Man Utd news LIVE: Cristiano Ronaldo wants to leave, Red Devils target Bellingham, Aston Villa win reaction – updates
CRISTIANO RONALDO has told Manchester United that he wants to leave in the summer, according to reports.
The Portuguese idol was heavily linked with a move away from Old Trafford in the summer, but this never materialised.
Elsewhere, reports in Germany believe that the Red Devils have joined Liverpool in the race for Jude Bellingham but he is set to cost around £130million if a transfer is to materialise.
And Manchester United have drawn Barcelona in a heavyweight clash in the Europa League.
United finished second in their Europa League group while Barcelona dropped out of the Champions League.
How to get free bets on football – the 17 best bookies to claim rewards and bonuses
Get all the latest news, updates and transfer gossip here...
We have moved
Keep up to date with all the latest news, gossip and transfer stories coming out of Old Trafford with our NEW BLOG.
Solskjaer managing youths in Norway
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is back in his native Norway and managing a youth football team.
The Manchester United legend was sacked as their manager 12 months ago.
Apparently he has turned down offers of a return to management in the pro game and does not want to rush back, according to the .
Instead he is enjoying football again as gaffer of his son's Under-14s team back home in Kristiansund.
Ten Hag told 'shut up'
Erik ten Hag has been told to 'shut up' after explaining why he made Cristiano Ronaldo Manchester United's skipper for Sunday's 3-1 defeat at Aston Villa.
The Red Devils gaffer said only selection preferences, position on the pitch, and language barriers stopped him opting for Harry Maguire, David de Gea or Casemiro instead.
Experienced Bruno Fernandes was also unavailable due to a suspension.
Retired Blackburn Prem-winning skipper Tim Sherwood felt that was disrespectful to Red Devils legend Ronaldo.
He told talkSPORT: "What basically he’s saying - he was fifth choice isn’t he?
"Why he has to justify why he’s given Cristiano Ronaldo the armband, I just don’t know. Just keep your mouth shut."
Sporting chance for Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo has made it clear to Manchester United chiefs he wants to leave in the summer, according to .
And they understand the Portugal superstar's agent Jorge Mendes has already help talks with Sporting Lisbon, the club where the 37-year-old started his glorious career two decades ago.
United and Liverpool after Bellingham
Manchester United and Liverpool are two of the European giants who will scrap it out for the signature of Jude Bellingham in the summer, according to Sky Sports Germany.
Chelsea, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain are also said to be keen on the £130million-rated Borussia Dortmund midfielder, 19.
Reporter Florian Plettenberg tweeted: "He's the transfer target No 1 for #MUFC confirmed! They expect him to cost around €150m [£130m], they have scouted him a lot."
He added: ";On the other hand #LFC is very optimistic to get him in 2023!
"He's is also the main target, Klopp is pushing for him & Liverpool wants to invest in summer."
United eye up Choupo-Moting
Manchester United are tracking prolific Bayern Munich striker Eric Choupo-Moting as a replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo, according to .
The Cameroon star, 33, has started the season in red-hot form with ten goals in 14 games.
Reporter Florian Plettenberg tweeted: "News Choupo-Moting: #MUFC is seriously interested in a transfer in winter, they have inquired about him.
"He's a candidate to replace #Ronaldo. Manchester bosses expect him to leave in winter."
Good morning Red Devils fans
Man United face a tough ask to reach the next stage of the Europa League.
That’s after drawing Barcelona in their knockout playoff.
United missed out on top spot in their group to Real Sociedad by one GOAL.
And they must now beat resurgent giants Barca to keep their continental hopes alive.
Meanwhile, three United stars have been called up to Brazil’s World Cup squad.
Casemiro, Fred and Antony have all made the cut for Qatar 2022.
And brilliant footage showed the latter celebrating the news with his family in emotional scenes.
Finally, Raphael Varane could be set for a shock World Cup call-up for France.
The Man Utd star is out injured with a thigh injury picked up last month.
And he was expected to miss France’s defence of their title in Qatar.
But Varane has recovered faster than expected and could now be selected by Didier Deschamps after beginning a running programme.
Emery secret inspired Villa win
Unai Emery’s plan to beat Manchester United was so top secret that he did not even tell his own players until just before kick-off.
Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins said: “No-one had a clue who was playing.
“It was a guessing game but everyone bought into it and we were all involved.
“We found out the team in our team meeting, which was at about 11.30.
“Some people leave it late, but normally, previous managers have done it the day before, or let you know in some way.
“But no matter what team he put out, it was going to be the same result at the end of the day.
“Everyone worked hard, was willing to work hard and bought into the game plan.”
Erik giving Ronnie special treatment?
Emmanuel Petit believes Erik ten Hag must stop putting Cristiano Ronaldo over the future of Man Utd.
He told : "I feel that some choices have been made politically sometimes. Erik ten Hag wants to keep Cristiano Ronaldo happy but the priority isn't Ronaldo.
"The priority should be Manchester United so you have to put your best team out all the time. The fact is that the team isn't the same when Cristiano Ronaldo is on the pitch.
"I know Ten Hag wants to give Ronaldo a second chance but I'm convinced that the solution is to prioritise the team and not the player."
Ron set to stay put
Man Utd have hinted that Cristiano Ronaldo WON’T be sold this winter.
A January departure has been mooted, although the latest mural adorning the Theatre of Dreams suggests he won't be sold.
The Portugal international was included in the club's iconic No.7 poster - which included players of yesteryear who had worn the legendary shirt.
The poster also included images of David Beckham, Eric Cantona and Ella Toone.
Antony celebrates World Cup call
Man Utd star Antony was over the moon to get a World Cup nod for Brazil.
He recorded his reaction to the news being announced on Monday.
But Antony wasn't the only Prem star caught celebrating on film.
Toon tipped for fourth spot
Emmanuel Petit has warned Man Utd and Chelsea they will miss out on the top four thanks to Newcastle.
He told : “Chelsea need a reaction, they have to get points if they want to finish in the top four.
“The competition will be fierce and Chelsea are far away. It doesn't matter how they win points, they just need to win.
“For me, Man City will win the Premier League title, Arsenal will finish second, Liverpool will finish third and I think Newcastle will beat Tottenham, Chelsea and Man United to the fourth spot.”
Varane's World Cup dream alive
Raphael Varane could be set for a shock World Cup call-up for France.
The Man Utd star is out injured with a thigh injury picked up last month.
And he was expected to miss France's defence of their title in Qatar.
But Varane has recovered faster than expected and could now be selected by Didier Deschamps after beginning a running programme.
Neville not sure about Gunners
Man Utd legend Gary Neville insists he still has doubts over Arsenal’s title credentials.
He said: "We have to question them… because they haven't proven it yet. It's like a boxer that hasn't won a world title, or a national title.
"We've seen over the last few years - this Arsenal group of players have found it more difficult in the last part of season.
“It's not overly negative. Let's see what happens in 20 games' time.”
Brazil announce World Cup squad.
Three Man Utd stars have been called up by Brazil for Qatar 2022.
Casemio, Fred and Antony are all on the plane to the Middle East.
But there’s no room for Liverpool’s Roberto Firmino.
While Arsenal’s Gabriel Magalhaes has been dropped too.
Ronaldo not main Barca concern
Barcelona boss Xavi admits he won't get fixated on facing Real Madrid legend Cristiano Ronaldo in the knockouts.
He declared: “It's not just Cristiano Ronaldo.
“I would highlight the group. Ten Hag is doing a great job. And Cristiano seems to me to be a great player, who has marked an era and who can still be decisive.
"Barca have never won the Europa League and we are going to try. It is a challenge for us. We are going for the title.”
Xavi reveals United Europa fears
Xavi says Barcelona have the toughest Europa League task possible after drawing Manchester United.
He said: “We've been dealt the most difficult rival we could have played - again.
“United are the worst rivals that we could have faced.
“But that will give us great motivation because we will have to compete.
“They are historical rivals and it is a very attractive match for us.”
Exclusive by SunSport's Alan Nixon
Man Utd are ready to let Aaron Wan-Bissaka rejoin Crystal Palace on loan.
The right-back has played just four minutes under Erik ten Hag.
Man Utd paid £45million for Wan-Bissaka in 2019.
And Palace would have to cover his £80,000-a-week wages.
Ratcliffe to buy Liverpool?
There are more than a few whispers on Twitter speculating that INEOS owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe could make a sensational bid to buy Liverpool.
Ratcliffe, a Man Utd fan, was confirmed to be interested in buying United from the Glazers over the summer before the American family told him in no uncertain terms that the club was not for sale.
But following the story of Liverpool owner’s FSG putting the club up for sale earlier today, there are now rumours online suggesting he may submit a bid for Liverpool.
However, take this with a massive pinch of salt as any suggestion of this is yet to mature into more reputable reports and is just as likely to simply be fan imaginations running wild.
Prior to his United interest, Ratcliffe also failed in an attempt to buy Chelsea.
United overhaul continues
Manchester United are reportedly set to continue their overhaul off the pitch with the expected departure of their director of football operations.
A number of changes have already been made upstairs at Old Trafford over the past year.
And now the reshuffle will continue according to , who report director of football operations, Alan Dawson, will soon make his “expected departure” from the Theatre of Dreams.
He has occupied his current role since September 2017 but will initially “stay on to work on an unspecified special project”.
Sources are said to believe that they are expecting his “exit in due course” - although no confirmation has yet been announced.
Following Richard Arnold's appointment as chief executive back in January, director of football negotiations Matt Judge and chief strategy officer Hemen Tseayo departed the club.
The changes also led to more responsibility being placed on John Murtough’s role as football director.
Andy O’Boyle arrived as deputy football director, Polly Bancroft became head of women’s football and Dominic Jordan was handed the job of being United’s new director of data science.
Xavi reacts
Barcelona boss Xavi has reacted to the news of drawing Manchester United in the Europa League round of 32.
Many on the United front have been left disappointed in getting a huge draw like this so early in the competition.
However, it seems the sentiment is shared on the other side of the Bay of Biscay.
Speaking after the draw Xavi said: "The draw has given us the most difficult rival again, like in the Champions League group stage.
"Luck was not on our side. Manchester United are a great rival, a historic club – the worst that we could wish for.”
De record holder
David de Gea has broken the record for playing the most minutes in Premier League history.
The Spaniard reached the milestone during the defeat against Aston Villa on the weekend.
He has been a regular for the Red Devils since he joined the club in 2011 from Atletico Madrid for a £19million fee.
The shot-stopper has played 506 games for United, in which he has kept 174 clean sheets and against Villa he reached 35,039 minutes in the Premier League.
But can you guess what former Premier League star he overtook? Find out here.
Rivals Liverpool put for sale
Liverpool have been put up for sale by Fenway Sport's Group, according to .
The group, who have owned Liverpool since 2010 have prepared a full sales presentation for any interested parties.
Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley have been retained to assist with the process.
In a statement, FSG said: “There have been a number of recent changes of ownership and rumours of changes in ownership at EPL clubs and inevitably we are asked regularly about Fenway Sports Group’s ownership in Liverpool.
“FSG has frequently received expressions of interest from third parties seeking to become shareholders in Liverpool.
“FSG has said before that under the right terms and conditions we would consider new shareholders if it was in the best interests of Liverpool as a club.
“FSG remains fully committed to the success of Liverpool, both on and off the pitch.”
Liverpool fans have been critical of their owners for some time, with a striking similarity in owner apathy to the United faithful.
And while it is very unlikely after interest from Sir Jim Ratcliffe was rebuked in the summer, this move could offer some hope to United moving on from the Glazer ownership.
Ron record vs Barcelona
Presuming he is still at the club when the game happens, United will be asking Cristiano Ronaldo to lend his expertise in dispatching Barcelona.
His record against them is quite impressive.
In 34 games against them he has scored 20 goals.
However, while he does have 10 wins to his name he also has 15 losses on the flip side of that record.
How the mighty have fallen
These two clubs are among the most prestigious in world football and consequently have enjoyed the spectacle of the Champions League for many many years.
However, naturally peaks and troughs in football can see even the biggest clubs fall far from grace.
And this below details how big of a difference a decade can make.
2009: Meet in the #UCL final
2011: Meet in the #UCL final
2023: Meet in the #UEL Play-off round. 😬Quite the fall from grace for both Barcelona and Man United! 📉