FREE AGENT Cristiano Ronaldo has now completed his move to a new club, according to reports.
Reports in Saudi Arabia claim Ronaldo has now signed a two-year deal with Al Nassr after leaving Manchester United on a free.
Elsewhere, United are close to being taken over by new owners, it's been reported.
David Ornstein has reported that the Red Devils will see their takeover completed 'very soon'.
And the Red Devils have a three-man shortlist for January to add to their attack, according to reports.
AC Milan star Rafael Leao, Juventus' Dusan Vlahovic and World Cup star Goncalo Ramos are the trio mentioned.
Stay up to date with all the latest from Old Trafford…
- Ian Tuckey
Ronaldo deal 'to be announced after game'
Cristiano Ronaldo's apparent move to Al-Nassr will be confirmed after tomorrow's away game at Al Khaleej, reports say.
The Manchester United and Portugal legend, 37, is said to have passed they key parts of a medical and signed a huge contract.
And CBS Sports suggest his switch to Riyadh will be officially announced on Saturday.
It's also reported that Ronaldo will take more medical tests next week.
- Ian Tuckey
Quick off the Marc for Asensio
Manchester United are hoping to sign Real Madrid forward Marco Asensio in the next few DAYS, according to reports.
The 26-year-old Spaniard has just six months left on his current contract with the LaLiga giants.
It means that from January 1 he will be allowed to speak to non-Spanish clubs.
According to Sport, Man Utd are keen to tie down the Real Madrid man before he becomes a free agent in the summer.
The Red Devils missed out on Cody Gakpo after Liverpool swooped in to agree a deal for the Dutchman.
And now Asensio is being looked at by those inside Old Trafford once more.
The Spanish international's agent, Jorge Mendes, was willing to sell his client to United last summer.
However, the player reportedly wanted to see if his wage demands could be met by Real.
Now it appears the 14-time European champions will not adhere to his request, he looks set to be moving on.
And Man Utd are one of the few clubs who could afford Asensio's wages – currently thought to be around £120,000 per week.
- Ian Tuckey
Ron admitted money was tough to resist
Before his Old Trafford exit, Cristiano Ronaldo had already admitted huge sums mentioned over a possible move to Saudi Arabia were extremely difficult to resist.
The Portugal legend, 37, said: "It's hard – it's hard. But in the same way, I thought that I was very happy here; that I [am] still capable to score goals and make people happy.
"I still believe that I can score many many goals and help the team because I still believe that I'm still good and capable to help the national team – even Manchester United.
"But if you don’t feel around you that the energy’s on your side, it’s difficult.
"Of course, the criticism is gonna exists all the time. Ah he’s 37, he’s not the same.
"But I want to see if some guy of my age maintains the level that I show. You’re not gonna teach me that. Nobody is gonna teach me that."
- Ian Tuckey
Cristiano making 'biggest Mickey Mouse move ever'
Social media seems clear – Cristinao Ronaldo is joining Al-Nassr for the money AND making a big mistake.
Unconfirmed reports suggest the Manchester United outcast, 37, HAS agreed a mega-deal with the Saudi Arabian side.
But Twitter was immediately brimming with comments like: "Biggest Mickey Mouse sports move of the century" and "I honestly don’t think he could’ve ended his career any worse if he tried".
Another observer posted: "Cristiano man what are you doing."
- Ian Tuckey
Ronaldo 'signs Al-Nassr deal'
Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly signed a two-year deal with Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr.
The Portuguese star, 37, has been a free agent since his Manchester United contract was ripped up last month.
But now Saudi Arabian media are claiming he has penned a deal with Al Nassr to keep him at the club for the next two years.
The tweet from Al Arabiya states: "Al-Nassr Saudi Arabia officially contracts with Cristiano Ronaldo for two seasons."
Ronaldo has been heavily linked with a move to Saudi ever since his United deal was terminated following an explosive interview with Piers Morgan.
Earlier this month, there were reports of a £173-million-a-year deal being offered by a Saudi club to try and tempt Ronaldo to sign.
- Ian Tuckey
Malacia goes 'back to basics' to regain Utd spot
Left-back Tyrell Malacia claims he understands why Manchester United benched him and brought back Luke Shaw.
The Holland star, 23, was compatriot Erik ten Hag's first signing – joining from Feyenord in July.
But he was axed following a 6-3 derby loss to Prem champs City and making an error against Omonia in the Europa League straight afterwards.
He said: "I just didn't play well [against City]. In the next match I had a small mistake. Then the trainer has to make choices," Malacia said.
"I just have to make sure that I train well, I did that.
“I am happy that I can now stand there again. I know myself well, I know what is not going well. I had to go back to basics and now things are going well again."
"I just have to make sure I play well," added Malacia.
"I already played against Burnley, that's nice. I want to continue that line. I started well here, had a small dip, but I know myself. I know I'm fighting myself back in the base."
- Ian Tuckey
Josip 'tops list for right-backs'
Manchester United and Chelsea are keen on Celtic's Croatia right-back Josip Juranovic, according to TuttoMercatoWeb.
Diogo Dalot could reportedly consider his Old Trafford future, while second-choice Aaron Wan-Bissaka is tipped to consider his future.
Ex-Legia Warsaw ace Juranovic, 27, is rated as the prime target of Red Devils' boss Erik ten Hag.
- Ian Tuckey
‘Club takeover could be soon'
Manchester United’s takeover could be completed “very soon”, according to football journalist David Ornstein.
United’s current owners, the Glazer family, have put the club on the market 17 years after buying a majority share for £790million.
The club is currently valued at around £6-7billion with potential investors from Qatar and Saudi Arabia understood to be interested.
And Ornstein has claimed that an agreement could be reached sooner rather than later.
He told USA Network: “The Raine Bank who are in charge of this process they are aiming for a complete sale of Manchester United in the first quarter of 2023.
“Therefore the Glazer family are not going to sanction a massive outlay of cash on deals at this time of the year.
“You will need to watch this space on a takeover because it could be coming very soon and it will be a seismic moment in the history of Manchester United because so many supporters have wanted a change in the hierarchy.
“They have had so many changes off the pitch but now it could go to the very top and if Raine Bank who are leading this process get their way, it is going to be a fascinating few months ahead to see who takes charge and leads them into the future.”
- Ian Tuckey
Ten Hag slammed Utd star moaning about heat
Erik ten Hag told a Manchester United player to "stop whining" after the star complained it was "too hot" during this season's 4-0 hammering by Brentford.
The Dutchman had a poor start to life in the Premier League.
United lost their opening game of the season 2-1 to Brighton.
A 4-0 defeat away at Brentford followed and the attitude of some of Man Utd's stars left Ten Hag unimpressed.
According to The Times, one moaned in 32C heat: "It’s way too hot to play football."
Ten Hag yelled back: "Stop whining."
The on-pitch complaints backed up Ten Hag's assessment of United before he took over.
He says the Red Devils lacked mental toughness.
Ten Hag said in an interview with Voetbal International: "The mental toughness was very low. The fighting spirit wasn’t there. To get that in the dressing room, you need personalities.
"That’s why the purchase of Casemiro was so important.”
- Ian Tuckey
Ronaldo AND Ramos for Al-Nassr?
AL-NASSR are allegedly hoping to confirm Cristiano Ronaldo’s signing on January 1 – and they want to reunite him with Sergio Ramos.
The 37-year-old legend is plotting his next move after being released by Manchester United following a bombshell interview with Sun columnist Piers Morgan.
Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr are now said to be closing in on a mega £173m-a-year contract with Ronaldo.
However, MARCA are claiming that they also have a number of other big names in their sights.
Chelsea’s N’Golo Kante has been mentioned as a possible target.
However, it now seems that after virtually securing Ronaldo, who has a medical scheduled, they are now after his former Real Madrid team-mate Ramos.
They claim that Al-Nassr’s president and sporting director are planning for a trip to Madrid to work on a deal for the 36-year-old defender, who is currently at Paris Saint-Germain.
- Ian Tuckey
Chelsea 'in talks with Utd target Enzo'
World Cup winner Enzo Fernandez is reportedly in 'direct talks' with Chelsea.
The Benfica midfielder, 21, has also been linked with Liverpool and Manchester United.
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano suggests the Blues “want to offer a huge transfer fee” rather than his £106million release clause.
But Benfica have previously stated that they will not sell the midfielder for less.
It's even claimed Fernandez has already said yes to Chelsea.
- Emillia Hawkins
Numbers Game
Erik ten Hag has hinted at some transfer activity for Manchester United during the January window.
It comes as the Dutchman has bemoaned the lack of "quality" depth at the club.
Ten Hag's side are in action against Wolves on Saturday fresh off the back of a convincing 3-0 win against Nottingham Forest.
However, Ten Hag has suggested United will need more quality if they are to succeed in achieving their goals and once again reiterated they were in the market for the "right player."
He said: "I think we have a squad, we have players who are matching our criteria.
"But, all the games are coming. It’s a tough competition, in all the leagues, we want to be also in all the leagues and keep playing in all the leagues and in the cups as well.
"So we need players and we need numbers to cover. So we need good players, not just the numbers, we need quality players to cover.
"And also we need competition and we need to know also that we can make different choices.
"So we are looking for the right player for for our squad but it has to match our sporting criteria, definitely, but also some financial criteria."
Credit: PA - Emillia Hawkins
How Man Utd could line up vs Wolves
World Cup winner Lisandro Martinez is set to return to the squad this weekend.
- Emillia Hawkins
Ten Tell Tales
Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag has been accused of LYING about club captain Harry Maguire being ill following Tuesday's night's 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest.
The Dutchman preferred left-back Luke Shaw at centre-back in the thumping win, which saw Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Fred score, due to a virus that had been affecting a number of players, including Maguire.
Maguire did feature as a late second-half substitute after making himself available for selection, however, ex-United ace Paul Parker has accused Ten Hag of lying about the England hero's illness.
Parker says if Maguire was ill, being selected on the bench, and then featuring in the second half, "doesn't make any sense at all".
He told BonusCodeBets: "First of all we have to say that Luke Shaw did very well playing as a centre half.
"He barely made a mistake and Manchester United didn't really miss Harry Maguire.
"But to be honest, I don’t believe the story about Harry Maguire being ill.
"It was a lie and it is totally fabricated. It doesn't make any sense at all.
"On a cold rainy night in Manchester, there is no way you would ever let an ill man sit on the bench if he wasn't ready.
"He was ready but Erik ten Hag preferred to play with Luke Shaw."
- Emillia Hawkins
Nacho choice
Man Utd are reportedly refusing to allow Alejandro Garnacho to join up with Argentina's U20's squad for the upcoming U20 Sudamericano tournament.
Garnacho, along with four other players – Matias Soule, Franco Carboni, Valentin Carboni and Luka Romero – are yet to be released by their respective clubs.
As a result, head coach Javier Mascherano has been forced to delay the unveiling of his squad.
According to TyS Sports, the Red Devils have denied Garnacho the chance to play in the tournament.
Credit: EPA
- Emillia Hawkins
Speed Diall
Amad Diallo continued his stunning form for Sunderland with a brilliant goal last night.
The forward, 20, departed Manchester United for a season-long loan at the Stadium of Light last summer.
After a slow start, the Ivory Coast star is now shining under Tony Mowbray and is finally showing glimpses of what earned him a big-money move to the Red Devils.
His latest strike came in Sunderland’s thumping 4-1 Championship win at Wigan.
After exchanging passes with Patrick Roberts, Diallo unleashed a swerving effort from outside of the box past the goalkeeper to send the away supporters wild.
That was his sixth goal of the campaign for the Black Cats, who have now moved up to fourth in the table.
- Emillia Hawkins
'It could be coming very soon'
Manchester United's takeover could be completed "very soon", according to football journalist David Ornstein.
United's current owners, the Glazer family, have put the club on the market 17 years after buying a majority share for £790million.
The club is currently valued at around £6-7billion with potential investors from Qatar and Saudi Arabia understood to be interested.
And Ornstein has claimed that an agreement could be reached sooner rather than later.
He told USA Network: “The Raine Bank who are in charge of this process they are aiming for a complete sale of Manchester United in the first quarter of 2023.
“Therefore the Glazer family are not going to sanction a massive outlay of cash on deals at this time of the year.
“You will need to watch this space on a takeover because it could be coming very soon and it will be a seismic moment in the history of Manchester United because so many supporters have wanted a change in the hierarchy.
“They have had so many changes off the pitch but now it could go to the very top and if Raine Bank who are leading this process get their way, it is going to be a fascinating few months ahead to see who takes charge and leads them into the future.”
- Emillia Hawkins
Ram Reunion
AL-NASSR are allegedly hoping to confirm Cristiano Ronaldo’s signing on January 1 – and they want to reunite him with Sergio Ramos.
The 37-year-old legend is plotting his next move after being released by Manchester United following a bombshell interview with Sun columnist Piers Morgan.
Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr are now said to be closing in on a mega £173m-a-year contract with Ronaldo.
However, MARCA are claiming that they also have a number of other big names in their sights.
Chelsea’s N’Golo Kante has been mentioned as a possible target.
However, it now seems that after virtually securing Ronaldo, who has a medical scheduled, they are now after his former Real Madrid team-mate Ramos.
They claim that Al-Nassr's president and sporting director are planning for a trip to Madrid to work on a deal for the 36-year-old defender, who is currently at Paris Saint-Germain.
Credit: Reuters - Emillia Hawkins
En-d game
Chelsea are 'in direct talks' with Benfica over the potential transfer of World Cup winner Enzo Fernandez, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.
The Blues "want to offer a huge transfer fee" rather than pay his £106million release clause, but Benfica have previously stated that they will not sell the midfielder for less.
Fernandez is understood to have already said yes to Chelsea.
Liverpool and Man Utd are also known to be interested, but neither club has placed an offer.
Credit: Getty - Matt Penn
Good Morning United fans
Manchester United's takeover could be complete early next year, according to new reports.
The Red Devils unpopular American owners, the Glazers, revealed plans to sell the club last month.
Now the Athletic report that the Raine Bank group, who are overseeing the potential sale of United, are aiming to complete the sale of the club in the "first quarter of 2023".
Meanwhile, Manchester United are still licking their wounds after losing out on Cody Gakpo.
Rivals Liverpool swooped for the Dutch striker despite months of speculation that suggested he would end up at Old Trafford.
Gakpo has revealed that fellow Dutchman and Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk potentially helped make up his mind with his glowing review of the Merseyside club.
Meanwhile, Man United have been urged to go and get Harry Kane. The Red Devils are short a striker after Cristiano Ronaldo's departure and pundit Dean Saunders believes the Englishman is a guaranteed 20 goals – but warned he could cost as much as £150m.
It is not just Kane being touted with big price tags either. Man United target Enzo Fernandez has a release clause worth £105m and it is believed any interested clubs may have to go that high to sign the World Cup breakout star. Chelsea currently appear in pole position but Benfica are trying to fend them off.
And Man United legends like Bobby Charlton, Denis Law and Cristiano Ronaldo have paid tribute to Pele, who has died at the age of 92.
- Kiro Evans
Man Alive
Jude Bellingham snubbed a move to Manchester United, even though they offered TWICE as much as other suitors AND introduced him to Sir Alex Ferguson and Eric Cantona.
According to ex-Birmingham CEO Dong Ren, United's now-former chief Ed Woodward went all out to land Bellingham in 2020 from St Andrew's.
The Red Devils offered the prodigious talent, then just 17, a salary around two times larger than other bidders, who included Chelsea, Leicester, Wolves, Bayern Munich.
But the England international opted for Borussia Dortmund where he has flourished in the last two years, with a 112 appearances already under his belt.
- Kiro Evans
‘Wonderful human being’
Manchester United and England legend Bobby Charlton has become the latest to mark the death of Pele.
Charlton, who was a footballing contemporary of the Brazilian great, said: “Pele was a truly magical footballer and a wonderful human being. It was an honour to have shared a pitch with him and I send my sincerest condolences to his family, friends and the Brazilian people.”
All the tributes and reaction to the death of Pele can be found here.
- Kiro Evans
Marc My Words
Christian Eriksen has praised teammate Marcus Rashford after his performance against Nottingham Forest.
The England star got on the scoresheet on Tuesday night as he continued his incredible comeback for club and country after a dramatic fall-off in form.
Eriksen told club media: "He’s very confident. You can see that in the games, he is looking sharp and really on it. He looks like he is going to create something or he’s going to score something every time.
"Hopefully, he can continue what he is doing and take us further."
- Kiro Evans
He's Ours
Benfica have insisted they intend on keeping Enzo Fernandez until the end of the season.
There appears to be big money on the table as Chelsea try and land the breakout World Cup star while Man United also circle.
But transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reports: "Benfica’s official statement on Enzo Fernández: 'We insist saying that our intention is to keep Enzo here until the end of the season.
"'Benfica clarify that our president Rui Costs never spoke to DAZN about the situation of Enzo Fernández.'"
- Kiro Evans
Manchester United pay tribute
Man United have tweeted this tribute this evening following the sad news that Pele has died.
One of football's greatest clubs paid tribute to one of football's greatest player
Source: Read Full Article
