More stories

  • in

    Cristiano Ronaldo’s body transformation from weedy teen in 2003 Man Utd training to hulking star ahead of second debut

    CRISTIANO RONALDO has come a long way since his first Manchester United debut 18 years ago – both on the pitch and physically.The 36-year-old Portuguese legend is back at Old Trafford after completing his remarkable return to the Red Devils on transfer deadline day from Juventus.
    Cristiano Ronaldo is preparing for his second debut at Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty
    The veteran has undergone an incredible transformation into the hulking star we know todayCredit: Getty
    He was a skinny teenager when he arrived from Sporting Lisbon back in 2003Credit: Getty
    He showed off his incredible physique last week after scoring twice for Portugal against the Republic of IrelandCredit: Rex
    United supporters, some of whom even chased after his £160,000 Lamborghini after training today, are desperate to see him wearing the club’s colours again.
    So much so that tickets for his expected second coming against Newcastle on Saturday are selling for as much as £2,500.
    There is still a slight doubt whether or not the former Real Madrid ace will start or come off the bench.
    However, there is zero doubt that the veteran’s body is in completely different shape to his first ever outing for United.
    The forward was a work in progress when he arrived at Old Trafford from Sporting Lisbon as an 18-year-old.
    He made his original bow for them on August 16, 2003, during a 4-0 win over Bolton.

    BETTING SPECIAL – GET 30/1 ON STERLING TO SCORE OR ASSIST vs POLAND
    But even though Ronaldo, who replaced Nicky Butt that day shortly after the hour mark, was already taking care of himself, he was nothing like the Adonis you see today.
    And Ronaldo has previously recalled how some felt he was a little too weedy to make it big as a young kid – leading to his incredible desire and work to transform his body into the hulking monster you still see.
    He revealed previously: “I remember the first time I heard one of the kids say to another kid, ‘Did you see what he did? This guy is a beast.’
    “I started hearing it all the time. Even from the coaches. Then somebody would always say, ‘Yeah but it’s a shame he’s so small.’
    “It’s true, I was skinny. I had no muscle. So I made a decision at 11 years old.
    “I knew I had a lot of talent, but I decided that I was going to work harder than everybody.
    “I started sneaking out of the dormitory at night to go work out. I got bigger and faster.
    “I would walk onto the field, and the people who used to whisper, ‘Yeah, but he’s so skinny,’ now they would be looking at me like it was the end of the world.”

    The five-time Ballon d’Or winner, who models his own range of underwear, stays in such amazing shape through a number of high-intensity workouts five times a week.
    He gave his legions of fans into what they involve several years ago, saying: “We do a lot of sprinting drills in training and they can be incorporated into your workout whether you are in the gym or outdoors.
    “Try and add it to every workout you do. Fit in exercise wherever you can.
    “You can do an abs workout in your bedroom when you wake up in the morning or before you go to bed.
    “If you get into a routine then it makes it easier as it will become a habit.”
    Push-ups are important for Cristiano Ronaldo’s upper body strengthCredit: Instagram @cristiano
    Push-ups, bench presses and bench dips are all key to Ronaldo’s training regimeCredit: Nike / Instagram / @cristiano
    Cristiano Ronaldo previously arrived at Man utd in 2003 as a weedy teenCredit: Getty
    He made his debut that August against Bolton as a sub to replace Nicky ButtCredit: Getty
    That explains Ronaldo’s incredible athleticism, but what about his ripped physique?
    CR7 regularly updates his social media accounts with pictures of himself training.
    For Ronaldo’s upper-body, push-ups, bench presses and bench dips are all key, while pull-ups work the shoulders and back.
    Sit-ups, side planks and medicine ball routines hone his toned tummy by working the core.
    Ronaldo even sells his own £350 ‘Abs Fit and Twin Body Fit’ set, which he claims helps train abs, biceps, triceps and quads.
    And just in case anyone had any doubts that he was starting to let himself slip, he showed off his incredible physique again last week after his late winner for Portugal against Republic of Ireland, just days after sealing his return to United.
    ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford

    Cristiano Ronaldo joins Man Utd training session More

  • in

    Man Utd XI last time Cristiano Ronaldo played against Newcastle as he prepares for second debut

    CRISTIANO RONALDO is the only Manchester United player yet to retire from the last time he played against Newcastle 12 years ago.The 36-year-old is preparing for his second Red Devils debut with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side to face the Magpies at Old Trafford on Saturday.
    This was the Manchester United starting XI the last time Cristiano Ronaldo faced Newcastle
    Ronaldo started on the left wing as the Red Devils beat the Magpies 2-1 at St James’ ParkCredit: Rex
    It remains to be seen whether Ronaldo will feature this weekend with the player to not train alongside all of his United team-mates until Friday.
    The five-time Ballon d’Or winner returned to Carrington on Tuesday, where he trained with the first-team players not called up for international duty.
    Ronaldo was released by Portugal early due to suspension, with the Real Madrid icon subsequently heading to Manchester, where he held face-to-face talks with Solskjaer.
    Should the Norwegian gaffer deem Ronaldo fit enough to play against Newcastle, his second debut will NOT be shown on live TV after Sky Sports and BT Sport rejected the chance to show the 3pm kick-off.
    Incredibly, none of Ronaldo’s team-mates from his last appearance against the Toon outfit from March 2009 are playing today.
    Though two members of the team that featured are currently working alongside Ronaldo at the Theatre of Dreams.
    Ronaldo could make his second United debut against Newcastle at Old Trafford on SaturdayCredit: Getty

    BETTING SPECIAL – GET £60 IN FREE BETS ON ANY WORLD CUP QUALIFIER WITH BETFAIR
    Ronnie started on the left wing against Newcastle at St James’ Park more than a decade ago, with United coming back from behind to win 2-1.
    Starting in goal was Dutch shot-stopper Edwin van der Sar, with John O’Shea appearing at right-back.
    French star Patrice Evra started on the opposite side, with Rio Ferdinand partnering Nemanja Vidic in the heart of defence.
    With Ronaldo deployed on the left flank, Sir Alex Ferguson opted to start South Korea’s Park Ji-sung down the right.
    Michael Carrick and Darren Fletcher were in the centre of midfield, with Paul Scholes left on the bench.

    Starting up top against Newcastle were Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov – with both getting on the scoresheet for the visitors.
    Carrick has remained at United after hanging up his boots with the ex-Tottenham man part of the club’s first-team coaching staff.
    Meanwhile Fletcher, who was pictured next to Ronaldo during Tuesday’s training session, was appointed as United’s technical director in March.
    Cristiano Ronaldo joins Man Utd training session More

  • in

    Inside Cristiano Ronaldo’s first day back at Man Utd training from talks with Solskjaer to stars in awe of superstar

    CRISTIANO RONALDO is hoping to be available for Manchester United’s clash against Newcastle on Saturday after taking part in his first training session.The 36-year-old has been released from international duty early by Portugal due to suspenion, with the forward wasting no time in getting to work at Carrington.
    A sneak peek inside @Cristiano’s first day back at Carrington… 👀Watch this and much more in Tuesday’s 𝙐𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝘿𝙖𝙞𝙡𝙮 🎥👇#MUFC— Manchester United (@ManUtd) September 7, 2021

    Cristiano Ronaldo is back at Carrington for Manchester United ahead of Saturday’s clash against NewcastleCredit: Getty
    Ronaldo chatted with Mike Phelan in training on Tuesaday, who he worked with during his first spell at Old TraffordCredit: Getty
    Diogo Dalot looked startruck to be training alongside Portuguese compatriot RonaldoCredit: Getty
    With most of United’s key first-team players still with their countries, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner trained with those not involved for their nations this week.
    In pictures shared by the Red Devils, Ronaldo could be seen alongside the likes of Juan Mata, Jadon Sancho, Donny van de Beek and Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
    His compatriot Diogo Dalot looked starstruck to be next to the ex-Real Madrid ace as he failed to hide his grin while staring at him.
    With Ronaldo not able to train with the majority of his team-mates until Friday, it remains to be seen whether he will be available to face the Magpies at Old Trafford.
    Instead, his second debut could come in next week’s Champions League tie away at Swiss outfit Young Boys.
    After his move from Juventus was confirmed, Ronaldo stated he wished to have face-to-face talks with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer regarding his position in the side.
    Ronaldo had face-to-face talks with boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after returning to CarringtonCredit: Instagram @manchesterunited
    Ronaldo was seen in training next to ex-team-mate Darren Fletcher, who is now the club’s technical directorCredit: Getty

    BETTING SPECIAL – GET 30/1 ON STERLING TO SCORE OR ASSIST vs POLAND
    Ronaldo’s second debut could come in Tuesday’s Champions League tie against Young BoysCredit: Getty
    And in pictures released by United, Ronaldo can be seen interacting with the Norwegian gaffer.
    Meanwhile the club’s website confirmed that the striker had spent time in Solskjaer’s office prior to heading out to the training pitch.
    He even cauight up with some familiar faces at Carrington, with the player caught on camera chatting to assistant manager Mike Phelan.
    The 58-year-old has already worked with Ronaldo having been Sir Alex Ferguson’s right-hand man during his first stint at United.

    Five-time Ballon d’Or winner has returned to United 12 years after departing for Real MadridCredit: Getty
    Ronaldo was also seen with former team-mate Darren Fletcher, who now works as United’s technical director.
    United are hoping Ronaldo can spearhead the club to their first Premier League title since 2013.
    And SunSport understands that the Sporting Lisbon academy graduate has already issued a rallying call to his team-mates that he’s at the club to win trophies.
    Cristiano Ronaldo joins Man Utd training session More

  • in

    Five strikers Man Utd could make transfer swoops for next summer including Erling Haaland and Robert Lewandowski

    MANCHESTER UNITED could be prepared to spend big yet again next summer to bring in a new centre-forward.Despite the Red Devils luring Cristiano Ronaldo back to Old Trafford, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is likely to be keen to add to his arsenal of attacking options.
    Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could look to bring another striker to Old Trafford next summerCredit: Reuters
    Ronaldo will have just a year left on his contract in 2022, while Edinson Cavani is likely to depart on a free transfer when his contract expires.
    And United would surely bring in another new face to compete with the five-time Ballon d’Or winner and Mason Greenwood up top.
    Here SunSport looks at five possible options for United.
    ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI
    The Bayern Munich ace, 33, peaked the interest of top teams in the summer after it was claimed he is seeking a new challenge.
    And the Poland international, who has already scored seven goals in four games this term, would represent a brilliant short-term option for United.
    Like Ronaldo, Lewandowski could become a mentor for Greenwood, and United have shown in recent years they are more than welcome to bring in experienced strikers.
    Ronaldo, Cavani, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Henrik Larsson have all joined the club at the age of 33 and older.
    Poland ace Robert Lewandowski is reportedly looking for a new challenge away from Bayern MunichCredit: Getty

    BETTING SPECIAL – GET 30/1 ON STERLING TO SCORE OR ASSIST vs POLAND
    ERLING HAALAND
    One player that is destined to depart the Bundesliga in 2022 is Borussia Dortmund marksman Erling Haaland.
    The 21-year-old is available for just £64million due to a clause in his contract, with European’s elite vying to secure his services.
    And SunSport understands that United will look to sign him next year as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer eyes up a reunion with the Norway international.
    Haaland’s professional debut came at Molde in 2017 as a 16-year-old under the tutelage of Solskjaer.
    Norway international Erling Haaland is expected to depart Borussia Dortmund in 2022Credit: AFP
    HARRY KANE
    The Tottenham striker decided to remain in North London this summer despite reportedly pushing for a move away.
    It has been claimed that the England skipper turned down a new Spurs deal last month, with the player to potentially leave next year.
    And United have been touted as a possible destination for the ex-Leyton Orient loanee.
    Tottenham star Harry Kane decided against a move away from North London in the summerCredit: Reuters
    KYLIAN MBAPPE
    The 2018 World Cup winner is free to speak to clubs in January with his Paris Saint-Germain contract to expire at the end of the season.
    Real Madrid are believed to be in pole position to prise him away from Parc des Princes.
    But a move to the Premier League cannot be ruled out, with United said to have put him on their shortlist ahead of a potential move next year.
    French forward Kylian Mbappe is in the last year of his Paris Saint-Germain contractCredit: Reuters

    DOMINIC CALVERT-LEWIN
    The Everton man, 24, was linked with a move to the Theatre of Dreams in July.
    And club legend Rio Ferdinand urged his former employers to bring the towering centre-forward to United in the summer.
    Speaking in April, he said: “The ex-defender said: “Listen Dominic Calvert-Lewin for me I love him.
    “I’ve watched a lot of Everton this year and he’s one that unnerves defenders. He’s not one you want to play against week in, week out. He’s aggressive, he attacks the ball. 
    “I think he’d be a fantastic signing for Manchester United. It’s one out of left field a little bit but I think he’d have a big impact.
    “He’d get on the end of the things created by Fernandes, [Paul] Pogba, Rashford, Greenwood.”
    Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin has three Premier League goals to his name this termCredit: Reuters
    Man United fans rush to snap up Ronaldo shirts at Old Trafford More

  • in

    Cristiano Ronaldo’s second Man Utd debut could be delayed until next week because of quarantine at his Cheshire mansion

    CRISTIANO RONALDO could have to wait until next Tuesday for his second full Manchester United debut.Ronaldo will only have one day’s training with his team-mates after having to isolate for five days in his Cheshire mansion due to Covid rules.
    Cristiano Ronaldo may have to wait until Tuesday for his second Manchester United debutCredit: Getty
    The star was hoping to play against Newcastle on SaturdayCredit: Getty
    That is unlikely to be enough for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to pick him from the start for Saturday’s home game against Newcastle having waited a fortnight to give Raphael Varane his first start following his arrival.
    Ronaldo will be on the bench and can expect a start in United’s low key Champions League away trip to Switzerland next Tuesday when they take on BSC Young Boys in Bern.
    Even without the Covid restrictions, the international break would have restricted Solskjaer to just Friday to integrate Ronaldo into the side.
    But fans will still be able to welcome him back to Old Trafford with the player expected to make a solo walk to the centre circle before kick-off after being announced to the crowd.
    It is the most eagerly anticipated signing of a player in the club’s history as the 36-year old returns to Old Trafford after 12 years away in Spain and Italy.
    Some tickets for the 3pm kick-off, which will not be shown live on TV, are now swapping hands for £2500.

    BETTING SPECIAL – GET £60 IN FREE BETS ON ANY WORLD CUP QUALIFIER WITH BETFAIR
    Ronaldo certainly won’t be short of form and fitness if he is called from the bench.
    He scored twice in the 89th minute and deep into injury time for Portugal to beat the Republic of Ireland 2-1 in Faro last Wednesday.
    The two goals made him the all-time top scorer in international football with 111 goals two more than the previous mark set by Ali Daei for Iran.
    ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford

    Manchester United fans queue in their droves to buy Cristiano Ronaldo No7 shirt More

  • in

    Cristiano Ronaldo has banned his mum from going to big matches after she FAINTED twice with nerves and broke teeth

    MANCHESTER UNITED striker Cristiano Ronaldo has explained the reason why he has BANNED mother Dolores from attending big matches.The 36-year-old is currently preparing for his second Red Devils debut when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side take on Newcastle at Old Trafford next week.
    Cristiano Ronaldo has declared his mum is banned from watching him play in big games due to her nervesCredit: Instagram @doloresaveiroofficial
    But the five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s mum is unlikely to be at the Theatre of Dreams with Ronaldo declaring it is for her own good.
    The former Real Madrid and Juventus forward has insisted that Dolores, 66, gets too nervous watching him in action.
    He has stated that his mum gets so anxious from the stands, that she has fainted TWICE from inside the stadium, with one of her falls breaking her teeth.
    Speaking to Daily Mail journalist Piers Morgan, Ronaldo said: “She’s not allowed now to watch big games.
    “I say, ‘Listen, I don’t have a father any more. I don’t want to lose my mum, too, so you’re not going to watch quarter finals, semi-finals, or finals.”
    He had previously told Morgan in an earlier interview: “She gets so nervous, I don’t understand why. She is not allowed now to watch big games.

    BETTING SPECIAL – GET 20/1 ON ENGLAND TO BEAT ANDORRA
    “I get friends to stay with her and she goes for walks around the house. She fainted two times in the stadium. She is nervous.”
    Ronaldo also discussed how his mother is the matriarch of their family as he declared he owes his successful career to her.
    He added: “My mum is the pillar of the family, and what I have today is because she always supported me.

    “She worked hard to give her best for her children and especially for me because I’m the youngest in the family.
    “She suffered to give me opportunity. I remember when I was 12 and I told her I wanted to go to Lisbon to play with Sporting Lisbon’s youth team.
    “She said to me, ‘Son, if it’s really what you want, I’m not going to cut your legs and stop you. You can go. It will be difficult for me to leave you but go. Follow your dreams.'”
    Man United fans rush to snap up Ronaldo shirts at Old Trafford More

  • in

    Man Utd fans form HUGE queue for Cristiano Ronaldo No7 shirt as sales continue to soar after sensational transfer return

    MANCHESTER UNITED fans queued in their droves this morning to get their hands on a Cristiano Ronaldo No7 shirt.The excitement is still at fever pitch after the 36 year old completed a sensational return to Old Trafford.
    Man Utd fans queued to buy the new Cristiano Ronaldo N07 shirt
    Sales continue to soar of Ronaldo’s No7 shirt
    Cristiano Ronaldo is back at Man Utd and back wearing the No7Credit: Manchester United FC
    Ronaldo is expected to make his debut against Newcastle on September 11 after the international break.
    And in the meantime United fans are determined to get kitted out to pay tribute to their returning hero.
    There was no sign of Sunday being a ‘rest day’ in the North West as hundred queued outside Old Trafford to pick up some new clobber.
    And records have already been broken before he has kicked a ball.
    In just four hours following the announcement that Ronaldo would wear the iconic shirt, United’s online store surpassed the highest day of sales ever on a single sports merchandise site outside of North America.
    The club’s online shop is run by Fanatics, who work with more than 300 clubs around the world and top sports leagues.
    BETTING SPECIAL – GET 20/1 ON ENGLAND TO BEAT ANDORRA

    The first hour of sales alone surpassed the best ever full day of global sales for United Direct, the official club merchandise site.
    Across the Fanatics network, Ronaldo became the biggest selling player ever in the 24 hours following a transfer to a new club.

    He overtook Lionel Messi joining PSG, Bryce Harper moving to Philadelphia Phillies in baseball, Tom Brady joining Tampa Bay Buccaneers in American football and LeBron James to LA Lakers in basketball.
    It comes as Ronny flew in by private jet for his Manchester United return — and set up home in a stunning multi- million pound mansion.
    The Portuguese superstar’s plane touched down at the city’s airport at 5.40pm on Thursday after travelling from Faro.
    ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford
    Ronaldo and his partner Georgina Rodriguez are back in ManchesterCredit: Instagram @cristiano
    Man United fans rush to snap up Ronaldo shirts at Old Trafford More

  • in

    Jesse Lingard ‘rejected permanent transfer to West Ham this summer to fight for Man Utd future’ after loan spell

    JESSE LINGARD reportedly REJECTED a permanent move to West Ham to stay and fight for his Manchester United future.The England man enjoyed a stunning loan spell with the Hammers last season that thrust him back into contention for Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2020 squad.
    Jesse Lingard reportedly turned down a permanent switch to West HamCredit: AFP
    Unfortunately after making the provisional squad, he failed to make the final cut.
    He did however feature off the bench for the 4-0 World Cup qualifying win against Hungary last week.
    Now, 90min.com is reporting that Lingard ‘made it clear to the club that he did not want to return to the London Stadium’.
    The 28-year-old apparently ‘communicated to joint chairman David Sullivan personally’ with his intentions.
    Lingard has even more competition in the attacking positions at Old Trafford following the arrival of returning hero Cristiano Ronaldo.
    The Warrington-born star has played just four minutes so far this season, coming off the bench in the 1-1 draw with Southampton.
    BETTING SPECIAL – GET £60 IN FREE BETS ON ANY WORLD CUP QUALIFIER WITH BETFAIR

    After West Ham were spurned in their pursuit of Lingard, they decided to shell out £25.7million for Nikola Vlasic.
     West Ham decided not to wait around for a late change of mind from Lingard in case they got caught out.
    As a result, they completed the deal for former Everton man Vlasic which could rise to £33m if add-ons are met.
    ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford
    Anthony Joshua trolls Jesse Lingard after beating Man United ace on Fifa with arch-rivals Liverpool More