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    • 200 Shares159 Views

      in Motorsport

      F1 Belgian Grand Prix LIVE REACTION: Verstappen WINS farcical rain-delayed race, Russell second and Hamilton third

      by

      THE Belgian Grand Prix has ended in farcical fashion, with Max Verstappen declared the WINNER after hours of rain delays.The drivers completed four laps on a rain-sodden Spa racetrack.
      And officials have been forced to simply award the win to the Dutchman, who will take half points.
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      GOODBYE!
      Well that’s it from tonight, folks.
      It was a stop-start… and then stop weekend which Max Verstappen took full advantage of as he was named the winner of the Belgian GP.
      The race was suspended twice before finally being called after earlier in the afternoon thanks to some blustery, rainy conditions.
      Those poor F1 fans.
      Well they don’t have to wait too long as the Italian GP is in just TWO weeks.
      We’ll see you then.
      LECLERC WEIGHS IN
      Gutted that we couldn’t go racing today. Really feel for all of you at the track who stayed in the rain and to everyone who was just watching the rain on TV. Hopefully next Sunday will be a lot more fun 🤞 pic.twitter.com/SWq1xICM6p— Charles Leclerc (@Charles_Leclerc) August 29, 2021

      WINNING MOMENT
      The moment Max Verstappen found out he’d won the Belgian GP, albeit in less than ideal circumstances.

      MASI SPEAKS
      Race director Michael Masi speaks following the suspension of the Belgian GP.
      “There’s no ability to postpone the race until tomorrow.
      “Safety is paramount for drivers and spectators. We were given the opportunity to be able to complete a race, but we could not go the full distance.
      “There’s pages long that would run between organisers, everyone here… there’s no ability to postpone to the following day. Don’t know logistically if it could have been [run later in the year].”
      HAMILTON SPEAKS
      “I feel so very sorry for the fans today. They have been incredible to stick with us,” he said.
      “[FIA, Formula 1] knew the track wasn’t any better but they sent us out for the two laps behind the safety car to get a race. I hope the fans get their money back.
      “You couldn’t really see five metres in front of you. It was hard to even see down the straight. You couldn’t go flat out. It’s a shame, I wanted to race. It could’ve been a good race had it not rained.”
      POLE POSITION
      Well, they went through with a ceremony so Verstappen could pick up his gong.
      Russell 2nd, Hamilton 3rd.
      Credit: Getty
      RUSSELL SPEAKS
      George Russell, who grabbed second, has apologised to the fans for the way proceedings unfolded today.
      “We don’t often get rewarded for a great qualifying but today we absolutely did.
      “I want to say sorry to the fans, it’s a shame we didn’t get the race under way but from our side of things for me and the team, its an amazing result.
      “There’s been so much hard work gone into this over the past few years and here we are on the podium, I didn’t expect that this year at all.”
      VERSTAPPEN HAPPY
      “Now, in hindsight, it was important to get the pole position – but it was a shame not to do proper laps,” he said.
      “The visibility was very low. If we had started at 15:00 (local time), we would have had a better chance.
      “It’s a win but not really in the right way. Credit to the fans to stay here all day. In the cold and rain. They are the bigger winners today.
      “We have to keep on pushing, keep trying. We have a few more races, we have a good car and we will keep trying.”
      RACE WILL NOT RESUME
      A decision has been made!
      And it’s not one that F1 fans will have been hoping for, but it’s the one they probably expected.
      The race won’t resume as conditions are too blustery out there.
      Max Verstappen WINS the Belgian Grand Prix!
      36 MINUTES TO GO
      Drivers and teams alike are sitting around waiting for a verdict but fans are beginning to leave.
      Not much hope here.
      Over to you Michael Masi.
      COUNTDOWN
      If we don’t get going in the next 45 minutes, the race won’t go ahead and the current placings will stay as is.
      That means Max Verstappen will finish 1st, Russell in 2nd and Hamilton in 3rd.
      Weird day.
      RACE SUSPENDED
      And there we have it, the race has been suspended again – it’s been red flagged.
      The decision has been taken to stop proceedings, with the rain continuing to fall as heavy as it did earlier.
      Both Hamilton and Russell had been complaining that the rain was still having a detrimental effect on the race.
      Who knows if we’ll be back out at this point. The clock continues to tick down. We can go until 6.17pm BST, and they’ll probably persist.
      But it’s not looking good.
      LAP THREE
      Sergio Perez seems up for it, despite what it looks like out there.
      “At the back is getting better. Final sector is getting better,” he tells his team radio.
      Nine minutes of the race gone, and every car is behind the daftly car still.
      LAP TWO
      Every car is still following the safety car, so we’re not officially racing yet, but the hour is ticking down.
      The best way to dry up this track will be to get some tyres on there, so that’s what we’re doing.
      But it really does look bad out there.
      LAP ONE
      There’s still plenty of spray on the track, it actually looks worse than before.
      Anyway, on we go, Verstappen in the lead, Russell in 2nd with Hamilton in 3rd place.
      It’s all looking pretty unsteady out there at the moment, though.
      AND WE’RE OFF… FINALLY!
      We have a one hour race on our hands, with half points awarded.
      12.5 for the winner, 9 for the runner-up, 7.5 for 3rd and so on.
      RACE IS ON
      Today’s race WILL resume at 5.17pm.

      RACE PACE
      With the event countdown clock stopped, there could yet be some joy for F1 fans today.

      LEWIS HAMILTON SPEAKS TO THE RAIN-SOAKED FANS
      He’s taken to social media telling fans it is too dangerous to race in these conditions.
      He said: “Guys, sorry you’re out there waiting. This rain just won’t let up. It’s far too dangerous for us to go out. “Puts everyone at risk. Safety has to come first. Sending you positivity and thank you for your patience.”
      FINALLY EFFORTS BEING MADE TO CLEAR THE TRACK
      Road sweepers deployed to remove the standing water.

      CLOCK STOPPED
      The FIA have now confirmed they have stopped the 3-hour race limit. It has been held with one hour to go with an attempt to get some running in.
      ONE HOUR TO GO – AND LANDO NORRIS HAS FALLEN ASLEEP
      It’s proving to be a real wash out. Such a shame for all those fans in the stands and on the muddy hills.
      The McLaren man has nodded off. He’s not the only one…

      ALL TOO MUCH FOR GIOVINAZZI
      The Alfa Romeo man takes a break from waiting for the rain to stop.

      AN UPDATE FROM THE FIA
      They say it will be a 39 lap race or the three hour time limit, remember that the clock started at 3pm.
      PEREZ ALLOWED TO START
      He is given permission start from the pitlane, despite his crash on the way to the grid.
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    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Wolves vs Man Utd LIVE: Stream, TV channel, home side dominate early as Traore terrorises United defence – updates

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED have looked flat in the first half with Raphael Varane and Jadon Sancho starting for the first time.Wolves have dominated the early stages of the game at Molineux, with United failing to create virtually anything in attack.

      Kick-off time: 4.30pm
      TV channel: Sky Sports Main Event and Premier League
      Live stream: Now TV
      Wolves team: Sa, Kilman, Coady, Saiss, Semedo, Neves, Moutinho, Marcal, Trincao, Traore, Jimenez.
      Man Utd team: De Gea, Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Maguire, Shaw, Pogba, Fred, James, Bruno, Sancho, Greenwood.

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      Stay up to date with every kick from Molineux in our live blog, below…
      WOLVES 0-0 MAN UTD
      37. NO GOAL!
      Pogba plays a wonderful long ball over the top of Wolves’ backline finding Fernandes.
      The midfielder brings the ball down well and fires past Sa.
      But the linesman immediately puts his flag up for offside and the goal will not stand!
      WOLVES 0-0 MAN UTD
      35. Fred leads a counter attack for Man Utd.
      The Brazilian then finds Greenwood out wide on the left-hand side.
      The Man Utd youngster tries to get the beating of Saiss, but the defender stands firm and manages to win the ball back.
      WOLVES 0-0 MAN UTD
      33. Traore faces up to Varane, knocks the ball past him and tries to get to the byline.
      But as he goes to stick a cross into the box, Varane recovers and blocks the ball behind for a Wolves corner.
      Good defending by the Frenchman.
      WOLVES 0-0 MAN UTD
      31. Pogba – far too relaxed on the ball – attempts to spread play out wide to the left-hand side with the outside of his boot.
      But his pass is effortlessly intercepted and Wolves look to counter again.
      Credit: GETTY IMAGES
      WOLVES 0-0 MAN UTD
      29. Fernandes is down holding his right foot and needs some medical attention.
      The Wolves faithful are voicing their displeasure at the break in play, their team are outplaying United at the moment.
      WOLVES 0-0 MAN UTD
      27. James drives at his marker and manages to deliver a good cross into Wolves’ penalty area.
      Saiss manages to beat Greenwood to the ball but at the expense of a corner.
      Ronaldo is in the away end!Credit: GETTY IMAGES
      WOLVES 0-0 MAN UTD
      25. JUST WIDE!
      Neves plays a clever ball in behind Varane finding Jimenez.
      The striker manages to find a yard or two of space and clip a cross towards the back post.
      Saiss pulls off a spectacular bicycle kick but it goes just wide of the far post!
      WOLVES 0-0 MAN UTD
      23. Trincao drives Wolves forward before playing the ball into the feet of Jimenez.
      The striker – who has his back to goal – lays the ball off to midfield orchestrator Moutinho.
      The Portugal international then finds Traore out wide on the left.
      Traore cuts back onto his right foot and clips the ball towards the penalty spot.
      His attempt to find Jimenez forces Maguire to clear in a rush, winning Wolves another corner.
      WOLVES 0-0 MAN UTD
      22. Wolves win their first corner of the game.
      Moutinho whips the ball towards the edge of United’s six yard box hoping to find Jimenez.
      But Varane does well to command his box and head clear for the visitors.
      WOLVES 0-0 MAN UTD
      20. Trincao has been Wolves’ best player so far in the first half.
      And it’s no surprise that they’ve based 50 per cent of their attacks in the final third down the right flank where he’s operating.
      The on-loan Barca star is putting on a show.
      Credit: GETTY IMAGES
      WOLVES 0-0 MAN UTD
      19. James cuts inside off the right flank and looks to dance his way through two challenges.
      But the Welsh winger is dispossessed and Wolves look to counter.
      Trincao takes up responsibility and beats Fred and Shaw with skill and pace.
      But he’s then brought down by Shaw, who managed to recover well.
      WOLVES 0-0 MAN UTD
      18. Moutinho tries to float the ball towards the near post, but Fernandes heads clear for United.
      WOLVES 0-0 MAN UTD
      17. Fred concedes a free-kick in a dangerous position inside his own half.
      The Brazilian left a foot in on Jimenez.
      WOLVES 0-0 MAN UTD
      16. Maguire plays a quick ball wide to Shaw on the left-hand side.
      The left-back hesitates slipping the ball down the line for summer signing Sancho.
      And when he eventually plays the pass, Sancho is flagged for offside.
      WOLVES 0-0 MAN UTD
      15. Sancho has barely seen the ball inside the final third, he’ll be hoping to make an impact.
      WOLVES 0-0 MAN UTD
      14. Sa tries to keep a Wolves spell of possession alive and clip the ball wide to right-back Semedo.
      But his pass sails over the ex-Barca star’s head and goes out of play for a United throw-in.
      United are yet to test the keeper though.
      WOLVES 0-0 MAN UTD
      13. United controlling the majority of possession (54 per cent), but it’s Wolves who have had the better first half chances so far.
      Four shots in total with three of those being registered on target for the home side.
      WOLVES 0-0 MAN UTD
      12. CHANCE!
      Marcal receives the ball out wide on the left flank and delivers a deep cross towards the far post.
      Sancho tries to cushion the ball down into the path of Shaw, but Jimenez pounces and pokes the ball back towards the penalty spot.
      Moutinho latches onto the loose ball and gets a shot off, but his effort sails over the crossbar!
      WOLVES 0-0 MAN UTD
      11. Wolves’ fans are in fine voice this afternoon, clearly encouraged by their side’s start.
      Traore, in particular, has been unstoppable.
      WOLVES 0-0 MAN UTD
      10. Traore drives at United’s backline again and he breezes past Fred like he’s not even there.
      The winger decides to lay the ball wide to Jimenez this time instead of shooting.
      The No9 cuts back onto his right foot and gets a shot off, but it takes a deflection before eventually being cleared.
      WOLVES 0-0 MAN UTD
      9. Fernandes’ effort clips the top of the Wolves wall.
      WOLVES 0-0 MAN UTD
      8. Coady leaves one in on Fernandes in a very, very dangerous position.
      Referee Mike Dean blows his whistle for a free-kick and has a word with the Wolves captain.
      As Fernandes lines up the free-kick, United fans are in good spirits in the away end.
      A cardboard cut-out of Cristiano Ronaldo is doing the rounds!
      WOLVES 0-0 MAN UTD
      7. Fred fails to deal with Traore deep inside United’s half and the winger drives towards goal.
      Traore opts to shoot instead of laying the ball wide to Trincao on the right.
      But his effort rolls into the arms of De Gea.
      WOLVES 0-0 MAN UTD
      6. Fernandes finds himself in some room 35 yards from goal and decides to have a go.
      But his effort goes comfortably wide of Sa’s goal.
      WOLVES 0-0 MAN UTD
      5. Wolves are getting at Man Utd early on.
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    • 275 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Cristiano Ronaldo to get Man Utd No7 shirt as he becomes highest ever PL earner, Trippier back on, James set for loan

      by

      CRISTIANO RONALDO will become the Premier League’s highest ever earner on around £580,000-a-week, according to reports.And he will be the club’s new No7, according to the Premier League website.
      However, United’s site still shows Cavani with the famous jersey.
      The Uruguayan is set to do battle with fellow veteran Ronaldo for a starting berth but has no intention of leaving, according to reports.
      Ronaldo’s move to United is also set to mean a loan move for Dan James, most likely to Everton or Leeds.
      And a move for Kieran Trippier is reportedly back on.
      Meanwhile Erling Haaland will leave Borussia Dortmund next summer even if they win the Bundesliga, according to reports from Germany.
      PSG are keen to sign the Norwegian now, but the club’s poor relationship with Dortmund and his desire to stay in Germany this season are set to derail the move.
      And that would put United in pole position to complete the transfer over the coming year.
      ⚽️ LATEST RONALDO STORIES ⚽️

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      Get all the latest Man Utd news, updates and transfer gossip here…
      TRAORE BLIMEY
      Adama Traore is running the show at Molineux this afternoon.
      The winger is giving United’s midfield and defence a torrid time, with Fred particularly struggling.
      Paul Pogba is also failing to make an impression after being moved off the left into a deeper central role.
      Credit: Getty
      GAME ON
      Ten minutes in and Man Utd are yet to break the deadlock against Wolves.
      That’s despite boasting new signings Raphael Varane and Jadon Sancho in their starting XI.
      Indeed, it’s been Wolves with all the early joy, missing TWO chances to go ahead.
      Will the Red Devils keep their impressive away form going to set a new 28-game unbeaten English record?
      Or has Cristiano Ronaldo’s arrival coincided with the end of the run?
      MOUR GLORY
      Former Man Utd boss Jose Mourinho believes Crisitano Ronaldo’s return to Old Trafford is ‘perfect business’ for all parties involved.
      The Roma manager gushed: “The only thing I say – and it looks to me something basic and logic – is that if Juventus are happy, if Cristiano is happy and if Manchester United are happy this is the perfect business.
      “I think there is no need to talk about Cristiano.
      “There is no need to make any comment about someone who plays, wins, scores and makes history for 20 years.”
      OLE ON RONNY
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been speaking to Manchester United club reporter Stewart Gardner ahead of today’s clash against Wolves.
      The Norwegian manager was quizzed about the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo, and is hoping the paperwork can be ‘finalised’ in preparation for an official announcement.
      He said: “Of course the fans have been excited for the last couple of days, we all are of course.
      “He has had such a great career and he has been here before. Hopefully we can just finalise the paperwork and announce it. He is going to give everybody a boost, of course.
      “I played with him, he’s a great player, he is a top human being, he is a top professional, so he will give everybody in the squad and everybody around the club a buzz.”
      CAV A DAY OFF
      Cristiano Ronaldo will NOT wear the No7 this season at Manchester United, with Edinson Cavani keeping the shirt.
      The Uruguayan striker was given the jersey by the Red Devils for their away trip to Wolves on Sunday afternoon.
      Both Man Utd’s and the Premier League’s official website has Cavani, 34, down to wear the No7 today at Wolves.
      SHAW SPEAKS
      Luke Shaw has spoken on the ‘lift’ the signing of Cristiano Ronaldo has given the Manchester United.
      The 36-year-old is set to undergo a medical in Lisbon today before the move is made official.
      And Shaw told Sky Sports:m”I feel like it’s given the club a massive lift, not just inside but also outside which is obviously a very big positive.
      “He’s been one of the best players in the world for a number of years now and everyone’s very excited for him to come in and especially to learn off him and to be able to play with him too.”
      SANCHO AND VARANE START
      1 De Gea, 5 Maguire, 6 Pogba, 11 Greenwood, 17 Fred, 18 Fernandes, 19 Varane, 21 James, 23 Shaw, 25 Sancho, 29 Wan-Bissaka
      It’s a first start in Manchester United colours for both Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane.
      TEAM NEWS INCOMING
      Less than ten minutes to go now until Ole Gunnar Solskjaer names his line-up for this afternoon’s clash against Wolves.
      Will Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane be handed their first starts in Manchester United colours today?
      ROY ON RON
      Roy Keane thinks the signing of Ronaldo is ‘great news’ for Manchester United, but he’s not convinced that Ronaldo can help United to land the Premier League.
      Appearing on Sky Sports, Keane said: “It’s been great. I think the last few days when the news broke, it’s great news for [Manchester] United, for the fans, for the Premier League.
      “There’s no doubt in my mind he’s still a world-class player.
      “Obviously we’ve discussed the plusses and minuses, people might have doubts about him, but the hunger and the desire is there for him. It’s certainly not a payday for him, the guy’s worth fortunes.
      “We saw in the Euros, he won the Golden Boot, the World Cup is a year-and-a-half away, he’ll have that incentive to keep going.
      “He’s a clever guy. He’s only coming back to Man United to win stuff.
      “My doubts are that I doubt think he’ll be the difference to win the big trophies, but to win an FA Cup or a League Cup is obviously more than possible.”
      SOUNESS SPEAKS
      Ex-professional Graeme Souness thinks Cristiano Ronaldo could be a ‘difference’ maker for Manchester United this season.
      He told Sky Sports: “I see him making the difference for them.
      “I think there’s two, three or four players in Man United’s dressing room that need him.
      “Only him or [Lionel] Messi coming into the dressing room would make them up their game.
      “Some players in that dressing room feel they’ve arrived, they’re the real deal and no-one can tell them anything. But they will improve with Ronaldo there.
      “You’ve got no chance unless you sign senior pros and Man United have just signed the ultimate.”
      BERBA’S WORRY
      Cristiano Ronaldo’s arrival at Manchester United leaves a ‘big question mark’ over Anthony Martial, according to Dimitar Berbatov.
      And the former Red Devil also thinks it will impact Marcus Rashford, Edinson Cavani and Mason Greenwood’s roles at Old Trafford in different ways.
      The Bulgarian told Betfair: “Where Ronaldo fits into the United side is the question I asked myself because we have Martial, Rashford, [Jadon] Sancho and Cavani so there are a lot of attacking options.
      “I actually think Martial is going to have a big question mark over his head and I’m probably more concerned about that.”
      DIALL-OAN
      Amad Diallo is set for a season in the Netherlands after a deal was struck to send the Manchester United winger on loan to Feyenoord.
      A move to the Dutch club will go ahead when Diallo gives his consent, according to transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano.
      Sheffield United had been linked with a move for the youngster, along with Crystal Palace and Basel.
      The arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo and Jadon Sancho have knocked Diallo down in the pecking order after he made eight appearances last season, but Ole Gunnar Solskajer remains ‘excited’ about the future of the 19-year-old winger.
      Getty Images
      LIONS PRIDE
      Mason Greenwood will not switch his international allegiance from England to Jamaica, Gareth Southgate has assured.
      Rumours of the striker being wanted by the Caribbean nation emerged over the summer.
      Southgate told reporters: “Normally, I don’t get involved in the Under-21s but he’s beyond that.
      “I want to take a little bit more control of his development internationally.
      “The dual nationality is a bit of a red herring.
      “He 100 per cent wants to play for England and there is no suggestion there is anything else there.”
      PERFECT PAUL
      Paul Pogba has already assisted five goals for Manchester United in the Premier League this term.
      It’s the most ever by a player after two games of a season in the competition.
      It’s after the Frenchman provided just three assists in the ENTIRE of last season.
      His assist against Southampton last time out saw him equal Cristiano Ronaldo’s tally for the Red Devils in the Premier League (34).

      HUNDRED UP
      This will be Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s 100th Premier League match in charge of Manchester United (W52 D28 L19).
      Of the eight previous managers to reach the milestone for the Red Devils in the top-flight, only Ernest Mangnall (54) won more of his first 100 in charge than the Norwegian.

      WOLVES WOES
      Here’s some stats to get Manchester United fans in the mood for this afternoon’s game.
      Wolves have lost each of their last five Premier League games, scoring just one goal in the process.
      They’ve also lost five of their last seven home league games (W2), as many as they had in their previous 20 at Molineux (W9 D6).
      TWO HOUR WARNING
      There’s just three hours to go until United kick off for their third game of the Premier League season.
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side travel to Molineux to take on Wolves.
      The line-ups will be released in two hours time, where Red Devils fans will discover whether Raphael Varane will start for the first time in a Manchester United shirt.
      NO PROGRESS
      There is ‘no agreement’ between Manchester United and West Ham regarding a deal for Jesse Lingard.
      The 28-year-old has been linked with a £15million return to the London Stadium after an impressive second half of the season on loan in East London last season.
      Lingard scored nine goals in 16 games for West Ham last season and was rumoured to return to London.
      Everton are also said to be interested in a deal for the playmaker who has recently been included in Gareth Southgate’s squad for England’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
      WINNING WAYS?
      Will the Red Devils return to winning ways today after last week’s disappointing 1-1 draw against Southampton?
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side are yet to lose this campaign, but two more dropped points would represent a poor result today.
      Kick off for the clash against Wolves at Molineux is 4.30pm.
      TROPHY CABINET
      Will the arrivals of Cristiano Ronaldo, Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane help Manchester United add to their stacked trophy cabinet this season?
      And if they do fail to win a trophy with the current squad, will that signal the end of Ole Gunnar Solskajer’s tenure at Old Trafford?

      DEBUT DAY
      Red Devils fans could see Raphael Varane in action for the first time today after his initial £34million switch from Real Madrid.
      The 28-year-old was an unused substitute against Southampton last week, but could be in line to start today.
      Red Devils fans will find out in three hours, when the line-ups are released at 3.30pm for a 4.30pm kick off.
      COUNTDOWN TO KO
      The Red Devils are back on the road this afternoon as they travel to the West Midlands to take on winless Wolves.
      Ole Gunnar’s Solskajer’s side are unbeaten in 27 away games, after levelling Arsenal’s Premier League record of consecutive away games without losing last week.
      A win today would see them set a new stand alone record of 28 consecutive road trips without defeat.
      That is some incentive.
      ROON ON RON
      Wayne Rooney has spoken on Cristiano Ronaldo’s return to Old Trafford.
      Rooney and Ronaldo spent four years together at Ronaldo, and won the Champions League together in 2008.
      And he has told talkSPORT: “For the fans it will be great to see Cristiano back, it’s very exciting for everyone at the club,
      “And for his teammates, too, for some of those young lads in the dressing room, Mason Greenwood, Marcus Rashford, some of these young lads who have grown up watching him play at Old Trafford.
      “For them it would be a massive help, I’m sure. He’ll bring his mentality to the club.
      “He’s still one of the best players in the world, so I think it’s a very good signing.”
      RON REASONS
      The Glazers re-signed Cristiano Ronaldo to appease Manchester United fans following criticism of the club owners, Gary Neville has claimed.
      The 46-year-old told Sky Sports: “The Glazers have done what they normally do when they get put under pressure.
      “They make two or three signings and basically, it shuts people up.
      “I think there are deep-rooted issues at United.
      “They couldn’t let Ronaldo go to Manchester City. They’ve had it in the past with the likes of [Alexis] Sanchez when he was going to Man City and they stepped in.
      “They had to step in at this point, whether they wanted to or not is another matter. No Man United fan can complain with the three players they’ve got this summer.”
      SOLSKJAER INTERNATIONALS
      Ole Gunnar Solskajer has spoken on the fallout between Premier League clubs and national teams.
      Premier League clubs have decided not to release players who were supposed to travel to red list countries as they would have to quarantine for ten days after arriving back in the UK.
      Edinson Cavani (Uruguay) and Fred (Brazil) both want to go on international duty, whereas Solskajer would prefer them to remain in Manchester.
      He said: “I don’t want to be the manager who always moans, but it’s a fact that if you have to have 10 days in a hotel quarantining with no chance to train, no chance to keep your fitness up then you’ll need another 10-14 days to get back up to fitness again and then you’ve got to fly again.
      “It’s an impossible situation for the clubs, it’s an impossible situation for the players. We understand that there are rules and broader issues here, that’s why we have to follow the rules and get on with it.
      “I don’t want to be the moaning one but if there was a choice for me, playing for Norway or playing for Man United, I know who my employer is.
      “Yes, it’s my country but the rules are as they are at the moment. Anyway, I’m not a player any more.”
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    • 225 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      PSG told to accept £154m Mbappe Real Madrid bid, Chelsea’s Hudson-Odoi ‘set for Dortmund loan’, Kounde transfer latest

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      PSG are sitting on a £154million offer for Kylian Mbappe from Real Madrid.The French giants are determined to keep hold of the World Cup winner so they can go on and win the Champions League with Lionel Messi, but the star forward can walk away for nothing next summer.
      Meanwhile Callum Hudson-Odoi is reportedly ready to agree a loan move to Borussia Dortmund, where he’d play alongside the likes of Erling Haaland and Jude Bellingham.
      And the transfer of Jules Kounde to the Blues has edged closer with defender Kurt Zouma completing his move to West Ham.
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      Get all the latest transfer news, updates and gossip here….
      AUBA AND OUT?
      Juventus are lining up a stunning raid on Arsenal for captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
      That’s according to Tuttomercato, who claim the striker has been identified as a replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo.
      They add Arsenal are even willing to sell for just £20million.
      And Aubameyang himself is open to a Turin transfer.

      DAM THAT RIVER
      Euro 2020 star Mikkel Damsgaard is reportedly attracting interest from Liverpool.
      The Sampdoria winger was in top form for Denmark this summer.
      And La Repubblica claims Liverpool are keen on making a £26million move.
      Leeds are also thought to be monitoring Damsgaard too.
      MOUR GLORY
      Former Man Utd boss Jose Mourinho believes Crisitano Ronaldo’s return to Old Trafford is ‘perfect business’ for all parties involved.
      The Roma manager gushed: “The only thing I say – and it looks to me something basic and logic – is that if Juventus are happy, if Cristiano is happy and if Manchester United are happy this is the perfect business.
      “I think there is no need to talk about Cristiano.
      “There is no need to make any comment about someone who plays, wins, scores and makes history for 20 years.”
      OLE ON RONNY
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been speaking to Manchester United club reporter Stewart Gardner ahead of today’s clash against Wolves.
      The Norwegian manager was quizzed about the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo, and is hoping the paperwork can be ‘finalised’ in preparation for an official announcement.
      He said: “Of course the fans have been excited for the last couple of days, we all are of course.
      “He has had such a great career and he has been here before. Hopefully we can just finalise the paperwork and announce it. He is going to give everybody a boost, of course.
      “I played with him, he’s a great player, he is a top human being, he is a top professional, so he will give everybody in the squad and everybody around the club a buzz.”
      MOR SETBACK
      Tottenham have been dealt a significant setback in their pursuit of Barcelona star Ilaix Moriba.
      Moriba has attracted interest from Spurs and they were thought to be close to agreeing a transfer.
      But he has instead agreed a five-year deal with RB Leipzig, according to Fabrizio Romano.
      The transfer guru claims Moriba has agreed a pre-contract deal, and will move to the German side in June 2022.
      CAL CALL
      Callum Hudson-Odoi could be set for a loan spell away from Stamford Bridge.
      According to Sky Germany, Borussia Dortmund are keen to sign the 20-year-old on a temporary deal.
      The winger has started just eleven times under Thomas Tuchel and has been used at wing-back, rather than his preferred wing position.
      And now Tuchel’s former club Dortmund are eyeing a swoop for the youngster, with the German club in need of a winger to replace Jadon Sancho after his £73million move to Manchester United.
      HAALAND UPDATE
      Erling Haaland will NOT leave Borussia Dortmund this transfer window.
      The Norwegian superstar has been linked with a move to PSG should Kylian Mbappe leave for Real Madrid.
      But now transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has revealed PSH have known for ‘weeks’ that Haaland is not for sale in the closing days of the transfer window.
      And Borussia Dortmund director Michael Zorc said: “We are a football club and not a bank. Our position is very clear and did not change.”

      IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
      PSG have been handed an ultimatum to accept Real Madrid’s £154million offer for Kylian Mbappe, according to reports.
      If they do not succeed in this window, Real can set up a pre-agreement in January to sign Mbappe as a free agent at the end of the season.
      Therefore PSG must decide whether or not to accept a deal worth an initial £145.6m plus £8.6m in add-ons.
      According to French outlet Le Parisien, the Ligue 1 side have been told to confirm their choice on Sunday or risk Madrid pulling out of the move.
      Mbappe however IS in the PSG squad for tonight’s Ligue 1 clash against Reims.

      HWANG INBOUND
      RB Leipzig striker Hee-chan Hwang has landed in the UK to undergo a medical with Wolves, according to Sky Sports.
      The 25-year-old South Korean striker scored just three goals in 29 appearances for the German side last season but is set to seal a move to the Premier League.
      He will initially sign on loan with the option to make the deal permanent at the end of the season for £13million.

      DENNIS DECISION
      Torino have approached Leicester regarding the signature of midfielder Dennis Praet.
      According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano the Foxes will now decide whether to move the Belgian on or keep him at the Kingpower Stadium.
      The 27-year-old has been capped 13 times by Belgium and has made 60 appearances for Leicester since his £17million move from Anderlecht in 2019.
      DIALL-OAN
      Amad Diallo is set for a season in the Netherlands after a deal was struck to send the Manchester United winger on loan to Feyenoord.
      A move to the Dutch club will go ahead when Diallo gives his consent, according to transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano.
      Sheffield United had been linked with a move for the youngster, along with Crystal Palace and Basel.
      The arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo and Jadon Sancho have knocked Diallo down in the pecking order after he made eight appearances last season, but Ole Gunnar Solskajer remains ‘excited’ about the future of the 19-year-old winger.
      Getty Images
      SANTIAGO SIGNING
      Newcastle are ‘close’ to signing Santiago Munoz from Mexican side Santos Luguna according to Mark Douglas.
      The 19-year-old was withdrawn from the Mexican league’s all-star match as rumours continue to circulate about his future.
      A fee has reportedly been agreed for Munoz’s services, but there are fears a work permit won’t be secured in time for deadline day on Tuesday.
      Munoz has scored three goals and provided three assists in the Mexican top division so far this season.
      DAVID DEAL
      Leicester City are interested in signing Ajax winger David Neres.
      According to Ajax showtime the 24-year-old is expected to leave the Dutch giants before the end of the transfer window.
      And Brendan Rodgers is said to be a fan of the winger.
      The Brazilian was reportedly close to join French side Lyon earlier this summer, but now the Foxes are said to have hijacked the deal.

      IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
      Crystal Palace have made a £15million bid for Celtic striker Odsonne Edouard.
      According to the Daily Mail the Eagles have submitted an offer, but the Glaswegians are holding out for a higher fee.
      The 23-year-old is into the final year of his contract and the Hoops may be forced to cash in before losing him on a free next summer.
      Bordeaux and Rubin Kazan are already said to have made approaches for the Frenchman’s services.
      Getty Images
      COUT IN THE COLD
      Barcelona continue to leave Lionel Messi’s No10 shirt vacant despite reports the number had been entrusted with Philippe Coutinho.
      The Argentine superstar’s exit to Paris Saint-Germain led to calls to retire the shirt, which would be unlikely under LaLiga rules.
      It had been reported that Coutinho had been offered the No10 shirt, despite rumours of the Brazilian being available for transfer.
      But the midfielder was still assigned his previous No14 jersey when the squad was announced for Sunday’s game with Getafe.
      To make matters even more confusing, Coutinho is the only player listed without a number on the club’s official website.

      VLAS MEDICAL
      According to claretandhugh Nikola Vlasic is due to undergo a West Ham medical tomorrow.
      That would take West Ham’s spending to over £50million following Kurt Zouma’s £26million move to the London Stadium.
      The 23-year-old attacking midfielder has been capped 26 times by Croatia.
      ANOTHER ONE
      West Ham are in talks to sign Nikola Vlasic from CSKA Moscow.
      According to journalist Jacob Steinberg via Fabrizio Romano a fee of around £25million is close to being agreed.
      Romano has also revealed that the Hammers have not progressed with a deal for Jesse Lingard.
      But if the deal for Vlasic can be sealed it will have been a productive end to the transfer window for David Moyes’ side.

      GUNNER GO FOR HIM
      As reported this morning, Juventus are interested in signing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as a replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo.
      That would mean the Gunners having to add some firepower up front, with Divock Origi linked with a move to North London to Liverpool.
      According to the Express Arsenal could make a move for the out of favour 26-year-old.
      The Belgian international is yet to play a single minute in the Prmeier League so far this campaign for Jurgen Klopp’s side.
      Getty Images
      MESSI’S MOMENT?
      Mauricio Pochettino could hand Lionel Messi his Paris Saint-Germain debut TONIGHT after including the striker in his squad to face Reims.
      The 22-man squad means two players must be left off the nine-man bench, so Pochettino may yet decide to leave the striker’s debut until after the international break.
      Speaking to reporters on Saturday, the coach insisted: “We need to analyse and we will decide later.
      “[Messi] is very motivated. He’s a great professional who is adapting very fast to his new team-mates and to a new context.
      “He has the capacity to adapt to a new league.”
      CALLING NORMANN
      Norwich have reached an agreement with Russian side Rostov for the signing of midfielder Mathias Normann.
      According to Norwegian outlet VG a loan deal with an obligation to buy the Norwegian international for around £14million has been agreed.
      The Canaries now need to finalise personal terms with the 25-year-old, but that is not expected to be an issue.
      Daniel Farke’s side have beaten Newcastle to Normann’s signing, with the Magpies also reportedly interested in a deal for the midfielder.
      DWIGHT DEAL
      Maxwel Cornet’s £15million arrival at Turf Moor could see Dwight McNeil heading for the exit door.
      According to reports Everton are interested in a £25million deal for the Burnley man, with Aston Villa also keen on a move.
      And former Burnley goalkeeper has urged Villa to make the signing.
      He told footballinsider: “McNeil is a top player.
      “I have watched him a lot at Burnley and I know that he is rated very highly by everyone at the club.
      “Villa would do well to get him out of Burnley because I know how much they rate him.
      “His delivery is excellent and as a young player he has bundles of potential. I still think his best is to come.
      “He would be a great signing for Villa, but I think it would take a big bid to test Burnley’s resolve.”
      CALLING A CAB
      Sheffield United have opened talks with keeper Willy Caballero about a return to English football.
      Argentine Caballero, 39, is a free agent after leaving Chelsea and previously played for Manchester City.
      The Blades have just sold Aaron Ramsdale to Arsenal and are looking for a replacement.
      Their first choice, QPR’s Seny Dieng, may be too expensive.
      The R’s shot-stopper was also targeted by West Ham and Crystal Palace earlier this year.
      ROON ON RON
      Wayne Rooney has spoken on Cristiano Ronaldo’s return to Old Trafford.
      Rooney and Ronaldo spent four years together at Ronaldo, and won the Champions League together in 2008.
      And he has told talkSPORT: “For the fans it will be great to see Cristiano back, it’s very exciting for everyone at the club,
      “And for his teammates, too, for some of those young lads in the dressing room, Mason Greenwood, Marcus Rashford, some of these young lads who have grown up watching him play at Old Trafford.
      “For them it would be a massive help, I’m sure. He’ll bring his mentality to the club.
      “He’s still one of the best players in the world, so I think it’s a very good signing.”
      RON REASONS
      The Glazers re-signed Cristiano Ronaldo to appease Manchester United fans following criticism of the club owners, Gary Neville has claimed.
      The 46-year-old told Sky Sports: “The Glazers have done what they normally do when they get put under pressure.
      “They make two or three signings and basically, it shuts people up.
      “I think there are deep-rooted issues at United.
      “They couldn’t let Ronaldo go to Manchester City. They’ve had it in the past with the likes of [Alexis] Sanchez when he was going to Man City and they stepped in.
      “They had to step in at this point, whether they wanted to or not is another matter. No Man United fan can complain with the three players they’ve got this summer.”
      IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
      PSG have been handed an ultimatum to accept Real Madrid’s £154million offer for Kylian Mbappe, according to reports.
      If they do not succeed in this window, Real can set up a pre-agreement in January to sign Mbappe as a free agent at the end of the season.
      Therefore PSG must decide whether or not to accept a deal worth an initial £145.6m plus £8.6m in add-ons.
      According to French outlet Le Parisien, the Ligue 1 side have been told to confirm their choice on Sunday or risk Madrid pulling out of the move.
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      in Soccer

      Tottenham vs Watford LIVE REACTION: Heung-min Son free-kick gives Spurs third win in a row – lates updates

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      TOTTENHAM picked up their third win of the Premier League season with a 1-0 victory over Watford at home. Heung-min Son’s free-kick gave Nuno Santo’s side a big three points at Spurs’ Stadium.
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      Unfortunately, Tottenham vs Watford is not available to watch on TV or live stream in the UK.
      Tottenham XI: Lloris, Tanganga, Dier, Sanchez, Reguilon, Hojbjerg, Skipp, Dele, Bergwijn, Son, Kane.
      Watford XI: Bachmann, Cathcart, Troost-Ekong, Sierralta, Masina, Kucka, Etebo, Sissoko, Sarr, Dennis, King.

      THAT’S ALL FOR NOW!
      Spurs march on to the top of the table after a third win on the spin under new boss Nuno Espirito Santo.
      Son Heung-min got the only goal of the game just before half-time when his free-kick found the far corner of the net on his 200th Premier League appearance.
      It was a hard-fought win for Spurs against a battling Watford side, but the Hornets never really threatened Hugo Lloris.
      After the international break, Spurs head to Crystal Palace, while Watford host Wolves.
      Until next time!
      .Credit: EPA
      NUNO’S VERDICT
      Nuno Espirito Santo hailed his side’s battling qualities as they secured a third successive win to go top of the fledgling Premier League.
      He said: “It feels good. I think we did a good game, a consistent game. We knew the threat of Watford.
      “It was hard to find the spaces and gaps. In the second half we improved and had chances.
      “I’m very happy as the players worked very hard.
      “I’m proud of the players. They are the ones that deliver. We are on the way.
      “We’re not perfect but we’re becoming solid and compact, and everyone is working for each other.”
      1 – For the first time in top-flight history, Tottenham Hotspur will end the day top at the same time as Arsenal ending the day bottom of the table. Parallel. pic.twitter.com/Z926RdCCMa— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) August 29, 2021

      FT: TOTTENHAM 1-0 WATFORD
      Spurs go top of the league thanks to a third straight 1-0 win.
      Son Heung-min got the only goal of the game just before half-time when his free-kick from the left evaded everyone and found its way in at the far post.
      Spurs weren’t at their fluent best but Watford only had a few half-chances without really threatening Hugo Lloris.
      With Harry Kane staying on, it’s turned out to be a pretty good start to the season for the north London side.

      PEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!THE FINAL WHISTLE GOES!
      TOTTENHAM 1-0 WATFORD
      90. As four minutes of additional time are announced, Etebo tries to get Sarr in behind but he’s caught offside.
      TOTTENHAM 1-0 WATFORD
      89. Hernandez goes for an overhead kick as Ngakia’s cross comes in, but he gets it all wrong and misses his shot completely. That could be that for the Hornets.
      TOTTENHAM 1-0 WATFORD
      87. Second change for Spurs as George Harrison lookalike Bryan Gil replaces Son for his Premier League debut. That was Son’s 200th Premier League game.
      TOTTENHAM 1-0 WATFORD
      86. Skipp goes in the book for a foul on Sarr.
      TOTTENHAM 1-0 WATFORD
      85. The corner is headed down into the path of Kane. You expect the net to bulge but Bachmann pushes the shot away.
      TOTTENHAM 1-0 WATFORD
      84. What a run from Moura down the right. He sends in a brilliant low cross which Masina gets the slightest of touches on to turn behind. Kane was poised to slot the ball home into an empty net.
      TOTTENHAM 1-0 WATFORD
      81. Skipp gets a whack in the back from Kucka as he heads a Watford corner away. He’s okay to continue.
      TOTTENHAM 1-0 WATFORD
      80. Alli brings down Sarr near the centre-circle but play continues. The Spurs man is on a booking.
      TOTTENHAM 1-0 WATFORD
      75. Hojbjerg’s free-kick deflects off the Watford wall and forces Bachmann to tip it behind. 
      TOTTENHAM 1-0 WATFORD
      72. Bachmann’s kicking has been awful. He gives the ball away again and Moura pounces. He goes for goal but Bachmann palms his effort behind..
      TOTTENHAM 1-0 WATFORD
      71.  Final change for Watford as Tom Cleverley replaces Sissoko. The Frenchman gets a warm ovation from the Spurs fans.
      TOTTENHAM 1-0 WATFORD
      69. With Watford pushing forward, it’s opening up now for Spurs. Kucka makes a well-timed challenge on Kane as the striker shaped to shoot.
      TOTTENHAM 1-0 WATFORD
      67. Should have been 2-0. Son finds Kane and his cross is met by Alli who sends a first-time effort wide. Moura is on for Bergwijn.
      TOTTENHAM 1-0 WATFORD
      65. Another change for Watford as Cucho Hernandez replaces Josh King.
      TOTTENHAM 1-0 WATFORD
      63. Spurs don’t clear their lines from a Watford corner. The ball eventually finds Sarr on the right. He sets up Sissoko who sends his shot high and over.
      TOTTENHAM 1-0 WATFORD
      61. Alli takes out Sarr as he looks to break away on the counter. Into the book he goes despite his protests. It’s 2-2 on bookings.
      TOTTENHAM 1-0 WATFORD
      59. Son goes for a curler from the edge of the area, but it’s comfortable for Bachmann.
      TOTTENHAM 1-0 WATFORD
      57. Sanchez tries an audacious flick from a Son corner but it’s always rising and goes wide.
      TOTTENHAM 1-0 WATFORD
      54. Sissoko trips Skipp as Spurs look to break and is shown a yellow card.
      TOTTENHAM 1-0 WATFORD
      54. Fine driving run by Sissoko to the byline. He pulls it back to Sarr but his shot is blocked by Sanchez. Really good chance that.
      .Credit: Reuters
      TOTTENHAM 1-0 WATFORD
      53. Good work by Sarr down the right. His cross towards Kucka on the edge of the ara takes a horrible bounce and the Slovakian sends his shot miles over the bar.
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      F1 Belgian Grand Prix LIVE RESULTS: Race start suspended due to rain, Verstappen on pole, Hamilton 3rd on grid – updates

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      THE Belgian Grand Prix start has been SUSPENDED because of persistent heavy rain at Spa-Francorchamps with race organisers going over their OWN time limit to push back a start time.The FIA’s own rules say the Grand Prix should begin within three hours of the race’s ‘start’, but they are determined to conduct the race TODAY.
      Max Verstappen is set to start on the front of the grid, with George Russell second and Lewis Hamilton directly behind his Dutch rival in third.
      But there is likely to be a safety car start due to the rotten conditions, which have concerned some about driver safety.
      Lando Norris has suffered a five-place grid penalty after yesterday’s chaotic smash during qualifying, with his team forced to change the gear box.
      Meanwhile Sergio Perez’s weekend is over after an innocuous-looking crash before the grid formation saw him bump the barriers.

      Grand Prix start time: 2pm UK – suspended awaiting a new start time because of heavy rain
      TV channel: Sky Sports F1
      Live stream: Now TV

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      Follow ALL of the latest updates below…
      CLOCK STOPPED
      The FIA have now confirmed they have stopped the 3-hour race limit. It has been held with one hour to go with an attempt to get some running in.
      ONE HOUR TO GO – AND LANDO NORRIS HAS FALLEN ASLEEP
      It’s proving to be a real wash out. Such a shame for all those fans in the stands and on the muddy hills.
      The McLaren man has nodded off. He’s not the only one…

      ALL TOO MUCH FOR GIOVINAZZI
      The Alfa Romeo man takes a break from waiting for the rain to stop.

      AN UPDATE FROM THE FIA
      They say it will be a 39 lap race or the three hour time limit, remember that the clock started at 3pm.
      PEREZ ALLOWED TO START
      He is given permission start from the pitlane, despite his crash on the way to the grid.
      IT WILL BE A TIMED RACE
      Race Director Michael Masi says the three hour countdown started at 3pm. So, if we do get underway, we are unlikely to get he full 44 laps in.
      MORE RAIN EXPECTED
      Toto Wolff says he does not expect conditions to change. He said: “It is not going to get better for the next 45 minutes, there’s heavier rain coming.”
      MEDICAL CAR IS OUT
      Not the safety car. The bigger, slower Medical car. But still, at least we now have a vehicle actually assessing the conditions.
      NO FURTHER UPDATE
      Sad to say that we are still awaiting news from the FIA with regards to the start of this race.
      For the meantime, the rain is expected to continue for another 30-40 minutes.
      A FURTHER DELAY BUT VERSTAPPEN IS EAGER TO GET GOING
      Red Bull: “Start procedure suspended.” Verstappen: “It really isn’t that bad. But OK.”
      Worth nothing that the time limit is three hours for the race although the clock has not started yet.
      START HAS BEEN SUSPENDED – THE RACE HAS BEEN RED FLAGGED
      It has not even started. But we are heading for another delay.
      VISIBILITY IS TERRIBLE
      Drivers complaining they cannot see the car in front. It will be difficult to see the race starting like this.
      Perhaps a few laps behind the Safety Car to clear the water.
      Hamilton: “I really can’t see anything…”
      Verstappen: “I need to leave a little more space to the Safety Car because I can’t see anything.”
      Norris: “It’s pretty awful. I can barely see the car in front.”
      OFF WE GO…
      Formation lap is underway. A tentative start for the Belgian GP.

      BAD TO WURST
      Pierre Gasly: “If you can get a couple of sausages for me on the barbecue…Is the race still going to last two hours?” Engineer: “Are you thinking about your dinner?” Gasly: “I’m thinking we might need some lights”
      ALL THIS DELAY IS HELPING RED BULL REBUILD PEREZ’S CAR
      He could be back in this GP after all. They are making good progress.
      IT IS STILL RAINING HERE AT SPA
      Start has been delayed even more. This time by another 10 minutes, so pencilled in for 15:25 local time.

      JUST IN CASE YOU WERE WONDERING, ALL DRIVERS STARTING ON WET TYRES
      Hamilton, however, is on a set of used wet tyres. Verstappen is on a new set.
      DELAYED START
      Due to the rain, the race director has delayed the start of the GP in the hope of a break in the weather, which is unlikely.

      ICYMI – LANDO NORRIS IS RACING
      The Brit suffered a 185mph smash yesterday and went to hospital for an x-ray on his elbow.
      The good news he is ok, and fit to race. McLaren have rebuilt his car and, with subsequent penalties, starts 15th.

      RISK OF RAIN IS 100 PERCENT
      No real shock to see that. It is still raining at Spa, as it has done for the past few hours.
      This race is really going to be a test. The goal for Hamilton is to “bring the car home”. Says all you need to know.
      Remember, he starts in third place, behind George Russell and Max Verstappen.
      PEREZ HAS CRASHED AND IS OUT
      The Red Bull man, who was seventh on the grid, crashed on the way to his grid slot.
      In the rain, he was travelling at low speed and hit the brakes but aquaplaned into the barriers.
      Poor mistake from an experienced racer causing irreparable suspension damage to his car.

      APPROACHING LIGHTS OUT
      There’s just 45 MINUTES to go now until lights out at Spa for the Belgian Grand Prix.
      Who will come out on top today with just eight points between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen in the drivers standings?
      NORRIS DROPS DOWN
      Lando Norris has been handed a five-place grid penalty after McLaren were forced to change the gearbox on his car after his horror crash yesterday.
      Norris failed to set a time in Q3 so was given tenth place on the grid, before being moved to ninth due to a grid penalty for Valteri Bottas.
      But now Norris will drop down to 14th after the gearbox has been replaced.
      A McLaren official spokesperson has said: “After assessing the damage to Lando’s car, we have decided to change the gearbox, resulting in a five-place grid penalty.”
      LEWIS LOWDOWN
      Here’s all you need to know about Sir Lewis Hamilton before he takes to the track this afternoon in Belgium.
      Hamilton has 99 Grand Prix wins to his name, meaning a win today would take be a landmark 100th win.

      LEWIS LATEST
      Lewis Hamilton has contradicted the thoughts of his fellow F1 drivers, who have called for changes to the notoriously dangerous Eau Rouge corner at Spa.
      It’s the same corner that Lando Norris crashed out on yesterday, but Hamilton is reluctant to see change.
      He said: “I think they’ve just got to get rid of the bump and then leave Eau Rouge as it is, in my opinion.
      “The fact this track still holds the essence of that danger, I think it’s good. I just hope the changes don’t take that away.
      “Eau Rouge is already flat in the dry, easy. It’s really nice and tricky in the rain and that’s why Eau Rouge is Eau Rouge.
      “I hope the changes make it safer but don’t make it any less special, heart in your mouth, you know?
      “They’ll do what they do but I don’t think they need to spend the money.”
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      Rangers 1 Celtic 0 LIVE REACTION: Gers take first Old Firm derby win of season as Helander scores header – updates

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      SWEDISH star Filip Helander has given Rangers a priceless win in the Old Firm Derby as he headed in Borna Barisic’s corner.Celtic fans will be spitting feathers after Odsonne Edouard missed a first-half sitter with only the keeper to beat, six yards out.
      And Steven Gerrard missed the whole spectacle in front of a full Ibrox as he was isolating after a coronavirus scare.
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      Stay up to date with all the action from Ibrox in our live blog…
      THAT’S ALL FROM IBROX
      So in what most people predicted would be a high scoring game ended up being decided by a 66th minute header but that doesn’t tell the whole story.
      Celtic controlled around two thirds of the possession in the first 45 but failed to create many clear cut chances.
      However, the chance they did create fell to the man Ange Postecoglou would have wanted it to fall to in Odsonne Eduoard.
      But the Frenchman fluffed his lines, missing an absolute sitter from about 5-yards-out.
      Andthen, Ryan Kent had the chance to add to Celtic’s misery when his shot hit the outside of the post moments later.
      The second 45 saw the Scottish Champions come flying out the blocks and although they never had more possession, Gary McAllister’s men were inflicting some serious pressure on that Celtic back-line.
      Shot after shot, wave after wave of attack, the Hoops were in trouble.
      And pressure eventually made diamonds thanks to a brilliant cross from Borna Barisic met by Filip Helander at the back-stick.
      Rangers would go on to see out the victory with not much of a threat on their goal mouth apart from the odd shot by Japanese international Kyogo Furuhashi.
      Thanks for tuning in this afternoon people and I hope you all have a fantastic Sunday.
      Credit: @RangerFC
      COMING UP
      And here are the next batch of games Ange Postecoglou was referring to in his post-match press conference.
      Celtic welcome Ross County in the Scottish Premiership before travelling to Spain to take on Real Betis in the Europa League.
      Then shortly after that follows games against Livingston, Raith Rovers and Dundee United.

      ANGE’S AGONY
      Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou has been through high’s and low’s in hist short managerial career in Scotland, but he these quotes sound like he is a man with a plan going forward.
      It’s been a difficult month, we are throwing guys in at different times. As soon as the window ends, we’ll settle our squad down and start building for the next batch of games because we are willing to hit some form and start winning games.Ange PostecoglouSkySports
      NEXT UP
      After the international break, the Scottish Champions travel to St. Johnstone and welcome Motherwell to the Ibrox Stadium in the Scottish Premiership.
      But in between those fixtures, Steven Gerrard’s men have a blockbuster Europa League encounter against Lyon.

      MOTM
      Congratulations to Leon Balogun who was crowned Man of the Match in today’s old firm derby.
      The Rangers defender done a lot of the dirty work and ran his socks off.
      Credit: @SkySportsStattto
      STAT ATTACK
      And that victory for Rangers means that they have now extended their club record home League winning run to 21 matches and the Champions have kept 17 cleans sheets in that time.
      In addition to that, it is the first time the Hoops have failed to beat Rangers on six consecutive occasions since January 1999 – March 2000.
      Are Steven Gerrard’s men beginning to regain their status as the Kings of Scotland again?
      FIL’S ON FIRE
      Here is the goal which got the Scottish Champions over the line by Filip Helander.

      GOOD OL’ GARY
      Gary McAllister has stepped in for Steven Gerrard whilst he has been absent due to covid-19 and he has been doing an amazing job.
      But the Scotsman was more delighted with, the players, the performance and the fans today rather than lapping up all the plaudits for himself.
      It’s been a very strange three or four days, players playing with injuries today, no idea who was available right up to this morning, Covid and close contact protocols. But you have seen a club come together today and wow the fans were outstanding.Gary McAllisterSkySports
      UPDATED LEAGUE TABLE
      So with that win, the Scottish Champions shoot up to third in the table and only a point off the league leaders.
      As for Celtic, they stay in sixth and already find themselves playing catch-up four games into the season.
      Credit: ScottishPremiership.com
      FULL 90 STATS
      It was a real end-to-end match and there wasn’t much to separate the sides shown by the statistics.
      But the all important figure is the one right at the top.

      FULL TIME
      Rangers strike first in the first old firm derby this season thanks to a header from Filip Helander.
      Credit @RangersFC
      PEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!
      THAT! IS! THAT!
      NEW SEASON SAME OLD STORY!
      THE CHAMPIONS TAKE FIRST BLOOD IN THE OLD FIRM DERBY!
      FT: RANGERS 1-0 CELTIC
      RANGERS 1-0 CELTIC
      90+4. Filip Helander gets the ball clear and the 50,000 fans inside Ibrox go crazy because that should be it.
      RANGERS 1-0 CELTIC
      90+4. LAST MINUTE CORNER FOR CELTIC!
      JOE HART HAS MADE HIS WAY INTO THE BOX!
      RANGERS 1-0 CELTIC
      90+2. SAKALA COULD HAVE SETTLED IT!
      Steven Davis pinched the ball off of Callum McCgregor before slipping it through to the subsitute.
      But Sakala couldn’t get enough power on his strike to unsettle Joe Hart.
      RANGERS 1-0 CELTIC
      90+1. Four minutes left for Celtic to snatch a point from this end-to-end encounter but they need to get the ball first.
      The Champions are really showing their experience.
      FOUR MINTES OF ADDITIONAL TIME!
      RANGERS 1-0 CELTIC
      88. An old firm legend is about to come on for Rangers to see out the game.

      Ryan Kent – OFF
      Scott Ardield – ON

      RANGERS 1-0 CELTIC
      85. UHHHHH WHY DID YOU PASS IT THIS TIME?!
      Furuhashi went through on goal and instead of shooting like last time, he opted to pass it.
      You just can’t write this.
      RANGERS 1-0 CELTIC
      84. WHAT A SAVE ROBBIE MCCORIE!
      Kyogo Furuhashi found himself in acres of space on the right hand side of Rangers’ box and instead of squaring it to Ryan Christie, the Japanese striker decided to shoot.
      But a big left boot from McCorie in between the Rangers sticks kept his side out in front.
      I don’t blame him for shooting especially when you have nine goals in all competitions already.
      However if Furuhashi decided to pass the ball across goal, it was a certain tap in.
      RANGERS 1-0 CELTIC
      83. Another attacking change in the offing made by Gary McAllister.

      Alfredo Morelos – OFF
      Fashion Sakala – ON

      RANGERS 1-0 CELTIC
      82. False alarm people, he Rangers forward just lost his footing on route to goal.
      Initially it looked as if Starfelt pulled his shirt denying him of a goal scoring opportunity but the replays showed that it was a correct decision by the referee.
      Well done Kevin Clancy.
      RANGERS 1-0 CELTIC
      81. DID MORELOS GET HIS SHIRT TUGGED?!
      A MOMENT OF SUSPENSE!
      RANGERS 1-0 CELTIC
      80. The Hoops are beginning to control possession again but Rangers are just sitting back inviting the danger.
      This could be a dangerous move from Gary McAllister’s boys.
      RANGERS 1-0 CELTIC
      76. With less than 15 minutes to go, Celtic need to dig deep if they are to get anything from this game.
      A goal down, no fans, loss of momentum, it’s looking like a tough assignment to complete at the moment.
      But you just never know.
      Load more entries… More

    • 213 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Cristiano Ronaldo to be given No7 shirt after Cavani ‘gives it up’, Guardiola praises Ronaldo, Haaland latest

      by

      CRISTIANO RONALDO will become Manchester United’s highest-paid player on around £480,000 a week.And he will be the club’s new No7, according to the Premier League website.
      However, United’s site still shows Cavani with the famous jersey.
      The Uruguayan is set to do battle with fellow veteran Ronaldo for a starting berth but has no intention of leaving, according to reports.
      Erling Haaland will leave Borussia Dortmund next summer even if they win the Bundesliga, according to reports from Germany.
      PSG are keen to sign the Norwegian now, but the club’s poor relationship with Dortmund and his desire to stay in Germany this season are set to derail the move.
      And that would put United in pole position to complete the transfer over the coming year.
      Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola has praised Cristiano Ronaldo despite him joining United.
      ⚽️ LATEST RONALDO STORIES ⚽️

      JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)
      Get all the latest Man Utd news, updates and transfer gossip here…
      MORE FROM NEVILLE
      Gary Neville expects Cristiano Ronaldo to add a lot of goals for Manchester United ahead of his return.
      Neville told Sky Sports: “It’s a short-term measure, as is Edinson Cavani. They can’t get one of these top strikers; Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, Romelu Lukaku were never going to come to Old Trafford this summer. So I think they needed it because they haven’t got a 25-30 goal a season striker.
      “Ronaldo gives you a guarantee of goals and he’ll make the whole place be electric for the next few months. The standards he should set in that dressing room, the way in which he should influence those younger players… there are some younger players who need some really good standards putting into them.
      “They’ve now got one of the greatest football players of all time, who will do every single thing right, on and off the pitch. They’ll have nowhere to go in respect of their professionalism, work ethic”
      READY FOR A TRIP
      Manchester United have rekindled their interest in Atletico Madrid star Kieran Trippier.
      That is according to The Athletic, who claim that United may not be done yet after signing Jadon Sancho, Raphael Varane and Cristiano Ronaldo.
      However, it seems like the Red Devils will only make a move if Diogo Dalot exits before deadline day.
      Dalot has attracted interest from Borussia Dortmund but it seems like he will stay put at Old Trafford
      NEVILLE PREDICTION
      Gary Neville still believes Manchester United are third favourites to win the Premier League despite signing Cristiano Ronaldo.
      Neville told Sky Sports:”The Premier League is at the highest standard it has been for a long, long time. The Premier League has got back to the top level in Europe and Manchester United are up against really good sides.
      “In years gone by, I might have said this Manchester United side would have won the Premier League by 10 points but it’s such a strong Premier League this one.
      “I made the prediction on Monday Night Football that it would [finish] Manchester City, Chelsea and [then] Manchester United and I’m not going to change that because I don’t think the Ronaldo signing makes them a better team than Chelsea, who were the Champions League winners last season, and Manchester City, who were 20 points clear.
      “Absolutely it brings them closer to winning the title. Do I think they will win the title at this point? No I don’t. But now I’m more excited about Manchester United challenging for the title than I was maybe five or six days ago.
      “Cristiano Ronaldo, Raphael Varane will have the mentality to win the title. I’m desperate for them to win the title. But do I think they’ll win the title this season? No. I’m just being pragmatic.
      “You have to be in for these players if you’re Manchester United. Whether that wins you the title or not, I’m unsure. It gives them a far better chance than they had 48 hours ago”
      GETTY IMAGES
      NEVILLE ON RONALDO
      Manchester United legend Gary Neville believes former team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo will give the Red Devils “something they need”.
      Ronaldo returned to United 12 years after leaving for Real Madrid.
      Neville told Sky Sports: “Ronaldo will be coming to win trophies, personal accolades and set the Premier League on fire. It is a different Ronaldo, everyone expected that.
      “But he is a number nine, someone who still has that burst over short distances, he makes great runs inside the box, has anticipation of where the ball’s going to drop, and he gives United something they need”
      PAUL MERS-RON
      Paul Merson questioned Manchester United’s decision to sign Cristiano Ronaldo instead of a younger striker like Tottenham superstar Harry Kane.
      Merson said: “Will he win the league for Man Utd? I am going to say ‘no’. I think he will play centre-forward and now Edinson Cavani will be thinking, ‘Why did I sign for another year?’
      “It is going to be hard. Why not go and get Harry Kane? Kane is a three or four-year option.
      “This is a big deal for one season only; he will be 37 in February. It doesn’t matter how you keep yourself fit.
      “His standards were up there and he was unplayable and I don’t see how that will be the case in the Premier League”
      SPECIAL RON
      Roma boss, and former Manchester United manager, Jose Mourinho had little to say about Cristiano Ronaldo’s return to Old Trafford.
      Mourinho worked with Ronaldo for three years after the Portuguese head coach took over at Real Madrid in 2010.
      The former Chelsea and Tottenham boss said: “What I can say is basic, it’s logical.
      “If Juventus are happy, if Ronaldo is happy and Man Utd are happy, then it’s a perfect deal – he has written history for the last 20 years.
      “I have nothing more to comment”
      STARS REACT
      Manchester United stars are over the moon ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo’s imminent return to Old Trafford.
      Ronaldo is coming back to United 12 years after he left for Real Madrid and became one of the best footballers in the sport’s history.
      The five-time Ballon d’Or winner came close to joining Manchester City but the Red Devils hijacked the move at the eleventh hour.
      Here are some reactions:

      FAIR SHER
      Tim Sherwood believes Jesse Lingard, Daniel James and Anthony Martial will leave Manchester United after Cristiano Ronaldo’s arrival.
      Sherwood told Premier League Productions: “I think a few players will need to go.
      “They need to hand in a 25-man squad, there’s a few there who are not getting in the squad.
      “Jesse Lingard misses out, I think he needs to go and play for West Ham. He had a great time there last year, he looked like he wanted to go and play football and he was outstanding. I think it’s his time to leave the club.
      “I think Daniel James might leave as well. Leeds are chasing him and he played well against them in the first game of the season. It was a great rehearsal for him. He’s got outstanding pace and directness. I think he’ll be another one [who leaves].
      “For me, Anthony Martial will be moved on. If they’ve got a home for Martial and they can get the right money, I think they will shake hands and say it never worked out”
      MORE FROM FERDINAND
      Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand believes Cristiano Ronaldo will bring immense attention back to the club.
      Ferdinand told FIVE: “In this situation they have performed perfectly in what they have done, because Ronaldo coming to town… this is the hottest ticket in town.
      “There is no hotter ticket around. I don’t care where you look in Europe, in the world, the hottest ticket is at Old Trafford.
      “That is what Ronaldo brings. The attention on the club, the attention on other players. I mean, you cannot put into words what this is going to do for the dressing room, for the fan base…”
      GETTY IMAGES
      FERDINAND PRAISE
      Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has praised the club’s hierarchy for moving fast to hijack Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester City.
      Ferdinand told FIVE : “One thing I have to say is that the Man United hierarchy, when they needed to move there was no looking back. They performed, I must say, perfectly at every step, every point.
      “There was no looking over their shoulder, there was no hesitancy about it.
      “You have to understand that when someone like Ronaldo comes on the scene and there is an opportunity for him to come to a football club and continue his legacy and continue his history at this football club, if Man United had let that slip through their fingers, and for him to have gone across the city to the other side, you would have had to have had security 24/7 around the clock at the stadium, let alone the houses of some of the people involved in that.
      “Listen, there has been a lot of criticism that has been pointed at different people in the hierarchy at Manchester United at whatever period of time it is”
      RONALDO DEBUT
      Cristiano Ronaldo is on his way back to Manchester United for a sensational homecoming.
      Ronaldo will obviously play no part tomorrow against Wolves at Molineux, which means United fans will have to wait until after the international break to see the star forward back in action.
      Thus, the Portugal international is most likely to debut on September 11 against Newcastle at Old Trafford.
      It will take a while, but the wait will most certainly be worth it
      GA-VING A LAUGH
      Manchester United legend Gary Neville has trolled Jamie Carragher after he penned his thoughts on the dramatic Cristiano Ronaldo transfer saga.
      Ronaldo initially seemed close to joining United’s rivals Manchester City and Carragher expected it to become a done deal soon before the Red Devils hijacked the move.
      The Liverpool legend wrote a column about the matter and shared it on Twitter with the following caption: “Manchester City are signing the greatest goal scorer of his generation, but will #Ronaldo make the difference in the big CL games? Will he play? It didn’t work out for Juventus & I’m not convinced it will for City.”
      Neville responded with the following post: “The ‘You won’t win anything with kids’ moment”
      DALOT STAYS
      Diogo Dalot won’t be leaving Manchester United this summer, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
      Romano claims Borussia Dortmund were among the clubs that approached United but manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants to keep Dalot.
      He tweeted: “Manchester United have made a final decision: Diogo Dalot will stay.
      “He’s non-transferrable. Club and Solskjaer are very happy with Dalot, they trust him for present and future so he’s NOT leaving.
      “Borussia Dortmund approached Man Utd as many other clubs but no way”
      Manchester United have made a final decision: Diogo Dalot will stay. He’s non-transferrable. Club and Solskjaer are very happy with Dalot, they trust him for present and future so he’s NOT leaving. 🔴 #MUFCBorussia Dortmund approached Man Utd as many other clubs but no way. pic.twitter.com/Ac8IPRboAX— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 28, 2021

      DIALLO DECISION
      Feyenoord have joined the transfer war for Manchester United ace Amad Diallo, who is being targeted for a loan move.
      That is according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, who claims talks between the Eredivisie side and United are ongoing.
      Feyenoord are pushing but other Premier League and Bundesliga sides are in the running.
      More below:
      Excl. Feyenoord are now joining the race with many clubs approaching Manchester United for Amad Diallo loan. Talks ongoing – Feyenoord are pushing but Premier League and Bundesliga clubs are still in. 🔴🇳🇱 #MUFCFinal decision to be made in the next hours with player’s camp.— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 28, 2021

      HAALAND REMINDER
      Paris Saint-Germain are considering a move for Borussia Dortmund star and longtime Manchester United target Erling Haaland to replace Kylian Mbappe.
      Real Madrid are reportedly on the verge of agreeing a whopping £154million deal with PSG for Mbappe, whose contract runs out next year and he has refused to extend his stay in Paris.
      According to the Daily Telegraph, the Parisians are believed to have contacted Haaland’s agent Mino Raiola over the possibility of a move before August 31, when the transfer window slams shut.
      But a deal will be difficult to complete at this late stage and talks between PSG and Dortmund have yet to begin.
      United shouldn’t be keen on signing Haaland for a while as they are ready to welcome Cristiano Ronaldo back to Old Trafford
      GETTY IMAGES
      CR7 AGAIN
      Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has hinted that Edinson Cavani may have given up his No7 shirt for the returning Cristiano Ronaldo.
      Ronaldo is set to return to United where he wore the iconic jersey number during his first spell at Old Trafford between 2003 and 2009.
      Speaking on his FIVE YouTube show, Ferdinand said: “Just to think Cavani could be the back-up for Ronaldo, it’s unbelievable.
      “Cavani, I have to say, what a man! He saw who was coming to town and gave up the No7 shirt”
      PEP TALK
      Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola broke his silence after the reigning Premier League champions missed out on Cristiano Ronaldo, who returned to rivals Manchester United.
      Guardiola told BT Sport: “I don’t think frustrated is the right word.
      “We have an exceptional squad and we have improved to have the best possible team to compete.
      “It’s good that a player like Cristiano Ronaldo is back in England for the Premier League and it’s good news”
      RONALDO REMINDER
      Cristiano Ronaldo has become Manchester United’s highest earner after his £21million move from Juventus.
      Ronaldo will rake in a staggering £480,000-a-week, which will overshadow David De Gea’s £375k weekly salary.
      Before this summer, Paul Pogba was behind De Gea on £290k-a-week but summer signings Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane now occupy third and fourth spot.
      Sancho and Varane earn £350k and £340k-a-week respectively having joined from Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid
      ‘IT WILL BE GREAT’
      Wayne Rooney is happy fellow Manchester United legend Cristiano Ronaldo apparently came to his senses and sealed a return to Old Trafford, and not a move to rivals Man City.
      Rooney was one of the few who publicly said – while it seemed every insider and transfer report suggested Ronaldo was heading to the Etihad – that he couldn’t see the deal happening.
      After his Derby side drew with Nottingham Forest, Rooney said: “For the fans it will be great to see Cristiano back, it’s very exciting for everyone at the club.
      “And for his teammates, too, for some of those young lads in the dressing room, Mason Greenwood, Marcus Rashford, some of these young lads who have grown up watching him play at Old Trafford.
      “For them it would be a massive help, I’m sure. He’ll bring his mentality to the club.
      “He’s still one of the best players in the world, so I think it’s a very good signing.”

      PEP’S SATISFIED
      Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola insisted he was satisfied with his squad, despite missing out on signing Cristiano Ronaldo.
      After City beat Arsenal he said: “We are the same that we have done the last two or three years in the past, maybe people forget everything that we have done.
      “Always the club has to have the intention to get better, to improve, because the players change and this is normal, the manager changes, but the club has to get better, we cannot forget.
      “The team was magnificent last season and is the same and with these players we are still going to go.”
      When asked about the prospect of adding a striker this transfer window, Guardiola said: “No, I don’t think so.”
      ‘FOUR-WAY RACE’
      Rio Ferdinand believes Cristiano Ronaldo’s sensational transfer to Manchester United opens up the Premier League title race to four teams.
      He told BT Sport: “What this does is make it a four-way race. I still think that City are the team to beat.
      “They have the know-how, they’ve done it, they’re the champions and they’re the team who others have got to get past.
      “You want it to be interesting, you don’t want it to be a one-horse race, you want loads of teams at it going into the new year and I think we’re going to have that this year.
      “He left here as the best player in the world and he turned up in Manchester as someone who was about entertaining and skills etc, but he’s very much a man about stats now and you see his level last season.
      “Chelsea brought in a striker for £98million, yes different ages and profile etc but Ronaldo outscored him in Serie A last season. That tells you the level that he’s at.”
      AMAD RUSH
      Feyenoord are now joining the race with many clubs approaching Manchester United for Amad Diallo loan, according to Fabrizio Romano.
      Talks are ongoing and Feyenoord are pushing but Premier League and Bundesliga clubs are still in.
      The player’s camp will reportedly make a decision in the next few hours about where Diallo’s immediate future lies.
      JUVE MOVE
      Juventus are reportedly eyeing Eden Hazard and Luka Jovic as options to fill the huge hole left by Cristiano Ronaldo’s Man United return.
      And the Italian giants look set to re-sign Moise Kean on a two-year loan with an option to buy the Everton forward for £17million.
      Spanish outlet AS claims the Turin side are keen on Real Madrid striker Jovic, 23, who netted four goals in 23 appearances on loan at Eintracht Frankfurt last term.
      Meanwhile, Marca reports the Italian outfit are also keeping an eye on Jovic’s Madrid team-mate Hazard with both having struggled for game time at the Bernabeu.

      PRESSURE’S ON
      Mikael Silvestre and Wes Brown joined talkSPORT to react to the biggest transfer deal of the summer window, which they claim ‘has to’ make the Red Devils Premier League title contenders.
      Silvestre admits the pressure is now on Solskjaer to deliver, with Ronaldo set to help the Norwegian end the club’s nine-year wait for the English crown.
      He said: “I was extremely happy to hear the news, it’s amazing for the fans, for the club and for the squad.
      “He’s been a top professional everywhere he has been, he’s the driving force. He will bring so much energy and will be demanding of his teammates.
      “The bar will be so high, that everybody will get better and better.”
      Brown added: “He’s world class, he’s an experienced leader, he’s fully developed, he knows exactly what to do, and the young lads will watch him and I’m sure they will be taking all sorts of tips from him.
      “He’s one of the fittest 36-year-olds out there in the world and he’ll know what his body is capable of. Once he has that shirt on and runs on the pitch, he’ll want to score, win games, help the team and win trophies. He’s not come back to just get paid, he’ll want to help Ole build this new team.”
      CR-SEVEN HOTELS
      Cristiano Ronaldo plans to work on expanding his hotel empire when he returns to the UK, SunSport can reveal.
      The 36-year-old is opening his first Manchester hotel in 18-months and sources say he is keen to ‘quickly widen’ his portfolio of properties.
      Our source said: “Football comes first for Cristiano – it always has.
      “But he is now coming to that point in his career where he is looking beyond the game and at what comes next.
      “The amazing opportunities that exist off the field here in the UK are a key part of the reason he wanted to return.
      “He will be very hands-on with his Manchester hotel project and will be looking to open more sites once the first one is up and running.”

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