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      Former Man Utd star Mads Timm reveals Ronaldo’s amazing self obsession to succeed after he was bullied by team-mates

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      CRISTIANO Ronaldo’s self-obsession helped him become the player he is today, according to a former Manchester United teammate.
      Former Danish wonderkid Mads Timm spent three years training with the Juventus star, who was signed from Sporting Lisbon for £12.24million in 2003, before he was released.

      Cristiano Ronaldo was self-obsessed as a youngster to get to the topCredit: Getty – Contributor

      Timm, who now plays for Danish Serie 1 club Kerteminde Boldklub, recalled how the Portuguese legend was bullied for his hairstyle and the way he played – but stuck to his guns and stood up to senior teammates.
      And in the end it was his “me, me, me” attitude that turned him into the footballing god he is today.
      ‘EXTRAORDINARY’
      “He was quite extraordinary as a footballer, and as a person,” Timm writes in his book Red Devil.
      “Like me, he was bullied when he came to the club. With his hair – which he soon got clipped – and with his almost acrobatic attempt to impress the coaches.

      “He could stand and do 10-15 step overs before he tried to dribble past the opponent.
      “Pass now, just pass, dammit,’ shouted Gary Neville and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer constantly to him when we had reserve team matches together.
      “The special thing about Cristiano Ronaldo was that he immediately took the fight against the hierarchy. And he won it.
      “He was completely indifferent to the rest of his teammates. He gave no room for others. It was me, me, me. Cristiano Ronaldo. CR7.”

      While Timm faded into obscurity, Ronaldo has won four Ballon d’Or trophies during a career laden with trophies.

      Former Man Utd wonderkid Mads Timm revealed Ronaldo’s incredible desire to be the best in his bookCredit: Getty – Contributor

      Ronaldo was bullied by teammates for his hairstyleCredit: Getty – Contributor
      STEELY DETERMINATION
      The Dane insisted Ronaldo wasn’t the most accomplished footballer he ever played with, but was certainly the most determined to succeed.
      He wrote: “He’s not the best player I have played with, but he is the most focused person I have ever met. Mentally he reminded me of myself at age 12, and he does really still.
      “I do not think he sees himself from the outside, and I do not think he’s going to sit and laugh at himself. I think that’s why he survived in the professional football world.”
      TRAINING TOGETHER
      Timm often found himself on opposite teams to Ronaldo in training sessions.
      While he admits he had lost his head and hated the environment at United, Ronaldo was thriving with an attitude that said he was going to make it.
      “He was just the opposite; he was moving forward, clear-headed and with an indomitable faith in himself,” Timm said.
      “It was also reflected on the pitch. We performed an internal training match where I played on the left wing, while he was right wing for the other team.
      “Every time we met on the field, he wiped me, and I have rarely been so out of breath after a test. He pulled all the air out of me.”

      Ronaldo once left Timm gasping for air after a training sessionCredit: Getty – Contributor

      Now 35, Timm is still playing in DenmarkCredit: Getty – Contributor

      After settling in at the club, Ronaldo had a proposition for Timm.
      “Cristiano Ronaldo was also dying to buy one of my diamond jewellery, but I refused to sell it to him,” Timm revealed.
      “It had to be enough, he had already taken my dream.”

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      Eric Bailly in talks over new three-year Man Utd contract and option of extra season with current deal up in summer

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      ERIC BAILLY is in talks over a new contract to extend his stay at Manchester United for another three years.
      The combative centre-back’s current deal is up at the end of next season.

      Eric Bailly is set to be handed a new and improved three-year dealCredit: Reuters

      But manager Ole Solskjaer has seen enough to convince him the 26-year-old still has a future at the club.
      SunSport exclusively revealed talks were planned – and now they are well underway.
      Solskjaer said: “Yeah we have started talking to Eric and Eric’s representative.”
      The deal on offer will be for three years with the option for a further year.

      There have been concerns over the Ivory Coast star’s injury record.
      He has played 100 games in five seasons with the club.
      But Solskjaer is convinced that he is overcoming those problems.
      He said: “Eric is keeping fitter for longer and you can see it in his performances as well. I have been very happy with him.

      “His playing style has made him miss too many games, because 100 games, that’s not enough for the period that he has been here.”
      Bailly thrilled United fans with his celebration for fellow Ivorian Amad after his headed goal in the 1-1 Europa League draw with AC Milan.
      He ran the length of the field to jump on top of the huddle round the 18-year-old following his superb backward header.
      Bailly has played a major part in helping Amad settled in at the club since his move from Serie A side Atalanta.

      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      Man Utd duo Paul Pogba and Eric Bailly’s cele vs Burnley compared to legendary Ince and Giggs effort by Gary Neville More

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      Man Utd ‘want either Harry Kane or Erling Haaland transfer this summer as striker replacements for Anthony Martial’

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      ERLING HAALAND and Harry Kane are reportedly Manchester United’s top targets if they decide to replace Anthony Martial in the summer.
      The French striker is fighting for his future as an unproductive season comes to an end.

      Erling Haaland is reportedly a Manchester United target for the summerCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Harry Kane has also been linked with replacing Anthony MartialCredit: AP:Associated Press

      With just seven goals in all competitions, he has struggled to keep his place in the team amid Edinson Cavani’s arrival on the scene.
      And the Mirror report on a potentially huge deal being considered if Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants to make a change.
      Borussia Dortmund star Haaland and Tottenham’s Kane are named as being on the Red Devils’ radar.
      A fee of around £150million has been touted for the Norwegian, who became the fastest-ever player to hit 20 Champions League goals in the week.

      That record was taken off Kane and the Spurs star notched a brace of his own against Dinamo Zagreb last night.
      Whether or not Martial can find some consistency, a new striker may be needed at Old Trafford anyway with Cavani out of contract.
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      Solskjaer is fighting to keep the Uruguayan after the player’s dad revealed his unhappiness in England.

      But SunSport have revealed that he is still waiting on a decision from United regarding his future.
      Cavani was absent for the draw with AC Milan on Thursday, a game which saw Martial limp off with an injury concern of his own.
      The former Monaco forward had threatened to put a decent run together before the blow, given injuries to Cavani and Marcus Rashford.

      Anthony Martial is fighting for his future at Old TraffordCredit: EPA

      A strong outing in the Manchester derby led to Solskjaer remarking: “Anthony was absolutely superb today, he was the Anthony of old.
      “Today he rediscovered himself, he was really strong on the ball and positive.”
      Last month, PAOK youngster Christos Tzolis was linked with United as a cheaper alternative for the upcoming transfer market.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

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      Cavani ‘wants to leave Man Utd to be with model girlfriend Jocelyn Burgardt in South America for birth of second child’

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      THE pregnancy of Edinson Cavani’s model girlfriend has been cited as one of the reasons the striker is planning to return to South America.
      Argentine press are reporting Jocelyn Burgardt is close to having the couple’s second child and they want to be in Uruguay in June so the birth can take place there.

      Edinson Cavani’s partner is pregnant with their second child

      Hugo Balassone, a journalist on the popular TyC Sports programme in Argentina, claimed last month Jocelyn was pregnant and had returned to Uruguay ahead of the child’s birth.
      Referring during a TV appearance to former Manchester United defender Marcos Rojo, now with Boca Juniors, he said: “Rojo mentioned in Boca that he met with Cavani and the Uruguayan told him ‘Wait for me because I’ll be there with you in June’.”
      Moments later he added: “The other piece of important information is that Cavani’s partner is pregnant and living in Uruguay.”
      The 34-year-old is said to be eyeing a move to Boca Juniors after just one season at United, although Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said on Wednesday he was hoping to convince Cavani to stay when the weather in Manchester improved.

      His dad Luis claimed his son did not feel ‘comfortable’ in Manchester and wanted to be closer to his family in an interview earlier this week with TyC Sports, but made no mention of Jocelyn’s pregnancy.
      The couple’s daughter India turns two in May and Cavani also has two sons called Bautista and Lucas from his relationship with former wife and childhood sweetheart Maria Soledad Cabris.
      Argentine media outlet Infobae cited Jocelyn’s pregnancy as one of the three reasons the striker wants out of Old Trafford.
      They also added that his close relationship with Boca vice-president Juan Roman Riquelme and his unhappiness at his three-match ban earlier this season for using the word ‘negrito’ in an online post were other reasons he wanted to leave.

      Cavani reportedly wants to be in Uruguay for the birth of his second child with his partnerCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      It said: “His partner Jocelyn Burgardt is close to giving birth and the family’s idea is to return to Uruguay in June to welcome the new heir.
      “After having been away from each other for so long, the Cavani family will be united once again or just a few hundred miles apart if Cavani ends up forming part of Argentinian football.”
      Jocelyn, first linked to Cavani in 2014, keeps a low profile and her Instagram is private.
      She was last pictured in a touching family video the Manchester United frontman posted in January on his social media, showing him painting his daughter’s hands before placing her right palm on his left cheek.
      The pretty 29-year-old, a keen dancer who has starred regularly in the annual carnival which takes place in the Uruguayan city of Bella Union, looked on affectionately as the couple’s pet dog walked past in the background.
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      She was sat with her legs crossed and there was no obvious sign of a baby bump, although her stomach was hidden under a cardigan and little India was in front of her most of the time.
      Cavani, who insisted he was proud to wear the Man United shirt in an Instagram post on Wednesday, revealed last October he nearly quit football after Jocelyn contracted coronavirus.
      He also tested positive after a holiday in Ibiza with his partner where they enjoyed a dinner with former PSG teammates including Angel di Maria and Mauro Icardi.

      The footballer said afterwards: “Family health comes first. Of course I thought about quitting football.
      “I considered that option and the possibility of stopping playing and staying in the countryside and dedicating myself to country life because of the situation.
      “We all suffered with coronavirus and the truth is that it was bad because of the fear it causes. Thanks God we recovered and it evolved well and here we are.”
      Cavani and his wife split in 2014 after allegations of infidelity levelled against the footballer shortly after the birth of Lucas.
      Their marriage was blown apart after the publication of a photo while Cavani was playing for Naples, showing him with his arms round a young Italian journalist named at the time as Maria Rosario Ventrone.

      Maria Soledad was quoted at the time in Italian press as saying: “Edinson has betrayed God, the God he strongly believes in. He’s betrayed his family.”
      The star couple’s subsequent divorce was heavily played out in the Uruguayan press.
      After his split from Maria Soledad, Cavani insisted: “A divorce is always difficult. It’s a failure. But I’m divorcing my wife, not my children.
      “I’ve always behaved in a clear and unmistakable way towards them. I’ve always fulfilled my obligations towards them and will make sure they have all they need now and in the future.”
      Cavani’s romance with Ventrone was short-lived and she blasted him after their split by claiming in an interview: “He left me nine months after we started living together.
      “He was very jealous, almost possessive and I still don’t know why we finished.”
      The United striker is said to have met his current partner through Uruguayan footballer Gaston Ramirez.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

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      Man Utd transfer target Raphael Varane ‘wants Premier League move this summer’ with Real Madrid contract up next season

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      RAPHAEL VARANE is reportedly considering his Real Madrid future amid rumours of a move to Manchester United.
      The Red Devils are keen to strengthen their defence this summer by landing a big name to partner Harry Maguire.

      Raphael Varane could be on the move this summerCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Kalidou Koulibaly and Jules Kounde are just two of several names linked to the club but Varane is thought to be the number one target.
      And reports out of Spain suggest the Frenchman is keen on a summer transfer.
      Madrid-based daily AS detail Varane increasingly preferring a move to try his hand in a new league.
      At 27, the centre-back has played almost a decade of his career in LaLiga and is coming to a crossroads in his career.

      His contract expires in 2022 and Madrid will do everything in their power to prevent him leaving on a free transfer.
      Therefore, if he confirms to Los Blancos that he does not want to sign a new deal, they will be open to offers at the end of the season.

      Real reportedly want Varane to stay but he is said to be well aware that agreeing a new deal in Spain will severely reduce his chances of winning honours in multiple countries.

      The World Cup winner boasts an enviable trophy cabinet including four Champions League crowns and three LaLiga titles.
      Should he depart, Madrid are thought to be eyeing David Alaba, Pau Torres and Sevilla’s Kounde as a replacement.
      Although the club are already making plans in case club captain Sergio Ramos departs when his deal expires in the summer.
      United could rival Real for Torres and Kounde, having been linked with both.
      However, the chances of multiple big-money acquisitions arriving into Manchester have been quelled by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
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      All clubs in the world are going through the same situation so it’s no different for other clubs than for us.
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

      The United boss said earlier this month that the coronavirus pandemic will continue to impact his team’s dealings this summer.
      Solskjaer said: “There’s going to be less transfers happening in the world of football with all these changes.
      “The pandemic is definitely affecting everyone in football, the lack of finances, it’s affected everyone.
      “All clubs in the world are going through the same situation so it’s no different for other clubs than for us.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      Bruno Fernandes REFUSING to sign new Man Utd contract and Edinson Cavani wants to quit Old Trafford More

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      Man Utd transfer boost with Bayern Munich NOT in Kalidou Koulibaly transfer race as Napoli ‘slash fee to just £39m’

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      BAYERN MUNICH have cleared the way for Manchester United to sign Kalidou Koulibaly by reportedly pulling out of the transfer race.
      The Napoli star has long been linked with the two teams, as well as Manchester City and other top clubs.

      Kalidou Koulibaly is reportedly not heading to Bayern MunichCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      In previous years, the Serie A outfit have demanded a fee in the region of £90million, successfully deterring a sale of the star player.
      However, earlier this month reports in Italy suggested a deal could be cut at around £39m.
      Interest could be sparked by Napoli’s apparent desire to cash in and cut their wage bill, with Bayern once again linked initially.
      Yet, according to transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Bundesliga giants are not working on a deal.

      Munich have already signed up RB Leipzig centre-back Dayot Upamecano for next season.
      But Premier League side United remain on the hunt for defensive reinforcements.
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      Koulibaly is among those to have been linked and was recently said to favour a move to Old Trafford.

      MEN yesterday named Pau Torres as another talent being eyed, with Manchester City providing competition for the Villarreal ace.
      Raphael Varane remains a frequent fixture in gossip columns, ahead of a crucial summer of contract discussions with Real Madrid.
      And Sevilla’s Jules Kounde is reportedly wanted by the Red Devils, as well as Paris Saint-Germain, for a fee of around £60m.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

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      Man Utd boss Solskjaer hails Anthony Martial ‘of old’ as Frenchman helps topple rivals Man City

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      OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER was delighted with Anthony Martial ‘rediscovering’ his form versus Manchester City.
      The striker was a constant menace for Pep Guardiola’s defence and won the early penalty that set Manchester United on their way to victory.

      Anthony Martial starred in Sunday’s derby win, earning Man of the Match honoursCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer praised the striker for rediscovering his old selfCredit: Andy Hooper-The Daily Mail

      Edinson Cavani’s injury meant Martial, 25, was handed the central striker’s role at Etihad Stadium despite his own fitness worry.
      And although he has only four league goals this season, the Frenchman created cause for optimism with a strong showing.
      United boss Solskjaer praised Martial – who was named Man of the Match by Gary Neville – for re-finding his form.
      The Norwegian told Sky Sports: “Anthony was absolutely superb today, he was the Anthony of old.

      “To think he was a doubt this morning, it wasn’t until after the warm-up as I wasn’t sure if he was going to play or not. So, fantastic.
      “It’s football isn’t it? Today he rediscovered himself, he was really strong on the ball and positive.
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      🗣”He was the Anthony of old”Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is full of praise of Anthony Martial’s display for Manchester United against Manchester City pic.twitter.com/9ZnmE6L8Mf
      — Football Daily (@footballdaily) March 7, 2021

      “We have to be positive, every game is different. We want to play with a high tempo of course, but we had to defend well.

      “You’ve got to defend so that you can attack spaces that appear.”
      Martial may be of even more importance in the coming weeks if Cavani cannot overcome his knock.
      While Marcus Rashford suffered an ankle injury in the win over City and Solskjaer confirmed the need for a scan on the striker.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

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      Man Utd star Marcus Rashford set for scan after injuring ankle when sprinting back to help defend in win over Man City

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      MARCUS RASHFORD was forced out of Sunday’s Manchester derby after suffering an ankle injury.
      Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer later revealed the England star is set for a scan as he doesn’t know the full extent of the damage.

      Marcus Rashford came off injured during Sunday’s derbyCredit: Reuters

      The striker’s left ankle is set for a scan after he limped offCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Moments after failing to make the most of an opportunity in attack, the striker eagerly chased down a Manchester City counter.
      But Rashford tweaked his ankle after the mega sprint helped keep Manchester United two goals to the good.
      Asked about the extent of the damage after the impressive 2-0 win, Solskjaer said: “I don’t know. It’s something with his ankle.
      “When he sprinted 70 yards to save a goal, it showed the attitude of the boy.

      “I think he went over on his ankle but we need to do a scan, I’ve not had time to speak to the doctor yet.”
      Rashford later tweeted: “Not the way I wanted to see out the game but a big 3 points, well done lads.”
      After a spell of treatment on the Etihad Stadium sideline, it was decided that the 23-year-old had to come off.
      Mason Greenwood was readied to replace him but evidently not quick enough to meet Dean Henderson’s kick out of play.

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      Rashford had set up United’s second before succumbing to injuryCredit: AFP
      The goalkeeper was furious when launching the ball into the stand, only for City to get the game going again with the United forward not fully prepared and unable to come on.
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Pep Guardiola sharply exchanged words by their technical areas before the substitution was eventually made.
      Fourth official Mike Dean looked on as the Norwegian offered a conciliatory fist bump and the manager’s attention resumed on the match.
      Rashford had enjoyed a big role in the Red Devils snatching a vital second goal early in the second-half.
      Defenders pulled towards the England international as he cut inside from the left, before teeing up Luke Shaw for a surprise goal from the left-back.

      The Red Devils may have to wait on the forward amid a crunch run of gamesCredit: Reuters

      United had taken the lead after only two minutes, Bruno Fernandes slotting home a penalty after Anthony Martial was fouled.
      But Solskjaer may be sweating over Rashford’s fitness ahead of a major run of games.
      AC Milan visit Old Trafford on Thursday for the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie.
      High-flying West Ham are then due in Manchester before the return leg in Milan and an FA Cup quarter-final trip to Leicester.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

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