DEADLINE DAY has been and gone with Manchester United completing the huge signing of Cristiano Ronaldo from Juventus.
And the club have confirmed Ronaldo WILL wear his famous number 7 shirt, despite it being initially assigned to Edinson Cavani.
The Portugal captain will even head back to Manchester early as he is suspended for his country's next game after taking his shirt off in the celebrations from their 2-1 win over Ireland on Wednesday night.
Meanwhile, Jadon Sancho has been injured on England duty and United are waiting to see the extent of his problems.
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Get all the latest Man Utd news, updates and transfer gossip here…
- Joshua Mbu
COSTLY CAV
Manchester United offered Edinson Cavani to Juventus as part of the deal to sign Cristiano Ronaldo, according to reports.
Cavani, 34, only signed a one-year deal at United at the end of last season.
But the club was reportedly willing to let him leave, also offering him to Barcelona in a bid to free up wages to sign £450,000 a week Ronaldo.
Juventus turned down Cavani, report Calciomercato, as the striker was too expensive.
The Serie A outfit are in a difficult financial situation and did not want to take on Cavani's £250,000 a week salary.
Instead, they signed Moise Kean on loan from Everton after allowing Ronaldo to leave for an initial fee of £12.8million.
- Joshua Mbu
BIRTHDAY BOY
Manchester United have wished wing-back Brandon Williams a happy 21st birthday.
Williams is currently out on loan at fellow Premier League side Norwich City.
- Joshua Mbu
THANKS IN ORDER
Cristiano Ronaldo has thanked Edinson Cavani for giving up the No7 shirt.
CR7 will wear the iconic number at Manchester United once again, with his debut expected to be at home against Newcastle on September 11.
He said: "I wasn't sure if it would be possible to have the number seven shirt again, so I would like to say a huge thank you to Edi for this incredible gesture."
- Joshua Mbu
POG TOP
Paul Pogba picked up five assists in Man Utd's opening three Premier League games.
Bruno Fernandes and Mason Greenwood both have three goals each in the league.
- Joshua Mbu
NO FEAR
Former Crystal Palace owner Simon Jordan believes that Virgil van Dijk will not fear facing Cristiano Ronaldo.
Ronaldo's dream Man Utd return was concluded on transfer deadline day, for a fee just over £20million.
Speaking on talkSPORT, he said: "In the big games I don’t think Ronaldo’s going to put the fear of god into Virgil van Dijk.
“I don’t think Ronaldo will put the fear of god into some of these central defenders, but he will probably put the fear of god into Crystal Palace, Wolves, Brentford [and] Newcastle United.”
- Joshua Mbu
NET SPEND
Man Utd ended the 2021 summer transfer window with the second highest net spend, behind rivals Arsenal.
- Joshua Mbu
SEVENTH HEAVEN
Cristiano Ronaldo will wear the No 7 shirt on his return to Manchester United, writes MARC MAYO and MARTIN LIPTON.
The Red Devils have confirmed Ronaldo will be reunited with the legendary number he wore in his first spell.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side asked the Premier League to allow a shirt change and now Ronaldo replaces Edinson Cavani, who switches to 21 — the number he wears for Uruguay — after Daniel James left for Leeds.
Ron said: “I wasn’t sure if it would be possible to have the No 7 shirt again, so I would like to say a huge thank you to Edi for his incredible gesture.”
Seven is a special number in United’s history with club greats George Best, Bryan Robson, Eric Cantona and David Beckham all donning it.
And the Red Devils can look forward to witnessing Ronaldo back in his shirt at their home ground when he makes his second debut versus Newcastle on September 11.
- Joshua Mbu
MARKET VALUE
Manchester City have the most valuable Premier League squad, followed by rivals Manchester United.
Newly promoted Watford have the least valuable side, just below Burnley.
- Chisanga Malata
STILL KEEN
Manchester United are reportedly still keen on signing Brighton ace Yves Bissouma.
The 25-year-old was said to be on the Red Devils summer wishlist.
A move for the Mali international, however, never materialised.
But according to The Metro, the Red Devils could revisit their interest in the midfielder as soon as January.
Credit: Getty
- Chisanga Malata
TITLE TILT RULED OUT
Cristiano Ronaldo's sensational return to Old Trafford will NOT help guide Manchester United to the Premier League title, according to Dean Windass.
He told Transfer Tavern: “I don’t think they’ll win the league even with Ronaldo.
“I think they’ll be in the top four but your top three, for me, this season, maybe top four, Leicester could be up there again, Jamie Vardy’s scored a couple of goals now, he scored at the weekend.
"It’s a situation where I think you’re going to have to beat Man City, Liverpool and Chelsea this year.
“You finish above them, any of them three, you’ve won the Premier League. Man United will be in the top four without a shadow of a doubt.”
Credit: AFP - Chisanga Malata
MORNING, UNITED FANS
Cristiano Ronaldo has reclaimed the legendary Manchester United No 7 shirt – and unexpectedly can pick it up in person!
United might be secretly content that the returning legend is now banned for Portugal's last two World Cup qualifiers in this international break.
It means the shock deadline signing from Juventus can freshen up back in Manchester for his anticipated second Old Trafford debut, against Newcastle on September 11.
Ron, 36, earned his suspension after whipping off his shirt to celebrate his record-setting, match-winning late double on Tuesday night.
The Portugal skipper sunk Ireland 2-1 to reach 111 international goals, two more than previous joint record-holder Ali Daei of Iran.
Joe Cole believes capturing Ronaldo is the "stroke of genius" that makes United's "England's biggest club again" AND means they "must" win the Prem.
The former Chelsea and England midfielder told Coral: “I thought they had strengthened their squad well already but with Ronaldo adding to the quality they have brought through the door, they have to go and win it.”
“They have the biggest player in the league, with the biggest global reach. "
And ex-Old Trafford defender Gary Neville insists Dan James' £25million departure to Leeds is "win win" for the Wales winger plus both clubs.
Nev said: “He’ll suit the way they play with such pace on the counter-attack. He’ll love it there.
“It’s a good thing for United to get the money they did, and good for Dan to further his career at a good club.”
- Ian Tuckey
MAGUIRE NETS IN ENGLAND ROMP
Manchester United skipper Harry Maguire nodded England's third goal as they outclassed Hungary 4-0 after a goalless first 55 minutes.
Livewire Raheem Sterling slotted the opener and Harry Kane nodded the second but unusually missed two clear chances.
Credit: Reuters Central-defender Maguire shone alongside United team-mate Luke Shaw, admittedly in an England backline largely untroubled.
And Maguire plus Declan Rice saw efforts fumbled in by previously-impressive Hungary keeper Peter Gulacsi.
United midfieler Jesse Lingard came on for Mason Mount after 84 minutes – time enough to see Rice's long-ranger make it 4-0 but not ample to get involved himself.
Credit: Richard Pelham / The Sun - Ian Tuckey
REAL COULD BID FOR MBAPPE AND ERLING
Real Madrid will consider bidding for BOTH Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland, reports in Spain claim.
The LaLiga giants are already tipped to come back in for PSG’s France striker Mbappe in January.
But it was thought Manchester City and United, plus possibly Chelsea, would lead the hunt for Borussia Dortmund’s supreme finisher Haaland.
Marca, though, suggest Real believe they will be in a position to bring back their “Galactico” policy of mega marquee signings.
Credit: AFP - Ian Tuckey
SEVEN UP FOR RON CONFIRMED
Cristiano Ronaldo will wear the No7 shirt once again for Manchester United.
The Old Trafford giants have confirmed the striker's return to his old shirt number after seeking special permission from the Premier League.
Edinson Cavani had already donned the shirt in the weekend's win at Wolves – and league rules asserted that Ronaldo could not take the slot.
But an exception has been made and the man known as CR7 is able to keep his monicker.
United may have called upon a precedent set in 2011 when Yossi Benayoun's brief outing in Chelsea's No10 shirt was not enough to deny new signing Juan Mata the jersey.
- Ian Tuckey
‘JAMES TO LEEDS IS WIN-WIN’
Gary Neville believes Daniel James’ £25million transfer from Manchester United to Leeds United is a win-win for all concerned.
Neville thinks James will be perfect for Marcelo Bielsa’s brand of high energy, counter-attacking football – and that the deal is also very good for Manchester United.
He said: “It’s really good for Dan James. It’s one of those where this is a win-win. He came to United and always did his very best, he was a massive threat on the counter-attack, but they have a lot of players in those areas.
“It’s really important for young players to go and play, and Leeds have always wanted him. They wanted him the first time around when United got him instead.
“He’ll suit the way they play with such pace on the counter-attack. He’ll love it there, the crowd’s a big crowd, a club that demands a lot.
“It’s a good thing for United to get the money they did, and good for Dan to further his career at a good club.”
- Ian Tuckey
DON'T PUT YOUR SHIRT RON IT
ItT is the shirt every Manchester United fan wants – but the club are facing a nightmare shortage of replica Cristiano Ronaldo replica kits.
The legendary Portuguese forward completed his remarkable return to Old Trafford on Tuesday’s transfer deadline day from Juventus.
Supporters are already counting down the seconds until they see the 36-year-old in action for the Red Devils again with the icon’s second coming due to be against Newcastle on Saturday week.
However, not many of those lucky enough to be in the Theatre of Dreams are likely to sporting United’s shirt donned with the name and number of their messiah.
The Independent claims the shortage is ‘due to Covid-influenced delays in Adidas' supply line coinciding with the rush’ after the signing of Ronaldo.
They had already experienced a significant slowdown in production due to the closure of factories in Vietnam – which could cause a potentially four-month delay.
The Asian nation normally contributes 28 per cent of Adidas' total production.
The sports manufacturer had made a contingency but today’s report claims that Ronaldo’s comeback to United has changed the situation with a drop-off now expected.
- Ian Tuckey
'RON TOLD ME A MONTH AGO HE'D JOIN UTD'
UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov claims Cristiano Ronaldo told him he was returning to Manchester United ‘a MONTH ago’.
Ron, 36, completed a stunning move to Old Trafford from Juventus on deadline day.
And he is now set to make his second Man Utd debut in front of a raucous home crowd against Newcastle on September 11.
The nature of the transfer shocked many in the game, with Ronaldo instead linked with United’s fierce rivals Man City.
However, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer opened the door for Ronaldo at his press conference last week.
And on the same day United revealed they had agreed a deal for the Portugal legend to return home.
However, close friend Khabib was not surprised by the transfer.
The Russian MMA icon says he was informed by Ronaldo himself about a Man Utd move a month ago.
- Ian Tuckey
TOB GUN?
Tobin Heath could be set for a stunning switch to Arsenal following her impressive single season at Manchester United, writes SANDRA BROBBEY.
Telegraph Sport claims the North London giants are close to signing the two-time World Cup winner who is currently a free agent.
And it is reported discussions around a two-year deal between the club and the USA superstar, 33, have been productive.
It is thought the winger is a big supporter of Arsenal.
And the American's move on a free transfer means she does not have to complete the deal the before the midnight deadline for WSL transfers involving overseas players.
Heath, who has 177 USA international caps, won plaudits for her performances for United during their league campaign last season.
The versatile forward, who began her senior career with the New Jersey Wildcats, netted four goals in eight top-flight appearances for Man United last season.
And one of her most memorable efforts was a thumping top corner strike against Man City which helped her side earn a valuable draw in the league against their neighbours.
However, an injury to Heath’s ankle in January saw her sidelined.
- Ian Tuckey
JAMES MAKES RARE PROFIT FOR UTD
Manchester Unitef made a £10million profit after selling Dan James to rivals Leeds United for an initial £25m on deadline day.
The Wales international, 23, is just the fifth player the Red Devils have made money on in the last decade.
Man Utd signed James from Swansea City for an initial £15m in July 2019 but have gone on to make their money back after their recent sale.
Fans will be surprised to find out the club also made a profit from selling flop Alexander Buttner to Dynamo Moscow in June 2014.
United signed the left-back from Dutch side Vitesse for £4m two years earlier and sold him for a reported £5.6m.
Buttner managed just 13 unconvincing Premier League appearances and is yet to get another chance at a big club.
Another surprise profit was Daley Blind, signed from Ajax for £14m in August 2014 before featuring 90 times in the Prem.
Blind was flogged back to his former side four years later, with United making up to £4.5m from the shrewd sale.
- Ian Tuckey
KATRINA PICS SEALED WITH A CRIS
Manchester United-mad glamour model Katrina Maria has promised to share sizzling matchday pictures following Cristiano Ronaldo’s return.
The Portugal legend sealed his second spell at Old Trafford on deadline day.
And, after leaving international duty due to suspension, Ronnie is set to make his second debut against Newcastle on September 11.
One United supporter who is especially happy is model Maria.
Dubbed the club's 'sexiest fan', she urged Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in JUNE to pull off a stunning transfer for Ronaldo.
And Maria has now promised some raunchy social media photos to celebrate.
She told the Daily Star: “I am so happy. I have been waiting for the day he would return, and I can’t believe he is here now.
“I will post more photos. I’m planning on getting the new home shirt, with his name and number on it.”
- Ian Tuckey
UTD LEAD EURO CLUBS' SPENDING
Premier League clubs have blown their European counterparts away in the spending stakes post-Covid.
A new CIES Football Observatory study has detailed how England’s big boys have spent lavishly on new players in comparison to those in LaLiga, Serie A, Ligue 1 and the Bundesliga.
That is despite the coronavirus pandemic crippling their revenues.
In total, the net spent was just over £1.6billion in the three pandemic transfer windows with Serie A (£255m) the closest to follow the Prem.
Manchester United, who secured the return of the legendary Cristiano Ronaldo this week, topped the spending charts with a net outlay of £187m during that period.
France’s Ligue 1 (£109m) and Germany’s Bundesliga (£6.8m) both only made tiny net spends in comparison – with Spain’s LaLiga incredibly even making a net profit of £171m.
The dominance of the Premier League is largely down to the huge outlay by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s United.
The Red Devils boast the biggest net spend having splashed the cash to bring in the likes of Jadon Sancho, Raphael Varane and Ronaldo this summer.
- Ian Tuckey
PREM SQUADS VALUED
Arsenal may have spent the most in the summer transfer market but their splurge has left them with only the seventh most-valuable squad.
Mikel Arteta’s side pumped £121million into the window, signing the likes of Ben White, Aaron Ramsdale and Martin Odegaard.
But figures from trusted aggregator Transfermarkt show the Gunners’ squad value is still only just above that of Everton, who spent barely a penny.
Leading the way having broken the British transfer record are Manchester City, with a set of stars pushing towards the £1billion mark.
Jack Grealish’s arrival was offset by the sales of Lukas Nmecha, Jack Harrison and Ivan Ilic, while Sergio Aguero and Eric Garcia left for free.
Remarkably, the defending champions are worth almost £100m more than second-placed Manchester United despite having SIX fewer players.
The Red Devils’ 28-strong squad tallies up to £843.5m, which includes the addition of Cristiano Ronaldo and his £40m ‘worth’ – double what the club paid for the goalscoring sensation.
Chelsea and Liverpool can barely be split at just above £790m in third and fourth respectively, before a £150m-plus drop to Tottenham in fifth.
- Ian Tuckey
TITLE PRESSURE IS ALL RON UTD NOW
Joe Cole insists all the pressure is RON Manchester United to win the Prem now that Cristiano Ronaldo is back.
Having extolled Ron's virtues – as in our last post below – ex-Liverpool playmaker Cole believes United's squad now has the all-round ability to challenge champs Man City.
Credit: Getty Coral ambassador Cole said: "If it wasn't clear before, United will know now that the Premier League title is a must win for this group of players.
"I thought they had strengthened their squad well already but with Ronaldo adding to the quality they have brought through the door, they have to go and win it."
But Coral still list United 'only' 9-2 joint third favourites with Liverpool for the title.
City are out on their own at 6-5, followed by 13-5 bets Chelsea.
- Ian Tuckey
COLE: MAN UTD BIGGEST CLUB IN ENGLAND AGAIN
Manchester United MUST win the Prem as Cristiano Ronaldo's return finally makes them England's biggest club again, Joe Cole claims.
Former Chelsea and England midfielder Cole rates capturing five-time Ballon d'Or winner Ron from Juventus a "stroke of genius".
The ambassador for bookie Coral said: "Manchester United are now back front and centre as the biggest club in the country after signing Ronaldo.
"They have the biggest player in the league, with the biggest global reach, playing for them.
"It is a stroke of genius to bring him back to Old Trafford."
- Ian Tuckey
I'M STILL EVRA SO EXCITED BY CRIS
Cristiano Ronaldo's former Manchester United team-mate Patrice Evra is still bubbling with "excitement" at the master's return.
This tweet reads like any fan's…
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