CRISTIANO RONALDO has jetted into Manchester to personally tell Man Utd that he wants out of the club IMMEDIATELY.
United had harboured hopes of either offering Ronaldo a new deal or letting him leave on loan.
However, the Portugal captain has been clear that he will not be playing in the Europa League – a competition he has never appeared in.
Meanwhile Frenkie de Jong has been told by Xavi that he will need to take a 50 per cent pay cut if he wants to remain in the Barcelona fold.
And that demand has led United legend Gary Neville to urge the Dutchman to take legal action against Barca.
United are reportedly ready to go back in for former target Sergej Milinkovic-Savic if they are unable to convince De Jong to join.
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- Sam Dymond
Ron running out of options?
With the exclusive news that Ronaldo is returning to Manchester United today in order reiterate his desire to leave, here's a reminder of the clubs that have reportedly turned down the chance to sign the Portuguese legend this summer.
- Bayern Munich
- Paris Saint-Germain
- Chelsea
Meanwhile, moves to former clubs Juventus, Real Madrid and Sporting Lisbon have also been ruled out.
And fans of Real rivals Atletico have made it clear that they don't want the 37-year-old to join them.
An unnamed Saudi Arabian club allegedly approached Ronaldo with an offer, but the forward insists he wants to continue to play in the Champions League.
Transfer watch: Dumfries to United?
Despite the Manchester Evening News 'signing' Denzel Dumfries for the Red Devils and simulating a season on Football Manager, there is little progress on this front.
Erik ten Hag would like a new right-back, but an approach will not be made until the club have sold Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
Diogo Dalot, who has performed admirably in pre-season, will begin the campaign on the right of defence.
Rumour rating: ⚽️ ⚽️
Ronaldo 'to meet' Ten Hag
Cristiano Ronaldo will meet Erik ten Hag for showdown talks TODAY.
The BBC report that the Portuguese forward has flown back to England to speak face-to-face with the new Manchester United boss.
Ronaldo has made clear his desire to leave Old Trafford this summer in order to play Champions League football.
However, he has a year remaining on his United contract, and Ten Hag insists the player is a a big part of his plans.
Something has to give.
- Gary Stonehouse
Morning, United fans
United are still struggling to persuade Frenkie de Jong to join them – while Cristiano Ronaldo is jetting in to demand an instant exit.
That's the pick of the latest transfer gossip around Old Trafford – amid claims Anthony Martial has saved his Red Devils' future.
It's thought United and Barcelona have agreed a fee of around £63million, plus £9m add-ons, for De Jong.
Barca want to sell the Holland midfielder to balance the books.
But the Spanish giants have declined to pay the £14.5m they owe on the Ajax old boy's wages.
Meanwhile, strike legend Ronaldo is poised to tell United in showdown talks he'll reject their offer of a new deal.
But the Red Devils have ruled out selling 'Juventus target' Martial in another sign of the striker’s pre-season resurgence.
Martial’s erratic Old Trafford career stalled with last season’s loan at Sevilla.
But the French speedster now looks well placed to be a starter under new boss Erik ten Hag.
In contrast, the bookies reckon Ronaldo, plus new boys Lisandro Martinez and Christian Eriksen,face a tough fight to make Ten Hag's line-up for the Prem opener at home to Brighton on August 7.
Finally, many RB Salzburg team-mates claim reported United target Benjamin Sesko is BETTER than Erling Haaland.
Slovenia frontman Sesko, 19, is also being linked to Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund and Newcastle.
- Ian Tuckey
Juve new boy Pogba out INJURED
Paul Pogba has suffered a knee injury just 14 days after signing for Juventus, writes ETIENNE FERMIE.
The Frenchman quit Manchester United to return to Italy on a free transfer this summer after his contract at Old Trafford expired.
Pogba, 29, suffered a calf injury in the Red Devils' 4-0 defeat to Liverpool in April – only making his return as Juve played Chivas Guadalajara on Saturday.
He subsequently limped off during a training session, however, prompting Juve to conduct medical checks.
The Old Lady have now confirmed that Pogba has suffered a "lesion of the lateral meniscus".
He is now set to undergo further tests, and will not take part in the next leg of Juve's tour.
Massimiliano Allegri's side have travelled to Dallas without the former £89million man and are already eyeing up a new midfielder.
- Ian Tuckey
Fight for Fac
Olympiacos have joined the race to borrow Manchester United youngster Facundo Pellistri, reports suggest.
United are reportedly looking to send Pellistri, 20, out on another loan spell as he doesn’t fit new manager Erik ten Hag’s squad.
And Greek outlet SportDay credit unnamed UK sources that claim the Greek champions have shown interest in the winger this summer.
It has also been claimed that the Piraeus outfit are one of three potential destinations for the Uruguay international.
However, Olympiacos face competition from teams in Italy and Portugal.
The 20-year-old has been touted by some to become a first-team player for the Red Devils in the near future.
The Uruguayan joined the Manchester giants for pre-season in the Far East and Australia.
Pellistri impressed in the second half of the 4-0 rout against rivals Liverpool in Bangkok two weeks ago.
- Ian Tuckey
London cal-Ling
Jesse Lingard enjoyed a day out in London just three days after snubbing West Ham for Nottingham Forest.
The ex-Manchester United midfielder Lingard put pen to paper on a one-year deal with Forest on £115,000 aweek.
The versatile midfielder decided to celebrate the new chapter of his career with a stroll in central London and shared snaps on Instagram.
The England international also uploaded a photo of him with a Forest scarf, which he captioned with: "Trust the direction that God leads you."
Lingard left United in June after his contract expired and turned down a move to West Ham where he enjoyed a successful stint in the second half of the 2020-2021 season.
The 29-year-old opted for new boys Nottingham, which shocked many and left some Hammers fans fuming.
- Ian Tuckey
Ron to say he wants out NOW
EXCLUSIVE: Cristiano Ronaldo will fly into England and demand to leave Manchester United NOW, writes JORDAN DAVIES.
The wantaway superstar, 37, is set for showdown talks with the Red Devils where he will tell them he will NOT accept their offer of a new deal.
Ronaldo missed United’s pre-season tour to Thailand and Australia due to "family reasons" – but Erik ten Hag’s squad have training at Carrington on Tuesday.
Portugal icon Ronaldo wants a permanent transfer so he can continue playing in the Champions League after United could only finish sixth last season.
He has NEVER played in the Europa League in his glittering career.
United insist he is not for sale while new boss Ten Hag has maintained the striker is a key part of his plans for this season.
- Ian Tuckey
Utd and Barca struggling to De Jong to agree move
Manchester United still have an 'agreement' with Barcelona to buy Frenkie de Jong but both clubs are struggling to persuade him to move.
That's the claim of transfer guru Fabrizio Romano after claims a £63million fee, plus up to £9m in add-ons, has been set up.
One stumbling block is Barca declining to pay the £14.5m they owe on the Holland midfielder's wages.
But they need to sell the Ajax old boy to balance the books.
- Ian Tuckey
Victor eyes move to Prem giant
Napoli striker Victor Osimhen has reportedly alerted Chelsea and Spurs he’d consider a Prem move.
The Nigeria hero, 23, was linked with Arsenal and Manchester United before moving from Lille to Serie A in 2020.
The 22-cap star has since hit 24 goals in 51 Italian top-flight matches.
- Ian Tuckey
Utd 'rule out selling Martial to Juventus'
Manchester United have ruled out selling Anthony Martial to Juventus in another sign of the striker's pre-season resurgence.
Martial's erratic Old Trafford career seemed to be spluttering to an end with last season's loan at Sevilla.
But now the French speedster looks well placed to be a starter under new boss Erik ten Hag.
Gianluca di Marzio claimed the 26-year-old was on the radar of Juve boss Massimiliano Allegri – to rotate with Dusan Vlahovic.
But it's understood Ten Hag has no plans to sell Martial.
- Ian Tuckey
Automatic bans for pitch invaders
Pitch invaders face automatic bans under a massive fan behaviour crackdown for the new season, writes MARTIN LIPTON.
The FA, Prem and EFL have united to bring in tough new sanctions in the wake of the incidents that marred the end of last term.
Under the new regulations, agreed by the three bodies, fans who release smoke bombs or pyrotechnics also face being banned from attending future matches, while parents face being held responsible for the actions of their children.
And there will be an enhanced use of sniffer dogs in an attempt to root out cocaine use by supporters.
In a joint statement, the three organisations said: “These acts are dangerous, illegal and have severe consequences. They have no place in football, or anywhere. The safety of everyone attending a matchday is the game’s collective priority.
“We know the behaviours carried out by some fans last season do not represent the majority of supporters and they risk ruining the fantastic experience of a football match for everyone.
“Therefore, we are working with clubs to highlight the important role that fans, clubs, players and coaches all have to play in helping to create a safe environment.
”Prosecution in these cases will become the default response of the football authorities and criminal justice system, sending a clear and unambiguous message to all who break the law.”
- Ian Tuckey
New signings or Ronaldo face axe
Manchester United will start their first Premier League game WITHOUT Cristiano Ronaldo, Lisandro Martinez OR Christian Eriksen in their starting XI, writes CRAIG MAHOOD.
That’s according to Betfair’s odds as they reckon Erik ten Hag’s first teamsheet will be missing the trio and Rafael Varane.
United start their campaign on August 7 with a home tie against Brighton.
They travel to Brentford the following weekend before a crunch Monday Night Football clash with Liverpool visiting Old Trafford.
Martinez and Eriksen are two of the big summer recruits as the Red Devils aim to better last season’s sixth place finish.
But neither have been involved in the matchday squads as United have travelled across the globe for pre-season.
Ronaldo’s bombshell announcement that he wanted to leave has meant him training alone away from the squad while his future gets sorted.
Speculation continues over the Portuguese superstar but no deal has been struck yet to see him leave as it looks increasingly likely he will return to United.
- Ian Tuckey
Battle to borrow Pellistri
Olympiacos have joined the race to borrow Manchester United youngster Facundo Pellistri, reports suggest.
United are reportedly looking to send Pellistri, 20, out on another loan spell as he doesn't fit new manager Erik ten Hag's squad.
And Greek outlet SportDay credit unnamed UK sources that claim the Greek champions have shown interest in the winger this summer.
It has also been claimed that the Piraeus outfit are one of three potential destinations for the Uruguay international.
However, Olympiacos face competition from teams in Italy and Portugal.
The 20-year-old has been touted by some to become a first-team player for the Red Devils in the near future.
The Uruguayan joined the Manchester giants for pre-season in the Far East and Australia.
Pellistri impressed in the second half of the 4-0 rout against rivals Liverpool in Bangkok two weeks ago.
- Ian Tuckey
Sesko 'better than Haaland'
Many RB Salzburg team-mates claim Manchester United target Benjamin Sesko is BETTER than Erling Haaland.
Slovenia star Sesko, 19, is also being linked to Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund and Newcastle.
He's arguably the hottest prospect ever at Austrians Salzburg – along with Manchester City's £51million new boy Haaland, who broke club scoring records in 2019-20.
Sesko told Goal: "Such comparisons [to Haaland] motivate me and give me energy.
"They do not represent pressure. I will listen and learn so I can be even better than he is.
"My team-mates at the club tell me that Haaland and I are very similar, especially in terms of speed.
"Most of them even tell me that I’m better than him!"
Salzburg would want at least £55million to consider selling Sesko.
But that would be a bargain if he matches the progress 22-year-old Haaland has made since leaving for Dortmund and now the Etihad.
- Ian Tuckey
Hannibal in demand
United’s exciting playmaker Hannibal Mejbri seems certain to be loaned out this season.
The Tunisia star, 19, has again shone in pre-season.
But the Red Devils believe regular first-team football will sharper him up ahead of a possible senior role at Old Trafford in 2023-24.
And so far it seems the 16-cap whizkid is heading for the Championship.
West Brom, Middlesbrough, Millwall and Birmingham have all been linked with the former France Under-17 ace.
Mjebri committed his international future to his parents’ home country Tunisia in May 2021.
- Ian Tuckey
Red Devils tracking Sesko kid
Manchester United are keeping tabs on RB Salzburg wonderkid Benjamin Sesko.
The 19-year-old striker has earned rave reviews for his performances in Austria, and has caught the attention of Europe’s biggest clubs.
However, Salzburg have moved quickly to slap a £55m asking price on their six foot four teenager, who is already a Slovenian international.
Newcastle are also understood to be monitoring Sesko as they search for a dominant centre-forward.
- Ian Tuckey
Chelsea eye ex-Utd target Skriniar
With Barcelona closing on prime Chelsea target Jules Kounde, speculation is mounting tonight that Stamford Bridge boss Thomas Tuchel could reignite interest in Inter Milan centre-back Milan Skriniar.
But the Italian giants are keen to keep the Slovakia star.
And it's thought only a bid beyond £60million would tempt Inter to even consider selling the 27-year-old.
Arsenal and Manchester United have previously been linked with ex-Sampdoria hero Skriniar.
- Ian Tuckey
Ron the way home
Cristiano Ronaldo is travelling back to the UK today ahead of Manchester United showdown talks regarding his future, writes ETIENNE FERMIE.
The Portuguese forward failed to show up for the start of pre-season training and skipped the Red Devils' tour of Thailand and Australia.
Now that Erik ten Hag and Co are back from Down Under, Ronaldo is jetting back to Manchester to try and sort out his future.
According to The Athletic, the 37-year-old will finally meet new boss Ten Hag face to face in the coming days.
Although it is not yet clear whether Ronaldo will be back in training with his team-mates.
The former Real Madrid and Juventus star wants to leave Old Trafford, having informed United of his intentions earlier this summer.
The Red Devils have stuck to their guns, however, insisting that their No7 is NOT for sale throughout. Club chiefs are pleased that Ronaldo is returning to the UK, and view it as a "positive sign".
Speaking about the Ronaldo situation from Australia last week, Ten Hag said: "I am well informed, he also has also an option (of another year).
“Yes (he could stay beyond this season), but to be honest, of course, I have signed here for three years, but in football it’s short-term as well."
- Ian Tuckey
Utd's top 10 graduates
FEATURE: Manchester United have always been rich with youth stars in their first team, writes JON BOON.
From the Busby Babes to Fergie's Fledglings, the Red Devils do have an eye of promoting from within.
Back in May, their U18 team showed that the club's academy is still important as they lifted the FA Youth Cup.
While new boss Erik ten Hag appears to be following in the tradition of his predecessors by giving youngsters a chance in recent preseason friendly and praising the likes of Hannibal Mejbri, Zidane Iqbal and Alejandro Garnacho for their efforts in training.
Should they succeed, they will be following in a long line of talents that have lit up Old Trafford.
Ryan Giggs
David Beckham
George Best
Paul Pogba
Duncan Edwards
Paul Scholes
Gary Neville
Sir Bobby Charlton
Mark Hughes
Marcus RashfordHERE'S OUR FULL GUIDE
- Ian Tuckey
De Jon and the short of it
Frenkie de Jong must halve his salary if he wants to remain at Barcelona, according to Spanish outlet AS.
The financially-fragile LaLiga club have told the Manchester United target he must accept the 50% cut otherwise he will be sold.
The Catalans have been attempting to ship out the high-earning midfielder all summer in order to afford Xavi’s rebuild at the Nou Camp.
But De Jong has dug his heels in despite the interest from United and other European clubs.
However, the Spanish giants have now supposedly told the 25-year-old that he must compromise if he wishes to remain part of the project.
- Ian Tuckey
Fernandes vow to Martial
Bruno Fernandes has made Anthony Martial a promise going into Manchester United's Premier League curtain raiser next week.
Erik ten Hag's side get their campaign underway by hosting Brighton at Old Trafford next Sunday.
One man that could feature is Anthony Martial, having played his way back into contention during pre-season.
The Frenchman was virtually written off last term, being loaned to Sevilla in January and enduring an underwhelming spell in Spain.
As United flew to Bangkok for the first leg of their pre-season tour of Thailand and Australia, Martial asked Fernandes to "give him some assists".
The Portuguese responded: " I will, for sure man, you know that we have that connection."
Martial scored three goals on the trip… but none of them were assisted by Fernandes – a detail that didn't go unnoticed by the forward.
In a clip captured by MUTV, Fernandes said: "Here we are again with Tony Martial. The guy of the tour, the man who scores loads of goals for us. How was the tour for you Anthony? Did you like it?"
- Ian Tuckey
Ron, Lisandro or Eriksen to miss out
Manchester United will start their first Premier League game WITHOUT Cristiano Ronaldo, Lisandro Martinez OR Christian Eriksen in their starting XI, writes CRAIG MAHOOD.
That’s according to Betfair’s odds as they reckon Erik ten Hag’s first teamsheet will be missing the trio and Rafael Varane.
United start their campaign on August 7 with a home tie against Brighton.
They travel to Brentford the following weekend before a crunch Monday Night Football clash with Liverpool visiting Old Trafford.
Martinez and Eriksen are two of the big summer recruits as the Red Devils aim to better last season’s sixth place finish.
But neither have been involved in the matchday squads as United have travelled across the globe for pre-season.
Ronaldo’s bombshell announcement that he wanted to leave has meant him training alone away from the squad while his future gets sorted.
Speculation continues over the Portuguese superstar but no deal has been struck yet to see him leave as it looks increasingly likely he will return to United.
- Ian Tuckey
Red Devils could up £40 Antony bid
Manchester United will make one last attempt to land Ajax star Antony, according to GOAL.
The Red Devils have so far been frustrated in their pursuit of the Brazilian winger despite the Dutch champions selling many of their other assets the summer.
However, the Amsterdam club have held firm on the 22-year-old ace, dismissing United’s initial bid of around £40m.
It is understood Ajax are asking an eye-watering £70m for Antony, but could do business if the Premier League outfit meet them halfway on their respective valuations.
- Ian Tuckey
Osimhen 'alerts Chelsea and Spurs'
Napoli striker Victor Osimhen has reportedly alerted Chelsea and Spurs he'd consider a Prem move.
The Nigeria hero, 23, was linked with Arsenal and Manchester United before moving from Lille to Serie A in 2020.
The 22-cap star has since hit 24 goals in 51 Italian top-flight matches.
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