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    Ralf Rangnick reveals Man Utd board BLOCKED transfers for Erling Haaland, Luis Diaz and FOUR other stars last January

    MANCHESTER UNITED’s board blocked transfers for the likes of Erling Haaland and Luis Diaz, former interim manager Ralf Rangnick has claimed.Rangnick, 64, was temporarily placed in charge of Man Utd until the end of last season following Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s sacking last November.
    Rangnick tried to sign a forward in January while he was at Man UtdCredit: AFP
    United refused to pursue then Borussia Dortmund striker HaalandCredit: Getty
    Diaz was at Porto before a mid-season move to LiverpoolCredit: Getty
    And the German was left short in the forwards department after Anthony Martial left the club on loan for Sevilla and Mason Greenwood was suspended indefinitely by the club.
    That left United relying on Cristiano Ronaldo, 37, who provided the goods when they needed him, to the tune of 24 goals across all competitions.
    Nonetheless, additional support would’ve helped United’s push for a top-four finish, which they narrowly missed out on last term, coming in at sixth.
    Rangnick has since told Bild journalist Christian Falk that he tried to sign a forward in the January transfer window.
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    Names such as now Manchester City ace Haaland, Liverpool’s Diaz, RB Leipzig’s Christopher Nkunku, Fiorentina’s Dusan Vlahovic and Alavaro Morata were all recommended.
    A defensive reinforcement in Josko Gvardiol was also put forward, but the club refused to seal any winter transfers.
    Rangnick confirmed in May that the club didn’t try for a forward late on in January.
    He said: “The answer at the time was no there was no player on the market that could really help us – there were a few, Diaz who is now at Liverpool, Alvarez who will be at Manchester City in the summer, Vlahovic who at the time still was with Fiorentina those are just three of them that come across my mind now.
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    “We had four days off at the time and on the Sunday I was informed about the issues with Mason Greenwood and obviously Anthony Martial had already left and then I was aware that within four days we had some strikers missing and it might make sense, we were still in three competitions – Champions League, FA Cup and fourth in the league but that’s the past and it doesn’t help us anymore.
    “I spoke to the board and said shouldn’t we at least speak and try and analyse if we could get a player either on loan or as a permanent deal but in the end the answer was no.
    “I still believe that we should have at least tried, if we would’ve found and been able in 48 hours, 48 hours is short notice but it’s still 48 hours, it might have been worth to try and internally discuss but we didn’t and it was not done.”
    The form since of Diaz at Liverpool and in particular Haaland at Manchester City will have Manchester United fans wondering what could have been had Rangnick been backed in January.
    The Red Devils did splurge over the summer, backing new manager Erik ten Hag in the market.
    Antony and Lisandro Martinez were signed from Ajax in big money moves.
    Meanwhile Casemiro came in from Real Madrid and Tyrell Malacia joined from Feyenoord.
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    Christian Eriksen also arrived at the club on a free transfer.
    Like where they finished last season, Manchester United currently find themselves sixth in the table. More

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    Man Utd star Casemiro hails ‘exceptional person’ Cristano Ronaldo for helping him and Antony following summer transfers

    MANCHESTER UNITED new boy Casemiro has hailed Cristiano Ronaldo as an “exceptional person” after helping him and fellow summer signing Antony settle in at Old Trafford.Casemiro, 30, worked with Ronaldo, 37, at Real Madrid, where they won one LaLiga title and four Champions Leagues together.
    Casemiro has hailed Ronaldo as one of the main factors for him settling into life at Man UtdCredit: Getty
    Ronaldo also put an arm around summer signing AntonyCredit: Getty
    And the Brazil star hailed the 700 club-goal man as a “great friend” and an “exceptional person” for helped him and Antony “from the moment we arrived” following their big-money transfers from Real and Ajax respectively.
    Casemiro told United’s club website: “First of all, Cris is a great friend of ours, he’s always helped us from the moment we arrived.
    “He’s an exceptional person, I already knew him from Real Madrid, we’ve worked together for a long time.”
    The midfielder provided the assist for Ronaldo’s 700th goal of his club career in the 2-1 win over Everton earlier this month.
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    And Casemiro hopes Ronaldo continues to score goals for United.
    He continued: “The more goals he scores for us the better.”
    However, Ronaldo will mostly have to net after coming off the substitutes bench.
    Ronaldo has just two goals across all competitions this season and has started two Premier League games.
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    He was also dropped for United’s 1-1 draw at Chelsea after refusing to come on as a late substitute in the 2-0 win over Tottenham a few days prior.
    His contract is up at the end of the season but an early exit from Old Trafford could be on the cards, which would grant his summer wish albeit a few months late. More

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    Sporting confirm ‘dream’ of emotional Cristiano Ronaldo transfer but admit they can’t afford exiled Man Utd star’s wages

    SPORTING LISBON boss Ruben Amorim admits the club are “dreaming” of re-signing Cristiano Ronaldo.But the Manchester United star’s wages are proving to be a stumbling block.
    Sporting Lisbon are ‘dreaming’ of re-signing Man Utd misfit Cristiano RonaldoCredit: PA
    Ronaldo, 37, faces an uncertain future after throwing a tantrum against Tottenham.
    The veteran missed United’s draw at Chelsea as he was banished from first-team training.
    However, he could be in line to face Sheriff in the Europa League tomorrow after returning to the fold.
    But with the January transfer window approaching, teams are beginning to scramble for Ronaldo’s signature.
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    SunSport exclusively revealed on Monday that Napoli are weighing up a swoop for Ronnie.
    And it seems boyhood club Sporting remain in the race too.
    Ronaldo played with the Portuguese side until his first United move in 2003.
    But Sporting are hoping they can convince him into a second spell as they struggle to keep pace with Benfica and Porto.
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    Boss Amorim, who turned down Aston Villa this week, claims everyone at the club is “dreaming” about seeing Ronaldo back in the famous green-and-white stripes.
    But the superstar currently pockets a mammoth wage worth £360,000-a-week at United.
    And Amorim admits that is miles out of Sporting’s reach, putting a move in serious doubt.
    He said: “I don’t know. Ronaldo is a top player, a Man United player.
    “Everyone in Sporting dreams of the return of Cristiano, so I don’t want to speak about that.
    “He’s a Manchester United player, a top player, and he will be for a few months.
    “I’m going to respond the same way as a lot of journalists in Portugal ask me that question a lot. He is a Manchester United player.
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    “Everybody in Sporting dreams of the return for Cristiano but we don’t have the money to pay his wages.
    “I think he is happy in Manchester but is not playing so that is the problem.” More

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    Man Utd urged to ‘cut their losses’ on £40m forgotten man Donny van de Beek as rivals flock for bargain January transfer

    MANCHESTER UNITED could “cut their losses” on £40million forgotten man Donny van de Beek.The Dutch ace, 25, has been a major flop since his Premier League move in 2020.
    Man Utd could cut their losses on £40m flop Donny van de BeekCredit: AFP
    United spent £40million to land Van de Beek from Ajax.
    But he netted just once in his first season at Old Trafford.
    And last year Van de Beek found himself loaned out to Everton after tumbling down the pecking order.
    Since returning to United, he has made just three appearances under Erik ten Hag – his former boss at Ajax.
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    And Sky Sports’ Dharmesh Sheth reckons United could now let Van de Beek leave for a bargain price.
    Ajax failed with an attempt to re-sign the playmaker over the summer.
    There was also interest from Italian champs AC Milan.
    And Leicester are now thought to be preparing a £13m January bid.
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    Sheth reckons as a result, United are considering a permanent break for Van de Beek, who looks unlikely to win his place back any time soon.
    Sheth told GiveMeSport: “You never know. Come January, there’s potential that United might think they should cut their losses and see if there’s a club who would be willing to pay money for Donny van de Beek.
    “It was interesting to note that in the January transfer window – when Van de Beek went to Everton – I think United’s preference would probably have been for him to have gone to a European club, where the play and the build-up play is slightly slower and more suited to van de Beek’s style of play.
    “He could have got a lot more games had he gone abroad, maybe performed well, come back to United and maintained a good value.
    “But, instead, he went to Everton. Effectively, what has happened to him at United happened to him at Everton because it probably wasn’t the right choice.” More

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    Arsenal urged to take advantage of ‘dithering’ Man Utd and sign ‘devastating’ Marcus Rashford in shock transfer swoop

    ARSENAL have been urged to poach Marcus Rashford from Manchester United in a shock transfer. Rashford, 24, has looked back to his best this season following a long-term injury lay off.
    Marcus Rashford could seal a shock move to Arsenal in the summerCredit: Getty
    Kevin Campbell broke through the Arsenal academy and went on to make nearly 200 appearances for the clubCredit: Getty
    But with his contract at Old Trafford running out in the summer, prospective suitors have been circling ahead of its expiry.
    And The Gunners have been urged by former club striker Kevin Campbell to sign the “devastating” forward.
    He told Football Insider: “He ticks some really good boxes for Arsenal.
    “On the counter attack, he can be devastating. He undone Arsenal at Old Trafford earlier this season with his speed.
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    “Rashford can be devastating on his day, we know that.
    “Manchester United are dithering by the sounds of it. I’m sure Arsenal would go for him if he became available next summer.

    “He is an international player who has played on the big stages. He knows how to get games won.
    “That is what Arsenal lack sometimes. It would be great to have a player of his experience as part of the rotation.”
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    Rashford’s return to form has seen him score five goals this season, the same as Arsenal talisman Gabriel Jesus.
    And playing predominantly through the centre of Erik ten Hag’s revamped United side, he has proved to be a key component in unlocking defences and pressing from the front.
    However, when previously asked about the Englishman’s contract situation, Ten Hag said: “In this moment we only think about performing.
    “We have to focus on football, on performances, not on negotiating, that’s what we are doing now.”
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    But Rashford has also seen himself deployed on the wing this season, with United legend Dwight Yorke warning: “Rashford is 24 and he needs to be playing consistently as a striker to score the goals we know he is capable of.
    “I feel sorry for Rashford because he’s played on the right, on the left and through the middle. You don’t master that position unless you’re playing there every week.” More

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    ‘I feel sorry for him’ – Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag warned by legend Dwight Yorke over Marcus Rashford’s role

    ERIK TEN HAG has been warned Marcus Rashford won’t get back amongst the goals if he’s continued to be deployed on the wing.The Manchester United hitman has often found himself on the flanks during Ten Hag’s short reign at Old Trafford and has struggled as a result.
    Manchester United hitman Marcus Rashford has struggled in front of goalCredit: REX
    Dwight Yorke believes Rashford has struggled in front of goal due a lack of consistencyCredit: MARK ROBINSON
    Yorke reckons Rashford would benefit from some reassurances from Erik ten HagCredit: AFP
    Although he’s found the back of the net five times in 11 appearances this season, Rashford hasn’t scored in the Premier League in his last six outings – a drought former Red Devil Dwight Yorke attributes to him being played out of position.
    He told Lord Ping: “Rashford is 24 and he needs to be playing consistently as a striker to score the goals we know he is capable of.
    “If you look at my career, or Thierry Henry, as strikers we started out in the game from the wide attacking areas of the pitch before becoming truly comfortable in that central role.
    ‘The No.9 is a specialist role. I feel sorry for Rashford because he’s played on the right, on the left and through the middle.
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    “You don’t master that position unless you’re playing there every week.
    “A striker develops his senses and movements through playing the role.
    “What I’m seeing in Rashford is what I saw in myself at one stage.”
    Yorke reckons Rashford would ramp up his goal output if Ten Hag were to give him reassurances he’s his main man.
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    He said: “The best thing a manager can tell you, based on my experience, is that you are my No1 striker.
    “Having the confidence of your manager and knowing that you will be leading the line is massive for any striker.
    “When you’re playing week in, week out, the better you become. It’s a simple solution.
    “I’m glad that he is starting to play there more regularly and I hope that Ten Hag doesn’t start pushing him to the left or right.
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    “I know he can do a job in those positions because he’s that good, but the central role is the role that he will blossom in.”
    Rashford and his United team-mates will be back in action on Thursday night, locking horns with Moldovan side Sheriff in their penultimate Europa League Group E match. More

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    Real Madrid star Brahim Diaz has ‘anti-Man Utd clause’ inserted into deal with City getting big fee if he goes to rivals

    REAL MADRID star Brahim Diaz has an “anti-Manchester United” clause in his contract, according to reports.The midfielder, 23, is flourishing on loan at AC Milan and is catching the eye of fans with a string of impressive performances.
    A two-year loan deal in Italy has helped develop Brahim Diaz into a more complete playerCredit: Getty
    Diaz spent part of his youth career with Manchester City but left in 2019 after failing to get regular football.
    But, as part of his move to Real Madrid, it appears savvy City negotiators inserted a clause that could hinder any potential moves to their Manchester rivals.
    Gazzetta dello Sport report that an “anti-Man Utd clause” was added to star’s contract.
    It means that if Real Madrid were to sell the star to Erik ten Hag’s side specifically, Man City would receive 40 per cent of any transfer fee.
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    The deal discourages Madrid from selling to United and almost guarantees they will get less money than if the Spanish side sold to any other club.
    It is not known why specifically City inserted this clause in but it could now prove to be an inspired move with Diaz’s name growing in European football.
    The 23-year-old was always widely tipped to have a stellar career despite it not working out at the Etihad.
    He only made 15 appearances for Real Madrid before being shipped off to AC Milan on loan in 2020.
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    He was a major part of the Milan side who lifted the Serie A title last season, making 31 appearances.
    It was the club’s first league title in 11 years.
    Diaz has also started this season well, registering four goals and one assist.
    He is known for great passing and ability to create openings in the final third.
    His AC Milan side are currently second and trail red-hot league leaders Napoli by three points. More

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    Cristiano Ronaldo back training with Man Utd squad after ongoing talks with Erik ten Hag following Chelsea axe

    CRISTIANO RONALDO returned to Manchester United training today – after ongoing talks with Erik ten Hag.The Portuguese superstar was exiled from the Red Devils squad for their 1-1 draw at Chelsea on Saturday night.
    Cristiano Ronaldo returned to Manchester United trainingCredit: Getty
    He joined in with the session at Carrington on TuesdayCredit: Getty
    Ronaldo and Erik ten Hag have been in constant dialogue this weekCredit: Getty
    It came after the 37-year-old REFUSED to come off the bench for their clash against Tottenham last week.
    He then stormed down the tunnel before the end of the 2-0 win in a huge strop.
    Ten Hag forced Ronaldo to train on his own before banning him for the Stamford Bridge clash.
    He was also fined around two weeks’ wages, up to £720,000, for his public show of indiscipline.
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    He arrived at United’s Carrington training complex on Tuesday morning, where he faced the manager and his team-mates after the whole squad was given Monday off.
    Ronaldo opted to drive in just before 10am in his Cadillac Escalade – a 37th birthday present from girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez worth £150,000.
    He was alone in the car, wearing his sunglasses, but was followed as usual by his security guards in a Range Rover.
    And the five-time Ballon d’Or winner was pictured back in action with the first team – along with Harry Maguire, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Donny van de Beek – as they prepare for Thursday’s Europa League clash with Sheriff Tiraspol.

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    SunSport understands he would be axed for the Sheriff tie if he does not show remorse for his actions – but the fact he joined in the session is a good sign and he is now said to be in contention.
    According to reports, Ronaldo and Ten Hag have been in constant dialogue over recent days.
    It is said Ten Hag believes Ronaldo has served his punishment and wants to move forward with the whole group pulling in the same direction.
    United are preparing to face Sheriff Tiraspol on ThursdayCredit: Getty
    Brazilian pair Fred and Antony are hoping to start on ThursdayCredit: Getty
    Ten Hag is keeping a close eye on his playersCredit: Getty
    Ten Hag said it was “bad behaviour” and emphasised that despite Ronaldo’s achievements he cannot be afforded special treatment.
    He said last week: “He has achieved a lot in his career. It is so brilliant.
    “But he has to be aware that you get judged by the moment and how you are acting today. In top sport, it is about today — it is not about age or reputation.
    “When you have top sport, you get judged by the moment and how you act. That is normal.
    “Everyone has to be aware of it and not just Cristiano.
    “We have to be aware of it as a team, a manager and a club.”
    NAPOLI NEXT?
    SunSport revealed that Ronaldo is open to joining Napoli in a January transfer if the United situation has not been resolved.
    A source said: “Chelsea were interested in Ronaldo over the summer, but he is no longer on their radar. 
    “The most likely destination now is Italy. Napoli were interested in Ronaldo over the summer and are still keen. 
    “Adding him to their squad is a step they believe will help in their aim to remain top of Serie A and to progress through the Champions League.
    “But it will come down to whether the club can match the eye-watering wage demands.”
    Ten Hag is reportedly keeping tabs on Lille’s Jonathan David, Bayer Leverkusen’s Patrick Schick and Lyon’s Moussa Dembele as potential replacements.
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    United take on Moldovans Sheriff in Europa League Group E on Thursday needing a point to qualify for the next round.
    They will be looking for a win to take their challenge for top spot with Real Sociedad into the last game against the current group leaders in Spain.
    Cristiano Ronaldo turned up to Manchester United training in his sunglassesCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
    He could need his iPhone sat-nav to work out his next moveCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
    Ronaldo walked down the tunnel and left the stadium before the end of the Tottenham win after refusing to come on as a subCredit: Rex
    Furious Ten Hag banned Ronaldo from the Chelsea clashCredit: EPA More