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    Michael Carrick confirmed as Middlesbrough boss as Man Utd legend takes first managerial job with Championship club

    MANCHESTER UNITED legend Michael Carrick has been confirmed as Middlesbrough’s new boss.The 41-year-old has been appointed on a long-term deal at The Riverside as he begins his first role in management.
    Michael Carrick has been appointed the new manager of MiddlbesbroughCredit: Splash
    Carrick had been in advanced talks with the Championship club for weeks over replacing Chris Wilder.
    Negotiations stalled over the make-up of the ex-United star’s backroom team, but those issues have now been resolved.
    Boro legend and former boss Jonathan Woodgate has joined as first-team coach, with a further appointment set to be made.
    Carrick said: “I’m really excited to be here and to be part of a club with such a deep history and tradition.
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    “Middlesbrough was the first professional club I played for as a nine-year old boy, so it’s a very special feeling to be back here as a head coach.
    “Growing up in the north-east myself I’m fully aware of what football means to people. It’s a real privilege for me to be in this position and to feel all the passion and enthusiasm you’ve got for the game and for Boro.
    “I’ll give everything to help develop the team and keep moving the club forward and make you the supporters proud. I can’t wait to get started.”
    Boro chairman Steve Gibson added: “We’re delighted to welcome Michael to the club.
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    “We had identified a number of potentials for the vacancy who we spoke with, and were impressed by all, but Michael was the outstanding candidate.
    “Michael has the same values as the club, and we are very much aligned in our ambitions.
    “We see Michael as the perfect fit for us and he believes this is the right club at the right time.”
    Former England international Carrick won the Premier League five times and the Champions League during his Old Trafford playing career.
    He initially joined United’s coaching staff under Jose Mourinho.
    He was then part of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s backroom team before then getting a brief taste of management himself after the Norwegian was axed in November 2021.
    Newcastle-born Carrick had a three-game stint as caretaker.
    He led United to two wins and then a draw against Chelsea but left after Ralf Rangnick’s arrival.
    Now he is tasked with transforming struggling Boro’s fortunes after a dire start to the Championship campaign left them fourth-bottom.
    Middlesbrough have only won four of their 16 games but thumped Wigan 4-1 away from home on Wednesday.
    They followed that up with a 0-0 draw against Huddersfield on Saturday.
    Leo Percovich, a coach at the club under Aitor Karanka, Jonathan Woodgate, Neil Warnock and then Wilder, was placed in temporary charge following Wilder’s dismissal.
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    He has now been made Head of Player Pathway and Development.
    Meanwhile, Carrick will be hoping to kick-off his reign with a win when Boro travel to Preston this weekend. More

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    Shocking Cristiano Ronaldo stats for Man Utd show why Erik ten Hag might regret kicking him out of Old Trafford

    CRISTIANO RONALDO’S second Manchester United stint appears to be coming to an underwhelming end.The Portuguese superstar returned to Old Trafford to much fanfare last year, but seems likely to leave under a cloud.

    Cristiano Ronaldo stormed down the tunnel before the end of Man United vs SpursCredit: Rex
    Ronaldo, 37, has largely been limited to the bench since Erik ten Hag’s arrival – with debates rumbling on over whether he should be receiving more game time.
    He bagged his 700th club career goal in the recent win over Everton, but snarled and muttered to himself when he was substituted in the 0-0 stalemate with Newcastle a week later.
    Things reached boiling point after the 2-0 win over Tottenham last week, when Ronaldo refused to come on and subsequently stormed off down the tunnel – leaving the match before full-time.
    Ten Hag, 52, banished the five-time Ballon d’Or winner from first-team training as a punishment – dropping him from the squad for the trip to Chelsea.
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    The 1-1 draw was just the third United match that CR7 hasn’t featured in this season – and they’ve had mixed results.
    While he has only started six games in all competitions, Ronaldo has at least been a regular from the bench.
    Without him, they have managed a win, a loss and that draw at Chelsea.
    Their solitary win came in that Tottenham game, while their loss was the 6-3 trouncing at Manchester City.
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    This gives them a win percentage of 33.3 without him – albeit in a much smaller sample size – compared to 66.7 when he plays.
    Another factor to be noted is the difficulty of these three fixtures, compared to the rest that include their four Europa League group games.
    While, counted among the 12 matches Ronaldo has featured in, is the 2-1 win over Liverpool, although the forward only played the last four minutes.
    United have averaged 2 goals per game without Ronaldo, compared to 1.3 with him.
    But they have conceded 2.3 per game without him, compared to 1 with him.
    With Ronaldo they have taken 2.1 points per game, and just 1.3 without him.
    Prior to the Chelsea match, Ten Hag said: “What the talk – if you ask about that – is between Cristiano and me.
    I am the manager, I am responsible for the culture here and I have to set standards and valuesErik ten Hag
    “The statement is also clear, I think. He remains an important player in the squad.
    “I am the manager, I am responsible for the culture here and I have to set standards and values and I have to control them. In the team, we have values and standards and I have to control that.
    “After Vallecano, I told him it was unacceptable but not him everyone, this is the second time, there are consequences. We miss him tomorrow.
    “It’s a miss for the squad but it’s important for the attitude and mentality of the group and now we have to focus on Chelsea as that is important.”
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    At the game, he added: “Yes, I think it [his suspension] is only for this weekend, this match and then we will talk and we will see.”
    Ronaldo has scored two goals this season and laid on one assist in his 12 outings.
    Ronaldo, 37, bagged his 700th club career goal against EvertonCredit: AFP
    The Portuguese cut a frustrated figure against NewcastleCredit: Reuters More

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    Cristiano Ronaldo open to stunning return to Italy with Napoli interested in exiled Man Utd striker in January

    CRISTIANO RONALDO is open to another Italian job – after being snubbed by a string of Premier League clubs.SunSport understands Napoli remain “interested” in the legendary striker, who is heading for an Old Trafford exit following his behaviour against Spurs last week. 
    Napoli are keen on Cristiano Ronaldo, who is open to a second spell in ItalyCredit: Getty
    Sources close to the Portuguese star say his advisors have sounded out Premier League clubs including Chelsea, Newcastle and Arsenal.
    But the 37-year-old is seen by United’s rivals as too risky. 
    And a return to Italy is now on the cards after Ronnie won two titles in three years at Juventus.
    A source told SunSport: “Chelsea were interested in Ronaldo over the summer, but he is no longer on their radar. 
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    “Arsenal and Newcastle realise the quality he would bring in helping them to achieve their ambitions. 
    “But both clubs worry about the wider impact his arrival could have on the clubs. 

    “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.
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    “But it will come down to whether the club can match the eye-watering wage demands.”
    Napoli’s current top earner, Poland international Piotr Zielinski, pockets £90k each week.
    Ronaldo had been earning £480k-a-week when he returned to United in 2021.
    But their failure to qualify for this season’s Champions League saw his salary slashed by 25 per cent.
    Ronaldo is now on a weekly wage of £360k at United.
    And he could be ready to take another pay cut to force through a move to Naples.
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    Meanwhile, United were linked with Napoli forward Victor Osimhen as a replacement for Ronaldo in the summer.
    He is valued at over £100million after scoring his fifth goal of the season in last night’s 1-0 win at Roma.
    SunSport’s story comes after Ronaldo refused to come off the bench against Spurs before storming down the tunnel. 
    Boss Erik ten Hag confirmed he’d walked off, a move which saw him dropped from the first-team squad.
    Ronaldo played no part in United’s draw at Chelsea on Saturday and was made to train alone.
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    His stance has been fully supported by the club’s hierarchy.
    But the incident was not the first time Ronaldo left a match early, departing United’s pre-season friendly with Rayo Vallecano at half-time after being substituted. More

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    Cristiano Ronaldo ‘willing to take pay cut to quit Man Utd in January… with Ten Hag not planning transfer replacement’

    MANCHESTER UNITED superstar Cristiano Ronaldo is willing to take a pay cut to leave Old Trafford, reports suggest.Ronaldo, 37, has fallen out of favour and his future at United is uncertain after he was axed from the squad by manager Erik ten Hag.
    Manchester United superstar Cristiano Ronaldo looks set to leave Old TraffordCredit: Getty
    The axe fell when the five-time Ballon d’Or winner refused to come on against Tottenham on Wednesday and stormed down the tunnel with injury time still to play.
    As a result, Ten Hag didn’t include the star forward in the squad for Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Chelsea and ordered him to train by himself at Carrington.
    According to The Athletic, the Portugal international could push for a move away from the Red Devils and potential suitors have been informed he is willing to accept a lower salary.
    The star forward looked to leave last summer but no Champions League sides showed interest.
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    If the 37-year-old receives no offers in January then United would be open to letting him go for free if a mutual agreement is reached to terminate his contract.
    Ten Hag will also not look for a replacement if Ronaldo ultimately puts an end to his second stint at Old Trafford in the New Year.
    Chelsea appear a potential candidate to swoop in for the Real Madrid legend.
    The Blues were one of several clubs contacted by the ex-Juventus star’s representatives last summer after he decided to leave the Manchester giants.
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    The West Londoners’ owner Todd Boehly was keen to bring the Portugal captain over to Stamford Bridge but former manager Thomas Tuchel opted against a potential deal.
    But with Tuchel now gone and replaced by Graham Potter, Boehly could be keen to renew his interest and explore a swoop in the New Year.
    Chelsea appear to consider a temporary deal that would see CR7 stay until the end of the season with an option to extend into a second term. More

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    Man Utd remove Instagram post after Kevin Pietersen launches scathing attack on ‘clown’ Ten Hag over Ronaldo treatment

    MANCHESTER UNITED deleted an Instagram post after being bashed by Kevin Pietersen over Erik ten Hag’s treatment of Cristiano Ronaldo.The Red Devils’ official Instagram account posted a throwback picture of the former England cricketer at Old Trafford to help promote the upcoming T20 World Cup.
    Manchester United recently shared a picture of Kevin Pietersen to help promote the T20 World CupCredit: INSTAGRAM@MANCHESTERUNITED
    But it backfired as KP launched a blistered attack on manager Erik ten HagCredit: INSTAGRAM
    Cristiano Ronaldo has found himself on the fringes of the starting XI under Ten HagCredit: AFP
    But Pietersen took exception to the use of his image, commenting on the post: “Please take my picture down?
    “I don’t want an association with a club that’s managed by a clown who is completely disrespecting the greatest footballer of our time.
    “[Cristiano Ronaldo] is the BOSS! That clown who no one will ever remember needs a wake-up!”
    The club duly obliged, but not before Pietersen’s demand was liked and screenshotted by thousands of fans.
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    Ten Hag has been unwavering in his treatment of Ronaldo since succeeding Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as United boss last summer.
    The Dutchman was adamant the club legend wouldn’t be sold but has refused to compromise his vision for the team by guaranteeing him a place in the starting XI.

    Ronaldo, 37, has had to make do with a place on the bench this season and his frustrations boiled over in United’s 2-0 win over Tottenham last week.
    The Portuguese superstar refused to come on for the final few minutes of the match and stormed down the tunnel.
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    Ten Hag responded by dropping the five-time Ballon d’Or winner from the matchday squad for Saturday’s trip to Chelsea.
    Ronaldo addressed his actions on social media, but fell short of an apology, saying: “As I’ve always done throughout my career, I try to live and play respectfully towards my colleagues, my adversaries and my coaches,” read his statement.
    “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.”
    Manchester United will be back in action on Thursday evening, welcoming Moldovan side Sheriff to Old Trafford for their penultimate Europa League Group E match. More

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    Arsenal ‘targeting Frankfurt centre-back Evan Ndicka transfer’ after missing out on Man Utd star Lisandro Martinez

    ARSENAL have joined the bidding war for Eintracht Frankfurt ace Evan Ndicka, reports suggest.The Gunners are still in the market for a left-sided centre-back ahead of the January transfer window.
    Eintracht Frankfurt ace Evan Ndicka has been linked with a move to ArsenalCredit: Rex
    According to the Evening Standard, Ndicka, 23, is one of the North Londoners’ top targets but face competition for his signature.
    Tottenham, Newcastle and Manchester United have also been previously linked with the centre-back.
    Arsenal turned their attention on Ndicka after missing out on Lisandro Martinez, who signed for United last summer.
    Mikel Arteta’s side also failed to land Calvin Bassey, who opted for Ajax.
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    Ndicka stood out for Eintracht last season as he helped them win the Europa League.
    The Frenchman continues to impress in the Bundesliga with a total of 17 appearances already this season.
    The defender poses as a very attractive target as his contract runs out in June.
    Ndicka joined Eintracht from Auxerre in 2018 and quickly rose through the ranks at the Deutsche Bank Park.
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    The 23-year-old has since amassed a total of 10 goals and nine assists in 156 appearances across all competitions.
    Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, though, has managed to create a rock-solid defence with William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes at centre-back. More

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    Chelsea lining up January transfer for Man Utd target Adrien Rabiot and may offer Hakim Ziyech to Juventus in swap deal

    CHELSEA are set to make a winter swoop for Adrien Rabiot in order to beef up their midfield, it’s been claimed.The Juventus ace was on the verge of joining Manchester United in the summer after the two clubs agreed a fee for the midfielder.
    Chelsea are reportedly interested in signing Adrien Rabiot in JanuaryCredit: REX
    Graham Potter is reportedly willing to offer Juve Hakim Ziyech to land Rabiot
    Rabiot was on the verge of leaving Manchester United in the summerCredit: REX
    The Red Devils, however, pulled out of a deal for the 27-year-old due to his sky-high wage demands.
    But Rabiot’s reported contract demands have reportedly not put off new Chelsea boss Graham Potter.
    Calciomercato claim the west Londoners are weighing up bringing the former Paris Saint-Germain man to Stamford Bridge in January.
    And it’s claimed they could be rivalled for the France international’s signature by their Premier League rivals Newcastle.
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    Potter is said to be willing to offer winger Hakim Ziyech to Juve in order to land his man.
    The Old Lady could very well accept the player-plus-cash deal as they’re reportedly already looking for a successor for Angel di Maria.

    But Juventus are said to be working on a new contract for Rabiot, who recently said of his future: “There was a lot of talk.
    “But I’ve always been focused both in training and in the game. The renewal? I don’t know.
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    “At the moment, there are other things to think about.
    “I’m focused on the pitch and doing well for the team, to get them out of the difficult and then we’ll see what happens.
    “Honestly, I’m not even thinking about the World Cup. I think it’s the same thing for the others. We need to stay focused on the club.”
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    Chelsea will be back in action on Tuesday night, travelling to Austria for their fifth Champions League Group E match against RB Salzburg.
    Rabiot and his Juve team-mates will also be in action on Tuesday, facing Benfica in their penultimate Group H match.
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    Piers Morgan defends pal Cristiano Ronaldo and reveals Man Utd star turned down £115m Saudi Arabia transfer last summer

    PIERS MORGAN threw his support behind pal Cristiano Ronaldo amid his Manchester United crisis. And he insists the Portuguese forward turned down £115million to play in Saudi Arabia.
    Cristiano Ronaldo’s Manchester United future is in major doubtCredit: AFP
    Piers Morgan has defended the Portuguese star publiclyCredit: Twitter
    Ronaldo, 37, has come under heavy criticism in recent months for trying to force through a transfer exit from Old Trafford.
    But after staying put in Manchester, he put his future at the club into question again by refusing to come on as a late substitute against Tottenham – then leaving the stadium before full-time.
    After being banned and fined, SunSport revealed he has no allies left at the club and may not play in a United shirt ever again.
    The Red Devils could be open to allowing Ronaldo to leave in January.
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    However, one of the doubts has been whether they could find a buyer after he failed to secure a summer switch.
    But SunSport columnist Morgan refuted those suggestions – claiming Ronaldo had an offer from the Middle East, but rejected it.
    He tweeted: “More lies leaked by United management to damage him…
    “@Cristiano received an offer of 130m euros to play for one season in Saudi but turned it down.
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    “Ten Hag trying to lecture Cristiano on standards and values when he’s deliberately humiliating him… what a joke.
    “One is the greatest footballer of all time and a champion in 4 countries… the other was a c**p player and as a manager, has barely won a conker fight outside of Holland.”
    Earlier this week, he wrote: “I think the collective disrespect towards Cristiano from his manager and many Utd fans after all he’s done for your club, not least last season, is shameful. There’s my opinion.”
    Chelsea, Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid, Napoli and Juventus were among the Champions League sides who decided not to pursue a transfer.
    Meanwhile, Saudi club Al-Hilal claimed their mega-money move for the five-time Ballon d’Or winner only fell through because of a transfer ban.
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    Chelsea are being linked with a renewed swoop for Ronaldo in January.
    However, should United take Gary Neville’s advice and rip up the No7’s contract early to get him out of the club, it would cost them £10m. More