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    Man Utd face £10m bill if they axe Cristiano Ronaldo in January but Chelsea could make shock transfer for wantaway star

    MANCHESTER UNITED could have to fork out almost £10 million if they want to get Cristiano Ronaldo off the books in January.Ronaldo was axed for yesterday’s trip to Chelsea, amid claims he refused to come off the bench in last week’s win over Spurs and looks sure to have played his last game for the club.
    United would face almost £10m in owed wages if they wanted to get rid of Ronaldo in JanuaryCredit: Reuters
    Chelsea owner Boehly is reportedly still keen on bringing the unsettled 37-year-old to Stamford BridgeCredit: Alamy
    Yet if United hope to get rid before his contract expires at the end of the season, they are staring at pay-off touching eight figures.
    Ronaldo would earn around £9.6m in basic wages until June, regardless of any bonus payments for league placings or trophies.
    But United do have some wriggle room – not least the option of tearing up his deal if he did indeed refuse to come on as substitute and was deemed to be in breach of contract.
    There is also the bargaining chip of letting him join another club for a knockdown fee or even a free – something they stood firm on last summer.
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    Old Trafford’s money men insisted Ronaldo, who wanted Champions League football, would only be allowed to go on their terms…and that meant a fee of up to £20m.
    Now, though, they have the option of his leaving for nothing, if a vastly reduced severance package was also part of the deal.
    It would almost certainly be the case if Ronaldo, who will be 38 in February, decided on America as his next destination.
    David Beckham’s Inter Miami are keen on signing him, but although they are confident of meeting his personal terms, a transfer fee on top would make it difficult.
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    Yet with Ronaldo clearly having reached the end of the road at Old Trafford, there is growing belief a deal can be done after all.
    Sunday World report that Chelsea are also looking to pounce on the opportunity and join the race for the unsettled veteran.
    As revealed by SunSport in the summer, Blues owner Boehly is a huge fan of Ronaldo.
    At the time, boss Thomas Tuchel still needed convincing to press ahead with a move but now Graeme Potter is in charge at Stamford Bridge.
    A £14m bid was being touted back then however Old Trafford bosses may take whatever they can to ship him off. More

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    Real Madrid plot transfer move for Man Utd star Diogo Dalot as in-form defender in last year of contract

    REAL MADRID are eyeing a transfer for Manchester United star Diogo Dalot, according to reports.The Portuguese has impressed under Erik ten Hag this season and has kept Aaron Wan-Bissaka out of the side.
    Real Madrid want to sign Diogo DalotCredit: Reuters
    Real have sent scouts to watch the right-back in action and are reportedly encouraged by the feedback they have got back, with Dalot impressing on a personal and professional level.
    The LaLiga champions are believed to have been rejected in their approach to sign Manchester City star Joao Cancelo so have now turned to Dalot, report The Mirror.
    And they could try to take advantage of his contract situation, with the defender’s deal expiring in the summer.
    However, United reportedly have an option to trigger a one-year contract extension and that could help to deter interest.
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    The Red Devils are also believed to be unwilling to sell Dalot for less than £35m.
    That figure could rise if Dalot impresses at the World Cup, with Barcelona and AC Milan also said to be keen on the former Porto player.
    Barca have also kept tabs on Dalot with Xavi keen to bolster his defence.
    Dalot is open to staying at Old Trafford for another year but is also keen on a move to Catalonia.
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    Juventus are also watching his progress with “great attention” as Juan Cuadrado and Alex Sandro’s deals run out in June.
    Roma boss Jose Mourinho is also keen on a reunion after brining the Barcelona target over to United in 2018. More

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    Erik ten Hag defends decision to axe Cristiano Ronaldo as boss praises Man Utd ‘spirit’ after late point against Chelsea

    ERIK TEN HAG hailed the comeback spirit of his  Manchester United stars — and defended his decision to axe Cristiano Ronaldo.Man of the match Casemiro grabbed a stoppage-time equaliser to stun Chelsea.
    Erik ten Hag had no regrets about dropping Cristiano Ronaldo against ChelseaCredit: Getty
    Ronaldo has been axed from the Man Utd squad after refusing to come on midweekCredit: Getty
    And United boss Ten Hag declared: “I have to make a big compliment to my team. To fight back with a fourth game in ten days, you see the spirit and how they deal with setbacks.
    “Of course it was a big moment, to get a deserved point.”
    But Ten Hag insisted the equaliser was irrelevant to justifying Ronaldo’s exile.
    The Portugal star was dumped from the squad after his Old Trafford strop on Wednesday.
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    Dutchman Ten Hag said: “Of course it’s a big moment — but it doesn’t have anything to do with that case.
    “It’s more important to have the right culture, to have the right standards and values.
    “For the long term it’s always more important, in the end it will bring you to the right position.”
    Casemiro was in the right place at the right time to head home Luke Shaw’s cross — after Jorginho put Chelsea ahead with a late penalty.
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    The goal capped a superb display by the £60m summer signing from Real Madrid.
    Ten Hag said: “We thought he was capable of doing that. It’s clear that the Premier League is different, especially in intensity. He needed a short period to adapt to that.
    “Now from game to game you see him growing — and how important he is for us.
    “He brings the composure, he brings the organisation — and when he also even scores a goal, he brings a lot to the team.
    “We showed resilience, that’s a really big thing for big teams.”
    But United face disciplinary action from the FA after their fans disgraced themselves with homophobic chanting.
    Ten Hag also condemned the abuse that Chelsea supporters hurled at Raphael Varane — as the France defender left the pitch in tears with an injury that could wreck his World Cup dreams.
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    In a week when all Premier League fixtures will celebrate the Rainbow Laces campaign, some United supporters indulged in sickening “Chelsea rent boy” chants.
    Blues boss Graham Potter said: “I think we’ve still quite a bit of work to do, eh?” More

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    Man Utd ready to fight Liverpool in £10m transfer battle for Chicago Fire wonderkid Jhon Duran

    MANCHESTER UNITED want to fight Liverpool for Colombia’s next star Jhon Duran.This month, SunSport revealed the Kop are targeting the exciting attacker, 18, who is making a massive impact with Chicago Fire in the MLS.
    Teenager Duran is being heavily linked with a move to the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty
    However, Chicago insiders have now revealed Erik ten Hag’s associates have been in contact and are keen to buy the £10million-rated international.
    Duran’s agent and family members travelled to England recently.
    And they have been speaking to interested teams both in the Premier League and Spain.
    Chicago could be prepared to sell after a disappointing season.
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    Duran’s value could increase in the MLS but ready money now may come in handy.
    The youngster only came into the Chicago side this season and clubs in Spain and Germany are on his trail.
    He contributed eight goals and five assists in 27 appearances during the 2022 campaign.
    That form has put a number of big-name European clubs on high alert.
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    Fire recently sold keeper Gabriel Slonina, also 18, to Chelsea for a similar price and would expect the same for their next discovery.
    Todd Boehly’s Blues were also linked with a move for Duran earlier this month.
    It was reported that the American owner was discussing the Chicago star’s name as a potential target. More

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    ‘Players have done a lot worse things’ – Roy Keane defends Cristiano Ronaldo after Man Utd star refused to come on

    MANCHESTER UNITED legend Roy Keane defended Cristiano Ronaldo after he was axed by Erik ten Hag for tonight’s clash at Chelsea.Ronaldo, 37, refused to come on against Tottenham on Wednesday’s 2-0 victory and stormed down the tunnel at Old Trafford with injury time still to play before leaving the stadium entirely.

    Manchester United superstar Cristiano Ronaldo was dropped by manager Erik ten HagCredit: Rex
    Manchester United legend Roy Keane defended Cristiano Ronaldo after he was axedCredit: Alamy
    As a result, United boss Erik ten Hag didn’t include the five-time Ballon d’Or winner in the squad for the match against the Blues and ordered him to train by himself at Carrington.
    Keane, though, insists Ronaldo’s attitude does not worry him as he claims others “have done a lot worse things” at United.
    The footballer-turned-pundit believes this is just a case of the Portugal captain feeling “frustrated” but needs to take his punishment.
    Keane told Sky Sports: “Well, obviously the manager has made a decision to leave him out.
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    “He’s disappointed at Ronaldo [for] not wanting to go on in the 87th [or] 88th minute and the fact he walked down the tunnel. He’s obviously being punished for it.
    “But I try to see as well from the player’s point of view, he’s obviously had enough and I think it’s been brewing over the last few weeks with Ronaldo.
    “But I will sill try and defend him, I still think he’s a human being, he’s got flaws, he feels frustrated that he’s not been properly getting opportunities and he’s had enough.
    “He’s walked down the tunnel, I think players have done a lot worse things at Man Utd. I think it happens, it’s human nature.
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    “Everyone was talking after the game that they beat Spurs, it was a big win – best performance in years. Absolute rubbish, Spurs were terrible. Man Utd managed to beat Spurs as well last year at home when I think Ronaldo got a hat-trick.
    “So he’s more than capable of getting on that pitch and making a difference. But he has to take his punishment, is there a way back for him? I’m not sure.
    “I’d be more worried if Ronaldo was sitting on the bench every week laughing his head off and not caring. I think the guy cares.
    “I’ve said it before, this game is full of bluffers and he’s certainly not one of them. I think he cares about the club, I think he wants to play, he needs to play. World class player, people saying he’s not the player he was 10 years ago. Of course he’s not.
    “But he was the leading goalscorer last year for Man Utd. He went to Man Utd last year, to a bad Man Utd team – really bad team – [and] he was still leading goalscorer.”
    Keane’s stance was similar to that of Rio Ferdinand, who claimed Ronaldo should be treated “differently” as he’s “special”.
    Ronnie’s former team-mate said: “The way of treating him is different to everybody else. Communication. That’s probably the first time in his life where that’s not upheld by the manager.
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    “I’m not saying he was right but there are special players sometimes in a squad that things work differently for.
    “It’s important for the team to see that he is communicated with. He’s 37. He probably needs that more than ever.” More

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    Man Utd ‘willing to let Cristiano Ronaldo leave on free transfer in January to get rid of star… but have no takers’

    MANCHESTER UNITED may have to let dejected superstar Cristiano Ronaldo go for free in January because they have received no offers.Ronaldo, 37, refused to come on against Tottenham on Wednesday’s 2-0 win and stormed down the tunnel at Old Trafford with injury time still to play before leaving the stadium entirely.
    Manchester United superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has no suitors willing to sign himCredit: AFP
    Manchester United are willing to let Cristiano Ronaldo go for free in JanuaryCredit: Reuters
    As a result, United manager Erik ten Hag has axed the five-time Ballon d’Or winner for tonight’s clash at Chelsea and ordered him to train by himself at Carrington.
    The star forward’s future with the Red Devils has become uncertain and he could soon be on the move.
    However, ESPN report that the Red Devils have received no interest for the Portugal international even though they have made him available since the summer when he expressed his desire to leave.
    According to i, United are even willing to let the 37-year-old go for free in the January transfer window if his super agent Jorge Mendes can’t find him a new home.
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    The Manchester giants have opted to cut their losses and move on if need be.
    The same report claims Ronnie’s “astronomical wages” and “ego” have put off the majority of clubs he would be willing to end his career at.
    The Real Madrid legend has fallen down the pecking order ever since Ten Hag’s arrival.
    Ronaldo has only managed a mere total of two goals and one assist in 12 appearances across all competitions this season.
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    Even though the ex-Juventus star registered 700 club goals he is still unable to break into the starting line-up.
    CR7 has fallen behind the likes of Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial. More

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    Cristiano Ronaldo breaks silence just hours before Man Utd clash at Chelsea following exile by Erik ten Hag

    CRISTIANO RONALDO has thrown his support behind his Manchester United team-mates ahead of their trip to Chelsea.The Red Devils are taking on Premier league rivals Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in a 5.30pm kick-off.
    Ronaldo has posted a supportive message to team-mates despite being banishedCredit: PA
    But Erik ten Hag and his United squad will be without Ronaldo, 37, who was banished by the Dutch boss for defying his orders.
    Ronaldo refused to come on as a late substitute in Man Utd’s 2-0 win over Tottenham on Wednesday.
    The 700 career club-goal man stormed down the tunnel before full-time, stealing the headlines away from United’s fine performance.
    Ronaldo could also be fined two weeks wages for the incident.
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    Despite not being in the matchday squad, Ronaldo said on Instagram ahead of United vs Chelsea: “Lets go Manchester United.”
    Ronaldo said storming off against Tottenham was in “the heat of the moment”.
    He also called for unity and vowed to not give in to the pressure.
    Ronaldo said: “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.
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    “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 get’s the best of us.
    “Right now, I just feel that I have to keep working hard in Carrington, support my team-mates and be ready for everything in any given game.
    “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.”
    Read More on The Sun
    Ronaldo could have played his last game for Man Utd.
    Boss Ten Hag wants Ronaldo GONE, SunSport reported. More

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    Marseille rule themselves out of making Cristiano Ronaldo transfer with brutal comments about the Man Utd legend

    MARSEILLE president Pablo Longoria has ruled out a move for wantaway Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo.The French club were linked with a move for the 37-year-old in the summer when he wanted out of Old Trafford after United failed to qualify for the Champions League.
    Marseille have snubbed RonaldoCredit: Getty
    Ronaldo refused to come on as a sub in the 2-0 win over Tottenham, defying his manager’s ordersCredit: PA
    However, Marseille turned down the chance to sign the 700 club-goal man, joining a long list of Europe’s top teams to do so.
    Ronaldo is still having issues at United with the five-time Ballon d’Or winner at odds with boss Erik ten Hag.
    He also finds himself stuck on the substitutes bench and refused to come on as a substitute in Wednesday’s 2-0 win over Tottenham.
    As a result, he was banished from the squad for this weekend’s trip to Stamford Bridge.
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    Despite this, Marseille are still not keen on the prospect of signing Ronaldo, with club president Longoria slamming the ex-Real Madrid ace saying “we prefer team players”.
    Speaking to RMC Sport, as quoted by A BOLA, Longoria said: “Football is very easy and you have to do what you can with the means you have at your disposal, always maintaining financial stability. 
    “Marseille need a balanced economic situation and we are a long way from being able to count on players like that, with great stars. 
    “We prefer team players, who put the individual at the service of the collective. 
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    “We have a project where all the players work for the team.”
    SunSport exclusively revealed Ten Hag wants Ronaldo GONE.
    Ronaldo was forced to train on his own on Friday and will not be allowed to re-join the first-team squad until after their next match.
    He is also facing a staggering £720,000 fine — two weeks’ wages — for defying his manager. More