CRISTIANO RONALDO is set to miss Manchester United’s clash with Liverpool on compassionate grounds after the tragic death of his baby shortly after childbirth.
The Portuguese icon and his girlfriend Georgina mentioned in October last year that they were expecting a boy and girl.
But Ronaldo announced that their baby boy sadly passed away which is something he described as the “greatest pain that any parent can feel.”
He also said: “It is with our deepest sadness we have to announce that our baby boy has passed away.”
And that their new born daughter is “giving them the strength to live.”
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Stay up to date with all the latest from Old Trafford in our live blog…
Prem rivals show Ronaldo solidarity
Man Utd and Liverpool players will wear black armbands to show their respect to Cristiano Ronaldo after the passing of his baby boy.
United kick off against Liverpool at Anfield at 8 p.m. but Ronaldo will not take part – he has been granted compassionate leave by the club.
Liverpool fans have announced they will pay tribute to Ronaldo by giving him and his family a minute’s appluse in the seventh minute of the match, in recognition of his famous shirt number.
A Liverpool fan account on Facebook proposed the idea of holding a minute’s applause for Ronaldo and his family during the game.
Ferdinand’s plea to United
Rio Ferdinand warned Manchester United’s faulty defence they could “get pumped four or five” by Liverpool unless they step it up.
Ferdinand said on his podcast: “They’re making mistakes that then has a domino effect, and then the whole back four unit and the midfielders in front become so disjointed that it’s impossible to defend.
“With that in mind, you’ve got Liverpool coming up as well, and you just think if you play like that, we will get pumped four or five.
“They have to step up. If we’re to compete with a team like Liverpool right now, we need to liven right up. Just do your jobs man.”
Liverpool fans plan Ronaldo applause
Liverpool fans plan to applaud Cristiano Ronaldo and his family tonight after the Manchester United star lost his newborn son.
Ronaldo, 37, and partner Georgina Rodriguez, 28, announced the heartbreaking news on Monday evening.
Portugal ace Ronaldo will play no part in Manchester United’s trip to Anfield tonight.
And Liverpool fans plan on paying a touching tribute to the star man of their fiercest rival.
A Liverpool fan account on Facebook proposed the idea of holding a minute’s applause for Ronaldo and his family during the game.
They asked for fellow supporters to clap during the seventh minute – in reference to Ronaldo’s No7 jersey.
Lewandowski transfer battle
Bayern Munich will reportedly let striker Robert Lewandowski leave this summer – sparking a transfer battle between Manchester United and Barcelona.
Lewandowski’s contract with Bayern expires at the end of the 2022/ 2023 season.
The Polish attacker is reportedly seeking a two-year contract extension and a pay-rise to remain at the Allianz Arena.
However, the Bavarian giants are only willing to offer him a year’s extension minus a salary bump, causing negotiations to break down.
But Julian Nagelsmann’s side will take no less than £33m for Lewandowski, the report also states.
The news of Bayern’s decision to offload Lewandowski is likely to spark a transfer war between European rivals Man United and Barca who have no qualms about the veteran’s age.
Rio’s rallying call for Liverpool
Rio Ferdinand has urged Manchester United’s suspect defence to up their game or face humilation against Liverpool tonight.
The Red Devils were smashed 5-0 by their big Merseyside rivals in October as the sun started to set on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s time as United boss.
Retired centre-half Ferdinand, 42, who became a club legend in a 12-year-spell at Old Trafford, says they must avoid a repeat display.
He told his Vibe With FIVE YouTube channel: “You’ve got Liverpool coming up as well, and you just think if you play like that we will get pumped four or five.
“They have to step up. If we’re to compete with a team like Liverpool right now, we need to liven right up. Just do your jobs man.”
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Red faced over injury record
Manchester United interim boss Ralf Rangnick has called for an inquest into their injury crisis.
The German will take his side to title-challengers Liverpool this evening with FIVE first-team stars sidelined with knocks.
Rangnick said: “We play only in the Premier League and we have five or six players injured.
“This is also an issue that needs to be taken care of for the future.
“[We must] analyse why is this the case, why does it happen?”
Ronaldo on compassionate leave
Manchester United’s talisman Cristiano Ronaldo will not play against Liverpool this evening following the tragic death of his baby son.
The Portugal striker, 37, told the world about his family’s heartbreaking news on Monday after newborn son passed away.
A club confirmed: “Family is more important than everything and Ronaldo is supporting his loved ones at this immensely difficult time.
“As such, we can confirm that he will not feature in the match against Liverpool at Anfield on Tuesday evening and we underline the family’s request for privacy.
“Cristiano, we are all thinking of you and sending strength to the family.”
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Nkunku valued at over £55m
Manchester United are going to have to stump up a king’s ransom to sign RB Leipzig’s Christopher Nkunku, according to Bild.
The German news outlet say it will take a bid of more than £55million to land the France forward, who has scored 30 goals and provided 19 assists so far this season.
Nkunku, 24, is reportedly a favourite of United’s interim boss Ralf Rangnick.
Rangnick unhappy with Chelsea reschedulement
Manchester United’s interim boss Ralf Rangnick says the decision to bring Chelsea’s visit to Old Trafford forward by nearly three weeks is far from ideal.
The Prem clash was scheduled for May 15 but will now be played on April 28 after Chelsea booked an FA Cup final meeting with Liverpool on May 14.
It has left Champions League-chasing United with a congested run-in at a time when they have key players out injured.
Rangnick told Manchester United’s website: “For us it’s not good because we have a number of injured players so it would have been better for the Chelsea game to be played two weeks later when it was originally planned.
“But anyway we have to deal with it and hopefully by then we have two or three of those injured players available again.”
Real or United for Rudiger?
If Antonio Rudiger does leave Chelsea this summer it seems he is likely to walk into another vital role at a top European club.
The Daily Mirror report likely incoming Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is considering stripping Harry Maguire of their captaincy and replacing him at centre-back with Rudiger.
ESPN say “multiple sources” have told them Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti wants the 29-year-old Germany star, who will be a free agent in the summer.
Of course there is option No 3 – he stays at Chelsea, and Rudiger told The Athletic: “I feel great here, I have always said it.
“I think the way I play you can see that I’m happy here. But there are also other people who have to make decisions.”
Rescheduled Chelsea fixture ‘angers’ United
The decision to bring Chelsea’s visit to Manchester United forward by nearly three weeks has left the Red Devils “fuming”, according to the Express.
The Prem clash was scheduled for May 15 but will now be played on April 28 after Chelsea booked an FA Cup final meeting with Liverpool on May 14.
It has left Champions League-chasing United with a congested run-in at a time when they have key players out injured.
Morning, Man Utd fans
Cristiano Ronaldo shared tragic news on Monday.
The 37-year-old revealed that one of his twin babies has died after his girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez gave birth.
Ronaldo wrote on social media: “It is with our deepest sadness we have to announce that our baby boy has passed away.
“It is the greatest pain that any parents can feel.
“Only the birth of our baby girl gives us the strength to live this moment with some hope and happiness.
“We would like to thank the doctors and nurses for all their expert care and support.
“We are all devastated at this loss and we kindly ask for privacy at this very difficult time.
“Our baby boy, you are our angel. We will always love you.”
And team-mate Marcus Rashford has responded to the heartbreaking news of Ronaldo’s baby boys’ death.
Rashford said on Twitter: “Thoughts are with you and Georgina brother. I’m so sorry.”
Ronaldo’s sister Katia Aveiro has said on Instagram: “I love you and my heart is all there on this side…
“May God take care of everything and strengthen your path more and more…
“Our little angel is already on her father’s lap, and our little girl who is here firm and strong and full of health will teach us more and more that only love matters…”
The news came a day before Man Utd’s crucial Premier League fixture against title-chasing Liverpool.
Morgan and Lineker lead celebrity condolences
The showbiz world was saddened to hear the tragic news that Cristiano Ronaldo and his girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez have lost one of their baby twins.
Celebrities including Piers Morgan, Gary Lineker, Marcus Rashford and Usain Bolt were quick to reach out with their condolences to the football legend, 37, on social media tonight.
Piers shared Ronaldo’s sad announcement on twitter and captioned it: “Desperately sad news” followed by a crying emoji.
Piers also wrote on Cristiano’s instagram post where the news of the loss was announced: “Heartbreaking news. My deepest condolences to you and all your family.”
“Terribly sad news. Sincere condolences to you and your family,” Gary Lineker tweeted.
Marcus Rashford wrote: “Thoughts are with you and Georgina brother I’m so sorry”
Real Madrid official statement
Cristiano Ronaldo’s former club Real Madrid has released a statement following the tragic passing of the 37-year-old’s baby boy.
They said on their club great: “Real Madrid C. F., its president and board of directors are deeply saddened by the passing of one of the children that our dear Cristiano Ronaldo and his partner, Georgina Rodríguez, were expecting.
“Real Madrid shares in the family’s pain and wishes to send them all of our warmth.”Man City send message to Ronaldo
Manchester United’s city rivals Man City have sent Cristiano Ronaldo a message of support.
Ronaldo’s sister’s heartfelt message
Cristiano Ronaldo’s sister Katia Aveiro has said on Instagram: “I love you and my heart is all there on this side…
“May God take care of everything and strengthen your path more and more…
“Our little angel is already on her father’s lap, and our little girl who is here firm and strong and full of health will teach us more and more that only love matters…”
‘I’m so sorry’
Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford has responded to the heartbreaking news of Cristiano Ronaldo’s baby boys’ death.
Rashford said on Twitter: “Thoughts are with you and Georgina brother. I’m so sorry.”
Credit: GETTY ‘Love and strength’
Manchester United have sent striker Cristiano Ronaldo a message of support following the death of one of his twin babies.
Ronaldo reveals one of his twin babies has died
Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed that one of his twin babies has died after his girlfriend gave birth.
The football legend revealed the heartbreak on Instagram this evening.
Ronaldo wrote on social media: “It is with our deepest sadness we have to announce that our baby boy has passed away.
“It is the greatest pain that any parents can feel.
“Only the birth of our baby girl gives us the strength to live this moment with some hope and happiness.
“We would like to thank the doctors and nurses for all their expert care and support.
“We are all devastated at this loss and we kindly ask for privacy at this very difficult time.
“Our baby boy, you are our angel. We will always love you.”
Red Devils in Miami
Manchester United legends Diego Forlan and Andy Cole were in Miami.
Red Devils in Miami
Manchester United legends Diego Forlan and Andy Cole were in Miami.
Telles expects tough battle
Manchester United left-back Alex Telles is expecting a tough match against title-chasing Liverpool.
Ahead of Tuesday’s game, he said: “You’re already highly motivated for a ‘clasico’ by the nature of such a big game.
“We don’t need any additional motivation given the atmosphere and emotion.
“From my previous experience [of playing in derbies] I think it’s important to concentrate.
“Derbies are decided by details and the team that focuses more on the fine details will win.”
Martial booked after being WIPED OUT
Manchester United loanee Anthony Martial suffered another nightmare evening in a Sevilla shirt as he was bizarrely booked after being fouled and then had to be substituted due to an injury.
The 26-year-old Frenchman, who joined the LaLiga side on a six-month deal in January, was chopped down by Eduardo Camavinga in the 40th minute of Sevilla’s crunch game against Real Madrid on Sunday evening.
Camavinga had already received a caution nine minutes earlier and many felt he could have been given a second yellow for the challenge.
Yet instead of dismissing the Madrid man, the referee opted to book Martial instead after he complained about Camavinga being allowed to stay on the pitch.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
