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    Man Utd could be bought by Facebook, Amazon or Dubai as trio emerge as ‘credible’ and ‘serious’ takeover contenders

    MANCHESTER UNITED could be bought by Facebook, Amazon or Dubai after being put up for sale by the Glazer family.United’s unpopular owners have announced they are “exploring strategic alternatives for the club” in what seems like the end of their turbulent 17-year reign in charge.
    The Glazers have put Manchester United up for sale after 17 years as ownersCredit: Getty
    Facebook are among the tech giants that could buy Manchester UnitedCredit: AP
    Amazon are also among “serious” and “credible” suitors to buy Manchester UnitedCredit: AP
    According to the Daily Mail, tech giants Facebook and Amazon pose as “credible” and “serious” suitors to succeed the American billionaires.
    The same goes for sovereign states, such as Dubai who have yet to follow suit as other Middle Eastern rivals.
    Dubai could follow the example of Abu Dhabi, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, who took over Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain and Newcastle respectively.
    The Glazers are prepared to sell the club outright, with a deal expected to be worth around £9billion.
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    That would make the Red Devils the most valuable sports team in the world, eclipsing the Dallas Cowboys who are said to be worth £7.23bn.
    Britain’s richest man Sir Jim Ratcliffe became the first suitor to officially make a move, while Michael Knighton has also previously expressed interest.
    However, whoever buys the Red Devils will have to consider the vast cost of redeveloping Old Trafford, which in itself could cost more than £2bn.
    A statement from the club read: “Manchester United plc, one of the most successful and historic sports clubs in the world, announces today that the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) is commencing a process to explore strategic alternatives for the club.
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    “The process is designed to enhance the club’s future growth, with the ultimate goal of positioning the club to capitalize on opportunities both on the pitch and commercially.
    “As part of this process, the Board will consider all strategic alternatives, including new investment into the club, a sale, or other transactions involving the Company.
    “This will include an assessment of several initiatives to strengthen the club, including stadium and infrastructure redevelopment, and expansion of the club’s commercial operations on a global scale, each in the context of enhancing the long-term success of the club’s men’s, women’s and academy teams, and bringing benefits to fans and other stakeholders.” More

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    Unemployed Cristiano Ronaldo missing out on £71,000 a DAY at World Cup after having contract ripped up by Man Utd

    UNEMPLOYED Cristiano Ronaldo is missing out on an eye-watering £71,000-a-day at the World Cup after having his contract ripped up by Manchester United.The 37-year-old football icon angered United with an explosive sit-down interview with SunSport columnist and TalkTV main man Piers Morgan.
    Ronaldo is missing out on £71,000-a-day after having his contract ripped upCredit: Reuters
    Five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo accused Man Utd of betrayal, and slammed the lack of investment in the club’s infrastructure.
    Present United figures such as boss Erik ten Hag were in the firing line, with Ronaldo admitting he does not respect the Dutchman.
    And former team-mates Gary Neville and Wayne Rooney were also slammed for their criticism.
    Ronaldo got his wish of an exit from Old Trafford, albeit a few months late, after slamming the club, with United ripping up his £500,000-a-week contract.
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    The Portugal captain had seven months left on his deal for which he was taking home around £71,000-a-day.
    Whether Ronaldo’s next move at club level is revealed during the World Cup is yet to be seen.
    Euro 2016 winners Portugal are contesting World Cup Group H alongside Ghana, Uruguay and South Korea.
    Portugal play Ghana in their group opener on Thursday.
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    If Ronaldo was to stay in the Premier League, he has been handed a two-game ban and fined by the Football Association for knocking an autistic fan’s phone to the ground.
    The FA are due to officially announce Ronaldo’s punishment later this afternoon.
    And they will provide the full written reasons behind their decision for the sanction also.
    Both Chelsea and Newcastle have been linked with a swoop for the Portuguese legend.
    However, SunSport exclusively revealed Chelsea are not overly keen on a deal. More

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    Roy Keane claims Cristiano Ronaldo stayed at Man Utd for too long and bombshell interview was ‘tipping point’

    CRISTIANO RONALDO stayed at Manchester United for too long and his bombshell interview ended up being the “tipping point”.That is according to United legend and Ronaldo’s former team-mate Roy Keane, who claims the five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s dramatic exit from Old Trafford had long been “on the cards”.
    Manchester United have terminated Cristiano Ronaldo’s deal with immediate effectCredit: PA
    Roy Keane insists Cristiano Ronaldo stayed at Manchester United for too longCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
    The Red Devils terminated the Portugal captain’s £500,000-a-week deal with immediate effect on Tuesday following a mutual agreement.
    The Manchester giants made that decision after the star forward’s tell-all interview with SunSport columnist Piers Morgan in which he slammed manager Erik ten Hag, the Glazers and former team-mates.
    Keane was not at all shocked with that development as he insists the 37-year-old should have left in the summer.
    The footballer-turned-pundit also suggested Ten Hag mishandled him as Ronaldo should have never been treated as a “fringe player”.
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    Keane told ITV: “It has been on cards for the last few months. The interview was the tipping point. It is like a divorce, the end of a relationship.
    “He should have left in the summer, the new manager was never going to play him. You cannot have Ronaldo as a fringe player, it is just not right.”
    Keane doubled down on Ten Hag after Ronaldo revealed he doesn’t respect him because he felt the Dutch tactician didn’t appreciate him enough.
    The legendary United skipper insists the ex-Ajax boss should have treated the Real Madrid legend “differently”.
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    Keane added: “The Dutch are straight-talkers. Good thing for the club, him and the fans. Once the World Cup is finished they are back in the league and want to hit the ground running.
    “You do have to treat the top players differently. I don’t want to go down the road again about pressing, Ronaldo did not come back to the club to do that, he came back to score goals.
    “Let him go in the summer before it gets really messy. Ronaldo has run out of patience there. I think it is really straightforward. People say his reputation at United is tarnished. Far from it. United fans aren’t daft.
    “Ronaldo will go down as one of the greatest players. It has not ended well, but that’s life. I think he will be delighted to be among the Portuguese squad and show its qualities.” More

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    Chelsea set to snub free transfer move for Cristiano Ronaldo despite Todd Boehly wanting axed Man Utd ace last summer

    CHELSEA are unlikely to make a daring move for Cristiano Ronaldo now he is a free agent.The Blues are second favourites behind Sporting Lisbon to pick up the pieces now the Portuguese superstar’s departure from Manchester United is confirmed.
    Chelsea are unlikely to make a move for Cristiano RonaldoCredit: Alamy
    Todd Boehly was keen on a swoop for the forward in the summerCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
    Chelsea were interested in Ronaldo last summer but it was mainly the dream of new owner and chairman Todd Boehly to land him as a marquee signing.
    It led to a clash of wills with former manager Thomas Tuchel who insisted at the time that defenders were the priority.
    Tuchel has since been replaced by Graham Potter as head coach – opening up possibilities a fresh attempt could me made for Ronaldo.
    A Blues source told SunSport: “Chelsea have gone cold on him.
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    “But if Todd Boehly decided to change his mind he would take some stopping.”
    Ronaldo’s contract has been terminated by mutual consent after his blockbuster interview with Piers Morgan.
    The 37-year-old said he has “no respect” for current Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag.
    Ronaldo released a statement after the news was confirmed, saying he will always “love Manchester United”.
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    The forward wrote: “Following talks with Manchester United, we’ve mutually agreed to end our contract.
    “I love Manchester United and I love the fans, that will never ever change.
    “It feels like the right time to seek a new challenge. I wish Man Utd all the best.” More

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    Cristiano Ronaldo did NOT tell any of his Portugal team-mates he was being axed by Man Utd ahead of first World Cup game

    CRISTIANO RONALDO did NOT reveal that he was being axed by Manchester United to his Portugal team-mates, Bruno Fernandes has admitted.The Red Devils midfielder was sent to Portugal’s pre-match press conference today in Ronaldo’s place.
    Cristiano Ronaldo is fully focused on Portugal dutyCredit: AFP
    Bruno Fernandes was sent to the Portugal press conference instead of Cristiano RonaldoCredit: EPA
    Man United axed Ronaldo yesterday, releasing a blunt statement after ripping up his £500,000-a-week deal.
    Quizzed about the potentially awkward situation, Fernandes said: “It was good for me while it lasted. Now Cristiano has taken a different decision for his career and his family and we have to respect that.
    “I haven’t discussed the topic with Cris. We’re all focused on the national team and the World Cup.
    “I don’t feel uncomfortable. I don’t have to pick a side. It was a dream come true to play with Cristiano [at United] but nothing lasts forever.
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    “We know what the World Cup means to Cristiano and his focus has always been there. He didn’t tell me about his decision.
    “It’s a personal decision and it concerns him and his family. We haven’t talked about it.
    “Everyone here is focused on the goal, the national team and the World Cup.”
    Ahead of Portugal’s World Cup opener against Ghana tomorrow, Fernandes added: “We know these issues can affect individual players. Cristiano could have been worried at a specific moment but we know what the World Cup means for Cristiano.
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    “He mentioned the 2016 European Championships was a great achievement for him, and I’m sure his focus has always been there for this tournament.
    “With Cristiano being so famous there is always a huge noise about what is going on.”
    While Fernandes said the decision was Ronaldo’s to part ways with the club, it was actually United’s to terminate his contract in it’s final season without compensation.
    The interview with Morgan was the final straw for the club hierarchy who along with the playing staff and manager had already grown tired of the player’s behaviour.
    It looked like 68-year-old Portugal coach Fernando Santos had grown tired of it all as well yesterday.
    The controversy attracted over 200 journalists to a press conference ahead of Portugal’s game against Ghana tomorrow with 20 cameras trained on the top stage.
    The throng had hoped for Ronaldo himself, as captain, to turn up with the coach as is normal on the eve of games.
    It is something we have not even talked about on the pitch or when we are restingFernando Santos
    While he ducked it the questions about him flowed, first Fernandes way as Santos rubbed his face in apparent frustration.
    Then it was his turn.
    Santos said: “It is something we have not even talked about on the pitch or when we are resting.
    “The important thing is that the players are absolutely focussed on what we want to do here.
    “We have a target, we are preparing to provide joy and fun for the Portuguese people, to make them happy.”
    Free agent Ronaldo, 37, yesterday released a statement, assuring Red Devils fans that they will always hold a special place in his heart.
    He wrote: “Following talks with Manchester United, we’ve mutually agreed to end our contract.
    “I love Manchester United and I love the fans, that will never ever change.
    “It feels like the right time to seek a new challenge. I wish Man Utd all the best.”
    Ronaldo missed out on a huge £11.5million pay-off after agreeing to have his contract terminated with immediate effect.
    Despite this, he has received a dig from former team-mate Paul Scholes.
    In an Instagram Story post, which now appears to be deleted, Scholes wrote: “Mission accomplished… a***d!”
    Wayne Rooney, meanwhile, offered a classy response – despite having been slammed by Ronaldo.
    He’s been a fantastic servant to the clubWayne Rooney
    He said: “Am I surprised? No.
    “There was no other choice but that’s a shame because he’s been a fantastic servant to the club.
    “I wish him the best wherever he goes.”
    Speaking to the BBC, Rio Ferdinand added: “I think both parties will be delighted now. He has obviously done that interview with the mindset that he wanted to get out of the club.
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    “He wasn’t happy and made it very clear. Erik ten Hag has got what he wanted as well in this situation.
    “So both parties are happy, so move on and the next chapter for Cristiano Ronaldo.” More

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    Burnley boss Vincent Kompany brutally REJECTS Cristiano Ronaldo transfer live on BBC after Man Utd axing

    BURNLEY manager Vincent Kompany hilariously rejected Cristiano Ronaldo live on the BBC by suggesting he can no longer run.Manchester United confirmed they had terminated the Portuguese superstar’s contract with “immediate effect” on Tuesday evening.
    Vincent Kompany surprised everyone by taking aim at RonaldoCredit: BBC
    Kompany’s dig at Ronaldo left Shearer and Drogba in stitchesCredit: BBC
    And he is now in search of a new club as he becomes a free agent for the first time in his career.
    Presenter Gary Lineker brought up the topic of Ronaldo during the BBC’s coverage of the World Cup game between France and Australia.
    All the pundits had their say, with Kompany giving his thoughts after Alan Shearer and Didier Drogba.
    He said: “I think in the end everybody loses apart from perhaps the Manchester United manager.
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    “I think it’s a problem that’s resolved and he’ll move on from it, I’m sure.”
    But the major talking point came when Lineker then cheekily asked him: “Take him at Burnley?”
    To which the former Manchester City skipper bluntly replied: “We need players who can run.”
    Lineker, Alan Shearer and Didier Drogba were left in fits of laughter following the dig.
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    Kompany took over Burnley in the summer following their relegation from the Premier League.
    They currently sit top of the Championship table, three points clear of second place Sheffield United.
    Meanwhile, Ronaldo released a short statement after his United contract was terminated.
    It read: “Following talks with Manchester United, we’ve mutually agreed to end our contract.
    “I love Manchester United and I love the fans, that will never ever change.
    “It feels like the right time to seek a new challenge. I wish Man Utd all the best.”
    Ronaldo did not receive any compensation following his United exit – missing out on £11.5million.
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    He has been linked with a return to Sporting Lisbon – 19 years after departing the Portuguese outfit.
    But he hinted that is not an option he is looking at during his explosive interview with Piers Morgan last week. More

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    Paul Scholes fires dig at Cristiano Ronaldo in blunt Instagram post after his Man Utd axing

    PAUL SCHOLES has fired a dig at Cristiano Ronaldo in a blunt Instagram post.That’s after the veteran had his contract ripped up by Manchester United on Tuesday.
    Paul Scholes has aimed a dig at Cristiano Ronaldo after his Man Utd exitCredit: Getty
    Ronaldo is now a free agent after having his deal terminated by the Red DevilsCredit: Reuters
    Ronaldo’s bombshell interview with Piers Morgan last week stunned club chiefs.
    And he is no longer a Man United player after the Red Devils announced his deal had been mutually terminated.
    Ronaldo is now free to forge his own path without having to worry about transfer fees or club negotiations.
    But Scholes was less than complimentary when reacting to the news on social media.
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    In an Instagram Story post, which now appears to be deleted, Scholes wrote: “Mission accomplished… a***d!”
    Ronaldo split opinion amongst United legends after returning to the club 18 months ago.
    While the likes of Roy Keane and Rio Ferdinand backed Ronnie to the hilt, others including Wayne Rooney and Gary Neville were less than complimentary.
    In Rooney’s case, he became the target of Ronaldo’s anger in the Piers interview.
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    The now-DC United boss has made no secret of his disdain for the striker’s recent conduct and performances.
    This prompted Ronaldo to lash out at Rooney, claiming the ex-England captain is JEALOUS of his longevity and looks.
    Wazza has since reacted to Ronaldo leaving United, and has surprisingly wished his former teammate all the best after being a “fantastic servant.”
    Rooney said: “Am I surprised? No.
    “There was no other choice but that’s a shame because he’s been a fantastic servant to the club.
    “I wish him the best wherever he goes.” More

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    Cristiano Ronaldo misses out on staggering £11.5million pay off as details of his Man Utd axing emerge

    CRISTIANO RONALDO has missed out on a huge £11.5MILLION after his Manchester United contract was terminated without a pay-off.The Red Devils confirmed on Tuesday evening that the Portuguese superstar’s deal with the club had ended “with immediate effect”.
    Ronaldo’s Man Utd contract was ripped up on TuesdayCredit: Reuters
    But prior to the decision, United chiefs took legal advice in an attempt to avoid having to hand Ronaldo any form of pay-off.
    They were keen to get rid of his £360,000-a-week contract without compensation.
    And, according to The Telegraph, they have now done just that.
    The report states that United “wanted a swift, clean resolution” which they have achieved.
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    Ronaldo’s contract being ripped up comes off the back of his remarkable interview with Piers Morgan last week.
    He criticised United, ex-manager Ralf Rangnick, current boss Erik ten Hag, and even club legends Wayne Rooney and Gary Neville.
    And it culminated in the Red Devils releasing a statement on Tuesday which confirmed the two parties had gone their separate ways.
    It read: “Cristiano Ronaldo is to leave Manchester United by mutual agreement, with immediate effect.
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    “The club thanks him for his immense contribution across two spells at Old Trafford, scoring 145 goals in 346 appearances, and wishes him and his family well for the future.”
    Yet despite Ronaldo missing out on more than £11m, former United team-mate Rio Ferdinand feels the Real Madrid legend will now be happy he can put this chapter of his career to bed.

    He said: “I think both parties will be delighted now.
    “He obviously [did] that interview with the mindset that he wanted to get out of the football club.
    “But I also think that Erik ten Hag will be [very happy too]. 
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    “What are the motivations [for where Ronaldo goes] next? Is it the Champions League, is it the money?
    “We’ll find out, I’m sure, in due course.” More