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      Liverpool missed out on Cristiano Ronaldo a week before Man Utd transfer after ‘fee trebled’ overnight

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      LIVERPOOL failed to sign Cristiano Ronaldo only a week before he joined Manchester United after Sir Alex Ferguson gazumped his rivals, according to Phil Thompson.The then-Reds assistant boss has revealed that his team were one of many English clubs interested in the Portuguese winger.
      Ronaldo went on to become a mega star at Old TraffordCredit: PA:Press Association
      Ronaldo had already declared that a move to Anfield was “a dream” with agents Paul Stretford, Jorge Mendes and Tony Henry negotiating his exit from Sporting CP.
      In recalling the 2003 transfer to The Athletic, Thompson states that a £4million fee was required.
      He noted: “I asked what kind of salary he would want and they said it was £1 million per year after tax. That was a lot for an 18-year-old kid but they said that was negotiable.
      “It was a Sunday and I explained to them that I needed to go back to Liverpool and speak to Gerard Houllier and see what we could do. I fed all the information back to Gerard, who said he would speak to [chief executive] Rick Parry.
      “Lo and behold, the following week I’m at Melwood when the yellow ticker on Sky Sports News says: Manchester United sign Cristiano Ronaldo from Sporting for £12.2m.
      “I couldn’t believe my eyes.”
      As Thompson says, United had not paid the £4m fee earlier touted and he was left shocked at how the figure changed overnight.

      The former defender continued: “Tony told me that when he’d got off the plane on the Monday he had got a call to say he was off the deal. It was down to Stretford and Mendes instead.
      “It was astonishing that the fee trebled.
      “He was clearly a big talent but no one could have predicted back then how great he was going to be.”
      Ronaldo went on to win a treble of Premier League titles in Manchester with 118 goals in almost 300 appearances.
      Cristiano Ronaldo posts video celebrating reaching record 200m Instagram followers More

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      Andreas Pereira opens door to quitting Man Utd and willing to play for Anderlecht under City legend Vincent Kompany

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      ANDREAS PEREIRA has revealed he is willing to leave Manchester United in the summer to join Vincent Kompany’s Anderlecht side.The 25-year-old made 40 appearance for the Red Devils in the 2019/20 season, but he was shipped off to Lazio on loan last summer.
      Manchester United midfielder Andreas Pereira has declared he would be willing to leave on a permanent dealCredit: Getty
      Pereira has stated he would be open to playing under Vinceny Kompany at AnderlechtCredit: Rex
      Midfielder Pereira – who was capped by Brazil in 2018 – has scored once and provided four assists in 31 games in all competitions this term.
      And the ex-PSV academy star has declared he is open to permanently departing Old Trafford once he returns from his third loan spell away from United.
      Pereria has even insisted he would be happy to play under Manchester City legend Kompany at Lotto Park.
      Speaking to Eleven Sports, he said: “I will not close the door on any club. 
      “The main thing is that I want regular playing time.
      “So if Vincent Kompany was to phone me, or a club such as Club Brugge.
      “It would depend on what kind of project they put forward, and what they have in mind.
      “If it is something positive that fits with my own ideas, then why not?”
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      Pereira – who is valued at £21million by United – still has two years left on his contract at the Theatre of Dreams.
      It was claimed in March that both Napoli and Atalanta were eyeing up a summer swoop for the former Granada and Valencia loanee.
      His chances at United look set to be limited next term with the player behind Bruno Fernandes, Paul Pogba, Scott McTominay and Fred in the pecking order.
      Man Utd boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer congratulates ‘very worthy champions’ Man City More

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      Harry Maguire a major injury doubt for Euro 2020 and Man Utd’s Europa League final but Solskjaer ‘hopeful’ of return

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      HARRY MAGUIRE is now looking a major doubt for Manchester United’s Europa League final and the Euros due to his ankle ligament injury.The normally optimistic Red Devils boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is finally starting to admit defeat in his bid to get the captain ready for the showdown in Gdansk against Villarreal.
      Harry Maguire has suffered ankle ligament damage and is now a doubt for the EurosCredit: Eddie Keogh Telegraph Media Group
      And if he can’t make that then England boss Gareth Southgate may have to forget about him for the Euros too next month.
      Solskjaer said: “The good news is it wasn’t broken, there was no fracture, but a ligament injury is serious.
      “If I’m very positive that is maybe stretching it, I’m hopeful he might be ready for it.
      “I don’t think he’ll play in the league again but we’ll do everything we can to get him ready for the final.
      “You always try to look after players long-term, if he’s fit he’ll play for us, if he’s not, he won’t.
      “We’re hopeful he’s ready and if he’s ready for us he’ll be ready for the Euros.”
      Without his home country in the finals however, it is not a competition Solskjaer is that bothered about.
      He said: “Norway’s not in the Euros, I’m not really that concerned.”
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      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is not too confident Maguire will make the Europa League finalCredit: Getty

      How England’s path to Euros glory could look
      Maguire had played every Premier League minute since joining United in the summer of 2019 before limping off at Villa Park last Sunday.
      Anwar El Ghazi landed awkwardly on him and Maguire twisted his ankle limping off in the 78th minute.
      A scan showed ligament damage and he watched on from the stands on Tuesday night as United went down 2-1 to Leicester City with a protective boot around his left lower leg.
      Solskjaer made ten changes for that game due to a fixture pile-up but will be at full strength for the visit of Liverpool tomorrow.
      Maguire watched the second half of the Leicester defeat from the stands – with crutchesCredit: Reuters
      He wants to finish with a flourish in their final three games before heading to Gdansk for the Europa League final.
      He said: “There’ll be changes, of course, but many of the players that played did really well, so they’re in contention as well.
      “It’s about managing the squad now, building momentum and confidence, making sure we get enough points to get second and then going into the final confident.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Solskjaer confirms Harry Maguire is a major doubt for the Europa League final after injury More

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      Man Utd boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer congratulates ‘very worthy champions’ City as Leicester defeat hands rivals title

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      OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER has congratulated Manchester City for winning their third Premier League title in four years.The Citizens’ triumph was confirmed on Tuesday after Leicester beat Manchester United 2-1 – their first win at Old Trafford since 1998.
      Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has congratulated rivals City for winning the Premier LeagueCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      The result leaves the Red Devils trailing their rivals by ten points with just three games to go, with Solskjaer lauding his squad for pushing City this far.
      He then stressed that City have set the benchmark for his side as he set his sights on strengthening his team before mounting a serious title tilt next term.
      Solskjaer said: “First of all congratulations to Manchester City for winning the league, very worthy champions, we’ve got to hold our hands up.
      “That is where we want to be. We are not there yet, they have put the bar where it is and it’s up to us now to take the next step.
      “That’s a long process, we know what we want to do. Of course, this is not the position we want to be in.
      “But the sensible answer is that we pushed City to the last 10, 12 days of the season.
      “They have been lauded, and rightly so, as one of the best teams that have been in the Premier League, they have shown where the bar is.
      “We’ve got to be big enough to hold our hands up, I don’t mind doing that, but we know we want to get there and that is the next step we have to make.
      “Hopefully we can come together as a team and club and push next season.”
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      🗣”Very worthy champions, that’s where we want to be and they have put the bar where it is”Ole congratulates Manchester City and praises their hard work pic.twitter.com/pu1SyRkcSh— Football Daily (@footballdaily) May 11, 2021

      He then told BT Sport: “If you want to take up the challenge with them, of course, we need to strengthen our squad.”
      Following the defeat against the Foxes, United have been linked with a shock move for Ainsley Maitland-Niles.
      The versatile Arsenal man is currently on loan at West Brom, where he has been playing in his preferred central midfield role.
      However United, like the Gunners and fellow interested side Everton, view the England international as a right-back.

      Drone flies through the Etihad Stadium to reveal Premier League trophy on pitch after Man City crowned champs More

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      Man Utd player ratings: Van de Beek fluffs yet another opportunity, Mata looks lost and Rashford fails to do his job

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      AN unfamiliar Manchester United side fell to a 2-1 home loss to Leicester – with a whole host of players failing to take their chance.Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has hit out at his side’s fixture schedule that sees his United side play SIX games in just 17 days.
      Mason Greenwood scored and was assisted by fellow teenager Amad DialloCredit: Reuters
      So it was no surprise to see him juggle his pack, with Anthony Elanga making his debut and Amad Diallo given his Premier League bow.
      But what resulted was a defeat that saw bitter rivals Manchester City crowned Premier League champions.
      Here, SunSport checks out how United’s mix of old and young fared against the Foxes.
      David De Gea – 7
      World class save to deny Kelechi Iheanacho in the 58th minute.
      Despite Leicester’s second-half dominance, De Gea didn’t have much to do to prove to Solskjaer he should be No1.
      Brandon Williams – 5
      Poor first half from Williams who was given a full-back (then wing-back) role but didn’t take advantage.
      Seems like he could do with a loan in the summer to get a regular run of games.
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      Eric Bailly found Jamie Vardy a slippery customerCredit: Getty

      Eric Bailly – 5
      Despite not being first-choice Bailly signed a new contract recently – but was pulled all over the place by Jamie Vardy in the first 45.
      Wasn’t on the same wavelength as Axel Tuanzebe in the early stages, but did improve.
      Axel Tuanzebe – 6
      Mopped up quite nicely when any balls broke in and around the box, but was well out of position for the Leicester opener.
      But was definitely United’s best, and most confident, defender out there.
      Alex Telles – 5
      Took a hefty whack on the head in the opening minutes, and was fairly anonymous in the first half.
      Tried to motor forward when possible in the second half, but Leicester dominated possession nullifying his threat.
      Nemanja Matic – 6
      Miles off Tielemans when the Belgian strode forward to cross for Luke Thomas to emphatically volley Leicester ahead.
      The Serb was then pushed into a back three. Was actually better there.
      Things just didn’t happen out there for Donny van de BeekCredit: AFP
      Donny van de Beek – 5
      Quiet first half, but when he lost the ball he tried, and most of the time, succeeded in winning back.
      But when you’d have expected for him to push things on in the second half, he didn’t.
      Amad Diallo – 6
      Laid on Greenwood’s equaliser, and always looked eager to receive the ball and have a go at the Leicester defenders.
      Was replaced by Bruno Fernandes, but should take heart from his display.
      Juan Mata – 5
      Kept receiving the ball far too deep in the first 45, and was slow in getting it out of his feet.
      Could well be moving on this summer and looks lethargic at United.
      Juan Mata offered little for United all nightCredit: EPA
      Anthony Elanga – 5
      Alternated with Greenwood and Diallo in the front three positions.
      But found it tough going against Leicester’s backline, and the Swede who idolises Thierry Henry was taken off just past the hour mark.
      Mason Greenwood – 7
      The 19-year-old started the game leading the line, and he was on the scoresheet after just 15 minutes with a cool and confident finish to make it 1-1.
      Probably subbed off to save him for the upcoming games, but rarely he sees out the full 90 these days.
      Anthony Elanga was given his debut but found it tough going against Timothy CastagneCredit: Guardian News & Media / Free to use by all titles in perpetuity under NMC agreement
      Subs
      Marcus Rashford (replaced Elanga, 65) – 5
      Lost his man Soyuncu for the goal, whic wasn’t the greatest introduction to the game.
      Edinson Cavani (replaced Greenwood, 65) – 5
      Found it difficult to get involved in a disjoined United side in the second half.
      Bruno Fernandes (replaced Diallo, 78) – NA
      Had a chances late on, but should benefit from the rest.
      Not used: Victor Lindelof, Paul Pogba, Luke Shaw, Dean Henderson, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Scott McTominay. More

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      Anthony Elanga handed Man Utd debut against Leicester – with little-known teen not even having a Wikipedia page

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have handed 19-year-old Anthony Elanga his debut against Leicester.The Swedish winger – who doesn’t yet have a Wikipedia page – is just one of a number of surprises as boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer prepares for a hectic run of fixtures.
      Anthony Elanga has been named to START against LeicesterCredit: Getty
      🚨 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 🚨Ole makes 🔟 changes the side which beat Aston Villa — let’s go, Reds! 👊#MUFC #MUNLEI— Manchester United (@ManUtd) May 11, 2021

      Elanga was named in the squad for the Europa League game against Granada last month, but didn’t get any time on the pitch.
      He has impressed the coaching team with his performances for the Under-23s this season, where has 11 goals in 20 games.
      Solskjaer has been full of praise for the youngster’s development.
      Speaking ahead of the Leicester clash, Solskjaer said: “He’s a good boy. He’s had a couple of injuries that have probably delayed this debut.
      “He’s been doing really well in the U23s, and U18s before so he’s one I’m looking forward to seeing.
      “He’s got pace, he’s direct and he’s a goal threat.”
      The Norwegian gaffer has previously said: “I’ve got faith in the young lads, of course, and, in Anthony, we have a player with good skills, a great attitude and he scores goals from either the right or left, and he’s got good pace.
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      How the May calendar looks for both Manchester United and Liverpool as it stands

      “He’s got that X-factor and I like players with speed and acceleration and he’s definitely got that.
      “He’s impressed when he’s been in training with us. He was very unlucky two or three months ago, when he got a bad injury and he worked really hard to come back because he was just due to move into the first-team squad back then.”
      Solskjaer has hit out at his side’s fixture schedule and said dates are decided by ‘people who have never played football’.
      It means Solskjaer’s side are facing the prospect of playing six games in just 17 days.
      Elanga has been training with the first team for a while nowCredit: Getty
      After beating Aston Villa 3-1 at the weekend, next up is Leicester.
      As well as Elanga making his club debut, Amad Diallo will make his Premier League bow.
      Speaking to BT Sport about the fixture pile-up, with four games in a WEEK, Solskjaer said: “It’s unheard of. It’s made by people who have never played football at this level.
      “It’s physically impossible for the players. We have not been dealt a good hand.
      “We are going to need everyone for these four games. It’s a short turnaround but we have to be ready.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Solskjaer lists Man Utd kid Anthony Elanga’s four attributes that give him the ‘X Factor’ More

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      Van Basten warns Van de Beek being a ‘big boy’ at Ajax is not same as cutting it at Man Utd after flop transfer

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      MARCO VAN BASTEN has warned Donny van de Beek being a ‘big boy’ at Ajax is not the same as cutting the mustard at Manchester United.The Dutch midfielder, 24, joined the Old Trafford ranks in a £40million move from Ajax last summer.
      Donny van de Beek was wrong to assume he would make it at Man Utd, blasts Van BastenCredit: Getty
      Van Basten believes Van de Beek assumed he would be a hit after making his £40m move to United from Ajax last yearCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Van de Beek signed a five-year deal at United in the process – but has made just TWO Premier League starts out of a possible 34.
      And now Holland legend Van Basten has hit out at Van de Beek for assuming he can make it abroad just because he was a superstar in Amsterdam.
      Three-time Ballon d’Or winner Van Basten told ZiggoSport: “It just shows what a great life [players] have when they play at Ajax.
      “They all think very quickly that they are a big boy here and can make it in other countries.
      “But in the Netherlands, there is a nice competition.
      “In a team like Ajax you are really helped, especially in the No10 position.
      “Then you often see that they go abroad and it is a different story.”
      Van Basten did go on to say Van de Beek can carve out a career for himself at Man Utd – but must look out for himself.
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      The Dutch legend continued: “You have to be able to take care of yourself.
      “If you go to a club in another country, you have to be able to present yourself in that team in a way that the others will think: ‘He is one of us and with him we are going to win.'”
      Man Utd legend Rio Ferdinand recently lashed out at Man Utd for splashing out on Van de Beek if they never planned to play him – particularly with the move coming just months after signing Bruno Fernandes.
      Ferdinand roared: “I think he would add value to this team, definitely.
      “But he’s got to play in the position where Bruno Fernandes is playing and he’s not going to do that.
      “Can he do it from No8 position or No6 when he’s holding? I think he can. He’s intelligent enough. 
      “Ajax players are brought up to be intelligent footballers, they are able to play multiple positions, he can do that.
      “It’s just obviously United want a stiffer central midfield area behind Bruno. 
      “I get that, given that’s got to be protecting the centre backs and that’s not going to be one of Van de Beek’s strengths.
      “But then it begs the question: why buy him then?”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Rio Ferdinand questions why Man Utd made £40m Donny van de Beek transfer and feels sorry for ‘intelligent’ midfielder More

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      Man Utd ‘on verge’ of Tom Heaton transfer with Aston Villa keeper returning to club for free to replace Sergio Romero

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are on the verge of signing Aston Villa goalkeeper Tom Heaten to replace Sergio Romero, according to reports.Argentinian stopper Romero, 34, has long been looking to force a move away from Old Trafford – with both himself and his wife lashing out at the Red Devils last year following a failed move to Everton.
      Man Utd want to sign Tom Heaton on a free transfer with his contract expiring next monthCredit: Reuters
      United want a reliable, experienced third-choice goalkeeper to replace Sergio RomeroCredit: Getty
      But Romero will finally leave Man Utd after six years at the club when his contract expires this summer.
      Despite having David De Gea and Dean Henderson at the club United are keen to replace Romero with an experienced third-choice stopper to act as a role model to the younger players.
      And they are set to look to their past to fill the void – with ex-youth academy product Heaton linked, according to the Telegraph.
      Heaton, 35, is in the frame to join after losing his place at Aston Villa to Emi Martinez, who joined from Arsenal a year ago.
      Last month, SunSport exclusively revealed United were in for Heaton – as well as another former Red Devils ace, Sam Johnstone.
      The West Brom goalkeeper, 28, will be looking for a move back to the Premier League following the Baggies’ relegation – which was confirmed at the weekend.
      While England hopeful Johnstone is Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s first choice of signing, it’s unlikely he’s settle for the role of No 3 keeper.
      Heaton is out of contract this summer and is already able to negotiate pre-contract terms with clubs.
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      Heaton spent eight years on the books of the Man Utd squad after working his way through the youth ranks between 2002 and 2010Credit: Getty – Contributor

      The three-cap England goalkeeper recovered from a serious knee injury to serve as Martinez’s No2 at Villa Park this term.
      However, ex-Burnley man Heaton is yet to play a single minute in 2020-21 and is destined to leave the Midlands side after just two seasons.
      Heaton spent eight years at United between 2002 and 2010, but failed to play a single game – loaned out six times before being sold to Cardiff.
      Meanwhile, Romero could link up with former United boss Jose Mourinho this summer.
      Mourinho was unveiled as new Roma boss last week and could look to Romero to provide competition for first-choice Pau Lopez.
      Romero helped United win three trophies under the Special One – including the Europa League-League Cup double in 2016-17.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Solskjaer blasts ‘don’t blame me for making changes’ amid Man Utd fixture chaos More