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      Man Utd verdict: Erik ten Hag must address Red Devils’ defensive fragility in January to stay in top-four hunt

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      MANCHESTER UNITED’s 4-2 fightback win over Aston Villa in the Carabao Cup papered over the cracks in what was a poor defensive display.Erik ten Hag’s men fell behind early on in the second half courtesy of an Ollie Watkins strike.
      Ten Hag must address United’s defensive fragility in JanuaryCredit: AFP
      The defence, particularly Harry Maguire, failed to pick up the striker and before they could make up for being caught sleeping, the ball was in the back of the net.
      Such napping from Maguire will be a cause for concern for England, who will undoubtedly hope the defender is up to speed for this month’s World Cup.
      Anthony Martial drew United level but again the defence were caught out shortly after.
      Second half Villa substitute Leon Bailey forced Diogo Dalot into an error with the Portugal international turning the ball into the back of his own net, seeing United concede their fifth goal in a week to the Villans.
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      A much-needed injection of pace in the attacking areas helped United over the line, with Marcus Rashford, Bruno Fernandes and Scott McTominay all netting to book the Old Trafford club’s place in the Carabao Cup fourth round draw.
      But if it wasn’t clear already; Ten Hag needs to dip into the transfer market in January and address United’s defensive fragilities.
      When Raphael Varane and/or Lisandro Martinez are missing, centre-back coverers Maguire and Victor Lindelof have proven unreliable.
      They have a tendency of switching off at the key moments, which could cost United ground in the League Cup, FA Cup, Europa League and the Premier League.
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      And with Newcastle not slowing down in their top-four surge, as well as Brighton, Chelsea and Liverpool breathing down their necks, United can’t afford for anymore costly individual errors.
      Ten Hag has spoken glowingly of wanting to get United back to their glory days.
      Well, he might want to take a leaf out of the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson’s book: “Attack wins you games, defence wins you titles.” More

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      Man Utd 4 Aston Villa 2: Hosts twice fight from goal down in frantic second half to keep Carabao Cup hopes alive

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      MARCUS RASHFORD celebrated his World Cup call up by leading Manchester United’s stirring fight-back.Gareth Southgate’s number two Steve Holland was in the stands at Old Trafford just hours after the Three Lions party for Qatar had been confirmed.
      Marcus Rashford enjoyed a great evening for United on the day he got an England call-upCredit: Rex
      It took until the second-half for the game to get going but six goals followedCredit: Reuters
      The Red Devils forward is part of it for the first time since his Euro 2020 heartache – in recognition of his recent return to form.
      And he vindicated Southgate’s decision by pulling his team level with a well taken goal – before goals from Bruno Fernandes and Scott McTominay completed the turnaround late on.
      It capped a breath-taking second half which was in stark contrast to a desperately poor opening 45 minutes.
      And United claimed their revenge over Villa just four days after Unai Emery’s men had beaten them at Villa Park in the Prem.
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      Both managers made seven changes from that game and among those dropping out was Cristiano Ronaldo – who was not in the United squad due to illness.
      Goalkeeper Martin Dubravka, who arrived at Old Trafford from Newcastle in August – was handed his Red Devils debut.
      Meanwhile England’s Harry Maguire was handed only his second start since early September – and was desperately in need of minutes.
      Maybe the teams knew each other too well after meeting only four days earlier because there was little of note in the opening exchanges.
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      Tyrell Malacia scooped a cross over which Diogo Dalot met with a header on the bounce but it was deflected narrowly over the bar.
      There was no great urgency from either side to win this tie in the opening half hour. 
      A trademark Douglas Luiz corner needed a clearance off the line by Scott McTominay – although Dubravka will feel he had it covered anyway.
      Minutes later, another one was only half cleared and former United man Ashley Young whistled a volley over the bar.
      Yet after a thoroughly forgettable first half, the game sprang into life after the break.
      Jacob Ramsey found space in the middle and played a perfect pass in to Ollie Watkins who had drifted off the shoulder of Maguire.
      He showed the class which once put him in the England frame to race clear and lift the ball brilliantly over Dubravka. 
      Yet the home side were furious claiming there had been a handball by Boubacar Kamara in the build up.
      Only hours after being named in Portugal’s World Cup squad, Bruno Fernandes gave everyone a reminder of his qualityCredit: Getty
      With no VAR in operation, the goal stood and United showed their frustration by hitting back within a minute.
      The smoke from the flares set off in the away end had still not cleared when Dalot played a lovely pass to find Fernandes who had drifted into space.
      He rolled the ball across the box for Anthony Martial to slot home a simple equaliser.
      The French ace was left out of his nation’s World Cup squad this week – maybe this will have put a smile back on his face.
      After such a dismal first half – suddenly the game was alive and the visitors were back in front just after the hour. 
      Leon Bailey had only just replaced Ramsey when he was picked out at the back post by Young’s cross.
      His header back across goal was not going in before Dalot stuck out a leg and diverted it into his own net. 
      That was three goals in 17 minutes – and there was almost another one soon afterwards.
      Scott McTominay got in on the scoring act right at the end of this ding-dong encounterCredit: AP
      Malacia picked out Rashford with a long ball and he took it past Tyrone Mings before blasting his effort just wide. 
      The England hopeful was not to be denied though – as he flicked on another pass from the full-back into the path of sub Christian Eriksen.
      When Villa failed to clear he pounced on the loose ball and took advantage of a slip by Mings before stabbing a shot low into the corner.
      Fernandes forced a low save from Robin Olsen as United chased a winner while the Swedish keeper also kept out Maguire’s thumping header.  
      But when Olsen fluffed his clearance sub Alejandro Garnacho pounced and played it into Fernandes.
      The Portuguese shot was on target but a deflection off the hapless Mings sent it flying into the corner.
      McTominay rattled a shot against the bar but wrapped up the scoring late on when he touched home Garnacho’s cross. More

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      Man Utd ratings: Maguire sluggish with World Cup around the corner while Fernandes shows why he’s Red Devils’ main man

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      MANCHESTER UNITED came from behind TWICE to beat Aston Villa 4-2 in the Carabao Cup.Ollie Watkins opened the scoring for the visitors, ghosting in behind Man Utd captain Harry Maguire.
      Fernandes scored the winner for UnitedCredit: Getty
      United came from behind twice to beat Aston VillaCredit: AP
      The striker, who missed out on England’s World Cup squad, lifted the ball over Martin Dubravka finishing off a well-worked move.
      However, it didn’t take United long to draw level.
      Diogo Dalot found Bruno Fernandes in behind Villa’s backline with a searching ball.
      The Red Devils No8 then squared it to Anthony Martial, who tapped home from close range.
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      The equaliser didn’t deter Villa, who continued to press for a winner.
      And the restoration of their lead came through some good work by Leon Bailey, who forced Dalot to steer the ball into the back of his own net.
      Marcus Rashford then grabbed United’s second equaliser of the night before Bruno Fernandes’ deflected effort and Scott McTominay’s added time goal sealed the win.
      Here’s how SunSport’s Joshua Mbu rated the Red Devils.
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      Martin Dubravka – 5
      Didn’t have much to do in the opening 45.
      Had no chance stopping Watkins’ opener with the England striker getting his shot off unopposed.
      Diogo Dalot – 5
      Chugged up and down the line, as per usual.
      Caught napping for Villa’s goal and desperately tried to recover.
      Redeemed himself with a searching ball down the line to Fernandes for Martial’s equaliser.
      But then shot himself in the foot by turning Villa’s second into the back of his own net.
      Harry Maguire – 5
      Arrived late on Ollie Watkins just before half-time and picked up a booking.
      More minutes under his belt heading into the Qatar World Cup but his sluggish performance could be a cause for concern.
      Couldn’t get near Watkins for Villa’s goal.
      Should’ve scored a free header late on in the second half.
      Victor Lindelof – 6
      Didn’t put a foot wrong in the first half.
      Held his line well and wasn’t at fault for the first goal, with that coming down Dalot and Maguire’s side.
      Tyrell Malacia – 7
      Man Utd’s biggest attacking threat in the first half.
      The flying Dutchman overlapped Rashford well but saw multiple crosses be blocked in the first half.
      A decent performance, putting his Europa League horrors behind him.
      Could start to push Luke Shaw for the starting spot again in the New Year.
      Scott McTominay – 7
      Stopped Douglas Luiz from opening the scoring, clearing the ball off the line from a direct corner in the first half.
      Picked up the first booking of the game, clattering United legend Ashley Young.
      Was the more defensive of the midfield pairing until Fred’s substitution.
      Got forward in the latter stages and got his goal.
      Fred – 6
      Played a more advanced midfield role while McTominay did the sweeping.
      Was slow to pick up Jacob Ramsey for Villa’s opener.
      Focus has probably shifted to the World Cup, where Brazil are favourites.
      Was subbed for Christian Eriksen.
      Bruno Fernandes – 8
      Played out wide to allow Van De Beek to play through the middle.
      Played some clever passes into Martial at times and got the assist for United’s equaliser.
      Scored the winner with a deflected effort, proving why he’s United’s main man.
      Donny van de Beek – 5
      Largely a passenger in the Red Devils team.
      Really struggling to impress, even under Erik ten Hag, who managed him at Ajax.
      Was subbed for Anthony Elanga.
      Marcus Rashford – 7
      Relatively quiet night for Rashford, who received good news earlier on Thursday that he was heading to Qatar.
      Grabbed the equaliser after Villa made a mess of their defending.
      Anthony Martial – 6
      The Frenchman is just returning to fitness and struggled to make an impact in the opening 45.
      Got a goal on his return.
      Was subbed for Alejandro Garnacho with just under half an hour to go.
      Subs
      Alejandro Garnacho (for Anthony Martial, 62) – 7
      Bright when he came on, proving he can compete against Premier League teams.
      Got the assist for McTominay’s goal.
      Deserves more league minutes.
      Anthony Elanga (for Van De Beek, 62) – 5
      Added some energy, which Van De Beek simply wasn’t offering.
      Allowed United to play a lot wider.
      Christian Eriksen (for Fred, 62) – 6
      Added some much needed control to the midfield when he came on.
      Crisp passing kept United ticking.
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      Casemiro (for Rashford, 82) – 5
      Didn’t have much to do when coming on.
      His job was to keep it tight at the back and maintain United’s lead – which he did.
      Lisandro Martinez (for Lindelof, 86) – N/A More

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      YouTube star IShowSpeed flies from America to Old Trafford just to watch Cristiano Ronaldo.. but Man Utd star ruled out

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      YOUTUBER IShowSpeed was left red-faced after flying all the way from America to watch his idol Cristiano Ronaldo… only for the Manchester United star to miss the game against Aston Villa.The internet star is a self-proclaimed mega-fan of the Portuguese attacker and he would have been immensely excited to see his “hero” play live.
      IShowSpeed flew from America to Old Trafford to watch Cristiano Ronaldo play, but the star missed the game.Credit: Sky Sports
      However, he was still happy to make it onto television.Credit: Sky Sports
      Ronaldo was ruled out due to illness.Credit: Rex
      The 17-year-old has even released his own song tribute to the former Real Madrid star titled Ronaldo [Sewey].
      However, much to his disappointment, Ronaldo was not even on the bench for the Red Devils’ Carabao Cup fixture against Aston Villa.
      After finding out the news, he tweeted: “I’m crying right now I flew all the way to Manchester to see Ronaldo and he is not playing.”
      Before the game manager Erik ten Hag confirmed that Ronaldo would miss the game.
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      Ten Hag told MUTV: “Jadon [Sancho] ill, Cristiano [Ronaldo] ill, and Antony injured.”
      Although it is not expected to affect the 37-year-old’s World Cup place, which will be his fifth international tournament with Portugal.

      Ronaldo has struggled for consistent game time this season following the arrival of Ten Hag, as the manager has tried to establish a new style of play.
      The forward has been in and out of the side as the Dutchman tries to find his best team.
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      He did play on the weekend, but the result was not what he would have liked as Manchester United succumbed to a 3-1 defeat to Aston Villa.
      Ronaldo’s Old Trafford future has been up in the air recently as he has been reportedly trying to get a move away from the club.
      Most recently, in his biography, he revealed that he “could see himself” playing at Ligue 1 side PSG. More

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      Cristiano Ronaldo ruled out of Man Utd’s Carabao Cup clash vs Aston Villa due to ‘illness’

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO was ruled out of Manchester United’s Carabao Cup win over Aston Villa due to illness, according to boss Erik ten Hag. The 38-year-old was completely absent from the squad for the third-round clash at Old Trafford.
      Cristiano Ronaldo played against Aston Villa on Sunday but missed out tonightCredit: PA
      The manager named a slightly-weakened side ahead of the club’s final pre-World Cup Premier League game at Fulham on Sunday.
      But it was announced only before the game that one of the Red Devils’ biggest stars would miss out.
      Ten Hag insisted illness was the issue and it had nothing to do with the fast-approaching World Cup.
      The Dutchman told Sky Sports: “[He has a] illness. So not available.
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      “It’s difficult to say [whether he will be available for Fulham] how he recovers.”
      When the reporter pressed ten Hag on whether the World Cup had anything to do with Ronaldo’s absence, the boss insisted simply: “No, illness.”
      Ronaldo was named in Portugal’s World Cup squad earlier in the day along with his United team-mates Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot.
      Players around Europe have one final weekend of domestic action to get through before jetting off for Qatar.
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      Many will be hoping they don’t fall victim to last minute injuries which has affected a whole host of stars.
      Despite Ronaldo’s absence, Man Utd managed to beat Aston Villa 4-2.
      Their reward is a fourth round tie against Vincent Kompany’s Burnley. More

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      Cristiano Ronaldo reacts to being named in Portugal World Cup 2022 squad that’s packed full of Premier League stars

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      PORTUGAL have become the latest country to confirm their World Cup squad and it’s packed with Premier League talent. Manchester United’s Cristiano Ronaldo – set to feature in his fifth World Cup – was among the biggest names included with his team-mate Bruno Fernandes also in the squad of 26.
      38-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo is incredibly set to star in a fifth World CupCredit: Getty
      Ronaldo was quick to react to the news, posting an image of the squad on his social channels.
      He wrote in the accompanying caption: “Once again, ready to raise the name of Portugal very high! There are 26 names on Mister Fernando Santos’ list, but we’re all summoned! Go Portugal!”
      Ronaldo and Fernandes are just two stars from a talented squad that will be looking to reach the latter stages of the Qatar tournament.
      Also named in the squad by Portugal boss Fernando Santos is Fulham midfield ace Joao Palhinha, Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias and João Cancelo and the Wolves trio of Ruben Neves, Matheus Nunes and keeper Jose Sa.
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      Diogo Dalot is the third Man United star part of the squad, while Red Devils fans may also be advised to keep an eye on Porto keeper Diogo Costa who is one of the 26 and has been linked with an Old Trafford move.
      The most high-profile stars from European clubs outside of the UK include AC Milan hotshot Rafael Leao and João Félix of Atletico Madrid.
      Unlike many other nations, Portugal have managed to organise a friendly before the World Cup kicks off.
      They will play Nigeria in a warm-up game in a week’s time before they begin their voyage in Group H.
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      The tricky group includes Ghana, Uruguay and South Korea.
      Portugal World Cup squad in full
      Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa (Porto), Rui Patricio (Roma), José Sa (Wolverhampton)
      Defenders: Diogo Dalot (Manchester United), João Cancelo (Manchester City). Raphael Guerreiro (Dortmund), Antonio Silva (Benfica), Pepe (Porto), Nuno Mendes (PSG), Danilo Pereira (PSG), Ruben Dias (Manchester City)
      Midfielders: João Palhinha (Fulham), Ruben Neves (Wolverhampton), Bernardo Silva (Manchester City), Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United), João Mario (Benfica), Matheus Nunes (Wolverhampton), Otavio (Porto). Vitinha (PSG), William Carvalho (Real Betis)
      Forwards: André Silva (RB Leipzig), Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United), Goncalo Ramos (Benfica), João Félix (Atlético Madrid), Ricardo Horta (Braga), Rafael Leão (AC Milan) More

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      Man Utd star Cristiano Ronaldo ‘told pal he could see himself playing for PSG’, reveals explosive biography

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO has blown the door open to a move to Ligue 1 giants PSG in a new biography.The Portuguese superstar has been rumoured to be on the way out of Manchester United since the arrival of manager Erik Ten Hag in the summer.
      Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly open to a move to PSGCredit: Getty
      Ronaldo’s playing time has taken a massive hit this season, despite being the club’s top scorer last campaign as Ten Hag tries to establish his style of football at Old Trafford.
      The 37-year-old is believed to want out, but only for a Champions League club despite mega-money interest from Saudi Arabia.
      Chelsea were reported to be interested in signing Ronaldo in the summer, but a move never materialised as they instead signed Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Raheem Sterling to bolster their frontline.
      Ronaldo however could link-up with long-time adversary Lionel Messi at the Parc des Princes if he gets his way, as he revealed in a biography that he could see himself playing there.
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      As per Le’Equipe, he said: “The door is open. Only with the Portuguese from the Paris region, the club could fill the stadium.
      “I see myself well at the Parc des Princes, in front of fifty thousand Portuguese. That would be great.”
      However, as well as Messi, the French giants currently have Neymar and Kylian Mbappe as their attacking options.
      With Ronaldo’s form this season, it would be hard to imagine him being able to displace any of the three, who are all in brilliant goalscoring form.
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      Ronaldo has scored three goals this campaign, compared to Messi’s 11, Mbappe’s 18, and Neymar’s 13.
      However, both Messi and Ronaldo’s contracts expire in the summer and there is no guarantee that the Argentine will extend his stay in France.
      Messi’s former employers Barcelona, MLS side Inter Miami and his childhood club Newell’s Old Boys have all been credited as possible destinations for the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner.
      If Messi was to leave France, then it could open up a space for Ronaldo to move across the English Channel for one last big move. More

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      Man Utd star Antony shares footage of himself getting five new tattoos including ‘shush’ on finger

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      MANCHESTER UNITED star Antony has shared footage of his new tattoos – which includes the word “shhh…” inked along his finger. The exciting winger is already making a name for himself at Old Trafford after his summer move to Manchester.
      Antony’s new tattoo may well help rile up opposition fans even more when he scoresCredit: Instagram / @dom.tattoo
      Antony has already proven he has a big personality off the pitchCredit: Instagram / @dom.tattoo
      Fans got to see the new additions to Antony’s vast tattoo collection on InstagramCredit: Instagram / @dom.tattoo
      He cost United £85.5m from Ajax but he is already proving his worth on the pitch with three Premier League goals.
      The Brazilian is also showing he has a flair for the dramatic off-the-pitch as he shows off his range of new tattoos.
      Antony’s Instagram story shows him getting inked up only days after his call-up to Brazil’s World Cup squad.
      The star lies shirtless as a tattooist adds to the already fine collection of art along his arms.
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      In a second post he then shows off his new designs.
      The most eye-catching is the word “shhh…”, which he had inked down the side of his forefinger.
      It will add even more panache to any potential Antony celebration if he raises his finger to his lips after scoring.
      He also had the year “2014” and a fist drawn in striking purple ink on the back of his left arm.
      Antony has previously spoken about his attachment to the lion tat on his armCredit: Instagram / @dom.tattoo
      Antony is set to head to Qatar with the rest of the Brazil World Cup squad in the following daysCredit: Instagram / @dom.tattoo
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      And Antony had “123…” along the length of his right knuckle and the word “iluminado” along his neck, which translates as “illuminated” in English.
      The 22-year-old previously explained to Manchester United’s website the reason behind his tattoos and particularly the picture of the lion on one of his arms.
      He said: “I’ve got this one together with my brother, which says ‘only those from the same place know what I’ve been through.
      “This one on my neck is a chain pendant and the full sleeve has meaning.”
      He added in the September interview that he planned to get even more ink in the future.
      Antony has missed United’s last few games with injury but will be hoping to return for their final pre-World Cup game away at Fulham on Sunday.
      Antony’s neck now reads “illuminado” or “illuminated” in EnglishCredit: Instagram / @dom.tattoo More