CRISTIANO RONALDO could leave Manchester United for free in January, it's been reported.
The Portuguese forward has been dropped by manager Erik Ten Hag for United's game with Chelsea today after refusing to come on as a sub in the win over Tottenham earlier this week.
Goals from Fred and Bruno Fernandes sealed a big win for the Red Devils at home, but the game was over-shadowed by Ronaldo's antics.
However, Ronaldo took to social media to apologise for his actions and promised to continue to work hard in training.
But it means that Erik Ten Hag will go into the huge clash against Chelsea two forwards light as Anthony Martial has been ruled out with a back injury.
Get all the latest news, updates and transfer gossip here...
Potter stumped Ten Hag on the opening day with his unconventional 3-3-3-1 formation.
And in his first few weeks at Chelsea, he has proven he is not afraid to switch the shape to find the best results, even adapting his side's set-up within matches.
That makes it hard for Ten Hag and his team of coaches and analysts to prepare fully for today's game.
Will it be a back three or a back four? Ben Chilwell or Marc Cucurella? Where might Ruben Loftus-Cheek play? How will the midfield set up? Who leads the line?
One thing is for sure, and that is Kepa Arrizabalaga will keep his place in goal after five consecutive clean sheets.
But that should see Marcus Rashford lead the line again - with United surely unchanged from the convincing performance against Spurs.
Rashford is two goals away from his 100th for United in all competitions with five against Chelsea - including that spectacular free-kick away in 2019 which came a week before Ten Hag's only visit to Stamford Bridge, a chaotic 4-4 draw for nine-man Ajax in the Champions League.
By contrast, Raheem Sterling has NEVER found the net against United in his 23 appearances, the club he has faced most in his career, but will hope his luck changes in his first outing against them for Chelsea.
The pair, who are battling it out for the left-winger position for England next month, know an impressive performance today could boost their chances for the World Cup.
Ronaldo poor attitude costing his team
Jadon Sancho and Jorginho were on the scoresheet in this clash last November before Cristiano Ronaldo cancelled out Marcos Alonso's opener at Old Trafford in April.
But there is no chance of the five-time Ballon d'Or winner repeating the trick today.
Ten Hag has chosen to be without Ronaldo - not that he will be missed much - as he stamps his authority down after the Tottenham debacle.
The petulant Portuguese's latest tantrum, which saw him refuse to be subbed on and then exiting the stadium before full-time - has earned him a training pitch to himself, a one-match ban from his boss and left him £720,000 worse off.
The Londoners have not won any of their last NINE Premier League matches against the Red Devils, a run stretching back to November 2017.
But the safe bet is on a draw.
This match-up has thrown up a record 25 draws - the most in Premier League history - including the last four and six of the last eight.
But if anyone knows how to beat this United side, it's Potter.
He took his then-Brighton side to Old Trafford on the opening day of the season and waltzed back to the south coast with a 2-1 win and United in turmoil.
Thomas Frank and Brentford made it a whole lot worse the following week before Pep Guardiola's Manchester City hit the neighbours for six.
Should Potter mastermind a rare victory for Chelsea, he would become just the second manager in history to beat the Red Devils with two different teams in a single league campaign, after Andy Aitken way back in 1908-09 with Middlesbrough and Leicester.
No introduction needed for this one
Two new managers, one old rivalry - but three crucial points up for grabs, writes Joshua Jones.
For Erik ten Hag and Graham Potter, they are just getting their feet under the table in their respective offices at Carrington and Cobham.
But they will know all about the history of this famous clash - and how important a win could be come the end of the season with both men desperate to clinch a top-four spot.
For Potter at Chelsea, this is his toughest test so far.
He saw off Crystal Palace, Wolves and Aston Villa but Brentford held firm for a 0-0 in midweek as his Blues cling on to fourth.
Chelsea are facing only their second 'Big Six' opponent of the season and come into this evening's Stamford Bridge showdown against Manchester United with a torrid recent record while United are aiming for a fourth win against the established elite this term.
Former No1 wanted for director of football role
Manchester United have reportedly approached Edwin van der Sar over the possibility of becoming the club’s new director of football.
It means current director John Murtough will be ousted from his role in favour of the Ajax chief.
The United legend enjoyed a successful working relationship with Erik ten Hag at Ajax, and such the potential move would see this partnership reignited in the hopes it would guide United back to winning major accolades.
Ten Hag's history with stroppy individuals
Cristiano Ronaldo will never play for Manchester United again… if the last player to defy Erik ten Hag is anything to go by.
On Friday, tough-talking Ten Hag confirmed Ronaldo refused to come off the bench in the 2-0 win over Tottenham.
It’s a similar case to that of ex-Ajax star Amin Younes.
Like Ronaldo, Younes refused to come on as a late sub during a 4-1 win over Heerenveen in March 2018.
There is footage of Ten Hag motioning for Younes to come off the bench, only to for the now-Utrecht ace to flat out refuse.
He was then excluded from the team for the rest of the season.
Both sets of team news
Chelsea's tremendous trio; Wesley Fofana, Reece James and N'Golo Kante all remain unavailable for the London side.
And Graham Potter would have been gutted to see Conor Gallagher limp off in the draw against Brentford which will more than likely see him miss this fixture too.
Elsewhere, Manchester United had the perfect outing against Tottenham - three points, a victory and a clean sheet.
But Erik Ten Hag will still be forced to continue without the services of Aaron Wan-Bisaka, Harry Maguire, Brandon Williams, Anthony Martial, Axel Tuenzebe, Donny van De Beek and Phil Jones.
Cristiano Ronaldo is also out of the match after being dropped for storming off down the tunnel against Spurs.
Chelsea and Manchester United will be adding another chapter to their long-standing rivalry when they clash TONIGHT.
The Blues witnessed their five-game winning run come to an end on Wednesday, courtesy of West London rivals Brentford.
And they also saw top-four rivals United close the gap on them to just a point after the Red Devils' comfortable 2-0 win over Tottenham.
But Graham Potter's side can regain their breathing space if they can come out triumphant in this huge Premier League clash.
However, Chelsea face an uphill battle as they haven't beaten Manchester United in the league since 2017.
Manchester United face another test as they come up against Chelsea TONIGHT.
It is scheduled to kick off at 5:30pm UK time.
The Blues witnessed their five-game winning run come to an end on Wednesday, courtesy of West London rivals Brentford.
Fans uniting over Ten Hag reaction
Manchester United Fans are now backing Erik ten Hag after Cristiano Ronaldo's latest episode.
In response to Ten Hag's press conference yesterday, supporters hailed the Dutchman on social media.
One said: "This is a big moment for Ten Hag. I really respect him for how he's handling it."
Another added: "Ten Hag doesn’t have a choice. I’m sure he doesn’t want to do this to Ronaldo, but, this is the time he has to stand firm and remind the entire dressing room, that he’s the boss.
"If he lets Ronaldo have his way, he risks turning into Ole, where the players don’t respect him. You can’t let a player walk all over you and then except everyone else to fall in line"
And one United fan exclaimed: "Ten Hag is a top manager. I can just imagine him dealing with the big ego/poor performance players."
Good morning Man Utd fans
Cristiano Ronaldo is set to face fan backlash following his mutiny against Tottenham.
Man United boss Erik ten Hag confirmed earlier today that Ronaldo REFUSED to come on during the 2-0 win and consequently took action by banishing him to the reserves.
Ten Hag said: "After Vallecano, I told him it was unacceptable. This is the second time, there are consequences.
"I sent a warning at the start of the season, next time there have to be consequences otherwise when you are living together when you are playing together, football is a team sport and you have to fulfil certain standards. And I have to control it.
"I am the manager, I am responsible for top sport culture here and I have to set standards and values and I have to control them.
"In the team, we have values and standards and I have to control that."
Factions have been drawn on both sides of the debate, with some, including legendary England Cricketer Kevin Pietersen labelling Ten Hag as a "clown" in a furious Instagram post in response to the club using his photo to mark the T20 World Cup.
He said: "I don't want an association with a club that's managed by a clown who is completely disrespecting the greatest footballer of our time!
"@Cristiano is the BOSS. That clown who no one will ever remember, needs a wake up!"
Ahead of their visit to Stamford Bridge, Ten Hag also confirmed Anthony Martial would be missing from the squad.
Reports have also indicated today that Ronaldo's potential departure - with Ten Hag said to be more than happy to let him - could see United move for Joao Felix on loan with an option to buy in January.
Elsewhere, United have suffered a blow in their pursuit of Ruben Neves after he said it was a "privilege" to be linked with Barcelona.
How United could line up
Manchester United have enjoyed a largely positive week on the pitch.
A 2-0 win against Tottenham placed them firmly in the race for the top four, and Erik ten Hag's side look to finally be building some momentum.
But up next is a visit to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, a ground United have found it notoriously difficult to pick up results from.
There will definitely be no Cristiano Ronaldo following disciplinary action for his tantrum at the end of the Spurs game where he stormed off down the tunnel after refusing to come on.
Anthony Martial is also definitely out of the fixture.
You can read how SunSport think The Red Devils will line up here.
Chelsea manager Graham Potter has had his say on the Ronaldo situation.
Speaking ahead of Chelsea's clash against Man Utd, he said: "He's (Erik ten Hag) taken his stance, sometimes you have to do that, then you need the club to support.
"It's difficult for me to comment because I don't know the actual context, I don't know what's really happened.
"I don't want to go off headlines and things like that but our job is to take some decisions that are difficult but that's normal."
Cristiano Ronaldo and Joao Felix could be the subjects of an interesting transfer sage, according to reports.
Both players are said to want out of their respective clubs and with Ronaldo now in open rebellion Erik ten Hag now wants him gone.
This could lead United to make a move for Atletico Madrid star Felix - initially on loan with a later option to buy.
Ronaldo has been banished to the reserves after storming off down the tunnel during United's 2-0 win against Tottenham, an action that was not sanctioned by Ten Hag who revealed the 37-year-old refused to come on as a sub in the latter stages.
Ten Hag branded 'clown'
Erik ten Hag has been branded a "clown" by Kevin Pietersen.
The England cricket legend took issue with Man United posting an image of him on their official Instagram page to mark the T20 World Cup.
In a furious rant under the post, he said: "Please take down my picture down.
"I don't want an association with a club that's managed by a clown who is completely disrespecting the greatest footballer of our time!
"@Cristiano is the BOSS. That clown who no one will ever remember, needs a wake up!"
United's post has since been deleted, but it is clear to see that Ten Hag's actions remain quite unpopular with some.
Van der Sar contact made
Manchester United have reportedly approached Edwin van der Sar over the possibility of becoming the club's new director of football.
It means current director John Murtough will be ousted from his role in favour of the Ajax chief.
The United legend enjoyed a successful working relationship with Erik ten Hag at Ajax, and such the potential move would see this partnership reignited in the hopes it would guide United back to winning major accolades.
Man Utd have suffered a blow in their pursuit of Ruben Neves after he admitted "it's a privilege" to be linked to Barcelona.
Ahead of a potential £50m transfer, he said: "Who wouldn’t want to play for Barcelona?
“If you ask in general, all the players want to play for Barca, one of the best clubs in the world. It’s a privilege for me to be associated with this team.
“I’m going to do my job. I’m going to focus as much as possible here because we have a lot of competition.
“I have to focus as much as possible on Wolves. Having a good season here, things will come very naturally.”
Cristiano Ronaldo continues to dominate the headlines surrounding Manchester United despite an otherwise positive week for the club.
And while the club's top goalscorer last season may be aggrieved to not play as much, new stats have emerged which seem to justify Erik ten Hag's decision.
This is paired with the 37-year-old's overall struggles in front of goal.
He is underperforming on his Expected Goals in the Premier League by 0.21 and in the Europa League by 2.1 - with one goal in each competition with xG values of 1.21 and 3.1 respectively.
Stats that improve when Erik Ten Hag DOESN’T start Cristiano Ronaldo in the Premier League: Distance Covered Goals scored xG Pressures Tackles Goals conceded Points When Ronaldo has started in the Premier League this season, Man Utd are yet to win a game or score a goal. ??? pic.twitter.com/w1hucJLD6z
Cristiano Ronaldo will never play for Manchester United again... if the last player to defy Erik ten Hag is anything to go by.
On Friday, tough-talking Ten Hag confirmed Ronaldo refused to come off the bench in the 2-0 win over Tottenham.
It's a similar case to that of ex-Ajax star Amin Younes.
Like Ronaldo, Younes refused to come on as a late sub during a 4-1 win over Heerenveen in March 2018.
There is footage of Ten Hag motioning for Younes to come off the bench, only to for the now-Utrecht ace to flat out refuse.
He was then excluded from the team for the rest of the season.
pic.twitter.com/YgnzaQjrU1 In 2018 at Ajax, Amin Younes refused to enter as a substitute in the last five minutes Then Ten Hag excluded him from the team until the end of the season. History repeats itself with Ten Hag.
With Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham all visiting Old Trafford already this season, there are good signs to be found in the statistics.
Sky Sports data suggests the club are becoming a better side against the traditional top 6 at home, both going forward and defensively.
#mufc vs ‘Big Six’ at Old Trafford [@SkyFootball] pic.twitter.com/stGAYOV0l4
Potter ponders United's tactics
Graham Potter has offered his analysis on how Manchester United have changed under Erik ten Hag.
The Chelsea boss faced the Dutchman on the opening weekend of the season when his former Brighton side ran riot at Old Trafford.
But Potter believes things have changed tactically for Man United since that game.
Ahead of the Blues facing off against the Red Devils tomorrow, he said: "They are maybe a little more direct now, focussing on longer balls over the top, but still have the same quality and goal threats of the likes of Marcus Rashford, Anthony, Jadon Sancho. Bruno Fernandes also plays a key role for them.
"So there are similarities, but they are adapting to each other, which is a normal process. There is a lot of learning you need to do, but sure they will get better and better as time goes on.
"But It's just another game of football, it's always the same. Manchester United are Manchester United - they have got some top players and are galvanising into an exciting team."
Old enemies are reunited once more as two of English football’s most decorated sides go head-to-head at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
Chelsea versus Manchester United was a title-deciding fixture in the Premier League for a period of seven years from 2004 to 2011.
Now, it is merely another top four fixture.
Nevertheless, the animosity between both sets of fans has remained prevalent from the mid-to-late noughties, meaning this game is always a wonderful spectacle for neutrals and supporters alike.
Erik ten Hag’s side cannot afford to lose this game.
With the Blues sitting above United in the league table, failure to get a result at the Bridge will deal an early blow to the Red Devils’ hopes of covertly climbing into one of the Champions League spots.
Read the full Sun preview of tomorrow's epic clash in West London here.
Erik ten Hag confirmed in his press conference that Anthony Martial will miss the trip to Chelsea.
The striker limped out of their win against Everton and is fighting to get back fit.
Martial is still out, Ten Hag tells @SimonPeach. #mufc
Erik ten Hag has not pulled any punches as he spoke about Cristiano Ronaldo refusing to come on as a sub against Tottenham.
The star has spent this morning training alone at Carrington and will not be involved against Chelsea tomorrow.
This was the 37-year-old's statement yesterday as he attempted to explain his actions.
He said on Instagram: "As I've always done throughout my career, I try to live and play respectfully towards my colleagues, my adversaries and my coaches. That hasn't changed. I haven't changed. I'm the same person and the same professional that I've been for the last 20 years playing elite football, and respect has always played a very important role in my decision making process.
"I started very young, the older and the most experienced players examples were always very important to me. Therefore, later on, I've always tried to set the example myself for the youngsters in all the teams that I've represented. Unfortunately that is not always possible and sometimes the heat of the moment gets the best of us.
"Right now, I just feel that I have to keep working hard in Carrington, support my teammates and be ready for everything in any given game. Giving in to the pressure is not an option. It never was. This is Manchester United, and united we must stand. Soon we'll be together again."
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