رفض المدير الفني لفريق مانشستر يونايتد رالف رانجنيك، حسم مستقبل النجم البرتغالي كريستيانو رونالدو في الأولد ترافورد.

وانتشرت التكهنات في الفترة الأخيرة حول مستقبل رونالدو مع الشياطين الحمر، وإمكانية رحيله نهاية الموسم الحالي، نتيجة تراجع مستواه وقلة أهدافه.

وعاد رونالدو إلى التسجيل من جديد اليوم حيث أحرز هاتريك أمام نورويتش سيتي، في بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز. هاتريك رونالدو أمام نورويتش سيتي

وقال رانجنيك في تصريحات نشرها الصحفي الشهير فابريزيو رومانو: “هذا ليس قراري، كريستيانو لديه عامًا آخر في عقده الحالي”.

وأضاف الألماني: “سيكون هذا قرار يتخذه المدرب الجديد، جنبًا إلى جنب مع مجلس الإدارة”.

وفيما يتعلق بأدائه اليوم، قال رانجنيك: “مرة أخرى، أظهر ضد توتنهام ومباراة اليوم أنه يمكن أن يكون صانع الفارق، في لحظات مثل هذه، في مثل هذه المباريات، وليس من قبيل الصدفة أن يكون لديه أفضل سجل تهديفي لجميع اللاعبين في التاريخ، لقد أظهر ذلك مرة أخرى اليوم”.

Former Southampton midfielder Carlton Palmer has told The Transfer Tavern that free agents are likely to be the way forward for the south coast outfit this summer.

The Saints have already secured the services of Theo Walcott following his loan spell last season on a free after his release from parent club Everton.

According to Transfermarkt, Southampton’s net-spent last season was around £11m, meaning a summer spending spree at St Mary’s is unlikely.

Captain James Ward-Prowse has been strongly linked with a move to Aston Villa following his fine form for both club and country, which could free up some funds, but it’s unlikely Southampton will want to sell their best players.

One player than has already left is Ryan Bertrand, who’ll officially exit the club at the end of this month once his deal expires.

Bertrand’s departure leaves Southampton with no recognised senior left-backs, so Palmer was asked whether he thinks Patrick van Aanholt would be a good addition following his release from Crystal Palace.

When asked about the Dutchman, who was praised by Marcelo Bielsa after Palace’s 4-1 victory over Leeds last season, he exclusively told The Transfer Tavern:

“They haven’t got much money in terms of big salaries, so that’s what they’ve got to be looking at, free transfers, and somebody that can come in and enhance the team. That’s the market they’re in.”

Former Glasgow Rangers defender Alan Hutton has shared his fears over Steven Gerrard leaving the Gers for a Premier League club this summer.

The Lowdown: Gerrard linked with exit

Earlier this year, Gerrard was linked with a move to Liverpool after it was suggested Jurgen Klopp could leave the Reds (The Mirror).

While that particular link has since quietened down, both Wolves (The Athletic) and Everton are said to have been in pursuit of the Gers boss more recently.

The Latest: Hutton shares exit fears

Speaking to Football Insider, Hutton has admitted he is worried Gerrard could leave the 55-time Scottish champions. He said when asked if he was worried:

“Yeah, of course. I think it will be every Rangers fan’s nightmare knowing how well he’s done.

“He’s come in, it’s taken him a few seasons to settle in but we’re seeing how good he actually is as a manager at the moment and what he can bring to the table.

“With this managerial merry-go-round that literally is happening down south, there’s going to be opportunities. It doesn’t matter who you are. You want to be working or playing at the highest level possible.

“There’s a lot of money down south. If there’s an opportunity to go to a team and rebuild a team at a high level, of course you’re going to have to think about it. It’s only natural.

“I’m worried as a Rangers fan. We know how good a job Gerrard’s done and people will be looking at him.”

The Verdict: Not yet

It seems inevitable Gerrard will leave the Gers to move some south at some point. The 41-year-old, who earns £2.5m a year at Ibrox (£48,000 a week, The Daily Express), has done a fantastic job in Glasgow, leading Rangers to their first major trophy in 10 years. However, he is a Liverpool legend and an Englishman, and will therefore always likely be interested in a move back home.

Having said that, it feels unlikely that he will leave this summer. Rangers’ Premiership title means they have qualified for the Champions League third qualifying round. A run in Europe’s premier club competition is surely too big a challenge to pass up on.

In other news, Kieran Maguire has made this Ibrox claim.

Sourav Ganguly has waited long for his eighth Test century

Special Correspondent03-Mar-2002Sourav Ganguly has waited long for his eighth Test century. When he finally raised it after 28 months, he was obviously mightily relieved and delighted. His unbeaten 135 off 279 balls, an innings that included 21 fours and six, on the rain-interrupted third day has not just put India on course for the first-innings lead, it has also probably ensured that Kolkata’s favourite son would remain the captain for India’s away series against the West Indies. Excerpts from his press-conference on Sunday:Are you relieved at finally getting a century?Of course, yes, obviously relieved. But I knew I had to concentrate and the runs would come. It was just a question of sticking there.Did you change your batting style?There was a little change in the style. But it had a lot to do with my concentration. I had been getting out in 30s and 40s, though I had been batting well. In fact, I got out four times between 35 and 47, so it was all about being able to concentrate more and luckily I did that today. I had worked on my pull and cut strokes. I knew the wicket didn’t have too much pace and the ball was coming at a convenient level. I am happy these two shots gave me some runs.But so many rain interruptions must have made it difficult for you?It isn’t very easy under those conditions, when you are going in and coming out so much. But you can’t really help such things. You have got to cope up with these difficulties and try your best.Is this your best knock?I won’t say so. I have played better knocks but this one was also important, both for me and the team. Besides getting back some form I also contributed to the team.Batting at number three seems to get the best out of you. You seem to enjoy batting in that position…It could be co-incidental but yes, having opened in one-dayers for India makes me more comfortable when the ball is hard and new. I am used to facing the new ball though it has got its advantages and disadvantages. The bowlers look fresh and keep attacking the batsman constantly. But one thing, it also gives you more opportunities to score boundaries. You have to wait for the loose ball and play accordingly.So you would continue to bat at this position?No, it’s not a permanent slot for me. Rahul (Dravid) has done very well at that place and he is the rightful claimant to that slot. It was a good gesture by him to allow me to come at number three when I asked for it but he will be back in that place from the next series.And how would you plan tomorrow’s play?We have to take lead first and then we can put pressure on them. About a 100-run lead would be good on this wicket.

MatériaMais Notícias

No retorno de Rogério Ceni ao Morumbi, quem chamou a atenção foi o atacante Gilberto, autor de três gols na goleada sobre a Ponte Preta. Confira as atuações do Tricolor e da Macaca na partida disputada pelo Paulistão.

ATUAÇÕES SÃO PAULO – FELLIPE LUCENA

5,5 -Sidão
Se fosse com a mão mais firme, poderia ter espalmado o chute de Jesus. Recuperou-se com grande defesa que impediu Lucca de fazer 2 a 0.

6,0 -Bruno
Foi muito acionado no primeiro tempo e tomou a decisão errada na maioria das vezes. Melhorou no segundo e fez boa jogada no terceiro gol.

5,0 -Maicon
Ficou vendido nos dois gols da Ponte Preta, principalmente no segundo. No restante do jogo, segurança e tranquilidade na saída de bola.

5,0 -Rodrigo Caio
Atuação abaixo de sua média, com momentos de insegurança e falhas que não costuma cometer. Mas também fez bons cortes.

6,5 -Júnior Tavares
Mostrou para Ceni que não há necessidade de improvisar Buffarini na esquerda. Jovem mostrou personalidade e muita força ofensiva.

5,0 -João Schmidt
Destoou. Jogou em intensidade reduzida no primeiro tempo, com erros bobos. Melhorou na etapa final, mas vacilou no segundo da Macaca.

6,5 -Thiago Mendes
Perdeu a bola que originou o primeiro gol da Ponte, mas foi crescendo. Já havia deixado Araújo na cara do gol quando fez seu golaço.

6,0 -Cícero
Menos brilhante e incisivo do que Cueva, mas também importante na armação. Passes bem feitos e inteligentes.

7,5 -Cueva
Tem grande facilidade para furar a defesa adversária. Grande atuação foi premiada com um gol e uma assistência. É o cérebro do time.

6,5 -Luiz Araújo
Perdeu chance incrível, mas movimentou-se bem o tempo todo. Grande jogada e assistência no quarto gol. Bateu o escanteio do quinto.

8,0 -Gilberto
Chutou a bola que Aranha soltou nos pés de Cueva no primeiro gol e depois deu um show, com três gols marcados. Tarde para recordar.

5,0 -Lugano
Compôs um trio de zagueiros com Maicon e Rodrigo e posicionou-se na sobra, como nos velhos tempos. Ficou para trás no segundo gol da Ponte.

5,0 -Araruna
Entrou com o jogo decidido e não teve muito o que mostrar.

5,0 -Shaylon
Entrou com o jogo decidido e não teve muito o que mostrar.

7,5 -Rogério Ceni
Time monopolizou a bola, marcou firme desde ataque, criou chances de várias formas, com jogadas ensaiadas… Defesa ainda deixou a desejar.

RelacionadasSão PauloGilberto festeja fim de ‘jejum’de gols no Morumbi: ‘Bom começar assim’São Paulo12/02/2017Futebol NacionalNúmeros da Bola: Estatísticas de São Paulo 5×2 Ponte PretaFutebol Nacional12/02/2017São PauloGilberto faz três e comanda as atuações do São Paulo em goleadaSão Paulo12/02/2017

ATUAÇÕES PONTE PRETA – GABRIELA CHABATURA

4,5 – Aranha
Falhou em de três dos cinco gols. Teve até bola entre as pernas.

5,0 – Nino Paraíba
Salvou a bola na linha do gol. Mas foi ficou perdido com o drible sofrido no lance do gol Gilberto.

4,5 – Kadu
Deixou a defesa aberta e levou sufoco dos atacante do São Paulo.

4,0 – Fábio Ferreira
Falhou em três dos quatro gols. Atuação desastrosa.

5,0 – Naldo
Ganhou a vaga de Ravanelli, mas desarmou pouco e errado.

5,5 – Jeferson
Fez falta dura no Gilberto e, momentos depois, pediu para sair.

5,0 – Jadson
Errou passes e desarmes.

7,0 – Matheus Jesus
Acertou um chute forte de longe e marcou um golaço.

6,0 – William Pottker
Deu assistência para o gol. Perdeu a bola deu no ataque no lance que culminou no segundo gol do Tricolor.

7,0 – Lucca
Iniciou a jogada do lance do gol e marcou o segundo gol da Macaca.

5,5 – Clayson
Teve ótima visão pela direita para o Lucca arriscar. Mas foi só.

5,0 – Artur
Apagado, errou cruzamentos.

6,5 – Lins
Arriscou o chute e proporcionou o rebote para o gol anotado por Lucca.

5,5 – Yago
Entrou já com a goleada e em nada pôde mudar o cenário da partida.

4,0 – Felipe Moreira
Mudou tarde e ficou sem uma solução para frear os contra-ataques.

This weekend the leaders of Division One, Warwickshire Bears, will be growling and prowling around Headingley in action against Yorkshire Phoenix

Ralph Dellor12-Jun-2002This weekend the leaders of Division One, Warwickshire Bears, will be growling and prowling around Headingley in action against Yorkshire Phoenix. The Bears are four points clear in the table, with three teams just four points behind on ten points, and one of those is Yorkshire Phoenix so there is no shortage of incentive for the home side to claw their way up to join the leaders on the 14-point mark.Glamorgan Dragons – one of the other ten point teams – do not have a fixture this week, but Worcestershire Royals do, at Chester-le-Street against Durham Dynamos. The Dynamos have not been fully charged yet this season, losing all three of their previous outings, so there is every chance for the Royals to record their third victory of the season. They were forced to accept two points for a no result at Oakham School last week against Leicestershire Foxes.The Foxes are the visitors to Bath as part of one of the few festival weeks still continuing in county cricket. The Foxes have an equally-balanced record of one win, one defeat and that no result last week, while hosts, Somerset Sabres, are looking for their first win of the season after two defeats and a wash-out.In the other Division One match, Nottinghamshire Outlaws meet Kent Spitfires at Trent Bridge. The defending champions, Kent Spitfires, have made no more than an ordinary start to this season although there was nothing ordinary about the tie in Cardiff last week. The Outlaws might be prepared to settle for a similar record, however, with just two points to show for their four outings so far. Outlaws, out of luck and possibly out of the division come September.Festival cricket can be seen in Division Two, at Ilford where Essex Eagles take on Lancashire Lightening. The Eagles have been flying high in most competitions this season, but they have only played two Norwich Union League matches – winning one and losing the other. Their talons will have to be at their sharpest to get to grips with Lightening who are lying sixth in the table but are only one win away from the leading trio.One of that trio, Northamptonshire Steelbacks, have a short journey to play Derbyshire Scorpions who are also within a win of the leaders. Hampshire Hawks also entertain neighbours, Surrey Lions, while the third member of the pace-setting trio, Gloucestershire Gladiators, face the team which is propping up all the others, Middlesex Crusaders. Having played four matches and with only four points from two no results, the Gladiators would be reckoned to have a good chance of getting the thumbs up for another four point haul.

Leicester City are reportedly interested in signing Schalke centre-back Ozan Kabak after he impressed during a short-term loan spell at Liverpool last season.

What’s the story?

The Reds turned to the 21-year-old as they searched for a solution to their defensive injury crisis but turned down the opportunity to make his stay on Merseyside permanent for £18 million.

As a result, Kabak has been linked with a move to several sides in recent weeks, and well-respected journalist Constantin Eckner has confirmed the Foxes’ interest.

He tweeted: “Ozan Kabak: Leicester are interested in signing the centre-back after he has returned to Schalke who essentially have to sell him, as they are forced to reduce the cost of their squad significantly following relegation.”

Fans should be buzzing

After finishing in fifth place for the second consecutive season, Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers has already been quite active in the transfer market.

Deals for RB Salzburg striker Patson Daka and Lille midfielder Boubakary Soumare appear to be nearing a conclusion, yet defensive reinforcements will also be required.

Experienced duo Christian Fuchs and Wes Morgan have left the King Power Stadium, leaving a sizeable gap in Rodgers’ squad.

Former England international Ryan Bertrand is expected to bolster the full-back positions following his release from Southampton, but a new centre-back will also be required.

Therefore, news that Kabak is being targeted by the Leicester hierarchy should have the club’s supporters buzzing.

The Turkey international recovered from a shaky start to life in England to perform well for Liverpool during his six-month stint at Anfield.

He made 13 appearances for the Reds in all competitions throughout the second half of the recently concluded campaign, helping Klopp’s charges to a third-place finish.

Adding someone with Premier League experience will be a huge bonus as Leicester plot another assault of the top four next term, and his potential arrival would be a big boost to the FA Cup holder’s chances of returning to Europe’s top table.

With Schalke in a poor financial situation, director of football Jon Rudkin may be able to pull off a bargain deal for Kabak, adding to the extensive list of astute purchases he’s overseen.

And, in other news…Leicester City handed major injury boost ahead of next season, Rodgers will be buzzing 

A major update has emerged on £65k-p/w Southampton transfer target Brandon Williams, it could lead to Martin Semmens needing to act swiftly.

What’s the talk?

According to The Athletic, Norwich are pursuing a deal for Manchester United fullback Williams ahead of next season. The report claims that there have been encouraging signs that Norwich can conclude a loan swoop for the English defender.

Last month, MEN reported that Williams would like to leave Old Trafford on loan next season to gain regular first-team minutes and they named Southampton as one of the teams who are interested in signing him. Ralph Hasenhuttl is said to want competition in the fullback areas and has identified Williams as a potential signing to bolster his first-team squad.

Back in 2020, United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer praised the “outstanding” defender for his performance against Chelsea in an FA Cup semi-final clash. He told United’s official website:

“You saw Brandon and the character he showed. He played a square pass into Mount [which led to their second goal] and he probably felt a bit responsible, but for the rest of the half he was absolutely outstanding.

“The kid has been out for a while and not played, and had the eye injury, but his character and personality out there was great, he kept going and kept going.”

Semmens must act now

Southampton CEO Martin Semmens must act now to secure a deal for Williams. If Semmens does not react quickly to this update then it could lead to the Saints missing out on his signature. Norwich are seemingly edging ahead of the Saints in the race to sign the fullback and it could be a big blow to Hasenhuttl’s plans if they watch Williams put pen to paper on a deal at Carrow Road.

The Saints are desperately lacking options in the fullback positions as it stands. Kyle Walker-Peters is currently the only senior, natural fullback who is set to be at the club beyond the end of the month, with Ryan Bertrand expected to leave upon the expiry of his contract. Le10 Sport has reported that Southampton are close to a deal to sign Brest left-back Romain Perraud, but that would still leave Hasenhuttl threadbare in the fullback positions and that is why a deal for Williams could be key.

Not only is Williams a natural full-back but he can also play on either side of the pitch. The £65k-per-week beast can play at right-back and left-back, having played both roles for Manchester United in the Premier League since the start of the 2019/20 campaign. Williams has started 13 Premier League games since 2019 for United, which shows that Solskjaer trusted him to perform when needed.

Therefore, fans would love it if the club could secure a deal for Williams. He has proven that he can play at Premier League level with Manchester United, as shown by Solskjaer’s faith in him, and has the versatility to cover two important positions for the Saints. This is why Semmens must act swiftly to avoid missing out on him to Norwich in the coming weeks.

And in other news, Semmens masterstroke: Southampton could land bargain with “matured” £25k-p/w dynamo – opinion

Leicester City could be offered Joe Willock in a player-plus-cash deal by Arsenal as they attempt to prize James Maddison away from the King Power Stadium.

What’s the story?

That’s according to The Express, who claim Gunners chief Edu is hoping to slash the Foxes’ £60 million asking price in half by including Willock as part of a deal for the England international.

Maddison has been one of Leicester’s standout performers since arriving back in 2018 and was unfortunate not to be included in Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2020 squad.

Rudkin risks ruining Rodgers’ project

The former Norwich City ace has been central to the success of the Midlands outfit in recent years, bagging 27 goals and providing 20 assists in 118 appearances, winning the FA Cup along the way.

While Maddison’s magnificent performances have understandably attracted attention from one of the Premier League traditional ‘Big Six’ clubs, director of football Jon Rudkin must refuse the proposed bid if Edu does make the offer.

Leicester have founded their recent success off the back of incredibly smart work in the transfer market.

Young stars such as N’Golo Kante, Riyad Mahrez and Harry Maguire have been picked up for minimal fees before being sold on for astronomical profits a few years later.

The proceeds have then been wisely reinvested into the first-team squad, allowing Brendan Rodgers’ charges to punch well above their weight.

However, after two consecutive fifth-place finishes, it’s time for that tactic to come to an end. If Leicester want to become a Champions League club, then they must act like one.

Realistically though, if the likes of Manchester City, Liverpool, Manchester United, or Chelsea come in for one of their prized assets then there’s not much the club’s hierarchy can do to stop them from leaving.

But the Gunners have finished below the King Power Stadium side for the last two years and face a first season without European football for 25 years next term.

Allowing Mikel Arteta’s men to poach one of their most important men when Arsenal are at their lowest point in recent history would have the potential to ruin the project Rodgers has worked so hard on over the last two-and-a-half years.

Willock may be a very talented player, but he’s not at Maddison’s level, and the domino effect could be even more costly for Rudkin and co.

And, in other news…Leicester must land “ferocious” £6.3m-rated gem with more key passes than Maddison 

Queens Park Rangers have confirmed the arrival of Andre Dozzell at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium.

What’s the latest?

According to a statement posted on the QPR website, Amit Bhatia has completed the signing of the Ipswich Town midfielder on a three-year deal, with the club holding an option to extend the 22-year-old’s contract for a further season.

The East Anglian Daily Times report that Mark Warburton’s side activated a £1m buy-out clause in the £3.5k-per-week man’s contract at Portman Road, a clause that was inserted when the youngster signed a new deal with the League One side last December.

Following the confirmation of the transfer, Warburton went on record to state his delight with the club’s capture of the midfielder, saying: “We are delighted to bring Andre on board. He is a player who really fits the mould of what we are looking for – he is young with lots of potential and he has that adaptability to his game.”

Fans will be buzzing

Considering just how much of an exciting prospect Dozzell appears to be, the fact that QPR have acted so swiftly in signing the £810k-rated defensively-minded midfielder this summer is sure to leave fans of the club buzzing.

Indeed, over his 43 League One appearances for Paul Cook’s side last season, the former England U20 international provided one assist and created a whopping 10 big chances for his teammates, as well as making an average of 1.5 interceptions, 1.7 tackles and winning 3.6 duels per game.

Wth central midfielders Geoff Cameron and Tom Carroll both looking likely to depart the Kiyan Price Foundation Stadium this summer, the middle of the park was certainly an area in which the 58-year-old QPR manager needed to strengthen.

As such, with the signing of the Dozzell now in the bag, in addition to the confirmed arrivals of Sam Field, Jordy de Wijs and Charlie Austin, the Rs very much seem to have got off to a flyer with their summer transfer business, something that bodes incredibly well for the club’s upcoming Championship campaign.

In other news: QPR handed transfer boost over “fantastic” £7k-p/w flop that’ll have Warburton buzzing