Man Utd news LIVE: Cristiano Ronaldo wants to leave, Red Devils target Bellingham, Aston Villa win reaction – updates

Meet the Ronaldos

Georgina Rodriguez has expressed her love for her family and Cristiano Ronaldo in a cute social media post.

The Spaniard shared photos from Halloween of her children dressed up as their favourite characters.

Georgina has two children with Ronaldo and is step-mum to Cristiano Jr, 12, who is part of the Manchester United academy.

The pair also have twins born to a surrogate mother in 2017 named Eva and Mateo, both five.

They dressed up as Batman and Superman respectively and were joined by their 'witch' younger sister Alana Martina, four.

Ronaldo for WWE

Man Utd forward Cristiano Ronaldo got caught in a 'wrestling match' with Aston Villa's Tyrone Mings at Villa Park this afternoon, sparking a huge melee.

The Portugal skipper, 37, came to blows with Mings while United were on the attack.

He attempted to hold off the England defender in a bid to create some space, but the pair became tangled in the process.

Ronaldo eventually wrestled Mings to the ground, sparking outrage from the Villa players who were quick to swarm him.

Following a VAR check for violent conduct, both players were shown a yellow card by referee Anthony Taylor.

Ten Hag laments performance

Erik ten Hag has lamented his team's performance, as Man Utd were beaten 3-1 by Aston Villa.

The Dutch tactician was particularly annoyed by his team's passing and how they were set -up.

"After a long time this has happened, I said it was up to us.

"We didn't keep the ball, we didn't get the right organisation, didn't follow the rules and lost battles."

Thinking to Do

It was all going so well for Manchester United who were nine unbeaten in all competitions since their defeat to Manchester City.

They also had not conceded any goals in open play since Alex Iwobi opened the scoring at Goodison Park on October 9.

But today at Villa Park things fell apart and Erik ten Hag will be wondering what exactly happened to his stars.

While there injuries in the squad, United's performance was shocking and will leave fans scratching their heads.

Follow full-time reaction of United's 3-1 loss at Villa Park here.

Game Over?

The second-half has begun in a similar vein as the first with Villa scoring a goal very early on.

It's now 3-1 and miserable Manchester United have their work cut out if they are going to get anything out of this game. They are looking poor all over the park.

Jacob Ramsey has got the goal that restablishes Villa's two goal advantage. Follow full coverage of the second-half here

Game On

Luke Shaw's hugely-deflected goal has dragged Manchester United back into the game against Aston Villa.

The Red Devils fell 2-0 down in the first 10 minutes in a horrendous start as Leon Bailey and Lucas Digne got on the scoresheet.

But Shaw's goal right at the end of the half has changed the complexion of this game. 2-1 at half-time.

You can follow live text commentary coverage of the second-half here.

Not Happy

Manchester United fans cannot quite believe how their side collapsed in the opening 10 minutes away at Aston Villa.

The Red Devils remain two goals down and have offered little going forward so far.

Read how United fans responded to their poor start here and follow all the action of the rest of the first-half here.

Worst possible start for United

Leon Bailey and Lucas Digne have both scored in the opening 10 minutes for Aston Villa, leaving Manchester United reeling.

Digne has only just returned from injury but has made his impact felt with a stunning free-kick from the edge of the box to make it 2-0.

It's a dream start for Unai Emery in his first game in charge of Villa.

Follow kick-by-kick commentary as United try to get back into this game here.

Captain Ron

Cristiano Ronaldo has been named captain for Manchester United today.

The forward, 37, has taken the armband from Bruno Fernandes, who has captained the squad for much of the season so far.

Fernandes received his fifth yellow card of the season during last weekend's 1-0 win over West Ham, so he is facing a suspension.

Squad captain Harry Maguire has been named on the bench, which is why Ronaldo has been given the armband.

Just a few weeks ago, the Portugal star was AXED from United's first team for refusing to come off the bench during the club's 2-0 win over Tottenham.

Follow full coverage of events from Villa Park here.

One change for United

Manchester United have made one change for the Aston Villa game, with Marcus Rashford in for Bruno Fernandes.

Anthony Martial is fit enough only for the bench, with Jadon Sancho and Antony are still absent with injury.

Alejandro Garnacho keeps his place after his midweek heroics and Donny van de Beek is also still in the starting XI despite his underwhelming Europa League performance.

United starting line-up: De Gea; Dalot, Lindelof, Martinez, Shaw; Eriksen, Casemiro, Van de Beek; Rashford, Garnacho, Martial

Kick-Off Approaching

Manchester United are looking to make it five wins in six in all competitions against Aston Villa later.

The highly-anticipated team news is set to be released in less than half-an hour, with question marks still hovering over the fitness of Antony, Jadon Sancho and Anthony Martial.

Team news will be revealed in less than half an hour.

Seeking Sesko

Manchester United are considering striker Benjamin Sesko for when Cristiano Ronaldo departs, according to reports.

Erik ten Hag is believed to be thinking about life after the legendary striker departs, leaving a space up front.

The 19-year-old has already agreed to a move to RB Leipzig in 2023 from their sister club RB Salzburg but that has not stopped interest from clubs around Europe.

But The Telegraph report it would take a significant bid to lure him away.

History on their side

Manchester United can feel confident ahead of their game against Aston Villa this afternoon.

The Red Devils have only lost one of their last 21 games against the midlands side and will be hoping to keep that form up this season.

While they gave away a two goal lead on their last trip to Villa Park in January, they won their three previous trips to the ground before that.

United haven't actually lost away at Villa in the league since August 1995, a game which prompted Alan Hansen to utter the immortal phrase "you can't win anything with kids" on Match of the Day.

Al's Late Show

Alejandro Garnacho almost blew his Manchester United career after turning up late for team meetings on the club's pre-season tour.

The 18-year-old got the Europa League winner against Real Sociedad in only his second start for the club on Thursday.

And United skipper Bruno Fernandes revealed his tardy time-keeping in Bangkok and Australia that cost him tour appearances is now forgotten.

Fernandes said: "He wasn't at his best at the beginning of the season.

"On the tour he didn't have the best attitude that he should have - but now he's training better and getting his chances. He deserves his chances."

Seeing Double

Manchester United are getting a double-dose of Aston Villa this week.

The two will go head-to-head in the Premier League this afternoon at Villa Park before playing in the Carabao Cup again a few days later, this time at Old Trafford.

Harry Maguire reckons it will be a bit like playing a two-legged game.

He told the club website: "It’s strange that it’s fallen like that. It’s a bit like you play two legs in a Europa League or a Champions League tie.

"[But] I think we just take each game as it comes. We won’t be looking at the second one, we’ll be looking at the first one and just looking to get the three points. We try and get the three points and after that, we try and win the second game. 

“After the first one, we’ll have more of an idea of how they play and where their strengths and weaknesses are, but for sure, we just have to look after ourselves.

“We have enough talent in the squad of players we have now to go and win the football match and we’ve got to make sure that we perform 100 per cent.”

It Will Be Tough

Fred said he expects a difficult game at Villa Park today - and is more than aware about the skills the opposition manager.

Unai Emery pulled off a shock when he took Villarreal to Europa League victory against Manchester United in the 2021 final.

And the new boss takes a spot in the dugout for Aston Villa for the first time today.

Fred is aware of how tricky this "must win" game could be.

He told Manchester United's website: "They have time to train [with Emery] a little bit [before Sunday] and we need to expect a good team,” the Brazilian said in an exclusive interview with club media.

“We know about this coach; we lost to him in the Europa League. He is a good coach, and we know they have a good team.

“We expect a tough game, and we need to win this game.”

Team Effort

Erik ten Hag said it will be up to the entire team to replace Bruno Fernandes for today's match at Aston Villa.

The midfielder is suspended after picking up a fifth yellow card in his last game.

But ten Hag insists it's up to the whole team to fill the void rather than one individual player.

He told the club website: "Bruno is so important for us. In every match, he plays really good. I think also yesterday, he was playing from the right, he made an impact there as well.

"You see, for instance, with the goal and also some other actions. As a no.10, he’s playing really good games and we have to replace him, that’s the squad.

"Therefore, you need a squad, it's not about 11 players, you need a squad to win in a season and now we have to replace him and we will do."

Aston Villa team news

There are many unknowns for Manchester United ahead of this afternoon's trip to Villa Park.

Erik ten Hag has admitted being unsure of the availability on the attacking trio of Antony, Jadon Sancho and Martial with all three assessed at Carrington over the weekend.

They missed Thursday's game at Real Sociedad through but the manager will be keen to get them back today.

One player who definitely will be missing is Bruno Fernandes after the midfielder picked up a fifth yellow against West Ham last week, triggering a one game suspension.

Alejandro Garnacho will be pushing for a start after his goal in Spain while Brandon Williams, Axel Tuanzebe and Raphael Varane are definitely out through injury.

Good morning Man Utd fans

Man Utd are willing to listen offers for Cristiano Ronaldo and allow him to leave the club in January, according to reports.

The Telegraph claims the Red Devils are willing to allow CR7 to move on once the transfer window opens, which is what he desires.

However, they are fully aware finding a suitable club to cover his extensive wages will be tough.

Alejandro Garnacho almost blew his Manchester United career after turning up late for team meetings on the club’s pre-season tour.

The 18-year-old hit the headlines on Thursday with the winner in the Red Devils Europa League victory over Real Sociedad in only his second start for the club.

But after his full debut against FC Sheriff the previous week manager Erik ten Hag referenced problems with the player in pre-season.

And captain on the night Bruno Fernandes did likewise after the game in San Sebastian on Thursday.

Man Utd are keeping close tabs on Dusan Vlahovic’s situation at Juventus, according to reports.

The Italian side’s slump in form could see them lose key players, if they don’t qualify for the Champions League next season.

They currently sit in eighth place in Serie A, while they crashed out of the Champions League in the group stages.

That could mean Vlahovic is available this summer.

Man Utd will let Aaron Wan-Bissaka go ‘home’ to Crystal Palace if the clubs can agree a loan deal.

Wan-Bissaka is well out of favour under Erik ten Hag — playing just four minutes for the first team as a substitute back in August and only getting a brief look at the bench in recent weeks.

Palace boss Patrick Vieira would take their former defender back but a loan move is the only way he can afford him — and that will take some negotiating.

Wan-Bissaka, 24, needs a fresh start after his Old Trafford move turned into a nightmare.

United paid £45million for the right-back in the summer of 2019.
But their chances of getting decent money from selling are limited because of his fall from grace and the fact he has less than two years left on a five-year deal.

Wan-Bissaka loan

Man Utd will let Aaron Wan-Bissaka go ‘home’ to Crystal Palace if the clubs can agree a loan deal.

Wan-Bissaka is well out of favour under Erik ten Hag — playing just four minutes for the first team as a substitute back in August and only getting a brief look at the bench in recent weeks.

Palace boss Patrick Vieira would take their former defender back but a loan move is the only way he can afford him — and that will take some negotiating.

Wan-Bissaka, 24, needs a fresh start after his Old Trafford move turned into a nightmare.

United paid £45million for the right-back in the summer of 2019.

But their chances of getting decent money from selling are limited because of his fall from grace and the fact he has less than two years left on a five-year deal.

Ronaldo offers

Man Utd are willing to listen offers for Cristiano Ronaldo and allow him to leave the club in January, according to reports.

The Telegraph claims the Red Devils are willing to allow CR7 to move on once the transfer window opens, which is what he desires.

However, they are fully aware finding a suitable club to cover his extensive wages will be tough.

Ronaldo's praised by ten Hag

Cristiano Ronaldo was singled out for special praise by Erik ten Hag — for his defensive work.

Ten Hag’s Manchester United team travel to Aston Villa on Sunday with the Dutchman delighted that Ronaldo is now leading his pressing game.

Ten Hag said: "We defend with 11, starting with Cristiano up front.

"So we are hard to beat as a team. That’s a compliment but it’s also that process we have to keep going.

"That makes it hard to beat us because everyone is convinced of that plan, everyone is disciplined in that plan.

"When we play with the desire and passion, we are hard to beat and that makes us, in this moment, successful."

Utd looking at Sesko

Man Utd have reportedly identified two strikers as they prepare for life without Cristiano Ronaldo.

Erik ten Hag has started Ronaldo in United's last three games but he looks set to move on, possibly in January.

The Red Devils boss tried to sign a striker over the summer but was met with protests after targeting former West Ham star Marko Arnautovic.

Now United are on the lookout for another Austrian front-man, Benjamin Sesko, according to The Telegraph.

The club have been monitoring the 19-year-old striker since he broke into RB Salzburg's first team last season.

But United could have difficulty trying to sign the youngster as he has a pre-contract agreement with Red Bull group and is set to join RB Leipzig.

Garnacho lifeline

Alejandro Garnacho almost blew his Manchester United career after turning up late for team meetings on the club’s pre-season tour.

The 18-year-old hit the headlines on Thursday with the winner in the Red Devils Europa League victory over Real Sociedad in only his second start for the club.

But after his full debut against FC Sheriff the previous week manager Erik ten Hag referenced problems with the player in pre-season.

And captain on the night Bruno Fernandes did likewise after the game in San Sebastian on Thursday.

They were referring to his behaviour as part of the squad on the summer tour of Bangkok and Australia.

He finally did play in pre-season in the club’s final game before the Premier League season kicked in a match against against Rayo Vallecano at Old Trafford.

His goal against Sociedad on Thursday made him the youngest non-English scorer in Europe for the club.

But after the game Fernandes referenced his attitude on pre-season.

Fernandes said: "He knows we expect a lot from him. He wasn’t at his best at the beginning of the season.

"On the tour he didn't have the best attitude that he should have, but now he's training better and getting his chances. He's deserving of his chances.”

While Garnacho was taken on the tour, he did not play after twice turning up late for team meetings.

U21 humiliation

Man Utd's U21's were left humiliated by the crosstown rivals in the Premier League 2 this afternoon.

They were thrashed 6-1 at the Leigh Sports Village in a complete humbling.

United took the lead, but soon City seized the initiative and thrashed their neighbours.

Carlos Borges scored four goals for the visitors - even copying Cristiano Ronaldo's latest celebration to rub salt in the wounds.