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      Cristiano Ronaldo saga has damaged morale in Man Utd squad but fans should NOT let it tarnish legacy, says Louis Saha

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO’S desire to leave Manchester United has damaged the morale at Old Trafford.That is according to his former-team Louis Saha, who played alongside the 37-year-old during his first spell at the club between 2004-2008.
      Louis Saha and Cristiano Ronaldo won two Premier League titles, the Champions League and the League Cup together at Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Wantaway Red Devils ace Ronaldo wants to leave the club before the transfer window closesCredit: Reuters
      Ronaldo is keen to quit the Red Devils in his quest to play Champions League football this season.
      He failed to join the United squad on their pre-season tour of Asia and Australia due to “family reasons”, before returning to face Rayo Vallecano earlier this month.
      But he caused outrage after leaving ten minutes before the final whistle in the friendly clash – during which he was hooked at half-time.
      Despite Anthony Martial nursing a minor injury, he was dropped to the bench for Sunday’s 2-1 defeat against Brighton where he came on in the second half.
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      Though he could be recalled back to the starting XI after boss Erik ten hag insisted United are better with him on the pitch.
      Saha was critical of the five-time Ballon d’Or winner last month, but he has insisted he doesn’t want his legacy at the club to be tarnished.
      Speaking exclusively to SunSport on behalf of TPP-ThePuntersPage about the transfer saga, the 48-year-old said: “I really don’t know with Cristiano Ronaldo.
      “I made some comments a few weeks ago saying I was not happy by the fact he’s such a big player and such an example for youngsters.
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      “He can clearly see that the manager needs to make some strong decisions and I feel he went completely the opposite.
      “If you try to bring discipline and he doesn’t want to do it or has different ideas, then it’s hard and I think he’s taken it in a personal way.
      “The manager is trying to build a collective and a squad with a foundation and he’s being brought into the Cristiano Ronaldo saga every time he speaks.
      “It’s not an easy situation and I would say that I was on Cristiano’s back a bit. The criticism was strong, if he finds a suiter, then ok you can go.
      “But if not, then you have to come out and talk; if he wants to leave, he should say it but also say he’ll give his 100 per cent to the club if it doesn’t happen or until it happens.
      “At least then the saga with Cristiano would be over at that point, but we haven’t seen this, so I was frustrated as a fan of Manchester United.
      “I’m still a huge fan of Cristiano Ronaldo, I love what he has done for the game, and I still admire his talent today because he’s still an amazing player.
      “But at this moment in time, the talk of his future has been really bad in terms of trying to build a team collective.
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      “It doesn’t belong to the legacy of Cristiano Ronaldo because he doesn’t deserve it.
      “For the fans, it’s a case of being a bigger fan of the club than it is being a fan of Cristiano Ronaldo which has to be the same for every player.” More

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      Lionesses hero Ella Toone’s secret boyfriend revealed as professional footballer on Ibiza holiday with Euro 2022 winner

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      LIONESSES legend Ella Toone is dating non-league footballer Joe Bunney, we can reveal.The 22-year-old striker, whose superb goal helped England beat Germany in the Euro final last month, has been partying in Ibiza with the defender, 29.
      The Sun can reveal Lioness legend Ella Toone is dating footballer Joe BunneyCredit: Splash
      Ella has been partying in Ibiza with the defenderCredit: Splash
      The pair were pictured hugging on the beachCredit: Splash
      A friend said: ‘Ella and Joe are very much in love and have been together for a while now’Credit: Splash
      The loved-up couple were photographed hugging and kissing on the beach in front of other holidaymakers.
      A friend said: “Ella and Joe are very much in love and have been together for a while now. They are both from Manchester and have mutual friends who introduced them.
      “Those who know them think they are the perfect pairing. Joe is Ella’s biggest cheerleader and he could not have been more proud to watch her lifting the trophy at the Euros.
      “They keep their love life out of the spotlight usually but Joe couldn’t resist joining Ella in Ibiza to celebrate with her.”
      Read More on Ella Toone
      Ella was pictured letting her hair down on a luxury yacht off the party isle.
      Over the weekend she was at a Calvin Harris gig alongside other members of the England women’s squad, including captain Leah Williamson and Nikita Parris.
      While Ella plays for Man United Women, Joe is currently a free agent after leaving Warrington Rylands at the end of last season.
      He has previously played for a number of teams, including a five-year stint at Rochdale and spells at Northampton Town and Bolton Wanderers.
      Most read in The Sun
      Joe, who has two kids from a previous relationship, also had a trial at Scunthorpe this summer and played in a pre-season loss against Middlesbrough.
      Meanwhile, Ella made history as she helped England win its first major tournament since the 1966 World Cup.
      She equalised against Spain in the quarter-finals — and her incredible chip in the final after coming off the bench sent the Wembley crowd berserk.

      Ella said: “I thought that would be the best shot to do.
      “I started celebrating even before it had gone in the net, so I was confident it was going in and then the whole stadium erupted.
      “Honestly – best feeling of my life.”
      Ella goes for a stroll by sea at IbizaCredit: Splash
      Ella jumps in to the sea off a luxury yachtCredit: @ellatoone
      Ella and Ellie Roebuck hit the beach in IbizaCredit: Splash
      Joe is currently a free agent after leaving Warrington Rylands at the end of last seasonCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Ella, pictured with Chloe Kelly, made history as she helped England win its first major tournament since the 1966 World CupCredit: PA More

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      Lioness hero Ella Toone’s secret boyfriend revealed as professional footballer on Ibiza holiday

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      LIONESSES legend Ella Toone is dating non-league footballer Joe Bunney, we can reveal.The 22-year-old striker, whose superb goal helped England beat Germany in the Euro final last month, has been partying in Ibiza with the defender, 29.
      The Sun can reveal Lioness legend Ella Toone is dating footballer Joe BunneyCredit: Splash
      Ella has been partying in Ibiza with the defenderCredit: Splash
      The pair were pictured hugging on the beachCredit: Splash
      A friend said: ‘Ella and Joe are very much in love and have been together for a while now’Credit: Splash
      The loved-up couple were photographed hugging and kissing on the beach in front of other holidaymakers.
      A friend said: “Ella and Joe are very much in love and have been together for a while now. They are both from Manchester and have mutual friends who introduced them.
      “Those who know them think they are the perfect pairing. Joe is Ella’s biggest cheerleader and he could not have been more proud to watch her lifting the trophy at the Euros.
      “They keep their love life out of the spotlight usually but Joe couldn’t resist joining Ella in Ibiza to celebrate with her.”
      Read More on Ella Toone
      Ella was pictured letting her hair down on a luxury yacht off the party isle.
      Over the weekend she was at a Calvin Harris gig alongside other members of the England women’s squad, including captain Leah Williamson and Nikita Parris.
      While Ella plays for Man United Women, Joe is currently a free agent after leaving Warrington Rylands at the end of last season.
      He has previously played for a number of teams, including a five-year stint at Rochdale and spells at Northampton Town and Bolton Wanderers.
      Most read in The Sun
      Joe, who has two kids from a previous relationship, also had a trial at Scunthorpe this summer and played in a pre-season loss against Middlesbrough.
      Meanwhile, Ella made history as she helped England win its first major tournament since the 1966 World Cup.
      She equalised against Spain in the quarter-finals — and her incredible chip in the final after coming off the bench sent the Wembley crowd berserk.
      Ella said: “I thought that would be the best shot to do.
      “I started celebrating even before it had gone in the net, so I was confident it was going in and then the whole stadium erupted.
      “Honestly – best feeling of my life.”
      Ella goes for a stroll by sea at IbizaCredit: Splash
      Ella jumps in to the sea off a luxury yachtCredit: @ellatoone
      Ella and Ellie Roebuck hit the beach in IbizaCredit: Splash
      Joe is currently a free agent after leaving Warrington Rylands at the end of last seasonCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Ella, pictured with Chloe Kelly, made history as she helped England win its first major tournament since the 1966 World CupCredit: PA More

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      Phil Foden set to pocket massive £6MILLION in bonuses on top of new Man City salary… and more if he wins Ballon d’Or

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      PHIL FODEN will collect a staggering £6million bonus on top of his treble-your-money new deal.The forward is ready to sign fresh terms with Manchester City on a six-year contract worth a basic £200,000 a week — as SunSport revealed last month.
      Phil Foden is getting a new £200k-a-week deal with HUGE bonuses on topCredit: Getty
      But that is only a part of the huge cash bonanza he stands to bank over the duration of his new agreement.
      Foden, 22, will collect a cool £3m as soon as he puts pen to paper — and the same again staggered over the rest of the deal.
      A series of incremental pay hikes of around £25,000 a week over each year will eventually take his pay close to £350k  a week — an eye- watering £18m in the final 12 months.
      And the England ace can hit more jackpots if he triggers a string of other success-related clauses.
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      Foden is in line for a £150,000 bonus if he is nominated for the Ballon d’Or — £300k if he wins.
      A similar amount is on offer for winning the Premier League Player of the Year, while appearing in 60 per cent of City’s games next season returns another decent pay day.
      Foden’s immediate pay is still well behind the £375,000 weekly salary of Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland.
      But City have worked hard on the heavily-incentivised deal to recognise the Stockport-born star’s elevated status.
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      At the moment Foden earns a basic wage of around £65,000, but has become a key figure for both club and country – and Etihad top brass were keen to acknowledge that.
      City have raised more than £220m in outgoings since January, which has also seen Riyad Mahrez and Rodri pen new deals recently. More

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      Man Utd star Mason Greenwood makes rare appearance catching runaway family dog following rape and GBH arrest

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      ARRESTED Manchester United star Mason Greenwood makes a rare appearance — after catching his parents’ runaway dog.Greenwood, 20, was snapped at their £3million Cheshire home.
      Mason Greenwood made a rare appearance catching his parents’ runaway dog
      Greenwood was snapped outside his £3million Cheshire home
      He is on bail on suspicion of rape and threats to kill.
      The striker – last seen in April wearing a balaclava while behind the wheel of an £85,000 Mercedes – showed a quick turn of pace to capture the dog.
      An onlooker said: “Mason has been keeping a really low profile since his arrest.
      “He found the accusations made against him really difficult to cope with.
      Read More on Mason Greenwood
      “But his parents have been by his side every step of the way.
      “They are all waiting for the police to make a decision and if the cops decide he has no case to answer then he can try and get on with his football career.”
      Greenwood, who lives in Bowdon, Gtr Manchester, was suspended by United after his arrest.
      The player has been removed from FIFA 22 and dropped by sponsors Nike in the wake of the allegations.
      Most read in Football
      Football Manager 2022 has also confirmed he will not feature after their recent winter update.
      All merchandise bearing the No11’s name has been axed from the official Utd site and teammates have unfollowed him on Instagram.
      Greenwood’s promising domestic and international career is now in jeopardy after his arrest.
      In 2019, he became the youngest footballer to play for Utd in the Champions League when he took to the pitch aged 17.
      Greenwood has made 129 appearances in total for the Red Devils and netted 35 goals.
      The football player is on bail on suspicion of rape and threats to killCredit: PA More

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      Generous Joey Barton dipped into HIS OWN pocket to give Bristol Rovers’ cancer-hit star Nick Anderton a summer boost

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      BOSS Joey Barton dipped into his pocket to give Bristol Rovers’ cancer-hit defender Nick Anderton a boost.Barton paid for him to join a pre-season trip to Portugal after he had medical tests.
      Kind Joey Barton paid for Nick Anderton to take a pre-season trip to PortugalCredit: Rex
      Anderton has been diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancerCredit: Rex
      Anderton has been diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer and will undergo surgery to remove part of his leg.
      The left-back, 26, and his club confirmed last week he was suffering from Osteosarcoma – a cancer typically affecting long bones, such as legs and arms.
      A team statement read: “Bristol Rovers can confirm that defender Nick Anderton has been diagnosed with Osteosarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer.
      “As a result of this, Nick will undergo an operation in the coming weeks to remove this part of the bone.”
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      Anderton released a positive statement of his own vowing to fight the illness.
      The Rovers ace wrote: “Unfortunately, this rare form of cancer which is affecting my femur means that I’ll be undergoing an operation in the coming weeks.
      “This diagnosis has come as a huge shock to both myself and my family; however, we are remaining positive and hopeful.
      “I want to thank everyone at Bristol Rovers, especially Club Doctor Ian Ferguson and Head of Medical Stuart Leake, the specialists at the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital in Birmingham and my family for their continued support.
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      “I want to wish the boys all the best for the upcoming season, starting this Saturday back at The Mem.
      “Hopefully I can be swinging off another traffic light on Gloucester Road come May!”
      Anderton helped the Pirates seal promotion to League One on the final day of the season.
      They claimed third place in League Two in dramatic fashion by beating already relegated Scunthorpe 7-0 leapfrogging Northampton to the final automatic promotion spot on goals scored.
      Rovers needed to better Northampton’s result by five goals – only to run in SEVEN.
      There were jubilant scenes at the Memorial Stadium as Rovers fans poured onto the pitch in their thousands.
      And the celebrations continued long into the night on the streets of Bristol with fans and players involved – including Anderton, according to his statement.
      Read More on The Sun
      Anderton joined Bristol Rovers at the start of last season from Carlisle and played 34 times in League Two as the club gained promotion.
      The defender has also turned out for Preston North End, Barrow and Blackpool during his career. More

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      Vincent Kompany’s Burnley considering making fresh transfer bid for £10m-rated Metz ace Boubakar Kouyate

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      BURNLEY may bid again for Boubakar Kouyate.Metz want £10million for the centre-back after the Clarets offered £2.5m plus extras.
      Burnley are keen on Metz defender Boubakar KouyateCredit: Getty
      Now they could bid £5m – plus a big sell-on clause.
      The 25-year-old impressed last season but couldn’t prevent Metz from going down from France’s top-flight.
      He made 30 appearances in Ligue 1 and also featured in Metz’s opening game of Ligue 2 this campaign.
      Burnley though are considering whether to lodge a fresh bid for his services.
      Read More Transfer News
      Kouyate joined Metz in 2020 from fellow French side Troyes.
      The defender has been capped 12 times by Mali and would add steel to Vincent Kompany’s defence as he aims to guide the Clarets back to the Premier League at their first attempt.
      It’s been a busy summer at Turf Moor, with both incomings and outgoings in double digits.
      Maxwel Cornet was the latest to depart, joining West Ham in the week after the Londoners activated his £17.5m release clause.
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      But on the pitch Kompany has enjoyed a solid start to life as Burnley boss.
      His side kicked off the campaign with a 1-0 win away at Huddersfield on the opening day.
      That was followed up with a 1-1 draw to last season’s play-off semi-finalists Luton Town today. More