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    Man Utd midfielder Fred called up by Brazil for first time in three YEARS for World Cup Qualifiers

    MANCHESTER UNITED ace Fred has earned his first international call-up by Brazil in three years.The midfielder has been recalled by the Selecao manager Tite for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Ecuador and Paraguay.
    Manchester United star Fred has been recalled for international duty with Brazil
    The 28-year-old hasn’t featured for his country since October 2018 when he played for 45 minutes against Saudi Arabia.
    However, the former Shakhtar Donetsk star has become a regular in United’s midfield under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and convinced Tite of his potential.
    Fred took to Twitter after the announcement that he will get to add to the 11 caps he has won with Brazil.
    He said: “Great joy to represent my country again. Always proud to be summoned. Let’s go again!”
    The Brazilian has become so essential at Old Trafford that he has already amassed 119 appearances ever since his £52million move in 2018.
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    His performances have led to tremendous praise by Red Devils manager Solskjaer who knew he just needed some time after a rough start in Manchester.
    The United boss previously said: “When I came he was a boy that was struggling a bit. The numerous questions I got about Fred in press conferences then!
    “As I said then, players coming into a new country, it takes time to settle and it took some time for Fred to settle. Now that he has, he’s grown in confidence.
    “There’s less time in the Premier League than what he’s used to, he’s quickened up his game, he’s not getting caught on the ball.
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    “I’m not going to take any credit for that, it’s the coaches, Michael Carrick and Kieran [McKenna] have been brilliant with him.
    “But it’s Fred himself that has had the hunger and the humility and wanted to learn and to stick at it and keep working.
    “As you said, 100 games – there are not many people that can say they’ve played 100 games for Man United, and I’m sure there will be many more [appearances] to come.
    “Hopefully he’ll score outside the box soon, although I’m not sure if it’s going to be with his right – I’ve tried to tell him.”
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds More

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    Man Utd transfer boost as Cristiano Ronaldo’s agent rules out fairytale return to Sporting Lisbon

    CRISTIANO RONALDO’S agent has ruled a fairytale return Sporting Lisbon in the summer.And the news will be a major boost for Manchester United, who are reportedly keen on a reunion with Ronaldo ahead of the transfer window.
    Juventus star Cristiano Ronaldo has been linked with a return to Manchester UnitedCredit: AFP
    The star forward’s future at Juventus has become uncertain amid a turbulent season for the Bianconer.
    They have surrendered their Serie A crown to Inter Milan and are facing the unthinkable possibility of missing out on Champions League football.
    Reports suggested that the Portugal international was considering a return to boyhood club Sporting.
    The 36-year-old’s mother, Dolores Aveiro, fuelled speculation after the Lisbon giants won their first Primeira Liga title for the first time in 19 years.
    Aveiro vowed to Sporting fans that she will do everything in her power to convince her son to come back to his homeland.

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    She said: “I’ll talk to him to bring him back. Next year he will play in Alvalade [Sporting’s stadium].”
    According to Record, however, the star’s agent Jorge Mendes poured cold water on that prospect as he insists the Portuguese league is not part of their plans.
    But the middleman confirmed Ronaldo is very happy about his former team’s league triumph.
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    Mendes said: “Cristiano is proud of the title won by Sporting, in fact, as he has publicly demonstrated.
    “But at the moment his career plans do not go through Portugal.”
    This opens the door for United with recent reports suggesting Ronaldo is ‘tempted’ to come back to Old Trafford.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
    Cristiano Ronaldo ‘abandoned’ by Juventus dressing room with team-mates ‘sick of his perks’ More

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    Man Utd in for £16m Arambarri, Lingard for Sancho transfer EXCLUSIVE, Keane slams Bruno Fernandes, Haaland updates

    JESSE LINGARD could be used as bait in Manchester United’s pursuit of Jadon Sancho, SunSport can exclusively reveal.Dortmund are keeping tabs on 28-year-old Lingard and are big admirers – which United may use in a move for one of their top targets in Sancho.
    The 21-year-old ex-Man City ace is high on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s wish list again, after a failed swoop last summer.
    The German giants are understood to want £100m – but that price could be brought down with the inclusion of Lingard.
    Meanwhile, Roy Keane said Bruno Fernandes “spent the half of the night crying on the pitch” during United’s 4-2 defeat by Liverpool.
    Club legend Keane said: “I don’t want to be critical of Fernandes but he spent half the night crying on the pitch.
    “United players were looking for Liverpool to kick the ball out of play but you only stop with a head injury.”
    Get all the latest Man Utd news and transfer updates here…
    ‘JESSE HAS ENJOYED HIMSELF’
    West Ham boss David Moyes is hoping that on-loan Man Utd player Jesse Lingard considers a permanent move to the club in the summer.
    But has admitted that he is not sure how realistic a move is.
    “I am not actually sure how realistic it is,” said Moyes.
    “Obviously, I think Jesse has enjoyed himself, I hope he has… we have enjoyed having him and he is Manchester United’s player so they can decide what to do with him – and if they want to let him go then let’s hope he would consider us as one of his options.
    “We have enjoyed having him and I am sure he has enjoyed being here as well, he is getting a lot of accolades and is back in the England squad.
    “I hope he goes on to make the Euros and in time we will find out if Jesse is going to be a Manchester United player or if he will play for somebody else.”
    STAR MAN
    Aaron Wan-Bissaka has had a good season for Man Utd1

    MAUR THE MAN
    According to Spanish newspaper Diario AS, Man Utd are interested in signing Getafe midfielder Mauro Arambarri in the summer.
    The 25-year-old has impressed this season despite Getafe struggling in LaLiga.
    And relegation is a possibility for the Spanish side.
    Atletico Madrid are also believed to be interested in the midfielder who could be available for around £16million.
    FERGUSON BACKS SOLSKJAER
    Former Man Utd manager and cub legend Sir Alex Ferguson has backed current boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
    Ferguson believes that Solskjaer understands the fundamental principles that the club is built on.
    “I think Ole was always very communicative,” Sir Alex told the BBC: “Even when he was on the bench – and he spent a lot of time on the bench!
    “He would take notes of training sessions and he had a will and way forward that he wanted to be a manager.
    “For a club like Manchester United, it’s a results industry. Without question. If you don’t get results, questions are going to be asked.
    “He is getting results and has really done very well and, which is really important for this club, is to introduce young people.
    “He has given young players a chance. I think that will always be the foundation of Manchester United.
    “From Matt Busby, from Alex Ferguson to what Ole is doing – the young guys, if they’re good enough, play them. It’s never a problem at this club.”
    Credit: GETTY IMAGES
    STAT ATTACK
    Bruno Fernandes is Man Utd’s top-scorer this season!
    The Portugal international also tops the charts in the assists department with 11. Important.

    JESSE SPEAKS
    Jesse Lingard has shared a video on Twitter thanking the fans for voting him Player of the Month, as well as voting for his goal against Wolves to win Goal of the Month.
    The Man Utd player – on loan at West Ham – preached a message of hope, and told fans to ‘be yourself’.
    He said: “This is a great moment for me on a personal level after the difficulties of the past, so for me to pick up these two awards – POTM & GOTM – proves with a positive attitude and staying strong, you can achieve anything.
    “This is for anyone who has ever been told they’re not good enough, or that they need change who they are to fit in.
    “I would always say stay true to yourself, be yourself, you know, keep dancing, keep doing what you love and I’m sure you’ll reach your goals in the long run.”
    This is for anyone who has ever been told they’re not good enough, or that they need change who they are to fit in.Jesse Lingard
    ON THIS DAY
    On this day 14 years ago, current Man Utd boss played his last game for the club!

    AT THE DOUBLE
    Jesse Lingard was name Premier League Player of the Month earlier today,
    And he has also added Goal of the Month to go alongside it! His solo effort in the win against Wolves won him the award.

    POTM
    Jesse Lingard – on loan at West Ham – has won Premier League POTM for April!
    The midfielder scored four, including a stunning solo goal away at Wolves, and provided one assist.

    ‘LETS THINK CAREFULLY ABOUT THIS’
    RB Leipzig’s Dayot Upamecano has revealed that he nearly joined Premier League giants Man Utd.
    But his parents advised him to ‘think carefully’ about the potential move.
    “I was a young boy. I wanted to sign for them straight away. Manchester United! But then my parents took me aside and said: ‘Let’s think carefully about this,” said Upamecano when speaking to The Athletic.
    “We thought about it for a long time and then decided that going ‘etape par etape’ [step by step] was the best option for me.
    “Everything Ralf [Rangnick] said came true.”
    MAIN MAN
    Bruno Fernandes has been absolutely sensational since joining!

    LINGARD STAY?
    Former Leeds United midfielder Carlton Palmer believes that West Ham won’t be able to afford Jesse Lingard this summer.
    And that could mean that Lingard stays at Man Utd.
    Speaking to Football FanCast, Palmer explained: ” don’t think they’ll be able to get Lingard on a permanent deal. I think he’s played his way back into the Manchester United starting line-up.
    “He we will have to see how he does, but he will probably start at the Euros.
    “Manchester United are a massive club and West Ham just don’t pay that type of money on a regular basis and David Moyes knows that.”
    LLORENTE ON THE RADAR
    Manchester Utd are interested in signing Atletico Madrid’s star midfielder Marcos Llorente, according to reports.
    And the Red Devils are believed to be ‘preparing’ an offer worth £68million.
    Spanish outlet AS are reporting that Atletico are desperate to tie the 26-year-old to a new deal despite his current deal expiring in 2024.
    The versatile midfielder has been instrumental in Atletico’s title charge, chipping in with 12 goals and providing 11 assists in LaLiga.
    Llorente can play as a striker, winger and as a midfielder.
    Llorente is one of the most versatile players in world footballCredit: GETTY IMAGES
    MAGUIRE MISSED
    Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has admitted that his side miss club captain Harry Maguire.
    The Red Devils have been on the receiving end of two-straight Premier League defeats in a matter of days.
    And last night’s loss came at the hands of top-four hopefuls Liverpool.
    Solskjaer said: “Harry [Maguire] has been really important for us so of course we’re going to miss him but he’s out so we have to deal with that.
    “It’s about regrouping and building our own confidence again as we have two games and a final.
    “The attitude was right and the focus was fine, we were ready for it. We didn’t build on the good times.
    “We should have gone more for it at the start of the game. Sometimes we let them off the hook and let them play out.
    “Tuesday. We need to find ourselves straight away. We need to build that momentum and confidence. We should go into that final ready.”
    HALF A CENTURY
    Marcus Rashford has now scored 50 goals at Old Trafford, but at the next milestone he’ll be hoping for a better result.

    LING AND A PRAYER – EXCLUSIVE
    By Daniel Cutts
    Jesse Lingard is being eyed by Borussia Dortmund over a sensational switch – and could be used in a deal to bring Jadon Sancho to Manchester United.
    The England winger has had a stunning loan spell at West Ham.
    And Hammers boss David Moyes is keen to sign him on a permanent deal this summer.
    His £100,000-a-week wage demands are an issue though, and are putting doubt on him staying at the London Stadium beyond this season.
    Dortmund are keeping tabs on the 28-year-old and are big admirers – which United may use in a move for one of their top targets in Sancho.
    The 21-year-old ex-Man City ace is high on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s wish list again, after a failed swoop last summer.
    The German giants are understood to want £100m – but that price could be brought down with the inclusion of Lingard.
    Dortmund are keen to get as much as possible for Sancho, as they have to hand City 15 per cent of the overall transfer fee.

    GOOD MORNING UNITED FANS
    Manchester United fans staged another Old Trafford protest against the Glazer family ahead of the game with Liverpool.
    A large gathering of supporters made their voices heard, 11 days after the first pre-game protest led to the derby being postponed.
    This time no fans entered the stadium amid a heavy police presence and the evening passed by fairly peacefully.
    One Liverpool team bus was blocked in by cars and pedestrians but it proved to NOT be the vehicle containing the squad, who arrived without drama.
    In the game, Bruno Fernandes smacked a cross into Nat Phillips to put United ahead.
    But Liverpool were on top by the break as Diogo Jota smartly flicked home a leveller before Roberto Firmino’s brace.
    Marcus Rashford got United back in it but Mohamed Salah’s late sealer meant a poor night for the hosts.
    In transfer news, the Red Devils will cash in if West Ham can qualify for the Champions League.
    SunSport understands there’s a clause in Jesse Lingard’s loan deal which will net United a £500,000 bonus if they finish in the top four.
    The agreement could help West Ham seal a permanent transfer for the 28-year-old, who is valued at around £20m and also wanted by Borussia Dortmund.
    NEXT UP
    After a busy midweek, Manchester United actually have the weekend off…
    Leicester were due up but their FA Cup final appearance mean Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men can sit on tonight’s result until Tuesday.
    Relegated Fulham travel to Old Trafford on May 18 at 6pm, for a game live on Sky Sports.
    FERGIE TIME
    Sir Alex Ferguson is “grateful for three extra years” after being “terrified” of losing his speech and memory following a brain haemorrhage.
    The legendary ex-Manchester United manager says his attitude to life has changed after collapsing in 2018 and needing emergency surgery.
    He said of his new outlook: “Probably not taking things too seriously in terms of knowing that you’re vulnerable…
    “If I go tomorrow I’ll be grateful for three years extra I had. That’s a feeling I’ve had for quite a while now.”
    RIP JORDAN
    Liverpool paid a touching tribute to nine-year-old fan Jordan Banks, who died after being hit by lightning while playing football.
    Reds’ players warmed up in “JORDAN 7” shirts before facing Manchester United at Old Trafford on Thursday night.
    Jordan was struck on a pitch in Blackpool on Tuesday and died soon afterwards in hospital.   
    Liverpool vice-skipper James Milner, who was not in action at United, also sent a special message in memory of Jordan, having praised him in January for astonishing fundraising for charity.
    Next to a picture of a smiling Jordan, Milner posted:  “A special boy taken far too soon. RIP Jordan, YNWA.”
    Credit: AFP
    NO GR-EAL
    Manchester City are set to back out of a deal to sign Jack Grealish, according to reports.
    The Aston Villa star is valued at £80million with Manchester United also said to be keen.
    But, as reported by The Times, the position is not a priority for City with the fee seen as too high.
    EXCLUSIVE
    Jesse Lingard is being eyed by Borussia Dortmund over a sensational switch – and could be used in a deal to bring Jadon Sancho to Manchester United, writes Daniel Cutts.
    The England winger has had a stunning loan spell at West Ham.
    And Hammers boss David Moyes is keen to sign him on a permanent deal this summer.
    His £100,000-a-week wage demands are an issue though, and are putting doubt on him staying at the London Stadium beyond this season.
    Dortmund are keeping tabs on the 28-year-old and are big admirers – which United may use in a move for one of their top targets in Sancho.

    THAT’S RICH
    Micah Richards has revealed his hatred for Gary Neville before joining the ex-defender in the Sky studio.
    The pair both work as pundits for Sky Sports having sat on opposite sides of the Manchester United/City divide.
    And Richards told Jamie Carragher on The Greatest Game podcast: “I didn’t really used to like Gary Neville, to be honest, because of the rivalry between the Reds and the Blues.
    “When I worked with him I was like ‘actually, he’s a nice guy’, but playing against him – he was horrible!”
    FULL TIME
    A rare comeback win goes against Manchester United tonight.
    Bruno Fernandes put the Red Devils ahead against Liverpool but Roberto Firmino’s brace after Diogo Jota’s leveller turned the tide.
    Marcus Rashford’s goal made it a tense finish before Mohamed Salah sealed the win at the death.
    Credit: Reuters
    THAT IS THAT
    Mohamed Salah wins the game for Liverpool on the counter.
    An 89th-minute finish as simple as the Egyptian could ask for. 4-2. Game over.
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    Man Utd ‘preparing £68m Marcos Llorente transfer offer with Atletico Madrid offering midfielder new deal to keep him’

    MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly preparing a £68million bid for Atletico Madrid’s Marcos Llorente.The Red Devils are known to be huge admirers of the 26-year-old, having first targeted the midfielder in January 2020.
    Atletico Madrid midfielder Marcos Llorente is a reported summer target for Manchester UnitedCredit: Rex
    Llorente has been instrumental for Diego Simeone’s men this season with Atletico on the brink of winning their first LaLiga title since 2014.
    The ex-Real Madrid ace – who won the 2018 Champions League with Los Blancos – has chipped in with 13 goals and 12 assists in 43 games in all competitions this term.
    His fine form hasn’t gone unnoticed, and United were reportedly set to turn their interest into a formal offer in March.
    And now the Mirror have stated the Europa League finalists are ready to make a £68m bid to secure Llorente’s services.
    United could double his wages to £180,000-a-week as they look to entice him to Old Trafford.
    Such is Atletico’s concern that Llorente could be tempted into leaving, AS have reported that the Spanish side are poised to offer him a new contract.
    His current deal doesn’t expire until 2024, but the club’s CEO Miguel Angel Gil is said to have met with the player’s agent several times in recent weeks about extending his stay.
    Should Atletico fail to convince the ex-Alavas loanee to remain, it has been rumoured that potential suitors will have to fork out his mammoth £103m release clause.
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    According to Marca, Atletico will issue a hands-off warning and have no intention of listening to any offers for their key man.
    They add the only way United have a chance of landing his signature is by forking out his whopping buy-out clause.
    As well as Llorente, United have also been linked with a shock move for Arsenal’s Ainsley Maitland-Niles.
    The England international is currently on loan at West Brom where he has been deployed in his preferred central midfield role.
    But it is understood that United, like the Gunners, view him as a right-back.
    And United are believed to be keen on signing Maitland-Niles to provide cover for Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

    Solskjaer says he’s disappointed after Man Utd’s loss to Liverpool More

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    Edinson Cavani leaves door open to future Boca Juniors transfer after signing Man Utd contract extension

    EDINSON CAVANI hasn’t shut the door on a move to Boca Juniors after admitting the talk of him signing for the South American giants at the end of this season were ‘real’.The Uruguayan forward, 34, ended the uncertainty around his future earlier this week by signing a new, one-year £250,000-a-week contract at Manchester United.
    Edinson Cavani has left the door open to a future move to Boca Juniors despite signing a one-year, £250,000-a-week contract extension at Man UtdCredit: Getty
    Cavani has broken his silence about the months of speculation leading up to his decision by admitting being far away from his roots and loved ones often played on his mind.
    But he said he could end up wearing the Boca Juniors shirt if the Argentine club still wanted him in an interview with Uruguayan radio programme 2 de Punta.
    Cavani told journalist Marcos Vitette: “The possibility I was going to sign for them was real.
    “But I was always clear. What has been said and printed is half true, half lies.
    “Sometimes it’s like that. But the chance was real.”
    MAN UTD TEAM-MATES PLAYED ROLE
    Insisting he had been talking with Boca Juniors vice-president Juan Ramon Riquelme for years, when he was still at Paris Saint-Germain, Cavani said: “Has the door with Boca been left open?
    “I haven’t closed it. You’d need to ask Boca if the door is open.
    “But today the reality is what it is, I’m at Manchester United and I’m fully focused.
    “There are moments when you need to be near your roots and your loved ones.
    “There’s not a year goes by when I don’t think about it.
    “But the decision is a mixture of things, the affection of the people, the attitude of the club with me and my family, my teammates asking me to stay, the manager.”
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    Man Utd confirmed on Monday that Cavani had signed a one-year extension.
    On signing the contract, the striker said: “Over the season, I have developed a great affection for the club and everything that it represents.
    “I feel a deep bond with my team-mates and the staff who work behind the scenes here.
    “They give me extra motivation every day and I know that, together, we can achieve special things.
    “From the very first moment that I arrived, I felt the confidence of the manager.
    “As a player, this belief gives you the perfect opportunity to play your best football and I want to thank him for that.
    “I have been touched with how much the supporters have wanted me to stay, and I will give everything to bring them happiness and joy with my performances on the field.”
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

    Solskjaer claims ‘world class’ Man Utd ace Edinson Cavani will be even better next year More

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    Sancho ‘pushing for Man Utd transfer ahead of Euro 2020’, Haaland LATEST, Heaton ‘set to join’, Liverpool build up

    JADON SANCHO remains Manchester United’s top summer transfer target, according to Gary Neville.And reports suggest that the England star is pushing for a £78m move, which could be completed before Euro 2020.
    Sancho has gone up in the pecking order of Man Utd targets following Edinson Cavani’s contract extension, which means a new striker is unlikely to be required for another year.
    The Red Devils face Liverpool tonight in the rearranged fixture at Old Trafford.
    Meanwhile United are said to be on the verge of signing Tom Heaton as backup goalkeeper.
    Sergio Romero and Lee Grant are almost certain to leave the club this summer while the club may only be big enough for one of David de Gea and Dean Henderson.
    Get all the latest Man Utd news and transfer updates here…
    BRU KNOW IT
    Bruno Fernandes was on the bench for the defeat to Leicester, surely he will be back in the line-up tonight…

    GO RON THEN
    Manchester United are the most likely candidates to sign Cristiano Ronaldo.
    At least that’s what the bookies are saying with Betfair pricing United at 7/4 to re-sign their iconic number 7. Check out the latest odds below…

    PICTURED
    Manchester United’s stars have already driven into Old Trafford for tonight’s game, well in advance of any protests.
    Check out the snaps here.
    UNITED FANS ON TWITTER
    Thousands of United fans are expected to attend Old Trafford in protest this evening.
    Here’s what a few of them have tweeted ahead of tonight…

    FORTRESS OT
    It’s around three hours to go before the planned protest begins at Old Trafford.
    United have enhanced security around the ground – and this video on Twitter shows the extent of their efforts.

    FANS VIEW – TOM MCDERMOTT
    More protests are planned for Thursday evening ahead of Manchester United’s Premier League game against Liverpool at Old Trafford.
    You don’t have to look far to see the top-secret extra measures the club has introduced to prevent the same scenes as the last protest earlier in the month.
    Just to reiterate, protesting outside the ground is fine.
    But when you see supporters breaking onto the pitch, damaging things, pinching one of the corner flags before snorting a white substance from it – a line has been crossed and it becomes embarrassing.
    Click here to read Tom McDermott’s view.

    PLAYERS ALREADY IN OT
    According to Samuel Luckhurst at the Manchester Evening News, some United players are already in Old Trafford ahead of tonight’s planned protest.
    One of the main reasons why the initial fixture was postponed was because players were unable to travel from their hotel due to the disruption outside the ground.
    Tonight’s protest is expected to begin around 6pm.
    Understand some United players have already arrived at Old Trafford. Was never any plan to stay at The Lowry, as reported Monday. #mufc— Samuel Luckhurst (@samuelluckhurst) May 13, 2021

    DANIEL CUTTS EXCLUSIVE
    Manchester United will land a huge cash windfall if West Ham join them in the top four this season.
    The Hammers have had a stunning season and are only six points behind rivals Chelsea with a game in hand.
    The England winger has been a big part of that success during a stunning loan spell at the London Stadium since January.
    And SunSport understands there’s a clause in his deal which will net United a £500,000 bonus if they secure Champions League football.
    The agreement could help West Ham seal a permanent transfer for the 28-year-old, who is valued at around £20m.
    His £100,000-a-week wage demands are proving an issue for the Hammers, especially if they don’t get into Europe.
    Credit: Getty

    RON WILL RETURN
    Cristiano Ronaldo’s mum Dolores has vowed to persuade her son to make a spectacular return to Sporting Lisbon.
    The superstar is being heavily linked with a move away from Juventus and his mum made the assurance as she celebrated Sporting’s first league title in 19 years.
    She posted a video of herself on her Instagram story dancing and singing after Sporting’s triumph.
    The singing died down and a voice was heard shouting up to the balcony before Dolores yelled back: “I’ll talk to him [Cristiano] to bring him back.”
    United are among the clubs believed to be interested in the Portuguese star.
    Cristiano Ronaldo’s mum Dolores celebrates Sporting Lisbon winning their first title in 19 years
    MORE OF THE SAME TONIGHT?
    United won 3-2 the last time Liverpool played at Old Trafford.
    Mason Greenwood scored in the FA Cup tie, celebrating with a wave to the cameras.
    A win tonight would seriously hamper Liverpool’s hopes of qualifying for next season’s Champions League.

    HAALAND ‘WILL BE AT DORTMUND NEXT SEASON’
    Borussia Dortmund boss Hans-Joachim Watzke believes Erling Haaland will remain at the club beyond the summer.
    The 25-year-old, who’s scored 25 Bundesliga goals this season, is one of the most sought after strikers in European football.
    United are believed to be interested in the Norway international.
    Speaking to German newspaper Bild, Watzke said: “I have the clear expectation that Erling Haaland will play for us next year.
    “And I don’t waste any thoughts on anything else.”

    SHAW MOVES
    United’s official TikTok account has given defender Luke Shaw a platform to show his moves.
    Is he the best dancer in the squad?

    PROTEST EXPECTED
    All eyes will be on Old Trafford this evening – but not for the game between United and Liverpool.
    Another fan protest is expected to take place from 6pm.
    United are said to be more prepared this time, bulking up security around the ground.
    SunSport will keep you updated with events at Old Trafford.
    Let’s keep it going! Further protests are planned by #mufc fans tomorrow evening at 6pm as Liverpool visit Old Trafford to play the rescheduled game. #GlazersOut— The United Stand (@UnitedStandMUFC) May 12, 2021

    PRAY FOR CRIST
    United have added Atalanta centre-back Cristian Romero to their transfer shortlist, according to reports.
    The Red Devils are said to be keen on the 23-year-old along with Lille star Sven Botman and Sevilla ace Jules Kounde.
    United are eager to sign a new partner for captain Harry Maguire and the trio are their most-wanted, according to Sky Sports.
    Romero is on loan at Atalanta from Juventus.
    And although they are expected to make the deal permanent in line with the £21.5million obligation to buy clause, Atalanta are said to be willing to sell this summer for £34m.
    Credit: Rex
    VALENCIA PAYS TRIBUTE TO FANS
    Ex-United winger Antonio Valencia has called time on his playing career.
    The 35-year-old won two Premier League titles, the FA Cup, two League Cups and the Europa League during his time at Old Trafford.
    He also captained the Red Devils in his final year at the club.
    Valencia has paid tribute to the United fans on social media, posting an open letter.

    BISSOUMA TO UNITED – WRIGHT
    Arsenal legend Ian Wright believes Yves Bissouma should join Manchester United.
    The £30million-rated midfielder has reportedly handed in a transfer request at Brighton.
    He’s been linked with a move to United, Liverpool and the Gunners.
    Speaking on the Wrighty’s House podcast, the ex-England striker said: “Bissouma’s making it clear now he wants to leave.
    “You’ve got to choose between Liverpool and Man United in the current climate.
    “I’m probably going to go with Man United… You look at Man United and what Man United are on the cusp of doing, it’s a much more attractive proposition right now, much more.”
    SANCHO ‘PUSHING’ FOR UNITED TRANSFER
    Jadon Sancho is ‘pushing’ for a move to Old Trafford, according to the Manchester Evening News.
    The Borussia Dortmund winger reportedly wanted to join United last summer and has asked his agent to complete a deal at the second time of asking.
    With just two years left on his contract, Sancho’s value is believed to have gone down.
    United’s budget has also increased following the news that Edinson Cavani has signed a new contract – meaning they won’t need to sign a No.9 this summer.

    RED WALL
    United chiefs have launched a top-secret operation to foil any anti-Glazer protests ahead of Thursday’s rearranged game with Liverpool.
    Players have been sworn to secrecy with some staff kept out the loop to ensure there are no leaks.
    A 10ft ‘ring of steel’ has also been built around the more vulnerable areas of Old Trafford – including the Munich Tunnel entrance where fans broke initially.
    The teams were set to play each other on May 2 but supporter protests meant the game had to be cancelled.
    Fans broke into the stadium and charged the pitch while a separate group stopped the teams leaving the Lowry Hotel in Manchester.
    United bosses are aware of an ongoing threat and have kept their cards close to their chests ever since.
    The same thing happened last week before the team travelled to Rome for their Europa League semi-final.
    And the secret plans are still subject to change until the very last minute, according to the Mail.
    Credit: Reuters
    MORNING MAN UTD FANS
    Manchester United face Liverpool this evening in one of the oldest and most historic games in English football.
    The Red Devils were due to face Jurgen Klopp’s men on May 2 but fan protests at Old Trafford led to the game being postponed.
    But now the two sides are set to do battle as the Premier League season approaches its conclusion.
    Ole Gunnar Solskjaer rested 10 players in the 2-1 defeat to Leicester City on Tuesday, perhaps with one eye on the Liverpool match just 48 hours later.
    And while some criticised the Norwegian for fielding a weakened XI, Klopp backed his opposition number.
    He said: “Playing Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday is a crime.
    “If we do not make it into the Champions League, it will not be the fault of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer or his players.
    “It will be our fault because even in this season, in which we have had so many injuries, we really should have been five or six points better than we are.
    “I know Ole made ten changes but I would have done the same thing — I expected him to do that.
    “This is the end of a long season already and then you get Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday and it’s just not right.
    “So it is not the fault of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, even if it means we now need to get a few favours if we are going to make the top four.”
    Liverpool will move to within four points of Chelsea if they win at Old Trafford and will also still have a game in hand on the Blues.
    Meanwhile, a defeat would almost certainly mean the end of their top four challenge, so this game becomes a make-or-break fixture in the club’s season.
    GUNNAR BOUNCE BACK
    Manchester United will be hoping they can bounce back from defeat to Leicester when they take on Liverpool tomorrow evening.
    The Red Devils will be without captain Harry Maguire but will still feel they have enough to overcome Jurgen Klopp’s inconsistent side.
    Join us tomorrow as we bring you all the build-up to one of England’s biggest and most historic fixtures.
    Credit: Getty
    GOOD FOR THE SOL
    Jurgen Klopp has called Manchester United’s fixture pile-up CRIMINAL and backed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for resting his stars.
    The United boss made ten changes as they lost 2-1 against Leicester, making it tougher for Liverpool to finish in the top four.
    Ahead of tomorrow’s clash at United, Reds boss Klopp said: “Playing Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday is a crime.
    Klopp said: “If we do not make it into the Champions League, it will not be the fault of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer or his players.
    “It will be our fault because even in this season, in which we have had so many injuries, we really should have been five or six points better than we are.
    “I know Ole made ten changes but I would have done the same thing — I expected him to do that.
    “This is the end of a long season already and then you get Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday and it’s just not right. So it is not the fault of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, even if it means we now need to get a few favours if we are going to make the top four.”

    KABAK SET TO MISS MAN UTD CLASH
    Liverpool defender Ozan Kabak looks set to miss their match against Manchester United tomorrow night.
    Klopp confirms that Ozan Kabak will miss tomorrow’s game v United. #LFC— James Pearce (@JamesPearceLFC) May 12, 2021

    SIN-FUL DEVILS
    Manchester United should be deducted points for fielding ‘their B team’ against Leicester on Tuesday, according to Trevor Sinclair.
    Ole Gunnar Solskjaer made TEN changes to his team that beat Aston Villa on Sunday with another fixture against Liverpool to be played on Thursday.
    Sinclair told TalkSPORT: “Without being disrespectful to the players that played tonight, they made ten changes, this is their ‘B’ team.
    “I think that’s disrespectful and it takes away from the top four race. Why didn’t the police and the club make amendments and make sure they safeguard the stadium? They didn’t do that.
    “The teams that are going to suffer from Man Utd’s lack of due diligence, the ones who could miss out on the top four, are Chelsea possibly, Liverpool, West Ham and Tottenham.
    “I think there needs to be a punishment for Man Utd. Three points isn’t enough because that doesn’t affect anything.
    “I honestly feel the way they put out this team, the way they didn’t safeguard their stadium, I think a six-point deduction should be given to Manchester United.”
    😠 “#MUFC made 10 changes. This is their B team. I think that’s disrespectful.”😡 “I think there needs to be a punishment. 3 points isn’t enough. A 6 point deduction should be given.”Trevor Sinclair explains why he thinks Man Utd should be docked 6 points… pic.twitter.com/QE9kxSS510— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) May 11, 2021

    MAIT A MOVE
    Manchester United are interested in a shock transfer for Ainsley Maitland-Niles, according to reports.
    The Arsenal academy graduate, 23, has spent the second half of this season on loan at West Brom.
    And despite the Baggies getting relegated, the England international impressed with his performances under Sam Allardyce.
    According to the Daily Mail, the Red Devils are considering an approach to Arsenal when he returns to his parent club.
    However, the report adds they would face competition from three other Premier League sides – Everton, Leeds and Southampton.

    ALL ROADS LEAD TO ROM
    Jose Mourinho wants to sign Manchester United outcast Sergio Romero for his new club Roma, according to reports.
    The goalkeeper has not played a single minute for the Red Devils this season and is certain to leave in the summer when his contract expires.
    And his old manager Mourinho has added him to his transfer wishlist, according to the Telegraph.
    SunSport columnist Mourinho will take over the Serie A side at the end of the season.
    He signed a three-year deal just two weeks after being sacked by Tottenham.

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    Man Utd prodigy Arnau Puigmal set to QUIT on free transfer four years after beating Barcelona to 20-year-old wonderkid

    MANCHESTER UNITED wonderkid Arnau Puigmal is reportedly set to QUIT the club – just four years after the Red Deviuls beat Barcelona to his signature.The 20-year-old has been eyed by LaLiga side Almeria with him failing to make the grade at United.
    Arnau Puigmal is set to call time on his Man Utd dreamCredit: Getty – Contributor
    MailOnline reports that Puigmal ‘is now destined to return to Spain’.
    His contract at United is up in the summer, and despite impressing for the U23 side, he has failed to make the step up into Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s first-team plans.
    Big things were expected of the Spaniard when he joined from Espanyol in 2017.
    Then head of academy Nicky Butt was full of praise for the promising talent in the early stages.
    He said: “He has a great attitude to learn and he has quickly picked up English, which will be a great help to him going forward.
    “It is clear to see that he has all the attributes to develop into a top player and have a fine future ahead of him.”
    He has not made his first team debut yet but has been included in United’s Europa League squad.
    He has also appeared for Spain’s U19 side and has made three appearances so far.
    FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE

    Puigmal has not done enough to bag a place in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s first-teamCredit: Getty – Contributor

    He was spotted by Espanyol at the age 10 in 2010, and immediately progressed through the Barcelona club’s youth set-up showing lots of promise among his peers.
    Puigmal then turned heads at the 2017 Mediterranean International Cup – a tournament where Lionel Messi and Cesc Fabregas starred in previous editions.
    Espanyol stunned Manchester United by beating them on route to the final, with Puigmal bossing the midfield.
    Then, he went one better – getting on the scoresheet against La Liga rivals Barcelona to lift the trophy.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
    Old Trafford ring of steel in full flow as Man Utd players arrive seven hours early for Liverpool clash More

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    Liverpool missed out on Cristiano Ronaldo a week before Man Utd transfer after ‘fee trebled’ overnight

    LIVERPOOL failed to sign Cristiano Ronaldo only a week before he joined Manchester United after Sir Alex Ferguson gazumped his rivals, according to Phil Thompson.The then-Reds assistant boss has revealed that his team were one of many English clubs interested in the Portuguese winger.
    Ronaldo went on to become a mega star at Old TraffordCredit: PA:Press Association
    Ronaldo had already declared that a move to Anfield was “a dream” with agents Paul Stretford, Jorge Mendes and Tony Henry negotiating his exit from Sporting CP.
    In recalling the 2003 transfer to The Athletic, Thompson states that a £4million fee was required.
    He noted: “I asked what kind of salary he would want and they said it was £1 million per year after tax. That was a lot for an 18-year-old kid but they said that was negotiable.
    “It was a Sunday and I explained to them that I needed to go back to Liverpool and speak to Gerard Houllier and see what we could do. I fed all the information back to Gerard, who said he would speak to [chief executive] Rick Parry.
    “Lo and behold, the following week I’m at Melwood when the yellow ticker on Sky Sports News says: Manchester United sign Cristiano Ronaldo from Sporting for £12.2m.
    “I couldn’t believe my eyes.”
    As Thompson says, United had not paid the £4m fee earlier touted and he was left shocked at how the figure changed overnight.

    The former defender continued: “Tony told me that when he’d got off the plane on the Monday he had got a call to say he was off the deal. It was down to Stretford and Mendes instead.
    “It was astonishing that the fee trebled.
    “He was clearly a big talent but no one could have predicted back then how great he was going to be.”
    Ronaldo went on to win a treble of Premier League titles in Manchester with 118 goals in almost 300 appearances.
    Cristiano Ronaldo posts video celebrating reaching record 200m Instagram followers More