CRISTIANO RONALDO'S controversial absence for the Manchester derby on Sunday still rumbles on.
SunSport can reveal that the Portuguese icon's future is in serious doubt following this decision and speculation continues to build as to where he might end up.
Meanwhile, the 'heir' to Paul Pogba's midfield throne has been found according to reports as United may move on the Frenchman this summer.
And keep up to date with all news surrounding Marcus Rashford who is set to leave in the upcoming transfer window.
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- Justin Lawrence
Ferdinand praises Alexander-Arnold
Rio Ferdinand has compared ‘phenomenal’ Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold to Man City attacker Kevin De Bruyne.
He said before the Reds took on Inter last night in the Champions League: “Look where he is there [centrally] – that’s where he’s starting,” said Ferdinand.
“That’s like Kevin De Bruyne territory in that position, almost like a false 10, 8 position.
“You don’t get assists just from being in the right positions, you’ve got to be able to execute and that’s what he has above most.
“He’s a phenomenal footballer.”
- Justin Lawrence
Conte hails Man United squad
Tottenham boss Antonio Conte reckons Man United should be challenging for the Premier League title with the squad they have.
Spurs play the Red Devils on the weekend and Conte made his thoughts known ahead of the match.
He said: "They’re a really strong team, a team that in my opinion [has] a squad that is ready to fight for the Premier League and every competition that they play in.
“It will be a real challenge for us and I want to see the answer, the answer about my players and also myself.”
- Jake Lambourne
Morning Man Utd fans
England boss Gareth Southgate is reportedly set to leave Marcus Rashford out of his upcoming squad.
That is according to ESPN, who state that Rashford is due to be dropped for England’s friendlies against both Switzerland and the Ivory Coast.
It adds to recent speculation that he could be considering his future – and now he is set for more misery on the international front.
Cristiano Ronaldo was last to leave Manchester United training yesterday training after being escorted to Carrington by bodyguards.
He missed Sunday’s derby with a hip injury and subsequently flew to Portugal, but United club policy directs players to undergo injury rehabilitation in Manchester – raising doubts about the extent of Ronaldo’s injury.
Elsewhere reports in Italy suggest Manchester United could reignite their interest in Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.
Gazzetta dello Sport claim Lazio are willing to listen to offers in the region of £58-66million with Milinkovic-Savic into the final two years of his contract.
And finally Manchester United have been dealt a blow in the pursuit of Leicester midfielder Youri Tielemans.
The playmaker is out of contract in the East Midlands in the summer of 2024 and has been strongly linked with a move away.
But now when asked about staying at Leicester Tielemans said: “Yes, why not? This is a club where you have the best environment you can have, especially with this new training ground. The people around you just want the best for you.
“It’s brilliant to be here. I really like it here. We’ll see what’s coming in the future.
“But I think the environment is just perfect to win trophies here. You can’t predict the future but I think everything around the club and inside the club is made for it.”
- Giacomo Pisa
Kane keen for United KO
Tottenham striker Harry Kane is confident he can help consign Manchester United to back-to-back defeats following Sunday's derby defeat.
Spurs travel to Old Trafford on Saturday for a crunch game between the Champions League chasers.
And ahead of the weekend's clash, Kane said: "United are still one of the best teams in the league. Obviously they have come off a disappointing result at the weekend.
"There is always going to be a reaction and a bounce-back from their players and we need to make sure we are ready for that.
"We obviously feel that there is an opportunity for us there because we have had a great result and we could try to use that momentum, especially away from home, against their crowd.
"But it will be a tough game. They have got some great players. They beat us earlier on in the season quite comfortably.
"We have got to have all that in our heads, we have got to make sure we go with the right mindset – it’s a game we are looking forward to."
- Giacomo Pisa
Ron last to stay
Cristiano Ronaldo was the last to leave training earlier today as the missing Manchester United star returned to the fold.
The striker, 37, missed the derby on Sunday due to a hip injury according to Ralf Rangnick and is believed to have flown to Portugal instead.
But he was back training with his team-mates today after being escorted to Carrington by bodyguards.
Ronaldo was said to be fuming after being told on Friday that he would not be starting at The Etihad and his United future is now in doubt.
His team-mates were then shocked when he did not turn up for Saturday’s club meal, with Ronaldo also absent for the 4-1 defeat.
United club policy directs players to undergo injury rehabilitation in Manchester rather than flying abroad – raising doubts about the extent of Ronaldo's injury.
- Giacomo Pisa
Rangnick title tweaked
Manchester United fans have picked up on the club starting to refer to Ralf Rangnick as their 'interim manager'.
The German coach is taking charge of the team until the end of the season with it then expected that he will head upstairs to begin his two-year contract as a consultant.
However, there is still a slim chance Red Devils chiefs could see him as a long-term fit for the managerial position.
But Man Utd fans do not believe he is being considered for the role after the club's latest tweet following the 4-1 defeat to Manchester City.
They posted a post-match interview with Rangnick and said: "Our interim manager gave his #MCIMUN verdict.
The wording of the phrase 'interim manager' led to some believing that United do not see him as someone in contention for the permanent job.
- Giacomo Pisa
Does his Ed in
Ederson admitted he finds it difficult to keep his concentration during games when Manchester City’s goalmouth is quiet.
He had one of those days on Sunday as he did not have a single shot to save during the second half against Manchester United.
One photo showed him crouched near the halfway line while the action was happening around David de Gea’s net at the other end.
The Brazilian, 28, said: "It is difficult to concentrate in games when I don’t see much of the ball. But I always look to be constantly communicating with my team-mates.
"A lot of the time I talk to my team-mates after the game and say I’m tired.
“A game where I don’t make many saves, I’m tired mentally, and it’s more tiring than the physical tiredness. Concentrating for 90 minutes is difficult.
"I do it better these days due to my communication with the rest of the team."
- Giacomo Pisa
Conte aims sly dig at United
Spurs boss Antonio Conte has started his mind games with Manchester United ahead of the clash between the teams this weekend.
Conte, who was linked with the United job when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was sacked, has claimed the squad at Old Trafford should be competing for trophies.
After his side beat Everton 5-0 on Monday, Conte said: "There is no excuse to drop focus or attention.
"We know very well we have to go very strong, because we are going to play against a really good team, a good squad.
"In my opinion the squad that they have they have to compete to win the league and every trophy that they have to play, United."
- Giacomo Pisa
In case you missed it – Rashford for axe
England boss Gareth Southgate is reportedly set to leave Marcus Rashford out of his upcoming squad.
That is according to ESPN, who state that Rashford is due to be dropped for England's friendlies against both Switzerland and the Ivory Coast.
The star has started only twice out of United’s last 11 matches in all competitions and he has not scored for seven games.
Rashford has only scored five goals in 24 appearances for the Red Devils this term and has now slipped down the pecking order.
That has led to speculation that he could be considering his future – but now he is set for more misery on the international front.
- Giacomo Pisa
Ferdinand still fuming at Utd flops
Rio Ferdinand ripped into Manchester United's flops and hopes they are having video nasties to sort out their 's***' behaviour.
When asked what Ferdinand would say to United's flops, the ex-centre-back fumed: "I could pull up a heap of videos.
"I'd ask, what can you see, guys? Can someone explain why I have put this video on please? There are so many cases you could highlight to embarrass them.
"Are you okay to have uncomfortable conversations? Are you okay to be going one-to-one, nose-to-nose about a situation?
"Too many managers have come in and gone. Now it's not about the manager. If you are not willing to come in, work hard and improve every day, come out of the club.
"That's what these (United) players need to hear. That's what it should be like at every club because there's a standard.
- Giacomo Pisa
More Milinkovic-Savic rumours
Reports in Italy suggest Manchester United could reignite their interest in Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.
The Red Devils have a longstanding interest in the 27-year-old, and could make their move this summer if Paul Pogba leaves.
Gazzetta dello Sport claim Lazio are willing to listen to offers in the region of £58-66million with Milinkovic-Savic into the final two years of his contract.
United had previously been quoted upwards of £100m for the Serbian international.
Credit: Getty - Giacomo Pisa
Silvestre – Keane 'nicest' after Yoga
Manchester United legend Roy Keane was 'at his nicest' when he did YOGA, according to former team-mate Mikael Silvestre.
A renowned hard-man, Keane has been revealed to have had a softer side.
Silvestre told Bettingexpert: “We spent some times talking at the training ground, but where he was at his nicest was probably where we did yoga.
“It was me, Ryan Giggs, Phil Neville, Gary Neville, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer – we went once or twice a week. It prolonged his career I’d say – it prolonged Giggsy’s for sure.
“I was already stretching a lot before going to Manchester United but for these guys it was kind of new, and they enjoyed it.”
- Giacomo Pisa
United 'in talks' for Richarlison
Manchester United and Everton are reportedly 'in talks' regarding a move for forward Richarlison.
Cristiano Ronaldo's uncertain future at the club could force the club into added another goalscorer in the summer.
Especially if relegation-threatened Everton don't avoid the drop.
And according to Caught Offside, United are willing to pay as much as £70-80million for the Brazilian international.
- Giacomo Pisa
United in Tielemans transfer blow
Manchester United have been handed a blow in the pursuit of Leicester midfielder Youri Tielemans.
The playmaker is out of contract in the East Midlands in the summer of 2024 and has been strongly linked with a move away.
But now when asked about staying at Leicester, as per Leicestershire Live, Tielemans said: "Yes, why not?
"This is a club where you have the best environment you can have, especially with this new training ground. The people around you just want the best for you.
"It’s brilliant to be here. I really like it here. We’ll see what’s coming in the future.
"But I think the environment is just perfect to win trophies here. You can’t predict the future but I think everything around the club and inside the club is made for it."
Credit: Reuters - Giacomo Pisa
Pereira permanent deal in jeopardy
Andreas Pereira's move to Flamengo has been cast into doubt after he was booed off by the club's fans at the weekend.
The Manchester United midfielder, 26, joined Flamengo on loan for the season last summer.
Flamengo have reportedly agreed a £9million fee with United to sign Pereira, but the move has not been completed.
But according to journalist Mauro Cezar Flamengo could now cancel the proposed deal after Pereira's decline in form.
Flamengo beat Vasco da Gama 2-1 on Saturday thanks to a last-minute winner after Pereira's mistake led to an equaliser.
Fans were not happy with his performance and Pereira was even booed when he was substituted.
- Giacomo Pisa
United's next five fixtures
Manchester United's next five games are pivotal to the future of Cristiano Ronaldo.
A Champions League exit at the hands of Atletico Madrid and more ground lost on the top four could see CR7 jump ship in the summer.
Ralf Rangnick's side have a tricky five upcoming fixtures though, including a mouthwatering trip to Anfield later this month.
How many wins are you expecting from the next five, Red Devils fans?
- Giacomo Pisa
In case you missed it – Ronaldo future in doubt
Exclusive By Neil Custis
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Manchester United future is in serious doubt after missing Sunday’s derby.
And a frustrated Marcus Rashford is now open to a move away from Old Trafford for the first time in his career.
Ron was fuming after being told on Friday that he was axed from the starting line-up to face Manchester City.
His team-mates were then shocked when he did not turn up for Saturday’s club meal — with his absence from the matchday squad blamed on a hip problem.
Instead, the striker, 37, is understood to have flown home to Portugal.
- Giacomo Pisa
Carrick 'delighted' for Donny
Former Manchester United coach Michael Carrick has revealed he is 'delighted' that Donny van de Beek is getting the regular game time he deserves.
The Dutchman finally endured his Man Utd hell with a move to Everton on deadline day, where he has been a regular started under Frank Lampard.
Carrick told Premier League Productions: "I am delighted for Donny. He is a terrific lad. Great attitude.
"Football is funny, at times. Sometimes things don’t work how you want them to work for a variety of reasons when you make a move to a certain club.
"I am delighted he is playing. He needed games. He obviously didn’t have enough, he will be saying, over the last year or so.
"He’s so versatile as well. He has got different strengths. He has played in a three tonight [against Tottenham], but I think he is really dangerous in and around the box. But he is really clever in and around the box."
- Giacomo Pisa
Robinson – 'Something not right' at United
Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson has claimed there is a 'difficult atmosphere' at Manchester United, with 'something not right' between Cristiano Ronaldo and Ralf Rangnick.
He told Football Insider: “There is too many stories coming out of that club right now. They are obviously struggling to keep what is going on in house.
“You cannot imagine Ronaldo not wanting to play in a Manchester derby. It is a massive game. The type of game he thrives in.
“The uncertainty around the manager and certain players is making for a difficult atmosphere.
“It is a case of watch this space with Ronaldo. He could be off in the summer. The next manager is going to have a huge say on it.
Robinson added: “Something is not right at the moment. The relationship with the manager is not harmonious.”
- Giacomo Pisa
United eyeing Dybala transfer
Manchester United could sign Paulo Dybala on a free transfer this summer, according to reports.
The Argentine's Juventus contract is set to expire at the end of the season, putting potential suitors on red alert.
Juve had been expecting to seal a renewal earlier this season.
But according to Italian paper Corriere dello Sport, the chances of this happening have now significantly 'reduced'.
They even add that his relationship with Juventus has reached 'crisis' point.
Man United could be primed to swoop again, having nearly signed the playmaker three years ago.
- Giacomo Pisa
Supercomputer predicts Prem table
Manchester United will finish SIXTH in the Premier League this season, according to bettingexpert.com's supercomputer.
Ralf Rangnick and Co are expected to miss out on a top four spot to Mikel Arteta's Arsenal, and also finish below Tottenham.
The Red Devils are currently in fifth-place, a point behind Arsenal, but having played three games more.
- Giacomo Pisa
Merson – Rashford shouldn't leave
Former Arsenal playmaker Paul Merson believes Marcus Rashford should stay at Manchester United.
Reports have emerged Rashford is open to an exit after falling out of favour under interim boss Ralf Rangnick.
But Merson wrote in his Sky Sports column: "No manager in their right mind would come to Old Trafford and offload Rashford.
"Even if I was going to take over the club as manager tomorrow morning, I wouldn’t be letting Rashford go."
- Giacomo Pisa
McCoist – PSG 'fresh challenge' for Rashford
Former Rangers striker Ally McCoist reckons Marcus Rashford should move to PSG amid reports his future at Man Utd is uncertain.
When asked about the potential of heading to Paris, McCoist told talkSPORT: "I would [make that move].
"He’s got to look at himself. Why is he not in the team? It suggests he’s not doing enough for Ralf Rangnick for him to put him in the side.
"That said, you look at the club, you look at the surroundings, Manchester United are all over the place just now…
"If I’m Marcus Rashford I’ve got to start thinking about myself. How’s he going to get back in that England squad?
"In a fresh challenge, somewhere like PSG. I’ve got that down as a good move."
- Giacomo Pisa
Rudiger deal in danger
Manchester United are one of a number of teams interested in snapping Antonio Rudiger up on a free transfer.
However according to 90min, the uncertainty surrounding the next manager at Old Trafford could hamper the chances of a deal being done.
The chaos surrounding the next managerial appointment could allow the likes of Real Madrid and PSG to swoop in before a boss is announced.
Mauricio Pochettino and Ajax head coach Erik ten Haag are the current frontrunners for the Old Trafford hot seat.
Credit: Getty - Giacomo Pisa
United working on Dalot deal
Manchester United are reportedly eager to pen Diogo Dalot down to a new deal after the full-back has impressed chiefs this season.
The 22-year-old had been linked with an exit last summer but a string of good performances have seen him wrestle his way back into the club's plans.
And United are keen for Dalot to extend his stay at the club to fend off 'genuine' interest from Serie A sides Roma and Fiorentina.
Italian outlet Calciomercato claim both clubs are interested in a move for the Portuguese international, along with LaLiga champions Atletico Madrid.
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