MANCHESTER UNITED secured a crucial 3-2 victory over Arsenal in Michael Carrick's final match as manager.

Cristiano Ronaldo got the winner for the Red Devils but could miss Crystal Palace after reportedly injuring himself doing his 'siu' celebration.

Meanwhile Ralf Rangnick has given his first interview as manager.

And SunSport can reveal that New York Red Bulls boss Gerhard Struber has been approached to become Rangnick's assistant.

The Austrian is best known in the UK for working wonders at Barnsley, where he led the Tykes to a miracle escape from relegation in 2019/20.

And police in Italy could question Cristiano Ronaldo over possible irregularities in his transfer from Juventus to Man Utd.

Get all the latest Man Utd transfer news, gossip and updates here.

  • Ian Tuckey

    RALF DELAYS TALKS ON NEW SIGNINGS

    New Manchester United interim boss Ralf Rangnick insists his squad does not need MORE players – and he will hold off plans for newcomers until Christmas.

    Rangnick said: ‘We haven’t spoken about new players and it’s not the time to speak about new players.

    “It’s the time to get to know the current squad in detail. This is the major focus for the next couple of weeks, to get to know the players that we have currently.’

    “The squad is definitely not too small, there are enough players in the squad.

    “Maybe at Christmas or after Christmas, there will be a possible time to speak about possible transfers in the winter.”

  • Ian Tuckey

    VIEIRA BACK AGAINST UTD

    Crystal Palace are hopeful Patrick Vieira will be in the dugout at Manchester United tomorrow despite an ‘urgent family matter’.

    Eagles boss Vieira was called away from training yesterday morning, with assistant manager Osian Roberts taking over.

    Unless circumstances change, Vieira is expected to be back for training today and take the team at Old Trafford.

    Roberts, the former Wales No2, said: “Patrick was in as normal for training.

    “Unfortunately, he received a phone call and had to leave immediately to attend to an urgent family matter.

    “Obviously my thoughts are first of all with Patrick and the family. The staff have rallied round to make sure the training has been seamless.

    “The players have been professional in the way they’ve applied themselves so we had a good session and all the plans are in place.

    “It makes a big difference when Patrick is not here. He’s our leader, the manager, and you always want him at the helm leading matters.

    “But we have a responsibility in this unfortunate circumstance that we do everything correctly to make sure everything goes as smoothly as possible until he is back with us.”

  • Ian Tuckey

    RON-ERO BECKHAM

    Romeo Beckham held up a signed Cristiano Ronaldo shirt after joining dad David at Old Trafford to see last night’s 3-2 defeat of Arsenal.

    Romeo, 19, who plays for his father’s Fort Lauderdale side, was all smiles as he had a signed No7 shirt from Ronaldo.

    The number is special to Beckham, 46, who wore it during his legendary time at Old Trafford, before a 2003 transfer to Real Madrid.

    And it was actually Ronaldo, 36, who inherited the iconic United jersey after he joined from Sporting Lisbon that same year.

    The Portugal legend followed in Beckham’s footsteps in 2009 with a then-record £80m to the Spanish capital.

    After nine seasons in Spain, Ronaldo then spent three years with Juventus before this summer making an emotional return to Manchester.

    He has 12 goals in 16 games since being re-signed by his former team-mate Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who was later sacked.

  • Ian Tuckey

    5 CRAZY KEEPER MOMENTS

    As the saying goes, you have to be mad to be a goalkeeper… and these No1’s have provided us with some eccentric moments, writes JON BOON.

    In between the sticks for Manchester United, David De Gea conceded the most bizarre goal against Arsenal, when his own team mate Fred trod on his heel, leaving him on the deck as Emile Smith Rowe volleyed in from the edge of the area.

    The controversial goal was allowed to stand with referee Martin Atkinson failing to blow the whistle before the ball crossed the line to stop play.

    But that’s not the only bizarre moment involving the keeper as SunSport looks back at some classic incidents…

    DIVOT

    Former Blackburn goalie Tim Flowers’ unfortunate error always appears on blooper shows.

    LIFE’S A BEACH

    On a beach, a beach ball is lots of fun. But on the football pitch, it’s a potential hazard for goalkeepers

    Just ask ex-Liverpool and Spain keeper Pepe Reina, who saw a shot from Sunderland striker Darren Bent deflect off one past him in a 1-0 defeat in 2009

    SCORPION KICK

    It’s the most remarkable save you’ll ever see.

    England were hosting Colombia in 1995, in what ended up being a drab 0-0 draw.

    However, it was livened up by madcap Rene Higuita’s now infamous scorpion kick.

    ON A ROLL

    He’s behind you!

    Clearly, Shay Given didn’t get the memo that 6ft 2in centre forward Dion Dublin was sneakily hiding behind him.

    So, the Irishman decided to roll the ball out in front of him as he prepared to launch the ball forward for Newcastle in a game against Coventry City during the 1997-98 season.

    Cue Dublin pouncing on the loose ball and sweeping it home.

    PAUL ROBINSON’S FREAK GOAL

    Spare a thought for his rival, Ben Foster because no goalie wants to be scored against by his opposite number.

    But that’s exactly what happened to the Watford shotstopper, when ex-Spurs star Paul Robinson unleashed a monster free kick from deep in his own half in a game from 2007.

    FULL DETAILS AND PICTURES HERE

  • Ian Tuckey

    RIO SALUTES CARRICK

    Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has praised outgoing stand-in boss Michael Carrick as ‘always a class act’.

    Ferdy joined the salutes for ex-England midfielder Carrick, who was at Old Trafford for 16 years.

  • Ian Tuckey

    JOSE DRESSED TO IMPRESS

    Jose Mourinho donned traditional garb to impress an Uzbek delegation at the Roma training ground.

    The Portuguese coach – who took over at the Stadio Olimpico last summer – welcomed the VIPs dressed in a chapan coat.

    The visitors were in town to meet Roma’s Uzbekistan striker Eldor Shomurodov, who signed from Genoa back in August.

    And they gifted the Special One a traditional knife – called a pichok.

    Uzbekistan is currently celebrating its 30th anniversary after the break-up of the Soviet Union.

    Shomurodov joined Mourinho in the Italian capital in the summer and has scored once in 12 Serie A appearances.

    He has played up front so far this season alongside England international Tammy Abraham.

    The ex-Chelsea star has been outscoring his attacking partner, recently finding the net against Torino.

    That followed the brace he scored against Europa Conference League opponents Zorya Luhansk – including a stunning overhead kick.

    Roma currently sit fifth in Serie A, one point ahead of Fiorentina, Juventus and Bologna.

    They next face a blockbuster meeting with reigning champions Inter on Saturday evening.

  • Ian Tuckey

    ‘STONEWALL PENALTY’

    Arsenal fans were left fuming after being denied a potential penalty in the 3-2 loss to Manchester United at Old Trafford.

    Takehiro Tomiyasu got away from Harry Maguire on the edge of the box in the first half.

    And to prevent Tomiyasu from getting his head on the ball, Maguire gave the defender a tug.

    But VAR didn’t intervene and play was waived on.

    Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher says the incident wasn’t a ‘clear and obvious error’, which is why it wasn’t given.

    One Arsenal fan said on Twitter: “Why haven’t they checked Maguire dragging down Tomiyasu in the penalty box? Stonewall penalty.”

    While another fumed: “That’s a clear foul by Maguire on Tomiyasu in the penalty box… What’s the use of VAR?”

  • Ian Tuckey

    RANGNICK SPEAKS

    Ralf Rangnick has explained why he joined Man United after rejecting Chelsea last season.

    He said: “”At the time, when Chelsea contacted me, they only talked about the option to become interim manager for four months.

    “We’re talking about six and a half months [at United] and we also have a two-year advisory role.

    “If Manchester United contact you for such role then you can’t turn it down.”

  • Ian Tuckey

    EVRA SLAM’S MESSI’S BALLON FLAW

    Patrice Evra blasted the Ballon d’Or after Lionel Messi pipped Robert Lewandowski to the top award.

    Messi won his seventh Ballon d’Or title but Evra, 40, claimed that was down to corruption with Lewandowski more deserving of the award.

    The Polish striker – who netted 48 goals for Bayern Munich last season – was instead awarded the inaugural Striker of the Year award at this week’s ceremony.

    Evra said on Instagram: “They have to create a trophy for him [Lewandowski] because they feel guilty.

    “They know it is corruption so people open your eyes, open your eyes!

    “I am no one to say who deserves it or not but I think everyone agrees with me and I see the comment ‘robbery!robbery!robbery!’

    “People don’t agree, I’m sure if I posted something saying who deserves the Ballon d’Or Lewandowski or Messi, Lewandowski would win.

    “So what’s happened, what’s the football fan? Why are we lying to them?

    “My message is against those massive corrupt organisations in footall. Enough is enough. You won’t fool me.”

  • Ian Tuckey

    WAN-BISSAKA PUTS FINGER ON WHY HE MISSED OUT

    Aaron Wan-Bissaka missed Manchester United’s dramatic victory over Arsenal after Callum Hudson-Odoi stood on his HAND.

    The United right-back suffered the injury during last Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Premier League leaders Chelsea.

    Blues flier Callum Hudson-Odoi reportedly trod on the 24-year-old’s hand as they did battle at Stamford Bridge.

    And the damaged paw was apparently so painful that Wan-Bissaka had to sit out Thursday night’s 3-2 thriller at Old Trafford.

    Caretaker boss Michael Carrick confirmed the injury as he also explained the absence of midfielder Nemanja Matic from the starting XI.

    He said: “Nemanja has picked up a little niggle, he felt his hamstring.

    “Hudson-Odoi stood on Aaron’s hand the other day, so he’s in a fair bit of pain, it was touch and go but he didn’t make it.”

    Wan-Bissaka was replaced by Diogo Dalot, who was on hand to celebrate with his fellow Portugal international Cristiano Ronaldo as he smashed home the match-winner.

  • Ian Tuckey

    BRUNO HAILS OUTGOING CARRICK

    Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes has tipped Michael Carrick to be a ‘really good manager’ after he quit the club following yesterday’s 3-2 defeat o Arsenal.

    Carrick was placed in temporary charge of United after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s sacking last month.

    Speaking to Amazon Prime after last night’s game, Fernandes backed Carrick to have a future in management.

    He said: “I’ve said to him I was really mad to be off on his first game and I tell him now at the end of this game.

    “But honestly for me Michael can be a really good manager in the future if he gets that chance.

    “He knows how to speak, he knows a lot of football.

    “He was one of the great players that not a lot of people talk about. For what I have seen he can be a top coach.”

  • Ian Tuckey

    RALF: RON AND I MUST ADAPT

    Ralf Rangnick says Cristiano Ronaldo and he have to get adapt to each other, writes NEIL CUSTIS.

    It was thought Ronaldo would not fit into the new Manchester United manager’s high pressing game.

    But Rangnick was present at Old Trafford on Thursday night as Ronaldo scored the 800th and 801st goals of his senior career for club and country.

    At 36 it was another impressive performance from the five time Champions League winning veteran.

    And Rangnick admitted they now have to work with each other to get United moving forward again.

    Rangnick said: “You always have to adapt your style or your idea of football to the players you have available, not visa versa.

    “Having seen Cristiano against Arsenal in the second half at the age of 36..an amazing top professional.

    “At his age, I’ve never seen a player who is still that physically fit. He’s still a player who can easily make the difference.

    “So yes, it’s about how we can develop the whole team not only Cristiano. We play in the most competitive league in the world so we need all the players on board.”

  • Ian Tuckey

    RON’S UTD MOVE PROBED

    Cristiano Ronaldo’s transfer to Manchester United is being PROBED by the Italian authorities with a new search of Juventus’ offices being ordered.

    Juventus’ offices in both Turin and Milan were raided last Friday after accusations they falsely recorded the value of transfers between 2019 and 2021 to fit within Financial Fair Play Regulations.

    Player contracts, invoices and financial statements were seized as evidence.

    Club president Andrea Agnelli and vice-president Pavel Nedved, as well as Tottenham managing director Fabio Paratici – who worked at Juve between 2010-21 – are also under investigation.

    Reuters are reporting that a fresh search of Juventus’ offices has been ordered to examine the financial terms of Ronaldo’s £12.9million Man Utd transfer.

    The deal generated a negative economic impact of 14m euros on its results for the 2020/21 financial year, the club revealed at the time.

    La Gazzetta dello Sport state there are recordings of phone calls where Juventus directors allegedly discuss a document that ‘should not have theoretically existed’ regarding Ronaldo’s move.

    Turin investigators are yet to find the document and Juventus directors have reportedly failed to explain the nature of the deal.

  • Ian Tuckey

    STRU’S THE DADDY

    Manchester United want New York Red Bulls coach Gerhard Struber to be Ralf Rangnick’s new assistant.

    SunSport understands that United have made contact with the Austrian in the last few days over a move to Old Trafford as Rangnick begins his six-month reign in the hotseat.

    However, United would have to buy Struber out of his current contract with New York, which has two years left having joined from Barnsley in October 2020.

    It is unsure how quickly United would be able to get Struber to Manchester, despite the fact the regular MLS season finished last month.

    Rangnick, 63, and Struber, 44, know each other very well after working together at Red Bull Salzburg – the former as director of football and the latter as a youth team coach.

    And following the departure of interim boss Michael Carrick from the club, Rangnick is keen to have people around him with the same footballing and coaching philosophy.

    Rangnick rates Struber highly, and has watched him develop into one of the game’s most talented young coaches.

    Struber spent the majority of his career playing for SV Austria Salzburg – before their Red Bull takeover – and then was a part-time youth team coach at the club while also working in sales at an insurance company.

  • sstreet

    RALF AND READY

    We’re 48 hours from Ralf Rangnick’s first game as interim boss – and judging by his press conference today he is buzzing as much as United fans.

    The Red Devils host Crystal Palace on Sunday afternoon, hoping to push up from seventh to the brink of the Champions League spots.

    And Rangnick raved about the potential at Old Trafford – “one of the biggest clubs, if not the biggest club, in the world”.

    The German watched Michael Carrick bow out at stand-in boss with last night’s 3-2 win over Arsenal – before the ex-England midfielder stunned almost everyone by quitting United after 15 years as a player and coach.

    And Rangnick said: “We are talking about six-and-a-half months, and we have agreed on a two-year advisory deal.

    “I am well acquainted… the team has an abundance of young, talented players and experienced players.

    “The major target is to bring more balance to the team.”

    Meanwhile, last night’s two-goal hero Cristiano Ronaldo saluted Carrick as a “class act as a player and he can become a great coach as well”.

    He added: “But now it’s time to welcome Mister Ralf Rangnick to the wheel… Let’s get started!”

    On the transfer front, it’s claimed United will come back in for Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembele .

    Source: Read Full Article