9am Man Utd news LIVE: Ronaldo shock ‘return’, Dzeko linked, Pochettino favourite to replace Ole – The Sun

SHEFFIELD UNITED are up next for Manchester United as Premier League football returns.

And Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side head into the Bramall Lane clash in fine form, having won five of their last six matches.

But that has not stopped United fans calling for Mauricio Pochettino to take over at Old Trafford, after the Argentine was sacked by Tottenham.

And the last guy in charge at the Theatre of Dreams? He is now in the hotseat at Spurs as Jose Mourinho puts pen-to-paper on a three-and-a-half year deal.

Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo could be set to return to Man Utd if he fails to win the Champions League at Juventus this season.

Follow ALL of the United news, updates and transfer gossip below…

• CRISTIANO RONALDO has been linked with an incredible – almost unbelievable – return to Manchester United.

  The five-time Ballon d’Or winner became a superstar under legendary boss Sir Alex Ferguson after joining in 2003.

  And the temptation to close out his career at the club and in the league that made him a global icon would be hard to resist.

  But what other factors could make the current Juventus star go back?

  Here, SunSport looks at five reasons why Ronaldo could return.

  Trouble at Juventus

  Ties to Fergie

  Adored by fans

  Expensive – but worth it

  To prove he can still cut it in the best league in the world

• LEICESTER CITY want to reward Manchester United target James Maddison with a bumper new deal to reflect his status as one of the Premier League’s most sought-after talents.

  SunSport can reveal the high-flying Foxes have secretly sounded out Maddison’s representatives about opening preliminary talks, with a view to extending the £24million midfielder’s current deal.

  Although there is no need to rush as Maddison, who turns 23 tomorrow, still has three-and-a-half years remaining on his current £50,000-a-week contract, Leicester have always been pro-active when it comes to keeping their big names happy.

  Club chiefs believe Maddison’s achievement in earning his first England cap against Montenegro last Thursday merits recognition and a pay-hike to reflect his new-found international status.

  It would also send out a timely hands-off message to predators such as United, and other Premier League vultures who are currently eyeing up Brendan Rodgers’ exciting young squad.

• JOSE MOURINHO wants to begin his Tottenham revolution by signing Zlatan Ibrahimovic, according to reports.

  The former Manchester United forward will be available on a free transfer in January after his LA Galaxy deal officially expires.

  According to The Telegraph, The Special One is a considering a move for the 38-year-old to bolster his attacking options.

  The Portuguese boss worked alongside Ibrahimovic at Inter Milan before he signed him for Manchester United in 2018.

  During his time at Old Trafford, the Swedish striker racked up an impressive 26 goals in 46 appearances.

  And he showed no signs of slowing down for LA Galaxy as he scored 52 goals in 53 starts.

• MARCUS RASHFORD is sure Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is the RIGHT man to lead Manchester United — despite the availability of Mauricio Pochettino.

  Former Tottenham boss Poch was favourite to take over at Old Trafford before Solskjaer was handed the United reins on a permanent basis.

  Rashford said: “Ole is a great guy and he has the club’s interests at heart. There’s not a better person for the job.”

  Speaking about extending his contract until 2023 earlier this month, he added: “There was no hesitation from me over signing a new contract.

  “It was the same for Ole as well — I could see where his head was at, where he wanted the club to be at and, for me, it was a no-brainer.

  “We were on the same page and wanted the same things for the club.”

• 

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