Man Utd news LIVE: Ten Hag’s Cristiano Ronaldo comments cause stir, £35m Goncalo Ramos chase, Man City loss reaction

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Russo Out

Manchester United Women's Alessia Russo has withdrawn from the England squad with a "small injury".

The attacker, who shot into international fame with a cheeky back-heel in the World Cup during the summer, will miss October's friendlies against USA and the Czech Republic.

Russo has scored 10 goals in 15 appearances for the Lionesses since making her senior debut in 2020.

Following their two league wins to make it a 100 per cent start, United play Brighton next in the WSL.

Klopp's Ronaldo Comparison

Jurgen Klopp has attempted to explain Liverpool's wobbly form - by comparing it to Cristiano Ronaldo's struggles at Manchester United.

The Reds drew 3-3 with Brighton on the weekend to fall 11 points off the pace, albeit with a game in hand on league leaders Arsenal.

But Klopp has said a fall-off in form can happen to the best of us, citing Ronaldo's situation at rivals United.

Ahead of Liverpool's Champions League clash with Rangers, the German boss said: "Do you think Cristiano Ronaldo at the moment is at the top of his confidence? It happens to all of us.

"Lionel Messi last season, pretty much the same. You have to take a step in the right direction and when you're ready, it's [confidence is] back.

"In individual sports, you can fight yourself through it. In team sport, you have to do it together. It can be more complicated."

Ron to Watch

Cristiano Ronaldo was left on the bench during Manchester United's humiliating 6-3 defeat to rivals Manchester City.

Erik ten Hag justified the decision as he claimed he kept Ronaldo on the bench "out of respect" for his "big career".

But some pundits have insisted the 37-year-old should have played a part as he continues to try and fight his way into ten Hag's team.

SunSport considers what could be next for the Portuguese superstar - and which five clubs he could move to next amid his turbulent spell at United.

'Something completely different'

Gary Neville has warned Premier League defenders of the "special presence" of Erling Haaland after the striker helped tear Manchester United apart.

The Red Devils lost 6-3 at the Etihad yesterday and the striker and Phil Foden both contributed hat-tricks.

Speaking to commentator Martin Tyler on his post-match podcast, Neville hailed the "special" Manchester City frontman, who has 14 goals in 8 Premier League matches.

He said: "We're seeing the next generation of world-class player and, I have to say, what've seen here today Martin ... Erling Haaland is something completely different.

"We are in the presence of something really special and I think we know that.

"The numbers he was hitting at the start of the season, the performances, the way he makes very difficult things look very easy - he's unplayable.

"The takeaway from today is well done Manchester City but I have to say as a football person when you're watching something like that out there ... this has the ability to peak everything."

Ten Hag: no new contracts

Erik ten Hag has told the Manchester United hierarchy NOT to hand out any new contracts until he has decided which members of his current squad warrant them.

that the Dutch coach is keen to move away from the notion of stockpiling players on large wages and long deals that may have created an environment that has caused some to rest on their laurels.

Sources at the club claim that they have been 'bitten on the a*** by carrying people' in the past when they could have sought motivated alternatives.

It remains to be seen whether the Red Devils will trigger the 12-month options that they carry in the contract of some players - such as David de Gea - with the idea of selling them for a fee rather than losing them for nothing.

Carragher laughs off CR7 suggestion

Jamie Carragher is used to winding up Manchester United fans, and the former Liverpool ace is at it again today after dismissing the notion that Cristiano Ronaldo would have made a difference to yesterday's thrashing.

The Portuguese legend was left on the bench throughout United's 6-3 thumping at Manchester City with many in the media - mainstream and social - asking why the forward didn't feature.

Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag made five substitutions over the course of 90 minutes, but didn't make use of the 37-year-old forward.

Afterwards, Ten Hag said it was 'out of respect' for Ronaldo's 'big career' that he didn't introduce the player at 4-0 down, but observers were not buying it.

However, Carragher understands the Dutch coach's decision, and doesn't believe Ronaldo would have changed the outcome.

"The idea that [Erik ten Hag] got it wrong yesterday by not playing Ronaldo is laughable!" he tweeted.

"Ronaldo played at Brentford when it was 4-0 at [half-time]! It’s not a dig at [Ronaldo], but Rashford’s pace on the counter attack as we saw v Arsenal/Liverpool was 100% the best option."

Beaten Bruno pulls no punches

Manchester United's players had an attitude problem from kick-off on derby day.

That's the view of captain Bruno Fernandes, who told his teammates that their collective performance has to be better in the future.

“I think the attitude and the belief from the beginning was not the best and I think it was that which caused us many problems and made us concede early goals,” the Portuguese playmaker said afterwards.

“We are really disappointed but now it’s time to focus on the next game and understand that we have to get back the performances that we did before — in the belief, in the togetherness — and understand that this cannot get us down.

“It has to make us improve for the future.”

Rio: United were 'absolutely dismantled'

A disappointed Rio Ferdinand admitted that the difference in ability between the two Manchester clubs was much bigger than he had realised after watching his former club get hit for six by City.

The former United defender expressed his concern to his 11-and-a-half million Twitter followers shortly after the final whistle.

'The gulf in class between Manchester United and Manchester City is bigger than I thought before this game had kicked off,' he wrote.

The BT Sport pundit admitted that the Red Devils had been beaten out of sight by their local rivals with the eventual 6-3 scoreline flattering the Old Trafford club.

'Absolutely dismantled… gulf between the two sides in Manchester! We showed some fight second half or City took foot of the gas…' he added.

United's first halves to four-get

On a dismal Sunday afternoon at the Etihad Stadium, there were almost as many records broken as there were hearts in the away end.

One of the most alarming statistics is United's habit of shipping goals in the opening 45 minutes.

For the second time in seven Premier League games this season, the Red Devils went in at the break 4-0 down.

And since the start of the 2020-21 campaign, United have conceded four first half goals in a total of four Premier League games (versus Spurs in October 2020; versus Liverpool in October 2021; versus Brentford on August 13; and versus Manchester City yesterday)

The alarming number is twice as many as any other club during the period.

Liverpool in for United target

Liverpool are preparing themselves for a transfer battle to land Youri Tielemans on a free transfer next summer.

The Leicester ace is out of contract in June and will depart the King Power, but his destination is currently unknown.

Manchester United, Arsenal and Newcastle were strongly linked with the Belgian in the most recent transfer window.

However, the desperate Foxes were thought to have quoted too high a fee for a player whose deal was rapidly running out.

Now it’s Liverpool who have emerged as a potential purchaser, but they face competition from both Real Madrid and Juventus, according to , as well as the aforementioned Premier League clubs.

United cautious on Varane injury

There are not many reasons for Manchester United fans to smile this morning, but the understanding that Raphael Varane's ankle injury is not serious may be one.

The French defender was forced off during the first half of Sunday's 6-3 defeat at rivals Manchester City after hurting himself when blocking Phil Foden's shot.

Indeed, the 29-year-old was off the pitch receiving treatment when Erling Haaland headed the hosts' second of the game.

The that United sources have described the centre-back's problem as 'not bad'.

However, it is thought that the club are urging caution given Varane's previous injury issues.

Harry Maguire - the most obvious replacement for Varane - is currently sidelined with a thigh strain.

Red Devils in for Ramos

Manchester United have stepped up their pursuit of Benfica striker Goncalo Ramos.

The Red Devils are desperate for another forward to bolster their attacking options following their indifferent start to the season.

And the 21-year-old has certainly caught the eye this term, registering eight goals and six assists in just 12 appearances so far.

Ramos is under contract with the Portuguese giants until 2025, having signed a new deal only last year.

However, Europe's biggest clubs have begun circling the Estadio da Luz, and it is thought that a bid in the region of £35m may prize the young star away.

It's time up for Donny

Donny van de Beek has been 'deemed surplus to requirements' by Erik ten Hag, according to .

The Dutchman has endured a miserable time in England since moving to Old Trafford from Ajax for £40m two years ago.

The midfielder has started just four Premier League games for the Red Devils since his big-money transfer, and was shipped out to Everton on loan at the back-end of last season.

It was expected to be different this term with the arrival of Ten Hag, Van de Beek's old manager in Amsterdam with whom he enjoys a great relationship.

But the United boss is now unable to see a future for the 25-year-old at the club, and is ready to cash in on his former star when the transfer window reopens.

Casemiro cameo as Scott starts

Much has been said in the aftermath of yesterday's Manchester derby regarding Cristiano Ronaldo remaining on the bench.

But perhaps the greater surprise is why Casemiro began the afternoon alongside the Portuguese in the dugout.

The Brazilian midfielder was brought on for the final half hour of the 6-3 thrashing, having started the afternoon as a substitute.

Instead, Erik ten Hag favoured Scott McTominay alongside Christian Eriksen in deep midfield.

As points out, Casemiro is yet to start a Premier League game despite joining the Red Devils six weeks ago.

LaLiga duo want United's Martial

There were barely any positives for Manchester United to take from yesterday's 6-3 humbling at the Etihad Stadium - but Anthony Martial's two-goal cameo from the bench was one.

The Frenchman scored his first goals of the season in the final seven minutes of the derby, having only just recovered from injury.

However, this morning, the forward is being linked with a move away from Old Trafford.

According to , Sevilla and Valencia are both interested in signing Martial when the transfer window reopens.

Martial spent the second half of last season on loan at Sevilla, and the Andalusian club are keen to link up with the 26-year-old again.

Man Utd's nightmare numbers

Here is how it broke down for the Red Devils yesterday... and boy, did it break down.

Good morning, Manchester United fans

Roy Keane has laid into Man Utd’s stars after their dismal performance against Man City.

“There’s nothing for United to take out from this game. The players should be embarrassed. You can’t go into half-time 4-0 down in a derby game,” he told Sky Sports.

“It’s hugely embarrassing, as brilliant as City were United were desperate, particularly in midfield. They were over-ran in midfield and defensively they were all over the shop.

“Again we look at leadership… there was nothing there from Man Utd.

“If you’re giving players like De Bruyne time and space, you’re looking for trouble. United got punished and rightly so. Top level sport is fantastic but it’s brutal.

“Today, it was brutal for Manchester United as when you’re not quite at it, you get hammered by your local rivals.

“United have an experienced team out there. City were missing players, but whoever comes into the team is pure quality. That’s what they have whereas Man Utd seemed all over the place.

“At a big club like Manchester United, you wonder what it must be like for the players sat in the dressing room 4-0 down at half-time. It must be bizarre, but then these players are getting used to it as they were 4-0 down at Brentford.

“The manager must be scratching his head with his staff as there was progress in the last four games, but this is a huge step back.”

Piers Morgan branded Erik ten Hag an “arrogant, deluded twerp” after the Manchester United manager left Cristiano Ronaldo on the bench against City.

A fuming looking Ronaldo, 37, had to watch on as his side were trounced 6-3 by their bitter rivals at the Etihad.

Quizzed after the match about why he elected not to bring the Portuguese forward on, Ten Hag claimed it was “out of respect for his big career”.

Sun columnist Piers, however, doesn’t buy the explanation – and tweeted after the match: “Imagine benching @Cristiano for Utd’s biggest game of the season, then using 5 other subs as they’re hammered into oblivion, & then claiming you did it ‘out of respect’ for him?

“Ten Hag is an arrogant deluded twerp and the way he’s treating Ronaldo is disgraceful.”

Christian Eriksen has admitted Manchester United need to make “a lot of changes” after their 6-3 derby humbling.

The 30-year-old told Sky Sports: “It came very heavy.

“Everyone feels it was a very bad day at the office. We started on the wrong foot.

“They had chances straight from kick-off. We can only blame ourselves.

“We let them be at their strength. The main focus from this game will be on ourselves.

“There are a lot of things we need to change and a lot of things we need to do better.”

'Lack of belief' cost United

Erik ten Hag has revealed a 'lack of belief' cost Man Utd in their 6-3 thumping to Man City.

The Dutch manager told Match of the Day: "It's quite simple, it's a lack of belief. When you don't believe on the pitch then you can't win games, that is unacceptable. We get undisciplined at following rules and you get hammered, that's happened today.

"For me it was a surprise. We were not on the front foot, we were not brave on the ball and there were spaces to play but we were not brave enough. "All the credit to City, but it's nothing to do with City, our performance was not good. It had to do with the belief as individuals and as team.

"From the first minute I felt it and at half-time we changed things and we changed attitude. We saw a different Manchester United after half-time and we scored goals, we created some more. On the ball we were more brave, we came in the opponent's half and we scored three goals.

"In this moment I can't think about positives. We let our fans down, we let ourselves down and we're hugely disappointed."

Haaland equals Ronaldo record

Cristiano Ronaldo will have every right to be fuming after Manchester United's embarrassing 6-3 defeat to Manchester City.

And he will be even more vexed when he learns that City new boy Erling Haaland has now equalled one of his goal stats... in just eight games.

Haaland netted his third Premier League hat-trick in Sunday's demolition derby.

And that means he draws himself level with Ronaldo for Prem trebles, with three each.

It has, however, taken the Portuguese legend 232 games to reach that number.

'Arrogant, deluded twerp'

Piers Morgan branded Erik ten Hag an "arrogant, deluded twerp" after the Manchester United manager left Cristiano Ronaldo on the bench against City.

A fuming looking Ronaldo, 37, had to watch on as his side were trounced 6-3 by their bitter rivals at the Etihad.

Quizzed after the match about why he elected not to bring the Portuguese forward on, Ten Hag claimed it was "out of respect for his big career".

Sun columnist Piers, however, doesn't buy the explanation - and tweeted after the match: "Imagine benching @Cristiano for Utd’s biggest game of the season, then using 5 other subs as they’re hammered into oblivion, & then claiming you did it ‘out of respect’ for him?

"Ten Hag is an arrogant deluded twerp & the way he’s treating Ronaldo is disgraceful."

Record breaker Haaland

Man City striker Erling Haaland set THREE new records with his latest hat-trick against Manchester United.

Haaland set a new Premier League landmark as he became the first player to score three hat-tricks in three consecutive home matches.

The goal machine’s latest treble took his tally up to 14 in the Prem.

This means he is this season’s top scorer in Europe’s top five leagues and he is ahead by a big margin.

Haaland’s record breaking afternoon did not stop there – he had a hand in five of City’s six goals also assisting Foden twice.

As a result, the 22-year-old has smashed the record for most goal contributions in one Manchester derby.

Neville blasted

Man Utd legend Gary Neville has been lambasted online after predicting his former team would beat Manchester City.

One fan tweeted: "Gary Neville before the start of the game - City are getting done… Just like your punditry…not a blooming clue."

Another posted: "Listening to the Gary Neville commentary on Sky, he's definitely holding back tears."

A third wrote: "Is there a bigger jinx in world football than Gary Neville?"

This supporter stated: "Oh dear, this has not aged well."

And that one tweeted: "You meant United were getting done, right?"

Brentford troll Utd

Brentford have brilliantly trolled Manchester United following their derby day demolition by Manchester City.

United were on the end of a 6-3 thrashing from Pep Guardiola's side, with Erling Haaland and Phil Foden both running out with hat-tricks.

Upon seeing today's result The Bees brilliantly trolled Man Utd on their Twitter page.

They Tweeted: "Brentford Man City, 4-0 up at half-time," accompanied by a handshake emoji.

Ferdinand rues 'gulf in class'

Rio Ferdinand tweeted about the 'gulf in class' between Man City and Man Utd, after watching his former side thrashed by their rivals.

After just 40 minutes, and with City leading 3-0, Ferdinand first tweeted: "My phone is pinging right off...For all the wrong reasons ffs.', before quickly adding 'Bunker pending....."

Next, he wrote: "WhatsApp groups on fire... for all the wrong reasons...";

The former England centre back concluded:  "The gulf in class between @ManUtd & @ManCity is bigger than I thought before this game had kicked off...."