Manchester United

2022 - 10 - 23

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Aljazeera.com"

Preview: Chelsea take on Manchester United in the Premier League (Aljazeera.com)

Manchester unbeaten in last five games, Chelsea have not lost since Potter arrived last month.

Christian Eriksen will be benched. In defensive midfield, Ten Hag will look to Casemiro, who has brought stability to the team since signing from Real Madrid and Fred. Ten Hag, who has been in charge of Manchester United since the start of the season, lost his first game at home to a Brighton team then managed by Potter. A loss to Chelsea will undoubtedly heap pressure on Ten Hag, who, despite impressive wins against Tottenham, Arsenal and Liverpool, has overseen a 4-0 drubbing by Brentford and a string of lacklustre performances in the Europa League. Manchester United head to Chelsea on Saturday afternoon for what promises to be a key game for a top-four finish. Preview: Chelsea take on Manchester United in the Premier League

Post cover
Image courtesy of "The Athletic"

Chelsea vs Manchester United start time, streaming and live score ... (The Athletic)

Chelsea face Manchester United in the standout match of gameweek 13 of this Premier League season.Chelsea are unbeaten since new coach Graham Potter arrived ...

He added: “I am here to manage (the situation). The second time has consequences. I am responsible for the top culture here. Things get better and then you just move forward.” “You have to at least acknowledge the fact they’re human beings who want to be involved in that type of competition absolutely. He was on the (training) pitch, but he's not available for (the Chelsea game). So that’s the latest. But apart from the long-term absences, we’re pretty much as we were.” So I'm happy with that process.” The result moves Forest off the bottom of the table and above Leicester City. Awoniyi was a Liverpool player from 2015 to 2021 but never appeared for the club while being sent out on several loans. (Photo: Getty Images)

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Sporting News"

Chelsea vs. Manchester United live score, updates, highlights and ... (Sporting News)

Chelsea welcome Manchester United to Stamford Bridge with both teams hoping to close the gap on Premier League leaders Arsenal.

But the Italian international then made up for it by converting a penalty in a 1-1 draw. Ten Hag has opted not to include him in his squad for today's match after the Portuguese refused to come on as a late substitute in the 2-0 win over Tottenham last time out. 43rd min: Chelsea break at pace and Sterling plays in Aubameyang but Diogo Dalot slides in to put the Gabon international off and the ball goes beyond both of them. 34th min: Rashford runs at Silva but instead of beating him for pace in the box he takes the shot early and it's well saved by Kepa. Our focus is totally on this game, the players are prepared and will work to get a result," says Ten Hag. "Obviously, Fred and Eriksen are different players but it's the same position. 13th min: Kepa makes the first save of the match. 45th min: Antony makes a mess of a big chance down the other end. In the build up, Varane looks to have stretched a bit too far when trying to stop Aubameyang and he looks to be coming off. He jumps highest in the box and Kepa gets a hand to his looping header but tips it onto the post and the ball comes back down, crossing the goal line by a few centimetres! 57th min: A ball is played into Sterling at the back post but he can't connect with the ball properly and fluffs his lines. McTominay is all over Broja and brings him to the floor.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "The Indian Express"

Chelsea vs Manchester United Live Updates: United looking to go ... (The Indian Express)

While Chelsea are coming off a midweek draw at Brentford, United bagged all three points at home against Tottenham Hotspur. United occupy fifth place in the ...

Chelsea vs Manchester United, Premier League Live Score Updates: Chelsea face Manchester United in Saturday’s marquee Premier League fixture. Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo will not be in their squad for Saturday’s Premier League game at Chelsea. Chelsea vs Manchester United Live Football Score Online and Updates: Premier League 2022, CHE vs MUN live action below.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Goal.com"

Chelsea vs Manchester United: Lineups and LIVE updates (Goal.com)

The Blues haven't lost a match since September 6 in both Premier League and Champions League and extended that run in midweek, but Blues fans will be ...

Who will win the English Premier League this season? Manchester United will face Sheriff Tiraspol at home on 28th October, with a draw sufficient to take them to the knockout stages, before taking on West Ham United in another tough Premier League clash on 30th October. They will then make a trip to the south coast to take on Graham Potter's former club Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League on 29th October.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "ESPN"

Man United prepared to grant Cristiano Ronaldo free transfer amid ... (ESPN)

Manchester United have received no interest in Cristiano Ronaldo despite making him available on a free transfer since the summer, sources have told ESPN.

Sources have said that there is a hope within Old Trafford that clubs could emerge as potential options for Ronaldo if he enjoys a productive World Cup with Portugal in Qatar next month. [Manchester United](/soccer/team?id=360) have received no interest in [Cristiano Ronaldo](https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/_/id/22774/Cristiano-Ronaldo) despite making him available on a free transfer since the summer, sources have told ESPN. [Ronaldo will miss](/soccer/manchester-united-engman_utd/story/4776516/man-uniteds-cristiano-ronaldo-left-old-trafford-before-full-time-in-win-over-tottenham-sources) Saturday's Premier League game against [Chelsea](/soccer/team?id=363) at Stamford Bridge after being dropped by manager Erik ten Hag as punishment for [refusing to play ](/soccer/manchester-united-engman_utd/story/4777310/man-uniteds-cristiano-ronaldo-refused-to-come-on-during-win-over-tottenham-erik-ten-hag)as a substitute in Wednesday's 2-0 win against Tottenham at Old Trafford.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "AS English"

Chelsea - Manchester United summary: score, goals and highlights ... (AS English)

An exciting finish saw a penalty stroked home by Jorginho before Casemiro headed in to share the points.

United sit a point behind Saturday’s opponents and also head into the clash in fine fettle, despite the recent drama surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo (more on him later) and the derby thrashing by City at the start of the month. After conceding a goal in each of Potter’s first two games against Salzburg and Crystal Palace, the Blues haven’t let any in in their last five. That said, why watch when you can stay here and allow me to bring the game to life with some carefully chosen words? We're about 10 minutes away from kick-off and the noise in the stadium is building very close to what we'd expect. Chelsea manage to get their collective feet on the ball for more than a couple of seconds and move into the United half. Ten Hag revealed that the Portuguese star refused to come on as a late substitute in Wednesday’s victory over Spurs, going up the tunnel before the full-time whistle. Not long after and Cucurella is flying in to a United player. He certainly gets hold of it and it flies just wide of the far post. It's been a good opening to the second half from the Blues. Shaw crosses in deep and the Brazilian rises to put a firm header back across goal. Back and forth goes possession, neither side looking to hold onto the ball for too long. The result keeps Chelsea in fourth place, a point ahead of United.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Sky Sports"

Cristiano Ronaldo: Gary Neville says Manchester United should ... (Sky Sports)

Cristiano Ronaldo dropped by Erik ten Hag for their trip to Chelsea after refusing to come on as a late substitute against Tottenham before leaving early; ...

"They beat Spurs the other night and thought they'd won the European Cup. They got hammered against Man City [without him], they lost to Brighton, they lost to Brentford, they've drawn today and celebrated like they've won the league. "He has to take his punishment. Can he get back into the team before the World Cup? "Everyone was saying after the Spurs game it was Manchester United's best performance in years. "They asked the manager in the press conference about Ronaldo refusing to come on but they should have asked him when was he going to put him on? Cristiano is too good a player, too fantastic a character and the club have got to move on. "I'm going to try and defend him. 'I count on him') and that he "counts" on him for the rest of the season, but Sky Sports pundit Neville believes the 37-year-old should leave. Let’s focus on this game, it was a good game for my team and I have to compliment my team. That has been brewing over the last few weeks," said Keane. Because this has to end," said Neville.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Manchester Evening News"

Gary Neville slams Cristiano Ronaldo and tells Manchester United ... (Manchester Evening News)

Gary Neville has delivered his verdict on Cristiano Ronaldo's refusal to step off the bench during Man United's 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur.

Manager [Erik ten Hag](https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/all-about/erik-ten-hag) chose to take disciplinary action against the forward, leaving him out of the squad for Saturday's teatime trip to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea. "When you look at whether Cristiano should be selected, Manchester United are better without him - and Erik ten Hag knows that. I have to say, as someone in the dressing room, it's something that's unacceptable. He also conceded that United are 'better' when the 37-year-old is not playing. He has started just twice in the Premier League so far this season, highlighting that he has been out-of-favour under Ten Hag. [Ronaldo](https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/all-about/cristiano-ronaldo), who was dropped to the bench for the visit of Spurs, refused to come on as a substitute late on in the contest, instead choosing to get up off the bench, walk back down the tunnel and head for home.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Eurosport.com"

Manchester United battle Liverpool and Chelsea for £10m ... (Eurosport.com)

Man Utd want MLS star Jhon Duran, Real Madrid are keen on Diogo Dalot, Barcelona weigh up Ruben Neves, and Kylian Mbappe is unhappy at PSG.

It already appears that he wants influence outside the scope of any player who has come before him, and if his reaction is to leave the club in January, then it might help PSG start to build a much more professional setup after years of unnecessary drama. Barcelona are not quite good enough in Europe and adding some energy and sophistication to the middle of their squad would help them get to where Xavi Hernandez wants. He has a year longer on his deal but there is a chance they could strike a deal for an initial loan before a £40m transfer goes through in the summer.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Stadium Astro"

Chelsea 1-1 Manchester United: Casemiro snatches dramatic late ... (Stadium Astro)

Manchester United rescued a point at Chelsea in Saturday's Premier League contest thanks to a last-gasp Casemiro header.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "ESPN"

Casemiro earns Man United well-deserved point at Chelsea (ESPN)

Casemiro scored his first goal for Manchester United with a dramatic headed equaliser four minutes into stoppage time against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

[Ruben Loftus-Cheek](https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/_/id/186505/Ruben-Loftus-Cheek) struggled to make any impact in the centre of the pitch. [Raphael Varane](https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/_/id/153053/Raphaël-Varane) to what appeared to be a worrying injury in the second half. Kante and Jorginho are both in their 30s and Kovacic, at 28, is arguably beyond the peak of his career. [Match report: Chelsea 1-1 Man United](/soccer/report?gameId=637947) But Ten Hag is clearly a spiky character and the players he has added to the squad since taking charge have given United the physical edge they have lacked for too long. But [Brazil](/soccer/team?id=205) international Casemiro, a £70 million summer signing from [Real Madrid](/soccer/team?id=86), salvaged a point for United by beating McTominay to a cross and heading the ball past goalkeeper Kepa, who had pushed it onto the post. And Casemiro showed his experience with a series of tactical fouls that helped halt Chelsea attacks. [Chelsea](/soccer/team?id=363) and [Manchester United](/soccer/team?id=360) played out a tight 1-1 Premier League draw at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. Last season, and repeatedly since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013, United have been a soft touch on the pitch with opponents too often winning the physical battle over the 90 minutes. McTominay had foolishly wrestled Broja to the ground in front of referee Stuart Attwell, leaving the official with no option but to award a penalty. [Best/worst performers](#bestworst) [Highlights and notable moments](#highlights)

Post cover
Image courtesy of "The Indian Express"

Chelsea vs Manchester United Live Streaming Details: When and ... (The Indian Express)

The team came back from the international break and got humiliated 6-3 away from home in the Manchester Derby, and followed it up with a few unconvincing ...

When will the Chelsea vs Manchester United match be played? Premier League, Chelsea vs Manchester United Live Streaming Details: Erik Ten Hag’s Manchester United have lacked consistency, especially away from home this season. Under new manager Graham Potter, Chelsea have slowly picked up momentum and points to make it back into the top four.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Manchester United"

Ten Hag reacts to dramatic draw (Manchester United)

Erik ten Hag was proud of his team's ability to fight back as Manchester United salvaged a dramatic 1-1 draw with Chelsea in stoppage time at Stamford ...

So, for now, I am not looking at the table, I am looking at the process and the progress.” “It is what it is and we accept it and we fought back. “He is growing from game to game and now, he made the equaliser. “I don’t know, it is so short after we finished the game. But the team found their energy and their strength and fought back. And in the end, I think a point was justified.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Manchester United"

Ten Hag provides Varane injury update (Manchester United)

Erik ten Hag delivers the latest news on Rapha after he went off at Stamford Bridge.

Ten Hag told reporters after the game: "It is difficult to say how it is now because it is so soon after the game. Of course he is experienced, but [the] medical [staff] have to do their job, have to make the assessment and set the right diagnosis, and then from there on can come a conclusion.” While Varane was able to walk off the pitch with the club physio and doctor, he was crying as he did so signifying the potential severity of the injury.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Stadium Astro"

France defender Varane left in tears after injury during Manchester ... (Stadium Astro)

Raphael Varane was forced off due to injury in Manchester United's Premier League clash against Chelsea and was visibly upset.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Manchester United"

Man Utd statement homophobia has no place in football 23 October ... (Manchester United)

Manchester United issue a statement after a homophobic chant was heard coming from some away fans on Saturday.

Also on show at Old Trafford next Sunday will be the ever-present Rainbow Devils banner promoting our LGBTQ+ supporters’ club. This includes working with fan groups to educate fans on the offence which discriminatory language causes.” Manchester United is proud of our diverse fan base and the work we have done to reduce instances like we sadly heard at Stamford Bridge.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Planet Sport"

Manchester United defender Raphael Varane could miss the World ... (Planet Sport)

Manchester United defender Raphael Varane could potentially miss out on the World Cup after suffering a hamstring injury in the 1-1 draw at Chelsea.

That will always bring you to the right position. "We have to live with that and I'm happy with that as well." "It's more important to have the right culture and the right standards for us to live by.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Manchester Evening News"

Gary Lineker makes 'scary' Casemiro admission following ... (Manchester Evening News)

The Brazilian midfielder was once again in superb for as Erik ten Hag's side rescued a late point at Stamford Bridge.

Registering 68 touches and 10 ball recoveries, it is hard not to see why United were so keen on bringing in the midfielder to help fill a clear missing piece of their puzzle earlier this year. Casemiro is quite scary,'' he wrote on social media, following yesterday's draw in the capital. Gary Lineker was quick to back up the recent praise, insisting he himself is already impressed with what he has seen from the five-time Champions League winner.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Stadium Astro"

Man Utd must end Ronaldo relationship now – Neville (Stadium Astro)

Cristiano Ronaldo was dropped for Manchester United's clash with Chelsea, and former team-mate Gary Neville can see no way back.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Eurosport.co.uk"

Roy Keane, Gary Neville clash over Manchester United's treatment ... (Eurosport.co.uk)

Manchester United legends Roy Keane and Cristiano Ronaldo clash over Erik ten Hag's handling of the Cristiano Ronaldo issue at Old Trafford.

When Neville suggested that few Manchester United fans would want to see Ronaldo in the starting line-up, Keane gave a curt response. He’s going to have to leave, that’s it, that’s all it is." The former United captain went on to suggest that Ronaldo will have to leave the club. The legendary midfielder said: "There are players at Man United who have done a lot worse than what he's done." He goes to Everton a week later, comes on, scores a goal. He said: "I couldn't care less what fans think. He went on, explaining what he sees Ronaldo contributing to the team: "They played Man City a few weeks ago and it could've been 16 [goals they conceded]. The manager says, 'I'm not bringing him on' because he didn’t want to disrespect Ronaldo. Neville continued: "End it this week or create a truce to get to the World Cup. if you’re doing things like that you've got to leave." He said: "For me, [he] had no choice, no option... Neville began the debate by backing ten Hag's decision.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Manchester Evening News"

Manchester United offer Cristiano Ronaldo on free transfer and ... (Manchester Evening News)

Manchester United are reportedly willing to let striker Cristiano Ronaldo leave for free in January with the Portugal forward having fallen out of favour ...

It is said that United are hoping to generate interest in the player if he enjoys a successful World Cup campaign with Portugal. [ESPN](https://www.espn.co.uk/football/soccer-transfers/story/4777921/man-united-prepared-to-grant-cristiano-ronaldo-free-transfer-amid-lack-of-interest-sources), United have been open to letting the 37-year-old leave Old Trafford since he expressed his desire to leave the club earlier in the summer. The report adds that [United](https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/all-about/manchester-united-fc) have not asked for a fee for [Ronaldo](https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/all-about/cristiano-ronaldo) as they were hoping another side would be willing to take on his £500,000-a-week contract.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "The Hindu"

Manchester United must end relationship with Ronaldo, insists Neville (The Hindu)

Cristiano Ronaldo's fractious second spell at Manchester United “has to end” as soon as possible, according to the club's former defender Gary Neville. The ...

“It’s not fair to him to be remembered for this situation. “Cristiano Ronaldo is going to have to go somewhere else and play every week because he can’t accept being on the bench,” Neville told Sky Sports. “The only thing that Cristiano and the club can do is get together in the next week and end the relationship.”

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Manchester Evening News"

What Antony did to Jorginho caught on camera after Manchester ... (Manchester Evening News)

Man Utd drew 1-1 with Chelsea on Saturday after Casemiro's header rescued a point in stoppage time at Stamford Bridge.

Antony ran straight to the midfielder after Casemiro's goal and he appeared to shout in his face. Casemiro's goal ensured that Erik ten Hag's side avoided defeat and the goal was wildly celebrated next to the away supporters. Antony endeared himself to Manchester United fans on Saturday night when celebrating Casemiro's goal against Chelsea.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Forbes"

Erik Ten Hag's Manchester United Are Lacking One Thing - The ... (Forbes)

Manchester United have made strides forward under Erik Ten Hag, but are still missing the right striker for the Dutchman's approach.

Ten Hag’s Manchester United are still a work-in-progress, but the Dutch coach is starting to find some solutions in certain areas of the pitch. United are starting to play like a Ten Hag team. It’s clear Manchester United need a new centre forward to take the next step under their new manager. For all the dominance United enjoyed, for all the opportunities they created, they failed to make that count on the scoreboard. Sancho could still contribute more, but Ten Hag appears to have a greater understanding of the England international’s qualities than Ole Gunnar Solskjaer or Ralf Rangnick ever did. At last, the Old Trafford club appears to have turned a corner.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "The Athletic"

How Erik ten Hag is coaching Manchester United through matches (The Athletic)

Ten Hag's discipline over togetherness and insistence on following a tactical plan feed suggest a manager trying to grow his authority.

[David de Gea](https://theathletic.com/football/player/david-de-gea-7i01i7zkp5zwydXT/), the scrutiny on Ten Hag’s decision [to drop Cristiano Ronaldo](https://theathletic.com/3713598/2022/10/20/cristiano-ronaldo-manchester-united-2/) would have amplified. He told Antony to stop arguing with Dalot over a mix-up to a pass by Shaw as the game carried on around them. Ten Hag used a handheld tactics board to talk [Antony](https://theathletic.com/football/player/antony-wnm4X5Bgf4PfC0PP/) about positioning and when play went on, he urged Elanga to chase back as [Carney Chukwuemeka](https://theathletic.com/football/player/carney-chukwuemeka-yZpMJzT5OAPGusuQ/) broke forwards. Ten Hag’s discipline over togetherness and his insistence on following a tactical plan feed into the roots of a manager trying to grow his authority. “We didn’t make the right decisions on the ball,” Ten Hag said by way of explaining his increasing volume as the match wore on. Roy Keane, Gary Neville, and Jimmy Floyd-Hasselbaink traded heated words in the Sky Sports studio [about Ronaldo’s status.](https://theathletic.com/3716774/2022/10/22/alan-shearer-cristiano-ronaldo/) By applying consequences off the pitch, the players know Ten Hag has a strong foundation of principles on it too. [Manchester United](https://theathletic.com/football/team/manchester-united/)’s manager put one hand on his player’s shoulder and with the other gesticulated from right to left, defence to attack. Team-mates might not act as instinctively to instructions from the dugout if there is a hint of rebellion. Chelsea gained the ball and even though United turned over possession again with good pressing, leading to a Fernandes shot, Ten Hag seemed to demand that moves be constructed through midfield rather than go direct. Ten Hag, it appeared clear, wanted his full-backs to get forward and wide to deliver balls into the box.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Football Espana"

Emmanuel Petit tips Cristiano Ronaldo for Manchester United exit (Football Espana)

Former Barcelona star Emmanuel Petit believes Cristiano Ronaldo's Manchester United teammates want him to leave Old Trafford.

There is no defence for that.” “He has to realise, he is no longer the player he was, he’s lost status, but he doesn’t accept that, because his ego is too big. [He stormed down the tunnel before the final whistle in their Premier League win over Tottenham last week after refusing to come on as a late substitute.](https://www.caughtoffside.com/2022/10/20/more-details-emerge-as-cristiano-ronaldo-took-his-early-walk-down-the-tunnel-further/) [United boss Erik ten Hag then dropped him from the squad for the 1-1 weekend draw at Chelsea,](https://www.caughtoffside.com/2022/10/20/man-united-announce-attacker-not-in-squad-to-face-chelsea/) with an ongoing disciplinary process being undertaken, as he trains away from the first team.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Daily Mail"

Manchester United are thriving without Cristiano Ronaldo, priceless ... (Daily Mail)

SAMI MOKBEL: Manchester United's PRICELESS point at Chelsea was a triumph for resilience and courage… Casemiro was head and shoulders above anyone else as Erik ...

When the Portuguese superstar is reintegrated after refusing to come on against Spurs and storming out of Old Trafford before full time, he will rejoin a team that does not need him. But perhaps the most pertinent reason is his ego. The fact that goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga was Chelsea’s best player is indicative of how the afternoon developed. Somehow they found a way — in the fourth minute of stoppage time — like United teams of the past. Chelsea registered just two shots on target and Raheem Sterling in particular struggled to make an impact. It would be ludicrous to compare United’s current team to Sir Alex Ferguson’s great sides but the early signs are promising.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Eurosport.com"

Opinion: Manchester United and Cristiano Ronaldo should part ... (Eurosport.com)

Cristiano Ronaldo missed Manchester United's game against Chelsea on Saturday evening after he was dropped by the club's manager Erik ten Hag. Ronaldo had ...

For United and Ronaldo there is only one answer - to let him leave with the minimum of fuss. For now, Ronaldo and United need to work out how to coast to the World Cup. Right now, the relationship between the club and player, and player and fans, is strained, but it is not broken. However, there is no need for him to sit on the sidelines, anywhere. He could have to adjust his expectations on salary but he would still have the chance to add to his goal tally for the next few years. After Ronaldo had made his feelings clear in the summer that he wanted to leave, United acted reasonably at the time.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "The Athletic"

Ronaldo's Manchester United future, Joel Glazer grilled over dividends (The Athletic)

United played four games in 10 days and Ten Hag confirmed an extra 24-hour break was required after his team secured a dramatic draw at Stamford Bridge. Ronaldo ...

October 11 was a provisional date for confirmation but the broadcast schedule over Christmas and the New Year is still unknown. It signed Arsenal’s [William Saliba](https://theathletic.com/football/player/william-saliba-7wVbbT0NIGqlbbKu/) last week and is set to announce more additions. “Our first priority in policing football is the safety of fans and those who live and work in the local community. That timing falls into the UK blackout for televising live football on a Saturday, however, so the compromise was a reduced travelling crowd and a start 45 minutes later. “We understand there are mitigating factors and multiple stakeholders involved in the decision-making process. Carrick has held productive talks about taking over at the Riverside and Phelan would be an option as assistant. Typically, as with players, a club would transfer a lump sum immediately in exchange for a lower overall financial contribution, but sometimes coaches and managers keep being paid on a monthly basis until they find new employment. However, Phelan has still been paid his wage on a contract signed in October 2021 because a final severance or a new role have yet to be agreed. In the summer, United wanted a fee (although talks never got that far) but now it is thought the club would allow a free transfer subject to Ronaldo’s contract being mutually terminated. The two other group calls lasted four hours each and it is thought this was similarly long. It remains to be seen if he will act to change the practice. After spending over budget in the summer, United have scant room for manoeuvre financially and would not pay up Ronaldo so he can sign somewhere else.

Explore the last week