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    ‘Not bad, eh?’ – Man Utd star Cristiano Ronaldo kept bit of paper in pocket at Real Madrid listing EVERY career triumph

    CRISTIANO RONALDO carried a piece of paper detailing all of his achievements everywhere he went when he was playing at Real Madrid.The five-time Ballon d’Or winner enjoyed a trophy-laden stint at United before moving to the Bernabeu in the summer of 2009.
    Cristiano Ronaldo won several trophies before his blockbuster move to Real MadridCredit: GETTY
    The Portuguese regularly reminded himself of his achievements with a paper detailing all his trophiesCredit: GETTY
    But his accumulation of winners’ medals didn’t stop there as he went on to lift a further 15 trophies during his time in the Spanish capital – which included four Champions League triumphs.
    And the Portuguese regularly reminded himself of his accolades by carrying a piece of paper with them written down in his pocket.
    That’s according to his former fitness coach at Sporting Lisbon Carlos Bruno, who saw the list of the forward’s accolades during a visit to Real’s training ground.
    As he stared down at his CV, Ronaldo told Bruno: “Not bad, eh?”
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    The fascinating revelation was revealed in a new book entitled ‘Messi vs Ronaldo’, which also revealed the duo came close to playing against one another in a lucrative All-Stars match.
    Ronaldo, 37, has yet to pick up silverware since returning to Manchester United last September.
    The Portugal skipper’s future at Old Trafford is currently up in the air as he’s fallen down the pecking order under Erik ten Hag.
    Ronaldo refused to come on a late sub in United’s 2-0 win over Tottenham earlier this month and was subsequently dropped for the Red Devils’ clash with Chelsea.
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    The club legend apologised for his actions on Instagram, writing:  “As I’ve always done throughout my career, I try to live and play respectfully towards my colleagues, my adversaries and my coaches.
    “That hasn’t changed. I haven’t changed. I’m the same person and the same professional that I’ve been for the last 20 years playing elite football, and respect has always played a very important role in my decision-making process.
    “I started very young, the older and most experienced players examples were always very important to me.
    “Therefore, later on, I’ve always tried to set the example myself for the youngsters that grew in all the teams that I’ve represented.
    “Unfortunately that’s not always possible and sometimes the heat of the moment gets the best of us.
    “Right now, I just feel that I have to keep working hard in Carrington, support my teammates and be ready for everything in any given game.
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    “Giving in to the pressure is not an option. It never was. This is Manchester United, and united we must stand. Soon we’ll be together again.”  
    Messi vs Ronaldo: One Rivalry, Two GOATs, and the Era That Remade the World’s Game, is out on November 10 and published by Mariner Books. More

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    Cristiano Ronaldo labelled Man Utd return a DISASTER as icon fumed at training facilities and team-mates’ fitness levels

    CRISTIANO RONALDO branded his return to Manchester United a  ‘disaster’ — a new book sensationally claims.The Portuguese star rejoined United in August 2021 but his time at Old Trafford has been plagued by controversy.
    Cristiano Ronaldo is said to have been shocked and upset at how Man Utd had failed to progress off the pitch when he returned last yearCredit: Getty
    Returning Cristiano Ronaldo and manager Erik ten Hag have endured turbulent times at Old Trafford this seasonCredit: PA
    It culminated in boss Erik ten Hag   banishing   him   from   the   team after he refused to come on  in this month’s  win over Spurs.
    The book — which details the five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s stellar career and is published next month — insists he was:

     UNHAPPY under previous interim boss Ralf Rangnick, confessing to a senior executive during a Fifa event in the UK: “This is a disaster.”

    FRUSTRATED about the lack of investment in facilities at the Carrington training ground.

    ANNOYED the club had not evolved since he left for Real Madrid  in 2009.

    SHOCKED few players shared the same level of commitment as him to remain in peak physical shape.

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    Ronaldo, 37, has scored 27 goals in 51 appearances since rejoining from Juventus.
    But he still wants to leave in January after just two Prem starts under Ten Hag, even though he has now been reinstated in the first-team squad.
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    And the book —   Messi vs Ronaldo: One Rivalry, Two GOATs, and the Era That Remade the World’s Game — also claims former United team-mate Rio Ferdinand persuaded him not to sign for bitter rivals Manchester City in a 3am phone call.
    United finished sixth last term and endured another trophyless season following Rangnick’s appointment after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was sacked.
    Ten Hag fined Ron two weeks wages for his Old Trafford strop but recalled him for Thursday’s 3-0 Europa League win over Sheriff.
     Ronaldo took to social media to explain his actions against Spurs, insisting: “I’ve always tried to set the example myself for the youngsters that grew in all the teams I’ve represented.
    “Unfortunately that’s not always possible and sometimes the heat of the moment gets the best of us.” More

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    Real Madrid fans all say same thing about Jude Bellingham transfer as Vinicius, Rodrygo & Militao land Spanish passports

    REAL MADRID have been handed a boost in their pursuit of Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham.Earlier this month, SunSport revealed that the Spanish giants were confident in winning the transfer race for the 19-year-old.
    Bellingham has been linked with a move to Real MadridCredit: Getty
    Militao, Rodrygo and Vinicius have all been granted Spanish citizenshipCredit: Getty
    While Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool are also pushing to sign the youngster, Real Madrid consider themselves in pole position to complete the deal, which is expected to be worth around £87million.
    Many fans are now convinced that Bellingham is Bernabeu-bound following the revelation that three Real Madrid stars have been granted Spanish passports.
    Brazilian trio Eder Militao, Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo recently became citizens of Spain, meaning that there are three non-EU player spots now available in the squad.
    This opens up the opportunity for Bellingham – who is an English citizen – to join the club.

    Fans took to Twitter to react to the revelation, with one person writing: “Does this signing excite me? Very much. Did Real Madrid need an English player? Since a long time. Is Bellingham the ideal signing for 2023? Without a doubt.”
    Another added: “Let’s gooooo!!!!”
    While a third simply said: “Perfect timing.”
    Bellingham’s current contract with Borussia Dortmund expires in 2025, but he is expected to leave Signal Iduna Park next summer.
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    He made history earlier this month by becoming the youngest Bundesliga captain EVER as he stepped in as a replacement for Marco Reus and Mats Hummels.
    The midfielder is also on track to become one of the most expensive players in Bundesliga history. More

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    Neymar tells Man Utd star Antony to ‘keep it up’ after winger’s showboating row with legend Paul Scholes

    NEYMAR has implored Antony to carry on with his showboating following backlash he received for a bizarre skill against FC Sheriff.The Manchester United star stunned viewers as he performed a 720-degree spin with the ball during United’s 3-0 win at Old Trafford on Thursday.
    Neymar backed his Brazil team-mate to carry on showing off his skillsCredit: AP
    Antony’s spin at Old Trafford was met with some critical responses
    However, the £86million man left many unimpressed.
    United legend Paul Scholes labelled the move as “embarrassing,” while boss Erik ten Hag said he would “correct” skill moves that were not “functional.”
    Antony himself had already declared he would not stop showing off his skills in a defiant message on his Instagram.
    He said: “We are known for our art and I won’t stop doing what got me where I am!”
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    And Paris Saint-Germain superstar Neymar – who avoided a two-year jail sentence after fraud and corruption charges were dropped against him – weighed into the debate in support of his compatriot.
    The 30-year-old Brazilian, who is also known for his flamboyant style of play, wrote on his Instagram story: “Keep it up, nothing changes!
    “Go for it boy. Boldness and Joy.”
    Antony was hooked at half-time of the game following his display, though after the game Ten Hag said the change was planned.
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    The former Ajax star hit the ground running with goals in each of his first three Premier League games.
    And he will be hoping to get back to scoring ways when United play West Ham on Sunday after going five games in all competitions without a goal or assist. More

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    Man Utd face transfer fight with Chelsea for Ajax midfield enforcer Edson Alvarez who is also wanted by Barcelona

    MANCHESTER UNITED are set to join the race for Ajax midfielder Edson Alvarez, according to reports.Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag has already raided his former club for Lisandro Martinez and Antony since making the switch to Old Trafford.
    Edson Alvarez is on Man United’s wishlistCredit: Getty
    Alvarez, 25, could be next on his shopping his – although United face stiff competition.
    According to Calciomercato, the Red Devils target is also wanted by Chelsea.
    It’s claimed that the Blues had a bid worth around £43million rejected by Ajax in the summer.
    Graham Potter’s side could look to battle United for his signature in January.
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    Chelsea are considering a midfield revamp, with N’Golo Kante and Jorginho set to be out of contract at the end of the season.
    Alvarez has also attracted interest from Barcelona.
    Xavi’s side view him as a potential successor for Sergio Busquets at the base of their midfield.
    Busquets, 34, will leave his boyhood club at the end of the season and has been linked with Inter Miami.
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    Alvarez will have the opportunity to further impress suitors during the World Cup in Qatar next month.
    His Mexico side will take on Poland, Argentina and Saudi Arabia in Group C.
    He has already earned 58 caps for his country, in addition to making 119 Ajax appearances since joining from Mexican side Club America in 2019. More

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    Man Utd outcast Donny van de Beek is January transfer target for Valencia but £100,000-a-week wages are huge problem

    DONNY VAN DE BEEK could be offered a way out of his Manchester United hell by Valencia, according to reports.The Dutchman, 25, has failed to embed himself at United and has massively struggled for game time since his transfer to the club in 2020.
    Donny van de Beek could depart Man United in January for ValenciaCredit: Getty
    Van de Beek made his return to the United team against SheriffCredit: Getty
    And after making just 54 appearances – many of which have come from the bench – Van de Beek could finally be offered the chance to leave.
    According to TodoFichajes, Spanish side Valencia want to sign the midfielder in January.
    A loan is the most likely course of action with United willing to allow the move to happen in similar fashion to last year when they sanctioned a loan to Everton in January.
    However, his £100,000 per week wages are a huge stumbling block that needs to be overcome for a move to happen.
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    Valencia are insistent that United take on the majority of the burden, with their transfer goals for the window seeing them pursue two or three additions to the squad.
    But interest in Van de Beek is not limited to the Spaniards, with the likes of Leicester, AC Milan and Ajax among the clubs who were interested in the summer.
    With United accepting they are unlikely to recoup the £40million they shelled out for him, the Foxes are thought to be preparing a low-ball offer of £13m.
    The former Ajax star made his return to the United fold during the 3-0 win over Sheriff after a two-month absence.
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    United boss Erik ten Hag was said to be shocked by Van de Beek’s lack of confidence in the summer.
    But following his return to the team Ten Hag has insisted he has a role to play going forward despite not being first choice in the pecking order.
    After the Sheriff game he said: “Donny came in the last part and he also had some good positions in between the lines. I think that combination was good.
    “He was a long time out, I was happy to give him some minutes because you need that to get in the right form. He’s had to work himself back.
    “He’s not even one week in training, same as Harry Maguire, so I was really happy to give Donny and Harry minutes because we need them in the coming weeks.
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    “When you analyse the season so far, then if he was available he’d get his chance.
    “We need goals and I know Donny is really good in that position to score goals, but he’s also really good in defensive transition.” More

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    Man Utd ‘working on five-year contract extension for Alejandro Garnacho for past MONTH after first start in Sheriff win’

    MANCHESTER UNITED have been working on a new long-term contract for academy starlet Alejandro Garnacho, according to reports.The 18-year-old Argentine made his first start for the Red Devils on Thursday in the 3-0 win against Sheriff in the Europa League.
    Garnacho earned rave reviews after starring in United’s 3-0 win over SheriffCredit: Getty
    He played 79 minutes and earned rave reviews for his directness.
    In fact, Garnacho impressed so much that fans are calling for him to be handed a start against West Ham in the Premier League on Sunday, or at the very least some good minutes on the pitch.
    Garnacho has been in and around the first-team since last season and his contract expires in 2025.
    However, according to Fabrizio Romano, Man Utd are keen to address the winger’s contract situation and hand him a new five-year contract, securing his long-term future.
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    Negotiations have been ongoing for a month and a proposal for Garnacho has been ready since June.
    Garnacho signing a new deal would warn off any interest from Spanish and European champions Real Madrid.
    Los Blancos showed an interest in the player in the summer and are said to be watching his progress “very closely”.
    Other clubs are also said to be keeping tabs on the Man Utd youth star.
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    United legend Paul Scholes is keen to see more of Garnacho.
    Scholes told BT Sport: “This crowd loves entertainment and he provided that tonight.
    “He almost reminded me of a young Cristiano with his skill and taking the ball down with confidence.
    “I was impressed with the way he could attack on both feet and the unpredictability. He is an 18-year-old kid and he has a big future at Manchester United.” More

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    ‘You think Man Utd and Chelsea are in transition?’ – Spurs boss Antonio Conte slams claims rivals are a work-in-progress

    ANTONIO CONTE has mocked the suggestion that Tottenham’s rivals are “in transition”.Chelsea and Manchester United are two of the clubs chasing down Spurs in the Premier League after the North London club’s impressive start to the season.
    Tottenham face a trip to Bournemouth tomorrow after back-to-back Premier League defeatsCredit: Getty
    Erik ten Hag is attempting to mould Man United in his image after the underwhelming Ole Gunnar Solskjaer eraCredit: Getty
    Graham Potter is still unbeaten in all competitions since taking over as Chelsea boss last monthCredit: Getty
    Whereas both of them appointed new managers over the last few month, Conte is approaching his first anniversary as boss at Tottenham after a rollercoaster 12 months.
    But the Italian manager, without a win in his last three, has rubbished suggestions that the clubs Tottenham are ahead of are works-in-progress.
    When asked if Spurs could take advantage of the two clubs this season, Conte said: “If Chelsea are in transition after they won the Champions League two years ago and last season they won the World Cup, United two years ago finished second.
    “If these clubs that can invest a lot of money are in transition, I don’t know who are the title contenders?
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    “In November, we were ninth. We were playing Conference League, and you think United and Chelsea are in transition? With [Cristiano] Ronaldo, [Raphael] Varane, [Jadon] Sancho, in transition? I hope to be in transition this way.”
    It has been a busy year for Conte as he attempts to make Tottenham competitive again.
    The ex-Blues boss brought in a raft of summer signings to build on the savvy business he did in his first window.
    And while the results have not been bad, some fans have been left unconvinced by the brand of football played by Spurs.
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    Manchester United begun a new era when Erik ten Hag formally took over.
    After a horror start, the Dutchman has steadied the ship as he looks close the gap between the red and blue half of Manchester.
    And Chelsea brutally sacked Thomas Tuchel in September and replaced him with Graham Potter.
    The managerial change came on top of off-the-field unrest as Roman Abramovich sold the club after almost 20 years of ownership to American Todd Boehly and the Clearlake Consortium. More