Man Utd email

CRISTIANO RONALDO is being heavily linked with a move back to Manchester United – but where would he fit in?
Juventus are said to be keen to offload the former Real Madrid star, 35, next summer.

⚠️ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

Cristiano Ronaldo could be on his way back to Man Utd – but where would he slot in?Credit: Reuters
The Serie A giants want to cash-in before his contract expires in 2022 – and also want his £540,000-a-week wages off their books.
Mega-rich Paris Saint-Germain have been linked with a move, but now Ronaldo’s former club Man Utd have come knocking, say reports.
With that in mind, we take a look at FIVE ways United could line up with Ronaldo in the XI…

4-3-3

How Man Utd could line-up next season with Ronaldo
THIS may well be the formation which fits Ronaldo best.
In this line-up, Man Utd should play the Portuguese ace as a lone, central striker.
With Bruno Fernandes and Donny van de Beek providing helping in attack, Ronaldo is free to drop deeper to collect the ball and make a play.
And with Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood able to cut in from the flanks and help out, Ronaldo will essentially be afforded a free role.

But, starting off centrally plays to Ronaldo’s strengths.
Ronaldo is quick, strong and lethal in the air – as well as having an unstoppable shot.
You want to get a player like Ronaldo as many touches in and around the box as possible.
Playing him centrally allows him to do just that.
4-2-3-1

How Man Utd could line up with Ronaldo in Solskjaer’s favoured 4-2-3-1
THE 4-2-3-1 appears to be Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s favourite formation at the moment – mostly as it panders to star man Fernandes.
Playing in the No10 role is exactly what Fernandes wants – even if it does mean Solskjaer having to bench Paul Pogba and Van de Beek to throw in an extra defensive-minded player.
But the 4-2-3-1 could work nicely with Ronaldo in the team.
As with the 4-3-3, playing centrally would be to both the team and Ronaldo’s advantage, playing to all his strengths.
But Ronaldo would be able to more-seamlessly switch places with Portugal team-mate – and fellow ex-Sporting star – Fernandes in the middle of the park.
Again, Rashford and Greenwood can provide support from out wide – cutting in when Ronaldo drifts towards the touchline.

3-4-3

How Ronaldo could fit into a 3-4-3 formation at Man Utd
SOLSKJAER is also keen on using a 3-4-3/ 5-2-3 formation to snuff out the threat from strong attacking sides.
In this formation, Rashford and Greenwood are able to play more narrowly in attack, allowing Alex Telles and Aaron Wan-Bissaka to provide width from the wing-back spots.
With Rashford and Greenwood more central, Ronaldo would be able to play as more of a false No9, dropping deeper and drifting into wider areas to be more actively involved in the game.
Ronaldo would again have support from Fernandes in a deeper midfield role, with Scott McTominay serving as the anchor in front of the back-three.
3-4-1-2

How United could look with Ronaldo in an attacking 3-4-1-2
A VARIATION of the 3-4-3 /5-2-3 formation above, the 3-4-1-2 could arguably be more lethal.
With the wingers playing more centrally anyway, it makes sense to sacrifice one for a playmaking midfielder through the middle.
Telles and Wan-Bissaka can provide width, with Van de Beek pulling the strings in the heart of midfield and Fernandes floating between the Dutchman the forwards.
With McTominay providing defensive cover, Rashford and Ronaldo could start up front as a terrifying striking tandem.
The only concern for Solskjaer could be Wan-Bissaka’s lack of attacking threat, meaning width on the right would be limited.
But with Shaw at left-centre-back and Telles at left-wing back, there would be plenty of threat on the opposite flank.
4-4-2

How Ronaldo would fit into a classic 4-4-2 at Old Trafford
IT’S the formation Ronaldo grew up with – and it could be the most attacking yet.
In this line-up, United are able to squeeze Anthony Martial in as well as Ronaldo, Rashford and Greenwood.
Ronaldo and Martial would start up front together, with Rashford and Greenwood on the midfield flanks.
The latter pair would be asked to track back often, but have the fitness and dedication to do just that.
The 4-4-2 could even become a diamond, with McTominay anchoring the defence and Fernandes roaming around in the No10 role.
It would certainly be attacking, but without a star name or two joining the defence in the upcoming transfer windows, it could be a little bit too gung-ho.

Man Utd ‘in talks over sensational Cristiano Ronaldo transfer return next season as Juventus look to offload superstar’ More

MANCHESTER UNITED haven’t won the Premier League since Sir Alex Ferguson’s final season at the club, in 2012-13 – but that could all change next season.
The Red Devils have been linked with a sensational move for club legend Cristiano Ronaldo.

⚠️ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

How Man Utd could line-up next season with Ronaldo

Ronaldo could return to help Man Utd win their first league title in nearly a decadeCredit: Reuters
Juventus are said to be keen to offload the Portugal superstar, 35, next summer.
The Serie A champions want to cash-in before his contract expires at the end of the 2021-22 season – and also want his £540,000-a-week wages gone.
Ronaldo played for Man Utd for six years early in his career, between 2003 and 2009.

The forward won three Premier League titles and the Champions League, scoring 118 goals in 292 games in all competitions.
But the best was yet to come for Ronaldo, as he excelled at Real Madrid, scoring 450 times in just 438 matches.
And with Ronaldo up front – as well as a new big-name defender – United could finally be ready to mount a charge on the Premier League title next season.
Man Utd have long been crying out for a star name to lead their front-line.

Anthony Martial has failed to live up to expectations, while the likes of Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood have thrived from wide positions.

Juventus are keen to offload Ronaldo, with Man Utd interested, say reportsCredit: Rex Features

Manchester clubs have the worst net spend in the past decade by some distance

Edinson Cavani was brought in this summer in a bid to fill the void, but the jury is still out so early in his time at Old Trafford.
The Uruguayan scored his first goal for the club late in the 3-1 win over Everton.
But it’s impossible to argue a move for Ronaldo wouldn’t be a monster upgrade.
Despite being 36 by the time 2021-22 kicks-off, Ronaldo is still as fit and athletic as ever.
Playing in a central role, using his speed, strength and leaping ability could be just what the club need.
With Rashford and Greenwood – with another year of experience under their belts – flanking Ronaldo, United would boast a fearsome front three.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could be convinced to ditch his current 4-2-3-1 formation – with Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink claiming United will NEVER win the title with two defensive midfielders.

Man Utd are keen to sign Dayot Upamecano to bolster their defence in 2021Credit: The Mega Agency
With Paul Pogba almost certain to finally leave the club at some stage in 2021, Donny van de Beek could be given an extended run in a 4-3-3 formation.
The Dutchman would likely partner Scott McTominay and Bruno Fernandes in a nicely-balanced midfield.
In defence, a new centre-back is desperately needed – despite the emergence of Axel Tuanzebe this season.
Dayot Upamecano has been a long-term target for United, as well as the likes of Arsenal.
Partnering the French star with Harry Maguire – flanked by Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Alex Telles – looks to be a huge upgrade.
David De Gea will likely keep his place in goal, with Dean Henderson providing competition.

Ronaldo trains with Portugal international team ahead of Andorra game More

RIO FERDINAND has quashed talks of Mauricio Pochettino replacing Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Manchester United – demanding the current boss be shown some respect.
The Red Devils boss come come under increased scrutiny in recent weeks after a string of abject performances.

⚠️ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

Man Utd wouldn’t ‘disrespect’ Solskjaer by talking to Pochettino, says FerdinandCredit: AFP or licensors

Mauricio Pochettino has been linked with taking over at Man UtdCredit: Reuters
United have slumped 15th in the Premier League after seven games – despite winning their last game 3-1 at Everton.
With the club’s form patchy, rumours of a return to football for Pochettino at Old Trafford have been swirling.
But Ferdinand claims a ‘really, really, really good source’ has suggested talks with Poch have not happened.

Speaking on his FIVE YouTube channel, Ferdinand said: “Man Utd needed a huge performance and a result this weekend.
“The pressure was absolutely on this team and the management, they went out there and produced.
“There’s been bit of disrespect to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to be honest.
“People saying Pochettino has been spoken to… I’ve got it from a really, really, really good source that there’s been no conversations.

“They wouldn’t disrespect Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in that manner. I feel like that should be addressed.”

Rio Ferdinand has demanded Solskjaer be shown some respectCredit: PA:Press Association

Manchester clubs have the worst net spend in the past decade by some distance

Ferdinand continued by saying managerial rumours are part and parcel of the game.
But the ex-England defender believes claiming talks with a potential new boss have gone ahead when they haven’t is ‘out of order’.
Ferdinand added: “We can all say ‘so and so will be good or better’, that’s just part of the game.
“But to say someone has been spoken to and is coming in imminently, when it’s not true, I think that’s out of order.
“The man is in the job and his team have found a knack of always pulling a result out when they need it.”
Meanwhile, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has slammed Solskjaer’s tactics – saying Man Utd will NEVER win the Premier League with his current 4-2-3-1 formation.

Harry Maguire says Man Utd are the biggest team in the world and that’s why everybody loves seeing them lose More

MANCHESTER UNITED will never win the Premier League with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s current tactics, according to Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink.
The Red Devils boss has sent his side out in a 4-2-3-1 formation more often than not since football returned from lockdown.

⚠️ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

Hasselbaink would prefer Man Utd to play a more attacking formation
The tactics were implemented to get the best out of Bruno Fernandes – who has shone in the No10 role just behind the striker.
Solskjaer has often played Fred and Scott McTominay in the deeper roles to protect the back-four, leaving the more attacking Paul Pogba and Donny van de Beek on the bench.
But Hasselbaink says playing two defensive midfielders is ‘not the Man Utd way’ and says they can’t win the title like that.

Hasselbaink told Premier League Productions: “I just think that they have problems in the team.
“They’ve got problems defensively and going forward. They’re not as good as they used to be.
“That’s normal because we’re expecting too much from Manchester United just because they’re Manchester United.
“Two defensive midfield players going to Everton – where you should have more attacking players on the pitch, especially Pogba…

“That’s not a Manchester United team is it?”

United currently sit 14th in the table after a horror start to the season, already eight points adrift of league leaders Leicester.
And Hasselbaink continued by saying it’s impossible for United to win their first Premier League crown since 2012-13 with both Fred AND McTominay in the same XI.
The ex-Chelsea star said: “Long term you cannot have Fred and McTominay in your team to become champions or to challenge for the championship.
“For now maybe the games that he needs to defend the back four a bit better to give them stability but long-term?
“That’s not a Manchester United way.”

Harry Maguire says Man Utd are the biggest team in the world and that’s why everybody loves seeing them lose More

OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER has been warned to not waste Edinson Cavani’s talents by former striker Michael Owen.
The Uruguayan new-boy scored his first goal for Manchester United in the 95th-minute of the 3-1 win at Everton.

⚠️ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

Solskjaer has been warned to get the best out of Cavani by Michael OwenCredit: AP:Associated Press

Owen waxed lyrical about Cavani’s talents and urged Solskjaer to utilise himCredit: BT Sport
Cavani slotted home a simple chance after Bruno Fernandes selflessly passed up the chance to bag a hat-trick to secure all three points at Goodison Park.
The much-needed victory eased the pressure on Solskjaer, who was under increasing scrutiny.
But now the Red Devils boss has been urged to play to Cavani’s strengths to avoid another slump in form by Owen.

The former Liverpool and Real Madrid striker praised Cavani’s movement, saying he would have scored ‘hundreds for the Man Utd of old’.
Owen told Premier League Productions: “Cavani is off and running.
“Some players are brilliant regardless… they don’t necessarily need crosses into the box because they can make an impact regardless.
“I’ve watched this lad for years and years.

“There’s not many players I’ve seen with movement like him in the box when the ball is coming in.

“[For the] Manchester United of old, he would have scored hundreds of goals in those teams.
“Now, are they going to get lots of crosses into the box and cut-backs that he preys on?
“It’s a very good signing, I just hope he gets the ammunition to fire the bullets.”
Meanwhile, Fernandes revealed his reasons for setting up Cavani rather than steal the glory for himself.
Speaking after the crucial win, the Portuguese star said: “I don’t need to think about a hat-trick.
“For a striker it is important to score for his confidence.
“He will be important for us and the first goal will give him confidence.”

Man Utd transfer target Haaland has ‘verbal agreement’ to leave Dortmund More