MANCHESTER UNITED are NOT looking to part with manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, SunSport can reveal.
Meanwhile, Marcus Rashford has made his long-awaited return from injury in a behind-closed-doors friendly, scoring TWICE against Blackburn.
And UFC star Khabib Nurmagomedov has revealed it was an 'honour' to meet Man Utd stars Cristiano Ronaldo and Paul Pogba on his visit to Old Trafford last weekend.
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Follow ALL the latest news, updates and transfer gossip from Old Trafford…
- Etienne Fermie
GOOD MORNING MAN UTD FANS
Former Manchester United star Park Ji Sung has revealed why he decided to leave the club in 2012.
The South Korean midfielder knew his time was up once he didn’t start five games in a row for United, something which he had never experienced at United when not being injured.
It was at that moment that Ji Sung realised he was no longer a main player at Old Trafford and went on to sign for Queens Park Rangers, even though Sir Alex Ferguson wanted him to stay.
One star at United who isn’t going anywhere soon is Marcus Rashford who returned from injury in spectacular style with two goals in a friendly behind closed doors against Blackburn Rovers.
Rashford’s team-mate Dean Henderson is excited that the striker is back and reckons he’s sharper than ever.
However, the same can’t be said for Red Devils outcast Donny Van De Beek who United legend Rio Ferdinand thinks is too nice to succeed at Old Trafford.
Ferdinand believes the Dutch midfielder won’t force his way into United’s first team because he’s quiet demeanour is holding him back.
The pundit told his FIVE YouTube channel: “Sometimes when you’re too nice maybe, or you’re nice about a situation and you’re polite, you might not get the situation that you really require for yourself.
Finally, Gary Lineker thinks Cristiano Ronaldo will score more than 20 goals for United this season if he can stay fit for the whole campaign.
The ex-Juventus striker has already netted five times in six games and Lineker can’t see the Portuguese hit-man slowing down anytime soon.
He told Micah Richards: “It depends how often [he plays], if he stays fit…25 [goals].
- Justin Lawrence
MORE SPENDING
Manchester United will try and sign another big star in January, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.
But the Red Devils will only be able to bring in a fresh face if they offload a few of their current crop, Romano claims.
And if United aren't successful in their attempt to sign a new major star in the New Year, they'll try again in the summer.
Romano reckons the anonymous player will be a midfielder he revealed to Rio Ferdinand.
Speaking to the ex-United defender on his YouTube show, Romano said: " I think [they will look to sign a player] in January, only if they will be able to sell some players, will [it] be possible to do something like this.
“Because they want to sign an important player in this position – not just a midfielder just to sign one player and then in June, you have to restart searching for a player.
"They want to sign an important one in this position. They know that it’s the next priority."
“So if it’s January or summer, they want to sign a big one. And signing a big one in January will be complicated.”
- Justin Lawrence
RON FEST
Gary Lineker reckons Cristiano Ronaldo will break the 20 goal barrier for Manchester United this season.
Cristiano's already scored five goals in six games for United this season and Linker can't see him slowing down for now.
If the 36-year-old can stay fit for the whole season, there's no reason why he can't score 25 times in this campaign.
Lineker made his predictions to Micah Richards and said: "It depends how often, if he stays fit…25."
And Alan Shearer who was also in the studio agreed with Lineker, saying he doesn't remember a season Ronaldo scored less than twenty goals since the season he left United in 2009.
- Justin Lawrence
OPEN YOUR BEEK
Rio Ferdinand reckons Donny Van De Beek is far toonice to win a place in Manchester United's squad.
Ferdinand says he met the Dutch midfielder recently and he was so calmed and relaxed.
But the ex-United defender reckons it's those qualities which are holding back De Beek, whose only started four Premier League games since joining United in August last year.
Ferdinand told his FIVE YouTube channel: "I think the big thing with Donny van de Beek – and he’s a great guy, we’ve had him on the show before – he’s a really calm, relaxed guy.
"And sometimes when you’re too nice maybe, or you’re nice about a situation and you’re polite, you might not get the situation that you really require for yourself.
"And I think that’s probably the problem for someone like Donny van de Beek."
- Justin Lawrence
RASH HIS BEST
Marcus Rashford is back to his best following his return from injury, according to Manchester United team-mate Dean Henderson.
Rashford marked his return with two goals in United's 3-0 win over Blackburn Rovers behind closed doors today.
And Red Devils stopper Henderson can't wait to see the striker in action in the Premier League because he looks so sharp.
He said to ManUtd.com: "You know what? It’s funny because he looks so sharp since he’s come back from his shoulder injury and everything from last season.
"I think he was carrying a few knocks.
"So for him to come back, he looks back to his best and I’m really excited to see him out there.
"I think he is going to help the team a lot."
- Justin Lawrence
WINK LINK
Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed Cristiano Ronaldo’s infamous wink during the 2006 World Cup was NOTHING to do with Wayne Rooney.
Ronaldo caused a national uproar when Portugal beat England on penalties after Rooney was sent off.
The England striker was given a straight red after he was caught stamping on then-Chelsea defender Ricardo Carvalho.
Ronaldo protested to the referee for his Manchester United team-mate to be shown a red card, before being caught winking by TV cameras as Rooney was given his marching orders
ut former Red Devils boss Fergie says Ronaldo’s wink was not aimed at Rooney’s sending off.
Ferguson, 79, told the UTD podcast: “He was not winking having got Rooney sent off. He was winking because his bench was telling him ‘calm down’."
- Justin Lawrence
OUT THE PARK
Former Manchester United star Park Ji Sung has revealed why he chose to leave the club in 2012.
When the midfielder started to see his game time reduced despite being fully fit, he knew it was time to look for a new team.
The South Korean star then went on to join Queens Park Rangers, although boss Sir Alex Ferguson wanted him to stay.
Ji Sung told the UTD Podcast: "In that last season, it was the only time that I missed five games in a row, without any injuries.
“That signalled to me that [this was the end] because I’d always contributed.
"Without injuries, I’d missed maybe maximum three games in a row, but five is quite tough as a player. So then I think it’s time to leave the club.
“The club actually wanted me to stay and I spoke with Sir Alex Ferguson, but it was the first time I had missed five games in a row without injury.
"Some of the players probably knew I was going to leave here because of that happening for the first time."
- Justin Lawrence
BUTT OF THE JOKES
Manchester United legend Gary Neville was told he was a 's***' pundit by ex-team-mate Nicky Butt after making his Monday Night Football debut.
The 46-year-old began his punditry career at the start of the 2011-12 season after hanging up his boots the previous campaign.
His first game saw him oversee Manchester City's 4-0 win against Swansea at the Etihad with debutant Sergio Aguero scoring twice.
Following the match, Neville was noticeably nervous when interviewing Roberto Mancini, which led Butt to text his close friend what he thought of the exchange.
Speaking to The Athletic, the six-time Premier League winner, 46, said: "As a manager, you’ll have tough times and get crap off the press.
"I know that – and I’m fine with the media. I wasn’t when I started in my first interviews – or my first managerial speeches, but you learn.
"I remember seeing Nev on Sky Sports at first and he was s***, and I told him.
"Now he’s the best, by a mile."
- Sandra Brobbey
PRICE DROP
Manchester United's share price has reportedly plummeted by 13% to £12.62 today according to MarketWatch.
It is thought the club will not receive any proceeds from the sale of any shares by the selling shareholders.
- Sandra Brobbey
DONNY'S TOO DECENT
Rio Ferdinand reckons Donny van de Beek's selection issues are due to him being too nice.
The former Ajax star has started just four times in the Prem for the Red Devils since his move from the Netherlands top-flight in September 2020.
And Ferdinand reckons he is being 'too polite' about his situation.
Ferdinand told his FIVE YouTube Channel: "I think this is a funny situation because if he was a bad guy and he was volatile and he was loud, he’d be gone. He wouldn’t be at Man United.
"And sometimes when you’re too nice maybe, or you’re nice about a situation and you’re polite, you might not get the situation that you really require for yourself.
"And I think that’s probably the problem for someone like Donny van de Beek."
- Sandra Brobbey
IS RASH READY?
Marcus Rashford is reported to have scored in a behind closed doors friendly against Blackburn Rovers today.
The England forward has been battling his way back to fitness following an operation on his shoulder.
And the player is yet to feature for the Red Devils this term but returned to training last week.
- Sandra Brobbey
PEREIRA PRICE
Flamengo may have to fork out £17million to United outcast Andreas Pereira.
The midfielder is currently on a season-long loan at the Brazilian club.
And the 25-year-old has enjoyed a decent start to his temporary spell netting two goals in eight games.
Although it was thought Flamengo would have to pay a fee of £12m to buy the player, Brazilian outlet UOL claims the figure is £17m.
- Sandra Brobbey
SOL WANTS DEC
Declan Rice is reported to be at the top of Man United's transfer target list.
Manchester Evening News says the club have made the West Ham star their number one summer target.
And the England international's current contract is set to expire in 2024.
Reports claim this could make a Red Devils swoop more easier.
- Sandra Brobbey
PATT SHARP
Man United are rumoured to be mulling over a move for Rangers teen starlet Nathan Patterson.
It is thought the club see the 19-year-old as someone who could offer competition to Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
90min.com claims United are set to make a move for the player in January after missing out on signing him in the summer.
The player received his first three caps for Scotland this year.
- Sandra Brobbey
FLIRT WITH WIRTZ
Man United are rumoured to be muscling in on Man City's interest in Bayer Leverkusen ace Florian Wirtz.
German outlet SportBILD claims the Red Devils have been watching the player on a regular basis.
Sport Witness reports City were close to making a move for Wirtz back in 2019.
It is thought relatives of the midfielder, 18, had met with club officials prior to his Leverkusen move.
- Sandra Brobbey
DUSAN'S THE MAN
Man United could be set to join the race to sign Dusan Vlahovic according to reports in Italy.
Corriere dello Sport reckons the Old Trafford side 'cannot be excluded' from the race to sign the Fiorentina player.
And it is thought the Serbian striker has already attracted interest from Man City, Atletico Madrid and Tottenham.
However it is thought Fiorentina are willing to accept no less than £63million for the forward.
- Sandra Brobbey
STOKED FOR EMRE
Man United are thought to be keen on Stoke City wonderkid Emre Tezgel.
The 16-year-old's striker's performances for the club thought to be attracting admirers from the top-flight.
And the Daily Mail claims Chelsea, United and Man City have been keeping tabs on the starlet.
It is thought the Year 11 secondary school pupil, who has been playing for Stoke's Under-18s, would have played in more Under-23 matches if it wasn't for his studies.
- Sandra Brobbey
SHEAR INSULT
Alan Shearer reckons the Red Devils 'played City like mugs' with the Red Devils reportedly derailing their neighbours attempts to sign Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Portugal skipper made a sensational return to Old Trafford this summer for his second spell at the club.
Shearer told the BBC Sport Podcast: "They played City like mugs! He was never going to Man City.
"Man United could never have allowed Cristiano Ronaldo to have gone to Man City.
"I know they are on a sticky wicket anyway the owners at Man United, but that would have been the end of them."
- Sandra Brobbey
RASH READY
Man United are set to play a secret friendly game today with Marcus Rashford rumoured to be in line for action.
The striker is currently recovering from a shoulder injury and could be set for a start with Phil Jones also in contention.
Rashford, 23, had shoulder surgery at the start of August and returned to full contact training on Friday.
- Sandra Brobbey
NO CAV OR FRED
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could be set to take on Leicester City without Edinson Cavani and Fred in this ranks.
United are due to take on the Foxes in the Prem after the international break.
However reports claim late international duty for the South American duo means they could miss United's trip to the King Power.
The BBC'S Simon Stone reckons United believe the pair could feature in three games for their nations over the current break.
- Sandra Brobbey
END OF THE ROAD
Nicky Butt revealed that 'getting frustrated' with his role at Man United led to his decision to leave his head of first-team development job at the club.
Butt, who was part of United's famous 'Class of 92' players, left his role in March this year.
Butt, 46, told The Athletic: "I went to head of first-team development. From there, I couldn’t see where my next step was.
"When I get frustrated in a role or a job, as I did, I’m a different kind of person. I become irritable, not happy. I blame everybody else.
"The same thing happened to me as a player. When I start getting that feeling, I need to get out."
- Sandra Brobbey
CITY TOO SLICK
Man United legend Rio Ferdinand has changed his view on who he thinks will claim this season's Prem crown.
The former Old Trafford centre-back initially had Chelsea earmarked as this term's Premier League champs.
However the pundit reckons Pep Guardiola's side could end up being too strong for their rivals.
Ferdinand said: "In the first four of five games of the season, I was sitting there and thinking Chelsea are the team to beat.
"Three of four games later and I'm thinking Man City are the team to beat. They have looked seriously impressive against the big teams."
- Sandra Brobbey
GLAZERS SALE
Man United owners have confirmed their sale of 9.5million shares in the club, according to reports.
It is thought United notified the New York Stock Exchange of Kevin and Edward Glazer's sale of the shares thought to be worth £137.12m.
Manchester Evening reports the family will receive all proceeds raised by the sale with none of it going directly back to the club.
- Sandra Brobbey
EDIN FOR A ROW
Edinson Cavani is reportedly thought to have been "puzzled and furious" with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer following the Red Devils' 1-1 draw with Everton.
SportBible quotes Richard Keys claiming he was informed of the United's forward's alleged strop by his mole at the club.
Cavani started ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo for United in their clash with the Toffees but was substituted during the game.
Speaking on via blog Keys said: “Solskjaer started his best centre-forward, but strangely chose to withdraw him after an hour.
"I’ve no idea why — but more significantly — Cavani was both puzzled and furious.
“My mole working near the dugouts tells me he stormed past Solskjaer when he came off, but quickly changed his mind about ignoring the manager and shook hands."
- Joshua Jones
GOOD MORNING RED DEVILS FANS
Gary Lineker has revealed that Manchester United chief Ed Woodward completed Cristiano Ronaldo’s transfer in his back garden.
Lineker explained that the United supremo lives next door to him and came over to his house one day on the phone to Ronaldo’s agent Jorge Mendes.
Shortly after that call, Ronaldo was a United player once more.
Meanwhile, Ronaldo’s United team-mate Edison Cavani claims he doesn’t mind playing second fiddle to the Portuguese star at the club.
Cavani hasn’t had much playing time since Ronaldo’s Old Trafford return but he insists he’s happy at United as it’s just a part of football.
The Uruguayan said: “Sometimes you play more, sometimes you play less, managers make decisions, but that doesn’t stop the work to always be competitive.”
Speaking of Ronaldo, Liverpool legend Didi Hamann reckons the ex-Juventus star is keeping United afloat this season and without him they’re pathetic.
Hamman told Sky Sports: “The one and only reason why Manchester United are still in the title race and doing alright in the Champions League is Cristiano Ronaldo."
Finally, Red Devils legend Peter Schmeichel has blasted critics calling for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to lose his job.
The Dane told fans to have patience with Solskjaer or risk heading back to the days of crisis at the club when Louis Van Gaal and Jose Mourinho were in charge.
He said to ITV Sports: “I think it’s ridiculous, absolutely ridiculous.
“Do they want another [Louis] Van Gaal or another [Jose] Mourinho? What do they want?”
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