PORTUGUESE legend Cristiano Ronaldo has branded his return to Manchester United a 'disaster' SunSport can exclusively reveal.
Ronaldo, 37, rejoined United in August 2021 but his time at Old Trafford has been plagued by controversy.
Meanwhile, Erik Ten Hag is 'really impatient' for improvements at Manchester United and wants to bring in Cody Gakpo as a matter of urgency.
PSV star Gakpo remains high on the priority list at Old Trafford.
Manchester United are thought to be leading the race for the Dutch international, ready to land him ahead of Arsenal for a fee of £40 million.
And keep up to date with our match blog as United take on West Ham at Old Trafford.
Get all the latest news, updates and transfer gossip here…
- Kiro Evans
Are Roo Kidding?
Everton snubbed the chance to sign Cristiano Ronaldo for just £2million in 2002.
The Portuguese superstar hadn't made his big breakthrough at Sporting Lisbon just yet, but a host of teams were aware of his talent.
A new book — entitled ‘Messi vs Ronaldo’ — reveals that the latter could have found himself at Goodison Park.
The winger was offered to the Toffees for just £2m around 20 years ago.
But Everton were focused on developing another special teenager instead.
The Toffees turned down the opportunity to sign Ronaldo as they had so much faith in their own young talent Wayne Rooney.
The full Sunsport exclusive story can be read here.
- Etienne Fermie
Good morning Man Utd fans
Manchester United take on West Ham at Old Trafford in the Premier League.
United star Anthony Martial is set to miss the game with a back injury while Raphael Varane will also be sidelined with a leg injury, but Harry Maguire and Donny van de Beek made their return as substitutes on Thursday’s Europa League win against Sheriff.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka returned to training, but Brandon Williams as well as Axel Tuanzebe remain long-term absentees.
West Ham will make a late call on Jarrod Bowen's fitness as he is dealing with an ankle injury.
Lucas Paqueta (shoulder), Craig Dawson (leg) and Maxwel Cornet (calf) remain sidelined for the Hammers.
Meanwhile, Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong and PSV EIndhoven ace Cody Gakpo are back at the front of the gossip as United boss Erik ten Hag admits he's "really impatient" for improvement.
Ten Hag believes the Red Devils’ attacking lags behind defending and build-up play.
Therefore, the Dutchman wants to add reinforcement ahead of the upcoming January transfer window.
Ten Hag said: "It's the most difficult part, so it takes even more time but you can't increase the tempo of that process.. We have to take our time."
And Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers has admitted he is braced for a January raid on Youri Tielemans.
United have been linked with Tielemans, 25, since it became clear he had declined to sign a bumper new contract.
Only foreign teams can enter negotiations or sign the midfielder for free on a pre-contract in January once he enters the final six months of his deals, due to FA rules.
However, any move from the continent might trigger a reaction from United who could try and sign the Belgium international for a knockdown fee come January.
Finally, Juventus could be fined a staggering £51million for hiding an alleged secret payment to United superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.
Bombshell secret documents claim Juve promised to pay their ex-star Ronaldo a £17m fee during the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to the Daily Mail, the Bianconeri could potentially face a fine of up to £51m as punishment.
La Gazzetta dello Sport also claimed the Serie A giants are being investigated amid claims they falsified documents including balance sheets in 2019, 2020 and 2021.
That’s after Juventus said players would take significant wage cuts during the past lockdowns.
Gazzetta also claims to have already sourced a secret document signed by CR7 and Juve, making reference to a "famous document that should not have theoretically existed"
- Kostas Lianos
Juventus' cash woe
Juventus could be fined a staggering £51million for hiding an alleged secret payment to Manchester United superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.
Bombshell secret documents claim Juve promised to pay former star Ronaldo a £17m fee during the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to the Mail, the Bianconeri could potentially face a fine of up to £51m as punishment.
La Gazzetta dello Sport also reported the Serie A giants are being investigated amid claims they falsified documents including balance sheets in 2019, 2020 and 2021.
That’s after Juventus said players would take significant wage cuts during the past lockdown.
Gazzetta also claims to have already sourced a secret document signed by Ronaldo and Juve, making reference to a "famous document that should not have theoretically existed"
- Kostas Lianos
Lost in transition
Tottenham manager Antonio Conte has mocked suggestions that rivals, such as Manchester United, are "in transition".
Conte said: "If Chelsea are in transition after they won the Champions League two years ago and last season they won the World Cup, United two years ago finished second.
"If these clubs that can invest a lot of money are in transition, I don’t know who are the title contenders?
"In November, we were ninth. We were playing Conference League, and you think United and Chelsea are in transition?
"With [Cristiano] Ronaldo, [Raphael] Varane, [Jadon] Sancho, in transition? I hope to be in transition this way"
- Kostas Lianos
He's Garna stay
Manchester United have been working on a new long-term contract for youngster Alejandro Garnacho.
Garnacho, 18, made his first start for United on Thursday in the 3-0 win against Sheriff Tiraspol in the Europa League.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the Red Devilsare keen to address the winger's contract situation and hand him a new five-year contract, securing his long-term future.
Negotiations have been ongoing for a month and a proposal for the Argentine has been ready since June
- Kostas Lianos
Back Ron track
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag says Cristiano Ronaldo can top his 24-goal tally from last term.
That is despite the fact Ronaldo is not part of United's starting line-up.
Ten Hag said: “It’s up to him, but I think when you collect all the chances he creates and the team creates for him in the last weeks, you see he’s still capable of getting in the right positions.
“And he’s still capable of finishing them. I think it’s possible, yeah”
- Kostas Lianos
City's Guard up
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola hinted that rivals Manchester United may be returning to their old form under Sir Alex Ferguson.
Guardiola said: "I saw yesterday and Chelsea the first half.
"I thought, ‘I like it’ what I see from United just now.
"There will be a lot of teams, that is why you have to fight for the Champions League and fight for the title"
- Kostas Lianos
Ferdinand's training reveal
Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has opened about the tough training sessions at the club – claiming they are more challenging than some real games.
Ferdinand told BT Sport: "I always used to feel blessed I was at a club like Man Utd because we had so many great players. Every day you had to be on it or you would be embarrassed.
"Louis Saha was a great example. Phenomenally talented player, all of his attributes would test you daily.
"Robin Van Persie, Diego Forlan, playing off both feet and made sure you had to be on your toes. The obvious ones, the [Wayne] Rooneys, [Cristiano] Ronaldos and [Ruud] Van Nistelrooys.
"All of these players, you sit there in training, your friends would go 'what's it like playing against him?'
"I've got to get through the week first against my team-mates, let alone play on Saturday against whoever I'm playing against, so it's good to have that"
- Kostas Lianos
Hannibal Mejbri advice
Manchester United loanee Hannibal Mejbri received a warning from Birmingham manager John Eustace after narrowly avoiding a red card during Friday's Championship clash with Queens Park Rangers.
Eustace said: "I was contemplating bringing him off at half time if I am going to be honest. I spoke to him, spoke to the staff, he assured me he’d be OK. I think it lasted about four minutes.
"It’s something we have got to watch but he plays on the edge, that’s why he’s so good, a top player. I am certainly not going to stop him from doing what he does but he has to realise the importance of managing the games at times.
"He is a 19-year-old footballer, he is learning his trade and we are going to speak to him about it for sure. There were lots of cynical fouls going on in the first half from both teams, Hanni got booked early on, I get that.
"He didn’t get sent off so it makes no difference to me, we brought him off because he was running the risk and that’s it. He might have got sent off on another day and when he made that tackle I thought ‘I have got to get him off’"
- Kostas Lianos
Taking the Myk
Shakhtar Donetsk star and Arsenal target Mykhaylo Mudryk will cost more than what Manchester United splashed for Antony, who moved to Ajax from Old Trafford for £85million.
Shakhtar deputy sporting director Carlo Nicolini told Calciomercato: “Together with Kylian Mbappe, Rafa Leao and Vinicius Jr, Mudryk is the strongest player in his role.
“Is £35m enough to buy him? We don’t speak for these figures, not even for £45m, we don’t even call the president to make the offer.
“We value Mudryk more than United’s Antony – £85m. Floating between Arsenal and Man City? They are two teams that have taken an interest in the player.
“But there are also other clubs than can spend right away. We are not obliged to sell, we do not want to lose phenomena. We don’t want to shoot figures that aren’t realistic.
“But in this team, he is the most decisive. If you want to take on certain players who make a difference in the top clubs, you also need the right money”
- Kostas Lianos
Use your Ed
Manchester United are set to join the transfer war for Ajax star Edson Alvarez.
According to Calciomercato, Alvarez is also wanted by Chelsea and it's claimed that the Blues had a bid worth around £43million rejected in the summer.
And Graham Potter's side could look to battle United for the midfielder's signature in January.
The Mexico international has also attracted interest from Barcelona with manager Xavi seeing him as a potential successor for Sergio Busquets
- Kostas Lianos
Show goes on
Paris Saint-Germain superstar Neymar has implored Manchester United ace Antony to carry on with his showboating following backlash he received for a bizarre skill against FC Sheriff.
The winger stunned viewers as he performed a 720-degree spin with the ball during United's 3-0 win at Old Trafford on Thursday.
Paul Scholes labelled the move as "embarrassing," while boss Erik ten Hag said he would "correct" skill moves that were not "functional."
The Brazil international declared he would not stop showing off his skills in a defiant message on his Instagram, saying: "We are known for our art and I won’t stop doing what got me where I am!”
And Neymar supported his compatriot as he posted on Instagram: "Go for it boy. Boldness and Joy"
- Kostas Lianos
De Jong and Gakpo latest
Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong and PSV EIndhoven ace Cody Gakpo are back at the front of the gossip as Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag admits he's "really impatient" for improvement.
Ten Hag believes United's attacking lags behind defending and build-up play.
Therefore, the Dutchman wants to add reinforcement ahead of the January transfer window.
Ten Hag said: "It's the most difficult part, so it takes even more time but you can't increase the tempo of that process.. We have to take our time"
- Kostas Lianos
Man Utd vs West Ham preview
Manchester United take on West Ham on Sunday at Old Trafford in the Premier League.
United star Anthony Martial is set to miss the game with a back injury.
Raphael Varane will also be sidelined with a leg injury, but Harry Maguire and Donny van de Beek made their return as substitutes on Thursday’s Europa League win against Sheriff.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka returned to training, but Brandon Williams and Axel Tuanzebe remain long-term absentees.
West Ham will check on Jarrod Bowen's fitness as he is dealing with an ankle injury.
Lucas Paqueta (shoulder), Craig Dawson (leg) and Maxwel Cornet (calf) remain sidelined
- Kostas Lianos
Ten out of Ten
Manchester United star Marcus Rashford is back playing football with a smile on his face and he credits manager Erik Ten Hag for the turnaround.
Rashford said: "I feel like I'm getting there. But, yeah, I’m a lot more happy, I’m enjoying myself a lot more.
“I'm just looking forward to the games.
“The manager’s a joy to work with, really. Is it hard work? Yeah, but I think we are enjoying it and we’re playing better football”
- Kostas Lianos
Youri Tielemans bid
Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers has admitted he is braced for a January raid on Youri Tielemans.
Manchester United have been linked with Tielemans, 25, since it became clear he had declined to sign a bumper new contract.
Only foreign teams can enter negotiations or sign the midfielder for free on a pre-contract in January once he enters the final six months of his contract, due to FA rules.
However, any move from the continent might trigger a reaction from United who could try and sign the Belgium international for a knockdown fee in January
- Kostas Lianos
Ten Hag impatient
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag admitted he is "impatient" for the Red Devils to improve.
Ten Hag said: "To develop the team takes time. You have to construct it from downstairs – you need the fundament before you go to the top, to the roof.
“Unfortunately it takes time and I don’t have time. I’m really the most impatient, but I have to [be patient]. It’s quite clear.
“Now, I think we’re getting better in defending with 11. I think players are more and more aware of it, that we have to do it with 11. Also our build-up, I think we’re improving from game to game.
“But you can’t increase the tempo of that process. I want it but we have to take the time for it”
- Kostas Lianos
De Jong available
Barcelona have put Manchester United target Frenkie de Jong as well as Memphis Depay up for sale.
De Jong and ex-United ace Memphis, who has been linked with Chelsea and Arsenal, could be sold as Barca’s Champions League exit deepened the Spaniards’ financial woes.
According to Sport, five players could be made available by the Blaugrana.
The midfielder was United manager Erik ten Hag’s summer transfer priority and the Red Devils even had a £71.5million bid accepted
- James Colasanti
Back-up plan for Hammers
Manchester United boss Eric ten Hag says he has multiple back-up plans to beat West Ham tomorrow.
The Red Devils underlined their strength in depth when subs Luke Shaw and Marcus Rashford combined to score their key second goal in Thursday’s Europa League win over Sheriff.
Ten Hag said: "Now I have to focus on West Ham United for Sunday, and then we will pick the team to start, but also to have plan B and plan C in the pocket to win that game.
"And that is what we need finally – to win games. And therefore we need not only 11 players, we need the whole squad."
- James Colasanti
Rashford hails Ten Hag impact
Marcus Rashford says Eric ten Hag has reignited his love for football.
The Manchester United striker looked to have lost his edge during the club's struggles last season.
The England striker in now a regular starter for the Red Devils and is their top scorer after bagging his sixth goal of the season in Thursday's Europa League win over Sheriff.
The 24-year-old said: "I’m a lot more happy, I’m enjoying myself a lot more. I'm just looking forward to the games.
“The manager’s a joy to work with, really. Is it hard work? Yeah, but I think we are enjoying it and we’re playing better football.”
- James Colasanti
Ten Hag backs Donny comeback
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag says he is confident Donny van de Beek can force his way back into their side after he returned from injury on Thursday night.
The Dutch midfielder came on as a late sub in Thursday's 3-0 Europa League win over Sheriff.
Ten Hag told United's website: "He was long out, so I was happy to give him some minutes because you need to get in the right form. But he'll have to work himself back.
"When you analyse the season so far, then if he was available then he should get his chance.
"Because we need goals and I know Donny is really good in the position to score goals but also he is really good in defence transition."
- James Colasanti
Neymar backs Antony's 'bold' showboating
It might not have impressed Paul Scholes – but Neymar is a big fan apparently.
Manchester United star Antony stunned viewers with a 720-degree spin with the ball during a 3-0 midweek win over FC Sheriff.
Red Devils legend Scholes called it "embarrassing" but Antony's fellow Brazil star Neymar had a different take.
The skillful Paris Saint-Germain star wrote on Instagram: "Go for it boy. Boldness and Joy."
- James Colasanti
Are Leeds in Gakpo hunt?
There have been conflicting reports in recent weeks about Leeds’ chances of signing PSV Eindhoven superstar – and Manchester United target – Cody Gakpo.
In early October it was thought the Yorkshire giants had an agreement in place to bring in the free-scoring winger for about £25million in January.
This week transfer guru Fabrizio Romano said that move is now “unlikely” due to growing interest from the likes of the Red Devils.
What does seem likely is the 23-year-old plying his trade in the second half of this Prem season – but will it be at Elland Road or Old Trafford – or somewhere else?
- James Colasanti
Does De Jong regret decision?
One of the reasons Frenkie de Jong snubbed a move to Manchester United in the summer was because they could not offer him Champions League football this season, apparently.
So after the LaLiga giants were eliminated from Europe's top club competition at the group stage on Wednesday – does the Dutch midfielder now regret his decision?
It might not have been exactly what he was after but the Red Devils are at least going well in their Europa League group with four wins from their first five games.
Maybe United boss Erik ten Hag will make that point to his compatriot if they move for him again in January.
- James Colasanti
Edson Alvarez tug-of-war
Barcelona and Chelsea are reportedly rivals to Manchester United in the race to sign Ajax midfielder Edson Alvarez.
The Mexico star, 25, has become one of the hottest properties in the European market after three solid years with the Dutch giants since joining from Mexican top-tier side America.
Source: Read Full Article