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    Javier Hernandez suffers World Cup 2022 heartbreak as Mexico confirm ex-Man Utd striker will NOT go to Qatar

    JAVIER HERNANDEZ has been ruled out of Mexico’s 2022 World Cup squad.The decision was made by Mexican boss Tata Martino despite former Manchester United star Chicharito enjoying a fruitful campaign this season for LA Galaxy and his international goal record.
    Javier Hernandez is Mexico’s all-time top goal scorer.Credit: EPA
    Mexico have fierce competition in a quartet of centre forwards -including Wolves forward Raul Jimenez – but Martino has confirmed only three will travel to Qatar.
    That leaves Hernandez, Mexico’s all-time leading scorer with 52 goals in 109 matches, as the odd man out.
    Martino said: “In the case of Chicharito, we are simply going with other forwards.
    “We will try to choose the 26 players who are closest to our game.
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    “We have two [forwards] who can play and two who can’t. What I like is that we don’t have not enough players.
    “Four forwards are not going to go [to Qatar], but as long as they make it difficult for me to choose, I’m very happy about that.
    “Surely there will be talk of who is left out, but the problem will be abundance and not scarcity.”
    The door was also slammed shut on fellow MLS and Mexico star Carlos Vela.
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    Mexican manager Martino has marked Jimenez or Rogelio Funes Mori as serious doubts to feature against both Peru on Saturday at the Rose Bowl or against Colombia in California’s Bay Area on Monday.
    But he has emphasised the need for them to travel with ‘El Tri’ for training, recovery and connection with their teammates.
    Prolific poacher Hernandez has 20 goals and assists in 29 games in the MLS this season.
    He boasts a better international goals-to-game ratio than top CONCACAF strikers Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani.
    Hernandez has made 12 appearances across the 2010, 2014 and 2018 World Cups scoring four goals in the process.
    The Mexican established himself playing for Europe’s elite with spells at United and Real Madrid.
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    His time with the Red Devils saw earn two Premier League titles, a Champions League runner up medal and the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award for the 2010-11 season.
    Barring any injuries or decision changes by Martino, Chicharito’s final World Cup goal would have been in the group stage against South Korea in the 2018 tournament. More

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    Ten Hag warned Man Utd new boys Malacia and Antony to go easy on each other after their fierce battles in Holland

    MANCHESTER UNITED boss Erik ten Hag told new boys Tyrell Malacia and Antony to “take it easy” on each other after their previous battles in Holland.Malacia joined United from Feyenoord early in the summer window – before Ten Hag reunited with Antony on deadline day.
    Ten Hag told Malacia and Antony to ‘take it easy’ on each otherCredit: Getty
    The pair had a feisty encounter in March while playing in HollandCredit: Getty
    The pair played out some epic duels in Holland when Feyenoord and Ajax clashed.
    Last March, Ajax sealed a 3-2 win over their rivals to help to another Dutch title – with Antony on the scoresheet.

    But Malacia largely kept Antony quiet as both players clashed with some heavy challenges.
    The two collided in added-time with Antony theatrically falling to the floor in front of the dugout.
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    However, after the 22-year-old Brazilian took too long to get back up to his feet, he was shown a second yellow card.
    And as Malacia tried to usher him off the pitch, Antony took a swipe at the full-back.
    So when the pair linked up in United training, Ten Hag told the pair to “take it easy”, Malacia has revealed.
    Malacia told Sky Sports: “When he [Antony] arrived [at Manchester United] the first thing the coach said was ‘guys, easy on each other’.
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    “[Antony’s] a good player and I love to play against him, and now I play with him which is fantastic.”
    Both Malacia and Antony have hit the ground running at Old Trafford.
    Malacia is making the starting left-back spot his own, while Antony scored on his Premier League debut against Arsenal.
    The Red Devils sit fifth in the table after six games played.
    They play rivals Manchester City next on October 2. More

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    Frenkie de Jong reveals he never wanted Man Utd transfer in brutal statement despite turbulent summer at Barcelona

    FRENKIE DE JONG has revealed he NEVER wanted to join Manchester United in the summer despite his future at Barcelona being up in the air at the time. The Dutchman, 25, was at odds with Barca in the summer over millions in wages still owed to him.
    De Jong says he ‘always wanted to stay’ at Barca in the summer despite Man Utd’s interestCredit: Rex
    De Jong was slapped with an ultimatum to either leave or take a major pay cut.
    And so a deal between United and Barca for the midfielder, which would see him reunite with old Ajax boss Erik ten Hag, worth £72million was agreed.
    But despite the financial dispute, Barca and De Jong repaired the damage to the relationship – something the player wanted all along.
    De Jong, who is away on international duty with Holland, opened up on a possible move in a press conference.
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    He said in a brutal slap-down of United: “I always wanted to stay at Barcelona and this is why I always remained calm in the summer.”
    And on his relationship with Barca, De Jong wasn’t keen to get into details.

    De Jong added: “I can’t give too much details away.
    “But look.. the club has it’s own ideas and I have my own ideas too and sometimes this clashes with each other.
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    “But at the end of the day things went OK.”
    De Jong is still very much in Barca boss Xavi’s plans.
    The ex-Ajax ace has played eight times so far this season and has one league goal to his name.
    Barca had a big summer spend and brought in star names such as Robert Lewandowski, Jules Kounde, Raphinha and Franck Kessie.
    Xavi is hoping to close the gap on current LaLiga and Champions League holders Real Madrid.
    Barca are sat second in the table, two points off Real at the top of the league.
    The two sides are scheduled to meet on October 16 at the Bernabeu. More

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    Ralf Rangnick ‘furious with Man Utd’ as club dithered over Julian Alvarez transfer and striker went to Man City instead

    RALF RANGNICK was reportedly “furious” with Manchester United for differing over whether to swoop for now Man City star Julian Alvarez.The German replaced Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the Red Devils’ dug-out last term for a spell as interim manager.
    Man Utd’s failure to move for Julian Alvarez last January left Ralf Rangnick ragingCredit: PA
    The striker is already impressing at Man City after his summer arrivalCredit: Getty
    He was then due to move upstairs but left the club after a miserable spell at Old Trafford following the arrival of Erik ten Hag.
    The 64-year-old was tasked with helping director of football John Murtough identify potential transfer targets.
    Previous reports have already outlined the now Austrian head coach’s anger at failing to secure any of his top targets.
    Now a fresh report has claimed that he was “furious” that United failed to move for 22-year-old Argentine forward Alvarez.
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    And that played right into City’s hands as they eventually ended up bringing the South American to the Premier League from River Plate during the summer.
    Journalist Fabrizio Romano revealed Rangnick’s anger while speaking to Caught Offside, saying: “The 2023 January transfer window will be an important one for the club’s project.
    “But for it to be a success they need to learn from the mistakes of last year.
    “The mistake was clear: Ralf Rangnick, who was at that time interim manager and preparing to become a consultant to work with the board and with Erik ten Hag, was furious with Man United because they didn’t want to sign any players last January.
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    “They had some opportunities, but they didn’t want to sign a striker, specifically.
    “Julian Alvarez was of one of those players – he was offered to United and other clubs.
    “He had a release clause, and was a player Rangnick had on his list at Lokomotiv Moscow.
    “In the end, Man United decided not to proceed. And now Man City have this really good striker, for the present and the future.”
    Despite playing back-up to Erling Haaland, Alvarez already has three goals in eight outings for City. More

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    Jude Bellingham at centre of massive £130m summer transfer battle with Man Utd and Chelsea among FIVE clubs interested

    CHELSEA and Manchester United are among FIVE European clubs interested in signing Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham this summer, according to reports.Bellingham, 19, joined Borussia Dortmund in a £25million transfer from Birmingham City two years ago.
    Borussia Dortmund want at least £130m for BellinghamCredit: Getty
    He snubbed Man Utd in favour of the move to Germany, but the Red Devils have refused to give up in their pursuit of the teen.
    According to The Athletic, United are in a transfer race along with four other clubs.
    Premier League giants Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool are also eager to sign Bellingham while Real Madrid retain a strong interest.
    But, Borussia Dortmund are demanding at least £130m for the young star which would make him the most expensive English player of all-time – surpassing Jack Grealish and his £100m move to Man City last year.
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    Bellingham made his 100th appearance for Dortmund last week.
    Since arriving at Signal Iduna Park he’s scored 13 goals and assisted 18, making him one of the club’s most valuable players.
    His consistent performances have also seen him earn a regular spot in Gareth Southgate’s England squad.
    Last year Bellingham became the youngest-ever English player to appear at a major tournament when he made a substitute appearance against Croatia during Euro 2020.
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    And now he could be given the opportunity to shine on the World stage as England prepare for the World Cup in November.
    Bellingham was given another international call-up last week ahead of England’s upcoming Nations League fixtures against Italy and Germany. More

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    Man Utd ‘already working on transfer for Monaco right-back Vanderson but face competition from Barcelona’

    MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly working on a deal to sign Monaco star Vanderson.But they face competition from Barcelona for the Brazilian right-back.
    Man Utd are keen on landing Barcelona target Vanderson from MonacoCredit: Getty
    Sport claims Erik ten Hag is keen on signing a new defender in January.
    United’s backline has already improved thanks to the additions of Lisandro Martinez and Tyrell Malacia.
    And Vanderson, 21, has been earmarked as the next exciting talent to boost the squad.
    The former Gremio star only joined Monaco in January, but his fine performances quickly resulted in a new contract.
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    It’s reckoned Vanderson is valued at over £52m by his club.
    But United have shown they are willing to pay high fees if Ten Hag believes it is worthwhile.

    There could yet be one issue for the Red Devils though.
    That’s because Barcelona are thought to remain interested after targeting Vanderson over the summer.
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    They balked at Monaco’s asking price when Xavi Hernandez identified the youngster as Dani Alves’ successor.
    But Barca’s rebuild has so far gone to plan after a huge summer splurge.
    And Xavi is targeting a new right-back amongst others as he looks to keep pace with Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid.
    Monaco are now braced for enquiries and bids in the build-up to January. More

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    Man Utd star Lisandro Martinez and Tottenham ace Cristian Romero left stranded and unable to link up with Argentina

    ARGENTINA internationals Lisandro Martinez and Cristian Romero have not yet been able to link up with Lionel Scaloni’s squad due to visa issues.The Prem duo were set to fly out to Miami this week ahead of Argentina’s friendly clash with Honduras on Saturday.
    Romero and Martinez have not been able to link up with the Argentina squadCredit: Getty
    However, they have not been allowed to travel to the United States because the US Embassy in England has been closed in the wake of the Queen’s death.
    As a result, Martinez and Romero have not been able to register their visas in time for the game, according to TyC Sports.
    Following their clash with Honduras, Scaloni’s squad will travel to New Jersey to face Jamaica.
    It will mark Argentina’s final outing before the World Cup kicks off in November.
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    Martinez and Romero are both expected to be selected for the competition – which will take place in Qatar this winter – having already impressed for Manchester United and Tottenham respectively this season.
    Meanwhile, Lionel Messi has already joined up with the squad along with Angel Di Maria, Paulo Dybala, Leandro Paredes and Nicolas Tagliafico.

    The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner has already scored six goals and assisted eight in just 11 appearances for Paris Saint-Germain this season.
    He is all but guaranteed to be named in Argentina’s 26-man squad for the World Cup.
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    The White and Sky Blues have been named in Group C with Saudi Arabia, Mexico and Poland.
    They will face Saudi Arabia in their opening game on November 22 followed by Mexico on November 26 and Poland four days later. More

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    ‘My road is not over’ – Cristiano Ronaldo targets Euro 2024 as Man Utd star accepts Portugal’s top scorer award

    CRISTIANO RONALDO has revealed his ambition to fire Portugal to Euro 2024 glory while receiving a top award for his nation.The 37-year-old forward has found himself relegated to Manchester United’s bench under Erik ten Hag for the majority of their Premier League campaign.
    Cristiano Ronaldo vowed to lead Portugal to Euro 2024 while collected his latest awardCredit: Instagram @portugal
    The legend was awarded the Quinas de Ouro trophy last nightCredit: Instagram @portugal
    After failing to secure a move away from Old Trafford over the summer, Ronaldo returned late to pre-season training which led to him being named as sub for the opening day defeat to Brighton.
    He returned to the starting XI the following week, but he and his team-mates were left humiliated as they were thrashed 4-0 at Brentford.
    The veteran was then pushed back to the bench, and that coincided with United going on a four-game winning run in the top-flight.
    However, things are now starting to look up for the veteran as he scored his first goal of the season for United in last week’s Europa League win at Sheriff.
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    The five-time Ballon d’Or winner, who has already stated he wants to play into his 40s, is now on international duty with Portugal and getting ready for their Nations League clashes against Czech Republic and Spain.
    And Ronaldo, who has a record 117 goals in his 189 caps for his country, has now revealed his ambition to continue leading them after this winter’s World Cup in Qatar all the way to the European Championship in 2024 when he will be 39.

    After being awarded a trophy last night at the Quinas de Ouro awards, he said: “I hope to be a part of the Federation for a few more years. I still feel motivated, my ambition is high.
    “My path in the national team is not over. We have many quality youngsters. I will be at the World Cup and I want to be at the European.”
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    And on his latest award, which recognised him as the nation’s all-time top scorer, he added: “I am proud to receive an award of this magnitude. 
    “I never thought that one day I could achieve it.
    “I thank everyone who was important in my career. It has been a long road, but I would like to say that my road is not over yet. take a little more load from ‘Cris’.”
    Jose Mourinho was in attendance for the ceremony on TuesdayCredit: Instagram @portugal
    Portugal teammates Ruben Dias and Bruno Fernandes watch on as he Ronaldo gets his awardCredit: Instagram @portugal More