CRISTIANO RONALDO has reportedly dropped a bombshell by deciding he wants to leave Manchester United.
Reports from Spain and Portugal suggest the five-time Ballon d’Or winner is unimpressed with the club’s transfer business and unsure of his role under Erik ten Hag.
Meanwhile United are heavily linked with a sensational swoop for Ajax ace Antony who is reportedly determined to join.
The Brazilian winger shared a close relationship with Ten Hag during their time together at Ajax.
And the Red Devils are set to launch an improved offer for Frenkie de Jong, with a fee of £65m plus add-ons said to be enough to force Barcelona’s hand.
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Back Ron it
Cristiano Ronaldo has returned to training despite his Manchester United future remaining up in the air.
The Red Devils superstar is enjoying a well-earned holiday away with his family in Majorca.
But such is the Portuguese forward’s dedication to maintaining his level on the field, he has taken the time to do a bit of training while in Spain.
Ronaldo, who still looks in supreme condition, posted a series of photos on Instagram of him putting in the hard work on a practice pitch.
Dean and dusted
Nottingham Forest will announce Dean Henderson’s loan move from Manchester United next week.
SunSport understand that the deal is “done” as everything has been agreed between all parties involved and Henderson will be confirmed after the weekend.
The highly-rated goalkeeper will join on a straight loan without a buy-out clause as United didn’t want to take up that option.
This poses as a major addition for Forest shortly after earning Premier League promotion and ending their 23-year exile in the lower tiers.
Man United chase wonderkid Endrick
Man United are claimed to be one of four teams in the race to sign Palmeiras wonderkid Endrick.
The battle to sign the exciting winger is hotting up with Endrick, 15, close to signing his first professional contract.
Endrick is reportedly set to put pen to paper on a professional deal with Brazilian side Palmeiras when he turns 16 this July.
According to journalist Jorge Nicola, the teenager will have a £34million release clause in the first year of his contract.
That will then rise to around £43m and £50m in the following two years.
As a result Nicola claims United are in a “hurry” to snap up the wonderkid sooner rather than later.
Ronaldo announces NFT deal
Cristiano Ronaldo announced a NFT partnership with cryptocurrency company Binface.
Ronaldo has agreed to launch a series of NFT collections on Binface’s platform in a multi-year deal.
The first collection will be released later this year and will consist of iconic designs in collaboration with the Man United legend.
Speaking on the deal, he said: “Nothing is more important to me than the fans, so the idea of bringing unprecedented experiences and access through this platform is something that I wanted to be a part of.
“I know the fans are going to enjoy the collection as much as I do.”
Man United want De Vrij
Man United are interested in signing Inter Milan defender Stefan de Vrij.
That’s according to Corriere della Serra, who claim the Red Devils want to land De Vrij to shore up their defence next season.
Reports claim Inter could let him leave for the right price – said to be between £43-52m.
Ronaldo’s the world’s most influential
Cristiano Ronaldo is the world’s most influential sports star, new data has revealed.
The 37-year-old Manchester United forward remains one of the biggest names in sport thanks to his incredible performances and longevity.
And, as reported by betting.com, he is also the most searched sports star globally – by some distance.
On average, Ronaldo‘s name is searched 11 million times per month.
That is nearly five million more than the next biggest – which is American football player Ryan Ramczyk.
Ronaldo needs main role
Erik ten Hag has to be prepared to give Cristiano Ronaldo a starring role next season in order to keep him happy.
That’s the view of John O’Shea, who told Paddy Power: “Cristiano Ronaldo will want to be the key man for Manchester United next season but there’ll be discussions and Erik ten Hag said in his first press conference that he’ll have those with Ronaldo in person, rather than telling the media.
“When you see what he does and the goals he brings to the team, having Cristiano there is going to be an asset and I’m sure the new manager will get that across to him.
“He brings goals and every team wants goals – they’re so crucial.
“Every manager wants new attackers and new signings, but he’ll have Cristiano Ronaldo in his side who can produce hat tricks, winning goals and amazing quality.
“He’ll want to play every game as always and what’s wrong with that? But the manager has to control that and make sure he uses him in the right way.”
Ex-Man United coach on exit
Ex-Man United coach Alan Fettis has revealed it was a no-brainer to leave the Red Devils to join Middlesbrough.
Fettis left United to become Boro’s goalkeeping coach, and he’s got no regrets.
He said: “I think the stature of the club. Whenever I’ve been here with Manchester United’s academy they’ve always been good footballing people.
“It’s a really good football club and obviously the manager that has come in has done really well wherever he has been previously.
“I had a few deadlines with him when Dean Henderson was at Sheffield United and so I understand what he’s about and how he plays.
“Like me, he’s a good and honest footballing person, as are all of his staff. It was a big wrench to leave Manchester United after so long but I had ambitions to want to push myself a little bit further so it was a no-brainer really in some respects.”
Timber ‘set for Ajax stay’
Man United transfer target Jurrien Timber will not be leaving Ajax this summer, the club’s new boss Alfred Schreuder reckons.
Schreuder told ESPN: “I have spoken with Jurrien and I am assuming he is staying at Ajax.
“Timber is a smart guy and he knows what is best for himself.
“We don’t think he is done at Ajax yet.”
Brazilian connection discussed by O’Shea
Man United legend John O’Shea reckons Arsenal’s transfer supremo Edu can help them land fellow Brazilians Raphinha and Gabriel Jesus.
O’Shea told Paddy Power: “When good players pop up like Raphinha and Gabriel Jesus and the transfers make sense financially. They’re both Brazilian players and they have a Brazilian Director of Football at Arsenal [Edu] that will be an attractive link too.
“Arteta knows Jesus from working with him at Man City and Raphinha has looked really exciting for the last couple of years as well as breaking into the Brazil national team.
“So, I wouldn’t be surprised if there were more teams than just Arsenal looking at him.”
Lindelof enjoys relaxing holiday
Victor Lindelof is enjoying a relaxing holiday in Sweden alongside stunning wife Maja.
The duo are back in Stockholm, with the Manchester United star making the most of some time off from the rigours of the football calendar.
Lindelof, 27, married long-term partner Maja in May 2018 – with the pair welcoming their first child in March of the following year.
Their relationship is as strong as ever four years into married life, with the loved up couple sharing a number of holiday pictures on Instagram.
In one, Maja clutches a beer as she locks lips with a tuxedoed Victor in the sunshine.
Posing in a picturesque location within the Swedish capital, the duo also share a hug while looking lovingly at each other.
Bayern ‘not interested in Ronaldo’
Bayern Munich are NOT interested in signing Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United, according to reports.
Recent reports have suggested Ronaldo is unhappy with the lack of movement in the transfer market from Man United, leading to speculation he could quit the club this summer.
Such speculation included links with Bundesliga Champions Bayern Munich, which would represent a new challenge for the Portuguese superstar.
However, BILD’s Christian Falk has reported such interest is untrue, with Bayern holding no tangible interest in the 37-year-old.
Greenwood’s bail gets extended
Mason Greenwood’s bail has been extended by Greater Manchester Police.
The 20-year-old’s bail was initially set to expire in April.
But police applied to extend his bail in order to continue their enquiries.
The application was granted in court yesterday, and Greenwood is under the same bail restrictions.
Ten Hag blamed for Rangnick exit
New Man United boss Erik ten Hag forced his predecessor Ralf Rangnick out of the club, reports claim.
Rangnick was supposed to go into a consultancy role at united but opted to leave due to Ten Hag’s reluctance to work with him, ESPN reported.
And United initiated the German’s exit after holding talks with Ten Hag, the report added.
Ten Hag dismissed Rangnick’s hopes of meeting in person in favour of a phone call, it was also claimed.
Ten Hag grew increasingly frustrated with Rangnick after his comments about the club’s transfer policy at the end of last season, the publication added.
Ronaldo spotted on family holiday
Cristiano Ronaldo’s partner Georgina Rodriguez has shared multiple pictures of the loved-up couple and their family on holiday in Majorca.
The Manchester United forward, his girlfriend and his five children have been staying at a luxury villa on the island, which boasts an ‘underground erotic room’.
The family jetted off to Majorca on June 14 where they have been spotted out and about all over.
Ronaldo and Co have been pictured enjoying days out on his £5.5m Azimut Grande superyacht, which has been moored in Port Adriano in the south-west of Majorca.
They even had a party with friends, including close pal Jose Semedo, while out on holiday to celebrate Ronaldo’s oldest son turning 12.
De Ligt ‘rejects Juventus offer’
Man United transfer target Matthijs de Ligt has reportedly turned down a big money contract from Juventus as he wants a Premier League move.
Juve are desperate to keep hold of the centre back who has two years left on his contract.
But the Dutch ace has told the club he wants out during crunch talks, according to Corriere dello Sport.
That’s because he’s keen on a transfer to the Prem, the report adds.
Richarlison’s transfer options discussed
Everton ace Richarlison has been tipped to leave Goodison Park this summer with a number of clubs interested in the Brazilian.
Tottenham are one of the notable interested parties.
But Fabrizio Romano reckons the striker, who’s also been linked with Man United, could end up playing for another Prem side next season.
Romano told wettfreunde: “With Richarlison, it’s important to mention that the player is open to moving this summer.”
“That’s why he decided to go with new agents in April. And he’s really open to the possibility.”
“It’s not only Tottenham. Many clubs are interested in Richarlison. Won’t be surprised if he ends up at another English club, apart from Tottenham.”
Ronaldo in quit threat
Cristiano Ronaldo could leave Manchester United this summer unless they show more ambition in the transfer market, reports claim.
Reports in his native Portugal suggest he is frustrated by the Red Devils’ lack of transfer business.
According to Record, Ronaldo could quit the club for a second time unless they buck their ideas up in the market.
They add that he has told United chiefs: “Up your game or I’ll leave.”
Man United face transfer battle
Man United have been dealt a transfer blow as Chelsea are set to rival them over Ajax star Antony, reports suggest.
That is according to 90Min, who report that the Blues met with the winger’s representatives while they were in the UK recently.
The West Londoners are “‘monitoring” the Brazil international’s situation as manager Thomas Tuchel is looking for attacking reinforcements during the summer transfer window.
Ronaldo ‘tracked by Bayern’
Cristiano Ronaldo has been linked with a sensational move to Bayern Munich.
Bayern are reportedly eyeing Ronaldo as a replacement for the outgoing Robert Lewandowski, according to AS.
The German giants want Ronaldo to spearhead an exciting new attack with Sadio Mane.
And they could be in luck as Ronaldo wants to quit Man United as he’s starting to doubt the Red Devils’ ability to compete for the top prizes next season, the report adds.
Liverpool have strengthened their attack with Darwin Nunez, while Man City brought in Erling Haaland.
Conversely, United have been quiet in the transfer market which has fuelled Ronaldo’s skepticism over the club’s silverware push next season.
Barcelona ‘eye Edinson Cavani’
Edinson Cavani is being lined up for a shock move to Barcelona.
Barca are reportedly tracking the ex-Man United striker who left the club this summer.
The Catalan giants’ main target is Robert Lewandowski, but they’ll turn to Cavani if landing the Poland international is to difficult, according to Fichajes.
Fernandes in F-bomb row
Footage has emerged of Bruno Fernandes shouting at Manchester United team-mates before being called a f***er”.
The Portuguese spotted Fred and Alex Telles filming with Brazilian sports agency O Clube Football as they arrived at training.
The latter was filming a feature called “A Day in the Life”, when Fernandes trolled him.
United’s midfield talisman shouted: “Stop being such ballers!”
He then added: “You are here to play football, not film it!”
After an exchange of swear words, Fernandes then yelled: “Film my d**k.”
Fred hit back: “Chill out you f***er.”
It’s a family affair
Man United have reportedly hired the brother of Everton defender Michael Keane to be the club’s new transfer chief.
Solicitor Tom Keane is set to replace Matt Judge, who has quit his role as director of transfer negotiations at Old Trafford.
In a summer of change Judge followed Chief Scout Jim Lawlor and Head of Global Scouting Marcel Bout in walking out the door.
Keane will join in a consultancy role, according to The Daily Mail, but will handle transfer and contract negotiations after taking over some of Judge’s commitments.
He is also brother to Wigan striker Will, who was formerly on the books at Old Trafford alongside Toffees defender Michael.
Keane is poised to play a key role in getting players through the door at Manchester United for new boss Erik ten Hag.
Morning, United fans
Erik ten Hag’s summer spree could be limited to £120million – curbing him to only about three of the five signings he wants.
And with Chelsea now reportedly joining the hunt for Antony, Ajax have more chance of reaching their £69million valuation of the winger.But United could offload up to five defenders – as new boss Ten Hag rates central defence as a priority area for strengthening.
Paul Pogba, Nemanja Matic, Lee Grant, Jesse Lingard, Juan Mata and Edinson Cavani are already outgoing.
Midfielder Pogba will have a medical with old club Juventus early next month ahead of signing a three-year deal.
It’s thought representatives of the French World Cup winner met officials of the Italian giants yesterday.
The most incredible speculation to emerge last night was talk from Portugal that Cristiano Ronaldo is considering his future.
It’s suggested the strike legend, 37, has ‘told his inner circle’ he’s worried about the Red Devils’ slow progress in the transfer window so far.
Finally, main target Frenkie de Jong’s mooted move from Barcelona has reached a temporary stalemate.
Elanga laps it up on hols in Mykonos
United frontman Anthony Elanga is making the most of his last few days off by enjoying a holiday in Mykonos with his stunning girlfriend.
Elanga and partner China Navana, both 20, are also joined on the Greek island by Rangers ace Alex Lowry and his Wag Jess.
The romantic couples jetted off last week and are clearly loving the sunshine, relaxing by the pool, exploring the island and even splashing around on jet skis.
Elanga took to Instagram on Thursday to give his 980,000 followers a sneak peek into his trip.
The photos included selfies with China, tucking into some local grub, the beautiful sunsets and even one of Elanga shadow boxing underwater.
The Red Devils ace only finished his season on June 12 after featuring in three Nations League matches for Sweden, scoring in the first against Norway.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
