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    Harry Redknapp: Cristiano Ronaldo won’t be a problem if he stays at Man Utd… he will still be their BEST trainer

    WE all know one player doesn’t make a team but they can certainly go a long way to breaking it.So the last thing Erik ten Hag needed when he walked into Manchester United was Cristiano Ronaldo trying to get out.
    Cristiano Ronaldo will still be the best trainer at the club if he stays at Man UtdCredit: Getty
    Erik ten Hag is having to deal with the wantaway strikerCredit: Reuters
    I know from experience how damaging it can be to the dressing room when one of your senior men is unhappy.
    But if Ronaldo stays — and I don’t see clubs falling over themselves to sign him — don’t expect any problems with what United will get from him.
    He’ll still train better than anyone else and he’ll still be the first in and last out, because that’s just what he has always done.
    And whenever he plays, he will never give anything but his best — it’s what makes him the great player he is.
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    Behind the scenes, I’m sure Ten Hag is hoping someone comes up with an offer to suit everyone but I can’t see it.
    Ronaldo was probably thinking Bayern Munich, a Spanish side or a big Champions League team would want him.
    But there’s nowhere for him to go as far as I can see.
    So unless something pops up out of the blue, he’ll be sticking around — and the manager will have him involved.
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    If that’s the case, Ronaldo won’t cause the upset others might.
    Don’t forget, only Mo Salah and Son Heung-min got more goals last season, so he’ll still have a big role.
    But there are plenty of others at the club who have to step up this season.
    The good thing for Ten Hag is they can’t be any worse than last time.
    They’ve signed Lisandro Martinez and although he’s small for a centre-back, you can get away with it if you’re quick and read the game as well as him.
    Although if they can’t get Frenkie de Jong over the line, don’t be surprised to see Martinez in a defensive midfield role.
    I must admit, I thought a deal for De Jong would have been long done by now.
    A Dutch manager signing a Dutch player who’s got a Dutch agent… it looked nailed on.
    He’ll still train better than anyone else and he’ll still be the first in and last out, because that’s just what he has always done.Harry Redknapp on Cristiano Ronaldo
    The one thing for sure is United will be better than last season… they could hardly be worse.
    I also think, though, the top four is beyond them again, for all I expect them to improve.
    In my book, the top six will be the same as last time, with one big exception — I can see Liverpool pipping Manchester City to the title.
    City have certainly got the real deal in Erling Haaland, who’s got pace, power, strength and is a great finisher.
    He’s going to take some stopping and there were times last season when they did lack a goalscorer.
    Harry Redknapp backs Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool to pip Man City to the titleCredit: Alamy
    But Liverpool have a decent boy as well in Darwin Nunez, Luis Diaz is a top player and Salah has signed a new deal.
    There was only a point between these two last season and I can see it being just as close.
    But as someone who likes a bet, I have to say Liverpool are the best value.
    I do think this is the year City win the Champions League — and that could actually be the deciding factor in the title race.
    It’s the one trophy to elude Pep Guardiola at the Etihad and if he rotates players later in the season, he won’t be resting any of his big guns in Europe, that’s for sure.
    In my book, the top six will be the same as last time, with one big exception — I can see Liverpool pipping Manchester City to the title.Harry Redknapp
    Liverpool obviously want to win it as well but, given the choice, I think winning the Premier League in front of their own fans, rather than an empty stadium like in 2020, would be their pick.
    I’m sure Jurgen Klopp has dreamt of what it would be like to lift the trophy at a packed Anfield. Well, this season I reckon he’ll find out.
    Behind the big two, Spurs have made a couple of great signings in Ivan Perisic and Yves Bissouma — although I can’t see where Richarlison fits in — and I fancy them for third.
    And things look a lot more optimistic for Chelsea than a few months ago.
    Raheem Sterling is in and Kalidou Koulibaly is a fantastic defender. They’re my tip for fourth.
    Then it’s Arsenal — who have also bought well and will improve — and United fighting for the two places beyond them and daylight back to the rest.
    I’m just delighted the Premier League is back — that’s my weekends sorted again for nine months!

    SCOTTIE’S DONE A HELL OF A JOB
    Scott Parker has got a job on his hands if he wants to keep Bournemouth in the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty
    I’VE got my season ticket for Bournemouth and will be there for every home game — but it could be a very long season for them.
    If Scott Parker keeps the Cherries up, it will be a much, much bigger achievement than getting them up.
    Scottie’s not had loads to spend and while he had the best squad in the Championship, it’s also one that’s not good enough for the Premier League.
    They signed Marcus Tavernier from Middlesbrough but need much more than the couple of other free transfers who came in on top of him.
    They’ve got a proper Prem striker in Dominic Solanke but it comes down to the service he’ll get. I’d love them to survive but it’s going to be hard.
    It’s the same for Fulham, despite a nice result against Liverpool.
    Again, getting the service to Aleksandar Mitrovic will be key or they could struggle.
    But I can see Nottingham Forest, the other promoted side, doing the same as Brentford last time and staying up quite easily.
    Jesse Lingard and Dean Henderson are great signings.
    The other relegation place could end up being between Southampton, who really need a goalscorer, and Brentford.
    Everton have it all on, too, and if Frank Lampard gets them halfway up the table he’ll have worked a miracle, because he took over a bang average group.
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    Of the others, lots of people will be keen to see how Newcastle go. But although they’ve got untold riches, they’re clearly taking it step by step.
    It’s only a matter of time before they challenge for the top six and above but, for now at least, that looks beyond them. More

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    Man Utd make shock transfer enquiry for ex-Man City star Leroy Sane after Antony frustration

    MANCHESTER UNITED have made a shock enquiry for former Manchester City star Leroy Sane.United are looking for attacking reinforcements after being frustrated in their bid to sign Antony from Ajax.
    Sane is on Man Utd’s shortlist of attacking targets in the summer windowCredit: Getty
    And Bayern Munich winger Sane is on the shortlist despite his successful spell with the club’s noisy neighbours.
    Sources say Bayern would be willing to cash in on Sane after his indifferent form since his £40m move from City in 2020.
    Liverpool have also been linked with the Germany international, who has fallen down the pecking order after Bayern signed Reds star Sadio Mane earlier this summer.
    As Sunsport reported, PSV Eindhoven’s Cody Gakpo, Wolves star Pedro Neto, Villarreal forward Arnaut Danjuma and Crystal Palace wideman Michael Olise are also on United’s radar.
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    But the willingness to consider a move for Sane is a sign of how urgently new boss Erik Ten Hag wants to bolster his forward line.
    Carlos Tevez’s move directly from Old Trafford to the Etihad in 2009 caused bad blood between the local rivals.
    City’s “Welcome To Manchester” billboards to hail the Tevez signing wound up Sir Alex Ferguson and United fans.
    And the Argentinian star went on to win the FA Cup and Premier League with City.
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    Ten Hag needs more options up front amid the uncertainty over Cristiano Ronaldo’s future.
    The Portuguese superstar has made it clear his desire to leave Old Trafford this summer.
    But he could still start for United in their season opener against Brighton on Sunday due to Anthony Martial’s injury. More

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    Man Utd slammed for not fighting to keep ‘greatest player ever’ Cristiano Ronaldo amid raging transfer saga by Souness

    MANCHESTER UNITED have been blasted for not fighting to keep Cristiano Ronaldo at the club.In one of the summer’s biggest transfer saga’s, Ronaldo has been trying to force a move out of Man Utd.
    Cristiano Ronaldo wants to leave Old TraffordCredit: PA
    Graeme Souness has criticised United’s handling of the Ronaldo sagaCredit: Getty
    The legendary forward wants to play Champions League football, which is not something United can presently offer following their worst ever Premier League campaign last season.
    Ronaldo left Old Trafford before United’s friendly against Rayo Vallecano had finished after he was substituted off at halt-time.
    Despite all of this, he is expected to play a part in United’s opener against Brighton after Anthony Martial picked up an injury.
    Liverpool legend Graeme Souness slammed United’s handling of the situation, and revealed what he would do with Ronaldo.
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    He told talkSPORT: “I would have tried to have nipped it in the bud before now. I’d have got in front of him as soon as possible.
    “We all know how the game works, his people and Jorge Mendes would have been speaking to clubs and asking could they afford him.
    “I don’t believe that he’s gone out on a limb and said that he wants to leave without having something going on in the background.
    “It seems that there is still somebody out there for him, but they’re not willing to show their hand.”
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    “From the United view, you try keep him. There’s an argument to say that he’s the greatest player ever to kick a football, his stats and his longevity would suggest that.
    “I would keep him. He doesn’t get goals against the big teams, the game passes him by a bit and he plays the width of the box, but he does get goals.
    “We all know how important goals are to the cause as you can be not playing very well, but if you’ve got a goal-getter then it makes you look like a very different team.
    “Goals are everything and it’s the hardest job in football. I’d go out of my way to keep him.” More

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    Harry Redknapp says he ‘knows for a fact’ Frenkie de Jong wants Chelsea transfer as Barcelona star rejects Man Utd offer

    FORMER Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp has claimed that Frenkie de Jong would rather join Chelsea over Manchester United this summer.The Red Devils have been pursuing a deal for De Jong, 25, since the transfer window opened in June.
    Chelsea are pushing to sign De JongCredit: Getty
    Redknapp claims the Dutchman would be open to a move to Stamford BridgeCredit: Getty
    However, despite already reaching a £72million agreement with Barcelona, United officials have not been able to tempt him to Old Trafford.
    The Dutchman has made it clear that he wants to stay at the Nou Camp next season, but Redknapp believes he could be persuaded to join Chelsea if The Blues submit a suitable offer.
    When speaking to The Byline, the former manager said: “Now it looks like De Jong wants to go to Chelsea, I know that for a fact, he wants to go to Chelsea.
    “Man United are not going to get him. I’ve had that from somebody right at the very, very, very top at Man United, he’s made up [his mind], he really wants to go to Chelsea.
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    “So if he goes to Chelsea, and Man United don’t get him, I don’t know where they’re going and if Chelsea get him obviously he’ll be a fantastic signing for them.”
    The Blues have reportedly offered Barcelona a swap deal including £59m and Marcos Alonso for De Jong.
    The LaLiga giants have been pushing to sign Alonso for months, so club chiefs could be tempted to accept the bid.
    Chelsea have already strengthened their squad in several areas this summer, including the full-back position.
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    Marc Cucurella was announced as the club’s most recent addition on Friday.
    He signed a six-year contract to complete a £62m transfer from Brighton.
    Thomas Tuchel and Todd Boehly are now looking to sign Wesley Fofana from Leicester City.
    Fofana is said to be open to the prospect of a move, but The Foxes are not willing to let him go unless an offer of at least £85m is submitted. More

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    Man Utd star Bruno Fernandes meets former team-mate Juan Mata for lunch as former Chelsea ace shows off bold new look

    MANCHESTER UNITED star Bruno Fernandes has been seen meeting with former team-mate Juan Mata for lunch.The pair were seen outside Italian restaurant Cibo in Hale Village.
    Bruno Fernandes and Juan Mata were spotted having lunch togetherCredit: Splash
    Mata looks different with a new shaven off hair styleCredit: Splash
    Fernandes is in line to start for Man United when they take on Brighton on SundayCredit: Splash
    Mata, 34, sported a striking new look with his hair now shaved off.
    The Spaniard was released by United at the end of last season after eight years at the club.
    He was one of 11 players released following the club’s worst ever Premier League campaign.
    The former Chelsea ace is currently without a club, but has reportedly been offered contracts by Leeds and Saudi Arabian side Al-Halil.
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    The restaurant has also been used by United CEO Richard Arnold, who was spotted having lunch at the restaurant with former CEO David Gill in June.
    Fernandes is in line to start for United when the Erik ten Hag era kicks off against Brighton on Sunday.
    The 27-year-old’s creative outlet will be key for United once again this season, despite a relatively poor season last time out.
    He managed just 16 league goal contributions last year, far lower than the 29 he managed the year before and marginally better than the 15 he got during his first half-season at the club in the 2019/20 season.
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    United were battered 4-0 on the final day last season against the Seagulls, so the game on Sunday will be a perfect opportunity to see how far they have come in pre-season with Ten Hag.
    Despite a well-documented transfer saga, Cristiano Ronaldo is in line to start the game following an injury to Frenchman Anthony Martial.
    Ronaldo left Old Trafford before the club’s friendly against Rayo Vallecano had even finished following his substitution at half-time by Ten Hag, a move the manager described as “unacceptable”. More

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    Man Utd ‘consider shock transfer move for ex-West Ham man Arnautovic’ as Bologna striker, 33, eyes Premier League return

    MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly considering a move for ex-West Ham forward Marko Arnautovic.The 33-year-old has scored 15 goals in 34 appearances for Serie A side Bologna since arriving in Italy at the start of last season.
    Arnautovic is currently playing for Bologna in Serie ACredit: Getty
    He joined the Italian outfit after three years in China with Shanghai Port.
    The Austrian, who has been capped 102 times by his country, signed for the Chinese Super League club following spells in the Premier League with Stoke and West Ham – where he netted 22 times in 65 games.
    But now he could be set for a sensational return to England as Man Utd are linked with a move for him.
    According to Gazzetta, the Red Devils are looking for a striker and Arnautovic is “fascinated” by another spell in the Prem.
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    As a result, he could well be the man to replace Cristiano Ronaldo if the Portuguese superstar departs this summer.
    Ronaldo has made it clear his desire to leave Old Trafford in search of Champions League football.
    If that is the case, Erik ten Hag will be keen to replace him.
    United have already been hit with a striker crisis ahead of their opening Premier League game on Sunday.
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    Anthony Martial suffered an injury during a friendly with Atletico Madrid last week and has been ruled out of this weekend’s clash.
    So their options up front are either Marcus Rashford or an unhappy Ronaldo.
    United host Brighton at Old Trafford as they bid to make a winning start to life under new Dutch manager Ten Hag. More

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    Man Utd and Chelsea target Frenkie de Jong ‘at WAR with agent over transfer decision after blocking Old Trafford switch’

    BARCELONA star Frenkie de Jong disagrees with his agent about his future amid interest from Manchester United and Chelsea, reports suggest.De Jong, 25, has been linked with a move away from cash-strapped Barca this summer and the Premier League could be his next destination.
    Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong has been linked with Manchester United and ChelseaCredit: Getty
    Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong disagrees with his representatives about his futureCredit: Getty
    According to Sport, however, the midfielder is keen to stay at the Nou Camp even on a reduced salary because he believes in the club’s sporting project.
    However, the Netherlands international’s agent disagrees as he thinks his client should leave due to his deferred wages.
    De Jong agreed to a temporary salary deduction to help the Blaugrana’s financial situation during the coronavirus pandemic two years ago.
    Barcelona now owe the Dutchman between £14million and £17m in unpaid wages.
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    His former Ajax manager Erik ten Hag is determined for a reunion at Old Trafford and United have reached a £72m agreement with the Catalan giants.
    Ten Hag needs reinforcement in the middle of the park after losing Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic as free agents.
    However, De Jong doesn’t appear keen on a move to Manchester this month.
    But Chelsea are ready to match the Red Devils’ bid as manager Thomas Tuchel is looking to upgrade his midfield.
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    Barcelona have previously stated De Jong is not for sale this summer despite their financial woes.
    The Catalans have still been very active during the summer transfer window as they reached mega-cash deals for Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski and Jules Kounde.
    Barcelona also signed Andreas Christensen and Franck Kessie, who were free agents. More

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    Man Utd’s four transfer alternatives if Antony deal collapses including ex-Bournemouth star Arnaut Danjuma

    AJAX have truly dug their heels in to prevent Manchester United signing Antony.The winger was a top priority for Erik ten Hag following his arrival in the Old Trafford dugout from the Dutch giants.
    Manchester United look set to miss out on Ajax winger AntonyCredit: Getty
    Erik ten Hag still wants to sign a wide attacker before deadline dayCredit: Reuters
    But with the Eredivisie side now asking for a whopping £84million from the Red Devils, a deal may now finally be off the table for this summer.
    However, that could be a blessing in disguise for United.
    Because now they can look at cheaper winger options to fill the spot we so desperately need to before transfer deadline day.
    And there are four candidates at the top of the pile…
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    Arnaut Danjuma
    United’s initial plan was to move Jadon Sancho on to the left flank and acquire the services of Antony for the right wing.
    However, Sancho can now continue to perform in his current role whilst the board focuses on adding further quality and depth to the opposite flank, which is where Arnaut Danjuma enters the shortlist of potential targets.
    The 25-year-old Villarreal sensation managed ten goals and three assists in 23 LaLiga appearances last season.
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    Arnaut Danjuma has bags of talent and has been ripping it up for VillarrealCredit: Getty
    Danjuma has the capability to play as a touchline winger whilst also having the ability to play as an inside forward, possessing the incredible burst of speed and technical influence to score with both feet.
    Not only that, his tactical intelligence of the game, hold-up play and aggressive approach allows him to be utilised centrally when required.
    Cody Gakpo
    Cody Gakpo is another Dutch winger that is on the rise.
    He bagged double figures in goals and assists in the Eredivisie during the 2021-22 campaign, resulting in links to the likes of Arsenal, Leeds and Leicester City.
    Just like Danjuma, Gakpo, 23, also has the versatility and incredible awareness on and off the ball to play on either wing or up front as the lone forward.
    Cody Gakpo is getting plenty of attention after his stunning season for PSVCredit: Getty
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    His dribbling ability and his quick feet on the ball has resulted in him being a one-man attack for PSV Eindhoven on a regular basis.
    When compared to the rest of the squad, Gakpo completed the most key passes (71), most assists (13) and most successful dribbles (77) last season in the Dutch league, showing how dependent the side were on the 23-year-old.
    If he is not snapped up this summer, he will surely be one of the most wanted players next year after another productive campaign.
    Michael Olise
    With the recent reports suggesting that Michael Olise has a release clause of £50m, Manchester United may not have to look outside of the Premier League for a right winger.
    The Crystal Palace star, 20, ranks in the top ten per cent for carries into the final third, pressures in the defensive third and progressive carrying distance across midfielders and wingers in Europe in the last year.
    He has grown a lot over the last 12 months as a player, showing his confidence on the ball and assisting his team on both sides of the pitch.
    Patrick Vieira will be desperate to keep Michael OliseCredit: Getty
    Notching two goals and five assists in 26 appearances in the previous season, he will be aiming to work on his end product, which is something that will eventually arrive due to his complete skillset and proactive style of play.
    Pedro Neto
    For sure, potential buyers will be wary of the knee injury that Pedro Neto suffered in April 2021, which kept him out on the sidelines for nearly a year.
    On the other hand, the potential he was showing before the injury cannot be ignored as a key player in the Wolves attack thanks to his link-up play, ball-carrying ability and direct style.
    He really is too hot to handle when on form.
    Sancho’s strengths lie in his possession-based mindset, connecting the ball towards the central players and influencing the defenders to leave their position to close him down.
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    And Neto, 22, could provide the explosiveness and direct threat on the opposite wing, resulting in the perfect balance for the team.
    Not only that, both players tend to switch wings throughout matches, causing confusion for opposition defences and making Neto a tricky customer indeed.
    Pedro Neto will be hoping to get his season off to a flier after the struggles with injuryCredit: Getty More