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    How Man Utd will line up for Sheriff clash as Cristiano Ronaldo RETURNS to squad after clear-the-air talks with Ten Hag

    CRISTIANO RONALDO will return to the Manchester United squad to face Sheriff Tiraspol on Tuesday night after clear-the-air talks with Erik ten Hag.And the Portuguese forward is expected to be thrown straight back into the starting XI following his club-enforced one-match ban.
    Cristiano Ronaldo looks set to start against Sheriff TiraspolCredit: Getty
    Harry Maguire could make a return after a month out injuredCredit: Getty

    Ronaldo, 37, was fined and suspended after refusing to come on against Tottenham, missing the 1-1 draw at Chelsea.
    But manager Ten Hag confirmed his No7 has served his punishment and will be back at Old Trafford for the Europa League clash.
    The Red Devils boss said: “It’s not difficult. But I think we said everything and we answered all the questions, he was out for one game and is back in the squad as usual.
    “I don’t have to do it anymore. It’s done, he’s back, focus on the game, that’s important that Cristiano is involved.”
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    Ronaldo will likely lead the line with David De Gea providing protection at the other end of the pitch.
    Raphael Varane will not feature again until the World Cup so it will likely be a back four of Diogo Dalot, Lisandro Martinez, Victor Lindelof and Tyrell Malacia for the visit of the Moldovan champions.
    United will be desperate to win and then see off Real Sociedad convincingly in the final group game to secure top spot and avoid a tricky preliminary play-off against one of the teams to drop down from the Champions League, such as Juventus.
    Fit-again Harry Maguire could be involved after resuming to full training – while Luke Shaw and the returning Aaron Wan-Bissaka may feature.
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    Ten Hag added on his captain: “Harry always has an important role, he was injured, happy in his own way back and now he has to get back into games.
    “It’s always about performance, about presentation and I think regarding his qualities, no problem, great player and great capabilities to do a job for us.”
    In midfield, Ten Hag has plenty of options but Fred and Scott McTominay are the likely starters against Sheriff with Bruno Fernandes ahead.
    Eriksen, Casemiro and even Donny van de Beek, back from injury, could get minutes.
    With Anthony Martial still shaking off a back problem, it may well be Marcus Rashford and Anthony Elanga in the wide areas supporting Ronaldo – with Antony and Jadon Sancho the other options.
    Erik ten Hag has a number of key selection headachesCredit: Getty
    Bruno Fernandes and Fred could start at Old TraffordCredit: Getty More

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    Erik ten Hag confirms Cristiano Ronaldo WILL be in Man Utd squad for Sheriff Europa League clash after turbulent week

    ERIK TEN HAG insists he wants to put the Cristiano Ronaldo controversy behind him after reinstating the club legend into the Manchester United squad.The Red Devils boss axed Ronaldo from the game against Chelsea at the weekend after he had refused to come on as a substitute against Spurs the previous mid-week.
    Cristiano Ronaldo returned to first team training earlier this weekCredit: Getty
    Erik ten Hag watches over trainingCredit: Getty
    But after peace talks between the pair Ronaldo is back and set to start in tomorrow’s Europa League tie against FC Sheriff.
    Ten Hag said: “It’s not difficult.
    “But I think we said everything and we answered all the questions, he was out for one game and is back in the squad as usual.
    “We will not answer anymore, so all the questions, I think, everything we explained and we have to focus on the game tomorrow, we have an important game because we want to be number one in the group.
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    “I don’t have to do it anymore, It’s done, he’s back, focus on the game, that’s important that Cristiano is involved.”
    Club captain Harry Maguire is also back in the squad having been out with a hamstring injury suffered on England duty during the last international break.
    That puts him back on course for the World Cup and Ten Hag says he has a big role still to play at United before that, particularly with Raphael Varane out injured.
    He said: “He always has an important role, he was injured, happy in his own way back and now he has to get back into games.
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    “It’s always about performance, about presentation and I think regarding his qualities, no problem, great player and great capabilities to do a job for us.”
    While Maguire is back on course for Qatar, Raphael Varane who came off at Chelsea in tears after suffering a hamstring injury looks certain to miss out with France.
    United boss Ten Hag confirmed that he would not play again before the World Cup virtually ending his chances.
    Ronaldo, 37, stormed down the tunnel against SpursCredit: Rex
    Harry Maguire is back in contentionCredit: Getty More

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    Cristiano Ronaldo’s Man Utd could face awkward reunion with Paul Pogba and Juventus after Champions League humiliation

    PAUL POGBA could be set for an awkward return to Old Trafford after Juventus’ Champions League humiliation.And that could also mean a reunion for Cristiano Ronaldo with his old side.
    Paul Pogba could head back to Old Trafford in the Europa LeagueCredit: Getty
    Cristiano Ronaldo is back at United – for now – after rejoining from JuventusCredit: Reuters
    Juve were dumped out of the Champions League after five group games last night.
    They lost 4-3 in a thrilling match away at Benfica.
    That saw Benfica join PSG on 11 points each while Juventus are way back on just three, level with Maccabi Haifa.
    The Old Lady therefore cannot qualify for the knockout stages.
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    But should they avoid defeat in their final Group H game against Maccabi, they will finish third and be relegated into the Europa League.
    There, Juventus could face Manchester United early in 2023.
    Erik ten Hag’s side are currently second in Group E behind Real Sociedad.
    Should they finish as runners-up, they could face Juve in a blockbuster preliminary knockout round tie.
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    However, a meeting later on in the knockouts – potentially even in May’s Budapest final – could happen instead.
    Pogba, 29, left United in the summer when his contract expired, ending six turbulent years as a Red Devils man following his £89million transfer back from Juventus.
    There was little love lost between the player and the club after his lack of top-class performances.
    However, he endured a nightmare start to life back in Turin and has been out with a knee injury since pre-season, leaving him battling to be fit for the World Cup.
    Ronaldo, meanwhile, exited Juventus last year to make an emotional return to Old Trafford.
    But with the 37-year-old’s contract expiring in the summer, his future remains unclear – especially after trying to force through a transfer exit and then defying his manager’s orders by refusing to come on as a substitute against Tottenham before leaving the stadium before full-time.
    After a suspension and £720,000 fine, Ronaldo returned to first-team training on Tuesday and is likely to be involved against Moldovan side Sheriff Tiraspol tomorrow.
    Juventus were dumped out of the Champions League on TuesdayCredit: Getty
    Ronaldo and Pogba were team-mates for one season with UnitedCredit: Reuters More

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    Man Utd vs Sheriff Tiraspol: TV channel, live stream, kick-off time and team news for Europa League match

    MANCHESTER UNITED return to Europa League action against Sheriff with the wind in their sails after recently snatching a point at Stamford Bridge.Former Real Madrid star Casemiro scored a stoppage time header to spoil Chelsea’s party.
    Casemiro scored late on to rescue a point for Manchester United against ChelseaCredit: AFP
    And as a result, United only remain a point off fourth-place Chelsea who both have ambitions of securing a top four spot at the end of the season.
    However, Erik Ten Hag’s side will need more than just a point if they are to stand any chance of qualifying for the knock-out rounds as Group winners.
    But first, they’ll need to navigate their way past a Sheriff side who caused the Red Devils problems in the reverse fixture.
    When is Man Utd vs Sheriff?

    Manchester United entertain Sheriff Tiraspol on Thursday, October 27.
    It is scheduled to kick off at 8pm UK time.
    Old Trafford in Manchester will be the allocated arena for this match and it can host a staggering 74,310 spectators.
    The Red Devils escaped Moldova with a 2-0 win in the reverse Group E fixture.

    Cristiano Ronaldo got on the scoresheet last time out against SheriffCredit: Getty
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    What TV channel is Man Utd vs Sheriff on and can I live stream it?

    Manchester United vs Sheriff Tiraspol will be broadcasted LIVE on BT Sport 1 in the UK.
    Build up is set to get underway from 7:15pm UK time – 45 minutes before kick-off.
    Subscriptions holders of BT Sport can stream the entire action live via the BT Sport website or BT Sport app.

    What is the team news?
    Erik Ten Hag would have been delighted to see Harry Maguire, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Anthony Martial all return to training earlier this week.
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    However, Brandon Williams, Axel Tuenzebe and Donny van de Beek will still require more treatment.
    And in a major blow to club and country, French international Raphael Varane was forced off at Stamford Bridge in tears due to a knee injury.
    Elsewhere, Armel Zohouri will be forced to sit this one out having picked up a red card against Real Sociedad on matchday four.
    But Iyayi Atiemwen and Moussa Kyabou should both return to the fold after serving suspensions of their own last time out.
    Latest odds

    Man Utd to win 1/12
    Draw 19/2
    Sheriff to win 33/1

    *Odds courtesy of Betfair are correct at time of publication More

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    PSV vs Arsenal: TV channel, live stream, kick-off time and team news for HUGE Europa League clash

    ARSENAL will be desperate to get back to winning ways in their Europa League encounter against PSV Eindhoven.Stuart Armstrong’s second half strike saw the Gunners’ winning run go up in smoke at St. Mary’s.
    Arsenal were held to a 1-1 draw by SouthamptonCredit: Rex
    And Erling Haaland’s double against Brighton helped Manchester City to close the gap on the league leaders down to just two points.
    However, Mikel Arteta’s side now need to readjust their focus on securing a point against PSV which would see them finish top of Group A with a match to spare.
    But the Dutch giants haven’t lost at home since a disappointing 1-0 defeat in the Champions League play off to Rangers, way back in August.
    When is PSV vs Arsenal?

    PSV Eindhoven roll out the red carpet for Arsenal on Thursday, October 27.
    It is scheduled to kick off a little earlier than usual at 5:45pm UK time – 6:45pm local time.
    Philips Stadion in Eindhoven, Netherlands is the allocated arena for this match and it can host approximately 36,500 fans.
    Arsenal scraped a 1-0 victory from PSV when the sides met last in the reverse fixture.

    Granit Xhaka’s sublime right-foot strike fired Arsenal into the knock-out roundsCredit: AFP
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    What TV channel is PSV vs Arsenal on and can I live stream it?

    PSV Eindhoven vs Arsenal will be broadcasted LIVE on BT Sport 2 in the UK.
    Coverage is set to commence from 5:15pm UK time – 30 minutes before kick-off.
    Subscriptions holders of BT Sport can stream the entire action live via the BT Sport website or BT Sport app.

    What is the team news?
    Former Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy received a huge injury boost as Noni Madueke, Mauro Junior and Luuk de Jong will be available having missed last week’s defeat at the Emirates.
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    However, the PSV boss will remains without Yorbe Vertessen, Marco van Ginkel, Ismael Salibari, Kjell Peersman and Olivier Boscagli.
    Meanwhile, Mohamed Elneny and Emile Smith Rowe continue to be long-term absentees, while Oleksandr Zinchenko is edging closer to a return.
    But Mikel Arteta could be tempted into resting a number of key players with qualification already in the bag.
    Latest odds

    PSV to win 17/10
    Draw 5/2
    Arsenal to win 7/5

    *Odds courtesy of Betfair are correct at time of publication More

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    Arsenal set to wear unique kit combination for Europa League clash with PSV… and here’s why

    ARSENAL will wear a unique kit combination for their Europa League showdown with PSV Eindhoven due to a kit clash.The Gunners will face the Dutch giants at the Phillips Stadium on Thursday evening in their penultimate Group A match.
    Arsenal will renew their rivalry with PSV Eindhoven on Thursday night but will be forced to wear a unique kit forCredit: Rex
    Arsenal are no stranger to wearing hybrid kits – donning one for their Champions League clash with Roma in 2002Credit: EPA
    They also wore one for their clash with Barcelona at the Nou Camp in 1999Credit: AP
    But they will be forced to don an unrecognisable kit due to the similarities between their and PSV’s home and away strips.
    Mikel Arteta’s troops will turn out in their black and gold top away top – with grey shorts and black socks completing the unusual ensemble.

    UEFA rulings on kit clashes have forced the north Londoners to adopt the mash-up of kits.
    Arsenal fans were quick to comment on the attire, with one saying: “This just creates more of a clash. Now both teams are in varying amounts of black white and red.
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    “All black vs red and white stripes / white socks would be clearer even if both teams wear black shorts.”
    Another said: “How can we have a kit clash when we release different kits every 5 days?”
    And another said: “I’m gonna barf uncontrollably.”
    One asked: “Why not just use the third kit, isn’t that what it’s for?”
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    The Gunners won’t be wearing their pink third kit as will be too similar to PSV’s famed red-and-white striped strip from a distance.
    Arsenal are no stranger to wearing a mash-up of their home and away kits in European competition.
    In 2002, they were forced to wear a combination of their home and away kits for their Champions League Group B match against Roma at the Stadio Olimpico.
    Arsene Wenger’s side turned out in their blue away top and completed their kit with the shorts and socks from their home kit.
    Three years earlier, they were forced to wear their yellow away top with their white shorts and socks for their Champions League Group B match with Barcelona at the Nou Camp.
    Arsenal booked their place in the knockout stages of the Europa League with a win 1-0 win over PSV last Thursday.
    Arteta said: “We are qualified so that’s the first step, so really pleased for doing that, now we want to achieve the second one which is to finish first in the group because we know the difference that’s going to make.
    “In terms of the games that you have to play and against who, and that’s still something we have to do.
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    “In general, I’m really pleased with the performance with what the boys have shown, and we had some really dominant and good moments in the game.
    “But we lacked a little bit in the final third, final actions, especially inside the box. To put more shots on target and score more goals I think.”
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    Tierney, Nketiah and Holding all shine as Arsenal show they have strength in depth to challenge for Prem and Europe

    ONE of the main caveats to the idea of an Arsenal title challenge is a lack of depth.Many feel if the likes of William Saliba, Granit Xhaka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus get injured then their tilt at top spot will fall away.
    Tierney was always an outlet going forward down the leftCredit: Getty
    Nketiah caused PSV problems with his pace and trickeryCredit: Getty
    But Mikel Arteta made six changes for the Europa League clash with PSV this evening – and you wouldn’t really have known it.
    Jesus and Bukayo Saka were brilliant as ever, offering the energy and dynamism that has typified the Gunners so far this season.
    But those who came in proved the North London outfit are much more than just a brilliant XI.
    Takehiro Tomiyasu is much more than an understudy to Ben White – and if the ex-Brighton man shows any sign of weakness then Arteta will not hesitate to switch things up.
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    The Japanese international, 23, has a great understanding with Saka and, as a more natural right-back, relentlessly provides the overlapping run which opens up more space inside for Arsenal’s more creative stars.
    It can also lead to goals – as was the case when he set up the winner for Granit Xhaka.
    The same can be said for Kieran Tierney on the other side.
    Oleksandr Zinchenko’s arrival has somewhat harshly pushed the Scot out of Arsenal’s starting line-up.
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    However, he remains a top class left-back with an engine that won’t quit.
    There were times against PSV when you would have been forgiven for thinking he was a wingback or even a forward player, such was his attacking output.
    And he was joined on that side by Eddie Nketiah who showed he is willing to be versatile and play on the flank – with Jesus clearly the preferred option through the middle.
    He showed great energy in the first half and almost netted the winner with a blistering effort that whistled wide.
    Rob Holding was another change Arteta made as he came in for the revelation that is Saliba.
    And it would have been easy for Gunners supporters to moan about the drop off in quality – but that simply was not the case.
    Holding is an underrated, composed, measured centre-half whose sensibility and rather basic nature make him an overlooked cog in the wheel.
    It would be easy for his head to drop after just 11 minutes of league football this term, but his ever-presence in the Europa League should mean he remains motivated for the foreseeable future.
    Albert Sambi Lokonga had a solid game in midfield – a major plus for Arteta who will be fearful about the injury-prone Thomas Partey as the campaign goes on.
    The one slight disappointment was Fabio Vieira who drifted out of the match for large periods.
    He was a noticeable downgrade from Odegaard, so a fitness issue for the Norwegian could well prove to be an issue.
    But on the whole it was a night in which Arteta showcased the full strength of his squad.
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    Arsenal have seven games in 20 days between now and the World Cup break, but they are showing that may not present any problems.
    Manchester City – take note.
    Holding was incredibly comfortable all evening at the heart of the Arsenal defenceCredit: Getty More

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    Chaos at end of Arsenal clash with PSV as away fans throw flares into home end and rip out seats as riot cops intervene

    MAYHEM broke out after Arsenal’s win over PSV at the Emirates as away fans ripped out seats and chucked flares at the home support.Mikel Arteta’s men edged past the Dutch outfit thanks to Granit Xhaka’s second half goal – a result which sees them qualify through the Europa League group stage.
    A flare was launched from the PSV end towards the Arsenal supporters
    Chaos ensued after the final whistle as PSV fans threw flares and ripped out seatsCredit: Reuters

    A puff of smoke engulfed the Arsenal end behind one of the goals
    And the travelling PSV contingent of around 3,000 did not take the result well as a flare was launched at the Arsenal fans just minutes after the final whistle.
    Those in the away end could then be seen forcibly removing the seats and chucking them.
    Riot police intervened to separate the two sets of supporters and diffuse the situation.
    Uefa are set to investigate and could hit PSV with a fine after what was an ugly end to another positive night for the North London outfit.
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    Arteta’s men clinched an eighth successive win in all competitions as they eventually broke down a stubborn PSV outfit.
    Gabriel Jesus went close on a couple of occasions in the first half, but the hosts were ultimately left frustrated.
    In the second period the Premier League leaders ramped things up as Jesus, Bukayo Saka and Eddie Nketiah narrowly missed opportunities to clinch the opening goal.
    But it eventually came 20 minutes from time as Takehiro Tomiyasu’s cross picked out Xhaka and the Swiss midfielder found the far corner with his effort.
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    Speaking after the game, match-winner Xhaka said: “We had chance after chance and we didn’t have the luck to score earlier but we had the passion to keep the ball, keep creating the chances and I think we deserved the win.
    “In the first half we did a lot of pressure. Everyone who comes here is playing similar to PSV, we knew they had the quality to kill us on the counter attack but we did amazing.
    “I’m so happy to score. I don’t know when I scored for the last time with the right foot but so happy. It doesn’t matter which foot, or who scores.
    “It gives us confidence and on to the next one. When you win games you have to be happy. Everything is going well at the moment but for us it is not a surprise, we’re doing a lot of work.
    “We win and lose as a team and at the moment we are very dangerous. We wanted to go through and are very happy.” More