Man Utd news LIVE: United 'in contact with Zidane after Ronaldo recommends him', Atalanta WIN reaction – transfer latest
MANCHESTER UNITED have been in touch with Zinedine Zidane regarding the manager's job, according to reports in Spain.
Cristiano Ronaldo, who almost stormed down the tunnel at Leicester on Saturday, was said the man who mentioned the former Real Madrid boss' name to the board, one journalist claimed.
But Solskjaer may have bought himself some time at the Old Traffoird helm, as United's BEAT Atalanta 3-2 in their Champions League clash, staging an epic comeback in the process.
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- Ian Tuckey
HARRY: RON'S ON A DIFFERENT LEVEL
Harry Maguire hailed late matchwinner Cristiano Ronaldo for showing once again his brilliant heading ability.
United skipper Maguire told BT Sport: "I had eyes on it all the way. I was right behind him.
"His leap, his timing, it was perfect right in the corner. We see it day in, day out in training and in the goals he has scored throughout his career.
"He has come up with a massive goal for us again in the Champions League..
- Ian Tuckey
MAGUIRE: FANS INSPIRED COMEBACK WIN
Harry Maguire, who bagged the leveller in United's 3-2 comeback win over Atalanta, says the belief of fans inspited the players.
The England defender told BT Sport: "We showed great togetherness.
"We were clapped off at half-time by some of these fans and they gave us the belief we needed.
"We showed great togetherness. We were clapped off at half-time by some of these fans and they gave us the belief we needed."
- Ian Tuckey
MAN UTD SUBS – RATINGS
PAUL POGBA (replaced McTominay) – 6
Injected some energy as United pushed for the winner.
EDINSON CAVANI (replaced Rashford) – 6
Booked for an accidental clash of heads with Jose Palomino.
JADON SANCHO (replaced Greenwood) – 6
Solid.
NEMANJA MATIC (replaced Fred) – 5
Booked for time wasting.
- Ian Tuckey
MAN UTD RATINGS CONTINUED
BRUNO FERNANDES – 7
Almost invisible in the first-half.
And when he did get on the ball, his passing was well off as he continually gave it away or knocked it out of play.
Livened up after the break and created two clear cut chances within the first 10 minutes – Ronaldo spurned one and Rashford scored the second after a delightful Fernandes pass with the outside of his right foot.
Will need to perform for 90 minutes against Liverpool next up, not just 45.
MARCUS RASHFORD – 7 (subbed 65 mins)
Energetic start on his return to the starting XI but lacked end product and looked rusty until his second-half goal.
Dawdled when through on goal and allowed Demiral get a last-ditch tackle in as he tried to pull one back with five minutes to go in the first period.
Cannoned an effort off the bar just minutes later when he really should have scored.
Got his mojo back eight minutes into the second-half as he slotted into the bottom right corner to make it 2-1.
CRISTIANO RONALDO – 8
Energetic and mobile and unselfishly linked play to good effect as he tried to make things happen throughout the first-half.
Smashed a huge chance against the keeper when through on goal just minutes into the second-half.
Forced a very good save from Juan Musso soon after with a low left-footed effort.
And did what he does best with nine minutes to go as he leaped like a salmon to nod home Shaw's inch-perfect cross and complete the comeback.
- Ian Tuckey
MORE UNITED RATINGS
FRED – 6 (subbed 88mins)
Unfortunate to see his powerful volley saved after 20 minutes as United tried to make it 1-1.
But missed a glaring chance to pull one back for United in the closing stages of the first-half as he curled a right-footed effort past the right-hand post from just inside the penalty area.
Was left a little exposed by Solskjaer's 4-2-4 system alongside McTominay but dealt with the challenge as well as he could.
MASON GREENWOOD – 4 (subbed 72 mins)
Sluggish, slow and made zero impact before the break.
Failed to track back and help his side defend when the ball was turned over in a woeful first-half.
Fizzed a ball across the box after an hour only to see McTominay shin it onto the post from close range.
Hauled off with 20 minutes to go. An evening to forget.
- Ian Tuckey
MAN UTD RATINGS CONTINUED
HARRY MAGUIRE – 6
Could have reacted quicker for Demiral's goal.
Was the spare man in the area the goal was scored from so would have been expected to do more to prevent it.
Excellent movement and a finish any top striker would be proud of to make it 2-2.
LUKE SHAW – 4
Was out of position in the build up to Atalanta's opener which came down his flank.
Was supposed to be marking Demiral but was shaken off easily before the centre-back rose to head the visitors 2-0 up.
Booked for a body check on Zappacosta just past the hour mark.
As good as made amends for a shaky defensive display by providing a pin-point cross for Ronaldo to nod home the winner.
SCOTT McTOMINAY – 5 (subbed 65 mins)
Failed to track Pasalic's run for the opener.
Somehow hit the post from barley six yards just before the hour mark as the ball cannoned of his shin.
Looked a little overrun in midfield but him and Fred were victims of the overly attacking lineup. Hooked on 65 minutes.
- Ian Tuckey
MAN UTD RATINGS
DAVID DE GEA – 7/10
Couldn't do much with either of Atalanta's first two goals – both of which were scored from close range.
Made a phenomenal double save with 20 minutes to go to keep United in it and save Lindelof's blushes after he was turned by Duvan Zupata.
AARON WAN-BISSAKA – 5
Uninspiring. But neat and tidy. As always.
Offered very little going forward but was up against it when defending as Greenwood in front of him offered zero in support.
VICTOR LINDELOF – 4
Dragged out of position then caught flat-footed as Zappacosta whipped the ball in for Pasalic to stab home and put the visitors 1-0 up.
Turned much too easily by Zupata midway through the second-half and only a fantastic double save from De Gea prevented Atalanta going 3-1 up.
Showed why United signed Raphael Varane.
- Ian Tuckey
RESULT: MAN UTD 3 ATALANTA 2
Cristiano Ronaldo's brilliant 81st minute header completed United's turnaround from being 2-0 down and out against Atalanta.
There were huge question marks over Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's tactics and the performance of United individually as Pasalic and Demiral struck inside the first 28 minutes.
But Marcus Rashford and Harry Maguire struck brilliantly after the break before Ronaldo rose – literally – to the challenge.
Follow our live blog HERE for all the match reaction.
- Ian Tuckey
LATEST: MAN UTD 3 ATALANTA 2
Here's how Cristiano Ronaldo put United 3-2 up late on – rewarding a second-half turnaround that was scintillating for more ways than just their three goals.
Follow our live blog HERE for all the match action.
Credit: AP Credit: Getty
- Ian Tuckey
RON'S A HEAD OF THE REST
Cristiano Ronaldo's goal was one of those stunning leaps to nod home.
Luke Shaw was the provider and the ball nestling in the bottom corner was the result.
LATEST: MAN UTD 3 ATALANTA 2
Follow our live blog HERE for all the match action.
- Ian Tuckey
LATEST: MAN UTD 3 ATALANTA 2
Harry Maguire's cracking finish from a corner and Cristiano Ronaldo's 81st minute strike completed United's stunning turnaround from 2-0 down.
Follow our live blog HERE for all the match action.
- Ian Tuckey
RICE REUNITES WITH CHILDHOOD PAL
Manchester United and Chelsea target Declan Rice reunited with an old schoolboy pal who was part of his star-studded youth on Thursday night.
Genk striker Ike Ugbo played alongside West Ham’s talisman for five years as part of a Chelsea youth team which is now a Premier League who’s who?
Ugbo, 23, also shared his football development with current Blues first-teamers Trevoh Chalobah and Mason Mount.
And Eddie Nketiah, now an Arsenal striker, kneels proudly next to gifted midfielder Mount in our old team shot of the Chelsea whizkids.
Ugbo quit Stamford Bridge this summer to test himself abroad and has scored twice in eight matches for the Belgians.
England midfielder Rice, 22, fought back from being ditched by Chelsea as a 14-year-old to become a massive figure for club and country.
Ugbo said: “If I had been released at that age, who knows what kind of mindset I would have had? It is a strange feeling, it can make or break you.
“Some players get released and you never hear about them again or you just hear from someone that they have stopped playing altogether.
“So to go on like Declan has and just push on, it makes them stronger.
“To be released at 14 or 15, it is not easy to bounce back. It must be such a hard thing to take. It highlights how everyone’s path is different, so you shouldn’t worry about what others are doing.
“As long as you take care of what you can and what is in your control, you will get there if you do your best. As long as you are doing what you need to, everyone will eventually meet up at the same level.”
- Ian Tuckey
SCHOLES AND RIO SLAM UTD TACTICS
Manchester United legends Paul Scholes and Rio Ferdinand ripped into Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's tactics at half-time of the Atalanta horror show.
The Red Devils went into the break 2-0 down thanks to goals from Mario Pasalic and Merih Demiral and were booed off the pitch by the Old Trafford faithful.
And, speaking at the break, Scholes and Ferdinand tore into Solskjaer for his ambitious '4-2-4' formation with the pressure mounting on the Norwegian.
Asked how bad United were in the first half, Scholes told BT Sport: "I think it's the formation that's been bad.
"Ole said 4-2-4. I don't care who those two players are in the midfield, when you're playing against a good European team you're going to get destroyed.
"Neither wide player is running back, Bruno Fernandes is making the odd effort to get in and help but they will get destroyed.
"If Man Utd were playing a really good team here, they could be looking at four or five.
"But you know what, in the second-half, United could still win this game.
"The formation makes it a 50/50 game. It's a gamble.
"United could either come back and win three or 4-2 or they could get beaten four or five."
- Ian Tuckey
LATEST: MAN UTD 1 ATALANTA 2
Marcus Rashford went off with a slight limp, replaced by Edinson Cavani, after cutting United's deficit.
Follow our live blog HERE for all the match action.
- Ian Tuckey
LATEST: MAN UTD 1 ATALANTA 2
Marcus Rashford gave United hope with his second goal in two games since returning from injury.
The England frontman calmly finished off Bruno Fernandes' pass on 53 minutes.
Follow our live blog HERE for all the match action.
- Ian Tuckey
H/T: MAN UTD 0 ATALANTA 2
Mario Pasalic and Merih Demiral struck on 15 and 28 minutes to leave below-par United in serious trouble.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's whole reign could even be in doubt unless there are major second-half improvements.
Follow our live blog HERE for all the match action.
- Ian Tuckey
RIO HANGER OUT TO DRY
Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand joined in with the BT Sport coverage from home tonight because he is suffering with a BAD BACK.
But many football fans were more concerned that he might have left his coat hanger in his shirt!
The 42-year-old was part of the presenting team for United's Champions League clash at home to Atalanta.
Many believe it is must-win for boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, as pressure ramps up on the Norwegian.
But Ferdinand was in the comfort of his own home as he nurses some pain in his back.
However, eagle-eyed Twitter users think they spotted what could be adding to the former England man's problem.
Dave Button tweeted: "Some1 tell @rioferdy5 that he’s left coat hanger in his top."
Another advised Ferdinand that he "needs to stop using a hanger for that garment".
- Ian Tuckey
LATEST: MAN UTD 0 ATALANTA 2
Merih Demiral left United in serious trouble by pouncing on 29 minutes – punishing more poor defending.
Follow our live blog HERE for all the match action.
- Ian Tuckey
LATEST: MAN UTD 0 ATALANTA 1
The Italians were rewarded for their positive start by Mario Pasalic steering home Davide Zappacosta's cross on 15 minutes.
Follow our live blog HERE for all the match action.
Credit: Reuters Credit: Reuters - Ian Tuckey
OLE EXPLAINS AXING POGBA AND SANCHO
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has justified axing Paul Pogba and Jadon Sancho for tonight's home clash with Atalanta as the Manchester United boss hailed recalled Marcus Rashford.
Solskjaer believes Scott McTominay and Fred prove essential solidity in midfield – with Rashford “deserving" to come in on the left.
He said: “We call it a 4-2-4 system more or less with the front men. The balance they give us has been helpful in many games.”
Solskjaer added of Rashford: “He’s been working so hard, he’s played through a period with a bit of pain and discomfort now he feels 100 per cent.
“You can see a smile, he’s enjoying football. And when Marcus is enjoying his football it’s wonderful to see.”
Follow our live blog HERE for the build-up, match action and reaction to the Champions League group game.
- Ian Tuckey
ALAH CLOSING ON MESSI IN BALLON BETTING
Liverpool striker Mo Salah has surged up to joint third favourite behind Lionel Messi and Robert Lewandowski in betting for the Ballon d’Or award.
But Manchester United’s Cristiano Ronaldo is a distant sixth at 25/1.
William Hill spokesman Rupert Adams said: “After finding the back of the net in each of his last nine games, some of which were right out of the top draw, Mohamed Salah has put himself forward as a leading contender to pick up the Ballon d’Or this season.
“The Egyptian attacker has been backed in from 33/1 last week to just 9/1 to land the prize, and if his goal scoring exploits continue that price could look big come December.”
- Ian Tuckey
WENGER’S WORLD CUP PLAN OVER
Fifa plans for a World Cup every two years have disappeared into thin air – after President Gianni Infantino bowed to a worldwide backlash.
The Fifa chief had been pushing the concept, using ex-Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger as his missionary.
But after being ambushed by the heads of European, South American AND Asian football at a virtual meeting of Fifa’s ruling Council, Infantino backed away from his previous call for a vote by the 211 member associations before Christmas.
Instead, Fifa will host a “global summit” on December 20 after Infantino conceded he had been hit by “many critical and negative reactions” to his World Cup masterplan.
Infantino said: “Our main objective is to reach a consensus. It is really important to listen to all the legitimate questions.
“Up to now we have not asked anyone to agree to the suggestions, just presented them to start a conversation. The question of a World Cup every two years will not go away just like that.
“I believe we can come up with something that makes sense. I understand the critical voices. Trying to find a bridge between these competing interests is our challenge.
“We are going to change things only if we are completely convinced it will be beneficial for everybody. We must prove they are.
- Ian Tuckey
UTD TEAM VS ATALANTA
Marcus Rashford will partner Cristiano Ronaldo's in Manchester United's attack at home to Atalanta tonight.
Follow our live blog HERE for the build-up, match action and reaction to the Champions League group game.
- Ian Tuckey
SALAH NOT RON CRIS 'N MESSI'S LEVEL
Kleberson reckons Mo Salah is yet to equal Cristiano Ronaldo’s and Lionel Messi’s efforts on the pitch.
While the ex-Man United ace sees the Liverpool hero as a ‘consistently brilliant’ performer, he believes the Argentina and Portugal stars remain streets ahead.
Salah, 29, has wowed fans with his trickery and goals in his second Premier League spell after sealing a £36.9million Anfield move from Roma in 2017.
The player, who was with Chelsea for a season and a half, has netted 137 in 214 Reds appearances helping Jurgen Klopp’s side to a Champions League crown and their first-ever Prem title.
However, Kleberson told Paddy Power: "Mohamed Salah isn’t the best player in the world, but he’s been consistently brilliant.
“For a long time now, he’s played excellent football. He certainly isn’t a one-season wonder and I can understand why Jürgen Klopp called him the best in Europe.
"Beside Salah, Liverpool have a good team that provides great support, and he looks happy there.
"Things are going well for Salah, but he’s not the best player in the world right now.
"For me, it’s tough to say who is the world’s best player because I measure it by those who play well for club and country.
"Football has changed a lot. For many years, we had Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, and sometimes Neymar, but there's no one who has shown more than they have."
- Ian Tuckey
MAN UTD U-19S 4 ATALANTA 2
Manchester United's Under-19s thumped Atalanta 4-2 in the Uefa Youth League on Wednesday – with highly-rated Joe Hugill one of FOUR different scorers, writes DAVE FRASER.
The Red Devils' kids fought from 1-0 down to secure their second group-stage win of this season's tournament.
After beating Young Boys 1-0 in their opening game, the United Under-19s were mauled 4-1 in their previous game against Villarreal.
But Man Utd – captained by future star Teden Mengi – got back to winning ways at Leigh Sports Village to take a huge step towards qualifying for the knockout stages.
Atalanta stunned the young Red Devils by taking an early lead thanks to captain Simone Panada's strike.
But Zidane Iqbal equalised just ONE MINUTE later to restore parity with a low, driven shot from the edge of the box.
And just four minutes after that, Hugill gave his side the lead following a strong run – and superb cross – from Alejandro Garnacho.
United went 3-1 up just moments later, after Garnacho got on the scoresheet himself with a dazzling run and curling effort.
Omari Forson made it 4-1 with his first touch of the match as he poked home a great cut-back from Alvaro Fernandez.
Tommaso de Nipoti scored a screamer for Atalanta in the dying embers of the game – but it was little more than consolation.
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