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    Rio Ferdinand reveals Man Utd legend Sir Alex Ferguson would ‘go nuts’ over dressing room leaks after Gary Neville rant

    SIR ALEX FERGUSON would ‘go nuts’ over any dressing room leaks at Manchester United, according to Rio Ferdinand.Former United defender Gary Neville this week claimed he knows who is behind the ‘disgusting’ dressing room leaks that are undermining the club.
    Rio Ferdinand pulled no punches when he explained how Sir Alex Ferguson would react to dressing room leaksCredit: PA
    Sir Alex Ferguson was well-known for running a tight ship at Old TraffordCredit: PA
    Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was sacked in November with the club languishing in seventh place in the Premier League.
    Ralf Rangnick has been appointed on an interim basis until the end of the season, but rumours of player fall-outs and a dressing room split continue to swirl.
    Now Ferdinand, who made 312 appearances for United between 2002 and 2014, says Fergie would fume if it happened under his watch.
    Speaking on his YouTube channel Five, the 43-year-old said: “The odd time a team would come out, and you could never say who it was.
    “It would just be like ‘someone’s told their agent’ and then the agent’s told someone in the media just to soften that relationship they’ve got with them to keep them sweet
    “And then the manager used to go nuts. ‘How’s this getting out on a Monday morning? If I find out who this is, watch’.
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    “I just feel that’s down to the players to come together, and that’s down to the players to hold that meeting and say, ‘listen, this can’t keep happening because we’re going to try and find out who this is, whose agent this is’.
    “And if it comes back it’s someone’s agent then the finger will be pointed directly at you in this changing room, so just keep some stuff private.”
    Neville is furious with the fact details from the squad are being revealed to the press – and suggested he knows which players and representatives are responsible.
    The reality is that we do not like it, but we know who it is.Gary NevilleOn who is leaking Man Utd dressing room secrets
    Speaking on his Sky podcast, the former right-back said: “I remember when I joined Sky and we had the Champions League in the early years, and I went over to Napoli to do a game involving Chelsea.
    “It was when Andre Villas-Boas was their manager and he left out Frank Lampard, Michael Essien, Ashley Cole – four or five prominent players.
    “That is what managers tend to do in their final days at a club, as they see it as a free hit.
    “I remember sitting there at lunchtime with our team and they were getting messages of team news being leaked and the manager being slagged off, and I sat there thinking ‘does this actually happen’?
    “Players agents and PR teams were briefing the media on a matchday about what was going on inside a club, and it was the first time I had seen it and known for it to happen – it really unnerved me.
    “That is happening at Manchester United now – they are at it, the PR teams, the agents and the marketing teams, as a self-preservation for their own player.
    “But what they do not realise is that unfortunately, when they go to the media then those media people go to us – so we know who is briefing.
    “The reality is that we do not like it, but we know who it is.
    “We are not going to throw people under a bus here because we have that journalistic respect – but they are it in the same way that Chelsea were all those years ago.
    “They need to stop it and work as hard as they can.”
    Gary Neville is fuming that he knows who is behind Man Utd’s dressing room leaksCredit: PA
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    Three new formations Man Utd could deploy to get best out of Cristiano Ronaldo and end his worst goal drought in decade

    CRISTIANO Ronaldo is experiencing his worst goal drought in a decade.And the ageing Manchester United talisman looks a shadow of his former self.
    Cristiano Ronaldo has failed to score for six games in a rowCredit: EPA
    The temper tantrums and outbursts aimed at team-mates are starting to tarnish his glittering legacy at the Theatre of Dreams.
    But the 37-year-old is also struggling under the management of interim boss Ralf Rangnick.
    Ronaldo is said to be among a number of ‘heavyweight’ players who think the German is out of his depth at Old Trafford.
    Their relationship hasn’t been helped by Rangnick’s readiness to haul the striker off or even start him on the bench.
    In truth, CR7 has looked sluggish up front in recent weeks and has failed to hit the net in six games in a row.
    Qualifying for next season’s Champions League is an absolute must for Rangnick this term.
    But with the race for fourth in the Premier League looking tighter than ever, maybe it’s time for drastic action to help Ronaldo find his scoring boots once again.
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    LAST TIME OUT
    When he hasn’t been starting among the subs, Ronaldo has most recently been deployed as a lone striker in Rangnick’s 4-2-3-1 formation.
    Against Southampton he was flanked by the England duo of Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashord – with Bruno Fernandes in support.
    But the Portugal star looked off the pace and short of fire power on the few occasions he did get himself into decent positions.
    And the fact he hardly bothers to pressure opponents means United are regularly on the back foot when out of possession.

    A sluggish Ronaldo looked isolated against Southampton
    MORE SUPPORT FROM MIDFIELD
    Assuming Rangnick opts to keep Ronaldo in the starting XI for tonight’s visit of Brighton, one solution could be to send in midfield reinforcements.
    Fernandes could be joined by Paul Pogba in a more advanced role to form an attacking triangle with the striker.
    While Fernandes’ relationship with his international team-mate has appeared strained at times, Pogba loves playing with him.
    This line-up asks an awful lot of Scott McTominay in the holding role, while Rashford and Sancho might not think much of dropping back into midfield.
    But throwing creative midfielders forward could help to stop Ronny looking so isolated up top.

    Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba could form a three with RonaldoCredit: Getty
    FINDING HIM A STRIKE PARTNER
    Axed boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer dabbled with a 3-5-2 during his ill-fated spell in the United hotseat.
    And it worked on occasion – Ronaldo and Edinson Cavani both netted up front together in that formation against Tottenham.
    But Cavani is still out with a hip problem and Rashford hardly seems to be connecting with his veteran team-mate.
    Perhaps Rangnick could experiment and throw Fernandes further forward as an out-and-out No10.
    His touch around the box could slip Ronaldo in closer to goal so he isn’t left struggling to keep up with speedy wingers.

    United’s Portugal duo could be given a chance up front togetherCredit: EPA
    DROPPING BACK INTO A DEEPER ROLE
    It would take the bravest of managers to suggest to Ronaldo his time as a goal poacher is over.
    But Rangnick has shown he’s ready to tackle issues head on by benching the legend in recent games.
    Could the elderly striker find a new lease of life dropping back as a playmaker?
    With the speedy Rashford leading the line, Ronaldo could put his years of experience to use in pulling the strings behind – although his ego might not take it.
    He hasn’t scored in ages and often moans at team-mates for failing to play him in – maybe it’s time for him to lay on some assists for the youngsters.

    Perhaps it’s time for Ronaldo to drop back and help othersCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

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    Cristiano Ronaldo spends five hours at Man Utd’s training ground on Sunday and was first player in and last to leave

    CRISTIANO RONALDO is on his longest goal drought since 2009 – but it isn’t for the want of trying.The Manchester United striker was the first one in and the last one out of training on Sunday after firing another blank in the 1-1 draw with Southampton.
    Cristiano Ronaldo was the first one in and last to leave United training on SundayCredit: Splash
    Ronaldo is on a six-game barren runCredit: Splash
    The 37-year-old arrived at Carrington at 9.20am and did not leave until 2.20pm.
    It is now six games since Ronaldo last scored for United – that came in a 3-1 home win against Burnley on December 30.
    The last time he went six games without a goal was in 2009 in the final months at Old Trafford before he joined Real Madrid.
    Ronny has still netted 14 times in all competitions this season after rejoining United from Juventus in summer.
    The Portugal star continued his barren scoring run by failing to finish into an OPEN GOAL against Southampton.
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    After Jadon Sancho neatly slid in Ronaldo, he cleverly rounded Saints goalkeeper Fraser Forster.
    Just when it looked like he was about to end the longest barren run in front of goal of his career… Ronaldo missed.
    Usually such a lethal finisher, his shot towards an empty net lacked any conviction at all.
    And heroic defending from Romain Perraud saw him get back in time to intercept the ball as it trickled its way towards the goal-line.
    He turned his back in disgust and threw his hands up in the air after failing to bag such a simple chance.
    Sancho did score soon after to spare Ronaldo’s blushes, but Southampton hit back in the second half through Che Adams.
    The game finished 1-1, making it back-to-back draws for Ralf Rangick’s side.
    Ronaldo penned a two-year deal in the summer after making an emotional return to Manchester United.
    But there are suggestions he could cut his stay short and leave the club in the summer after starting to feel his age.
    United face Brighton at home on Tuesday night, giving Ronaldo another chance to finally find the net.
    Ronaldo could not believe he missed an open goal against Southampton

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    Man Utd boss Ralf Rangnick SLAMS Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as he hints Norwegian is to blame if club don’t make top four

    MANCHESTER UNITED boss Ralf Rangnick has laid the blame for the club’s desperate battle to make the top four squarely with his predecessor Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.United are currently in fifth spot, one point behind West Ham a place above.
    United boss Ralf Rangnick is clear he is playing catch-up this seasonCredit: EPA
    They are a mammoth 23 points behind table-toppers and fierce rivals Manchester City.
    Saturday’s 1-1 draw at home to Southampton saw them fluff their chance to get into the top four.
    Speaking after the game, Rangnick was keen to point out that they are playing catch-up due to issues BEFORE he came to the club.
    On the prospect of missing out on a Champions League place, the 63-year-old said: “It has always been a concern since Ole left the club.
    “That was one of the reasons why he probably had to leave the club and of course, results like today’s [Southampton draw] don’t make things any easier.
    “Against Villa, Burnley and today we were one or 2-0 up and gave away two points.
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    “This can happen once but it shouldn’t happen three times and with those points the situation would be different but it’s not. This is what we have to face.
    “We have to realise the truth and obviously with results like today’s it doesn’t make it any easier to finish fourth at the end.”
    Solskjaer was sacked in November with the club in seventh spot – and 12 points off the top of the table.
    That position brings Europa Conference League football next season – something the management and fans probably would rather avoid.
    United are one point ahead of sixth-placed Arsenal and three ahead of Wolves in seventh.
    Rangnick will be hoping his side bounce back from the disappointing 1-1 draw with Southampton when they travel to take on Brighton on Tuesday.

    ⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford
    Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was sacked with United in seventh spotCredit: PA More

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    Cristiano Ronaldo spends five hours at Man Utd training ground on Sunday and was first player in and last out of door

    CRISTIANO RONALDO is on his longest goal drought since 2009 – but it’s not for the want of trying.The Manchester United striker was the first one in and the last one out of training on Sunday after firing another blank in the 1-1 draw with Southampton.
    Cristiano Ronaldo was the first one in and last to leave United training on SundayCredit: Splash
    Ronaldo is on a six-game barren runCredit: Splash
    The 37-year-old arrived at Carrington at 9.20am and did not leave until 2.20pm.
    It is now six games since Ronaldo last scored for United – that came in a 3-1 home win against Burnley on December 30.
    The last time he went six games without a goal was in 2009 in the final months at Old Trafford before he joined Real Madrid.
    Ronny has still netted 14 times in all competitions this season after rejoining United from Juventus in summer.
    The Portugal star continued his barren scoring run by failing to finish into an OPEN GOAL against Southampton.
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    After Jadon Sancho neatly slid in Ronaldo, he cleverly rounded Saints goalkeeper Fraser Forster.
    Just when it looked like he was about to end the longest barren run in front of goal of his career… Ronaldo missed.
    Usually such a lethal finisher, his shot towards an empty net lacked any conviction at all.
    And heroic defending from Romain Perraud saw him get back in time to intercept the ball as it trickled its way towards the goal-line.
    He turned his back in disgust and threw his hands up in the air after failing to bag such a simple chance.
    Sancho did score soon after to spare Ronaldo’s blushes, but Southampton hit back in the second half through Che Adams.
    The game finished 1-1, making it back-to-back draws for Ralf Rangick’s side.
    Ronaldo penned a two-year deal in the summer after making an emotional return to Manchester United.
    But there are suggestions he could cut his stay short and leave the club in the summer after starting to feel his age.
    United face Brighton at home on Tuesday night, giving Ronaldo another chance to finally find the net.
    Ronaldo could not believe he missed an open goal against Southampton

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    ‘Embarrassing’ – Man Utd captain Harry Maguire slated by Owen with ex-Old Trafford ace saying defender looks ‘petrified’

    HARRY MAGUIRE’S lack of pace has been labelled ‘embarrassing’ by former Manchester United striker Michael Owen.The Red Devils captain endured another torrid afternoon after being tormented by Southampton’s Armando Broja yesterday.
    Harry Maguire suffered a torrid afternoon against SouthamptonCredit: Rex
    Michael Owen has slammed the Man Utd defender’s displayCredit: BT Sport
    The £80million centre-back was also left in no-man’s land by Che Adams as the Saints secured a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford.
    Now Owen, who used to give defenders nightmares with his lightning pace back in his heyday, has admitted how he fears for England defender Maguire.
    Speaking to Premier League Productions, he said: “I did fear for him and that was quite embarrassing.
    “He’s got no pace at the best of times but he was outwitted there (by Broja).
    “Then you’re thinking don’t try to redeem your mistake, he just got away with it and I don’t think it was a penalty.
    “But you are fearful when he’s running towards him man you think are you going to try to do something stupid but he just gets away with it.”
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    Owen added: “His lack of pace is a real problem. We’ve said it before, we’ll say it again.
    “The goal, he could have been squeezing up but he’s petrified of that space in behind.”
    Maguire was one of England’s best performers at Euro 2020 but his form has come under huge scrutiny this term at United.
    He was also on the end of heavy criticism for his defending in midweek in the draw at Burnley after allowing Wout Weghorst to turn and set Jay Rodriguez up for the equaliser.
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    Cristiano Ronaldo told to ‘join Bournemouth’ as he’s ‘part of the problem’ at Man Utd amid horror run of form

    CRISTIANO RONALDO has been told to ‘sign for Bournemouth’ and that he is ‘part of the problem’ at Manchester United.The Portuguese star is on his longest barren run in front of goal for over a decade as the Red Devils’ form continues to slump.
    Cristiano Ronaldo has been told to ‘sign for Bournemouth’Credit: EPA
    The legend has also been told that he is ‘part of the problem’ at Old TraffordCredit: EPA
    After being held to a draw at home to Southampton on Saturday, the Old Trafford side are facing a major battle for a top four finish.
    Ronaldo returned to United in the summer and is their top scorer so far this term with 14 goals in all competitions.
    But after going six matches without finding the net under interim boss Ralf Rangnick, questions are being asked about the 37-year-old’s ability to still perform at the top level.
    Speculation has been mounting that the Portuguese superstar wants talks with his agent Jorge Mendes next month and could quit United in the summer.
    Now former Sky Sports anchor Richard Keys, speaking on beIN Sports, has said the legend should be sold sooner rather than later.
    He claimed: “Jorge Mendes was talking to senior Manchester United executives about leaving at the end of the season.
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    “My own view of that is that he should he leave now.
    “I’ve been of the opinion all season long that I think he’s as much a part of the problem – not the whole problem – as anything and anybody else.
    “The other night, when he went running down the tunnel at Turf Moor, having recently lectured everyone about being the leader he believes himself to be and that youngsters don’t do the sorts of things he does…how does that encourage team spirit in the dressing room?”
    Co-host Andy Gray replied: “That was not good to see. Totally wrong for him to do that. He’s obviously disappointed at not playing.
    “He’s playing against Burnley, bottom of the league, he’s thinking ‘there’s a few goals in this for me’.
    “He is 37 years of age and knows he’s running out of time to play top football. You want to try and play as many games as you can.”
    Keys then added: “That’s fine then, go and sign for Bournemouth and you’ll play every week.”
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    Man Utd to offer David de Gea a new deal just six months after his Old Trafford career looked over

    DAVID DE GEA will be offered a new deal — six months after his Manchester United career looked over.De Gea, 31, has been the shining light in United’s stumbling season and won January’s Premier League Player of the Month.
    David de Gea has been a rare bright spark for Man Utd this term and will be offered a new contractCredit: Getty
    Now, the club plans to trigger a 12-month option extending the Spanish keeper’s contract to June 2024, buying time to thrash out fresh terms.
    Old Trafford chiefs also realise they need to bend on their standard policy of offering players shorter deals on lower wages when they hit their 30s.
    That means De Gea can still expect to pick up something close to his current £375,000 a week and have the security of a longer-term contract.
    It signals a remarkable turnaround from losing his place as No 1 to Dean Henderson.
    SunSport revealed how De Gea cut short his holidays and returned to training early.
    It paid off as he has started every league game and a United insider said: “David was determined to show everybody he was still the No 1 and prove he had a future here.
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    “His last contract took nearly 18 months of discussions. The club are determined to sort things quickly this time.
    “They believe he’s the best in the world and see no reason why he can’t carry on for years.”
    De Gea meanwhile has blasted his United team-mates as they gave up ANOTHER lead to draw 1-1 with Southampton.
    The stopper wrote on Twitter: “The situation needs to improve and fast. We have to learn that this is not enough.”
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