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      Man Utd ‘facing Cristiano Ronaldo shirt shortage’ after supply chain problems for Adidas kit due to Covid-19

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      IT IS the shirt every Manchester United fan wants – but the club are facing a nightmare shortage of replica Cristiano Ronaldo replica kits.The legendary Portuguese forward completed his remarkable return to Old Trafford on Tuesday’s transfer deadline day from Juventus.
      Man Utd are facing a nightmare shortage of replica Cristiano Ronaldo kitsCredit: AP
      Most fans of the Red Devils will be clamouring to get a shirt donning his name and numberCredit: Getty
      Supporters are already counting down the seconds until they see the 36-year-old in action for the Red Devils again with the icon’s second coming due to be against Newcastle on Saturday week.
      However, not many of those lucky enough to be in the Theatre of Dreams are likely to sporting United’s shirt donned with the name and number of their messiah.
      The Independent claims the shortage is ‘due to Covid-influenced delays in Adidas’ supply line coinciding with the rush’ after the signing of Ronaldo.
      They had already experienced a significant slowdown in production due to the closure of factories in Vietnam – which could cause a potentially four-month delay. 
      The Asian nation normally contributes 28 per cent of Adidas’ total production.
      The sports manufacturer had made a contingency but today’s report claims that Ronaldo’s comeback to United has changed the situation with a drop-off now expected.

      A spokesman for Adidas told The Independent: “We are working in collaboration with MUFC to try and meet exceptionally high fan demand for our new designs but expect low availability of certain products.”
      Adidas are set to be in the money once they do meet demand, with United’s shirt deal reportedly meaning they will receive just £5 from each of Ronaldo’s shirt sales following his return to the club.
      Man Utd signed a 10-year contract with adidas worth £750m back in 2014, the biggest kit deal ever seen in world football.
      And while the finer details of the deal are undisclosed, it has been reported that it is ‘very unlikely’ Man Utd will see any more than 10 per cent of a shirt sale.
      On the other hand, the German sportswear giant could make their £750m investment back on shirt sales alone.
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford

      Cristiano Ronaldo say’s he’s so happy to be home in first interview since dream return to Man Utd More

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      How Ed Woodward convinced Man Utd’s Glazer owners to re-sign Cristiano Ronaldo in whirlwind 48-hour transfer scramble

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      ED WOODWARD played a crucial role in ensuring the most incredible return in football history happened.Sir Alex Ferguson is understandably hailed for his role in getting Cristiano Ronaldo back with his late phone call to the star.
      Cristiano Ronaldo is back at Manchester United after leaving JuventusCredit: Getty
      Ed Woodward played a crucial role in bringing Ronaldo back to Old TraffordCredit: PA
      But it would not have got near that point without executive vice-chairman Woodward convincing the club’s owners and sponsors in a whirlwind 48 hours that it all made sense.
      Forget the transfer fee for Ronaldo that comes to £12.85million.
      It was the commitment to a wage of £75m if he completes the full three years of his contract for a player who would be 39 at the end of it.
      To a bean-counter, that just did not make sense.
      But while sponsors and the owning Glazer family may look at the bottom line it was Woodward who convinced them how it would work on and off the pitch.
      United fans often ridicule the club for the endless signing up of sponsors – they have 24 – and when executives point to social media figures.
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      In this modern game it all matters.
      While the sponsors might be tied in to current contracts, they are always considering whether to renew.
      Woodward convinced them this Ronaldo deal would really work for them.
      The interest it generated backed that up.
      In the 24 hours after it was revealed, the announcement of Ronaldo’s return on social media was the most liked by a sports team ever with 12.9million likes.
      The announcement on Twitter alone was likewise with 862,000 retweets and two million likes.
      They earned more than 3.7m new followers across the club’s social channels.
      Woodward had always made it clear to Ronaldo’s agent Jorge Mendes that if Ronaldo ever wanted to leave Juventus that they would be interestedNeil CustisSunSport Football Writer
      It was the most talked about transfer ever on Twitter with 2.9m mentions in the first 24 hours, beating Lionel Messi’s move to PSG by 700,000.
      Again all these figures will mean nothing to fans unless the team has more points than Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea at the end of the season.
      But they matter to the people whose sponsorship puts major money into the club, that gets spent on the players, that makes a title winning team and that’s why they are important.
      It is the nous of Ed Woodward and his close friend and group managing director Richard Arnold that has ensured the debt payments which resulted from the Glazer takeover has not hindered their spending power in the transfer market.
      This summer has been one of their most remarkable ever despite the club losing £150m due to the Covid pandemic.
      Jadon Sancho arrived from Borussia Dortmund for £73m and Raphael Varane from Real Madrid for £42.7m and now Ronaldo.
      The restructuring behind the scenes with football director John Murtough now working closely with director of football negotiations Matt Judge in recruitment has also helped create a slicker recruitment model.
      Of course manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has the final say and he is understandably delighted with the work done, not least in getting Ronaldo.
      Woodward had always made it clear to Ronaldo’s agent Jorge Mendes that if Ronaldo ever wanted to leave Juventus that they would be interested.
      Man Utd’s biggest transfers ever, both in and out, including Ronaldo
      It was just the indications were it wasn’t going to happen, that was until the middle of last week when Manchester City’s failure to land Harry Kane triggered their interest in Ronaldo.
      Woodward got straight on the phone and turned things around with Mendes, the club’s owners and sponsors in two days.
      It was then left to Sir Alex to lift the Bat Phone and get the club’s superhero back.
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford
      Cristiano Ronaldo say’s he’s so happy to be home in first interview since dream return to Man Utd More

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      Cristiano Ronaldo planning face-to-face talks with Solskjaer as he vows Man Utd boss ‘can count on me for anything’

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO has revealed he is planning to have face-to-face talks with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer about his role at Manchester United.The 36-year-old has sealed an emotional return to the Theatre of Dreams after penning a two-year deal from Serie A giants Juventus.
      Cristiano Ronaldo is back at Manchester United after departing the club in 2009Credit: Getty
      Red Devils legend Ronaldo was team-mates with boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for four yearsCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Ronaldo has won four Champions League titles since departing Old Trafford for Real Madrid 12 years ago, but he has insisted he is as hungry as ever to win trophies.
      And with Solskjaer yet to win silverware as the Red Devils boss, Ronaldo has vowed that his former team-mate can count on him to deliver.
      Speaking to United’s website about whether he has spoken to the Norwegian gaffer, he said: “Well, we had a chat.
      “But of course I’m going to have time to speak with him face to face, to know what he expects.
      “As you know, I played with him for two or three years at Manchester United so I have a good relationship with him but now with a different role, I’m a player and he’s a coach.
      “But it doesn’t matter, my relationship with him is great and as I say before, I’m there in Manchester to help the team achieve his results and the coach can count on me for whatever he wants. So I’m available for everything.”

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      Commenting on his switch from Italy back to England, Ronaldo remarked: “I think it’s the best decision that I have made it. It’s right on point in my opinion.
      “I moved from Juve now to Manchester, it’s a new chapter, I’m so happy and glad, and I want to carry on again, to make history, to try to help Manchester achieve great results, to win trophies and number one of them, to win great things.”
      The five-time Ballon d’Or winner also revealed the role former manager Sir Alex Ferguson played in bringing him back to United.
      Ronaldo dedicated his move to United to the legendary Scotsman after his transfer was announced.
      Asked about the part Fergie played in the transfer, he stated: “As everybody knows, since I signed for Manchester [United] at 18, Sir Alex Ferguson was the key.

      “I remember when we played against Manchester when I was at Sporting Lisbon. For me, Sir Alex Ferguson is like a father in football for me.
      “He helped me a lot, he taught me many things, and in my opinion of course he had a big role because the relationship that we had, we keep in touch all the time, and he’s an unbelievable person.
      “I really like him a lot and he was the main key for me to be in the position that I am, that I signed for Manchester United.”
      Cristiano Ronaldo poses in new Man Utd kit for first time since stunning transfer but squad number still not revealed More

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      How yacht-loving Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodriguez can keep glam lifestyle in UK after Man Utd transfer

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO has packed in his Italian Job and returned to Manchester to complete a fairytale transfer.But his life off the pitch will be very different from when he first signed for the Red Devils as a fresh-faced 18 year old in 2003 – and to how it has been for the last 11 years.
      Cristiano Ronaldo is BACK at Manchester United – but life off the pitch will be different to when he was last here in 2003Credit: Getty
      The power couple will be hoping to continue living the high-life in ManchesterCredit: Instagram / @georginagio
      Ronaldo is leaving a cushty life in Italy for a return to ManchesterCredit: Instagram
      Ronaldo was heralded as a major talent when United bought him from Sporting 18 years agoCredit: Eamon and James Clarke
      Ronaldo was heralded by then United boss Sir Alex Ferguson as one of the greatest talents in the game.
      And the great man was spot on as the Portuguese ace has cemented himself as one of the best ever.
      The 36-year-old will rock up the British shores with stunning partner Georgina Rodriguez and his four children.
      Here, SunSport checks out what life could be like for the five-time Ballon d’Or winner back in the Premier League as he once again swaps the sun-soaked Med for Manchester.
      A TASTE OF ITALY
      There will be plenty of Italian restaurant options available for Ronaldo if he starts to miss the food.
      Ronaldo once waited 40 minutes for a table in Turin and was described by chef Davide Fiore as a ‘decent boy’ for not kicking up a fuss.
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      But there’s no chance he will be left waiting if he decides to eat at old pal Rio Ferdinand’s restaurant Rosso.
      The upmarket Italian eatery is at the top of Manchester’s prestigious King Street, and it shouldn’t put too much of a dent in £500,000-a-week Ronaldo’s wallet.
      The cheapest pizza on the menu is £15, but Ronny might fancy ‘splashing out’ on the £80 chateubriand.
      Cristiano will be expecting decent service if he dines at pal Rio Ferdinand’s restaurant Rosso
      Rosso will have to put on some private dining with style for family Ronaldo
      Rosso is an authentic Italian restaurant in the heart of Manchester
      SAIL AWAY
      Ronaldo spends a lot of time on board his £5.5m superyacht floating in the idyllic Italian waters.
      But now he can sample a river cruise on the Manchester Ship Canal with a private hire boat for just £230 an hour.
      And these can come fully serviced with staff to cater for the multi-millionaires and even a DJ for entertainment.
      But for the ultimate luxury barge experience, Ronaldo could hire Prestige Worldwide’s six-berth beauty.
      The Vatten Hus has two king-sized bedrooms and rich furnishings throughout.
      And it’s on Airbnb for only £250 a night. Surely no better way to view the delights of the north west.
      Cristiano and Georgina enjoy life on the high seasCredit: Instagram / @georginagio
      The footballer might have some trouble finding some parking for his £5.5m superyacht in ManchesterCredit: Instagram
      Ronaldo and Georgina could swap superyacht for ‘super barge’Credit: EliotPress/MEGA
      There is a luxury barge that Ronny could hire out on the canal
      The Vatten Hus has two king-sized bedrooms
      There is luxury to be found on the canals of Manchester
      Some of the canal boats can cater for a DJ and staff tooCredit: Getty – Contributor
      HOME COMFORTS
      Ronaldo will be swapping his secluded Turin mansion for a huge home in the UK.
      And he could well plump for the footballer-packed village of Alderley Edge.
      His old Manchester United team-mates Ferdinand, Michael Carrick, David Beckham and Dwight Yorke have all lived in the leafy location.
      And Ronaldo will know his way around – he used to live in a £3.5m home in the area when he was first at United.
      The 36 year old might be a bit gutted at leaving this stunning Turin mansion behindCredit: Furbatto.it
      Cristiano Ronaldo’s Turin home might be missed by the star
      Ronaldo will be looking for some peace and quiet in his next property
      The family will be getting ready for some very different views in the UK
      Ronaldo’s new pad is bound to have a gym inside just like his Turin mansion had
      That had five large bedrooms, an indoor swimming pool, steam room, jacuzzi, gym and cinema room.
      But that might not be big enough any more.
      The good news for the former Juventus star is there is currently a stunning £6.5m mansion up for sale on Rightmove with 9,500 sq ft to play with.
      If that gets snapped up, there are three more properties all with six bedrooms ranging from £2.5m to £3.2m.
      Ronaldo used to live in this £3.5m property in Alderley Edge in his first stint at UnitedCredit: refer to caption
      The mansion of course has an obligatory swimming poolCredit: refer to caption
      Ronaldo might be looking for a bit more room this time around with his familyCredit: refer to caption
      SHOP TILL YOU DROP
      Manchester has everything in terms of shopping – but there’s no chance of Ronaldo getting a hassle-free trip out.
      Turin shopping could be replaced by a trip to Harvey Nichols. And he’ll even be able to hire out the restaurant there if he likes.
      The Manchester Arndale is a focal point of shopping in the city with almost 200 stores over three floors.
      And The Trafford Centre is another bustling hive of activity. But Ronaldo would have to be in pretty decent disguise to get away with splashing the cash at these venues.
      Will Cristiano Ronaldo fancy a shopping trip to the Manchester Arndale Centre?Credit: Alamy
      Ronaldo would struggle to enjoy a hassle-free shop at the ArndaleCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Will Manchester be able to offer Georgina her fashion choices?Credit: The Mega Agency
      Turin will seem a world away from Manchester for the happy coupleCredit: Getty – Contributor
      HEIGHT OF FASHION
      Ronaldo’s stunning other half Georgina is a big fan of Milan’s fashion shows.
      But London has its own eclectic mix of catwalk extravaganzas too.
      The Argentine will be hoping the UK capital can provide her with some ideas for her fashion range OM by G.
      And a hassle-free trip down to London from Manchester Piccadilly on the train, first class of course, is only £163.10 off-peak.
      The stunning brunette has her own clothing range, OM by GCredit: Instagram @georginagio
      Georgina is well into her fashion, and even has her own clothing lineCredit: The Mega Agency
      The stunning Argentine could well pop along to London Fashion WeekCredit: AFP or licensors
      Georgina could get a train, first class of course, from Manchester to London for Fashion WeekCredit: Getty
      CHILD’S PLAY
      Last time he was in Manchester as an 18 year old hobbies off the pitch will have been very different to today.
      Despite the strict stewardship of Fergie at the United helm, it’s likely Ronaldo enjoyed the party scene when allowed.
      But now with four kids in tow, he might be more interested in spending time at the Sea Life Centre or Legoland.
      Ronaldo can take Georgina, Cristiano Jr, Mateo, Eva Maria and Alana Martina to both attractions for a grand total of £163.70.
      The Portugal superstar could well keep a lower profile now then his first stint in ManchesterCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
      Ronaldo’s kids might enjoy a day out at LegolandCredit: Alamy
      Cristiano Jr could fancy a spin on Legoland’s carsCredit: Legoland
      Ronaldo can double-up with a ticket to see both attractionsCredit: Simon Jones – The Sun
      REST AND RELAXATION
      If Ronny wants some down time he could sign up for The Mere Golf Club in Cheshire.
      And while he is out hitting balls Georgina could relax in the spa.
      There is always the option of the 179-cap Portugal international recuperating in his own HOTEL of course.
      He is opening his first Manchester hotel in 18 months and sources say he is keen to ‘quickly widen’ his portfolio of properties.
      Cristiano and Georgina could spend some time at the Mere Golf Club and resortCredit: Handout

      Earlier this year, planning chiefs in Manchester gave the nod for Ronaldo to open a new luxury hotel with a rooftop bar overlooking the city’s Piccadilly Gardens district.
      The Portuguese hotel group Pestana are building the 150-bedroom ‘high-end lifestyle’ hotel on the corner of Piccadilly and Newton Street.
      The building will become the seventh Pestana branded hotel in the world and they all carry Ronaldo’s iconic ‘CR7’ initials – alluding to the shirt number he has worn throughout his footballing career.
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford
      Georgina Rodríguez showcasing her incredible body on holiday during swim More

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      Gary Neville runs rule on Cristiano Ronaldo’s Man Utd transfer, from where he’ll play to whether he should be captain

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      GARY NEVILLE has waxed lyrical over Cristiano Ronaldo after the forward sealed an emotional return back to Manchester United.After swapping Old Trafford for Real Madrid 12 years ago, the 36-year-old has completed a switch back to the Red Devils on an initial two-year deal.
      Cristiano Ronaldo has returned to Manchester United 12 years after leaving for Real MadridCredit: Getty
      Gary Neville has commented on Ronaldo’s move back to Old Trafford from JuventusCredit: Sky Sports
      The five-time Ballon d’Or winner dedicated his transfer to former mentor Sir Alex Ferguson.
      Ronaldo is now set to make his second United debut against Newcastle after the international break, with the marksman 18/1 to score a hat-trick.
      And former team-mate Neville believes that the centre-forward could feature on the wing to accommodate Edinson Cavani up top.
      Speaking on Sky Sports, he said: “I don’t think he will have to adapt too much.
      “Manchester United have got fantastic forward players, they’ve got good creative players in [Paul] Pogba and [Bruno] Fernandes and [Donny] Van de Beek.
      “So with [Jadon] Sancho out wide, [Marcus] Rashford, [Anthony] Martial and [Mason] Greenwood, they should create plenty of chances for him.

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      “Obviously the question would be – I love Cavani – so it will be a question as to whether they play either or, or whether they can both play together somehow.
      “Including myself, everyone is thinking that Cristiano is going to play No9, but could he play just to the left of Cavani?
      “And then Greenwood or Sancho to the right, which I just think would be a guarantee of goals.”
      Neville also weighed in on whether Portugal captain Ronaldo could take the armband off skipper Harry Maguire at the Theatre of Dreams.
      He remarked: “I’d be very surprised if Harry Maguire get’s the captaincy taken off him. I think Harry Maguire is going to be there for the long term, Cristiano is coming in for two years.
      “So I don’t think that’s going to happen, I’d be very surprised if that was the case. I think Cristiano Ronaldo’s desire and leadership skills don’t have to be brought forward by having the armband.
      “I mean it’s obviously something I think he likes, that personal accolade, I think he likes the idea of being the leader of the dressing room.

      “But I think he also recognises the team I think, and taking the captaincy off of someone, I don’t feel would be the right move.”
      After Ronaldo declared that his return to United was for Sir Alex Ferguson, Neville was asked whether he believed the legendary Scotsman had a part to play in the transfer.
      To which he stated: “I think it would have been a big role. I think ultimately Cristiano is his own man and will make his own decision.
      “But I think the fact that the relationship the first time round where – you know a lot of people in the early years at Man Utd including myself in the first two or three years – he was so frustrating.

      “His decision making, his rawness in the way in which at times he would do things for himself and he wouldn’t choose the right option.
      “He did frustrate his team-mates at times, but Sir Alex believed in him more than anybody in that initial period and he continued to believe in him over other players.
      “And then obviously when Cristiano Ronaldo had personal issues or he had moments where he felt a little bit down at points in his life, Sir Alex Ferguson looked after Cristiano, and I think Cristiano obviously always remembers that.”
      Cristiano Ronaldo poses in new Man Utd kit for first time since stunning transfer but squad number still not revealed More

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      Man Utd ‘block Diogo Dalot’s transfer to Dortmund after Atletico Madrid reject their £18m Kieran Trippier bid’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED reportedly had an £18million offer rejected by Atletico Madrid for Kieran Trippier which blocked Diogo Dalot’s switch to Borussia Dortmund.Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had been keen to bring in a new right-back to compete with Aaron Wan-Bissaka for a starting spot.
      Manchester United reportedly failed to bring Kieran Trippier to Old TraffordCredit: Rex
      Diogo Dalot was a target for Borussia Dortmund, but the Red Devils blocked his switchCredit: Getty
      Former Tottenham defender Trippier was understood to be the Red Devils’ first choice, with the player keen to make the switch to Old Trafford.
      Meanwhile Portuguese full-back Dalot was in talks with Bundesliga giants BVB over an initial loan switch.
      However United would have only allowed Dalot to depart if they managed to sign a replacement for him, with the club letting Brandon Williams join Norwich.
      And according to Sport1 reporter Patrick Berger, United failed in a late move to bring Trippier back to England after two years in Spain.
      He tweeted on deadline day: “Diogo Dalot will NOT join Borussia Dortmund as Manchester United can’t find a right-back replacement.
      “Understand Atletico Madrid turned down a €21m [£18m] bid from Man Utd for Kieran Trippier.

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      “The Englishman will now definitely stay in Spain. No move in this transfer window!”
      Trippier has featured in all of Atletico’s three LaLiga games this term – coming on as a substitute in the first two games before starting against Villarreal.
      Meanwhile Dalot has appeared just once for United in their opening three Premier League matches with Wan-Bissaka starting every fixture.

      He came on as a 93rd minute substitute in the 1-0 win against Wolves on Sunday – his first outing in the top-flight since February 2020.
      Dalot has been limited to substitute cameos in each of his last Premier League games, with his appearances totalling just seven minutes.
      Since his £19m switch from Porto in 2018, the ex-AC Milan loanee has been limited to just 36 matches, scoring once.
      Cristiano Ronaldo poses in new Man Utd kit for first time since stunning transfer but squad number still not revealed More

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      Man Utd striker Anthony Martial rejects deadline day transfer to Lyon to stay at Old Trafford until at least January

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      ANTHONY MARTIAL reportedly rejected a deadline day move back to Lyon to fight for his place at Manchester United.The 25-year-old forward had been tipped to leave Old Trafford following the arrivals of Jadon Sancho and Cristiano Ronaldo.
      Manchester United forward Anthony Martial turned down a move back to Lyon on deadline dayCredit: Getty
      And following an underwhelming performance against Southampton last month, his future at Old Trafford looked uncertain.
      But despite his poor form, the France international is determined to fight for his place at United having passed up the opportunity to leave.
      According to L’Equipe, Martial was contacted by Ligue 1 side Lyon on Tuesday over a loan switch back to the Groupama Stadium.
      Martial came through the youth ranks at Lyon, where he went on to make four first-team appearances before joining Monaco in 2013.
      However it’s claimed the player rebuffed their approach, instead choosing to remain at the Theatre of Dreams until at least the winter transfer window.
      Supporters have been losing patience with the 2015 Golden Boy winner, who scored just four times in the Premier League last term from 22 matches.

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      And with Martial without a goal return from his three matches this campaign, he knows he will have to take his chances soon if he wishes to remain in contention to play.
      United icon Dimitar Berbatov has expressed his concern that there could be no place in the side for Martial due to Marcus Rashford, Mason Greenwood, Edinson Cavani and Ronaldo being preferred instead.
      He told Betfair: “I think Greenwood is in a good position right now, he’s the future of the team for sure and he’s someone who could definitely be given more playing time because for me he’s a natural finisher.

      “He can only get better as long as he plays and I don’t think his place is in question.
      “I actually think Martial is going to have a big question mark over his head and I’m probably more concerned about that.
      “Rashford is someone who also is born and bred in Manchester and I think he’ll be fine and Cavani also has his place and that’s why I’m curious to see how he’s going to rotate everyone.”

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      Cristiano Ronaldo poses in new Man Utd kit for first time since stunning transfer but squad number still not revealed More

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      Cristiano Ronaldo vs Bruno Fernandes: Man Utd’s dilemma over new penalty and free-kick takers with CR7 miles WORSE

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      OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER has a huge dilemma to sort out: Who will take Manchester United’s penalties and free-kicks this season?Bruno Fernandes has been the main man from 12 yards since arriving at Old Trafford.
      Bruno Fernandes bosses the stats against Cristiano Ronaldo for penalties and free-kicks
      Ronaldo is the main man for Portugal and will be desperate to add to his goals tally from 12 yardsCredit: AP
      But after completing the £19.7million purchase to bring Cristiano Ronaldo back to the club, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner will want to be top dog.
      United won no fewer than 11 Premier League penalties last season – only Leicester had more on 12 – and converted ten of them.
      In 2019-20, they scored ten of their record 14 and, in 2018-19, nine of 12 – the most pens won by the 20 teams in both campaigns.
      However, if Solskjaer wants the best chance of scoring from the spot this term, he will choose Fernandes.
      In stats since 2017, Fernandes has taken 26 and scored 25 of them at a success rate of 96.15 per cent with his hop-skip-jump technique.
      That includes 21 from 22 in normal time for United – 49 per cent of his 43 goals for the club – and scoring a staggering 13 last term.

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      His one blot on the copybook came when Newcastle goalkeeper Karl Darlow saved his effort last October.
      He actually missed against Paris Saint-Germain three days later and against West Brom but they had to be retaken – and he made no mistake at the second time of asking.
      And Fernandes’ record far exceeds that of his compatriot Ronaldo.
      The 36-year-old returning legend is far from flawless when it comes to penalties, managing to put away 26 of his 31 over the same time period, or just 83.87 per cent.
      However, the Portugal captain makes sure he takes them when playing for his country – Bruno does not get a look in.
      At Euro 2020, Ronaldo scored all three of his spot-kicks – one against Hungary and both to secure a 2-2 draw with France.
      Of his 118 goals for the Red Devils between 2003 and 2009, CR7 bagged 17 times from the spot.

      It is a similar tale comparing the pair regarding free-kicks, too.
      Fernandes boasts five goals from 58 attempts (8.62 per cent) since 2017 but Ronaldo is on just ONE from 67 (1.49 per cent).
      That solo strike, against Torino in July 2020, was his first direct free-kick scored in 43 efforts for Juventus.
      Across his career, though, Ronnie does have 56 to his name – including that famous belter against Portsmouth in 2008 – for club and country.
      However, he was overtaken by great rival Lionel Messi in that department over the summer when the now-PSG superstar netted for Argentina at the Copa America.
      Despite the significantly inferior record, though, ex-United defender Rio Ferdinand believes Ronaldo is the new penalty taker at Old Trafford.
      He told his FIVE YouTube channel: “I think Bruno gives up penalties but doesn’t relinquish free-kicks and corners.
      “The free-kicks around the box, he’s going to be on them I think. I think his record demands that he should do that.
      “Ronaldo takes the penalties, 100 per cent.

      “They agree to give him the penalties but I think free-kicks around the box, Bruno’s just wiping the ball down and putting it down.
      “I think Bruno sees the bigger picture, that this guy can get us over the line to win us trophies.
      “If that means my percentage of goal involvements goes down but he gets his hands on a big trophy, he’d take that all day long.”
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford
      Fernandes scored 13 from the spot for United last season – but missed one against NewcastleCredit: AP
      Rio Ferdinand reckons Fernandes will keep free-kicks but give up penalties to his Portugal conpatriotCredit: Getty
      Man Utd confirm that Ronaldo has returned to the club More