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    Cristiano Ronaldo KOs steward with shot during Man Utd warm-up against Young Boys before giving her his shirt

    CRISTIANO RONALDO accidentally KO’d a match steward while warming up for Manchester United’s clash at Young Boys.The Portugal star misfired a ball wide of the goal as he limbered up for the Champions League group stage game.
    Cristiano Ronaldo accidentally KO’d a steward in the build-up to Man Utd’s game at Young BoysCredit: Reuters
    The steward was laid flat by Ronaldo’s misfired shotCredit: Reuters
    And Ronaldo instead hit an innocent steward standing on the sideline.
    The fierce impact of the ball saw the person crash straight to the ground.
    People around quickly looked to make sure the steward was OK.
    And Ronaldo himself immediately went over to check in on the prone person.
    After knowing the steward was well, Ronaldo ran back onto the pitch to continue his warm-up.
    And he cheered the steward up after the final whistle by giving her his jersey.
    Ronaldo immediately went to check on the stewardCredit: Getty
    Ronaldo tended to the KO’d steward as others also helpedCredit: EPA

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    But the incident didn’t put Ronnie off his stride, as he opened the scoring in Switzerland after just 13 minutes following a sumptuous assist from Bruno Fernandes.
    It was Ronaldo’s third goal in just two games for his ‘new’ club.
    The legendary forward scored twice on his second debut in United’s 4-1 win against Newcastle on Saturday.
    But United fell apart as they went down to ten men before conceding a last-gasp winnner.
    Ronnie also moved level with Iker Casillas tonight for the most Champions League appearances in history.

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    Ronaldo gave his shirt to a security guard at the end of the gameCredit: Getty
    The security guard, who could have been the person struck by the ball, looked delighted to receive the jerseyCredit: Getty
    The pair are joint-top on 177 games in the top European competition.
    And one more match sees Ronaldo move clear, with the Portugal ace already the competition’s leading all-time goalscorer.
    Earlier this month, Ronnie also became the all-time leading INTERNATIONAL goalscorer too.

    Solskjaer reacts to joke about Man Utd stars being too scared to eat dessert in front of Cristiano Ronaldo More

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    Man Utd verdict: Donny van de Beek so invisible it was like they only had 10 men even before Aaron Wan-Bissaka sent off

    IF he wasn’t already disheartened with his Manchester United career, a half-time subbing may have just tipped Donny van de Beek over the edge.This was supposed to be the moment to show boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer what he can bring to a team already brimmed with elite talent and big stage superstars.
    Donny van de Beek made it look like Man Utd had 10 men before Aaron Wan-Bissaka was sent offCredit: EPA
    Having played in all six Champions League group games last season, the Dutch midfielder was given his moment again in the competition in United’s opener away to Young Boys.
    The 24-year-old’s second appearance of the campaign after a five-minute cameo against Newcastle, and his first start in all competitions since the last league game of last season.
    United legend Rio Ferdinand said pre-match: “He is fighting for his career. He was given assurances that he would get these opportunities, but he’s got to go and produce.
    “He’s wise enough to understand that. He’s got to go out there and show Ole why he should be playing in his team and make it difficult to take him out.”
    Paul Scholes added: “He’s got to prove he is good enough to play for Manchester United.”
    But if anything, his brief showing will only convince Ole even more that he can do without the player he snapped up from Ajax for £40m last summer.

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    Just why Ole decided to buy him in the first place is a mystery, seeing as, over his 38 appearances for the club, he has averaged just 40 minutes per game.
    It was the same story against Young Boys – being hooked at the break for Raphael Varane following Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s first-half red card.
    Ole will claim it was a tactical move, but he could have quite easily taken off another attacker instead, or Van de Beek’s midfield partner Fred.
    But in a damning indictment of Ole’s belief in Van de Beek, he trusts the Brazilian more.
    In that respect, Van de Beek has a case to feel sorry for himself, and wonder just what he has to do to get a run in this side.
    Donny van De Beek had yet another night to forget for Man UtdCredit: AP
    But on the other hand, he knows exactly what he needs to do – he just doesn’t show it.
    Whether he likes it or not, in the brief moments you have on the pitch in a Manchester United shirt, you have to show your worth.
    Especially now, in this current squad, when you are surrounded by the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Jadon Sancho, Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba.
    But instead of taking a grip of this game, you wouldn’t be blamed for forgetting he was even playing.
    Even before Wan-Bissaka’s red card, it was as thought United were playing with 10 men, such was his invisibility.
    ‘HARD TO NOTICE’
    And when you did notice him, he was either missing a tackle or committing a foul.
    It certainly wasn’t for his on-the-ball efficiency. He was out-passed and produced less touches of the ball than Fred – a player who is hardly ‘world class’.
    There were attempts to provide cross-field diagonal passes to the likes of Luke Shaw, but his passes just don’t have the same zip and panache as his teammates.
    Yes, that may be down to the fact that he is constantly in a state of rustiness, coming off the bench or coming into a starting XI that must feel alien to him at times.
    But you just want to see more from a player that is obviously so talented having ripped it up at Ajax.
    A player who would cover every blade of grass, make every tackle, commit players with his movement.
    But that’s just the point – we don’t know what player he even is? Is he a defensive rock? A ball-winning Pitbull? A box-to-box machine?
    ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford

    The one thing we do know for certain is that he is unused, uncalled for and unwanted.
    Ole said in his pre-match press conference of Van de Beek: “This is Man United, Donny. This is what it feels like.”
    If this is what it feels like, don’t be surprised to see Van de Beek head for the exit door sooner rather than later.

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    Mathias Pogba says Pogba’s brother says Man Utd star will decide on future at ‘right time’ amid Real Madrid and PSG transfer links More

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    Ferdinand criticises Solskjaer over Cristiano Ronaldo touchline antics and says he’d have told Man Utd star to sit down

    RIO FERDINAND claimed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer should have told Cristiano Ronaldo to “sit down” on the touchline.Manchester United boss Solskjaer was shadowed by his star striker as he watched his side slump to a 2-1 loss to Young Boys in the Champions League.
    Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes joined their boss on the touchlineCredit: EPA
    Rio Ferdinand wasn’t impressed with what he saw from the United starCredit: BT Sport
    Ronaldo had put the Red Devils in front but was taken off after 72 minutes and a late Theoson Siebatcheu winner after a Jesse Lingard error saw United slump to their seventh defeat in 11 Champions League games under Solskjaer.
    The Portuguese then stalked the touchline but to no avail.
    Speaking after the game on BT Sport, Ferdinand said: “If I’m the manager, I’ve got to be honest, I’m telling him to sit down.”
    Fellow pundit Peter Crouch backed Ferdinand’s comments but recognised Ronaldo’s reputation brings certain privileges.
    He said: “If I’m sitting on the bench as well I’m telling him to sit down. But he is Cristiano, we’ll let him do it.”
    Tuesday night was not the first time Ronaldo has take on managerial duties.

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    The 36-year-old was famously vocal during Portugal’s Euro 2016 final victory after he left the field on a stretcher.
    Ferdinand played with Ronaldo during the Portuguese’s first stint at Old Trafford and they enjoyed Champions League glory together in 2008.
    The former defender seemed to soften his stance later in the broadcast, echoing Crouch’s view on Ronaldo’s status in the game.
    Solskjaer and Ronaldo talked tactics before the Portuguese was removed on 72 minutesCredit: Getty
    He added: “I get it, with Cristiano people go, ‘Oh it’s bravado, it’s for the fans’. He’s just a passionate guy. He wants to win, he’s desperate to win, and he can’t hold it in.
    “If that means he has to go up there and stand next to the manager, shouting instructions, so be it.
    “When it’s someone of his standing and stature in the game how can you argue with it?”
    ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford
    Rio Ferdinand tells Man Utd how to utilise ‘aggressive’ Cristiano Ronaldo More

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    Pochettino identifies Chelsea as PSG’s ‘team to beat’ in the Champions League in snub to Man Utd and City

    PSG boss Mauricio Pochettino has identified defending European champions Chelsea as the ‘team to beat’ in the Champions League. In doing so, the former Tottenham manager failed to mention last year’s finalists Manchester City, as well as Manchester United who now have Cristiano Ronaldo.
    Reigning champions Chelsea are the team to beat – claims PochCredit: Getty
    Pochettino believes Chelsea are one of the favourites to win the Champions League this yearCredit: GETTY IMAGES
    The Paris Saint-Germain chief also said, on paper, his side are one of the favourites.
    However, despite signing megastars such as Lionel Messi and Sergio Ramos this summer, PSG need to ‘turn into a team’ before they get their hands on the Champions League trophy.
    Pochettino said: “It’s possible that Chelsea and ourselves are the two teams to beat on paper, looking at our squads, but Chelsea are the holders so they’re the team to beat especially after strengthening their squad.
    “We’re not a team yet. We are a club that has recruited many players this summer.
    “There are some big names but we have to turn into a team. We know that we’ll be judged at the end of the season on our results.
    “The pressure is there for all the clubs and we know that for a number of years, the Champions League is PSG’s main objective.”

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    PSG last came close to Champions League glory back in 2020, but they lost the final in Lisbon 1-0 to Bayern Munich.
    And the Parisians kick-start their group stage campaign on Wednesday night against Belgian side Club Brugge.
    Group stage rivals Manchester City also play tonight, facing RB Leipzig at the Etihad.
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    Pique hits out at booing Barcelona fans and says ‘I am hurt a lot’ by their actions in woeful 3-0 defeat to Bayern

    GERARD PIQUE says he is ‘hurt a lot’ by the booing Barcelona fans during their 3-0 Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich at the Nou Camp.A section of the 40,000-strong Barca crowd targeted Sergi Roberto, booing the midfielder for his poor performance.
    Pique and co failed to seal out LewandowskiCredit: GETTY IMAGES
    Sergi Roberto was targeted by some fansCredit: EPA
    Bayern – who beat Barcelona 8-2 when they last met – ran riot once again to embarrass the hosts in their own back yard.
    Thomas Muller opened the scoring in the first half before serial goal scorer Robert Lewandowski bagged a brace in the second to seal the win.
    Barcelona meanwhile failed to have a single shot on target.
    The home supporters took their frustration out on Roberto, one of 16 who graced the pitch on Tuesday.
    After the game, vice-captain Pique launched a passionate defence of his team-mate on Spanish TV and hit out at the boo-boys.
    He said: “The whistles towards Sergi Roberto are hurtful.

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    “I would like to remind people that he is a midfielder, not a winger. He has made a sacrifice to adapt to that position on the pitch.
    “People are free to express themselves but I do not like the whistles, they do not help.
    “I know the person, he is a spectacular human being and he wants more than anything for this club to be successful.
    “I am hurt a lot by this.”
    The club legend – who took a pay cut so the club could register summer signings Memphis Depay and Eric Garcia – also admitted that Lionel Messi-less Barca are not favourites to win the competition.
    He added: “Right now we will not be among the favourites for the Champions League, but nothing happens because we are not.

    “Sometimes we have been among the favourites but we have not succeeded. Last year who said would be the favourite?
    “Football changes a lot, they are moods. They are. They have been together for many years, with experience and we are what we are…four or five 18-year-olds have come out.
    “This is our reality. I don’t want to excuse myself. We are Barça. We will see at the end of the season if, we will end up competing.”
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    Rio Ferdinand slams Man Utd loss at Young Boys and Jesse Lingard’s ‘big mistake’ as legend says ‘it’s Basaksehir again’

    RIO FERDINAND has slammed former club Manchester United’s loss at Young Boys.Cristiano Ronaldo gave the Red Devils the lead after just 13 minutes in Switzerland on what looked set to be an easy opening night outing in the Champions League.
    Rio Ferdinand blasted Man Utd after they slipped to defeat at Young BoysCredit: BT Sport
    Jesse Lingard’s late mistake cost the Red Devils in SwitzerlandCredit: Rex
    But United fell apart following Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s red card for an ankle-high first half challenge.
    Young Boys levelled before sub Jesse Lingard’s nightmare backpass allowed the hosts to grab a 95th-minute winner.
    Ronaldo, who was surprisingly subbed off along with Bruno Fernandes with 18 minutes remaining and the scores tied at 1-1, has since broken his silence following the loss and urged his teammates to ‘recover’ from the setback.
    But Ferdinand, 42, went in two-footed as he assessed the game for BT Sport and compared it to last season’s embarrassing defeat in the same competition away to Basaksehir.
    He said: “This is Basaksehir all over again. It’s a big mistake from Jesse.
    “Wherever you go in Europe you’ve got to be on your game.

    “It was a bad tackle from Wan-Bissaka and the game turned on its head totally.”
    Meanwhile his fellow pundit and United legend Paul Scholes criticised boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for not making changes earlier.
    He added: “It’s not a complete disaster. Jesse will be disappointed.
    “It all stems from the sending off. United were quite comfortable up to that point. 
    “They really couldn’t get out of their half in the second half. 
    “I think they needed to bring a bit of pace on earlier, with Martial or Greenwood.”
    ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford

    Solskjaer explains why Cristiano Ronaldo was replaced by Jesse Lingard after 71-minutes More

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    Cole predicts Chelsea ‘killer’ Lukaku will be Champions League top scorer this season despite ‘scruffy’ display vs Zenit

    JOE COLE believes Chelsea’s ‘killer’ finisher Romelu Lukaku will finish top scorer in the Champions League this season. The Belgian scored Chelsea’s only goal of the game in their group stage opener against Zenit Saint Petersburg.
    Lukaku scored the only goal of the game in Chelsea’s Champions League group stage opener against Zenit Saint PetersburgCredit: GETTY IMAGES
    The defending European champions secured three points with a scruffy win at Stamford Bridge.
    And Lukaku scored his fourth goal in four games across all competitions for the Blues this season.
    Former England and Chelsea midfielder Cole has backed Lukaku to finish top scorer in the competition this term – despite him not being at his best on Tuesday.
    Speaking on Lukaku’s return to Chelsea, Cole said: “It’s a match made in heaven for both sides.
    “He’s really put the full package together.
    “I’m going to throw this out there, I think he’ll be top scorer in the Champions League this season. 

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    “Lukaku didn’t even have one of his better games, he was a little bit scruffy but he’s a finisher now, a killer. 
    “Once that ball was delivered there was only going to be one winner, he’s a great finisher.”
    The prize was heavily heavily dominated by Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
    But in recent years, Robert Lewandowski, Neymar and Erling Haaland have been able to beat the two legendary forwards to the top spot.
    And it looks like Lewandowski and Ronaldo will pose the biggest threat to Lukaku’s bid to finish top scorer.

    Both Lewandowski and Ronaldo opened their Champions League accounts for the season, scoring in yesterday’s batch of fixtures.
    Bayern Munich rolled a Messi-less Barcelona over at the Nou Camp 3-0 with Lewandowski scoring a brace.
    And Manchester United fell to a shock 2-1 defeat in Bern – despite Ronaldo getting on the scoresheet – losing to Young Boys 2-1 in the last minute of added time.

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    Cristiano Ronaldo breaks silence after Man Utd’s shock Young Boys loss as he says ‘it’s time to recover well and focus’

    CRISTIANO RONALDO has urged Manchester United to ‘recover well’ after their shock defeat to Young Boys.The 36-year-old Portuguese star gave the Red Devils the lead after just 13 minutes in Switzerland on what looked set to be an easy opening night in the Champions League.
    Cristiano Ronaldo and Man Utd were downed late on by Young BoysCredit: EPA
    The star has broken his silence after the shock Champions League defeatCredit: AFP
    But they fell apart following Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s red card for an ankle-high first half challenge.
    Young Boys levelled before Jesse Lingard’s nightmare backpass allowed the hosts to grab a 95th-minute winner.
    Ronaldo, who was surprisingly subbed off along with Bruno Fernandes with 18 minutes remaining and the scores tied at 1-1, has now broken his silence following the loss.
    In a message to his fans and team-mates on Facebook, he wrote: “Wasn’t the result we wanted, but now it’s time to recover well and focus on the next game.”
    Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer blamed the referee and the astroturf pitch for his side’s implosion.
    Solskjaer said: “The game had gone 70-odd minutes, they’ve both been running a lot Saturday and in this game, the AstroTurf takes its toll, we wanted Nemanja Matic’s experience and Jesse’s legs.

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    “Cristiano’s exceptional but we have to look after him and it felt like the right moment to take him off.”
    United were 1-0 up when French ref Francois Letexier waved away Ronaldo’s appeal after he was bundled over in the box.
    Solskjaer also questioned Wan-Bissaka’s 35th-minute sending off for a challenge on Christopher Martins.
    The Norwegian felt his right-back’s poor challenge stemmed from the ball skipping up on Bern’s astroturf pitch.

    Soskjaer added: “Cristiano should have had a penalty and it should have been a red card.
    “He shoves him with his arm and he’s one on one with the keeper but he probably didn’t do it as he’d have had to send him off and that’s sometimes what you get with young refs.
    “It’s hard to argue against the referee [for the red card] but then he didn’t go through his ankle, he hit him on the top of his foot. But it was never reckless or malicious.
    “Maybe it was inexperience to go through without the ball but the boy wasn’t going to be injured. And it makes it difficult after that with ten men.
    “That’s a little bit the astroturf, Aaron gets a touch that’s too far and he gets the ball but he follows through.”
    ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford

    Cristiano Ronaldo KOs steward with shot during Man Utd warm-up at Young Boys More