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    Cristiano Ronaldo could MISS Manchester derby vs City with superstar a shock absentee as Man Utd arrive at Lowry hotel

    CRISTIANO RONALDO could MISS today’s Manchester derby after not arriving at the team hotel last night.The Portuguese superstar was absent as Ralf Rangnick and 21 players met at the Lowry Hotel for their pre-match routine.
    Cristiano Ronaldo was not present with Man United players at the Lowry ahead of the derby with CityCredit: Reuters
    United will look for inspiration from captain Harry Maguire against the championsCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
    Bruno Fernandes will have to play a big role if Ronaldo does not featureCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
    Edinson Cavani, Raphael Varane and Luke Shaw were also missing as United players entered the plush hotel in Manchester city centre to prepare for Sunday’s crunch Premier League clash with City.
    Ronaldo was seen taking part in full training on Wednesday.
    The Portuguese superstar was not understood to have picked up any injury in sessions since then.
    And United fans will be praying he can line up in the must-win derby showdown at the Etihad.
    All eyes will now be on United’s team-sheet which will be released one hour before kick-off at 4.30pm.
    Should Ronaldo and Cavani both be missing for the game against Pep Guardiola’s champions, United will face a selection dilemma.
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    Marcus Rashford may start in attack if Edinson Cavani is also unavailableCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
    Anthony Elanga could get a start, while Hannibal Mejbri is in the squadCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
    Marcus Rashford, who has been playing as a winger this term, could have to line up as striker.
    And that would likely see Anthony Elanga join Jadon Sancho on the flanks, leaving United short on attacking options from the bench.
    Eric Bailly is back in the squad after injury, but Victor Lindelof would be the man to replace Varane.
    As for Shaw, United have two options in Alex Telles and Diogo Dalot.
    Confirmed Man Utd squad at Lowry Hotel: De Gea, Henderson, Heaton, Dalot, Wan-Bissaka, Jones, Maguire, Bailly, Lindelof, Telles, Matic, McTominay, Fred, Pogba, Mejbri, Lingard, Mata, Fernandes, Sancho, Elanga, Rashford.
    ⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford
    Jadon Sancho looks certain to start on the wing for UnitedCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
    Phil Jones will be hoping to line up in place of Raphael VaraneCredit: Zenpix
    Juan Mata could be called upon with United lacking attacking optionsCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke More

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    Ralf Rangnick claims he has ‘not spoken too much’ about Man Utd’s next permanent manager as club create shortlist

    MANCHESTER UNITED interim boss Ralf Rangnick has revealed he has “no idea” on who will take over from him as permanent manager.The German tactician, 63, is in charge till the end of the current campaign, before staying on in an advisor role.
    Man Utd interim manager Ralf Rangnick says discussions about his successor have been kept to a minimumCredit: PA
    And Rangnick has been brought on board to have a say on who will succeed him.
    According to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, discussions about the next Red Devils boss have been minimal with Rangnick having no clue who will be in the hot seat next season.
    Romano tweeted Rangnick’s quotes: “I have no idea . I am here until the end of the season and it is important to develop the players.”
    Rangnick added a few meetings have been had, but a manager targets haven’t been suggested many times.
    “We have had one or two meetings with the head of scouting. We have not spoken about the new manager too much,” Romano wrote per Rangnick.
    Back in November, Rangnick was appointed as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s replacement after a string of bad results.
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    So far, he has overseen a mixed bag of results – winning eight of his 17 games in charge, drawing eight, but losing just once.
    Numerous names have been linked with a move to the top job at United.
    Mauricio Pochettino has been mentioned because of his close relationship with Sir Alex Ferguson.
    However, recent reports suggested although the PSG coach wants to return to the Premier League the Argentinian would prefer a return to Tottenham Hotspur.
    And PSG director Leonardo Araujo is reluctant to let Poch go.
    Araujo told L’Equipe: “We’ve never thought about changing our manager. We’ve never contacted Zidane or anyone.
    “I can say that Mauricio Pochettino has never asked to leave. I have no problem with him. We talk about everything.”
    PSG boss Mauricio Pochettino was said to be the No1 targetCredit: AFP
    Ajax’s Erik ten Hag has also had rumoured talks with the Red Devils.
    According to the Daily Mail, the Dutchman has started learning English in preparation for taking over the reigns at the Theatre of Dreams.
    And it is claimed Ajax are understood to be aware of Ten Hag’s intention to leave the club at the end of the season following recent internal talks.  More

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    Anthony Martial transfer blow as Sevilla decide not to try and keep Man Utd forward beyond his loan spell

    ANTHONY MARTIAL has reportedly suffered a blow as Sevilla have already decided not to turn his loan from Manchester United into a permanent move.The Frenchman swapped Old Trafford for Spain in January in a switch until the end of the season.
    Anthony Martial’s hopes of securing a move to Sevilla have suffered a blowCredit: Rex
    The LaLiga side have already decided they won’t sign him permanentlyCredit: Rex
    That came after a public fall-out with Red Devils boss Ralf Rangnick amid claims that the forward refused to be a sub against Aston Villa.
    The 26-year-old denied those allegations on social media and eventually forced through his switch to the LaLiga side.
    After a rocky start for his new team which led to his manager demanding more from the star, he finally got off the mark for them against Dynamo Zagreb.
    However, now Football Transfers claims that Sevilla have already opted against trying to secure him long-term.
    Martial’s wages and the transfer fee being demanded by United make him ‘unattainable’ for them.
    And they report a source saying: “Sevilla won’t buy Martial even if they win the EuroMillions.
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    “They are happy with him but they won’t sign him permanently.
    “Any further deal is not in their plans at all – just these six months to help them challenge Real Madrid for the title.”
    Martial is under contract with the Red Devils until 2024 but has a list of clubs being linked with him.
    Juventus are believed to be keen while both Arsenal and Newcastle would like to keep him in the Premier League.
    ⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford More

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    Man Utd ‘ask Lewandowski representatives to keep them informed’ of star’s Bayern Munich transfer future

    MANCHESTER UNITED have reportedly asked Robert Lewandowski’s representatives to keep them informed over the Bayern Munich forward’s future.The 33-year-old Polish striker has less than 18 months left on his deal at the German side.
    Man Utd have requested to be kept informed of Robert Lewandowski’s future plansCredit: Getty
    The star has entered the last 18 months of his Bayern Munich deal and could be sold this summerCredit: Getty
    He could leave for nothing in June 2023 or, if the Bundesliga giants decide to cash in, possibly go this summer.
    A number of clubs are beginning to circle – and now the Red Devils seem to have joined the chase.
    That is according to 90 mins, who state there is ‘concrete’ interest from Old Trafford and the Premier League in Lewandowski.
    Bayern Munich are believed to be lining up a swoop for Dortmund hotshot Erling Haaland as a replacement.
    They will face a major fight to secure the Norwegian as Paris Saint Germain, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Chelsea and Manchester City are among those who have shown an interest.
    Lewandowski’s agents are now considering their options in case Bayern do decide to sell the superstar this summer.
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    And this latest report also states that United have asked to be kept informed about his situation.
    But they are not the only club looking to bring Lewandowski to England after we reported Arsenal were eyeing a swoop earlier this week.
    And they would face fierce competition for his signature as Atletico Madrid became another team linked with a move.
    Both Chelsea and Real Madrid are also keen on the ex-Dortmund star.
    It has also previously been claimed that he wants to test himself in another top league while still in his pomp.
    He has been crowned Fifa’s best player for the past two years and remained non-committal on his future after helping his team win at Frankfurt last weekend.
    Lewandowski told Sky Sports in Germany: “I am open to everything. I’m quiet.
    “It is important for me to be able to focus on my game, always on what can happen in the last match.
    “Everything that remains to be done regarding the contracts is a secondary issue and remains in the background.”
    ⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford More

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    How Man Utd could line up in City derby with Cristiano Ronaldo starting but ‘question marks’ over players

    MANCHESTER UNITED could have a clean bill of health for Sunday’s mouthwatering clash against cross-town rivals Manchester City. Both Edinson Cavani and Scott McTominay have been out for United as of late, although both could feature in the derby.
    How Man Utd could start Sunday’s derby against Man City
    There are ‘question marks’ over the availability of some players after McTominay missed the last two games, but Rangick could have a full squad to choose fromCredit: Getty
    Interim boss Ralf Rangnick was without McTominay for the draws against Atletico Madrid and Watford with the Scotsman suffering from illness.
    And he didn’t confirm whether or not the midfielder was available for Sunday, saying: “There are still some question marks over other players. It looks good for Edinson for Sunday.”
    However after being spotted in training McTominay does seem to be a candidate to start.
    Cavani meanwhile has not played since the 1-1 draw at Burnley on February 8.
    And despite returning to training on Thursday he is unlikely to usurp Cristiano Ronaldo up front.
    But if McTominay is passed fit he is likely to partner Paul Pogba in the heart of midfield, behind the roaming Bruno Fernandes.
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    In what could be a much-changed team from the one that stuttered to a 0-0 stalemate with Watford, Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford could be reinstated on the wings.
    Skipper Harry Maguire is also expected to slot back in alongside Raphael Varane in defence after being benched against the Hornets.
    Alex Telles could keep his place at left-back though, while Diogo Dalot may be given the nod at right-back.
    The Portuguese international will be fresher than Aaron Wan-Bissaka having not started the last three games in all competitions.
    David De Gea meanwhile remains to be one of the first names on the team-sheet after a scintillating season between the sticks.
    Alternatively Rangnick could throw the cat among the pigeons and pick the fit again Cavani over Ronaldo.
    Alternative Man Utd starting side vs Man City
    The German wasn’t afraid to drop Ronaldo against Burnley last month, but whether he has the nerve to make such a call for the derby with league leaders City remains to be seen.
    Youngster Anthony Elanga could be preferred to Rashford on the wing after a good run of form, which would see Sancho shuffled across to the right.
    And if McTominay is not passed fit to play it is likely to be a midfield pairing of Fred and Pogba.
    Luke Shaw could also get the nod at left-back, and after starting two out of the last three at right-back Aaron Wan Bissaka could be selected again.
    Rangnick’s team has been subject to constant change since he came to the club in December, with the Red Devils yet to really establish a consistent starting side.
    ⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford More

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    Pep Guardiola says ‘it’s been a joy to watch’ Cristiano Ronaldo despite ‘unstoppable’ Man Utd ace playing for his rivals

    PEP GUARDIOLA says Manchester City need to find a way to halt the ‘unstoppable goal-scoring machine’ that is Cristiano Ronaldo on Sunday.The Portuguese legend has endured a difficult start to 2022, scoring just once in the calendar year so far.
    Ronaldo a ‘joy to watch’ says Guardiola in the build up to Sunday’s Manchester derbyCredit: Rex
    The Spanish boss says Ron is ‘almost unstoppable’ despite local rivalryCredit: AFP
    But City weighed up the possibility of signing the veteran from Juventus before he returned to Old Trafford in August.
    And Guardiola has admitted he is a big admirer, saying: “As a finisher he’s exceptional, I’m not going to disguise it was a joy to watch him these years.
    “We have to explode our game, our strength to avoid Cristiano close to the box, because there he is almost unstoppable.
    “When you are one of the greatest that he was in terms of being a goalscoring machine, you will always be there.
    “He is so strong mentally. He handled pressure without a problem because he lived with expectation through his career and always responded in a positive way.”
    While City dominated the derby at Old Trafford in November and ran out 2-0 winners, Ronaldo almost turned the game on its head.
    .css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Football.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
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    And Pep says that should serve as a warning to his team as they look to consolidate their position at the top of the table.
    He said:  “I remember when we played there and we were winning 1-0  and in control, perfect, perfect, and then the first time arrived he made a chance and Eddy made an incredible save.
    “He hadn’t touched the ball but nearly scored. That is the quality and ability that he has.
    “We have to control him.
     “He’s been one of the greatest in the last 15 years, alongside Messi. What these two guys have done, we’re not going to see again.
    “When you achieve these things, under scrutiny every second of your life and today, even more now with social media.
    “As a finisher he’s exceptional, I’m not going to disguise it was a joy to watch him these years.” More

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    Declan Rice hints at Man Utd or Chelsea transfer as he reveals ‘urgent’ dream to play in Champions League

    DECLAN RICE says his dreams to play in the Champions League are ‘urgent’ in a major transfer warning to West Ham.The Hammers midfielder, 23, has been valued at £120million by boss David Moyes with the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea showing an interest.
    Rice says it is ‘as urgent as possible’ to play in the Champions LeagueCredit: Getty
    Rice’s current deal with the club runs out in June 2024 – with no talks so far to extend.
    And the England international has hinted yet again his future may lie away from the club after admitting he sees himself as one of the best players in the world.
    Asked about his desire to win trophies and play in the Champions League, Rice said: “It is as urgent as possible. I feel like, not only for me, that’s for every young player as well.
    “I see friends that are close to me, big players winning big trophies. You want to be a part of that. You want to be remembered in this career for what you’ve won.
    “I feel like I am one of the established top players around the world. I am only 23.
    “But in terms of my playing ability and the way I’ve performed consistently, I see myself as an established player now who’s got good experience and can play at any level if required.
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    “We are really close with West Ham at the minute and last season it was gutting to lose out on it but we are pushing.
    “We’ll keep going. Champions League is a big aim of mine and hopefully one day I can play in it, and these moments I am having now can spur me on to be even better.”
    West Ham are currently fifth – two points behind Man United in fourth – but the top four looks out of their control with Arsenal and Tottenham having games in hand.
    Moyes’ men also came close last season before finishing sixth – and Rice has been a key figure for both club and country in recent seasons.
    He lifted the Player of the Year at the London Football Awards on Thursday evening – three years after picking up the Young Player of the Year title.
    £100MILLION VALUATION
    Asked about his £100m valuation, Rice added: “You hear those numbers and for me it is crazy. All I can do is go out there and perform, regardless of the price tag.
    “I just need to focus on playing well and performing at the best level I can.”
    Rice revealed in an interview with Gary Neville on ‘The Overlap’ that he would like to remain in the capital – specifically near his family in west London.
    He was brought up a Blues fan and was in their academy – alongside best pal Mason Mount – and his release before joining West Ham still acts as a motivator.
    Rice said: “I was released by Chelsea at 14, that was a setback. I was nearly released by West Ham at 16, that was nearly a setback.
    “I’ve had big games where we’ve lost, like the Euros final with England. It really spurs you on to want to improve.” More

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    Mauricio Pochettino celebrates 50th birthday with amazing collage of his career as Man Utd manager speculation grows

    MAURICIO POCHETTINO celebrated his 50th birthday with a huge mural remembering his brilliant career so far.The Argentine’s loved ones ensured his day was special by gifting the Paris Saint-Germain boss with a huge picture showing of all the key moments in his career spanning over three decades.
    Poch was gifted with a collage featuring all the clubs he’s been with for his 50th birthdayCredit: Instagram @pochettino
    The PSG boss was also presented with a towering cake featuring the club’s emblemCredit: Instagram @pochettino
    The Argentine’s guests were treated to a video compilation of his career highlightsCredit: Instagram @pochettino
    Poch was surrounded by his wife and two sons on the nightCredit: Instagram @pochettino
    In the colourful collage, Poch wears a shirt with the badges of all the clubs he’s managed and played for.
    They include Newell’s Old Boys, Espanyol, PSG, Southampton and Tottenham.
    The collage also featured images of Poch’s family – wife Karina and their two sons – Sebastiano and Maurizio, who plays for Watford.
    All three of Poch’s close-knit family were in attendance at his birthday bash, where the roomwas draped in black and gold.
    And he was all-smiles in his black suit as he was accompanied by PSG’s assistant manager Jesus Reyes and goalkeeping coach Toni Sistachs.
    Poch kept his guests entertained with champagne and a video compilation of his career highlights.
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    He was also presented with a towering birthday cake complete with the emblems of his old clubs.
    And to top off a perfect golden jubilee, Poch was gifted with a signed Argentina flag from the national team where he earned 20 caps.
    The former Spurs boss took to Instagram to thank his loved ones for making his half century special and to reflect on reaching the milestone.
    He wrote: “50. wow! Life is going so fast!
    “Thank you everyone – my family, friends, fans, clubs – for all your messages and good wishes.”
    “It mean a lot and I had a great day to mark this special moment in my life. Big hug to you all!”
    He started his career as a defender at Newell’s in 1986, before having stints with Espanyol, PSG and Bordeaux, then returning to Espanyol to finish his career in 2006 after 509 appearances.
    Poch went on to become Espanyol’s manager in 2009.
    Southampton lured him to Premier League in 2013, and Spurs poached the Argentine in 2014.
    After five years with Spurs, Poch was given the boot for failing to bring silverware to White Hart Lane in 2019.
    He spent a few years taking time off before being handed the PSG job last year.
    However, his tenure in Paris may be cut short as Man United are keen on bringing him back to the Prem this summer to replace interim boss Ralf Rangnick.
    Poch’s potential exit from PSG may be the reason the French club’s owner Nasser Al-Khelaifi and chief Leonardo were notable absentees at his birthday.
    Other guests included PSG coaches Perez (right) and Sitaschs (far right)Credit: Instagram @pochettino
    Poch was also presented with a signed Argentina flagCredit: Instagram @pochettino More