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    Cristiano Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi: Man Utd and PSG stars’ head to head record ahead of Champions League showdown

    IT IS the question that divides football fans across the globe –  who is better: Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo?They gave El Clasicos a bit of extra spice for nine years and were set to face off in the Champions League Round of 16 before the draw was repeated after an error.
    The last time Messi and Ronaldo met, CR7 scored two penaltiesCredit: GETTY IMAGES
    Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have played against each other 36 times
    Manchester United and Paris St Germain were paired together in the first draw, but a mistake in picking out the balls means the whole draw has taken place again.
    The greatest managers of the modern era have had their say, fans have had their say and even former team-mates have waded in on the never-ending GOAT debate.
    So we thought we’d look past the trophies and accolades to see how they fared when they were in direct competition.
    The pair know each other well, of course, having gone toe-to-toe in dozens of El Clasico contests down the years.
    Not only would the rivals share the same pitch whenever Real Madrid played against Barcelona, but they would tussle for LaLiga supremacy season after season.
    El Clasico has always been more that just a football match to the clubs’ fans and having the two best players in the world took it to a different dimension.
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    Ronaldo has gone up against Messi 36 times in total during his spells at Manchester United and Real Madrid, Juventus as well as on the international stage.
    The Portuguese legend was ruled out of the first group stage game between Juve and Barcelona due to coronavirus – but made sure to get revenge in the return fixture netting a brace from the penalty spot.
    Messi pipped the former Los Blancos ace by one goals in all of their meetings, finding the back of the net 22 times.
    Ronaldo and Messi have enjoyed a career-long rivalry

    While Ronaldo may have one goal fewer, he holds the record for the scoring in the most consecutive El Clasicos – in six consecutive games in 2012.
    Messi poetically netted his 500th goal for the Catalan giants against Real in a thriller in 2017, which also put Barca top of LaLiga.
    The Argentina ace famously celebrated by whipping off his No10 shirt and holding it aloft to the away support to prove why he is considered to be the greatest footballer of all time.
    Ronaldo later had to have his say too, of course.
    The next time he visited the Nou Camp and scored in the Supercopa de Espana final first leg in August 2017, he mimicked his great frenemy’s celebration by showing his No7 shirt to the crowd.
    In that same clash, Ronaldo’s night hit a sour note when he was shown a second yellow card for diving, which resulted in the forward PUSHING the referee.
    He had already been booked for taking his shirt off after mimicking Messi’s celebration.
    That has been the only red card shown to either hero in the duo’s 36 stand offs with Messi managing to keep his cool and escape with three fewer yellows than his arch-rival.
    Lionel Messi scored a last-minute winner to give Barcelona a 3-2 victory over Real Madrid in April 2017
    Cristiano Ronaldo showed the Nou Camp who was boss in his celebration
    Football is a results business so when it comes to score lines, the Argentine maestro leads the way.
    In the 35 matches, Messi has 16 wins, Ronaldo has 11 and there have been nine draws.
    Ronaldo’s United got the better of Barca in the 2008 Champions League semi-finals with a 0-0 draw at the Nou Camp and 1-0 win at Old Trafford.
    Messi and Co got their revenge a year later, winning the 2009 final 2-0 as Messi scored a header.
    That started a run of five consecutive wins for Messi over Ronaldo including a 5-0 Barca win and a 2-1 victory for Argentina over Portugal in an international friendly as both players found the net.
    Arguably their greatest contest came in the 2012-13 LaLiga campaign as both players scored twice in a 2-2 draw in Barcelona.
    Messi played his entire career at Barca up until last summer when his contract expired.
    The Argentine signed for PSG and has five UCL goals in the group stages, but it’s not quite Ronaldo’s six for United.
    Ronaldo might just get the chance to show Messi up after his record-breaking seventh Ballon d’Or win.
    Breakdown of Ronaldo and Messi’s careers More

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    Who is the greatest F1 driver of all time and who has won the most titles? Hamilton, Schumacher and Senna ranked

    FORMULA ONE is where legends are born, behind the wheel of the fastest cars on the planet.But who is the greatest with Lewis Hamilton level with Michael Schumacher on seven world titles, and trying to make it eight today.
    Lewis Hamilton is level with Michael Schumacher on seven world titlesCredit: Getty
    So where does SunSport’s Ben Hunt put the Mercedes man, alongside Ayrton Senna and seven-time champ Schumacher?
    Check out his full run-down of the top 10 below.10. Fernando Alonso
    World titles – 2
    The Spaniard is a remarkable driver, blessed with skill, pace and a cunning that means he should have more than the two F1 titles he owns.
    But for poor choice when it comes to making decisions about which teams to race for, he should have been rivalling Hamilton for titles.
    9. Sir Stirling Moss
    World titles – 0
    Without doubt the best driver never to win a Formula One world title.
    Fabulously charming and such a wonderful character.
    The Brit won 212 of the 529 races he entered.
    8. Alain Prost
    World titles – 4
    The Frenchman enjoyed a titanic battle with Senna for F1 supremacy.
    For what he lost out in natural ability compared to the Brazilian, he made up for it with ruthlessness and dedication.
    A smooth driver in the same mould as Stewart and Clark.
    7. Niki Lauda
    World titles – 3
    Tenacious competitor both on and off track.
    A true hero after coming back from suffering horrific burns in 1976 following a crash at the Nurburgring only to make an astonishing comeback just six weeks later.
    He won the F1 title the following season.
    Niki Lauda scooped three championships during the 70s and 80sCredit: Getty – Contributor
    6. Sir Jackie Stewart
    World titles – 3
    Won his three world titles during a dangerous period in Formula One’s history.
    Stewart saw countless competitors perish in the cockpit and set about making safety improvements.
    A wonderfully measured driver who was also calm behind the wheel.
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    5. Juan Manuel Fangio
    World titles – 5
    One of the pioneers of Formula One, Fangio won an incredible five world titles when the sport was in its infancy.
    With safety at a minimum and reliability commonplace, the Argentine was a remarkably consistent performer.
    4. Jim Clark
    World titles – 2
    The greatest driver of his generation, Clark was a two-time world champion and won 25 times in 72 starts – more than any other driver at the time.
    His versatility also saw him win the Indy 500, the British Touring Car Championship, the Tasman Series in Australian and New Zealand.
    3. Michael Schumacher
    World titles – 7
    All-time record hold for most wins (91) and titles (seven), Schumacher’s record stands as the best in F1 history.
    His meticulous focus and attention to details helped make him a multiple world champion, even if his racing methods were called into question.
    Schumacher won seven championships during a glittering careerCredit: Reuters
    2. Ayrton Senna
    World titles – 3
    Supremely talented and wonderfully competitive.
    Senna’s raw talent over a single-lap made him a hero, as did his ability to win races in any conditions.
    Hugely passionate, he helped elevate the publicity of F1 to new levels.
    1. Lewis Hamilton
    World titles – 7
    Like Michael Schumacher and Aytron Senna before him, Hamilton has taken F1 to a new level when it comes to dominating races.
    Astonishingly consistent, brilliant over a qualifying lap and smart race-craft.
    Rarely makes a mistake. Always delivers.

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    Cristiano Ronaldo selected five young wonderkids to watch for in 2015, but where are they all now?

    IN 2015, Cristiano Ronaldo picked out his five favourite young stars to keep an eye on.Speaking ahead of the release of his biopic, Ronaldo, the Manchester United star, 36, revealed who he was tipping for stardom.
    In 2015, Ronaldo picked out his five young stars to watch, including Hazard and Pogba
    The then-Real Madrid forward hardly plumped for unheard of stars, but he was still eerily accurate with his suggestions.
    Ronaldo picked Martin Odegaard, Neymar, Eden Hazard, Paul Pogba and Memphis Depay as his top kids to watch.
    At the time, he said: “You see many players with potential, I will mention Odegaard of Madrid for example.
    “At 16 he’s still young but you can see he’s a very good player.
    “Hazard for example, the No7 of Manchester, Depay, is a good player too. Pogba… and maybe Neymar.”
    But how have the chosen five fared since being tipped for stardom by the five-time Ballon d’Or winner?
    MARTIN ODEGAARD
    Martin Odegaard is slowly starting to live up to his potential
    Age in 2015: 16
    Club in 2015: Real Madrid
    Age now: 22
    Club now: Arsenal
    JUST months before Ronaldo singled the Norwegian out for praise, Odegaard had left Stromsgodset to join Real Madrid.
    Huge things were expected of the wonderkid, who had already made his Norway debut aged just 15.
    However, whether it was the weight of expectation or failing to bulk up quickly enough, Odegaard struggled to make the cut at the Bernabeu.
    Odegaard played just eight times in LaLiga across his five years at Real and was loaned out to Heerenveen, Vitesse Arnhem and Real Sociedad.
    For that reason, the playmaker can’t be considered a ‘hit’.
    However, he relaunched his career at Arsenal – joining in January until the end of the season on loan.
    He made 20 appearances for the Gunners, scoring twice, which convinced Mikel Arteta to sign him on a permanent deal.
    Verdict: MISS (for now)
    @font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:500;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-stretch:semi-condensed;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:normal;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:condensed;font-display:swap;}.css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-zkaekv{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-zkaekv::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -1px);}.css-zkaekv::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}MOST READ IN FOOTBALL.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
    NEYMAR
    Neymar has become one of the world’s top footballers since 2015
    Age in 2015: 23
    Club in 2015: Barcelona
    Age now: 29
    Club now: PSG
    ALREADY Brazil captain and a mainstay of the Barcelona team in 2015, Neymar was hardly a shock choice from Ronaldo.
    Neymar had already won LaLiga and the Champions League just months before Ronaldo’s praise.
    However, the brilliant Brazilian would go on to have arguably his best years after, winning the Spanish top-flight crown later that very season.
    Neymar later moved on to Paris Saint-Germain and took them to the Champions League final in 2020.
    Despite the occasional theatrics and a series of injuries hampering his progress, there’s no doubt Neymar has been a hit in world football.
    Verdict: HIT
    EDEN HAZARD
    Eden Hazard would enjoy some of his best years after Ronaldo’s praise
    Age in 2015: 24
    Club in 2015: Chelsea
    Age now: 30
    Club now: Real Madrid
    HAZARD had a tricky first season at Real following his mega-money move from Chelsea – with concerns over his weight and injuries. Those issues seeped into his last campaign, but he will be hopeful third time’s a charm.
    But there’s no doubting Hazard – who’d just won the Premier League Player of the Season en route to helping the Blues to the title in 2015 – had his best years after Ronaldo’s praise.
    There were times when the Belgian was absolutely unstoppable, with the 2018-19 season seemingly one long highlight reel.
    His hot form attracted the attention of Real, who spared no expense in signing him.
    After he admitted to being nearly a stone overweight, Hazard has struggled with injuries.
    Still in his prime years, aged 30, the best could be still to come from Hazard… if he can get fit and stay fit.
    Verdict: HIT
    PAUL POGBA
    Pogba went on to become a World Cup winner with France
    Age in 2015: 22
    Club in 2015: Juventus
    Age now: 28
    Club now: Man Utd
    A HOT prospect at Manchester United right up until his move to Juve in 2012, Pogba and Ronaldo never actually crossed paths at Old Trafford.
    A young Pogba was brought in from Le Havre in 2009 – the same summer Ronaldo headed to Real Madrid.
    The French star enjoyed easily his best years in Italy – winning a host of Serie A crowns and personal accolades, with spots in various Teams of the Year.
    Just a few months after Ronaldo’s praise, Pogba headed back to Man Utd for a then-world record £89million.
    Things have never quite clicked for the Frenchman back at Old Trafford – but he has displayed the occasional flash of brilliance and a desire to play for Real Madrid one day.
    His performances in leading France to the 2018 World Cup crown were truly elite and it’s impossible to not consider him a hit.
    Verdict: HIT
    MEMPHIS DEPAY
    Memphis Depay never quite lived up to the hype at Old Trafford
    Age in 2015: 21
    Club in 2015: Man Utd
    Age now: 27
    Club now: Barcelona
    DEPAY joined United in the summer of 2015 fresh from being crowned the Eredivisie’s top scorer at 21.
    But as has so often been the case down the years, the weight of moving to Old Trafford and being thrust into the spotlight hindered his progress massively.
    Depay spent two wholly underwhelming seasons in Manchester before being sold to Lyon in 2017.
    The Dutch star went on to carve out a solid career in France and now has 33 goals for the Netherlands, which brings him level with Johan Cruyff.
    After signing for Barcelona this season, he has started well for the Catalans with two goals in his first three games.
    Verdict: HIT (just)
    Cristiano Ronaldo says ‘I’m not here for a vacation’ as Man Utd ace puts pressure on Solskjaer to start him vs Newcastle More

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    Alphonso Davies was wanted by Swansea in £3m transfer in 2017 but £100m wonderkid couldn’t get work permit

    ALPHONSO DAVIES is tipped to become the world’s first £100million left-back if he leaves Bayern Munich.But the super-quick Canadian star could have signed for a Premier League club in 2017 for a bargain £3MILLION.
    Alphonso Davies could have been playing for Swansea and not Bayern MunichCredit: EPA
    Davies, 21, was a talented youngster at Vancouver Whitecaps and was offered around by top agent Dave Baldwin.
    Swansea led the race for the defender, who was recommended by his Whitecaps coach Carl Robinson.
    To the Swans, he looked a great investment and would have suited their style when they were in the top flight.
    Crystal Palace also liked Davies — who also plays as a wing-back — after watching him in action for his club.
    But Davies’ dream was shattered because of work permit regulations. He was a Liberian citizen who gained a Canadian passport.
    @font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:500;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-stretch:semi-condensed;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:normal;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:condensed;font-display:swap;}.css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-zkaekv{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-zkaekv::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -1px);}.css-zkaekv::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most Read In Football.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}

    Even the fact that he was singled out as a leading player of his age and won a full cap at 16 did not help his case for a transfer.
    Canada’s Fifa ranking was too low and the fee and wages on offer were not large enough to sway his application — so the interested Premier League clubs went away in disappointment.
    In January 2019, Bayern snapped up Davies for £10m with extras and he has blossomed into one of Europe’s best left-backs.
    Alphonso Davies could become the first £100m full-backCredit: AFP
    Thomas Muller does hilarious roadrunner impression as he lauds Alphonso Davies’ display in Bayern Munich win at Dortmund More

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    F1 ace Lewis Hamilton shows off £80k EQS electric Mercedes which goes 0-60mph in 4.5 secs and has holographic lights

    LEWIS HAMILTON has shown off his stunning electric motor – the Mercedes EQS.Formula 1 champ Hamilton talked up his decision to go green in a bid to protect the environment.
    Mercedes star Lewis Hamilton poses next to his Mercedes EQS
    The F1 champ says he is ‘working closely’ with Mercedes to move towards a more electric fleet
    The EQS, which was announced last year, is part of the two-car garage the Merc racer is sticking to off the track.
    Pairing the £80,000 saloon with a Smart car, Hamilton, 36, said he has offset the carbon footprint of his ENTIRE F1 career.
    Yet the EQS still packs a punch, going from 0-60mph in 4.5 seconds with 470bhp generated by a 350 kW electric motor.
    Mercedes reckon a fully-charged EQS can even manage a range of 435 miles.
    Naturally, it is also packed full of toys including holographic headlights, a rear ‘lightbelt’ of over 200 LEDs, and ambient dashboard lighting.
    Posting a picture of himself beside the car, Hamilton wrote on Instagram: “Recently I’ve been making many changes in my life to reduce my impact on the environment.
    @font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:500;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-stretch:semi-condensed;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:normal;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:condensed;font-display:swap;}.css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-zkaekv{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-zkaekv::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -1px);}.css-zkaekv::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}latest f1 news.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
    “The first step in this journey was to understand my personal impact on the planet so I could make changes to improve it.
    “Since then, I have offset my carbon footprint from my Formula 1 career dating back to 2007, I have reduced travel where possible, I have gone plant-based and outside of the track, I try to use electric cars wherever possible.
    “I also want to use my position as a racing driver to enforce positive and permanent change, which is why I’m working closely with Mercedes to slowly move their fleet of cars towards electric.
    “This is my new dream car, the new EQS fully electric Mercedes.
    “It’s difficult to always be perfect when we go about our daily lives, but I’m continuing to learn how to be better and I’m committed to staying educated and informed so I can play my part.
    “Small steps lead to big change, so it’s important we all take a moment to understand our footprint and the small changes we can make in our everyday lives to put our planet first.
    “The last step for me will be when I step away from this sport and can focus fully on helping heal the world to provide a better future for our kids and our kids’ kids.”
    Lewis Hamilton arrives at Dutch GP wearing Holland’s famous orange colours More

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    Generous Cristiano Ronaldo bought entire Juventus squad an iMac each to apologise for red card vs Valencia in 2018

    CRISTIANO RONALDO was made to buy the ENTIRE Juventus squad iMacs after his 2018 red card against Valencia, revealed team-mate Wojciech Szczesny.On his Champions League debut for the Old Lady, the Portuguese superstar was reduced to tears after being red carded for pulling the hair of opposition defender Jeison Murillo.
    Ronaldo was forced to fork out on the high tech gifts
    [embedded content]
    Juventus went on to win 2-0 anyway, but boss Massimiliano Allegri’s disciplinary rules at the club stated that following a misdemeanour, the perpetrator must buy all of his team-mates a gift as an apology.
    Despite his superstar status, CR7 was not above this rule, although he tried to wriggle out of it.
    Juve’s No7 was so incensed at the decision, that for two months he refused to take his punishment, insisting that he’d done nothing wrong.
    But eventually, Allegri calmly showed who was boss – and Ronaldo’s team-mates all ended up with new iMac computers.
    Szczesny told Polish talk show Prosto w Szczene: “Yes, we all have an iMac.
    “It took a very long time because he couldn’t process that red card and insisted high and low that he was not doing anything wrong.
    “It took him a bit, about two months of arguing, but we all have received an iMac.”
    Ronaldo wasn’t the only one to fall foul of Allegri’s punishment system, however.
    Ronaldo was visibly distraught at the referee’s decisionCredit: Getty – Contributor
    @font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:500;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-stretch:semi-condensed;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:normal;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:condensed;font-display:swap;}.css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-zkaekv{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-zkaekv::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -1px);}.css-zkaekv::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}most read in football.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
    The former Arsenal goalkeeper revealed that he’d also been forced to fork out on presents for his team-mates, after being late for training.
    He explained: “I thought it was Tuesday, but it turned out to be Wednesday that day.
    “Allegri called me and said everyone was already there. When I arrived half an hour late on the training field, everyone said: ‘oh, we’re getting presents!’ I ended up buying headphones for the boys.”
    The shotstopper bought all of his team-mates Dr. Dre Beats headphones as an apology for being late.
    Disciplinarian Allegri’s departed at the end of that campaign and Maurizio Sarri took charge at the Allianz Stadium in June 2019.
    Cristiano Ronaldo has since left Juventus for Man UtdCredit: AP:Associated Press
    Cristiano Ronaldo reveals he finds it boring playing in empty stadiums and misses when fans boo him More

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    ‘Difficult to justify’ Lewis Hamilton as greatest ever driver, according to F1 legend Sir Jackie Stewart

    FORMULA 1 legend Sir Jackie Stewart called it ‘difficult to justify’ saying Lewis Hamilton is the greatest ever driver.The Brit will attempt to beat Michael Schumacher’s record of seven world titles by defeating Max Verstappen at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
    Sir Jackie Stewart called it difficult to compare Lewis Hamilton’s achievements to those of the pastCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow
    Lewis Hamilton is big favourite to win his EIGHTH F1 world championshipCredit: Splash News
    He has already overtaken the German’s record of 91 race wins.
    But Stewart, who won the driver’s championship three times, described it as near-impossible to compare Hamilton’s achievements to speedsters of yesteryear.
    The 82-year-old said last year that the modern-day racing calendar being busier, as well as Hamilton having a ‘so superior’ car and engine to other competitors, makes comparison tricky.
    Speaking on the In The Fast Lane podcast in October 2020, Stewart said: “I don’t think that you can account [for] that sort of level of success.
    “Just because today there are 20, 22 races, whereas in the old days when for example Juan Manuel Fangio, raced maybe sometimes six, eight or nine races a year in Formula 1.
    ‘To say that Lewis is the greatest driver of all time, would be difficult for me to justify, in the sheer power of what the other drivers were doing.
    “Lewis drives extremely well, make no mistake, I’m not in any way diminishing his skills, but it isn’t the same.
    “Lewis made a very good decision when he left McLaren at that time and went to Mercedes-Benz. And I take my hat off to him for making that decision.
    The ten greatest F1 drivers of all-time – according to SunSport’s motorsport correspondent Ben Hunt
    “But frankly, the car and the engine are now so superior that it’s almost unfair on the rest of the field.”
    Due to difficulties comparing the modern-day car and calendar with that of the past, Stewart doesn’t even have Hamilton in his top three racing drivers of all time.
    He added: “Juan Manuel Fangio in my mind is the greatest driver that’s ever lived.
    “With Jim Clark as the second-greatest, even ahead of [Ayrton] Senna.”
    Fangio won five world titles in the 1950s. Scottish racer Clark won two world titles in 1963 and 1965.
    At the time of his death, at the age of 32, Clark had won more F1 races and achieved more podiums than any other driver.

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    Senna won three world titles in 1988, 1990 and 1991 before tragically losing his life when crashing at the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix.
    SunSport’s motorsport correspondent Ben Hunt disagrees with Sir Jackie however, putting Hamilton at No1.
    Senna bags second spot with Schumacher, winner of seven world titles, in third.
    Clark is fourth with Fangio in fifth.
    Inside the new-look Mercedes car Lewis Hamilton is bidding to win record eight F1 title in ahead of new season More

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    Cristiano Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi: Man Utd and PSG stars’ head to head record as they face Champions League showdown

    IT IS the question that divides football fans across the globe –  who is better: Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo?They gave El Clasicos a bit of extra spice for nine years and now, they could be set to face off against each other again in the Champions League.
    The last time Messi and Ronaldo met, CR7 scored two penaltiesCredit: GETTY IMAGES
    The pair have met 36 times on the pitch, with Messi having the edge on the head-to-head
    Breakdown of Ronaldo and Messi’s careers
    Due to Manchester United finishing top of their group, and Paris Saint-Germain coming in at second in theirs, Messi and Ronaldo could face off in the Round of 16.
    The greatest managers of the modern era have had their say, fans have had their say and even former team-mates have waded in on the never-ending GOAT debate.
    So SunSport thought we’d look past the trophies and accolades to see how they fared when they were in direct competition.
    The pair know each other well, of course, having gone toe-to-toe in dozens of El Clasico contests down the years.
    Not only would the rivals share the same pitch whenever Real Madrid played against Barcelona, but they would tussle for LaLiga supremacy season after season.
    El Clasico has always been more that just a football match to the clubs’ fans and having the two best players in the world took it to a different dimension.
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    FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN NEW CUSTOMER DEALS
    Ronaldo has gone up against Messi 36 times in total during his spells at Manchester United and Real Madrid, Juventus as well as on the international stage.
    The Portuguese legend was ruled out of the first group stage game between Juve and Barcelona due to coronavirus – but made sure to get revenge in the return fixture netting a brace from the penalty spot.
    Messi pipped the former Los Blancos ace by one goals in all of their meetings, finding the back of the net 22 times.
    Ronaldo and Messi have enjoyed a career-long rivalry

    While Ronaldo may have one goal fewer, he holds the record for the scoring in the most consecutive El Clasicos – in six consecutive games in 2012.
    Messi poetically netted his 500th goal for the Catalan giants against Real in a thriller in 2017, which also put Barca top of LaLiga.
    The Argentina ace famously celebrated by whipping off his No10 shirt and holding it aloft to the away support to prove why he is considered to be the greatest footballer of all time.
    Ronaldo later had to have his say too, of course.
    The next time he visited the Nou Camp and scored in the Supercopa de Espana final first leg in August 2017, he mimicked his great frenemy’s celebration by showing his No7 shirt to the crowd.
    In that same clash, Ronaldo’s night hit a sour note when he was shown a second yellow card for diving, which resulted in the forward PUSHING the referee.
    He had already been booked for taking his shirt off after mimicking Messi’s celebration.
    That has been the only red card shown to either hero in the duo’s 36 stand offs with Messi managing to keep his cool and escape with three fewer yellows than his arch-rival.
    Lionel Messi scored a last-minute winner to give Barcelona a 3-2 victory over Real Madrid in April 2017
    Cristiano Ronaldo showed the Nou Camp who was boss in his celebration
    Football is a results business so when it comes to score lines, the Argentine maestro leads the way.
    In the 35 matches, Messi has 16 wins, Ronaldo has 11 and there have been nine draws.
    Ronaldo’s United got the better of Barca in the 2008 Champions League semi-finals with a 0-0 draw at the Nou Camp and 1-0 win at Old Trafford.
    Messi and Co got their revenge a year later, winning the 2009 final 2-0 as Messi scored a header.
    That started a run of five consecutive wins for Messi over Ronaldo including a 5-0 Barca win and a 2-1 victory for Argentina over Portugal in an international friendly as both players found the net.
    Arguably their greatest contest came in the 2012-13 LaLiga campaign as both players scored twice in a 2-2 draw in Barcelona.
    Messi played his entire career at Barca up until last summer when his contract expired.
    The Argentine signed for PSG and has five UCL goals in the group stages, but it’s not quite Ronaldo’s six for United.
    Ronaldo might just get the chance to show Messi up after his record-breaking seventh Ballon d’Or win.
    ⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford More