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RALF AROUND THE EDGES

Man Utd 3-2 Arsenal LIVE REACTION: Cristiano Ronaldo nets winning penalty as Carrick LEAVES club following victory

CRISTIANO RONALDO netted a brace as Man Utd beat Arsenal 3-2 in the Premier League on Thursday night.

But there will be some concerns after the Portugal captain was forced off injured late in the game.

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Emile Smith Rowe put the Gunners ahead early with the most bizarre of goals.

With David de Gea down injured, the midfielder fired the ball into an empty net.

And referee Martin Atkinson failed to blow his whistle before the ball crossed the line so was ordered by VAR to give a goal.

Bruno Fernandes then equalised for the Red Devils on the stroke of half time.

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Ronaldo then netted his 800th goal to put United ahead to the delight of the Stretford end before his former Real Madrid team-mate Odegaard instantly equalised.

However a clumsy challenge from the Norwegian on Fred saw the Portugal captain earn a penalty to make it 801 career goals.


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MORNING, ARSENAL FANS

Five strikers are on Arsenal's striker wishlist and boss Mikel Arteta is under pressure to adopt more attacking tactics.

Those are the topics setting the agenda as the Gunners prepare for Monday's Premier League clash at Everton.

The Toffees' £60million-rated England hitman Dominic Calvert-Lewin is rated alongside Dusan Vlahovic, Ianis Stoica, Luka Jovic and Alexander Isak as a potential summer target.

The Gunners will almost certainly need to strengthen up front as they face losing up to three forwards.

Big names Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette head that list.

And Londoner Eddie Nketiah is tipped by many to finally pursue regular top-flight football elsewhere next season.

Meanwhile, Arsenal legend Thierry Henry led the criticism of Arteta's strategy following Manchester United's 3-2 comeback win on Thursday.

Henry said: “I was disappointed to see us sit deep to protect a 1-0.

“We do not behave like a big team in these games.

“The team's mentality comes from the captain and manager; it seems his [Arteta’s] mentality is always to play like an underdog.”

5 ARSENAL TARGETS

Arsenal are in need of a striker and have been linked with several names across Europe ahead of the January transfer window, writes KEALAN HUGHES.

The Gunners have improved their form in recent weeks but Thursday’s 3-2 defeat to Manchester United exposed the need for a new front man.

Captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was substituted after missing a glorious chance but his replacements Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah failed to make the impact Mikel Arteta was looking for.

Nketiah has reportedly told the club he will leave at the end of the season when his contract expires with Nice, Crystal Palace and Borussia Moenchengladbach said to be keen on the youngster.

Lacazette is in the same position regarding his current contract and he revealed his agents will begin looking for his next club in January.

And with Aubameyang struggling in front of goal – he has scored just three league goals from open play this season – Arsenal have been linked with a number of forwards.

Here are five players the Gunners could try to sign.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Dusan Vlahovic
Ianis Stoica
Luka Jovic
Alexander Isak

HERE’S OUR LOWDOWN ON THESE PLAYERS

FERGIE VISITED VARANE HOME IN BID TO SIGN HIM

Alex Ferguson once pitched up at a young Raphael Varane’s house to convince him to sign for Manchester United.

And the then-18-year-old was ‘very, very interested’ in making the move to Old Trafford from boyhood club Lens.

But a phone call from the great Zinedine Zidane soon changed that, with the France legend convincing him Real Madrid should be his preferred destination.

Varane told the Telegraph about Ferguson’s visit: “It was a shock. To be honest, I was waiting in my house and looking out of the window to see if he was really coming. 

“When he came, I didn’t speak English. My mum speaks perfect English, so she was the person who spoke more with him. 

“It was a discussion about how he saw me, how he could have a project with me and how he could help me to grow as a person and player. 

“It was very, very interesting and a very big experience for me.”

Varane eventually signed for Madrid rather than United – but then moved to Old Trafford in a £41million deal this summer.

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BRUNO TRIBUTE TO CARRICK

Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes has tipped Michael Carrick to be a ‘really good manager’ after he quit the club following victory over Arsenal.

Carrick was placed in temporary charge of United after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s sacking last month.

Speaking to Amazon Prime after last night’s game, Fernandes backed Carrick to have a future in management.

He said: “I’ve said to him I was really mad to be off on his first game and I tell him now at the end of this game.

“But honestly for me Michael can be a really good manager in the future if he gets that chance.

“He knows how to speak, he knows a lot of football.

“He was one of the great players that not a lot of people talk about. For what I have seen he can be a top coach.”

BRUNO TRIBUTE TO CARRICK

Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes has tipped Michael Carrick to be a ‘really good manager’ after he quit the club following victory over Arsenal.

Carrick was placed in temporary charge of United after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s sacking last month.

Speaking to Amazon Prime after last night’s game, Fernandes backed Carrick to have a future in management.

He said: “I’ve said to him I was really mad to be off on his first game and I tell him now at the end of this game.

“But honestly for me Michael can be a really good manager in the future if he gets that chance.

“He knows how to speak, he knows a lot of football.

“He was one of the great players that not a lot of people talk about. For what I have seen he can be a top coach.”

SPOT OF BOTHER

Arsenal fans were left fuming after being denied a potential penalty in the 3-2 loss to Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Takehiro Tomiyasu got away from Harry Maguire on the edge of the box in the first half.

And to prevent Tomiyasu from getting his head on the ball, Maguire gave the defender a tug.

But VAR didn’t intervene and play was waived on.

Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher says the incident wasn’t a ‘clear and obvious error’, which is why it wasn’t given.

One Arsenal fan said on Twitter: “Why haven’t they checked Maguire dragging down Tomiyasu in the penalty box? Stonewall penalty.”

While another fumed: “That’s a clear foul by Maguire on Tomiyasu in the penalty box… What’s the use of VAR?”

RANGNICK SPEAKS

Ralf Rangnick has explained why he joined Man United after rejecting Chelsea last season.

He said: “”At the time, when Chelsea contacted me, they only talked about the option to become interim manager for four months.

“We’re talking about six and a half months [at United] and we also have a two-year advisory role.

“If Manchester United contact you for such role then you can’t turn it down.”

WAN-BISSAKA PUTS FINGER ON WHY HE MISSED OUT

Aaron Wan-Bissaka missed Manchester United’s dramatic victory over Arsenal after Callum Hudson-Odoi stood on his HAND.

The United right-back suffered the injury during last Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Premier League leaders Chelsea.

Blues flier Callum Hudson-Odoi reportedly trod on the 24-year-old’s hand as they did battle at Stamford Bridge.

And the damaged paw was apparently so painful that Wan-Bissaka had to sit out Thursday night’s 3-2 thriller at Old Trafford.

Caretaker boss Michael Carrick confirmed the injury as he also explained the absence of midfielder Nemanja Matic from the starting XI.

He said: “Nemanja has picked up a little niggle, he felt his hamstring.

“Hudson-Odoi stood on Aaron’s hand the other day, so he’s in a fair bit of pain, it was touch and go but he didn’t make it.”

Wan-Bissaka was replaced by Diogo Dalot, who was on hand to celebrate with his fellow Portugal international Cristiano Ronaldo as he smashed home the match-winner.

BRUNO HAILS OUTGOING CARRICK

Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes has tipped Michael Carrick to be a ‘really good manager’ after he quit the club following yesterday's 3-2 defeat o Arsenal.

Carrick was placed in temporary charge of United after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s sacking last month.

Speaking to Amazon Prime after last night’s game, Fernandes backed Carrick to have a future in management.

He said: “I’ve said to him I was really mad to be off on his first game and I tell him now at the end of this game.

“But honestly for me Michael can be a really good manager in the future if he gets that chance.

“He knows how to speak, he knows a lot of football.

“He was one of the great players that not a lot of people talk about. For what I have seen he can be a top coach.”

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TAKING AUBA OFF WAS A THIERRY STRANGE DECISION

Thierry Henry has questioned why Mikel Arteta took Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang off with Arsenal chasing an equaliser at Manchester United.

The Gunners captain was replaced by Alexandre Lacazette in the 79th minute last night as United won 3-2.

And with Arsenal a goal behind going into the latter stages of the game, Arteta decided to sacrifice his skipper in a double change.

Aubameyang, 32, was an almost invisible figure against the Red Devils, with the striker failing to offer anything.

His only notable contribution was being denied by David De Gea from yards out, resulting in him being taken off moments later.

It is now five Premier League games without a goal for the Gabon international, but despite his poor form, Henry believes he should have stayed on the pitch.

Speaking on Amazon Prime, Arsenal‘s all-time top scorer said: “Aubameyang is your captain. He is your goal scorer.

“You put him as your captain. 15 minutes to go, you’re losing 3-2 and you take him off. 3-2 away from home, you need a goal and you take your captain, your symbol, off the field.

“You know he can score you goals so something is not right there.”

MANE UTD?

Manchester United are reportedly positioning themselves to snap up long-time transfer target Ousmane Dembele for FREE.

The Frenchman’s contract at the Catalan giants is set to expire next June, potentially spelling an end to his injury-hit career at the club.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Dembele’s agent has advised against signing a new deal with Barca.

Dembele is being fed the impression he could pick up more money elsewhere, with Premier League duo Man Utd and newly mega-rich Newcastle circling.

United are believed to have the edge in the race to sign the unpredictable winger, already positioning themselves to make a move.

But it is unclear whether an offer will be submitted in the winter transfer window.

REUNION - Exclusive by SunSport's Jordan Davies

Manchester United want New York Red Bulls coach Gerhard Struber to be Ralf Rangnick’s new assistant.

SunSport understands that United have made contact with the Austrian in the last few days over a move to Old Trafford as Rangnick begins his six-month reign in the hotseat.

However, United would have to buy Struber out of his current contract with New York, which has two years left having joined from Barnsley in October 2020.

It is unsure how quickly United would be able to get Struber to Manchester, despite the fact the regular MLS season finished last month.

Rangnick, 63, and Struber, 44, know each other very well after working together at Red Bull Salzburg – the former as director of football and the latter as a youth team coach.

And following the departure of interim boss Michael Carrick from the club, Rangnick is keen to have people around him with the same footballing and coaching philosophy.

'STONEWALL PENALTY'

Arsenal fans were left fuming after being denied a potential penalty in the 3-2 loss to Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Takehiro Tomiyasu got away from Harry Maguire on the edge of the box in the first half.

And to prevent Tomiyasu from getting his head on the ball, Maguire gave the defender a tug.

But VAR didn't intervene and play was waived on.

Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher says the incident wasn't a 'clear and obvious error', which is why it wasn't given.

One Arsenal fan said on Twitter: "Why haven't they checked Maguire dragging down Tomiyasu in the penalty box? Stonewall penalty."

While another fumed: "That's a clear foul by Maguire on Tomiyasu in the penalty box… What’s the use of VAR?"

'A BIT DISAPPOINTED'

Arsenal skipper Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has given his thoughts on the Gunners' 3-2 defeat at Old Trafford last night.

He said: "We are a bit disappointed tonight because the team played very well. We could have got a better result.

"In this time of game you need to be clinical defensively and offensively and you have to do the perfect game because of the quality of Manchester United.

"At the end of the first half we started to drop for too long and we conceded. In the second half we had the character to come back but in this type of game I have to stand up and score that opportunity and maybe get a point for us.

"I should definitely score that type of goal but I will not give up and I will keep trying to score goals.

"Compared to the game against Liverpool at Anfield we did better today. We did something very clear and we tried our best. It was very unlucky because I think the team deserved better today."

'A TOP COACH'

Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes has tipped Michael Carrick to be a 'really good manager' after he announced his departure from the club on Thursday.

Carrick was placed in temporary charge of United after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's sacking last month.

Speaking to Amazon Prime after last night's game, Fernandes backed Carrick to have a future in management.

He said: "I've said to him I was really mad to be off on his first game and I tell him now at the end of this game.

"But honestly for me Michael can be a really good manager in the future if he gets that chance.

"He knows how to speak, he knows a lot of football.

"He was one of the great players that not a lot of people talk about. For what I have seen he can be a top coach."

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KING RALF'S PALACE

Get used to this sight, Man United fans.

It's your new boss walking the corridors of Old Trafford.

Have you been impressed by his first press conference?

 

PRESSING CONCERNS

Can this be a coincidence, Man United fans?

It seems Cristiano Ronaldo DOES have the energy to press more.

 

RALF AND READY - by SunSport's Neil Custis

Ralf Rangnick wants to stay on as Manchester United manager if he is successful at Old Trafford this season.

SunSport revealed last week that despite a contract being drawn up for just six-and-a-half months as manager and then two years as a consultant he had not given up on getting the job full time.

And Rangnick confirmed: “Right now I’m fully aware they might be looking for a new manager.

“If they will then speak with me about that we will see. Maybe if they ask my opinion and everything goes well and we develop the team I might even make the same recommendation to the board that I did at Leipzig twice when I recommended it might be a good idea to keep working with me for one year.

“But this is all hypothetical. For me now it’s about winning the next games and this is the major focus.”

'BIGGEST CLUB IN THE WORLD'

Ralf Rangnick is excited to get started at Manchester United.

He said: "We are talking about six-and-a-half months, one third of the games, and we have agreed on a two-year advisory deal. If Manchester United contacts you for such a role you cannot turn it down.

"This is one of the biggest clubs, if not the biggest club, in the world. I am excited to work with the players we have here.

"I have watched the latest games, Watford, Chelsea, Arsenal, and I also watched on TV the games against Liverpool and Manchester City.

"I am well acquainted. It's pretty obvious the team has an abundance of young, talented players and experienced players. The major target for me is to bring more balance into the team. Even yesterday we conceded two and needed three to win. We concede on average two a game and this is too much.

"I want to bring more balance and more control. Yesterday's game, for me as the future coach, they are not the games you need. I will try and bring these outstanding, talented players away from their own goal."

RALF'S RED DEVILS

Ralf Rangnick has explained his vision for Man United.

He said: ""It can only go game by game, step by step.

"You have to make sure you have the biggest chance to win the next game then step by step.

"Let the players follow and buy into the idea that I can offer them on how we want to play in the future.

"Pep has been at City for three years, Jurgen for five, Thomas only came in February, but in time-wise, they're a little ahead of us in the way they want to develop.

"I'm more than happy with the players we have here."

JANUARY BLUES

Ralf Rangnick has admitted that it will be 'difficult' to sign good players in January.

He said: ""We haven't spoken about new players.

"Now is the time to get to know the current squad in detail, the squad is definitely not too small.

"There is enough players.

"Maybe after Christmas, there will be a time to talk about possible transfers in the winter.

"In my experience, winter is not the time for sustainable transfers. It will be difficult in the winter."

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MIKE DROP

Ralf Rangnick has admitted that he tried to convince Michael Carrick to stay on at Man United.

He said: ""Michael, I got to know this two days ago.

"I met with Michael and Kieran, I had a long private conversation for more than an hour.

"I tried to convince him to stay, in the end, I had to accept that.

"I'm more than happy to work with the current coaching staff, I need their expertise.

"I will try to find two or three people that will join us in the coming weeks, but due to Brexit, it's not that easy."

FERGIE TIME

Ralf Rangnick has offered his thoughts on Man United's lack of success in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson years.

He said: ""It's not unusual that after along. successful spell, the club needs to find a new pathway.

"The club has had no continuity in signing new players and sticking to the DNA of the club.

"In the future, the board members and my self have the same opinion. It's important not to have many changes in management."

Ralf Rangnick was in attendance at last night's match

KING RALF

Interim boss Ralf Rangnick hasn't ruled out staying on as Manchester United manager beyond the end of the season.

He said: "The people with whom I've spoken with, they have been very clear that it is a six-month role.

"We have never spoken about what will happen in the summer. If they will speak about me with that, we will see.

"If they ask me about my opinion, I might make the same recommendation that I did at RB Leipzig twice, that it might be better to work with me for one year."

THREE NOT EASY

Ralf Rangnick has admitted that it will be difficult to chase down the Premier League's top three.

He said: ""It's about winning games and, in the end, I'm very ambitious.

"We want to make the most successful season that is possible.

"Right now, we have to be realistic.

"The difference between us and the top three is big. But let's see."

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