Man Utd transfer news

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

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

IT WAS NEVER supposed to end like this.A player so loved by Manchester United fans, now with his reputation tainted.
Cristiano Ronaldo re-joined Manchester United in 2021Credit: Getty
It all started well for Ronaldo as he netted on his second debut against NewcastleCredit: AFP
However it boiled over when Ronaldo stormed down the tunnel at Old Trafford after refusing to come on as a substituteCredit: Rex
The Portuguese attacker then slammed the club in the interview with Piers Morgan
Not with everyone.
Some will claim that his outspoken interview touched at the heart of what has been wrong with the club.
Equally, they will never forget a contribution, forget that, much more than just a contribution, to some of the greatest days the club has ever had.
A record of 145 goals in 346 games with a cabinet including three Premier Leagues and a Champions League puts you down in legend.
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And he was, he is, which makes it all the more sad that at the start of this, his last World Cup at 37 years old his effective sacking by Manchester United is announced.
They could not have done anything else.
His outspoken interview on TalkTV slaughtering the club from top to bottom had to be acted on.
United checked legally they could get rid, and the green light was given. Thank you and adeus.
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The core of the problem was that the Ronaldo and the club that parted ways in 2009 and the Ronaldo and club that got back together again was very different, on both sides.
Ronaldo was still a force, of sorts, 24 goals last season proved that, but not the same force. More

MANCHESTER UNITED could finally be sold by the Glazers after 17 years of ownership.Red Devils supporters have been calling for a takeover for a number of years.
The Glazers could be set to sell after 17 years at Old TraffordCredit: Getty
Manchester United fans have been protesting against the Glazers for yearsCredit: Getty
They have held protests before every home game so far this seasonCredit: Reuters
And now they may get their wish as the Glazers have announced they are “explore strategic alternatives for the club”.
The controversial American owners are prepared to sell the club outright, with a deal expected to be worth around £9BILLION.
That would make United the most valuable sports team in the world, eclipsing the Dallas Cowboys who are said to be worth £7.23bn.
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.”
Avram and Joel Glazer added: “The strength of Manchester United rests on the passion and loyalty of our global community of 1.1 billion fans and followers.
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“As we seek to continue building on the Club’s history of success, the Board has authorized a thorough evaluation of strategic alternatives.
“We will evaluate all options to ensure that we best serve our fans and that Manchester United maximizes the significant growth opportunities available to the Club today and in the future.
“Throughout this process we will remain fully focused on serving the best interests of our fans, shareholders, and various stakeholders.”
If the Glazers do sell, it would end a decade-long feud between the family and the club’s supporters.
United have not won the Premier League since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure in 2013, or any form of trophy since 2017.
Yet the Glazers are in line to make a huge profit on the club they purchased in a deal worth £790m back in 2005.

The Premier League clubs has increased hugely in that time.
Chelsea were sold for £4.25bn in the summer while Liverpool are on the market for a similar sum as their own American owners look to sell up.
But there is one option which would see the Glazers remain at the helm.
That is if they opt for a partial sale that raises funds for a redevelopment of Old Trafford but maintains the Glazers’ ownership.
They bought the club way back in 2005 in a deal worth £790m.
Britain’s richest man, United fan Sir Jim Ratcliffe, will likely be interested in pursuing a deal.
Ratcliffe runs multi-billion-pound chemicals giant Ineos, which already owns French side Nice and Swiss club Lausanne – plus a third of Formula One team Mercedes – and was a late entrant in the running to buy Chelsea.
Last month he admitted his love for United, but insisted he had been told the Glazers did not want to sell.
He said: “I’m a lifelong Manchester United fan. I was there in 1999 for the most remarkable match of all time in Barcelona. So, you know, the club is deeply etched in my mind.
“But Manchester United is owned by the Glazer family. I have met Joel and Avram, who are the nicest people, proper gentlemen, and they don’t want to sell.
“The club is owned by the six children of the father, Malcolm, and they don’t want to sell it.
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“If it had been for sale in the summer, yes, we would probably have had a go, following on from the Chelsea thing.
“But we can’t sit around hoping that one day United will become available.” More