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    Juventus ‘could be fined staggering £51MILLION for hiding alleged secret payment to Man Utd star Cristiano Ronaldo’

    JUVENTUS could reportedly be fined a staggering £51million for hiding an alleged secret payment to Cristiano Ronaldo.Bombshell secret documents claim Juventus promised to pay now-Manchester United star Ronaldo a £17m fee during the Covid-19 pandemic.
    Juventus could face a £51m fine for making an alleged secret payment to Cristiano RonaldoCredit: Getty
    And the Mail says Juventus could potentially face a fine of up to £51m as punishment.
    Yesterday, La Gazzetta dello Sport reported the club are being investigated amid claims they falsified documents including balance sheets in 2019, 2020 and 2021.
    That’s after Juventus said players would take significant wage cuts during lockdown.
    Gazzetta also claims to have already sourced a secret document signed by Ronaldo and Juventus, making reference to a “famous document that should not have theoretically existed”.
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    It is alleged the agreement – possibly omitted from official audits – vowed to pay Ronaldo £17m, even if he left the Turin-based team.
    Juventus were cleared of the accusation by the Sporting Justice earlier in 2022.
    Meanwhile, La Stampa, another Italian newspaper, reported on Monday that Ronaldo was approached for a comment by prosecutors but refused to talk.
    A statement from Juventus’ lawyers read: “It is important to remember that the subject of capital gains for so-called swap transactions is the one from which the whole investigation by the Turin Public Prosecutor’s Office, which ended yesterday, began.
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    “This is an issue today that does not warrant news, insofar that two sports justice bodies have already recognised the full accounting regularity of the company, which has acted in full consistency with the practice of the football industry.
    “As for salary reductions, as well as other related costs and changes, these are key corporate government initiatives adopted during the emergency of the Covid-19 pandemic, which led to the suspension of football competitions and the closure of stadiums.
    “The company, during a press release dated March 28 2020, made known, in full transparency to the market and to the shareholders, a reduction in salaries agreed with the players, pointing out that any additions to the remuneration would be negotiated and paid if or when the sports competitions were resumed and the stadiums were reopened.
    “This exceptional time of emergency and uncertainty lasted, as is well known, from the 2019-20 football season up until the entire 2020-21 season, given that only in the spring of 2022 were the stadiums fully reopened to the public.
    “The company therefore accounted for any changes to the salaries and any additions to the remuneration, in line with their progress and in compliance with accounting regulations.
    “As for the general objection of having falsified the financial statements and having made improper communications to the market, Juventus and its representatives believe that they have been operated in compliance with the laws and relevant technical accounting principles.
    “Moreover, during the years of interest, Juventus has distinguished itself for having initiated, in full transparency and in full compliance with the regulations, two different capital increases. These transactions have solidified Juventus as a powerhouse in the landscape of Italian football.
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    “In particular, the second capital increase, launched autonomously by the company in June 2021, that occurred a few months before the investigation by the Turin Public Prosecutor’s Office became known, had the aim of strengthening the company’s assets following the strong impact of the pandemic.
    “The amounts of these capital increases exceed the figures claimed within the formal disputes of this investigation, which in any case would have no effect on the company’s debt.” More

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    Antony responds to Paul Scholes and showboating critics as Man Utd ace says ‘I won’t stop doing what got me where I am!’

    ANTONY says he won’t stop showboating despite a warning from his boss and criticism from pundits.The Manchester United winger did a 720-degree spin with the ball during Thursday night’s 3-0 win over FC Sheriff before attempting a pass that ran out of play.
    Antony insists he will continue to do tricks after last night’s spin against SheriffCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk

    Paul Scholes was critical of Antony’s showboating during the gameCredit: https://twitter.com/btsportfootball/status/1580667643425853440
    It brought cheers from the crowd but derision elsewhere.
    But responding on Instagram with a video of the moment, Antony said: “We are known for our art and I won’t stop doing what got me where I am!”
    The £85million summer signing, also sporting a new peroxide blonde hair do, performed the trick with the game still goalless in the first-half and was subbed at the break.
    After the game manager Erik ten Hag said he did not mind a ‘trick’ on the field as long as there was an end product.
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    On this occasion there was none, and when the camera panned to Ten Hag after Antony’s antics he could be seen rolling his eyes.
    Ten Hag said: “When there is a trick like that, it’s nice as long as it’s functional. If you’re not losing the ball, then it’s OK – but if it’s a trick because of a trick, then I will correct him.”

    No-nonsense pundit and United legend Paul Scholes was certainly having non of it.
    Scholes said: “What is he thinking? He’s not beating a man, he’s not entertaining anybody, it’s 0-0 and then he kicks the ball out. 
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    “But that’s the way he plays, I’ve seen him do it many times for Ajax as well and that’s just the way he is, but I think he needs that knocking out of him.”
    BT co-commentator Robbie Savage was equally unimpressed with what he saw.
    Savage said: “He’s done that then puts the ball out of play. It’s quite embarrassing actually. Doing that with nobody near him and then he puts the ball out of play.” More

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    ‘What the f***?’ – Dwight Yorke’s hilarious X-rated reaction to Man Utd icon Sir Alex Ferguson’s shock trip to Macarthur

    DWIGHT YORKE produced a hilarious X-rated reaction when former Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson paid a visit to his new club Macarthur FC.Red Devils legend Yorke was named manager of the Australian A-League side in May.
    Sir Alex Ferguson shocked Dwight Yorke with a surprise visit to Macarthur FC in AustraliaCredit: Twitter @BenceHamerli
    Yorke won the Treble and two further titles under Sir Alex at Man UtdCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
    It’s his first job in management, having also spent a year as a player Down Under.
    Yorke started with a baptism of fire as he took charge of an A-League XI against Barcelona.
    He then led new side Macarthur to their first-ever trophy, the Australia Cup, after beating Sydney United.
    And ex-United boss Fergie decided to pay Yorke a visit in person to congratulate him on his new-found success.
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    But the tactician could not believe his eyes when he discovered Ferguson had turned up at training.
    According to witnesses, Yorke and some Macarthur players were heard exclaiming: “What the f***?!”
    Yorke and Fergie enjoyed a fine working relationship together, with the ex-striker netting 65 goals for United.
    He won the Treble in 1999, plus a further two Premier League titles.
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    And Yorke admits he was blown away by Fergie’s presence, with the Scot now invited to watch Saturday’s game against Sydney FC.
    Yorke said: “It’s a wonderful surprise to us all – he didn’t have to be here.
    “He got in contact with me and said he will be in Sydney. It’s very gracious for him to be visiting our stadium here in Campbelltown.
    “I thought it might have been a problem, considering his age. Obviously he’s in good nick. He was happy to make the journey from the city, which is a long journey.” More

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    Man Utd legend Dwight Yorke reveals secret talks with Cristiano Ronaldo six-months ago that club want kept quiet

    MANCHESTER UNITED legend Dwight Yorke revealed he held a secret conversation with Cristiano Ronaldo that he claims the club would rather be kept quiet.Yorke spoke to Ronaldo six months ago after United’s worst ever Premier League season which later saw the five-time Ballon d’Or winner trying to leave Old Trafford.
    Manchester United superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has struggled this seasonCredit: PA
    Manchester United legend Dwight Yorke held a secret chat with Cristiano RonaldoCredit: https://twitter.com/UnitedStandMUFC/status/1527005971989639168
    The star forward ultimately stayed with the Red Devils but has been enduring a turbulent campaign under new manager Erik ten Hag.
    It all came to a head last week when the Portugal International refused to come on against Tottenham and stormed down the tunnel before leaving Old Trafford.
    As a result, Ten Hag axed the 37-year-old for the subsequent clash at Chelsea and ordered him to train by himself at Carrington.
    The Dutch tactician has ultimately reinstated Ronaldo to his team for tonight’s Europa League clash against Sheriff Tiraspol after crunch talks, but Yorke suggested there is more to the ongoing drama.
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    The legendary striker claims CR7 told him things United would “probably pay him £5million” to keep to himself.
    Yorke told The United Stand: “In the conversation I had with him, I got so much information that if I were to reveal some of the things that he told me, I think United would have probably paid me £5million to keep quiet.”
    Ronaldo, though, issued a defiant message on Instagram stating he is “back on track” ahead of tonight’s home clash against Sheriff, in which he could even start.
    Ten Hag added that he wishes to move on from the controversy and focus on the challenges ahead.
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    The United boss said: “It’s not difficult. But we said everything and we answered all the questions, he was out for one game and is back in the squad as usual.
    “We will not answer anymore, so all the questions, I think, everything we explained and we have to focus on the game.
    “We have an important game because we want to be number one in the group.
    “I don’t have to do it anymore, it’s done, he’s back, focus on the game, that’s important that Cristiano is involved.” More

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    Man Utd slapped with ANOTHER FA charge for failing to control players in Chelsea loss following Newcastle meltdown

    MANCHESTER UNITED have been hit with ANOTHER FA charge for failing to control their players – this time against Chelsea.The Red Devils found themselves in hot water when angry stars surrounded the ref during the 0-0 draw with Newcastle.
    Man Utd have been charged by the FA for failing to control their players against ChelseaCredit: Getty
    But after similar scenes at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, the FA have once again hit United with the same charge.
    Erik ten Hag’s men were left fuming when Chelsea were awarded an 87th minute penalty following a Scott McTominay foul on Armando Broja.
    A number of them circled ref Stuart Atwell in an attempt to plead their case.
    But United’s actions have not gone down well with FA beaks.
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    A statement read: “Manchester United FC has been charged with a breach of FA Rule E20.1 after its fixture versus Chelsea FC on Saturday 22 October 2022 in the Premier League.
    “Manchester United allegedly failed to ensure that its players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion in the 84th minute, and the club has until Friday 28 October 2022 to provide a response.”
    Speaking after the previous incident at Newcastle, Ten Hag said: “I must say I don’t think it was too strong, it wasn’t really aggressive but I don’t know what’s happening exactly on the pitch, I was too far away.
    “I saw it back on the video. There was a touch from the Newcastle player, quite clear and they went to the ref to ask about.
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    “First of all, I want to express that: we have always accepted the ref’s decisions and it is also quite normal you ask why in the moment. It was a curious incident, you ask as a team why.
    “It was quite obvious the player from Newcastle touched the ball and our players took advantage of it
    “My view is finally, quite quick, you have to accept, it’s the ref’s decision, you accept it and have to move on.
    “We are an example for amateurs, for youth.
    “Professional players, quite clearly, we have to know our role.”
    Meanwhile, United could yet face action after fans disgraced themselves at Chelsea with homophobic chants.
    In a week when all clubs celebrated celebrated the Rainbow Laces campaign, some United supporters indulged in the infamous “Chelsea rent boy” chant. More

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    Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag has THREE-man transfer wishlist to replace Cristiano Ronaldo with Patrik Schick eyed

    MANCHESTER UNITED manager Erik ten Hag has targeted Jonathan David, Patrik Schick and Moussa Dembele to replace Cristiano Ronaldo.That is according to The Mirror, who claim Ten Hag is preparing for life after Ronaldo who appears to have fallen out of favour at Old Trafford after being dropped by the United boss.
    Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag targets three replacements for Cristiano RonaldoCredit: AP
    Cristiano Ronaldo may leave Manchester United as early as JanuaryCredit: Getty
    The axe ultimately fell when the five-time Ballon d’Or winner refused to come on against Tottenham on Wednesday and stormed down the tunnel with injury time still to play.
    As a result, the Dutch tactician didn’t include the star forward in the squad for Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Chelsea and ordered him to train by himself at Carrington.
    And it seems like Ten Hag is now preparing for life after the Portugal international, who could leave as early as January.
    Atletico Madrid ace Joao Felix was initially touted as Ronaldo’s potential successor.
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    But Ten Hag appears to prefer a more goal-hungry, traditional striker rather than a forward that can be utilised in various roles up front.
    That is why the ex-Ajax boss is keeping tabs on Lille’s David, Bayer Leverkusen’s Schick and Lyon’s Dembele.
    All three strikers have been putting together some impressive displays in the last few years.
    David has amassed a total of nine goals and three assists in 12 Ligue 1 appearances.
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    Dembele, though, has had a slower start with two goals in his first nine league outings.
    Schick also managed three goals in 15 games across all competitions due to an adductor problem.
    Bayer Leverkusen star Patrik Shick is among Manchester United’s targetsCredit: AP
    Lille star and Manchester United target Jonathan David has enjoyed a strong startCredit: Getty
    Lyon star Moussa Dembele is seen as a potential replacement for Cristiano RonaldoCredit: Getty More

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    Man Utd ‘still paying Mike Phelan’ despite him leaving club with talks over new ambassador role still ongoing

    MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly still paying Mike Phelan a salary – despite him leaving at the end of last season.Former assistant Phelan, 60, is an Old Trafford icon after serving under legendary boss Sir Alex Ferguson.
    Man Utd are still paying Mike Phelan’s salary despite him leaving in JuneCredit: Reuters
    He returned to the dugout when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer got the United job.
    And Phelan continued to serve during Ralf Rangnick’s time as interim manager.
    But despite not forming part of Erik ten Hag’s backroom staff, the Athletic claims Phelan continues to be paid after signing a contract in October 2021.
    The lucrative deal runs until June 2024, with final severance yet to be agreed.
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    And United are also yet to find him a new role despite holding several talks over an ambassadorial position.
    In the meantime, Phelan has reportedly been working as a pundit while also coaching via his Sensible Soccer company.
    However, he could now be heading back into the beautiful game with struggling Middlesbrough.
    The Championship side are looking to make Old Trafford favourite Michael Carrick their new boss.
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    And the ex-England anchorman wants Phelan to join as his No2.
    United will not block their former assistant from making the move to the Riverside.
    Carrick could also move for another former Red Devil in Rene Meulensteen.
    But he is currently preparing for the World Cup as Australia’s assistant manager. More

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    Cristiano Ronaldo ‘willing to take pay cut to quit Man Utd in January… with Ten Hag not planning transfer replacement’

    MANCHESTER UNITED superstar Cristiano Ronaldo is willing to take a pay cut to leave Old Trafford, reports suggest.Ronaldo, 37, has fallen out of favour and his future at United is uncertain after he was axed from the squad by manager Erik ten Hag.
    Manchester United superstar Cristiano Ronaldo looks set to leave Old TraffordCredit: Getty
    The axe fell when the five-time Ballon d’Or winner refused to come on against Tottenham on Wednesday and stormed down the tunnel with injury time still to play.
    As a result, Ten Hag didn’t include the star forward in the squad for Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Chelsea and ordered him to train by himself at Carrington.
    According to The Athletic, the Portugal international could push for a move away from the Red Devils and potential suitors have been informed he is willing to accept a lower salary.
    The star forward looked to leave last summer but no Champions League sides showed interest.
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    If the 37-year-old receives no offers in January then United would be open to letting him go for free if a mutual agreement is reached to terminate his contract.
    Ten Hag will also not look for a replacement if Ronaldo ultimately puts an end to his second stint at Old Trafford in the New Year.
    Chelsea appear a potential candidate to swoop in for the Real Madrid legend.
    The Blues were one of several clubs contacted by the ex-Juventus star’s representatives last summer after he decided to leave the Manchester giants.
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    The West Londoners’ owner Todd Boehly was keen to bring the Portugal captain over to Stamford Bridge but former manager Thomas Tuchel opted against a potential deal.
    But with Tuchel now gone and replaced by Graham Potter, Boehly could be keen to renew his interest and explore a swoop in the New Year.
    Chelsea appear to consider a temporary deal that would see CR7 stay until the end of the season with an option to extend into a second term. More