Erik ten Hag has ordered Manchester United s players to ignore the Cristiano Ronaldo saga and keep their focus on beating Chelsea.
The United manager had to call a meeting with Ronaldo on Thursday after the veteran striker showed an errant side to his nature in the previous night s game against Tottenham.
By refusing to play as a substitute, according to Ten Hag, and leaving the stadium early, Ronaldo secured himself a weekend off.
He has been temporarily ostracised from the first team by United s Dutch boss, who made it clear he will not stand for any disruptive behaviour from the superstar, or from any member of his squad.
So Ronaldo will stay at home as United head to Stamford Bridge on Saturday, disciplined and with plenty of atoning to do.
Th…
Chelsea head coach Thomas Tuchel insisted his comments about a possible Romelu Lukaku-Erling Haaland partnership were a joke as he tried to play down speculation linking the European champions with the Borussia Dortmund star.
Tuchel this week said Chelsea had discussed a move for Haaland and did not rule out partnering the in-demand Norwegian forward with Lukaku at Stamford Bridge.
However, Tuchel backtracked on those comments as Chelsea prepare to host Norwich City in the Premier League on Saturday.
I fell into a trap, Tuchel told reporters, referencing his Bild interview. I got an award in Germany. I got an award from a newspaper and they asked me about a player.
Normally I never, never speak about other players because simply I never, ever do.
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Alex McLeish will remain in charge of Birmingham next season, but is expected to orchestrate an immediate return to the Premier League.
Birmingham were relegated on Sunday after two seasons in the English Premier League, despite winning the Carling Cup in February.
Scotsman McLeish oversaw the club s automatic promotion to the top flight in 2009 after taking the club to second place in the Championship.
And it appears the former Rangers and Scotland boss must repeat that achievement if he is to survive beyond the next campaign.
The board regrets yesterday s result and subsequent relegation and feels that supporters, who have continued to back us magnificently, have been let down, Acting Chairman Peter Pannu said in a statement.
The club can co…
Market: Mansfield win
Odds: 4/9 @
Simply looking to extend their buffer at the top of the League Two table, Mansfield will welcome Colchester to Field Mill on Saturday afternoon.
Starting with the hosts, continuing on what has been a stunning League Two romp this season, Mansfield have certainly gained plenty of admirers. Opening this weekend’s fixtures holding a five-point buffer at the top of the table, Nigel Clough’s men will be looking to make another statement of intent here. Rightfully tipped as the standout promotion contender in 2024, the former Burton boss finds the mood in his camp at a red-hot high. Last seen putting in a thumping display as they stormed their way to a 5-1 romp away at Bradford, fans around Mill Field will be demanding a repeat pe…