MANCHESTER UNITED star Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly expected to leave Old Trafford this January.
And Sky Sports Germany reporter Florian Plettenburg claims that a return to Sporting Lisbon could be an option for the Portuguese legend.
Meanwhile, United are reportedly eyeing a move for sought-after striker Victor Osimhen
But reports suggest that the English giants will have to stump up a huge fee to secure his services.
Make sure to stay tuned with our live blog as Manchester United take on Aston Villa in the Carabao Cup tonight.
How to get free bets on football – the 17 best bookies to claim rewards and bonuses
Get all the latest news, updates and transfer gossip coming out of Old Trafford…
- Alex Smith
Antony injury update
Man Utd marquee signing Antony has missed the team's last three games with a hip injury.
And the Brazil national team's doctor Rodrigo Lasmar said: "Antony had a small problem in the flexor muscles of the right hip, he is in the recovery process.
"We’re in contact with the player, with the medical department. He’s in a recovery phase. We have time for him to recover in time to be with us.
"This week is important, we are talking day by day. This final phase is important.
“A lot depends on this week. I spoke to him in the morning, he’s feeling better, it’s early. He hasn’t started training with the group yet, he’s in physical therapy."
- Alex Smith
Osimhen on shortlist
Napoli striker Victor Osimhen is a target for Man Utd, according to reports.
With Cristiano Ronaldo hoping to quit the club, Erik ten Hag is beginning draw up a list of potential alternatives.
Osimhen, 23, is Serie A's top scorer with nine goals this season and the Nigerian has been vital in firing Napoli top of the league and through to the knockout rounds of the Champions League.
Any move for him would be more likely to happen in the summer when United undergo the next stage of Ten Hag's rebuild.
- Alex Smith
Man Utd to bring Depay back?
Manchester United are monitoring Memphis Depay's situation at Barcelona and may bring him back to Old Trafford, according to reports in Spain.
The Dutchman's deal expires at the club and he wants to leave the Camp Nou in the search for more game time.
And shockingly Man Utd could bring Depay back after he had a spell at the club under Louis van Gaal after signing from PSV and failing to make an impact.
The likes of Spurs and Juventus could challenge them for his signature – a deal would be a free transfer.
- Alex Smith
Neville makes Alexander-Arnold claim
Ex-Man Utd full-back Gary Neville has insisted that Gareth Southgate cannot trust Trent Alexander-Arnold.
The Three Lions boss is set to name his final squad for the World Cup in Qatar and the right-back position has been one for debate.
the 24-year-old has struggled defensively this season and has been labelled as untrustworthy by the former Manchester United defender.
Neville told Sky Sports: "It’s a really tough one because his brilliance going forward is out of this world.
"How are England going to win or lose in the World Cup? It is going to come down to one moment, and at this moment in time, I can’t see how Gareth can go into a knockout game at the World Cup with Trent.
"I want this player to be the greatest right back of all time, but at times today [after the Spurs game], he looked like he could have cost Liverpool.
"I think at the World Cup, he is giving away a penalty. I don’t think Gareth will trust him in a knockout game and that may influence his decision as to whether he goes or not."
- Alex Smith
No way back for Van de Beek?
When Erik ten Hag was appointed Man Utd boss many believed he had the potential to rejuvenate Donny van de Beek's career.
The pair worked together at Ajax where the Dutch midfielder impressed but since his move to United he has rarely played, struggled with injuries and not found top form.
Van de Beek was handed a rare start in the weekend's outing at Aston Villa but was hooked off after 65 minutes with United 3-1 down.
And it could mean he will not play in a Red Devils shirt again believes Dutch analyst Johan Derksen.
He said: "I was watching Aston Villa v Manchester United and then Erik ten Hag made a big mistake by putting [Christian] Eriksen and Donny van de Beek in midfield together.
"Eriksen may have played a nice pass and done nothing else, but Donny van de Beek delivered a poor performance. He had no input whatsoever. He walked all over the pitch and was substituted.
"It’s over for Van de Beek, who Ten Hag will never give another to chance now. He has obviously let him down tremendously."
- Alex Smith
Xavi on drawing United
Barcelona manager Xavi has spoken about drawing Man Utd in the Europa League play-off round.
He said: "We will have to compete, going to Manchester against a really top rival and a historic side which has grown a lot.
"It is the toughest rival once again in the Europa League. It's a massive challenge for us."
- Alex Smith
Dalot to be rewarded with new deal
Despite the news that Man Utd want to sign another right-back to potentially take over from Diogo Dalot, reports suggest the club want to tie him down to a new deal.
Dalot has been a standout performer for the club this season and Erik ten Hag would like to reward him for his superb form.
The club are supposedly waiting until the World Cup, where the season pauses, before discussing any player's futures but it could be good news for Dalot.
His current deal runs out at the end of this season although there is an option already in place for a one-year extension.
- Alex Smith
Right-back a priority
Diogo Dalot has established himself as Man Utd's first choice right-back this season but the club still want to bring another player to challenge him.
According to reports, Erik ten Hag still sees the full-back position as a priority.
Man Utd are expected to try to offload Aaron Wan-Bissaka in January with Crystal Palace keen.
Sergino Dest was an option for Ten Hag in the summer but he moved to AC Milan on loan from Barcelona so is no longer available.
- Alex Smith
2023/24 Prem schedule announced
The Premier League have confirmed the dates for the 2023/24 season.
The campaign will begin on the weekend of Saturday 12th August and run until Sunday 19th May.
For the first time in a number of years the Premier League are bringing the winter break back and there will be no league games from 13th to 20th January 2024.
There will be 76 days between the end of this season until the next.
- Alex Smith
Revenge for United?
Manchester United are back in action tomorrow as they look to get revenge on Aston Villa.
Erik ten Hag's men lost 3-1 to them at the weekend in the Premier League but will be hoping to get their own back on Villa in the Carabao Cup.
We will have all the build-up to tomorrow's cup tie.
- Kealan Hughes
Good morning Man Utd fans
Cristiano Ronaldo considered quitting football before his big break at Manchester United due to constant bullying, loneliness and homesickness.
Though now one of the greatest players in history, Ronaldo had to overcome considerable adversity during his days at Sporting Lisbon’s academy.
A new book claims the Red Devils star — who went on to win five Champions League titles and five Ballon d’Ors — almost packed it up as he struggled to fit in with fellow kids.
United expect Ronaldo to leave when the January transfer window opens, according to reports.
Sporting expressed an interest in signing CR7 in the summer but United refused to sell.
Sporting were also concerned about Ronaldo’s wage demands, which was another reason why the move failed to materialise.
However, the Portuguese giants are now preparing a new offer to put to the Red Devils in January.
Inter Miami boss Phil Neville has been drawn on which footballer he thinks is the greatest of all time – and named Lionel Messi.
Neville’s MLS club are reportedly ‘confident’ of sealing a deal for the Paris Saint-Germain superstar when his contract expires next year.
Neville was coy on that prospect, but said: “I think that’s hypothetical really.
“The best player in the world… I’m looking forward to seeing him play at the World Cup, alongside other great players.”
James Garner has opened up on why he left Manchester United to join Everton this summer.
The England Under-21 central midfielder, 21, told The Times: “In the moment it is very disappointing.
“That was the club that I trained with five times a week for years and years and years, that I made my debut with.
“But I didn’t want to stagnate. I didn’t want to stay there really and when they said I could leave also, I was in agreement with that. I just think it all made sense.
“I had two good seasons on loan and returned to United in the summer. I know in myself I wouldn’t have played if I had stayed.”
And finally, Rio Ferdinand says Donny van de Beek has not been used properly at Manchester United.
The Dutch midfielder continues to flatter to deceive at the Red Devils and started in Sunday’s defeat to Aston Villa.
United legend and new OBE recipient Ferdinand told Vibe with Five: “You get him in and around the box, this guy can finish.
“The problem with the way he’s been deployed at Man United is that he doesn’t ever get in the box, he doesn’t get the opportunity to get in there and show his best parts of his game.
“He hasn’t been able to find rhythm, momentum or form at all in a Man United shirt.”
- Joshua Mbu
Messi set for World Cup glory?
Argentina are set to win the Qatar World Cup, according to simmed matches on FIFA 23.
This method correctly predicted the winners in 2010, 2014 and 2018.
That would mean Lionel Messi would win the one trophy that has eluded him in his glittering career and give him the outright edge over rival Cristiano Ronaldo.
Argentina lost the 2014 World Cup final to Germany.
- Joshua Mbu
EXCLUSIVE: Ronaldo nearly quit football
Cristiano Ronaldo considered quitting football before his big break at Manchester United due to constant bullying, loneliness and homesickness.
Though now one of the greatest players in history, Ronaldo had to overcome considerable adversity during his days at Sporting Lisbon’s academy.
new book claims the Red Devils star — who went on to win five Champions League titles and five Ballon d’Ors — almost packed it up as he struggled to fit in with fellow kids.
Ronaldo was born in February 1985 on the island of Madeira — 535 miles from the Portuguese capital Lisbon.
He was recruited by Sporting at the age of 12 but his first few years were so tough that a new book published this week claims Ronaldo:
- Was teased mercilessly for his heavy Madeiran accent by other boys.
- Got into a series of bust-ups and scrapes in the schoolyard.
- Once became so angry when he felt a teacher was making fun of the way he spoke, he threw a chair at her.
- Cried every day for months as he missed his family and local friends.
Ronaldo season struggles
Cristiano Ronaldo's dreadful start to the season has been summed up by one damning statistic.
The Manchester United star has scored just once in the Premier League, with his only other goals coming against Europa League minnows Sheriff.
In Ronaldo's defence, he's only started four of their 13 league games, with many of his opportunities coming in Europe.
But it's so far been a season to forget for the 37-year-old.
Even with Anthony Martial out injured for much of the campaign, Erik ten Hag has tended to favour other players in the forward areas.
Ronaldo has been picked from the off for the last two top-flight fixtures, though, and captained the side at Aston Villa on Sunday.
his comes just two weeks after he was dropped from the squad for the Chelsea game after refusing to come off the bench before storming down the tunnel against Tottenham three days earlier.
But Ronaldo wasn't able to inspire United to what would have been a crucial victory after top four rivals Chelsea and Tottenham both lost.
He managed just one shot on target against Unai Emery's side and as a result, has now committed more fouls (7) than times he's hit the target in the Premier League (6) this term.
Red Devils next five
United play Aston Villa on Thursday followed by a trip to Fulham at the weekend.
- Joshua Mbu
Carragher names England squad
Ex-Liverpool and England defender Jamie Carragher has named who he would take to Qatar for the World Cup this month.
Carragher's 26-man squad:
Goalkeepers – Jordan Pickford, Aaron Ramsdale, Nick Pope.
Defenders – Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ben White, Kyle Walker, John Stones, Eric Dier, Harry Maguire, Conor Coady, Kieran Trippier, Luke Shaw.
Midfielders – Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham, Jordan Henderson, Mason Mount, James Maddison, Kalvin Phillips.
Forwards – Harry Kane, Tammy Abraham, Ivan Toney, Marcus Rashford, Raheem Sterling, Phil Foden, Bukayo Saka, Jack Grealish.
- Joshua Mbu
Fred on Barcelona Europa tie
Manchester United midfielder Fred has given a preview for the Europa League Round of 32 tie against Barcelona.
The Brazil star says it won't be an easy game, despite Barca's evident decline in recent years.
He told the official Manchester United website: "We know that Barcelona is a great team.
"It won’t be an easy game, there are no easy games in the Europa League. We were drawn against Barcelona.
"It will be a great game, I’m sure we are ready for it.
“We players like playing in great fixtures like these ones, and we are prepared for this game. God willing, we’ll qualify for the next round.
"Our stadium has always had a great atmosphere with the fans constantly behind us. Obviously, we haven’t done as well in the last few seasons, but they have always been together with us, supporting the team.
This season is no different; every game, the big games, they were here, and we’ve had some great games and victories.
“I’m sure they’ll be here against Barcelona supporting us, they’ll give us strength to get the win. That’s why it’s so important to play in front of our fans and get a result here.”
- Joshua Mbu
Johnson on Maguire's England chances
Former Liverpool defender Glen Johnson has told Manchester United captain Harry Maguire that he should not be picked for England at the Qatar World Cup in a devastating blow.
The Three Lions' first match of the tournament takes place on November 21 and Maguire is expected to be selected.
However, his form, as well as time on Erik ten Hag's bench, should see him be snubbed at the World Cup, according to ex-England full-back Johnson.
He told BookiesBonuses.com: "As a neutral, I think if a player can't get into his club team, then how can he be good enough for England? That's what I'd be thinking.
"I know it's United and they've got a good squad, but if Harry Maguire is classed as one of our best centre-halves and he can't get into his club team, then I think we've got a problem."
- Joshua Mbu
Everton hold Shaw talks
Everton have held talks with Manchester United over the prospect of signing left-back Luke Shaw.
That's according to Football Transfers, who claim talks are still ongoing.
Shaw's contract at Old Trafford expires at the end of this season and could walk out on a free transfer.
However, a deal could be negotiated in January.
- Joshua Mbu
Man Utd stat attack
Marcus Rashford is Man Utd's top scorer in the Premier League.
The academy product has four goals to his name and has himself in contention for World Cup selection.
- Joshua Mbu
Ronaldo ‘is expected to LEAVE Man Utd in January'
Manchester United expect Cristiano Ronaldo to leave when the January transfer window opens, according to reports.
Ronaldo has started each of United's last four games but it appears Erik ten Hag is happy to let him leave at the beginning of next year.
Much was made about the striker's future over the summer and he is expected to leave with his contract up at the end of the season.
But Red Devils chiefs expect his departure will happen sooner, according to Sky Sports Germany reporter Florian Plettenburg.
The journalist adds that a return to Sporting Lisbon could be an option for Ronaldo.
Sporting expressed an interest in signing CR7 in the summer but United refused to sell.
Sporting were also concerned about Ronaldo's wage demands, which was another reason why the move failed to materialise.
However, the Portuguese giants are now preparing a new offer to put to the Red Devils in January.
- James Colasanti
Potential Dream Team Dalot 'mistake'
Dream Team World Cup managers could be making a mistake by picking Portugal right-back Diogo Dalot.
The 23-year-old Manchester United star currently features in 15.9% of teams, making him the fifth-most popular defender in the game at this stage.
But they have not factored in the overwhelming likelihood of Manchester City's highly versatile Joao Cancelo starting for the Portuguese at right-back in Qatar – which he is highly likely to do.
- James Colasanti
Messi is the GOAT – Neville
Inter Miami boss Phil Neville has been drawn on which footballer he thinks is the greatest of all time – and named Lionel Messi.
Neville's MLS club are reportedly 'confident' of sealing a deal for the Paris Saint-Germain superstar when his contract expires next year.
Neville was coy on that prospect, but said: "I think that's hypothetical really.
"The best player in the world… I'm looking forward to seeing him play at the World Cup, alongside other great players."
- James Colasanti
Garner on Old Trafford exit
James Garner has opened up on why he left Manchester United to join Everton this summer.
The England Under-21 central midfielder, 21, told The Times: "In the moment it is very disappointing.
"That was the club that I trained with five times a week for years and years and years, that I made my debut with.
"But I didn’t want to stagnate. I didn’t want to stay there really and when they said I could leave also, I was in agreement with that. I just think it all made sense.
"I had two good seasons on loan and returned to United in the summer. I know in myself I wouldn’t have played if I had stayed."
- James Colasanti
Supercomputer predicts top-four United
A supercomputer has predicted Manchester United will finish fourth in the Prem this season.
Its number crunch has the Red Devils nicking a Champions League spot ahead of Spurs in fifth, Newcastle and then Chelsea in seventh.
According to MyBettingSites, United will finish behind third-placed Liverpool with Arsenal runners-up behind successful defending champions Manchester City.
It is not known if the boffins had data available from United's 3-1 defeat to Aston Villa on Sunday to factor into their conclusions.
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