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    Cristiano Ronaldo ‘puts squeeze on Erik ten Hag’ to start him for Man Utd against Brighton after ‘flying’ in training

    CRISTIANO RONALDO has reportedly “put the squeeze” on Erik ten Hag to start him against Brighton tomorrow.The wantaway Manchester United star, 37, is still an Old Trafford player after failing to secure an exit.
    Cristiano Ronaldo is ready to lead the line for Man Utd against BrightonCredit: Rex
    Ronaldo has been impressing Erik ten Hag in training this weekCredit: Getty
    And in an astonishing turnaround, Ronaldo could end up leading the line on Sunday following an injury to Anthony Martial.
    According to the Mirror, Ronnie has been “flying” in training sessions this week having only returned from holiday 10 days ago.
    Despite wanting to leave, the veteran remains eager to play as many minutes as possible ahead of the World Cup.
    And Ronaldo has informed Ten Hag he is ready to play tomorrow.
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    United’s new boss has several options to replace Martial, with youngsters Anthony Elanga and Alejandro Garnacho both available.
    But Ronaldo’s recent training performances have given him food for thought.
    The Portugal star’s quality was never in doubt, having scored 24 times last season despite United’s awful performances.
    Indeed, Ronaldo remains the club’s best player by some margin.
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    And despite enraging Ten Hag by leaving early during United’s friendly against Rayo Vallecano, he could now get a look-in against Brighton.
    However, Ronaldo is unlikely to change his mind about leaving while the transfer window remains open.
    The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has seen Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid pass up opportunities to sign him.
    Ronaldo is now thought to be considering a stunning return to boyhood club Sporting Lisbon.
    Meanwhile, Turkish giants Galatasaray are also said to be lining up a deal for Ronnie.
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    They are already set to seal a transfer for Arsenal midfielder Lucas Torreira in the coming days.
    And Gala also hope to add former Napoli star Dries Mertens, now a free agent, to their squad next week. More

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    Ten Hag would be tearing his hair out if he had any as Ronaldo and De Jong transfer sagas dampen pre-season positivity

    PERTH must seem a very, very long way away now for Erik ten Hag.Leaving Australia on the back of three wins and a draw in pre-season there was a real air of positivity at Manchester United.
    Erik ten Hag’s positive pre-season with Man Utd has been overshadowed by off-field dramaCredit: Getty
    Back home it seems problems and anxiety are mounting as Ten Hag faces his first Premier League press conference on Friday ahead of the visit to Brighton.
    Not long ago United were having a good summer in the transfer market having landed Christian Eriksen, Lisandro Martinez and Tyrell Malacia.
    Now things have stalled. The saga surrounding much-needed midfielder Frenkie de Jong is already entering its third series with still nobody sure of the ending.
    Ten Hag made it clear they had to add to their forwards to be competitive, but nobody has arrived.
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    Without additions he was hoping a front three of Jadon Sancho, Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford would kick start their season.
    Now a hamstring strain for Martial threatens that.
    And of course the Cristiano Ronaldo problem hangs over the club like a dark cloud.
    He wants out, United say no, and if he could Ten Hag would be tearing his hair out about this unwanted distraction.
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    His name dominated their final pre-season game after playing an underwhelming first 45 minutes against Rayo Vallecano before leaving the ground before full-time.
    He was big on preaching team unity over the other side of the world and everyone was buying into it.
    So Ten Hag was not happy at his early exit and has made that very clear.
    Ronaldo had already had a disagreement with the new boss in a break in play that was not a good look.
    The constant criticism from former greats that proved so sapping last season has started already.
    Gary Neville has called their ongoing failure to land De Jong as an “embarrassment”.
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    Neville added: “The old failings seems to be there, in terms of not being able to get anything over the line.”
    The protests that marked the final few games of last season with marches to the ground are starting again with another one planned for this Sunday.
    It’s incredible to think that this time a year ago United were going into the new season having finished as runners-up in the previous campaign.
    They had finally landed Jadon Sancho, Raphael Varane was on his way and little did anyone know about the excitement that would greet Ronaldo’s return.
    Their league season opened up with four wins and a draw and a belief was growing that for the first time since 2013 they could challenge for the title again.
    Fast forward 12 months to a show called The Debate on the club’s own TV channel, MUTV.
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    It didn’t make the cut due to time but two former players, Ben Thornley and David May, and two journalists including myself were asked for their top-four predictions.
    Everyone had United in fourth and the majority covered themselves by saying that even that would be after a fight with Chelsea and Arsenal with Manchester City, Liverpool and Tottenham in everyone’s top three. Few would argue with that.
    Indeed fourth right now would be a “snap your arm off” scenario – as would eight points from the opening four game: Brighton at home, Brentford away, Liverpool at home and Southampton away.
    There is still time in the transfer window and no lack of willing on the part of football director John Murtough and chief executive Richard Arnold to get deals done.
    They have worked tirelessly to find a way to solve the De Jong problem as the player holds out for wages owed to him by Barcelona.
    Talks are ongoing with RB Salzburg over 19-year-old highly-rated striker Benjamin Sesko.
    There is also a real will in the fan base for Ten Hag to succeed.
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    His no-nonsense style has already gone down well.
    But the question of whether he has the tools to mend the faltering Red machine remains. More

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    Man Utd legend Peter Schmeichel names FOUR challengers for 2022-23 Premier League title but SNUBS his old club

    PETER SCHMEICHEL has named his four challengers for this season’s Premier League title.But the Manchester United legend does not believe his former side will be up there competing by the end of the season.
    Peter Schmeichel does not believe Man Utd will be challenging for the title this seasonCredit: Getty – Contributor
    The Red Devils are still figuring things out under new boss Erik ten Hag.
    And there is huge uncertainty over the future of star player Cristiano Ronaldo, who wants to quit Old Trafford.
    Meanwhile, United still have to contend with the rest of the Big Six sides.
    Manchester City have strengthened with the signing of Erling Haaland, while Liverpool are looking sharp thanks to new forward Darwin Nunez.
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    Chelsea are starting to make strides with Raheem Sterling, and Tottenham have landed several impressive targets for Antonio Conte.
    Schmeichel reckons those four will be leading the charge for the title in the 22/23 campaign.
    And he also believes United are now trailing Arsenal, who are finding some terrific form after landing goal machine Gabriel Jesus.
    But Schmeichel has urged patience from the Red Devils faithful, admitting it will take some time for Ten Hag’s new style to get off the ground.
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    He told the Times: “It’s not going to be as plain sailing for Man City and Liverpool as people think. For both, it’s going to be a very different season.
    “A massive transition, in terms of the playing style, is taking place at City. Look at Pep Guardiola’s transfer business: signing Erling Haaland and letting Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Jesus go.
    “That tells you how committed he is to playing with a No9 and we haven’t seen that with Pep before.
    “How’s that going to play out? How long is that going to take to bed in? Will Haaland be as good in the Premier League as in Germany? I’m not sure.
    “Will he score 25 goals? Yes, if the team service him. But City are not used to playing that way.
    “Liverpool are also changing. They signed Darwin Nunez but lost Sadio Mane. Is Nunez going to be as good as Mane? I wonder.
    “The competition will come from Chelsea and from Spurs, who have signed well and in Antonio Conte have a very clever manager who is so good at getting the maximum out of his players.
    “I am also looking at Arsenal and for the first time in a long time thinking ‘top four’.
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    “Man United? Pre-season has been promising but the reality is that a long process of transition is required.
    “The club have backed Erik ten Hag in recruiting players he knows and wanted to work with, and his first season will be fascinating.” More

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    Cristiano Ronaldo’s special bond with Sir Alex Ferguson revealed, from five Ballon d’Or wins to Man Utd showdown talks

    WHEN Cristiano Ronaldo signed for Manchester United as a talented 17-year-old in 2003, the wheels were set in motion for one of football’s special bonds.It started a powerful relationship between the handsome young star and his dour Scottish manager, Sir Alex Ferguson.
    The moment Sir Alex Ferguson and Cristiano Ronaldo met a special bond formedCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Sir Alex congratulates Ronaldo for winning Euro 2016Credit: Getty – Contributor
    The Manchester United manager go on to become a father-figure to the Portuguese superstar.
    He played a  key role in helping Ronaldo return to the club that made him nearly 20 years later, in 2021.
    And now Sir Alex, 89,  is being be called in to plead with CR7 to stay at the club after one turbulent season.Ronaldo has been linked with a move to Atletico Madrid and Sporting Lisbon, after reportedly growing disillusioned at the club.
    Until today, he skipped training – but has now reported to Carrington to talk about his future along with his agent Jorge Mendes.
    Joining the discussion will be Ferguson, who will ultimately do his best to persuade his dear friend to stick with the Premier League giants.
    It’s a ploy United use last summer, when it seemed nailed on that the all-time leading international goalscorer would sign for United’s arch-rivals Manchester City.
    However, Fergie stepped in at the 11th hour to stop the move in its tracks.
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    “A lot of people played their part (in bringing Ronaldo back) and I contributed knowing that really Cristiano wanted to come here and that was important,” he told Viaplay before the ex-Real Madrid star made his return to Manchester United.
    Ronaldo, himself, acknowledged the manager’s contribution. “PS — Sir Alex, this one is for you…” he wrote in a social media post celebrating his move from Juventus.
    Now, the fiery Scot has said Ronaldo deserves a sixth Ballon d’Or title, after his goalscoring exploits for club and country.
    Through the years, Fergie has been credited with making him the player he is today.
    Sparing him the infamous hairdryer treatment, Fergie filled Ronaldo’s head with confidence – giving him the freedom that allowed him to become a five-time Ballon d’Or winner.
    The “Boss”, as Ronaldo affectionately calls him, was even there for his protege’s most famous moment for his country – winning Euro 2016 – giving him a hug from the stands as he collected his winners’ medal.
    Their father/son relationship has blossomed through the years, so much so it was recently revealed that Ronaldo was set for a sensational return to Old Trafford until Fergie’s retirement in 2013 halted a deal.

    FAN BOY
    After Sir Alex retired, he enjoyed going to live events – from the Oscars to various European finals.
    At Euro 2016, Fergie was in the stands to watch Portugal defeat France 1-0 after extra-time.
    As the Portuguese players walked down the steps after receiving their medals, a proud Ferguson embraced Ronaldo and gave him a huge hug.
    Then, a year later he was a special guest at the 2017 Champions League final, in which Ronaldo won man of the match and scored twice in a 4-1 rout of Juventus.
    Of course, it was Fergie that give him his award that night.

    Ronaldo is given his man of the match award by Sir Alex after the Champions League final in 2017Credit: AP:Associated Press
    FAMILY COMES FIRST
    Back in 2005, as Ronaldo was beginning to establish himself at Old Trafford, his father Jose Dinis Aveiro fell ill in hospital after years of alcohol abuse.
    Immediately, Fergie ordered him to take compassionate leave – even though it meant his star player would miss key games during the season.
    “When my daddy was sick in London, and he was in hospital very bad in a coma,” Ronaldo revealed Sir Alex Ferguson: Secrets of Success’ in 2015.
    “I had a conversation with him [Ferguson] and I said: ‘Boss, I don’t feel good.’
    “We are in a key moment in the Champions League, and I said I don’t feel good and I wanna see my dad. He said: ‘Cristiano – you wanna go one day, two days, one week? You can go. I’m going to miss you here because you are important, but your daddy is the [priority].’
    “When he told me that, I feel like this guy is unbelievable. He is the father of football for me.”
    As the years have passed their relationship has been akin to a father and sonCredit: Getty – Contributor
    Fergie ordered Ronaldo to take compassionate leave when his father was on his death bedCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    RED HERRING
    Fergie knew Ronaldo’s dream was to play for Real Madrid, and he wasn’t going to stop him from joining the La Liga giants.
    That said, he did try to pull a fast one when it was reported that Los Blancos were deep in talks with CR7.
    “You don’t think we’d get into a contract with that mob, do you?,” Sir Alex said back in 2008.
    “Jesus Christ. I wouldn’t sell them a virus. So that’s a no — there is no agreement between the clubs.”
    Six months later, Ronaldo moved to Spain – with Fergie in agreement all along.
    Ferguson never got in the way of Ronaldo’s dream to play for Real MadridCredit: AFP – Getty
    Ronaldo and Ferguson embrace at the end of a Champions League match between Man Utd and Real Madrid in 2013Credit: Getty Images – Getty
    A FITTING TRIBUTE
    In 2012, at the unveiling of a statue of Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford, Ronaldo made an appearance by video link to pay tribute to his former boss.
    He began by apologising for not being there in person because of his hectic schedule.
    “I think you 100 per cent deserve it for what we did with you,” Ronaldo continued in the clip.
    He even joked, “I hope to see you soon, because I need to practice my English, not my Scottish!”
    Sir Alex and Ronaldo have always been happy to praise one anotherCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    SPORTS PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR
    In 2013, Sir Alex Ferguson was the special recipient of the BBC Sports Personality Diamond Award for the show’s 60th edition.
    Again, Ronaldo took to video link to heap praise on Sir Alex.
    “You were like a football father to me,” Cristiano said.
    “You deserve this award because you are a fantastic manager, a fantastic person and the number one.”
    Ronaldo has referred to Fergie in the past as his football fatherCredit: Getty – Contributor

    FILM STAR
    In 2015, Cristiano Ronaldo’s amazing life made it to the big screen.
    He opened himself up to the world in his documentary ‘Ronaldo’ – which Fergie wasn’t going to miss for the world.
    The Scot stood side-by-side with Ronaldo on the red carpet for its premiere in London.
    Both beaming with pride, Ronaldo and Fergie looked like father and son.
    Sir Alex Ferguson stood side-by-side with Ronaldo at the premiere of his documentaryCredit: Getty – Contributor
    Again, the pair couldn’t hide their affection for one another
    MESSAGE OF SUPPORT
    When Sir Alex suffered a brain haemorrhage in 2018, Ronaldo and the whole footballing world were praying that he would pull through.
    Taking to Instagram, Ron shared an image of them together with the caption: “My thoughts and prayers are with you, my dear friend. Be strong, Boss!”
    Ferguson made a miraculous recovery and the pair met up when Juventus played Manchester United at Old Trafford.
    “A great coach and above all a wonderful man,” Ronaldo shared with a photo in a tweet.
    “Taught me so many things inside and outside the pitch. Great to see you in good shape, Boss!”
    A great coach and above all a wonderful man. Taught me so many things inside and outside the pitch. Great to see you in good shape, Boss! pic.twitter.com/Ql4dcuJvCW— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) October 24, 2018

    TEAR-JERKER
    In 2020, Ronaldo won the Portuguese Player of the Year award for a record 10th time.
    It was Fergie’s time to record a moving video message for his former student.
    “Congratulations on a great achievement and a wonderful night you’re going to have in Portugal,” Ferguson said in the clip.
    “I’m really sorry I can’t be with you, but I look back and see you as a young lad at 17 years of age who came to Manchester United, how you have progressed as a human being and a fantastic sportsman.
    Ronaldo receives the 2008 Ballon d’or from FergusonCredit: Offside
    Fergie has revealed he is eternally proud of the man Ronaldo became when he left Man UtdCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
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    “I want to say to you, and your mother, and all your family, and all of your kids; well done.
    You have been an absolute pleasure for me to have known, to have worked with, and to have seen you progress into the footballer you were.
    “So, good luck, have a great night, and well done.” More

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    Man Utd’s flight to Perth delayed by ‘serious medical emergency after military jet lands on runway and blocks plane’

    MANCHESTER UNITED’S flight to Perth was delayed after a military jet landed on the runway and BLOCKED their plane.The Mail claims a serious medical emergency had occurred on the military aircraft just moments before United’s Boeing 747 was due to take off.
    Man Utd’s flight to Perth was delayed by a military plane blocking the runwayCredit: Getty
    The military jet landed to deal with a serious medical emergencyCredit: Getty
    The military plane landed at the private Melbourne airfield to provide a critically ill man onboard with urgent treatment.
    And in doing so, United’s jet was left stranded on the tarmac for 45 minutes.
    The Red Devils were then able to take off as planned ahead of Saturday’s clash against Aston Villa.
    United’s plane was commissioned from US company Atlas after the club ended their partnership with Aeroflot.
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    And moments before the airfield drama, club ambassador Bryan Robson had praised the efficiency of United’s trip Down Under.
    He said: “I love it. We haven’t had to go through customs or anything.
    “Just dropped off by the bus and get straight on the plane – can’t get better.
    “When you get service like this… I know inland flights in Australia are really good anyway, but when you’ve got a private plane like this there’s nothing better than getting off the coach and straight onto the plane.”
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    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    United were delayed on the Melbourne tarmac for 45 minutesCredit: Getty
    The Red Devils eventually made it to Perth for their friendly against Aston VillaCredit: Getty
    United arrived in Perth on Thursday and later trained in front of fans are the WACA cricket stadium.
    Erik ten Hag will be hoping to continue his fine run Australia, with United beating Melbourne Victory 4-1 before a 3-1 win over Crystal Palace on Tuesday.
    Earlier this month, United stunned rivals Liverpool by beating them 4-0 in Thailand.
    After Saturday’s game against Villa, United end their pre-season with matches against Atletico Madrid and Rayo Vallecano before their league opener vs Brighton.  More

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    Erik ten Hag drops hint over Lisandro Martinez’s Man Utd role after tactical tweak to defence against Crystal Palace

    ERIK TEN HAG dropped a huge hint over Lisandro Martinez’s role after a tactical tweak in Manchester United’s 3-1 win over Crystal Palace.The Argentine centre-back has agreed a £46million move from Ajax this summer.
    Lisandro Martinez’s Man Utd role appeared to be cleared up by Erik ten Hag against Crystal PalaceCredit: Getty
    And the transfer will see Martinez reunited with his former boss Ten Hag.
    The versatile defender can play in a number of positions and roles, leading to speculation over where he will fit at Old Trafford.
    But Ten Hag appeared to make it clear where he intends to field Martinez during Tuesday’s friendly in Australia.
    That’s because captain Harry Maguire – repeatedly BOOED by fans – was shifted from his usual left-sided central defensive position to the right against Palace.
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STORIES.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-gmec1d{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;height:auto;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-align-content:center;-ms-flex-line-pack:center;align-content:center;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:flex-start;justify-content:flex-start;margin-left:calc(-20px/2);margin-right:calc(-20px/2);}.css-fh9577{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-left:calc(20px/2);margin-right:calc(20px/2);}.css-65fvqt{max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-1exhbll{box-sizing:border-box;overflow:hidden;background-color:rgba(237,245,242,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;position:relative;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-bk55po{box-sizing:border-box;display:block;position:relative;margin-bottom:0;}.css-1shocxe{box-sizing:border-box;}.css-1a2irou{box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;}.css-1a2irou 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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}COLD SNAP .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Man Utd stars wrap up warm in Melbourne ahead of ‘coldest morning in years’
    It means left-footed Martinez, who always played on the left at Ajax, could slot straight into United’s team in Maguire’s former position.
    And that would leave the England ace battling Raphael Varane for the vacant place on the right.
    The decision looked to work a treat as goals from Anthony Martial, Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford secured a 3-1 win.
    Ten Hag’s apparent decision to field Martinez as a centre-back rather than a holding midfielder also means he is still on the hunt for a new No.6.
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    His top target remains Barcelona superstar Frenkie de Jong, with a £72m fee agreed.
    But United are yet to strike personal terms with the Dutchman as he wants to remain at Barca.
    The Red Devils are also in the market for a new forward as questions remain over Cristiano Ronaldo’s future.
    Brentford’s Ivan Toney and Sassuolo’s Gianluca Scamacca have been linked after Ajax’s Antony was deemed too expensive.
    Yet Ten Hag has already strengthened his squad this summer, with left-back Tyrell Malacia and playmaker Christian Eriksen joining Martinez through the door. More

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    How Man Utd could line up with tallest striker and smallest centre-back in Premier League after Ten Hag transfer splurge

    MANCHESTER UNITED could line up with the tallest striker AND the shortest centre-back in the Premier League next season.United have prioritised the signing of Ajax star Lisandro Martinez as Erik ten Hag turns to his former club to boost his defence.
    Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is planning some major signingsCredit: AFP
    Manchester United may line up with the tallest striker and shortest defender
    The Red Devils have had a £46million bid accepted by the Dutch champions for Martinez, who could join the pre-season tour of Australia over the weekend.
    If the centre-back pens a deal with the Manchester giants he would be the Premier League’s shortest at just 5ft 9in.
    However, that shouldn’t be a problem as the Argentina international still won 79 aerial duels last season, which is four more than United skipper Harry Maguire, who is seven inches taller than him.
    The Red Devils also held “initial talks” with Stuttgart star Sasa Kalajdzic’s representatives and reports suggest the towering centre-forward is keen to move to Old Trafford.
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Football.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-gmec1d{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;height:auto;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-align-content:center;-ms-flex-line-pack:center;align-content:center;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:flex-start;justify-content:flex-start;margin-left:calc(-20px/2);margin-right:calc(-20px/2);}.css-fh9577{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-left:calc(20px/2);margin-right:calc(20px/2);}.css-65fvqt{max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-1exhbll{box-sizing:border-box;overflow:hidden;background-color:rgba(237,245,242,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;position:relative;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-bk55po{box-sizing:border-box;display:block;position:relative;margin-bottom:0;}.css-1shocxe{box-sizing:border-box;}.css-1a2irou{box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;}.css-1a2irou 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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}UNITED LATEST .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Lisandro Martinez £42m move getting closer, Frenkie de Jong fee AGREED
    If Kalajdzic joins United then Ten Hag will also have the tallest striker in the Prem as he stands at 6ft 6in.
    Both transfer targets could help the Dutchman put together a line-up that would take the team to new heights after the Manchester giants’ worst ever Premier League campaign.
    David de Gea is expected to remain United’s No1 after Dean Henderson’s loan move to Nottingham Forest.
    Diogo Dalot is likely to start at right-back after impressing under interim manager Ralf Rangnick with summer signing Tyrell Malacia on the other side.
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    Ten Hag insisted Maguire will retain the captain’s armband and thus he could remain a regular in the starting XI along with Martinez at centre-back.
    Scott McTominay and Bruno Fernandes could team up alongside another top target in Frenkie de Jong following reports of United reaching a “full agreement” with Barcelona worth up to £72m.
    Cristiano Ronaldo has asked to leave the club and that could clear the way for a youthful frontline consisted of Marcus Rashford and the much improved Jadon Sancho alongside 25-year-old Kalajdzic. More

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    Neville lays into Man Utd fans for ‘bullying’ Maguire and ‘unknowingly criticising Ten Hag’ over captain decision

    GARY NEVILLE slammed a section of Manchester United fans for “bullying” Harry Maguire after new manager Erik ten Hag confirmed he will continue as captain.Maguire was skipper last season but his leadership came under fire as he struggled with his form and some United supporters insisted he should be stripped of the armband.
    Manchester United fans criticised the club’s decision to retain Harry Maguire as captainCredit: EPA
    Gary Neville slammed a section of Manchester United fans for bullying Harry MaguireCredit: Getty
    However, the centre-back managed to win Ten Hag over and the Red Devils’ new boss decided to place his faith in him despite all the recent criticism.
    Neville saluted the Dutchman’s decision on Twitter but was criticised by some United fans.
    The Red Devils great, though, was quick to remind those same supporters that they are unknowingly criticising Ten Hag and not him as it was the new gaffer that made that decision.
    Neville tweeted: “So the same United fans fuming with me for applauding the decision to keep Maguire as captain seem to be without knowing criticising the new manager for his decision.
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    “Maybe support Maguire and stop bullying him on here! The new manager obviously likes him.”
    Ten Hag admitted he still needs time to get to know all of his players as he just arrived in May,
    However, the Dutch tactician seems very confident on his decision as he described Maguire as an “established captain”.
    Ten Hag said: “Harry Maguire is the captain.
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    “I have to get to know all the players, but he is an established captain and he has achieved a lot of success.”
    Maguire’s inconsistent performances last season saw him come under pressure from club and country and was even booed on an England outing at Wembley against the Ivory Coast.
    The 29-year-old was also the subject of horrible abuse, which included a vile bomb threat on his home. More