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      Cristiano Ronaldo told Erik ten Hag he wanted to STAY at Man Utd before knifing him in Piers Morgan interview

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      ERIK TEN HAG had to watch TV to see for himself how he had been stabbed in the back by Cristiano Ronaldo.The Dutchman had listened to the sulking superstar bleating about getting away from the moment he took over as manager in July.
      Erik ten Hag says Ronaldo told him he wanted to STAY before betraying him on TVCredit: AFP
      But he believed he had a promise from the 37-year-old that he was prepared to stay and help him bring success to Old Trafford.
      Instead Ronaldo went back on his word in the explosive interview with Piers Morgan that got him the sack and cost him the last seven months of his £480,000 per week contract.
      Ten Hag admits that Ronaldo, who said he had “no respect” for the Dutchman, showed him no decency, saying: “Yes, it is so. In the summer we had one talk.
      “He came in and said: ‘I will tell you in seven days if I want to stay’.
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      “Then he came back and said ‘I want to stay’. Until that moment (the interview) I never heard anything.”
      Ten Hag is sitting over lunch within a golf complex hotel near Jerez – United’s base for their Spanish break before the restart of the season.
      For the first time he is reflecting on the crazy 33 days that brought to the ugliest of ends what was supposed to have been the romantic return of Ronaldo when he re-signed from Juventus at the start of last season.
      A fierce thunder and lightning storm darkens the secluded dining room – matching Ten Hag’s mood on the thorny subject of the man who also declared that he had been “betrayed” by United.
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      Yet it was the 37 year old who knifed Ten Hag.
      He insists he did everything he could to make Ronaldo happy despite continuing rumblings from the 701-goal striker wanting a move to a Champions League club.
      Ronaldo deserted his team mates, heading up the tunnel in the closing minutes of a 2–0 Premier League win over Tottenham on October 19.
      On November 16 THAT interview with Morgan aired after The Sun had exclusively revealed some of the shocking allegations from Ronaldo that damned United.
      Ronaldo was unceremoniously sacked six days after that – but such an outcome, vows Ten Hag, was never on his agenda.
      He said: “It was not my objective. It looks like it, but it was not my objective. We wanted him to be part of our project.
      “Him to contribute to Manchester United because he is a great player.
      “He has such a great history, but it’s the past and we have to look into the future and I don’t spend my energy on it.
      I did everything to bring Ronaldo into the team because I value his qualityERIK TEN HAG
      “I wanted him to stay from the first moment until now. He wanted to leave, it was quite clear.
      “And when a player definitely doesn’t want to be in this club then he has to go, clear.
      “I did everything to bring him into the team because I value his quality.
      “When he is in good shape, he is a good player and he could help us to get back and achieve the objectives we have. That is quite clear. But he wasn’t.”
      Ronaldo had already been banished by Ten Hag for walking out on his team towards the end of that win against Spurs.
      Yet in what turned out to be his last game in a Man United shirt, a 3–1 Prem win over Aston Villa on November 6, he was still made captain.
      And Ten Hag even admits that had Ronaldo stayed on-message there might have been a new contract for him.
      RON DEAL ON TABLE
      Asked if the veteran, who could be dumped to the bench once again by Portugal in Saturday’s World Cup quarter final with Morocco, might have earned a new deal had he showed the right fitness and attitude he replied: “Yes, potentially, should he fit in. It is theoretical.”
      But Ten Hag stressed he wouldn’t have been against the idea of him signing on again saying: “Definitely not.
      “Last year he scored 24 goals, yes? So what does this team need? We need goals.”
      Instead Anthony Martial, who scored from the spot in a midweek 4–2 friendly defeat to Cadiz, will be asked to provide them.
      And it was obvious to Ten Hag that would have to be the case once he viewed Ronaldo effectively talking himself out of United
      All the former Ajax manager had to do was point his remote control at the telly to know that.
      He said of the interview: “I have seen most of it. I have to do it. It is part of my job to do it.
      “And I think it was quite clear after that he had to leave.”
      Read More on The Sun
      Ten Hag, who takes his non–World Cup squad into another friendly against Real Betis tomorrow, repeated: “Now is the time to move on.
      “The club can only be successful when all the decision makers are on one page and they back each other. That is the only way the club can be successful and operate.” More

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      Inter Milan ‘are keen on Chris Smalling transfer’ as ex-Man Utd star nears end of Roma contract

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      INTER MILAN are reportedly keen on a free transfer swoop for Chris Smalling.The ex-Manchester United star has revived his career in Italy with Roma.
      Inter Milan are eyeing a free transfer swoop for Roma star Chris SmallingCredit: Getty
      And despite turning 34 next year, Smalling could be set for a move up the Serie A ladder with the 2021 champions.
      The former Red Devil has been at Roma since 2019 following nine seasons at Old Trafford.
      Now in his fourth campaign in Italy’s capital, Smalling is widely regarded as one of the league’s top centre-backs.
      And boss Jose Mourinho was left speechless when the ace was not selected by Gareth Southgate for England’s World Cup squad in Qatar.
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      However, the Special One could soon be bidding farewell to Smalling.
      The veteran’s contract is up at the end of term, and he is yet to respond to a new two-year offer from Roma.
      Gianluca Di Marzio now claims that Inter are preparing to make a move for Smalling as they seek defensive reinforcements.
      A San Siro switch would see the centre-back land a pay rise and arguably provide him with a better chance of winning the Serie A title.
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      Roma are now scrambling to put together a more appealing deal so Smalling stays put.
      But it’s also reckoned fallen giants Juventus are monitoring the situation, with Turin still an attractive prospect despite their slide down the table.
      Smalling has so far made 117 appearances for Roma, scoring an impressive 10 goals in the process.
      He played a key role in last term’s Europa Conference League victory.
      But with Roma languishing in seventh in this season’s Serie A table, Smalling may feel the time is right for another new challenge. More

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      Man Utd ‘to push ahead with new Diogo Dalot contract and will hold talks with Portugal star after World Cup’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have reportedly pushed forward their timeline in offering Diogo Dalot a new contract. The Portuguese defender has been in excellent form this season which has seen him nail down a spot as the club’s starting right-back under Erik ten Hag.
      Diogo Dalot is set to earn a new deal at Old TraffordCredit: Getty
      Dalot has been in impressive form this seasonCredit: Getty
      However, the 23-year-old is out of contract next summer and the club are under pressure to get a deal over the line quickly before other interested parties can submit pre-contract offers to swipe him away.
      According to Fabrizio Romano, United have been impressed with his form – which even saw him usurp Joao Cancelo in the Portugal starting XI for their latest World Cup game against Switzerland.
      He reports a meeting is expected to take place between Dalot and the club after the World Cup.
      A plan has also been put in place regarding the transfer market surrounding the club’s right back position.
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      Dalot has played in all but one game for United this season, with £50million man Aaron Wan-Bissaka unable to get a sniff of a starting role.
      Indeed, the one game Dalot missed through suspension saw the right-back slot filled by Tyrell Malacia – who had initially usurped Luke Shaw at left-back before the England man came into form.
      United’s plan will see the former Crystal Palace star sold to make room for a new right-back to compete with Dalot.
      Bayer Leverkusen star Jeremie Frimpong has been linked with a move to Old Trafford.
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      The 21-year-old is highly-rated and can operate as either a right-back or as a right-midfielder.
      But this season the £25m-rated Dutchman has predominantly been a right midfielder in the Bundesliga, chipping in with five goals and an assist. More

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      Tottenham and Liverpool ‘are keen on transfer for France’s shock World Cup star Randal Kolo Muani’

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      TOTTENHAM and Liverpool are reportedly both interested in France World Cup star Randal Kolo Muani.Les Bleus boss Didier Deschamps only capped the 24-year-old forward for the first time three months ago.
      Randal Kolo Muani started France’s clash with Tunisia at the World CupCredit: Getty
      But after featuring against Austria and Denmark in the Nations League in September, Kolo Muani was talked up as a potential option to go to the World Cup.
      He has had a stellar season with Eintracht Frankfurt, contributing eight goals and 11 assists in 23 appearances.
      And while he failed to make France’s original 26-man squad for the tournament, he ended up going to Qatar as a replacement for the injured Christopher Nkunku.
      He subsequently started the 1-0 group stage loss to Tunisia and could feature against England in the quarter-finals on Saturday.
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      His rise from Nantes reject to World Cup international has been a rapid one – and it does not appear to be stopping here.
      According to Foot Mercato, Spurs and Liverpool are keen to sign the Frankfurt man.
      Tottenham tried to acquire him in the summer but were beaten to the punch by the Bundesliga outfit.
      Now they could face competition from Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool as Kolo Muani’s profile continues to rise following World Cup selection.
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      And he is expected to set the Premier League clubs back a substantial fee – despite arriving at Frankfurt on a free transfer.
      It is believed that the German side will not consider any offers under £51million.
      And they could even hold out for as much as £69m given the forward has shown a superb run of form. More

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      Man Utd ‘working on free transfer for Switzerland keeper Yann Sommer’ raising doubts over David De Gea’s future

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are looking to bring in Yann Sommer on a free transfer, according to reports.Sommer is currently at Borussia Monchengladbach, but can leave the club on a free transfer when is contract expires in the summer.
      Yann Sommer and Switzerland crashed out of the World Cup round of 16, losing 6-1 to PortugalCredit: AP
      Reports are suggesting that Erik ten Hag has is eyes set on Sommer and will look to add him to his list of goalkeepers in the summer.
      And the 33-year old would be able to sign a pre-contract with Manchester United from January 1.
      ESPN say United are currently working on the deal during the World Cup break.
      Sommer’s arrival could mean that David De Gea will be shown the exit door at Old Trafford.
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      The Spaniard has been with United since 2011 and is the side’s current longest serving player alongside Phil Jones.
      The Red Devils signed Newcastle’s Martin Dubravka on loan at the start of the season, but he is expected to return to the North East once his deal ends.
      Dean Henderson is also at United’s disposal, but is currently out on loan at Premier League side Nottingham Forest.
      Henderson is expected to return to Old Trafford at the end of the season as there is no buy option for Forest in his contract.
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      There has been much speculation around the future of De Gea as he was left out of Spain’s World Cup side after struggling to adapt to Ten Hag’s style of play.
      Sommer was part of Switzerland’s campaign in Qatar, but conceded a whopping six goals in his side’s thrashing to Portugal which saw the Swiss exit the tournament in the round of 16.
      The Bundesliga shot-stopper has managed 335 appearances for Monchengladbach, keeping an impressive 90 clean sheets during his tenure. More

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      Arsenal should target two January transfers including ‘next Ian Wright’ Ivan Toney, claims Ray Parlour

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      WITH Gabriel Jesus sidelined by injury, Arsenal legend Ray Parlour has urged the Gunners to sign Brentford ace Ivan Toney.Parlour, 49, drew comparisons between the Bees talisman and Arsenal hero Ian Wright.
      Ivan Toney has scored 10 Premier League goals this seasonCredit: PA
      Ray Parlour compared Toney to Arsenal legend Ian WrightCredit: PA
      Parlour claimed France international Marcus Thuram could be another transfer targetCredit: Getty
      Summer signing Jesus had surgery on his knee this week and is set to be out of action for three months.
      That could see Arsenal forced to bring in a striker when the winter transfer window opens.
      And Parlour reckons Toney, who has 10 goals in 14 Premier League games this season, could be the answer.
      The 26-year-old has been charged by the FA over 232 alleged breaches of betting rules.
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      But Parlour told Sports Lens: “The problem you’re going to have in January is who’s available? I’ve always said Ivan Toney of Brentford.
      “I’d go and try to get him if I could. I don’t think you’ll get him in this window but he’s who I’d go for.
      “I think he’s similar to Ian Wright the way he plays and scores his goals.”
      Parlour also listed Borussia Monchengladbach forward Marcus Thuram as a possible option.
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      The 25-year-old has netted 10 goals in 15 Bundesliga games this season, and is currently at the World Cup with France, who face England in the quarter-finals on Saturday.
      He is also out of contract at the end of the season, which could see the Gunners try and pick him up on the cheap in January.
      Parlour continued: “I know Marcus Thuram at Borussia Monchengladbach could be available because his contract is up at the end of the year.
      “I do know Edu was looking for a winger [or] forward when I spoke to him in preseason.
      “He wanted a winger who could go past someone and offer something a bit different to what they’ve got now.
      “Someone pacey like a Marc Overmars… that’s what I’d be looking to bring in.”
      Parlour played 466 games for ArsenalCredit: The Sun More

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      Arsenal could be forced to rip up January transfer plans and shelve Mykhailo Mudryk move after Gabriel Jesus injury

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      ARSENAL could have to postpone their planned January transfer swoop for Mykhailo Mudryk after news Gabriel Jesus could be sidelined long-term.The Gunners have been dealt a huge blow to their title hopes with the star facing months out after surgery on his knee.
      Arsenal may have to postpone their transfer pursuit of Mykhailo Mudryk next monthCredit: Getty
      The Gunners have been rocked by the news Gabriel Jesus will be sidelined long-termCredit: Instagram
      They have confirmed that their star striker, signed from Manchester City for £45million in the summer, had gone under the knife after returning from the World Cup.
      Arsenal are currently unclear on how long Jesus’ recovery will take, but the striker could be facing months out.
      Jesus, 25, has five Premier League goals so far this season and has been key to them going into the break five points clear at the top of the table.
      The former Manchester City man suffered the injury in Brazil’s final group stage game against Cameroon, his first start at Qatar 2022 having come off the bench against Serbia and Switzerland.
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      In a statement, the North Londoners said: “Gabriel Jesus has successfully undergone surgery to his right knee after suffering an injury during the Brazil v Cameroon World Cup group stage match on Friday.
      “Gabby will now begin his rehabilitation programme. Everyone at the club is supporting Gabby and will be working hard to get him back on the pitch as soon as possible.”
      The injury could force Mikel Arteta to go back into the transfer market to sign another striker to continue challenging Manchester City for the title.
      Arsenal spent £120million in the summer but only have one other out-and-out striker in the squad, Eddie Nketiah.
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      The former England Under-21 international is yet to start a Prem game this season and has no goals in 12 league appearances from the bench.
      Arsenal are keen on signing Shakhtar Donetsk winger Mudryk, 21, but may have to rethink their plans as the Ukrainian is not a centre forward.
      Brazil boss Tite was accused of the Arsenal man knowing there was a concern over his knee but firmly denied those claims, calling them “evil lies”.
      Tite said: “I don’t like hearing lies out there, evil lies.
      “At no time do we play for victory at the risk of a player’s peril. The liar who’s out there – because that’s the name isn’t it, the haters, right?
      “We are responsible, we are personally responsible, we are ethical and it would never have happened. I didn’t want this to happen, it’s a shame, we are very sorry for Gabriel.”
      Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka, still in Qatar with England, quickly got in touch with his teammate after hearing of the injury.
      Saka said: “He’s a very, very, very important player for us.
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      “It’s not good to hear the news, obviously I’ve messaged him. It was definitely not good news when I heard that.”
      After a training camp in Dubai and friendlies against Lyon, AC Milan and Juventus, Arsenal return to Premier League action on Boxing Day against West Ham. More

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      Liverpool ‘held secret transfer meeting with Sofyan Amrabat before Morocco star flew out to World Cup’

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      LIVERPOOL held a secret meeting with Moroccan star Sofyan Amrabat ahead of the World Cup over a potential transfer, according to reports.The 26-year-old midfielder currently plays for Fiorentina in Serie A and has had a host of clubs monitoring him for months.
      Moroccan World Cup star Sofyan Amrabat’s representatives ‘had a meeting with Jurgen Klopp’Credit: Getty
      Tottenham were keen last summer but failed to agree a fee with the Italian side.
      They are still believed to hold an interest in the ace – but now Liverpool look to be leading the chase.
      That is according to Foot Mercato, who are claiming that Jurgen Klopp wants to strengthen in the middle of the park in the January window.
      And they state that led to the Reds boss actually meeting with Amrabat’s entourage prior to his heroics for his country in Qatar.
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      They state the meeting was “positive” and that they have “planned to see each other again after the 2022 World Cup”.
      But the Anfield giants are not the only ones hoping to snap him up from Fiorentina.
      Inter Milan want to keep him in Italy and are monitoring his situation “carefully”.
      Fiorentina still have the option to extend Amrabat’s contract by a further year and keep his transfer value high.
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      However, the player is said to have “dreamed” about playing in the Premier League and Liverpool’s interest could prove too hard to resist.
      The star’s focus is currently on helping his country to create more history at the World Cup.
      He played the full 120 minutes with the help of pain-killing injections before Morocco shocked Spain by dumping them out of the tournament on penalties on Tuesday night.
      Now he and his team-mates are preparing for their quarter final with Portugal on Sunday. More