Rabiot race

    Manchester United are in pole position to land France and Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot.

    The Red Devils are set to battle it out with Atletico Madrid and Barcelona for the 27-year-old but his desire to play in the Premier League has given them the advantage, according to The Mirror.

    Rabiot featured in the nail-biting World Cup final on Sunday but was defeated as Argentina came away with the trophy for the first time since 1986.

    It stopped Les Bleus, who had several stars struggling with a virus in the build-up to the game, from becoming the third nation to win the tournament back-to-back.

    Rabiot’s performances under Didier Deschamps have put him in the spotlight and he is out of contract in the summer.

    The Frenchman is familiar with Manchester having spent time at City’s academy early in his career, which could help influence his decision.

    It is likely the 35-cap international, who was among the sick players and sat out of the semi-final win over Morocco, will have no shortage of options when deciding on his future.

    In other news

    Josko Gvardiol has been a colossus for Croatia in Qatar
    Josko Gvardiol has been a colossus for Croatia in Qatar

    Chelsea are hoping to beat both RB Leipzig and Manchester City to the signing of Josko Gvardiol by making a £45million move for the Croatian in January, say The Sun.

    The Mirror report that Barcelona maestro Frenkie de Jong has spoken to Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag and admitted he would be happy to move to Old Trafford.

    Chelsea and Liverpool are interested in signing Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo but a deal would be difficult to complete in the January transfer window, suggest Sky Sports.

    Source: Livescore

  • Man Utd reduce capacity for Burnley clash on safety advice

    The Carabao Cup match between Manchester United and Burnley will be played in front of a smaller audience per safety officials’ recommendations.

    Wednesday’s matchup between the Championship leaders and the Red Devils will take place at Old Trafford, where Clarets manager and former Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany will visit his former foes.

    The North West Ambulance Service’s day of industrial action, which results in the absence of ambulance service workers, falls on the same day as the game.

    Tiers in the West Stand and North Stand must be closed at the request of the authorities as part of a “strong” medical plan, allowing about 62,000 people to attend; Old Trafford can typically hold about 74,000.

    A statement on the club’s official website said: “Everyone at Manchester United shares the inevitable disappointment caused by this news, particularly to those ticket holders who will be impacted.

    “However, the safety of our fans is always our priority. As the match is currently sold out, we have written to fans in the affected areas offering the option of a full refund.

    “No action is required from fans with tickets in other areas of the ground at this time.

    “We will do our utmost to relocate anyone who is impacted and has not chosen to accept a refund, prioritising full and cup season ticket holders.”


  • Transfer Talk: Five strikers likely to aid Man Utd’s attack

    Following the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo, Erik ten Hag is eager to recruit a forward to Manchester United in the upcoming months.

    Under the Dutch coach, the Red Devils have experienced a stronger start to the Premier League campaign than in previous years, but they still lack talent in the final third.

    Despite the fact that there may be more inexpensive options in a notoriously difficult winter window, Cody Gakpo has been on the club’s radar for a number of months.

    The United attack might be strengthened in January by five different strategies.

    Cody Gakpo (PSV Eindhoven)

    Much has been said of PSV Eindhoven forward Gakpo following his impressive World Cup campaign with the Netherlands in Qatar.

    Gakpo was subject to interest from the 13-time Premier League winners last summer and the club could return in an effort to secure his services in January.

    The 23-year-old scored three times for his country at the global showpiece and has been a star for his club in the Eredivisie, tallying 21 goal contributions in just 14 matches.

    His impressive form has had consequences for clubs aiming to sign the 14-cap international with his price tag skyrocketing in recent months.

    PSV’s director of football Marcel Brands said: “Only 10-12 clubs can afford Gakpo in January. Let’s see if it will happen — it has to be a record PSV sale and also the right bid for Cody’s plans.”

    Goncalo Ramos (Benfica)

    Goncalo Ramos has made a name for himself on the international stage
    Goncalo Ramos has made a name for himself on the international stage

    Another impressive youngster who has emerged at the World Cup is Benfica’s Goncalo Ramos.

    Ramos, 21, played in four of Portugal’s five matches at the tournament in Qatar and netted a hat-trick in the win over Switzerland that earned his country a quarter-final berth.

    He has also been thriving in domestic football — scoring nine times in 11 league matches for the Eagles, who sit top of the Primeira Liga.

    The striker came through Benfica’s youth system and has since gone on to net 28 times in 80 first-team appearances.

    United are sure to have their eye on Ramos and may rely on compatriots Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot to convince him to join.

    Marcus Thuram (Borussia Monchengladbach)

    A name that has gone under the radar this season is Marcus Thuram, who has enjoyed a cameo role for France at the World Cup.

    The Borussia Monchengladbach finisher has been prolific in the Bundesliga however, netting 10 times in 15 appearances for the German side.

    His current contract is set to expire next summer, which is likely to draw interest from the Red Devils who could look to finalise a cheap deal to appease the Bundesliga outfit.

    However, Ten Hag would likely face stiff competition from his rivals as clubs look to bag a January bargain.

    At 6ft 2in, Thuram would be an excellent option to provide an aerial threat as United look to continue their progress in the Premier League and Europa League.

    Christian Pulisic (Chelsea)

    Christian Pulisic was the United States' talisman at the World Cup
    Christian Pulisic was the United States’ talisman at the World Cup

    Christian Pulisic is yet to find favour under Graham Potter at Chelsea but his performances at the World Cup proved he has exceptional quality.

    With a goal and two assists, the Pennsylvania-born attacker helped drag the United States to the last 16 in Qatar before they bowed out at the hands of the Netherlands.

    His club form has not been as impressive — just two goal contributions in 13 Premier League appearances this term — but he has mostly been limited to action from the bench.

    United were reportedly exploring a loan deal for the American last summer but the West London club were playing hardball at the time.

    Victor Osimhen (Napoli)

    Like Gakpo, Victor Osimhen would be an expensive option for the Red Devils with the Nigerian centre forward valued at over £80million.

    The 23-year-old could well be worth the money however, as shown by his superb form this season for Napoli.

    Luciano Spalletti’s men sit eight points clear at the summit of Serie A and Osimhen tops the goalscoring charts with nine strikes to his name.

    Impressive performances in the Partenopei’s Champions League group-stage campaign have put him on the radar of many European clubs, including United.

  • Ronaldo trains at Real Madrid after World Cup exit

    Following Portugal’s World Cup loss, Cristiano Ronaldo has been keeping healthy at Real Madrid’s training facility.

    After his agreement with Manchester United was terminated last month, Ronaldo will be free to sign with any team on January 1.

    Although it is believed the 37-year-old forward has other choices, Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr has made a sizable bid for him.

    Ronaldo worked out by himself at Real’s headquarters in Valdebebas, and a return to the Spanish team is not a possibility.

    After a contentious interview in which the five-time Ballon d’Or winner criticized the team and declared that he had “no regard” for manager Erik ten Hag, Ronaldo’s second stint at Manchester United came to an abrupt end.

    Ronaldo started the first three games of Portugal’s World Cup campaign after that, and he reacted violently when he was replaced in the final group game against South Korea.

    The Portuguese Football Federation refuted claims that Cristiano Ronaldo threatened to quit the team after learning he wouldn’t start the last-16 match against Switzerland; in his stead, Goncalo Ramos scored a hat-trick in a 6-1 victory.

    Ronaldo was thought to be at his final World Cup, in Qatar, and he came off the bench against Switzerland and Morocco, but he couldn’t stop the African team from eliminating Portugal.

    That 1-0 upset in the quarter-finals could be Ronaldo’s last World Cup game and he said on social media: “The dream was nice while it lasted”.

    In asking Real to use their training facility rather than take a break following Portugal’s early exit, Ronaldo has given a clear indication he is ready to join a new club at the earliest opportunity.

    However, that will not be Real, whose all-time leading scorer is Ronaldo with 450 goals in 438 games, during time which he won the Champions League four times and La Liga twice.

    Ronaldo made a then-world-record move to Real from Manchester United in 2009 and left for Juventus in 2018.

  • Maguire urged to showcase England form with Man Utd

    Harry Maguire has been urged by Erik ten Hag to emulate his performance for England while playing for Manchester United in order to force his way back into the starting lineup for the Red Devils.

    Before traveling to the World Cup with England and playing in all five of their games during their march to the quarterfinals, Maguire made just three Premier League starts for United this season.

    Although Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez have emerged as Ten Hag’s favourite combo at United this season, Gareth Southgate has consistently supported the center-back on the international scene.

    Ten Hag feels that Maguire can return to Old Trafford with confidence after his outstanding performances in Qatar following England’s elimination by France on Saturday.

    “I can only back him. I’ve been asked many times if he is good enough [to play for me] and it is clear he is good enough to play at the highest level,” the United manager told reporters.

    “And then it is up to him to show that confidence on the pitch and he didn’t show that in all the games [for United].

    “When he is playing with his confidence like now, he is a massively important player for us and that is what everyone expects. That’s what Harry expects from himself.

    “He has that high standard, he wants to play at the highest level, he wants to lead the defensive line, so it is up to him. I’m sure he has the potential to play in our style and fit into our system.

    “He has, for England, almost all the time good games. He had a period in Manchester where he performed badly and then, of course, there are difficulties but when he is confident in himself, he will put that on the pitch.

    “When he is working hard you will get that confidence and you are seeing that with the way he is playing for England.

    “We want him to bring that back to Manchester with him so he can bring it on the pitch for Manchester United. I expect from him, the team knows what they expect from him. If he does that he will be a great player for us.”

    Maguire missed some of United’s Premier League season due to a hamstring injury, but even when healthy, Ten Hag has preferred Martinez, Varane, and Victor Lindelof to the 29-year-old.

    Ten Hag affirmed that he has no problems with Maguire and insisted that subsequent strong performances will result in a return to his starting XI.

    “When I choose Rapha [Varane] it is nothing against Harry,” he continued. “Sometimes it is because one player is a lot better than the other.

    “But I think I have two or three good players there in the right centre-back position.

    “After Brentford, I had a feeling I had to change. He was unlucky that moment was bad for him but it doesn’t say anything about his quality that he can’t do it or my opinion about his quality.

    “Rapha came in and is doing a good job. There are laws of the game in top football – you have to take your chance. Your chance will always come.

    “The only thing he has to do is train well, perform well, he has games, he has rhythm and his chance will come. He will have a chance to show it and then he’s in and he will play.”

    As for Maguire’s future, Ten Hag added: “Only when he doesn’t want to be in these circumstances any more. Until that moment, I am happy with him.

    “I have said it to him and you, I can do nothing more. It is up to him to contribute to play himself into the team.

    “We have 16 to 18 players in the squad and that is what you need at the top level if you want to play for trophies. All the number of games we have to cover and then it is about the players who construct the best team, and that team we will pick. It is nothing to do with being personal.”

     

  • Maguire being investigated at Man Utd as defender thrives on World Cup stage

    With Manchester United, Harry Maguire feels he is “under a lot more scrutiny” than with England, despite the center-continued back’s success at the World Cup.

    The captain of the Red Devils has excelled for Gareth Southgate’s team in Qatar 2022, starting each of their four games thus far and contributing to three clean sheets.

    It stands in stark contrast to the defender’s recent struggles at club level and his removal as a first-choice selection by new manager Erik ten Hag during an injury layoff.

    While admitting that United were much below par last season, Maguire himself has few concerns and claims that he feels more scrutinized at Old Trafford than with the Three Lions.

    “At Manchester United, I’m under a lot more scrutiny,” he added. “Everything I do gets analysed. Every pass I make gets analysed. Every goal we concede is a defender’s fault.

    “If you’re playing week in, week out as I did for three years, the last year hasn’t been good enough. Everyone in the team didn’t play well enough, and we came under a lot of scrutiny as players.”

    Under Ten Hag however, United have overcome a shaky start – and the saga of Cristiano Ronaldo – to head into the World Cup break looking close to their best for two years.

    Maguire is delighted to see the turnaround, even if he is down the pecking order, and is relishing the chance to battle to get back into the Dutchman’s thinking.

    “No one came out of the season with plaudits, so it was a general team issue last season, but this one has been much better,” he added.

    “This is the first year I’ve really sat on a bench in a few games. I obviously got an injury as well, a thigh injury that kept me out for four weeks, but I’ll fight to get my place back.”

    Maguire will be expected to line up when England face off with defending champions France in the World Cup quarter-finals on Saturday.

  • Show us what you have to offer – Ten Hag challenges United’s youngsters

    Erik ten Hag has thrown a challenge to Manchester United’s young players, telling them they have a “fantastic” opportunity to make a mark at the team’s training camp in Spain.

    A number of Ten Hag’s players are still competing for their countries at the World Cup, and United is one of several Premier League teams that have gone abroad for midseason training camps.

    Twelve United players are still present in Qatar going into the quarterfinals, and Ten Hag will probably make lineup adjustments due to the short turnaround before the Premier League season resumes later this month.

    “We have a lot of young players with us and they have to support us – they can show us what they have to offer, what their capabilities are and what their potential is and if you can use them, if they have a future,” he told MUTV.

    “I think it’s a great opportunity for them. Normally we don’t have this break and now we have this break.

    “Many players are at the World Cup, so there are positions available and they can get used in these positions.

    “They can show themselves and they can challenge players who play in the Premier League [games], so it’s fantastic for them.”

    On December 21, United will play Burnley in the EFL Cup, and six days later, they will play Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.


  • Fans must be involved in the sale of Man Utd – Neville

    At Old Trafford, there have frequently been demonstrations against the Glazer family’s ownership of the team.

    Gary Neville, a former captain of Manchester United, claims that the Glazer family has to “engage properly with the fans” regarding any potential new club owners.

    The Glazers have said they are considering selling United as they “explore strategic alternatives”.

    Their move follows years of protest from fans against their ownership.

    “It’s a big moment now,” former England full-back Neville, who made 602 appearances in his 19 years at United, told Sky Sports.

    “The Glazer family will never get a great exit from Manchester United, but they could have a more pleasant exit if they do it right.

    “Over the next couple of months, I’d like to see them engage properly with the fans about who is going to take over the club.”

      Manchester United Supporters’ Trust welcomes potential sale by GlazersRatcliffe, Red Knights or wildcard – who might buy Man Utd?

    The Glazer family bought United for £790m ($1.34bn) in 2005.

    The 13-time Premier League winners have not won the title since 2013 and have not won a trophy since claiming the Europa League and EFL Cup in 2017.

    “I think what Manchester United fans need to see is a manifesto from the new owners,” added Neville, who won eight top-flight titles and two Champions Leagues with the club.

    “Manchester United can’t be handing over to an owner that basically screams against what the club stands for or what the club wants.

    “So there are manifesto pledges that I think are really important – like the fan voice, the fan experience and maybe even positions for fans on the board.”

    United’s statement announcing they could sell the club also added “there can be no assurance that the review being undertaken will result in any transaction involving the company”.

    But Neville believes the American owners might not have much other choice.

    “I’ve been saying for six months that the Glazers would have to sell or part-sell,” said Neville. “Anybody who’s close enough to the club knows that.

    “There is a need for equity and cash in the club, just for the investment they’re going to have to put into the stadium, the training ground and the sporting project. They haven’t got enough money.”

     

  • Man Utd coach Ten Hag registers 17-year-old Ghanaian midfielder in Europa League squad

    17-year-old Ghanaian midfielder, Kobbie Mainoo has been included in Manchester United’s squad for the team’s training tour in Spain.

    This comes after the Ghanaian youngster was named in Manchester United’s UEFA Europa League B squad for the 2022/23 season.

    Mainoo joined Travis Binnion’s Under-18s squad in 2021 and excelled throughout the season, showing off excellent vision and technical ability in the middle of the park and has been awarded by Erik Ten Hag.

    The 17-year-old has been training with the United first-team squad before the start of the 2022/2023 football season and he has now been added to the club’s Europa League B squad.

    After spending a week in Spain, the United squad will return to Carrington and continue working towards the next competitive fixture, in the Carabao Cup against Burnley at Old Trafford on Wednesday 21 December.

    Kobbie Mainoo was born to Ghanaian parents in the UK on April, 19, 2005.

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • Sancho left out of Man Utd training camp trip to Spain

    Jadon Sancho will stay behind to concentrate on a personal program “as part of a process to get back to his highest level” rather than joining Manchester United’s training camp in Spain.

    In order to be ready for the return of domestic football, United will spend a week in Spain, playing friendlies against Cadiz on Wednesday and Real Betis on Saturday.

    Due to the World Cup, Erik ten Hag will be without 13 members of his first team, and the Premier League club has also stated that Sancho, who was not selected for Gareth Southgate’s England squad for Qatar 2022, will not be there.

    The 22-year-old was recently seen practicing with Ten Hag-recommended coaches at Dutch amateur team OJC Rosmalen.

    United confirmed on Sunday on their website: “Jadon Sancho is continuing his individual training programme as part of a process to get back to his highest level. The club is fully supporting him in this.”

    Sancho has scored three goals and contributed one assist in 14 games (12 starts) for his club this year, compared to just five goals and three assists in 38 games (27 starts) the year before after joining from Borussia Dortmund for £73 million (€85 million).

    Additionally, because they are still recovering from injuries, United will be without their defense three of Axel Tuanzebe, Aaron Wan Bissaka, and Brandon Williams in Spain.

    The Red Devils resume competitive play in the EFL Cup on December 21 when they face Burnley in the fourth round, while Premier League play resumes on December 27 when Nottingham Forest visits Old Trafford.

     

  • Usain Bolt sad to see Ronaldo leave Man Utd

    Usain Bolt is disappointed at Cristiano Ronaldo leaving Manchester United, praising the forward for helping the team finish last season in the Premier League.

    The Portugal captain left Old Trafford last month by mutual consent after harshly criticizing the team, manager Erik ten Hag, and owners, the Glazer family, in an interview.

    Bolt, an eight-time Olympic gold medalist and United supporter, expresses disappointment over the star’s decision but emphasizes that he understands it.

    “It’s sad to see him go,” said Bolt of Ronaldo. “He played such an important role for us last season. He kept us in the Premier League last season. Because many games he was the one he scored, kept giving us points.

    “So it is sad to see him go, but I understand by listening to his interview there is a lot going on that a lot of us don’t know.

    “I wish him all the best on his journey because I am a massive Cristiano Ronaldo fan. So it is sad to see him gone.”

    The sale by the Glazer family, who have long drawn criticism from the club’s supporters, has been anticipated by Ronaldo’s departure, and Bolt adds that it is something that fans have been eager to see for a time.

    “For me, it has been [a] long time [coming] for the fans,” he added. “[They] have spoken about this for years. Since Alex Ferguson [left], the club has been up and down,

    “It surprised me as a supporter to know that the club hasn’t really moved on technology-wise to try to improve and to help the players to move forward.

    “So, to get new owners, hopefully they’ll come in and develop the club in a way that is necessary.”

     

  • Ronaldo receives $225m offer to play for Saudi Arabian club

    Cristiano Ronaldo has been given a once-in-a-lifetime contract to play for a Saudi Arabian club following his departure from Manchester United.

    At the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, the forward, who is now 37 years old, is now playing for Portugal.

    As Ronaldo prepares to make history by becoming the first male footballer to score in five straight World Cups, CBS Sports reports that Al Nassr FC of Saudi Arabia has made him a whopping $225 million three-year offer. The agreement is said to go into effect following the World Cup.

    Al Nassr and other Middle Eastern football clubs have long had an interest in Ronaldo, who is presently a free agent.

    Ronaldo has shown a strong desire to play solely at the top level available in Europe. Ronaldo was given a contract that will essentially pay him $75 million a year. According to reports, discussions started in the summer, and the team is now waiting for Ronaldo to make up his mind.

    One of the most prosperous clubs in Asia and Saudi Arabia is Al Nassr FC.

    The club has a total of nine league championships. According to reports, Ronaldo has also being pursued by their rival Al Hilal.

    The football player’s post-World Cup plans are still unknown. Cristiano Ronaldo has not yet offered any commentary.

  • Fernandes uninterested by Ronaldo goal debate after Portugal progress

    Bruno Fernandes, who was given credit for the first goal in Portugal’s 2-0 victory over Uruguay to advance to the World Cup’s round of 16, said, “I don’t really think it matters.”

    After defeating Uruguay at Lusail Stadium, the Manchester United midfielder scored twice as Fernando Santos’ team ensured their progress into the knockout stage with one game remaining.

    Cristiano Ronaldo first appeared to have glanced in Fernandes’ cross in the 54th minute as Portugal’s first goal, but FIFA eventually stepped in and gave it to the latter.

    Fernandes secured the victory with a late penalty kick and is now concentrated on avoiding defeat against South Korea on Friday in order to take first place in Group H.

    “I don’t really think it matters who scored the goal at this point,” he said when asked about Portugal’s first strike. “The feeling I had at the time was that Cristiano touched the ball. I was passing the ball to him.

    “But what’s important is that we were able to go on to the next round after a very important win against a tough opponent.

    “The importance of being first [in Group H] includes winning the next game, which would allow us to come out of the group undefeated with three wins, and that’s what we want.

    “We know we will find a very well-organised [South Korea] team ahead of us. Our objective is to think match after match – to win all the ones in the group phase, we still have one ahead of us.

    “We have to do our very best because we want to win all the matches.”

    Portugal won its first two World Cup games for only the third time, also accomplishing the feat in 1966 and 2006 in runs to the semi-final stage. Santos expects Portugal can complete the task to win Group H.

    Nuno Mendes will be evaluated in “24 hours,” the head coach of Portugal said, adding that after hobbling off during the first half.

    “All our team have a great performance,” Santos said. “The game was difficult, our opponent was difficult.

    “In the second half, we managed to play as we are used to; despite the fact that the Uruguayan players were playing very well.

    “Our players responded with purpose, and we managed to win with fair play. We have a feeling of satisfaction as we can move to the next stage.

    “[Two wins from two is] exactly what I wanted for my team. As I said back in Portugal, our team is very united, we have a very good team building, and now we are given the answers to what was asked of us.

    “There is still a match to be played; we need to be careful with our considerations. We do want to be first [in Group H], but we are not first yet. As a result, we need to continue improving on our tactics.”

     

  • Beckham reportedly preparing United takeover bid with consortium

    David Beckham may be organizing a group to purchase Manchester United from the Glazer family, according to Rio Ferdinand.

    After 17 years in charge, United’s American owners revealed on Tuesday that they are considering the idea of selling some or all of their shares.

    Due to what they believe to be a lack of direction and on-field success over the previous ten years, Premier League club supporters have long urged the Glazers to sell up.

    Forbes estimates that United is worth $4.6 billion (£3.8 billion), which would make it the most expensive buyout in sports history, surpassing the £4.25 billion Todd Boehly paid to buy Chelsea.

    Several interested parties are apparently considering an offer, with proposals from super-wealthy Saudi Arabian backers being one option that has been floated.

    Beckham, a fellow United great and co-owner of the MLS team Inter Miami, is reportedly interested in buying out the Glazers, according to former defender Ferdinand.

    “Becks will come with a consortium. I saw Becks at the [England v USA] game; we were sat next to each other,” Ferdinand said on his Vibe with Five YouTube show.

    “When you mention someone like Becks’ name, he’s obviously a part-owner of Inter Miami, but he doesn’t come [alone]. It’s not his money.

    “He comes with a consortium. He comes with people who do have deep pockets who have the ability to go and execute on a deal like that.

    “That’s the way he’ll be approaching it, and rightly so. I think it’s going to come down to a number. If you’ve got the number and can produce, that’s what it’s going to be about.”

     

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    A post shared by David Beckham (@davidbeckham)

    Supporters who have frequently agitated for the Glazers to resign would definitely feel more at ease if a member of United’s Class of ’92 held a role in the boardroom.

    After rising through United’s youth ranks, Beckham played 11 years with the club’s senior team, winning the Premier League six times and the Champions League in 1999.

    Asked if he would like to see Beckham involved in the ownership, Ferdinand said: “Yeah. Clubs that are successful over big periods of time have players that have worn the shirt.

    “They understand the traditions, understand the history, understand the ethos of the football club and continue that.

    “Ajax with Edwin van der Sar, Bayern Munich have [Karl-Heinz] Rummenigge in there among others, Real Madrid, Barca — they all do it.

    “They’ve all got players who have been in and around the football club at some point in their life and they’re back in there working at the club because they understand it.”

  • Cristiano Ronaldo gets mammoth $225 million offer from Saudi Arabia club Al Nassr after Manchester United exit

    Cristiano Ronaldo has been handed an offer to play on into his 40s with Saudi Arabian giants Al Nassr ready to hand him a three year deal after the World Cup, according to CBS Sports sources.

    Ronaldo is a free agent following the termination of his contract with Manchester United earlier this week, and he has long been of interest to Al Nassr, as well as other clubs in the Middle East. CBS Sports revealed in August that that interest would extend beyond the World Cup, with the 37-year-old having been keen to play at Europe’s highest level going into his fifth tournament. In Portugal’s opening game against Ghana Ronaldo set another record on the international stage, scoring in his fifth World Cup.

    Al Nassr hope that following the tournament Ronaldo will be keen to break new ground and after extensive talks with his representatives sources close to the club say their interest is “stronger than ever.” The terms on offer to Ronaldo are understood to be worth $75 million a year.

    Due to contact being initiated over the summer, it is believed talks are relatively advanced but awaiting Ronaldo’s final decision. Should he choose to accept the offer, sources tell CBS Sports a deal would not take long to finalize.

    Ronaldo asked to leave Manchester United in the summer, but none of Europe’s biggest clubs were prepared to offer him the platform of Champions League football that he craved. Following an explosive interview with Talk TV in which he accused United of “betraying” him and said he did not respect head coach Erik ten Hag — statements which could have led to the club sacking him if a mutual termination had not been agreed — it appears unlikely that the market has grown among the continent’s elite.

    Al Nassr are one of SaudI Arabia, and indeed Asia’s, most successful clubs, winning nine league titles and reaching the final of the AFC Champions League in 1995. Their great rivals Al Hilal have also been linked with a move for Ronaldo. Al Nassr’s offer is understood to be the only formal contract offered to the Portugal international, whose future is expected to remain unresolved until after the World Cup.

    The record goalscorer in men’s international football, Ronaldo struggled to make a major impact to Manchester United’s success after joining them from Juventus in the summer of 2021. Though he was their top scorer last season with 24 goals in 38 games across all competitions, United slipped from second in the Premier League the previous season to sixth.

    Erik ten Hag’s appointment saw Ronaldo confined to a fringe role, starting just four top flight matches. Prior to the interview that led to his departure the veteran striker had been involved in several other controversies, leaving the ground early during a pre-season friendly and refusing to enter the game as a substitute in a defeat to Tottenham.

    Source: BBC 

  • Man United and Liverpool for sale: Saudi Arabia would ‘definitely support’ private sector bids – sports minister

    The Saudi government would “certainly support” private Saudi bids for Manchester United and Liverpool, according to the country’s minister of sports.

    Both Premier League clubs’ owners are looking into possible sales.

    Following a takeover supported by the Saudi Public Investment Fund that was completed in October 2021, Newcastle United already has Saudi Arabian owners.

    There is a lot of “interest and appetite,” according to Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal, for United and Liverpool.

    He said to BBC Sport: “I can’t speak for the private sector, but there is a great deal of curiosity, enthusiasm, and passion about football.

    “It’s the most-watched league in Saudi and the region and you have a lot of fans of the Premier League.

    “We will definitely support it if any [Saudi] private sector comes in, because we know that’s going to reflect positively on sports within the kingdom.

    “But if there’s an investor willing to do so and the numbers add up, why not?”

    Little more than 12 months since their takeover, Newcastle are third in the Premier League table and unbeaten in all competitions since 31 August.

    “They’ve done an excellent job,” added Prince Abdulaziz.

    “They still have a long way to go – they’ve brought the right people on board.

    “I’m sure they have targets to win the league and the Champions League and so on because they strive for the best and always bring the best on board, so I think it’s going to be a bright future for Newcastle.”

    Ronaldo to Saudi Arabia?

    Prince Abdulaziz also said he would “love” to see Cristiano Ronaldo join a Saudi club following his departure from Manchester United.

    The Portugal forward left the Old Trafford club with immediate effect on Tuesday following a controversial interview in which the 37-year-old criticised United and said he had “no respect” for manager Erik ten Hag.

    In the interview with TalkTV, Ronaldo also said he turned down a £305m deal to join a Saudi Arabian club in the summer – a move that would have seen him become the highest-paid footballer in the world.

    Spanish newspaper Marca reported that Al-Hilal had offered him a two-year deal.

    “Anything is possible, I would love to see Ronaldo play in the Saudi league,” said Prince Abdulaziz.

    “It would benefit the league, the sports eco-system in Saudi and it will inspire the youth for the future. He’s a role model to a lot of kids and has a big fanbase in Saudi.”

    Ronaldo is currently playing at what is likely to be his last World Cup, a tournament Prince Abdulaziz would be keen to bring to Saudi Arabia.

    The state is in the running to host the women’s and men’s Asian Cup in 2026 and 2027 respectively and, if the bids are successful, he believes it will “for sure” increase the chance of Saudi bidding for the World Cup.

    “Why not? Who wouldn’t want to host the World Cup?” he added. “We host a lot of events in the region.

    “Any country in the world would love to host the World Cup. It’s an amazing tournament and it’s good for every country to host such an event.

    “We need to uplift some of our venues. We have a lot of stadiums that meet the requirement that we need, but hosting such an event is not just about the stadiums, it’s about the infrastructure, the people, about preparing everyone to such an event

    “And making sure that when you’re ready to host this competition the whole nation is behind that.”

    ‘We will always be criticised’

    Through its hosting of major sporting events, including Formula 1 races, world title boxing fights and golf tournaments, Saudi Arabia has been accused of sportswashing – the act of using sport to improve its reputation and project a positive image of a country.

    Like current World Cup hosts Qatar, campaigners say sport is being used as a soft power by the Saudi government to hide long-standing issues, including women’s rights abuses, the treatment of the LGBTQ+ community and the restriction of free speech.

    “We were criticised in Saudi before we hosted such events, that we don’t host these events, and now that we are now, we’re criticised for hosting them,” said Prince Abdulaziz.

    “We look at the facts – the numbers don’t lie – when you look at participation in boxing, from six gyms in 2018 to 57 gyms today. A 300% participation increase, 60% are women, which was a shock for us.

    “When you see appetite from the youth, men and women, they learned from it. So, at the end of the day if it’s making the country better and fixing a lot of the social issues we have in terms of participation then that’s a benefit for us and that’s what we look at.

    “I think we will always be criticised but we have to look at what’s best for our country and our people, and what is actually developing our youth towards the future.”

    Speaking in Doha following Saudi Arabia’s “unbelievable” shock win over Argentina, the prince defended the late decision by World Cup organisers to ban alcohol at stadia.

    He also said Qatar had done an “amazing” job in organising the event. The two countries restored diplomatic ties last year after a three-year-long dispute, and he said he hoped the tournament can “showcase that people are willing to work together.”

  • World Cup 2022: Ghanaians react to Black Stars defeat to Portugal

    Black Stars first group game at the 2022 World Cup ended in defeat on Thursday afternoon. The game at the Stadium 974 ended 3-2 after a fightback from Ghana.

    The Black Stars of Ghana in the first half battled the Portuguese in all departments. After halftime, the entire encounter changed as both sides went for goal.

    The Portuguese were the first to score through a dubious penalty given by the referee. Former Manchester United attacker Cristiano Ronaldo scored from the spot.

    Ghana scored in the 72nd through skipper Andre Ayew. Rafael Leao and Joao Felix added the two goals for Portugal then winger Osman Bukari netted Ghana’s second goal.

    Bilbao attacker Inaki Williams got a late opportunity to equalize for Ghana but slipped when he was about to shoot.

    The Black Stars will now focus on beating South Korea and Uruguay.

    Below are some of the comments:

      

  • English Premier League giants Manchester United interested in signing Nico Williams from Athletic Bilbao

    English Premier League giants Manchester United are interested in signing Spanish international of Ghanaians decent Nico Williams.

    The enterprising winger who plies his trade for Athletic Bilbao has been in a rich vein of form this season and has therefore become a subject of interest for several clubs including Manchester United.

    It is said Manchester United are in search of a forward following the contract termination of Cristiano Ronaldo.

    During the summer, the Red Devils attempted to sign Dutch forward Cody Gakpo but could not materialize.

    Footballghana.com understands Manchester United have turned their attention to the Spanish winger.

    The Red Devils are likely to wait until next summer to make an approach with Bilbao unlikely to sell in January.

    The Premier League outfit could face competition from Real Madrid and Liverpool who are said to be interested in the youngster.

    Liverpool will reportedly send scouts to watch him in action in Qatar and if he performs well he could attract attention from several clubs.

    Bilbao are believed to value Williams at around £35million, but that fee could rise if he announces himself on the world stage.

    Williams broke into Bilbao’s team last season and made 34 LaLiga appearances but failed to score or register an assist.

    He has improved significantly this campaign with three goals and four assists in 13 games.

  • FA: Ronaldo suspended for two matches and fined £50,000

    Cristiano Ronaldo has been suspended for two matches and fined £50,000 by the Football Association.

    Ronaldo, who was recently let go by Manchester United, was being investigated for breaking a fan’s phone last season.

    The striker, who sparked outrage with a recent interview in which he harshly criticised the club, is currently in Qatar, awaiting Portugal’s opening match against Ghana tomorrow.

    A statement form the FA said: “Cristiano Ronaldo has been suspended for two matches, fined £50,000 and warned as to his future conduct for a breach of FA Rule E3.

    “The forward admitted that his conduct after the final whistle of the Premier League game between Manchester United FC and Everton FC on Saturday 9 April 2022 was improper.

    “An independent Regulatory Commission found that his conduct was both improper and violent during a subsequent hearing, and imposed these sanctions.”

  • Garnacho grateful to attentive Ten Hag after Man Utd breakthrough

    Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho is grateful to manager Erik ten Hag after being given the opportunity to make his senior breakthrough.

    The 18-year-old made a couple of first-team cameos under Ralf Rangnick last season but only really cemented his place as a genuine option for the senior side in the past few weeks.

    Garnacho looked lively in pre-season and appeared set for a prominent role in the squad, but Ten Hag revealed after his full debut against Sheriff in October that he had held him back because he was “not happy with him” at the start of the season.

    Ten Hag was relatively vague when explaining why Garnacho had been left out for so long, saying “[young players] have to know the demands in top football, it’s not only about a trick or scoring one goal”.

    Nevertheless, Garnacho quickly built on his impressive performance against Sheriff, going on to score winning goals against Real Sociedad and Fulham, the latter a fine finish after an explosive run and clever link-up with Christian Eriksen.

    He went into the World Cup break with eight first-team appearances under his belt for this season, and despite Ten Hag’s restrictive use of him earlier in the campaign, he was appreciative of the Dutchman’s man-management.

    “Erik Ten Hag is a very good manager and, above all, he’s a great person,” Garnacho, who was named United’s Player of the Month for last week, told the club’s website.

    “He always pays very close attention to us all, and helps us a great deal, especially the young players.

    “I’ve had to keep working hard until that moment came where I was given my opportunity. For the moment, I’m making the most of the opportunities he’s giving me.

    “I don’t want to take a backward step from here, I’d like to appear regularly in the team and keep going in the same way.”

    That goal against Fulham made Garnacho, aged 18 years and 135 days at the time, the youngest player to net a 90th-minute Premier League winner since Federico Macheda for United against Aston Villa in April 2009.

    United are next in action against Burnley in the EFL Cup fourth round on December 19, before hosting Nottingham Forest in the league eight days later.

    Source: Livescore

  • Rooney unsurprised by Ronaldo’s United exit

    Wayne Rooney was not surprised by Manchester United’s decision to part company with Cristiano Ronaldo, saying the club had “no other choice”.

    Ronaldo’s United departure seemed inevitable when he gave an explosive interview to Piers Morgan, saying the club had “betrayed” him and declaring he did not respect manager Erik ten Hag.

    The five-time Ballon d’Or winner also used the interview to attack several former United players who had criticised his conduct this season.

    Rooney labelled Ronaldo’s actions an “unwanted distraction” after he was suspended by United for refusing to come on as a substitute in last month’s win over Tottenham, comments the Portugal forward subsequently said were rooted in jealousy.

    On Tuesday, United announced Ronaldo had left the club by mutual agreement, a decision Rooney believes was inevitable.

    Speaking to Sports 18 following the club’s announcement, Rooney said: “Am I surprised? No.

    “There was no other choice, but that’s a shame because he’s been a fantastic servant to the club. I wish him the best wherever he goes.”

    Ronaldo, 37, leaves United having scored 145 goals across two spells at Old Trafford, though he only found the net once for the Red Devils in the Premier League this campaign.

    Source: Livescore

  • Manchester United owners Glazers consider selling Premier League club

    Manchester United’s owners the Glazer family say they are considering selling the club as they “explore strategic alternatives”.

    The Americans bought the club for £790m ($1.34bn) in 2005.

    Their move follows years of protest from fans against the ownership.

    A statement from the club said the board will “consider all strategic alternatives, including new investment into the club, a sale, or other transactions involving the company”.

    It added that the process “will include an assessment of several initiatives to strengthen the club, including stadium and infrastructure redevelopment, and expansion of the club’s commercial operations on a global scale” to enhance “the long-term success of the club’s men’s, women’s and academy teams, and bringing benefits to fans and other stakeholders”.

    In 2012, the Glazers sold 10% of their holding via a stock listing and have sold further shares in the following years.

    “As we seek to continue building on the club’s history of success, the board has authorised a thorough evaluation of strategic alternatives,” said executive co-chairmen and directors Avram Glazer and Joel Glazer.

    “We will evaluate all options to ensure that we best serve our fans and that Manchester United maximises the significant growth opportunities available to the club today and in the future.

    “Throughout this process we will remain fully focused on serving the best interests of our fans, shareholders, and various stakeholders.”

    The Glazer family have owned NFL side Tampa Bay Buccaneers since 1995 and Avram Glazer bought a team in the new United Arab Emirates Twenty20 cricket league in 2021.

    Joel and Avram took over the day-to-day running of United after their father Malcolm suffered a stroke in April 2006. Billionaire Malcolm died aged 85 in 2014.

    American investment firm Raine Group, who handled Chelsea’s £4.25bn sale in May, is exclusively advising United.

    The statement from the club added: “There can be no assurance that the review being undertaken will result in any transaction involving the company.

    “Manchester United does not intend to make further announcements regarding the review unless and until the board has approved a specific transaction or other course of action requiring a formal announcement.”

    United, who are fifth in the Premier League, have not won the title since 2013 and have not won a trophy since claiming the Europa League and EFL Cup in 2017.

    There have been multiple protests against the Glazers’ ownership in recent years, including one in May 2021 that caused United’s home league match against Liverpool to be postponed.

    Thousands of supporters marched to Old Trafford in protest before the same fixture this season, in August.

    United were part of the failed European Super League project that rapidly collapsed in April 2021. Manchester United co-chairman Joel Glazer later apologised for the unrest it caused.

    He has since attended fans’ forums in the wake of supporter unrest and pledged to make shares available to the club’s followers.

    According to Transfermarkt, United have a net spend of 1.36bn euros (£1.18bn) on transfers under the Glazers, with only Manchester City having a higher figure in that period.

    Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo, who left Manchester United with immediate effect on Tuesday, criticised the club ownership in a controversial interview last week – including saying the Glazer family “don’t care about the club” on the sporting side.

    The move to sell United comes after Liverpool chairman Tom Werner said Fenway Sports Group were “exploring a sale”.

    A Bloomberg report in August 2022 said the Glazer family were willing to sell a minority stake in the club.

    British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe said he would be interested in buying United but then stated in October that the Glazer family had told him they did not want to sell.

    Source: BBC

  • My love for Man Utd will never change – Ronaldo after club exit

    Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed reports by Manchester United that he and the club have reach an agreement to terminate their contract early.

    On Tuesday, the club’s management made it known that Ronaldo is leaving the Red Devils after mutual agreement.

    Some few hours after the announcement, Ronaldo took to his social media and said “it feels like the right time for me to seek a new challenge.”

    However, the Portugal sensation noted that “I love Manchester United and I love the fans, that will never ever change.”

    Ronaldo wished the team the best in their future endeavors.

    Man Utd and Ronaldo parted ways after the number 7 forward made shocking comments about the club during an interview with Piers Morgan.

    The Portugal star took aim at manager Erik ten Hag, United’s ownership under the Glazer family, and several other members of the club’s hierarchy.

    “I shouldn’t say that [they were trying to get rid of me], I don’t know, but yes, I feel betrayed. I felt that some people didn’t want me here not only this year, but last year too.”

    Asked about his relationship with Ten Hag, Ronaldo replied: “I don’t have respect for him because he doesn’t show respect for me.

    “If you don’t have respect for me, I’m never going to have respect for you.”

    After his scathing comments, Cristiano Ronaldo acknowledged a Manchester United future appears unlikely.

    Meanwhile, Man Utd say “everyone at Manchester United remains focused on continuing the team’s progress under Erik ten Hag and working together to deliver success on the pitch.”

    Source: The Independent Ghana

  • Ronaldo to leave Man Utd immediately, club says

    Manchester United have revealed that Cristiano Ronaldo is to leave the club with immediate effect.

    On their website, Manchester United stated that the number 7 player leaves by mutual agreement.

    “The club thanks him for his immense contribution across two spells at Old Trafford,” the club’s statement added.

    This comes after Ronaldo made shocking comments about the club during an interview with Piers Morgan.

    The Portugal star took aim at manager Erik ten Hag, United’s ownership under the Glazer family, and several other members of the club’s hierarchy.

    “I shouldn’t say that [they were trying to get rid of me], I don’t know, but yes, I feel betrayed. I felt that some people didn’t want me here not only this year, but last year too.”

    Asked about his relationship with Ten Hag, Ronaldo replied: “I don’t have respect for him because he doesn’t show respect for me.

    “If you don’t have respect for me, I’m never going to have respect for you.”

    After his scathing comments, Cristiano Ronaldo acknowledged a Manchester United future appears unlikely.

    “I don’t know what’s going to happen after the World Cup, but as I told you before, and I will say again, the fans will be always in my heart.

    “I hope that they never forget the things that I will continue to do it. Not only in the past, but in the present too. Manchester will be always in my side, the fans will be always on my side.

    “It doesn’t matter what’s going to happen. When I arrived at Manchester United, I am always available to help the team to do good things, to put them in the right spots to compete with the best teams,” he said.

    Ronaldo since then has been linked with the likes of Chelsea, Juventus and Atletico Madrid among a plethora of Europe’s elite clubs.

    Ronaldo scored 145 goals and made 346 appearances while at Manchester United.

    Meanwhile, Man Utd say “everyone at Manchester United remains focused on continuing the team’s progress under Erik ten Hag and working together to deliver success on the pitch.”

    Source: The Independent Ghana

  • World Cup 2022: Portugal’s probable starting eleven for Ghana clash on Thursday

    The national teams of Portugal and Ghana are both geared up for the opening clash in Group H later this week.

    In the build-up to what will be a tough match for the Black Stars, we make a prediction of the starting eleven likely to play for the Portuguese national team.

    Spoiled for choice with a lot of quality players at his disposal, Portugal coach Fernando Santos will have a bit of a headache in choosing his first eleven.

    In the expert analysis by the footballghana team after following the training sessions of Ghana’s opponent, we have settled on the probable lineup for Portugal.

     

    Despite the uneasiness surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo after his recent explosive interview, expect that his name will be the first on the team.

    He has the full trust of his coach who has relied on him for several years. The Manchester United attacker should be deployed as the lead attacker with support from talented Rafael Leao and Andre Silva.

    Check out predicted Portugal starting eleven below. Feel free to leave a comment below. What team should Ghana start?

    GK: Diogo Costa

     RB: Joao Cancelo

    CB: Ruben Dias

    CB: Pepe

    LB: Nuno Mendes

    CM: Ruben Neves

    CM: William Carvalho

    CM: Bruno Fernandes

    RW: Andre Silva

    ST: Cristiano Ronaldo

    LW: Rafael

  • Greenwood’s trial set for November 2023

    Mason Greenwood will go on trial in November 2023 on charges of attempted rape, assault, and coercive behaviour.

    The Manchester United forward, who remains suspended by his club, has been re-bailed until February. All three charges relate to the same woman.

    Greenwood appeared at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court on Monday, where he only spoke to confirm his name, date of birth and address.

    It was announced an expected 10-day trial will begin on November 27, 2023. No pleas to charges were entered.

    A pre-trial hearing will take place on February 10, with United’s suspension of the player imposed “until further notice”.

    The 21-year-old was charged by the Crown Prosecution Service in October. He was arrested the same month over a breach of bail conditions.

    Greenwood, who has earned one senior cap with England, was first arrested in January and subsequently released on bail.

    Source: Livescore

  • France opt against calling up Benzema replacement ahead of World Cup defence

    France will not call up a replacement for Karim Benzema after the Ballon d’Or winner was ruled out of the World Cup with a thigh injury, head coach Didier Deschamps has confirmed.

    Deschamps’ side are looking to become the first team to retain the trophy since Brazil in 1962, but they have suffered several injury blows ahead of the tournament in Qatar.

    Having already seen midfielders Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante ruled out, France lost Presnel Kimpembe and Christopher Nkunku after naming their 26-man squad for the competition, but the most severe blow was still to come as Benzema was forced to leave their camp after failing to complete Saturday’s training session.

    With Benzema facing three weeks on the sidelines, reports suggested France would decide whether to call up another attacker on Sunday, but Deschamps is content with his existing options.

    “It’s obviously a big blow. Karim had done everything, so had we. He was in the session and with an almost innocuous gesture, he felt muscle pain on the other leg,” Deschamps told Telefoot.

    “The exams unfortunately confirmed too much damage compared to the deadlines that await us.

    “Will he be replaced? No. We have seven to eight attacking players.”

    Alongside 2018 World Cup winners Kylian Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann, Olivier Giroud and Ousmane Dembele, France can call upon Kingsley Coman, Randal Kolo Muani and Marcus Thuram as attacking options.

    Benzema has endured a frustrating season, missing several of Real Madrid’s games after sustaining a knee injury in September before being plagued by muscle fatigue in the build-up to the World Cup.

    Deschamps insists France’s medical staff should not shoulder the blame for his latest injury, adding: “I know that you are looking for controversy, but everything has been done [for Benzema to be fit].

    “It happened in the game, not even on an acceleration or a strike. It can happen, it’s never the right time, it’s not a relapse.

    “He has a concern on the other side, which prevents him from staying with us. It’s never fun, it doesn’t make you smile.

    “We had already lost Christopher, but we have a goal, the group knows very well what awaits us. We have a quality group. I am convinced of it, I have confidence in them.”

    Deschamps offered a more positive update on the fitness of Raphael Varane, saying the Manchester United defender “will be available” for Tuesday’s Group D opener against Australia.

    Varane had been a doubt for the tournament after suffering a leg injury in the Red Devils’ Premier League draw with Chelsea last month, but he completed his first collective training session since meeting up with Les Bleus on Saturday.

    Source: Livescore

  • ‘He’s still Cristiano to me’ – Elanga defends Ronaldo

    Cristiano Ronaldo’s criticism of young players is understandable, according to his Manchester United team-mate Anthony Elanga, who has defended the forward following his comments.

    Ronaldo has endured a torrid season after reportedly asking to leave United in the last transfer window, and his future is in doubt once again following an explosive interview with Piers Morgan.

    As well as claiming senior figures at Old Trafford have “betrayed” him and admitting he has no respect for head coach Erik ten Hag, Ronaldo said the club’s young players “don’t care”.

    Asked about Ronaldo’s comments by Swedish publication Aftonbladet, Elanga said: “Cristiano talks about young players in general.

    “We are a new generation. I am always 100 per cent focused on what I am doing, but I can understand what he is saying.

    “There are a lot of phones and a lot of technology. It’s quite easy for young players to get distracted and lose focus. Young players at United are listening, but I can understand what he is saying.”

    Elanga also maintains that Ronaldo has been a positive influence on his development since the five-time Ballon d’Or winner returned to United last August.

    “He has helped me a lot not only on the pitch, but off it as well,” Elanga said. “He is an inspiration, not only to me but to all the young players at United. Sometimes it’s just me and him at the gym.

    “When I’m with him, he hasn’t changed. He is still Cristiano Ronaldo to me. He has helped me a lot.”

    Source: Livescore

  • Man Utd taking ‘appropriate steps’ after Ronaldo TV interview

    Manchester United have “initiated appropriate steps” after Cristiano Ronaldo’s television interview.

    The Premier League club issued an update on Friday to confirm steps are under way, but they did not specify what action they were taking.

    Ronaldo, 37, criticised the club when he spoke to broadcaster Piers Morgan.

    The Portugal star took aim at manager Erik ten Hag, United’s ownership under the Glazer family, and several other members of the club’s hierarchy.

    United’s statement read: “Manchester United has this morning initiated appropriate steps in response to Cristiano Ronaldo’s recent media interview.

    “We will not be making further comment until this process reaches its conclusion.”

    Ronaldo was United’s top scorer with 24 goals in all competitions last term, but he reportedly asked to leave the club following their failure to qualify for the Champions League.

    He said in the TalkTV interview: “I feel betrayed. I felt that some people didn’t want me here not only this year, but last year too.”

    Source: Livescore

     

  • Ronaldo acknowledges likely United exit but dubs lack of suitors as ‘garbage’

    Cristiano Ronaldo acknowledged a Manchester United future appears unlikely after his scathing interview, though he rubbished earlier reports of a move away as “garbage”.

    Five-time Ballon d’Or winner has caused a stir at Old Trafford after hitting out at the club’s senior figures, current manager Erik ten Hag and former boss Ralf Rangnick.

    In a wide-ranging interview with Piers Morgan on Talk TV, the Portugal international said he felt “betrayed” by United and claimed the club had made “zero progress” since Alex Ferguson left in 2013.

    Amid a host of other complaints, Ronaldo suggested he may no longer be a United player after the World Cup break with Portugal, who open their Group H campaign against Ghana in Qatar next Thursday.

    “It’s hard, it’s hard for me to say that I will not be back to Manchester United. But regardless, let’s see what’s going to happen,” the 37-year-old said.

    “It’s difficult to tell right now, because my mood is right now to the World Cup. It’s probably my last World Cup, of course, my fifth World Cup.

    “I don’t know what’s going to happen after the World Cup, but as I told you before, and I will say again, the fans will be always in my heart.

    “I hope that they never forget the things that I will continue to do it. Not only in the past, but in the present too. Manchester will be always in my side, the fans will be always on my side.

    “It doesn’t matter what’s going to happen. When I arrived at Manchester United, I am always available to help the team to do good things, to put them in the right spots to compete with the best teams.

    “But it’s hard when they cut your legs and don’t like you to shine and don’t listen to your advice.

    “I think I have words to advise the club because the trophies are one individual and collective. I think I can help a lot, but the infrastructure is not good.”

    Ongoing reports linked the unsettled Ronaldo with the likes of Chelsea, Juventus and Atletico Madrid among a plethora of Europe’s elite clubs.

    Former side Sporting CP were another name touted, alongside Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich, though the ex-Real Madrid attacker refuted numerous reports.

    “What they say the last three months is complete garbage and wrong,” he added. “They say that they offer me this and that, and many presidents and directors speak about, they reject me.

    “It’s a complete lie, they lie. Because this is not what’s happened. I have a few clubs that they want me to sign and I didn’t go because I feel comfortable here.

    “I was motivated to do a great season here. But they continue to repeat that nobody wants Cristiano. How don’t they want a player who scored 32 goals last year, with the national team?”

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Cristiano Ronaldo (@cristiano)

    While Ronaldo took aim at the speculation and his current employers United, the forward insisted he has no doubts over his capabilities.

    He continued: “For me, it’s a stupid question. What do people say? They are not the same. Nobody is the same, day-by-day we’re getting old. Every one of us, it is normal. You have to adapt.

    “And I think nobody in this game has this brain that adapts to his age. I’m not wanting to be cocky to say that I’m the same as when I was 20. Of course, no.

    “I adapt and be smart to know my strength, what I’m good at. I’m still playing a high level and I score goals, and I will continue to score goals.

    “If my mind is clear and happy. And if the people surround me, they’re helping me to be a successful player, especially the coach, the president, the directors…

    “But when you feel that the energy around you won’t help, it’s difficult for you to be yourself, which is what has happened with me.”

    Source: Livescore

     

  • Ronaldo would be ‘happy’ to see Arsenal win Premier League title

    Cristiano Ronaldo has admitted he would be happy to see Arsenal win the Premier League, if Manchester United cannot become champions.

    The Portugal star has caught the headlines with an explosive interview aired this week, where he criticised his employers, current manager Erik ten Hag and his former team-mates Wayne Rooney and Gary Neville.

    His comments have led to a growing expectation that a swift departure from Old Trafford is on the cards after the World Cup in Qatar when the January transfer window opens for business – and his admission on the Premier League title race will cause a further stir.

    United have struggled for stability in the Premier League this season, while Arsenal have lost just once – at Old Trafford – as they look for a first top-flight crown since going unbeaten in the 2004-05 season.

    If that were to happen, Ronaldo has conceded he would be happy with the outcome.

    “I hope so. Manchester United first, if not, Arsenal. It’s a team I like to see play,” he told Piers Morgan’s Uncensored on TalkTV.

    “I like the team, I like the coach. I think they have a good team and if Manchester United don’t win the Premier League, then I will be happy if Arsenal do.”

    Arsenal hold a five-point advantage over Manchester City after 14 rounds of Premier League action, with United 11 points adrift of the Gunners.


    Source: Livescore

  • Ronaldo says son’s death was ‘the most difficult moment of my life’

    Cristiano Ronaldo says the death of his baby son was “the most difficult moment I had in my life.”

    As part of a wide-ranging interview with Piers Morgan for TalkTV, which will be released in full on Wednesday, Ronaldo has hit out at Manchester United and criticised his manager Erik ten Hag, among others.

    In a further snippet of the interview released on Tuesday, Ronaldo spoke of the tragic moment in April when he and his partner Georgina Rodriguez lost their son during childbirth.

    “It was probably the worst moment that I passed through in my life since my father died,” Ronaldo said.

    “When you have a kid you expect that everything will be normal, and you have that problem, it’s hard. As a human being, me and Georgina had quite difficult moments because we didn’t understand why it happened to us.

    “It was difficult, to be honest, it was very difficult to understand what is going on in that period of our life.

    “As you know, the football carries on, it’s so fast, there are so many competitions… and passing through that is probably the most difficult moment that I had in my life, for me and my family, especially Geo. That was tough.”

    Rodriguez gave birth to a baby girl, who is about to turn seven months old, and Portugal captain Ronaldo – who is currently preparing for the World Cup in Qatar – says he did not know how to react at the time.

    “I tried to explain to my family and close friends: ‘I never felt to be so happy and sad in the same moment’,” he added. “It’s hard to explain, so difficult. You don’t know if you [should] cry or smile, because it’s something [where] you don’t know how to react.

    “You don’t know what to do, to be honest.”

    Source: Livescore

  • Ronaldo claims senior Man Utd figures doubted daughter’s ill health after absence

    Cristiano Ronaldo alleged some members of Manchester United’s hierarchy did not believe his reasoning for missing pre-season when his daughter was in hospital.

    Ronaldo has hit out at United in a wide-ranging interview with Piers Morgan for TalkTV, which will be released in full on Wednesday, criticising manager Erik ten Hag, former boss Ralf Rangnick and the club.

    The five-time Ballon d’Or winner insisted Alex Ferguson convinced him to re-sign at Old Trafford but suggested “zero progress” has been made since the legendary Scot left in 2013.

    United issued a statement saying a response would follow once the interview, in which Ronaldo stated he felt “betrayed” by the club, was released in full.

    In a new clip released on Monday, Ronaldo claimed two senior members at United doubted his daughter, Bella, was sick with bronchitis just three months after her twin brother had died.

    “I spoke with the director and the president of Man Utd and they kind of didn’t believe that something was going wrong, which made me feel bad,” the Portugal captain said.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Cristiano Ronaldo (@cristiano)

    The forward missed United’s pre-season tour of Thailand and Australia after being granted additional time off by Ten Hag.

    When pressed to confirm senior United figures did not believe he was telling the truth, Ronaldo added: “They believe me but in the same way [shakes head]…

    “I am never going to change the health of my family for a football. Now, or 10 years behind or forward.

    “And it is something that really hurt me because they doubted my word that I was struggling, especially Bella and Geo [Georgina Rodriguez, Ronaldo’s girlfriend].

    “We had one week in hospital because Bella had a big problem and I didn’t go to the pre-season because of that.

    “I didn’t want to leave my family to do the pre-season because I didn’t think it was fair to leave my family for a pre-season. This is why I didn’t go.”

    Ronaldo stated in an Instagram post on Monday that his full focus is on achieving World Cup glory with Portugal, who face Ghana on November 24 in their Group H opener.

    Source: Livescore

  • Ronaldo believes Glazers ‘don’t care’ about Man Utd

    Cristiano Ronaldo believes that the Manchester United owners “don’t care about the club” and feels the fans “should know the truth”.

    In an interview set to be broadcast fully on Wednesday, the Portuguese forward criticised manager Erik ten Hag and former boss Ralf Rangnick, while also stating he feels “betrayed” by the club.

    Ronaldo has now aimed his sights higher up the hierarchy at Old Trafford, accusing the American owners of holding no interest in how the club performs on the field.

    “The owners of the club, the Glazers, they don’t care about the club. The sports, they don’t really care in my opinion,” he told Piers Morgan Uncensored.

    “I’ve never spoken to them. They give all the power to the sporting director.

    “The fans are always right, they should know the truth. The players, we want the best for the club, I want the best for the club, this is why I came back to Manchester United, it is why I love the club.

    “But you have some things inside the club which don’t help you reach the top level like [Manchester] City, Liverpool, even now Arsenal, for example, which is difficult.

    “It’s hard. In my opinion, it will be hard for United to be at the top of the game in the next two or three years.”

    Ronaldo also hit back at former teammates Wayne Rooney and Gary Neville, both of whom have been critical of him this season, and accused them of using his name to gain fame in their post playing careers.

    “They are not my friends. I don’t know if they have a job on television where they must criticise me to become more famous, I really don’t understand,” he added.

    “I think they take advantage of that because they’re not stupid. I have to carry on with my life with criticism or praise but it’s hard when you see people who were in the dressing room with you, criticising you in that way.

    “I’m not going to lose sleep because they criticise but it’s not good to listen to that. It’s a little bit disappointing.”

  • Cristiano Ronaldo: Manchester United forward says he feels ‘betrayed’ by club

    Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo says he feels “betrayed” by the club, does not respect manager Erik ten Hag and is being forced out.

    Ronaldo, 37, promised in August he would give his version of life at Old Trafford after failing to secure a move to a club playing in the Champions League, as he had hoped.

    He has now spoken out in an interview with Piers Morgan for TalkTV.

    A Manchester United statement said the club had “noted the media coverage”.

    In extracts from the wide-ranging interview –

    Ronaldo said:

    • People at the club were trying to force him out.
    • There had been “no evolution” at the club since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure in 2013, and the Scot agreed United were “not on the path they deserve to be”.
    • The club showed a lack of “empathy” when his young daughter was hospitalised in July.
    • He had “never heard” of previous manager Ralf Rangnick.
    • He did not know why former team-mate Wayne Rooney criticised him, adding: “Probably because he finished his career and I’m still playing.”

    The interview will be shown over two nights on Wednesday and Thursday.

    Asked by Morgan if United’s hierarchy were trying to force him out, Ronaldo said: “Yes, not only the coach, but another two or three guys around the club. I felt betrayed.”

    Pushed as to whether senior club executives were trying to oust him, he added: “People should listen to the truth. Yes, I felt betrayed and I felt like some people don’t want me here, not only this year but last year too.”

    The Red Devils, who beat Fulham 2-1 on Sunday, are fifth in the Premier League in Ten Hag’s first season as manager.

    “The club will consider its response after the full facts have been established,” United said in a statement on Monday.

    “Our focus remains on preparing for the second half of the season and continuing the momentum, belief and togetherness being built among the players, manager, staff and fans.

    Ronaldo says he has no ‘respect’ for Ten Hag

    Ronaldo has not played because of an unspecified illness since he captained United in their 3-1 defeat at Aston Villa on 6 November.

    He was dropped for the Premier League game at Chelsea last month by Ten Hag after refusing to come on as a substitute against Tottenham three days earlier.

    “I don’t have respect for him because he doesn’t show respect for me,” Ronaldo said. “If you don’t have respect for me, I’m never gonna have respect for you.”

    Ronaldo also spoke about the loss of his baby son in April and how touched he was by a tribute paid to him by Liverpool fans at a game against United at Anfield in the days afterwards.

    The whole interview is 90 minutes long but Morgan has written a version for the Sun in which it is clear the contempt Ronaldo has for how he has found United since he returned to the club amid huge fanfare in August 2021.

    “I think the fans should know the truth,” he said. “I want the best for the club. This is why I come to Manchester United.”

    Ronaldo said he had seen “no evolution” at the club since former manager Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.

    “Nothing had changed,” he said. “I love Manchester United. I love the fans, they’re always on my side. But if they want to do it different… they have to change many, many things.”

    Ronaldo said his view of the club was shared by Ferguson, who was pivotal in his return to Old Trafford from Juventus when it appeared he might join Manchester City.

    “He knows better than anybody that the club is not on the path they deserve to be,” added Ronaldo.

    “He knows. Everyone knows. The people who don’t see that… it’s because they don’t want to see; they are blind.”

  • Fernandes says ‘football is for everyone’ ahead of Qatar World Cup

    Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes has insisted “football is for everyone” as the domestic game prepares to halt for the upcoming World Cup in Qatar.

    A number of the world’s biggest leagues will take a mid-season break for the tournament, which is being played in November and December instead of the usual June and July due to the climate in Qatar.

    As well as the timing, there have been a number of concerns raised about the decision to allow Qatar to host the biggest tournament in football, such as human rights issues in the country, including reports of migrant worker deaths during the construction of the stadiums where the World Cup will be played.

    The tournament gets underway on November 20, and speaking after United’s late 2-1 win at Fulham in their final Premier League match before then, Fernandes – who will represent Portugal in Qatar – did not hold back on his opinions when speaking to Sky Sports.

    “Of course, it’s strange,” he said. “It’s not exactly the time we want to be playing in the World Cup. Obviously I think for everyone, players, fans, it’s not the best time because kids will be at school, people will be working, the timings will not be the best for people to watch the games.

    “We know the surroundings of the World Cup what has been in the last few weeks, the last few months, about the people that have died at the construction of the stadiums.

    “We are not happy for that at all. We want football to be for everyone, everyone has to be included and involved in the World Cup because it’s ‘world’, it is for everyone.

    “These kind of things I think should not happen at any time, but a World Cup is more than football; it is a party for fans, players, and something that is pure joy to watch, and should be done in a better way.”

    Erik ten Hag’s men secured an injury-time win at Craven Cottage on Sunday through teenager Alejandro Garnacho, after Christian Eriksen gave the Red Devils a first-half lead with his maiden goal for the club.

    The Denmark international will also be going to Qatar, and simply said: “It’s football, no matter where it is. That’s why were are going to the World Cup, because we qualified and we’re just going to play football.”

    Source: Livescore

     

  • Man Utd issue statement after scathing Ronaldo interview

    Manchester United have issued a statement following Cristiano Ronaldo’s seismic interview, where he expressed he felt “betrayed” by the club.

    In a 90-minute interview conducted by Piers Morgan, due to be released fully on Wednesday, Ronaldo issued scathing criticism upon the club, Erik ten Hag and former caretaker boss Ralf Rangnick.

    The 37-year-old declared he had “no respect” for Ten Hag and had “never heard of” his predecessor Rangnick, while claiming no progress had been made by the club since Alex Ferguson’s departure in 2013.

    Ronaldo’s comments come ahead of the World Cup in Qatar, with United not in Premier League action again until Boxing Day, and they will take their time to decide the appropriate action.

    The statement read: “Manchester United notes the media coverage regarding an interview by Cristiano Ronaldo.

    “The club will consider its response after the full facts have been established.

    “Our focus remains on preparing for the second half of the season and continuing the momentum, belief and togetherness being built among the players, manager, staff, and fans.”

    Ronaldo has made 16 appearances across all competitions for United this season, 10 of which have been as a starter, scoring three goals and registering two assists.

    However, he has netted just once in the Premier League this season, coming off the bench against Everton on October 9 to score the winner in a 2-1 victory.

    Source: Livescore

  • Ronaldo claims Rooney criticism rooted in jealousy

    Cristiano Ronaldo has suggested Wayne Rooney’s criticism of his behaviour at Manchester United is rooted in jealousy.

    Ronaldo has been the subject of a great deal of scrutiny this season, having pushed for a move away from United ahead of the August kick-off.

    After staying at Old Trafford, the United great fell out of favour under new manager Erik ten Hag and was widely criticised for refusing to appear as a substitute against Tottenham.

    Ronaldo stormed down the tunnel during that match and was subsequently suspended for United’s next game.

    Ten Hag has reintegrated Ronaldo, but his role remains the subject of debate, with former strike partner Rooney weighing in this week.

    While some of Ronaldo’s other team-mates have defended him, Rooney said the 37-year-old’s behaviour was “not acceptable” and an “unwanted distraction”.

    Now, in a wide-ranging interview with Piers Morgan Uncensored, Ronaldo has responded.

    “I don’t know why he criticises me so badly,” he said in an interview that will be broadcast in full next week.

    “Probably because he finished his career and I’m still playing at a high level.

    “I’m not going to say that I’m looking better than him – which is true…”

    Ronaldo joined United for the first time in 2003, a year before Rooney was signed from Everton, and the pair won the 2007-08 Champions League together.

    While Ronaldo will be heading to the World Cup with Portugal, Rooney – England’s record goalscorer – is preparing for his first full season in charge of MLS side D.C. United.

    As well as poking fun at Rooney, Ronaldo used his interview as a platform to discuss how he has been “betrayed” by United, adding he does not respect Ten Hag.

    Source: Livescore

     

  • Cristiano Ronaldo: Manchester United forward says he feels ‘betrayed’ by club

    Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo says he feels “betrayed” by the club, does not respect manager Erik ten Hag and is being forced out.

    Ronaldo, 37, promised in August he would give his version of life at Old Trafford after failing to secure a move to a club playing in the Champions League, as he had hoped.

    United have been asked for a response to the Portugal international’s claims.

    In extracts from the wide-ranging interview – published in the Sun, Ronaldo said:

    • People at the club were trying to force him out.
    • There had been “no evolution” at the club since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure in 2013, and the Scot agreed United were “not on the path they deserve to be”.
    • The club showed a lack of “empathy” when his young daughter was hospitalised in July.
    • He had “never heard” of previous manager Ralf Rangnick.
    • He did not know why former team-mate Wayne Rooney criticised him, adding: “Probably because he finished his career and I’m still playing”.

    The interview will be shown over two nights on Wednesday and Thursday.

    Asked by Morgan if United’s hierarchy were trying to force him out, Ronaldo said: “Yes, not only the coach, but another two or three guys around the club. I felt betrayed.”

    Pushed as to whether senior club executives were trying to oust him, he added: “People should listen to the truth. Yes, I felt betrayed and I felt like some people don’t want me here, not only this year but last year too.”

    The Red Devils, who beat Fulham 2-1 on Sunday, are fifth in the Premier League in Ten Hag’s first season as manager.

    Ronaldo says he has no ‘respect’ for Ten Hag

    Ronaldo has not played because of an unspecified illness since he captained United in their 3-1 defeat at Aston Villa on 6 November.

    He was dropped for the Premier League game at Chelsea last month by Ten Hag after refusing to come on as a substitute against Tottenham three days earlier.

    “I don’t have respect for him because he doesn’t show respect for me,” Ronaldo said. “If you don’t have respect for me, I’m never gonna have respect for you.”

    Ronaldo also spoke about the loss of his baby son in April and how touched he was by a tribute paid to him by Liverpool fans at a game against United at Anfield in the days afterwards.

    The whole interview is 90 minutes long but Morgan has written a version for the Sun in which it is clear the contempt Ronaldo has for how he has found United since he returned to the club amid huge fanfare in August 2021.

    “I think the fans should know the truth,” he said. “I want the best for the club. This is why I come to Manchester United.”

    Ronaldo said he had seen “no evolution” at the club since former manager Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.

    “Nothing had changed,” he said. “I love Manchester United. I love the fans, they’re always on my side. But if they want to do it different… they have to change many, many things.”

    Ronaldo said his view of the club was shared by Ferguson, who was pivotal in his return to Old Trafford from Juventus when it appeared he might join Manchester City.

    “He knows better than anybody that the club is not on the path they deserve to be,” added Ronaldo.

    “He knows. Everyone knows. The people who don’t see that… it’s because they don’t want to see; they are blind.”

    Ronaldo’s former team-mate Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was United manager when the Portuguese returned to the club before he was succeeded by Ralf Rangnick and then Ten Hag.

    Rangnick left his role as head of sports and development at Lokomotiv Moscow to take up the job. He had previously built his reputation during his time in Germany, with Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp and former Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel speaking highly about their compatriot.

    On Rangnick, Ronaldo said: “If you’re not even a coach, how are you going to be the boss of Manchester United? I’d never even heard of him.”

    Ronaldo also responded to criticism from former United team-mate Wayne Rooney about his behaviour this season.

    “I don’t know why he criticises me so badly… probably because he finished his career and I’m still playing at a high level,” said Ronaldo.

    “I’m not going to say that I’m looking better than him. Which is true…”

    ‘An interview that is his version of the truth’ – reaction

    Match of the Day 2 pundits Jermaine Jenas and Jermain Defoe both criticised Ronaldo for his comments.

    “We have seen nothing but petulance throughout the season, with the walking down the tunnel,” Jenas said.

    “He’s a frustrated player, whether he feels like he’s been lied to or what, today just doesn’t feel right to me. It’s not going to help him and he has to be done at the club.”

    Defoe added: “I think it’s quite disappointing to be honest, he has nothing to prove so I can’t understand why he would want to put his point across. Maybe his ego is dented a little bit.”

    Former England defender and Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carraghersaid the majority of United fans would side with Ten Hag.

    “Ronaldo under ETH: Announced he wanted to leave, refused to come on as a substitute, walked off the bench and left before the game had finished,” he posted on Twitter.

    “99% of United fans will be on the side of ETH, which shows how badly Ronaldo has handled this.”

    Andy Mitten, editor of United We Stand magazine, told BBC Radio 5 Live: “He’s not been forced out. He wanted to leave in the summer and thought he was leaving, but there was a shortage of suitors.

    “He has done an interview that’s his version of the truth and there’s often more than one version of the truth in life.

    “I don’t think United fans would be hugely concerned if he didn’t play for the club again.”

    Source: BBC sports.com

  • “I don’t have respect for Ten Hag” – Ronaldo feels ‘betrayed’ by United

    Cristiano Ronaldo says he feels “betrayed” by senior figures at Manchester United and has no respect for the club’s head coach Erik ten Hag after enduring a tumultuous season at Old Trafford.

    Having top-scored for United with 24 goals in all competitions last term, Ronaldo reportedly asked to leave the club following their failure to qualify for the Champions League, and the 37-year-old has fallen out of favour since Ten Hag took charge ahead of this campaign.

    Ronaldo was temporarily exiled from first-team activities last month after refusing to come on as a substitute in a 2-0 win over Tottenham, and has only scored one Premier League goal all season.

    Before travelling to Qatar to represent Portugal at his fifth and likely final World Cup, Ronaldo stated his belief that senior figures at Old Trafford – including Ten Hag – want rid of him.

    Asked whether he felt he was being forced out of Old Trafford, Ronaldo told Piers Morgan uncensored: “Yes, not only by the coach, but by another two or three guys around the club that I felt betrayed me.

    “I shouldn’t say that [they were trying to get rid of me], I don’t know, but yes, I feel betrayed. I felt that some people didn’t want me here not only this year, but last year too.”

    Ten Hag has preferred to hand opportunities to the likes of Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Anthony Elanga in United’s attack this season, and has only started Ronaldo in four league games.

    Last month, Ten Hag said he opted against bringing Ronaldo on in a 6-3 defeat to rivals Manchester City “out of respect”, while the Portugal forward was visibly irritated by the Dutchman’s decision to substitute him against Newcastle United two weeks later.

    Asked about his relationship with Ten Hag, Ronaldo added: “I don’t have respect for him because he doesn’t show respect for me.

    “If you don’t have respect for me, I’m never going to have respect for you.”

    Source: Livescore

     

  • Ronaldo: Sir Alex told me to rejoin Manchester United

    Cristiano Ronaldo revealed Alex Ferguson convinced him to re-join Manchester United, but the legendary former manager knows there has been “zero progress” since his departure from Old Trafford.

    Ronaldo has been the subject of a great deal of scrutiny this season, having pushed for a move away from United prior to the campaign while subsequently falling out of favour with new manager Erik ten Hag.

    Although heavily linked with a move to rivals Manchester City, the Portugal skipper returned to Old Trafford in August 2021 on the advice of his former boss, who he revealed is in agreement the club has stalled since the Scotsman’s retirement in 2013.

    in a wide-ranging interview with Piers Morgan Uncensored, Ronaldo also questioned the Red Devils’ decision to replace Ole Gunnar Solskjaer with Ralf Rangnick last season, while admitting a new direction is essential.

    “I followed my heart,” he said. “[Sir Alex] said to me, ‘It’s impossible for you to come to Manchester City,’ and I said, ‘Okay, Boss.’

    “Since Sir Alex left, I saw no evolution in the club. The progress was zero. After sacking Ole [Gunnar Solskjaer], they bring in sport director Ralf Rangnick, which is something nobody understands. This guy is not even a coach.

    “A big club like Manchester United bringing in a sporting director surprised not only me, but all the world.”

    He continued: “I think the fans should know the truth. I want the best for the club. This is why I come to Manchester United.

    “But you have some things inside that don’t help [us] reach the top level as City, Liverpool and even now Arsenal. A club with this dimension should be top of the tree in my opinion, and they are not, unfortunately.

    “As Picasso said, you have to destroy it to rebuild it, and if they start with me, for me, it’s not a problem.

    “I love Manchester United, I love the fans, they’re always on my side. But if they want to do it different, they have to change many, many things.

    “He [Sir Alex] knows. Everyone knows. The people who don’t see that, it’s because they don’t want to see; they are blind.”

  • Luis Van Gaal reveals why he wears orange pants on matchday

    Netherlands national team head coach, Luis Van Gaal has explained why he wears orange pants on matchdays.

    The former Manchester United and Bayern Munich coach was rumoured to be a very superstitious sportsman who doesn’t joke with his ritual.

    Despite admitting that he wears orange pants on matchday, Van Gal denied being superstitious when asked “Is it true what your wife said, that you are superstitious?”

    He denied wearing orange pants every day but stated that he wears orange pants as a sign of respect for his wife.

    “No. I received orange underpants from her. Do you really think I will wear these orange pants every day? I only do it on match days. This is why I wear it. Out of respect for my sweet wife,” he said.

    Meanwhile, Luis Van Gaal has named three players of Ghanaian descent namely Jeremie Frimpong, Memphis Depay, and Cody Gakpo in their 26-man squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

    The Netherlands will play Senegal, Qatar, and Ecuador in the group stage, while Ghana has dates with Portugal, South Korea, and Uruguay.

    Source: Ghanaweb 

  • Ronaldo involvement against Fulham ‘possible’ despite illness

    Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is unsure of Cristiano Ronaldo’s availability against Fulham after the forward was struck down by illness this week.

    United travel to Craven Cottage in the Premier League on Sunday for their final game before the season halts for the World Cup in Qatar, with questions lingering as to whether players will avoid being involved across the final weekend in order to avoid picking up an injury.

    Ten Hag insists that is not the case for United and, though Ronaldo has been under the weather in recent days, it is “possible” he could be involved.

    “I think the players are all aware of the importance of the game. We have Fulham, and I will not take the World Cup into regard. We play the best team on Sunday – it’s the only interest for Manchester United,” Ten Hag told reporters.

    “I can’t guarantee that now [Ronaldo being available], but he was ill today, so he can recover from that, it’s not a really serious illness that takes days or weeks. So I think it’s possible that he will be available for Sunday and that he will be in the squad.”

    Ten Hag was also asked how he would assess the current position of United and outlined his content, though he remains focused on this weekend’s game with Fulham.

    “I hoped that we would be where we are now, but again, it’s better to ask me the question after Sunday. Sunday is going to be a really important game,” he added.

    “If you look into the progress of the process, then you can analyse and you can make a reflection. I think we have progressed.

    “Pressing play out from the back, also attacking the final third, that is part of the game we have to improve, but then you have to have numbers available. When we have so many games, you need rotation. Otherwise, you don’t keep the players fresh.

    “We need the players who are available at the highest level. So we need new players or to use the players that we have already got.”

    One of those within the squad who has had limited involvement is Donny van de Beek, but Ten Hag feels there is still a role for the midfielder to play, with a temporary departure not appealing to him.

    “I don’t think that a loan makes sense. It’s either he fights himself, and he proves himself in this atmosphere in this environment, or he goes, but for me, there’s still a way for him,” he explained.

    “There’s still chances for him, but it is not going to be easy because the competition there is really strong.”

     

  • Ten Hag claims Argentina inclusion not ‘right step’ for Garnacho

    Erik ten Hag says Alejandro Garnacho’s potential inclusion in Argentina’s Qatar 2022 World Cup squad would not be “the right step” for the Manchester United teenager.

    La Albiceleste are set to announce their 26-man party for this month’s tournament next Monday, where the reigning Copa America champions are considered among the frontrunners.

    With Lionel Messi set to likely compete in his final World Cup, Lionel Scaloni’s side will not be short of motivation, and there have been suggestions Garnacho could be a surprise name in the squad.

    But Ten Hag is not sure it would be the best thing for the winger’s development.

    “It’s difficult to say,” he stated. “I don’t know all the available Argentina players, what is available for them from 26. It’s a big step to go to a World Cup, where the best players in the world come together.

    “It’s a big step. I don’t know if that’s the right step for him. I think he has to keep his head clean, stay calm, work hard and develop. I think [he has to] go from game to game.”

    Garnacho was a live-wire performer for United as they progressed to the last 16 of the EFL Cup on Thursday with a 4-2 win over Aston Villa, providing two assists after coming off the bench.

    The teenager has lacked regular minutes this term, though he has been a frequent performer in Europe, with four Europa League appearances and a goal to his name.

    Source: Livescore

  • Ten Hag proud of United’s resilience in Carabao Cup thriller

    Erik ten Hag was proud of Manchester United’s resilience after the Red Devils twice came from behind to seal a frantic 4-2 win over Aston Villa in the Carabao Cup on Thursday.

    United were heading for a second consecutive third-round exit from the competition when Ollie Watkins opened the scoring at Old Trafford, and again when Diogo Dalot put through his own net after Anthony Martial equalised.

    However, Marcus Rashford got United back on level terms before goals from Bruno Fernandes and Scott McTominay took the game away from Villa, helping the Red Devils into the fourth round.

    Ten Hag hit out at an “unacceptable” performance when United fell to a 3-1 Premier League defeat to Villa on Sunday, but he was thrilled by Thursday’s comeback against the same opponents.

    “Two halves are never the same, it’s true. First half, we controlled the game by good pressing, we won a lot of balls in the opponents’ half, but then did the wrong things,” he told Sky Sports shortly before United were drawn with Burnley in the fourth round.

    “At half-time, we said, ‘keep the pressing but be more direct, pass the ball behind their defence’. Then we came back, we fought back.

    “I’m really proud of the team that they could do that after Sunday’s defeat.

    “I’m really happy with that resilience, that’s what we need to show every game, that’s why I was so disappointed – so mad – with the performance on Sunday.

    “We didn’t fight, we didn’t cooperate, we were sloppy – especially in the defensive discipline, and a United player always has to show 100 per cent discipline.”

    United travel to Fulham for their final Premier League game before the World Cup on Sunday, and Ten Hag says the extended break will allow for a better analysis of his team’s progress.

    “Now we have a little more time, we can go a bit deeper, and we will see where we can improve. We will have a good reflection, definitely,” Ten Hag added.

    “It’s a quick game, an intense game, and what we have to do better is to play football at a high intensity, that’s what the top teams do.

    “I think we have made a step in the right direction, but on the ball, we can be more in control. There’s still a long way to go.”

    Meanwhile, Rashford hit the net for the eighth time this season on the day he was named in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the World Cup, and the 25-year-old believes focusing on United has benefited him.

    “For me, the focus is United. If you’re performing for United then England is always going to be around the corner,” Rashford said.

    “I’m obviously really pleased to be back in the mix and back with the squad, and it’s going to be a massive month so I’m looking forward to that, but hopefully we can close this chapter off with a win on Sunday.”

    Source: Livescore

  • Manchester United issued fine for Newcastle and Chelsea incidents

    Manchester United have been fined £82,000 over two separate FA charges from their Premier League games with Newcastle United and Chelsea last month.

    The club faced claims they had failed to control their players surrounding flashpoint incidents in both matches, crowding match officials after a disallowed goal against the Magpies and for a penalty concession against the Blues.

    Now, having admitted to both charges, United have seen punishments handed out by the FA, with a heavy combined financial sanction for their troubles.

    “Manchester United has been fined £82,000 in total for breaching FA Rule E20.1 during its Premier League matches against Newcastle United on Sunday 16 October and Chelsea on Saturday 22 October,” read a statement.

    “Manchester United admitted that it failed to ensure its players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion during the 49th minute of the Newcastle United game and the 84th minute of the Chelsea fixture.

    “Independent Regulatory Commissions imposed fines of £45,000 and £37,000 for the respective breaches in the Newcastle United and Chelsea matches during separate hearings.

    “The Independent Regulatory Commissions’ written reasons for these individual sanctions will be published in due course.”

    United’s fine is among the latest high-profile penalties handed out by the FA for disciplinary action this season, with several other managers and clubs facing similar sanctions.

    Jurgen Klopp was fined £30,000 for his actions during Liverpool’s win over Manchester City, though the FA have since appealed the original fine.

    Arsenal were also hit with a £20,000 penalty for failing to control their players during October’s match against Leeds United.

    Source: Livescore

     

  • Cruyff claims Barcelona’s ‘special’ Man United tie will come too soon

    Jordi Cruyff is relishing a “special” Europa League tie between Barcelona and Manchester United but thinks it is a shame they will not meet later in the competition.

    Barca finished behind Bayern Munich and Inter in Champions League Group C, plunging them into the Europa League for a second consecutive season.

    Monday’s knockout round play-off draw handed the Catalan giants a heavyweight clash with United, which Xavi lamented as the “most difficult” assignment possible.

    Blaugrana sporting director Cruyff, who represented both clubs during his playing days, would like such a mouthwatering tie to have taken place in the latter stages of the Europa League.

    “I think it’s a draw that both teams would have preferred to have further down the line, not so quick, but that’s the beauty of football, you never know what’s going to come,” Cruyff said.

    “It came now, and it’s probably going to be a tough match for both, but also very special as these are two historic football clubs.

    “Barcelona is a club where the pressure is always at the max, everything you start, you always need to win. That’s the pressure that these sorts of clubs have, the same that United will have.

    “For us, it’s a motivation and the fact that we get a team like this so quickly means that this competition isn’t easy at all. It’s difficult, but you know that we’re motivated.”

    Barca have fond memories of their recent fixtures against United, having beaten the Red Devils in four successive meetings – including Champions League final triumphs in 2009 and 2011.


    Source: Livescore

     

  • Ex-United defender Neville unconvinced by Red Devils

    Gary Neville has said that Manchester United have the worst attack among the Premier League’s ‘big six’.

    Neville remains unconvinced by the Red Devils’ form under Erik ten Hag.

    United saw their nine-match unbeaten run halted by a 3-1 reverse at Aston Villa on Sunday, as goals from Leon Bailey, Lucas Digne and Jacob Ramsey punished a lethargic display.

    The Red Devils went two goals down within 11 minutes at Villa Park – the earliest point of a Premier League game at which they had trailed by two goals since October 2018 (v Newcastle United), and they failed to find a route back into the contest.

    Although United are just three points adrift of a top-four spot, they have scored fewer league goals than four of their ‘big six’ rivals this term (all but Chelsea), leaving Neville concerned.

    “Overall, I’m not wholly convinced by this idea that Manchester United are back – they’re not,” Neville said on his Sky Sports podcast.

    “They’re nowhere near Manchester City. They’re more watchable [than before] and have got a bit more fight.

    “[Christian] Eriksen has brought quality in midfield and [Lisandro] Martinez at the back has brought tenacity, but he [Ten Hag] can’t keep a steady pair. That’s a problem.

    “United’s front three are the weakest out of the top six. You think of [Dejan] Kulusevski, [Harry] Kane and Son [Heung-min]. United would take those three.

    “Arsenal have [Bukayo] Saka, [Gabriel] Jesus and [Gabriel] Martinelli. Liverpool have [Darwin] Nunez, [Luis] Diaz, [Diogo] Jota, [Mohamed] Salah and [Roberto] Firmino.

    “You’d definitely choose three of them over what United have got. You’d even take Chelsea’s.

    “United’s front players aren’t as good as they should be, although Erik ten Hag is getting the maximum out of them.

    “I don’t know where the money has gone again, the spend over the past four or five years. There are signs that they are getting better, but they aren’t back.”

    Marcus Rashford is United’s top league goalscorer with four strikes this campaign, while Antony (three) is the only other player to score more than twice in the competition for the Red Devils.

    Source: Livescore

  • Emery sets ‘personal challenge’ to win silverware with Villa

    Unai Emery preached patience as he met the media for the first time as Aston Villa coach on Friday, but that did not stop him setting a “personal challenge” to bring silverware to Villa Park.

    Emery started work as Villa boss this week having left former club Villarreal, where he achieved Europa League success in the 2020-21 season.

    But initial ambitions will have to be more modest at Villa, with the side 16th in the Premier League table ahead of Sunday’s clash with Manchester United.

    If results go against his new team on Saturday, Emery could find himself in the relegation zone by the time of his first match in charge.

    For that reason, Emery had a dash of realism to go with his optimistic plans for the future on his return to the Premier League.

    “My dream is to win a trophy with Aston Villa,” said the former Arsenal manager, who was asked if Villa could qualify for Europe this season.

    “It’s my personal challenge at the beginning. And my second dream, my objective could be to play with Aston Villa in Europe.

    “But now we have to start thinking only [about] the next match because we are not in a good position in the table now, and each match is going to give us a lot of information from the players and I want to test, to check individually and collectively the players.

    “The next match is my only focus now, Sunday against Manchester United, and, of course, playing here at home.”

    Source: Livescore