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    Man Utd draw up four-man striker transfer shortlist for January including Osimhen and Boniface but fans fume at omission

    MANCHESTER UNITED have four strikers on their shortlist ahead of the January transfer window, according to reports.Only Everton, Crystal Palace and Southampton have scored fewer goals than the Red Devils in the Premier League, with new boss Ruben Amorim identifying the position as a problem area.Victor Boniface is highly-rated by Man Utd chiefsCredit: GettyVictor Osimhen is also on United’s shortlist with Napoli star currently on loan at GalatasarayCredit: ReutersRandal Kolo Muani is set to be made available in JanuaryCredit: GettyOmar Marmoush is also on the Red Devils’ radarCredit: APSummer signing Joshua Zirkzee has scored just one goal in all competitions and Rasmus Hojlund has found the back of the net twice this season.Marcus Rashford scored as the striker against Ipswich, but Amorim is still keen on getting in a new No9.Sky Germany report that United have drawn up a four-man shortlist for moves in January.Bayer Leverkusen star Victor Boniface is admired by Man Utd after he fired Xabi Alonso’s side to an undefeated domestic double last season.READ MORE ON MAN UTDBut Boniface, 23, who has struggled with injuries, could prove too expensive and would only become available in the summer.His Nigerian compatriot Victor Osimhen is another being talked about at Old Trafford.He is on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli after his move to Chelsea collapsed before the start of the season.Osimhen, 25, has a £110million release clause, though clubs could get him for less as the Italian giants want to sell. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMan Utd’s four-man striker shortlist Stats this season:Victor Boniface: 15 games, eight goals, one assist (Bayer Leverkusen)Victor Osimhen: 10 games, eight goals, four assists (Galatasaray)Randal Kolo Muani: 13 games, two goals, one assist (PSG)Omar Marmoush: 17 games, 14 goals, ten assists (Eintracht Frankfurt) PSG star Randal Kolo Muani is also on Man Utd’s shortlist after struggling in the French capital.He has found the back of the net 11 times in 53 games since his £77million deal from Eintracht Frankfurt.Gary Neville admits he ‘can’t see what’s going to happen’ with Man Utd conundrum as he names likely winners under Amorim Kolo Muani, 25, could be open to a move to the Premier League, having started just two PSG games this term.A January loan is seen as realistic and a permanent move possible if United can find the cash.His replacement at Frankfurt was Omar Marmoush, who is second at the top of the Bundesliga goalscoring charts behind only Harry Kane.The versatile Egyptian has eleven goals and seven assists this season and his contract expires in 2027.Marmoush, 25, is rumoured to be available for between £42m to £50m.Man Utd fans have been left baffled by the omission of Sporting Lisbon star Viktor Gyokeres, with many hoping the Swede follows Amorim to Manchester. One supporter said: “Why is Gyokeres not on the list? He would suit us perfectly.Another added: “Gyokeres is still the best striker in the market.”READ MORE SUN STORIESIt is not just a striker the new manager wants as he also has his eye on a new left-back.Bayern Munich’s Alphonso Davies is reportedly first choice, with Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez and AC Milan’s Theo Hernandez the alternatives. Three Sporting stars Amorim could swoop for after joining Man UtdRUBEN AMORIM has ruled out poaching any of his Sporting Lisbon players in the January transfer window.But the Portuguese side’s chiefs expect Amorim will come calling in the summer – with his cheque book wide open.Here’s are three Sporting starts United could swoop for… but they won’t come cheap:VIKTOR GYOKERESAge: 26Position: StrikerCost: £84millionSwede has shone since joining Sporting last summer from Coventry — catching the eye of all Europe’s top clubs.Hit 43 goals in 50 games last season and boasts 18 strikes already this term.GONCALO INACIOAge: 23Position: DefenderCost: £50millionBall-playing centre-back was handed his debut by Amorim and has since become a key figure in Sporting’s recent title successes.Can also slot in at left-back if required and has 12 caps for Portugal.MORTEN HJULMANDAge: 25Position: MidfieldCost: £40millionDane is one of the top holding midfielders in Portugal — and made skipper by Amorim.He could be the man to replace Casemiro. More

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    Manchester United’s Gabby George opens up on England call-up joy following the ‘difficult moment’ of her knee injury

    HAVING space to rant at Manchester United during the toughest days of her knee injury, helped spur Gabby George’s fight back to fitness. Now the defender, 27, is relishing her return to England duty 14 months after rupturing her anterior cruciate ligament. Gabby George has joined up with her England team-mates this week for the first time since November 2022The defender’s Lionesses call-up follows her making a return to WSL match action in October following an ACL injuryGeorge, who has two senior England caps, hopes to impress Sarina Wiegman whose team are due to play the USA and SwitzerlandIt was in October last year, a month after sealing a permanent move to United from Everton that George’s season was cut short.Four games into the 2023-24 campaign, the full-back tore her ACL during the club’s 1-1 draw with Leicester in the top-flight. The twice-capped Manchester-born player did not return to WSL action until this September when her side beat West Ham 3-0 at Old Trafford. And the full-back intends to enjoy her football after coming through this “difficult moment”. Read More Football Stories Speaking at England’s base, yesterday she said: “I’d just signed for Manchester United.”I had so many dreams and ambitions that I wanted to achieve, and it was all taken away from me within four games. “The hardest part of an injury is understanding why and you never know why, that’s the toughest part. “It was a difficult moment and I’m happy to have come through it with the help of Manchester United. Most read in Football”On the days that were tough I was able to go into the changing room and if I needed to cry, I could cry, and if I needed to rant, I could rant to them. “They always listened and never made me feel like I was a burden and that was the key thing. “We have a great squad and staff and I was able to speak to all of the staff.”But it’s behind me now and I’m just happy and I’m in a position where I can play again.”George, whose knee injuries kept her out of two FA Cup finals with Everton and United, could be set to feature for England this Saturday. When you’ve been through so much and you get those little wins, it’s a big thing.Gabby GeorgeAlthough her club are fifth in the league, her call-up follows her contribution to United keeping five clean sheets in eight games. The Lionesses take on Emma Hayes’s Olympic gold medal-winning USA stars at Wembley at 5:45pm this Saturday. George’s last call-up for England was before their November 2022 campThe full-back was named on the bench ahead of a 4-0 friendly defeat of Japan and a 1-1 draw with Norway. George, whose cousin is ex-Man United winger Jesse Lingard, adds: “I’ve come back this season and I’ve wanted to enjoy my football. Wherever that takes me, it takes me. “Luckily I was able to get an England call-up but I want to continue enjoying my football because that’s when I play my best.”Of her call-up conversation with Lioness boss Sarina Wiegman, George said: “I was stuttering on the phone and I’m never lost for words! I was buzzing for it. “When you’ve been through so much and you get those little wins, it’s a big thing for you. I’m all about celebrating those wins.”England’s duels with the USA and with Switzerland next Tuesday, will serve as prep for their two upcoming Nations League games.Aside from Portugal, the Lionesses will play World Cup champions Spain next February. It will be the first game between the sides since England’s 1-0 loss to their rivals in last August’s Women’s World Cup final in Australia. And George hopes to make her mark before Wiegman’s squad selection for both fixtures.The USA will take on England for the first time since Emma Hayes took charge of the team this summerShe said: “Sarina knows what she’s doing. READ MORE SUN STORIES”I feel like, us training and being in this environment, we have a chance to showcase ourselves and if we get minutes, we get minutes. “If we don’t, we’re just going to have to keep pushing and working hard.” More

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    Ruben Amorim hints at part of Man Utd job he already hates in tense statement at end of Sky Sports interview

    RUBEN AMORIM jokingly admitted that he’s struggling to come to terms with one key aspect of being the manager of Manchester United.The Portuguese tactician bemoaned the intense media spotlight that comes with being the Red Devils gaffer.Ruben Amorim already hates one aspect of the PremThe 39-year-old said he’s already done more interviews at United than he did during four years at SportingAmorim’s first game in charge was a largely underwhelming affair with United sharing the points with dominant Ipswich at Portman Road.Marcus Rashford got his new boss off to a perfect start when he opened the scoring inside 81 seconds.But Man of the Match Omari Hutchinson’s brilliant strike levelled the scores with the scrappy encounter going on to finish 1-1.Amorim joined pundits after the match and discussed the differences between managing United and his former club Sporting.READ MORE ON MAN UTDHe said: “This week I spoke more to the media than I did in four years at Sporting. I just want to work with my players. Nothing more.”It came after host Kelly Cates said: “One of the things you are going to learn as Manchester United manager is the number of media commitments that you have after a game.”Amorim shook his head and said: “This is the last time. When you speak too much and don’t win it’s really hard for everybody.”It’s one week. And only one week. I just want to work with my players and nothing more but I understand it’s a different game here.”Most read in FootballThe Amorim era got off to the perfect start when Marcus Rashford scored inside two minutesBefore Omari Hutchinson’s stunner pegged Amorim’s side backUnited were dominated by Ipswich in large parts of their 1-1 drawFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut the 39-year-old was the picture of respect as his comments came after the interview was over.Amorim had no complaints with regards to the effort of his new group of players but accepted it will take time to improve. Ruben Amorim gives instant verdict on Bruno Fernandes, Garnacho and Zirkzee in revealing Sky Sports interviewHe added: “It is hard to expect anything now. It is not a surprise but you have to see it in the game. “That is why I was a little bit anxious, because you cannot understand what will happen in the game. I felt that.”What I understood today is that they are trying, they are really trying. “They stay in the positions, they receive information and they try to use it in the game. That is very important.”Even in the difficult moments, I felt they were doing the things we said for them to do.Amorim needs A LOT of time on training pitch to fix Man Utd… unfortunately he won’t get it, writes Charlie WyettIN theory at least, the only way is up for Manchester United, writes Charlie Wyett.We are nearly a third of the way through this Premier League season and it is still staggering to see United lurking in 12th place.They have managed just four wins with a goal difference of 0. Only Everton, Crystal Palace and Southampton have scored less.It is certainly not a false position and a point at Ipswich illustrated the massive job that Ruben Amorim faces.United’s fans sang the name of their new manager throughout the game.They also gave the players rapturous applause on the final whistle and although this was an improvement on some of the performances this season, the bar has been set pretty low.The club’s optimistic supporters will see that their team is only six points off the top four.  Ultimately, though, it is difficult to see United even reaching last season’s final position of eighth as they look worse.United’s patched-up defence will improve – and a three-man formation at the back will help them – but you have to wonder where the goals are going to come from. Marcus Rashford struck after 81 seconds and then went missing for the rest of his 68 minutes on the pitch.Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee were also introduced in that double change midway inside the second half but added absolutely nothing. What a terrible couple of signings they have proved to be and United’s fans would swap both of them for Ipswich’s Liam Delap.Amorim did not celebrate the Rashford goal and paced around his technical area throughout looking uneasy.Each time there was a break in play, he called over players for instructions.Alejandro Garnacho headed over to the touchline on a couple of occasions while there were also words for Diogo Dalot, Casemiro and Jonny Evans.Amorim, a manager with infectious enthusiasm, will be hopeful he can get his message across to all of the players in the next few weeks.But the problem for the Portuguese coach is that this was the first of 10 games in the space of 33 days.What he really needs are spells on the training ground without a midweek game but he does not have that luxury.”I know it is frustrating for the fans, but we are changing so much in this moment with a lot of games. “We are going to suffer for a long period and we will try to win games. This will take time, but I know we have to win games.”United – who sit 12th in the Prem – face Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League on Thursday before hosting Everton on Sunday.Former United captain Roy Keane expressed his concerns about the lack of quality at Old Trafford.He told Sky: “We saw the shape of the team but it is the same players and the same problems.”We talk about leopards and spots. Lack of goals and a lack of quality in the second half. Ipswich looked the better team.”It’s his first game. A lot to take in and it has been a mental week for him but ultimately he will be disappointed.”Keane also got into a furious bust-up with Ipswich fan after the game.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Irishman, who previously spent time as Ipswich manager, could be seen exchanging words with a group of home supporters.He appeared to tell one individual that he would “wait for him in the car park”.Man Utd ratings vs Ipswich as Onana saves Amorim from embarrassment in first game as bossMANCHESTER UNITED began the Ruben Amorim era with a 1-1 draw away at Ipswich.Marcus Rashford needed just 81 seconds to put the Red Devils in front at Portman Road, tapping home an Amad Diallo cross.But Ipswich hit back when Omari Hutchinson’s strike flew in via a deflection off Noussair Mazraoui.And it was the newly-promoted side who looked likelier to get a winner in the second half.Here is how SunSport’s Charlie Wyett saw the performances of the Man Utd players…ANDRE ONANA – 7/10United’s best player. Two key stops to deny Liam Delap but no chance for the deflected Omari Hutchinson goal.Then delivered an 87th minute save to keep out an effort from Conor Chaplin.NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI – 5Slotted in on the right of the three-man defence but unfortunate with the deflection for the goal.MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 5Has been suspect this season and will probably be better suited to a back three although still given a tough time by Delap.JONNY EVANS – 5The 36-year-old was targeted by Ipswich for his lack of pace and no surprise he was replaced.AMAD DIALLO – 6Did incredibly well to bomb past Jens Cajuste and deliver the cross for Rashford’s early goal but offered little else.CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN – 5Some nice touches going forward but too lightweight in this position in front of the back three.CASEMIRO – 4Lucky to start ahead of Manuel Ugarte and was really poor.Struggled throughout before being subbed and could maybe have got a block to the Hutchinson shot.DIOGO DALOT – 5Not suited to left wing-back although stayed there when Luke Shaw arrived because the English international replaced Evans in the back three.BRUNO FERNANDES – 5Some of his link-up play was fine but United need a captain who can inspire this team and Fernandes is not the man.Sent a free-kick flashing past the post with 12 minutes left.ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 5Twice called over by Ruben Amorim in the first half for instructions.Denied by a decent save from Aro Muric 50 seconds into the second half.MARCUS RASHFORD – 6Criticised for his basketball trip to New York so to score after 80 seconds was two fingers up at his critics – but did not offer much after that.SubsUgarte (for Casemiro 56 mins) – 6Shaw (for Evans 56 mins) – 6Hojlund (for Rashford 67 mins) – 5Zirkzee ( for Eriksen 67 mins) – 5Mount (for Garnacho 87 mins) – 5 More

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    Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim planning shock transfer swoop for Wolves star Rayan Ait-Nouri

    WOLVES star Rayan Ait-Nouri is high on the wishlist of new Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim.The Algerian’s contract expires in the summer of 2026 and he is believed to be eyeing a move away from Molineux.Rayan Ait-Nouri is wanted by Man UtdCredit: AlamyRuben Amorim believes he perfectly suits his style of playCredit: GettyThat has put United are on red alert for a player as Amorim has made signing a left-back a priority. He wants to boost his options give Luke Shaw’s injury record. Shaw could also eventually move into the back-three once the former Sporting Lisbon manager fully instils his 3-4-3 system at Old Trafford.Ait-Nouri, an attacking wing-back, ticks all of the boxes for Amorim and the style of the football he likes to play.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe 23-year-old has also been linked with a move to Liverpool, but United will be keen to ensure Amorim’s wishes are met.Ait-Nouri is currently on a deal of £33,000-a-week at Wolves and the Red Devils would be able to tempt him with a substantial uplift in his wages.The fan favourite has plenty of Premier League experience under his belt, making more than 100 appearances since joining from French side Angers in 2020. He has found the back of the net eight times and registered a further six assists along the way.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWolves are likely to want to keep the him until the summer amid the threat of relegation.United may have to wait until the end of the season to get their man.Ruben Amorim hints at part of Man Utd job he already hates in tense statement at end of Sky Sports interview Amorim could also go shopping back at Sporting and he is thought to be keen on striker Viktor Gyokeres and midfielder Morten Hjulmand.Three Sporting stars Amorim could swoop for after joining Man UtdRUBEN AMORIM has ruled out poaching any of his Sporting Lisbon players in the January transfer window.But the Portuguese side’s chiefs expect Amorim will come calling in the summer – with his cheque book wide open.Here’s are three Sporting starts United could swoop for… but they won’t come cheap:VIKTOR GYOKERESAge: 26Position: StrikerCost: £84millionSwede has shone since joining Sporting last summer from Coventry — catching the eye of all Europe’s top clubs.Hit 43 goals in 50 games last season and boasts 18 strikes already this term.GONCALO INACIOAge: 23Position: DefenderCost: £50millionBall-playing centre-back was handed his debut by Amorim and has since become a key figure in Sporting’s recent title successes.Can also slot in at left-back if required and has 12 caps for Portugal.MORTEN HJULMANDAge: 25Position: MidfieldCost: £40millionDane is one of the top holding midfielders in Portugal — and made skipper by Amorim.He could be the man to replace Casemiro. More

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    Who is Godwill Kukonki? Meet Man Utd’s towering 16-year-old defender who is set to be in Ruben Amorim’s first squad

    TEEN sensation Godwill Kukonki looks destined for a future in Manchester United’s first-team after Ruben Amorim included him in his first matchday squad.The Portuguese gaffer’s first match in charge of the club sees his troops take on Ipswich Town at Portman Road this afternoon.Ruben Amorim takes charge of his first Manchester United game this afternoonCredit: GETTYThe Portuguese gaffer took charge of his first training session earlier this weekCredit: GETTYAnd he included 16-year-old defender Godwill Kukonki in his match-day squad for today’s clash with IpswichCredit: GETTYKukonki was called up to train with the first team this weekCredit: MANCHESTER UNITEDUnited fans around the world have been wondering what Amorim’s first starting XI will look like.And some have been left gobsmacked by the match day inclusion of teenager Kukonki, despite his recent training with the first team.But who is the teenager that is currently the talk of the Old Trafford faithful?SunSport is on hand to shed some light on the starlet, whom many believe has a bright future at the club.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSHow long has Kukonki been at Manchester United?The 16-year-old defender, who was born in Stoke On Trent, joined United at the tender age of five after being discovered by their scouts.He’s been an ever-present in the club’s youth teams over the years and has stood out as of late due to his incredible stature.Kukonki stands at a whopping 6ft 5in and has shown no signs of slowing down when it comes to his growth.His incredible build has served him well over the years, but it hasn’t been the sole reason for his success.Most read in FootballGodwill Kukonki stands at a whopping 6ft 5in at the tender age of 16Credit: GETTYThe defender has been heralded for his ability on the ballCredit: GETTYHow Kukonki fared so far?The left-sided centre-back has shown defensive prowess well beyond his years during his time at the club.Gary Neville admits ‘I got it wrong’ and apologises over Rashford criticism as Amorim demands Man Utd ‘change standards’ And they have played a major factor in his recent graduation to the club’s Under-18s squad.Kukonki has well and truly risen to the challenge this season, showcasing great ability on and off the ball in addition to his physical qualities.His ability to play out from the back, in particular, has been repeatedly heralded.Kukonki has nine appearances for United’s Under-18s to his name so far this season, in which he’s scored one goal and bagged one assist.And his impressive displays must have been relayed to Amorim, who has made the bold decision to include him in today’s matchday squad.Ruben Amorim is ‘Mourinho 2.0’ who turned Sporting from ‘walking dead’ into Portuguese champs… he can revive Man UtdWHEN Ruben Amorim took charge of Sporting Lisbon in March 2020, one club official compared their situation to the “walking dead”, writes Jordan Davies.Optimism and hope was at an all-time low.But the Amorim-effect was almost instantaneous, guiding the Portuguese sleeping giants to their first league title for 19 years in 2020/21, losing just once and only conceding 20 goals.Since then, Sporting have lifted another league title in 2023/24 – as well as two League Cups – and currently sit top with nine wins from nine this term.He may be young, but Amorim already has an eye for rebuilding and revitalising fallen super powers with his infectious charisma and intense tactical philosophy that hardly ever wavers. The “walking dead” at Manchester United must be praying for a similar sort of revival.And they may just get it from one of the most talented young coaches on the continent – a man accustomed to breathing new life back into crumbling institutions such as Old Trafford.Amorim has spent the last decade dreaming of one day gracing England’s Premier League, such was his admiration for an ex-United boss in Jose Mourinho growing up.Often nicknamed ‘Mourinho 2.0’, Amorim spent a week with his coaching idol in an internship capacity at United’s Carrington training base in 2018, going on to cite him as his “reference point”.United should not be expecting a mini-Mourinho, as Amorim said himself: “Mourinho is one of a kind. There won’t be another Mourinho. Mourinho is unique.”And yet, you cannot help but compare the two.For all the mismanagement in the Old Trafford hot seats over the years, this would be a real get – finally a slap in the face United’s Prem rivals have no answer for.What’s Kukonki said?Kukonki, unsurprisingly, has yet to conduct any interviews.He has, however, reflected on his brief United career on his Instagram account – which only includes four posts.Late last month, he shared a series of snaps from his Uefa Youth League debut against Lithuanian ZK Zalgiris.READ MORE SUN STORIESAlong with a praying hands emoji, he wrote #UYL debut.”He’ll no doubt post a similar photo if and when he makes his first-team debut.Godwill Kukonki has been tipped by many to have a bright future at Old TraffordCredit: GETTY More

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    Amorim will BLOCK Man Utd stars from flying on holiday in international break after Neville’s Rashford and Casemiro rant

    RUBEN AMORIM says he will block Manchester United stars from using international breaks for extra holidays.Red Devils legend Gary Neville laid into Marcus Rashford and Casemiro for jetting off to the US instead of staying behind to meet their new manager.Marcus Rashford copped flak from Gary Neville for travelling to the USA during the international breakCredit: GETTYCasemiro was also criticised by the Red Devils legendCredit: GETTYNew manager Ruben Amorim has vowed to stop players travelling so far during international breaksCredit: GETTYNew United boss Amorim refused to criticise the pair, who were not needed by respective nations England and Brazil.But Erik ten Hag’s Old Trafford replacement made it clear he was unlikely to sanction similar trips in the future.He said: “Would I set a different structure? Yes, for sure. But we cannot put this on the players.“They told them they have five days off so they can fly anywhere. Because nobody in the club says you cannot fly.READ MORE ON MAN UTD“So we cannot, this time, put that on Rash or Case.”Striker Rashford was pictured watching Friday’s NBA clash between the New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets at Madison Square Garden.And midfielder Casemiro flew to Florida to enjoy a family holiday at Disney World and an Orlando Magic game.In a Sky Sports interview, Neville apologised to Amorim for initially claiming the pair had travelled even further, to the west coast of America.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut he insisted: “I did get it wrong. “But there’s still a 5-6 hour time difference, they’re on planes, Casemiro’s 30 years of age.”How Ruben Amorim will resurrect Marcus Rashford’s Man United career with subtle position changeAmorim did not disagree. “He said: “Us as a club have to set the standards and have to manage that.“It’s my decision if they can have five days, or three days, or three days to rest and you cannot fly. “This is something that us as a club have to decide.“So this must be started in the club, with us and me being responsible in that area.” More

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    Skin doctor sues Ronaldo over ace’s £40k ‘unpaid’ bill

    FOOTIE superstar Cristiano Ronaldo is being sued by a cosmetic doctor over an alleged unpaid £40,000 bill.Dr Roshan Ravindran — known as Dr Rosh — claims the former Man United star, 39, owes him for treatments provided when he was at Old Trafford in 2021 and 2022.Dr Roshan Ravindran claims Ronaldo owes him for treatments provided when he was at Old Trafford in 2021 and 2022Credit: GettyThe former cardiologist’s specialisms include botox and fillers, skin care and eyebrow lifting.He names Ronaldo — famous for his “siuuu” goal celebration — in a formal court form. He does not mention the player’s partner Georgina Rodríguez, 30, but the claim says he did work for Ronaldo “and members of his family and entourage” at his Cheshire clinic.When approached for comment, Dr Rosh, who also runs KLNIK branches in Manchester and London, said: “There is an ongoing legal matter and, as a professional, I do not discuss my patients.”Read More on SportA source said: “Dr Rosh is highly respected and is the silent expert behind figures including top politicians, royalty, sports stars and Hollywood icons.“When it comes to procedures like botox and fillers, Dr Rosh is undeniably the number one choice.“His clientele value absolute discretion as well as world-class treatments.”Ace Ronaldo — now playing in Saudi Arabia on £173million a year — was approached for comment.Most read in FootballCristiano Ronaldo is being sued by a cosmetic doctor over an alleged unpaid £40,000 billCredit: EPACristiano Ronaldo breaks young fan’s phone with wayward penalty and sends him collapsing to floor More

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    Man Utd and Man City ready for £65m Viktor Gyokeres transfer scrap as BOTH sides think they have secret weapon

    RUBEN AMORIM will scrap with old pal Hugo Viana for Sporting Lisbon ace Viktor Gyokeres next year.The striker, 26, became hot property under gaffer Amorim at Sporting and his release clause could see him move for £65million.Viktor Gyokeres has been sensational since joining Sporting LisbonCredit: ReutersRuben Amorim is interested in bringing the striker to Manchester UnitedCredit: GettyManchester United are sure Amorim’s arrival as their boss will secure his signature.But they face a battle with Manchester City and Viana, who will take over as their director of football after he leaves Sporting next summer.Viana oversaw the Sweden star’s bargain signing from Coventry last year.And it proved to be a masterstroke as Gyokeres has since flourished into Europe’s most in-demand striker, with 58 goals for club and country in 2024.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAmorim refused to fuel the speculation at his first United press conference on Friday.But he did admit he hopes Gyokeres stays injury-free and keeps scoring.The new Red Devils boss said: “Viktor Gyokeres is a Sporting player.”He has a game tonight [Friday] and I hope he plays well, doesn’t get injured and continues to be successful at Sporting.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSPep Guardiola will be hoping to bring Gyokeres to Manchester CityCredit: ReutersPortuguese Viana, 41, played a key role in Amorim becoming Sporting boss in 2020.But will want to pip him to the post for Gyokeres at City.SunSport’s Man Utd reporter Neil Custis gives verdict on Ruben Amorim’s first press conference and says ‘he has something different’The release clause rules out a bidding war but sets the scene for an intriguing tug-of-war instead.Man Utd have struggled to score goals so far this season, netting just 12 in 11 Premier League games.Meanwhile, neighbours Man City suffered a fifth successive defeat in all competitions on Saturday as Tottenham thrashed them 4-0 at the Etihad.Erling Haaland has scored 12 goals in all competitions, but the team’s next highest scorers are Josko Gvardiol and Mateo Kovacic on three.Three Sporting stars Amorim could swoop for after joining Man UtdRUBEN AMORIM has ruled out poaching any of his Sporting Lisbon players in the January transfer window.But the Portuguese side’s chiefs expect Amorim will come calling in the summer – with his cheque book wide open.Here’s are three Sporting starts United could swoop for… but they won’t come cheap:VIKTOR GYOKERESAge: 26Position: StrikerCost: £84millionSwede has shone since joining Sporting last summer from Coventry — catching the eye of all Europe’s top clubs.Hit 43 goals in 50 games last season and boasts 18 strikes already this term.GONCALO INACIOAge: 23Position: DefenderCost: £50millionBall-playing centre-back was handed his debut by Amorim and has since become a key figure in Sporting’s recent title successes.Can also slot in at left-back if required and has 12 caps for Portugal.MORTEN HJULMANDAge: 25Position: MidfieldCost: £40millionDane is one of the top holding midfielders in Portugal — and made skipper by Amorim.He could be the man to replace Casemiro. More