DEADLINE DAY has been and gone with Manchester United completing the signing of Cristiano Ronaldo from Juventus.
The Portuguese icon, 36, has been confirmed as a United player once again after moving back to England.
Ronaldo is also set to take back his famous No 7 shirt from Edinson Cavani and could even take penalty duties off the ever-reliable Bruno Fernandes.
The Portugal star will even head back to Manchester early as he is suspended for his country's next game after taking his shirt off in the celebrations from their 2-1 win over Ireland on Wednesday night.
Meanwhile, Jadon Sancho has been injured on England duty and United are waiting to see the extent of his problems.
Elsewhere, Daniel James has crossed the Pennines to sign a £30m deal with Leeds.
While Dortmund have issued a final hands off warning on Erling Haaland, with the chase for the striker's signature likely to rumble on.
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- Kealan Hughes
'TRULY PROUD'
Cristiano Ronaldo created history on Wednesday night, scoring his 110th and 111th international goals to break the record held by Ali Daei.
Iran legend Daei scored 109 goals in 149 appearances for his country but saw his remarkable record equalled by Ronaldo during Euro 2020 in June.
Daei praised Cristiano at the time, writing on Instagram: “I am honoured that this remarkable achievement will belong to Ronaldo – great champion of football and caring humanist who inspires and impacts lives throughout the world.”
And after breaking the record Ronaldo said: "I can’t even start to express myself in words! I’m thrilled with an overwhelming sensation! Let’s go, Portugal! Let’s go!
“From all the records that I have broken during my career – and fortunately there have been a few – this one is very special for me and it’s certainly on the shelf of the achievements that make me truly proud."
- Kealan Hughes
'I'M DISAPPOINTED'
Gary Neville has expressed his dismay that Jesse Lingard failed to make a return to West Ham this summer after his successful loan spell last season.
The ex-England right-back, speaking to Sky Sports, is adamant that the 28-year-old has made a mistake by staying at Manchester United despite the east London outfit’s public pursuit of him.
He said: “I’m disappointed Jesse Lingard hasn’t left.
"He’ll get a few games but I think he had something going at West Ham that meant he was standing up as a really good player and to go back into being a squad player again, it’s disappointing.
“Sometimes you need to fly the nest and go."
- Kealan Hughes
THE KEY PLAYERS
Outgoing executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward 'played a key role' in securing the deal to sign Cristiano Ronaldo, according to the Manchester Evening News.
High-level club sources insist there is an ongoing strengthening of the recruitment department, enhanced by scouting and analytics reporting communicated to the football director John Murtough, while Matt Judge has also excelled in his first summer as the director of football negotiations.
CR7 arriving rounded off an excellent transfer window for United which also saw two other long-term targets finally arrive in Raphael Varane and Jadon Sancho.
- Dylan Terry
MORNING, UNITED FANS
Signing Cristiano Ronaldo won't stop United facing off with neighbours City for Erling Haaland next summer.
That's the main reported fall-out from the transfer window amid claims City and Chelsea baulked at paying The a potential £500million package of transfer fee and wages over five years for the world's most wanted goal-getter.
Borussia Dortmund striker Haaland, 21, is thought to have a £64.5m sale clause in his contract for the end of the season.
But if Ronaldo's record-breaking antics for Portugal last night are anything to go by, the 36-year-old could still be United's kingpin next season.
Ron's last-gasp double sunk the Republic of Ireland 2-1 to give him a world record 111 international goals, two more than Iran's Ali Daei.
That shows why United skipper Harry Maguire rates ex-Juventus and Real Madrid attacker Ronaldo as the "greatest player" ever.
Meanwhile, Donny van de Beek's agent claims the Holland midfielder has been promised more first-team chances this term after United blocked a deadline exit.
VDB's representative Guido Albers was frustrated the former Ajax hero stayed put amid interest from Prem clubs like Everton, Italy and Germany.
Albers told Voetbal International: "You need the cooperation of the club, and it looked like they would, but ultimately they didn’t.
“Disappointing, but also assuring for him so that he will get his chance… we came to a clear agreement about this with the club.”
- Ian Tuckey
GEORGINA'S DIAMOND FORMATION
Cristiano Ronaldo's fiancee Georgina Rodriguez is draped in diamonds worth £78,000 — a shade over what the new Manchester United star makes in a day.
The Argentine, 27, arrived at the Venice Film Festival yesterday wearing four glitzy rings, floral necklace and earrings by Giardini Segreti.
Georgina, who has a jewellery collection worth over £2.6million, attended the exclusive event in Italy alongside fashion editor Anna Dello Russo.
A source said: “She oozes class.
“They really are a power couple.”
Portugal legend Ronaldo, 36, reached a world-record 111 international goals as his double sunk Ireland tonight.
The former Juventus attacker, who is said to be worth over £500million, proposed with an engagement ring estimated to be worth around £615,000 in September last year.
It’s believed to be the most expensive piece of jewellery ever bought for a WAG.
- Ian Tuckey
MAGUIRE: GOAT RON WILL INSPURE UTD ATTACKERS
Harry Maguire hailed Cristiano Ronaldo as the ‘greatest player to have played the game’.
And the Manchester United captain is certain new signing Ronaldo will be a massive influence on the club’s young English attackers.
And England centre-back Maguire reckons United new-boy Jadon Sancho, teenager Mason Greenwood and fellow forward Marcus Rashford will only improve by learning from a true great.
Maguire, 28, said: “It’s amazing to have Cristiano join us and come back home. His career speaks for itself.
“For me, he’s the greatest player to have played the game.
“He’s a great example for our players, the attackers especially, to look up to, to learn from. On and off the field.
“It has happened so quickly and has probably not sunk in properly but it is amazing for the club in general — and the atmosphere he will create around the place.
“He can bring great experience and a good mentality to the squad. I think it is big for the fans but, more importantly, it will improve us on the pitch.
“He is an exceptional player as you saw last season and in the Euros.”
- Ian Tuckey
UTD VS CITY FOR HAALAND
Manchester rivals United and City are set to go head-to-head again next summer – for Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland.
The pair were both looking at a deal for Cristiano Ronaldo last week – with the Portuguese choosing a move back to Old Trafford.
And even though the former Juventus man, 36, has signed a two year deal with the Red Devils, they are expected to be on the look-out for a new centre forward in 2022.
Haaland, 21, is likely to be top of their wish-list – but they could find themselves battling it out with City for his signature.
The Norwegian has a clause in his contract with the German club which allows him to move for £64.5million at the end of this season.
And reports in Germany suggest Pep Guardiola’s English champs are in pole position for his signature – which could spell bad news for Harry Kane.
City were desperate to sign the Three Lions captain in the last window but Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy would not budge.
And Guardiola hinted last week that will be the end of their pursuit – by wishing Kane well for the rest of his career in North London.
- Ian Tuckey
DOES THIS MAKE RECORD-BREAKER RON THE GREATEST EVER?
Cristiano Ronaldo headed home on 89 minutes to pass Ali Daei's 109-goal international record – then netted in stoppage time as Portugal beat the Republic of Ireland 2-1.
Manchester United's returning superstar then got booked for taking his shirt off to celebrate.
It capped an astonishing turnaround for Ron after he missed a penalty and was caught lashing out at Ireland's Dara O'Shea.
NINTCHDBPICT000676670930Credit: Reuters - Ian Tuckey
RON BREAKS RECORD!
Cristiano Ronaldo struck twice at the death to set a world record of 111 international goals as Portugal snatched a 2-1 World Cup qualifying win over shell-shocked Ireland.
- Ian Tuckey
SPENDING DOWN
According to analysis by the Deloitte Sports Business Group, this summer represented the lowest gross spending between season window since 2015.
The analysis suggests top-flight clubs spent a combined £1.1billion before 11pm last night, 11% less than last summer’s window.
And Deloitte report that the gross spending is down 20% on 2019, largely due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
Despite that the number of players signed by Premier League clubs actually increased.
Last summer 132 signings were made, while 148 new deals were announced before yesterday’s deadline.
- Ian Tuckey
RON CAUGHT LASHING OUT
Cristiano Ronaldo lashed out at Ireland's Dara O'Shea before missing a penalty for Portugal.
And the Manchester United superstar's actions prompted Irish fans to question whether he deserved to stay on the pitch.
Cristiano Ronaldo lashes out at Ireland’s Dara O’Shea as fans call for Man Utd superstar to be sent off for Portugal
A mistake from Jeff Hendrick conceded the spot-kick to Bruno Fernandes nine minutes into Tuesday's World Cup qualifier.
And Ronaldo grabbed the ball before an agonising wait for VAR to confirm the foul at Estadio Algarve.
However, Republic of Ireland defender O'Shea decided to play some mind games as Ronnie was waiting.
He cheekily kicked the ball off the penalty spot, but Ronaldo was not impressed.
The ex-Real Madrid and Juventus man batted O'Shea away angrily with one arm, forcing the West Brom ace to grab his head in pain
But Ronaldo, who was not punished by the ref, then had his penalty saved by Manchester City goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu in just his fifth cap for Ireland.
- Ian Tuckey
CITY KEEPER FOILS RON'S WORLD RECORD BID
Cristiano Ronaldo blew his first chance to become the top international scorer ever on 110 goalsthanks to a MANCHESTER CITY junior keeper.
United's returning legend Ronaldo was foiled from the spot just nine minutes into Portugal's World Cup qualifier with the Republic of Ireland.
A mistake by Newcastle midfielder Jeff Hendrick saw Ronaldo's club and country team-mate Bruno Fernandes win the penalty.
And Ronaldo grabbed the ball before an agonising wait for VAR to confirm the foul at Estadio Algarve.
But his eventual spot-kick was saved bywas beaten by Gavin Bazunu in just his fifth game for Ireland.
The Portsmouth loanee, 19, dived to his right to strongly parry the ball away.
Ronaldo is level on 109 goals with Iran great legend Ali Daei.
- Ian Tuckey
HARRY: RON'S THE BEST EVER
Skipper Harry Maguire believes Manchester United's returning legend Cristiano Ronaldo is the "greatest player" ever.
Barely a week after six-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi swapped Barcelona for PSG, five-timer Ronaldo rejoined United from Juventus.
And England centre-back Maguire said: "For me, he's the greatest player to have played the game."
- Ian Tuckey
RON CAN 'HELP UTD LAND HAALAND'
Manchester United believe Cristiano Ronaldo can be the secret weapon in attracting Erling Haaland to the club, according to reports.
Ronaldo, 36, returned to Old Trafford in sensational fashion after snubbing Manchester City in the final days of the transfer window.
The Portuguese superstar signed for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side more than a decade after departing for Real Madrid.
But not only have Man Utd re-claimed Ronaldo's remarkable goalscoring pedigree, they have also obtained his pulling power when it comes to other deals.
Haaland, 21, looks set to leave Borussia Dortmund next summer as clubs are alerted to the fact that his £64million release clause is active.
And Europe's biggest teams are all set to fight it out for the Norwegian's signature.
Manchester City, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain will all be keeping tabs on Haaland as he assesses his options.
But ESPN are now reporting that the acquisition of Ronaldo could see United emerge as the front runners.
This is because of the 'well-known admiration' Haaland has for the five-time Ballon d'Or winner.
Speaking about Ronaldo in February 2020, the Dortmund striker told Record: "I would love to meet him and tell him that I am a footballer thanks to him. For me, he was always a model."
- Ian Tuckey
HIRO CAN MAKE RON A ZERO
Arsenal fans believe Takehiro Tomiyasu may be the man to stop Cristiano Ronaldo after a clip of his Serie A exploits went viral.
Arsenal fans reckon Takehiro Tomiyasu is ‘better than Ronaldo’ as clip of him tackling Man Utd star in Serie A emerges
The short highlight shows the full-back dominate his rival in a game for Bologna against Juventus.
Tomiyasu, 22, nicked the ball from Ronaldo before holding him off and turning him to clear the danger.
Some Gooners watching the clip on Reddit felt it raised false hopes but others were convinced that the club had signed a star defender.
One fan on Reddit commented: “CR7 came to Prem to get away from him.”
Another joked: “I’m convinced. He’s better than Ronaldo, you can’t tell me otherwise.”
While one said: “We brought him as a response to CR7 for United, bring it on!”
But another noted: “Clips like these just build up false hopes.”
- Ian Tuckey
UTD PLEDGE GAME-TIME FOR DONNY
Manchester United have reportedly promised outcast midfielder Donny van de Beek that he will 'get his chance' at Old Trafford.
The 24-year-old Dutch midfielder started just four Premier League games for the Red Devils last season in what turned out to be a dismal first campaign in England following his £39million move from Ajax.
Van de Beek was being linked with a switch away from United, with Everton said to be one of several clubs interested in signing him.
But his agent Guido Albers has now confirmed that United blocked a transfer as they feel there is a future for the Dutchman at Old Trafford.
Speaking to Voetbal International, Albers said: "There was a lot of interest from Italy, Germany and England, so that looked good.
"But you need the cooperation of the club, and it looked like they would, but ultimately they didn’t.
"Disappointing, but also assuring for him so that he will get his chance, and will get his minutes, but this will become clear in due time.
"He’s been promised that before, but we came to a clear agreement about this with the club, so we have all faith that it will happen now."
- Ian Tuckey
THAT'S GOTTA SHIRT
Manchester United will reportedly receive just £5 from each of Cristiano Ronaldo's shirt sales following his return to the club.
The Portuguese superstar sensationally came back to Old Trafford in the final days of the transfer window, 12 years after leaving to join Real Madrid.
The Red Devils re-signed Ronaldo from Juventus for £12.85million, with many fans presuming the money will be recouped by the revenue he will bring in, with shirt sales one such avenue.
But according to the BBC, Man Utd's shirt deal with Adidas means they will only receive around £5 per shirt.
Man Utd signed a 10-year contract with adidas worth £750m back in 2014, the biggest kit deal ever seen in world football.
And while the finer details of the deal are undisclosed, it has been reported that it is 'very unlikely' Man Utd will see any more than 10 per cent of a shirt sale.
On the other hand, the German sportswear giant could make their £750m investment back on shirt sales alone.
That's before you even consider the exposure they are receiving from making the kit for one of the biggest clubs in the world.
- Ian Tuckey
RON'S THE BEST MAN FOR No7 AHEAD OF BECKS
Cristiano Ronaldo is Manchester United's favourite No 7 ever if Twitter is your judge – with David Beckham second and George Best a distant 13th.
The figures, revealed by sports platform OLBG, understandably show a huge emphasis on current stars, given they come from the modern phenomenon of social media
How else to explain Memphis Depay at fourth in the list, with Bryan Robson just seventh?
Edinson Cavani is third, while Eric Cantona's iconic status helps place him fifth.
FULL LIST OF UNITED NUMBER SEVENS
Here’s the Heaven ()and hell 17 of Man Utd’s No7s.
1 Cristiano Ronaldo
2 David Beckham
3 Edinson Cavani
4 Memphis Depay
5 Eric Cantona
6 Angel Di Maria
7 Bryan Robson
8 Denis Law
9 Andrei Kanchelskis
10 Michael Owen
11 Billy Meredith
12 Nobby Stiles
13 George Best
14 Alexis Sanchez
15 Steve Coppell
16 Antonio Valencia
17 Ray Wilkins - Ian Tuckey
CITY FAVOURITES TO LAND HAALAND
Erling Haaland has several of Europe's biggest clubs competing for his signature.
Heavyweights Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United are all reportedly interested in the Norwegian superstar.
But Premier League champions Manchester City are the leading contenders with bookmakers Betfair.
The Citizens missed out on signing Tottenham talisman Harry Kane after a summer-long pursuit.
But their failure to prize Kane from North London could increase the likelihood that they'll challenge for Haaland next year.
Betfair have installed City as 7/4 favourites having been 3/1 during the transfer window.
Real Madrid are next in the betting at 5/2.
The Spanish giants proved they still have the financial capabilities having submitted a £137m bid for Kylian Mbappe.
- Ian Tuckey
THE BIG HAALAND SWERVE
Chelsea and Man City ended their interest in Erling Haaland after being told the superstar would cost £500MILLION.
The Borussia Dortmund star was top of the Premier League pair's transfer wish lists and also interests Man Utd but they baulked at the staggering investment needed to pull of a deal.
According to the Financial Times, a move for the 21-year-old striker this summer would have cost a whopping £500m over five years.
As well as a massive transfer outlay, that half a billion-pound investment would've been attributed to his wages and a big fee to super-agent Mino Raiola.
The FT report a source close to the proposed transfer as saying: "This whole reduced transfer fee thing is a complete red herring.
“Agent fees are still going up and the wages are just obscene.”
- Ian Tuckey
RON TOP OF THE WORLD
Brazilian legend Pele reckons Cristiano Ronaldo is experiencing the greatest possible feeling after returning to Manchester United after 15 years.
Pele, 80, believes Old Trafford is the 36-year-old’s spiritual home.
He said: “There is no better feeling than conquering the world and returning home. Always be happy.”
- Ian Tuckey
SLOWEST SUMMER SPENDING SINCE 2015
According to analysis by the Deloitte Sports Business Group, this summer represented the lowest gross spending between season window since 2015.
The analysis suggests top-flight clubs spent a combined £1.1billion before 11pm last night, 11% less than last summer’s window.
And Deloitte report that the gross spending is down 20% on 2019, largely due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
Despite that the number of players signed by Premier League clubs actually increased.
Last summer 132 signings were made, while 148 new deals were announced before yesterday’s deadline.
- Ian Tuckey
‘£500m HAALAND DEAL’ SCARED OFF PREM CLUBS
Chelsea and Manchester City were scared off long-term Old Trafford target Erling Haaland in August by a staggering £500million bill over the next five years, reports say.
The Borussia Dortmund goal machine’s sky-high package of transfer fee and wages mean interest in the 21-year-old could even be delayed for TWO transfer windows – until NEXT summer.
Credit: Reuters - Ian Tuckey
RON: REJOINING UTD IS MY BEST DECISION
Cristiano Ronaldo says he is back at Manchester United to win trophies rather than for sentimental reasons.
But the Portugal superstar, whose 2003-6 Old Trafford spell was legendary, added: "I think it's the best decision that I have made.
"I'm so happy and glad, and I want to carry on again, to make history, to try to help Manchester achieve great results, to win trophies and number one of them, to win great things."
Credit: Alamy - Ian Tuckey
RED DEVILS WON'T RELAX
Those Manchester United players stuck at home during this month's international break can expect no let-up in training.
That's the message from United's own media team!
Old Trafford chiefs had already refused to release Edinson Cavani for Uruguay's world Cup qualifiers with Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador on September 3, 6 and 9 respectively due to Covid 19 red-zone concerns.
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