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Steven Polack believes the shock return of Cristiano Ronaldo to Manchester United will push the side to challenge for the Premier League title this season.

On Friday, the Red Devils confirmed they had agreed on a deal to sign the Portuguese forward from Juventus, after rivals Manchester City, reportedly, pulled out of the race.

According to the former Gor Mahia coach, the return of the 36-year-old to Old Trafford, where he starred between 2003 and 2009, will give United a chance to challenge for the Premier League crown they last won in the 2012-13 campaign during the final season of Sir Alex Ferguson’s tenure.

Polack, however, insists United will not find it easy to lay their hands on the title and predicted stiff competition from Chelsea, Man City, and Liverpool.

What did Polack say?

“Nothing is guaranteed but with him [Ronaldo] being there, they have a great chance and should be challenging for the title,” Polack told Goal on Saturday when asked if United are now favourites to win the league.

“But it is going to be interesting, you have Chelsea, Man City, and Liverpool, I think it is going to be tight, it will not be a walk in the park but I can guarantee you that they will challenge for the title.”

On whether it was a good move for United to bring back Ronaldo, Polack said: “It is a good move for both sides, he is a legend a United and one of the best players in the world. He is a proven goalscorer and a winner.

“For sure he will help the team; he is a top player and that is what top players do and on the commercial side, it is very good and for the league too.”

Ronaldo is now better than he was

On whether United fans should expect to see the same Ronaldo as one of the previous stint at Old Trafford, the British tactician said: “People talk about his age, it is a just a number and he is fit and takes care of himself very well.

“He is more experienced more now, he has improved since he left United, take a look at his statistics’ Juventus 98 games 81 goals, Real Madrid 292 games 311 goals, United 292 games 118 goals, Portugal 179 games 109 goals.

“So that says he is a proven goalscorer and shows he is still at a good level.”

On announcing Ronaldo’s arrival, United said in a statement: “Manchester United is delighted to confirm that the club has reached agreement with Juventus for the transfer of Cristiano Ronaldo, subject to agreement of personal terms, visa and medical.

“Cristiano, a five-time Ballon d’Or winner, has so far won over 30 major trophies during his career, including five Uefa Champions League titles, four Fifa Club World Cups, seven league titles in England, Spain, and Italy, and the European Championship for his native Portugal.”

Mauricio Pochettino insists Kylian Mbappe has not told him that he wants to leave Paris Saint-Germain amid Real Madrid's attempts to sign the striker.

Madrid have returned with a second bid of €170 million (£146m/$200m) plus €10m (£9m/$12m) in add-ons for the France international after seeing an initial offer rejected by PSG.

The Ligue 1 side's sporting director Leonardo has stated that Mbappe has expressed a wish to leave, but Pochettino has not had the same conversation with the player.

What has been said?

Speaking ahead of his side's game away to Reims on Sunday, Pochettino told a press conference when asked if Mbappe has told him he wants to leave PSG: "No, he hasn't told me anything about wanting to leave PSG."

When asked if Mbappe will play in Reims, Pochettino replied: "Kylian has prepared himself well for tomorrow's game.

"The position of our president and our sporting director is very clear on Mbappe's situation at PSG."

The PSG coach is also analysing whether Mbappe, Neymar and new signing Lionel Messi will start the game on Sunday.

He added: "They have trained well and we will analyse the situation, we have not yet named the squad. They will certainly be part of the squad, but we do not know yet if they will play from the start."

Will Mbappe leave PSG before the transfer window closes?

PSG have demanded up to €220m (£189m/$259m) for Mbappe, but Madrid are firm in their stance that they will not pay that amount.

Goal understands that Pochettino, along with the club's dressing room, has accepted that Mbappe will likely leave.

With Mbappe's contract due to expire at the end of the season, PSG will have to decide whether to risk him leaving for free next summer, or accept Madrid's latest bid.

Further reading

Arsenal's miserable start to the new Premier League season continued as they conceded twice early on away to champions Manchester City.

Having opened the campaign with back-to-back 2-0 defeats against Brentford and Chelsea, the Gunners were in need of a boost at the Etihad Stadium.

However, after Mikel Arteta picked a starting line-up which left many scratching their heads regarding the formation, Arsenal were 2-0 down again early on.

What happened?

City took the lead after just seven minutes when Gabriel Jesus crossed to the far post and Ilkay Gundogan took advantage of slack defending to head home.

Just five minutes later and City scored a second after Arsenal again failed to deal with a cross, this time Ferran Torres scored from close range from Bernardo Silva's ball in.

What has been said?

Juventus have reached an agreement with Everton over a move for Moise Kean, Goal can confirm.

Following the exit of Cristiano Ronaldo, the Italian giants had been looking for reinforcements for their attacking line.

Massimiliano Allegri has worked with Kean before and gave the green light to Juve's transfer team to go ahead with an offer.

What are the details?

Juventus needed to add more goal threat to their side after seeing Ronaldo leave the club for Manchester United and see Kean as a good addition.

It is understood that the deal will be an initial two-year loan with an obligation to buy in 2023 should certain conditions be met.

Kean enjoyed a fine season on loan at Paris Saint-Germain last term and, still just 21, should represent a good investment for the future.

Have other players been considered?

Mauro Icardi is also a target for the Bianconeri but those at Continassa have found it too difficult to put a deal in place for the PSG hitman.

Reports elsewhere also claim Juve are considering a move for Eden Hazard, with Real Madrid having put the winger up for sale as they push to sign Kylian Mbappe.

However, Goal understands those reports are wide of the mark.

The bigger picture

The Turin giants are currently undergoing a rebuild following Ronaldo's exit, with 'Project CR7' widely considered to be a failure.

The Portugal captain's capture was touted as the final piece of the puzzle in terms of Juve's attempts to win the Champions League, but they failed to get past the quarter-final stage in each season Ronaldo was at the club.

With Allegri back in the dugout and Ronaldo's wages off the books, it is hoped that a more balanced approach in the next cycle will finally deliver European glory to Turin.

Further reading

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has defended Phil Jones from criticism from Rio Ferdinand, saying the former Manchester United defender was "out of order" for his comments.

Jones has struggled with injuries throughout his time at Old Trafford and has not made a single appearance for the club since January 2020.

Ferdinand said this week that his former team-mate "should’ve gone ages ago" and is taking up space in the squad that could be given to a youth player.

What has been said?

But Solksjaer took offence at the ex-England star's criticism as he was in a similar situation as Jones during his playing days. 

"Phil has had a horrible 18-19 months and probably a year before that as well with injuries," he said at a press conference.

"Phil is a no fuss, get on with it type of guy. I think that was out of order completely [from Ferdinand].

"I know more than anyone how it feels to be injured at that stage. He's still not 30 years of age. Since I came here he's battled with this knee injury, put his body on the line... he's never done anything but give everything for the club.

"I was out for two years in a three-year period with a knee injury. Phil has battled valiantly... He'll be there. For me as a manager, to see that he can see light at the end of tunnel is great because I've been through the same."

How many times has Jones played for Man Utd?

Jones joined United from Blackburn in 2011 and featured 29 times in the Premier League in his debut season.

But the England international was struck down by injury the following year and has not managed to make it through a full campaign since.

Overall he has played in 224 matches for the Red Devils in all competitions.

The 29-year-old could be on his way back, however, having featured in a friendly behind closed doors against Burnley this month.

Further reading

Brentford manager Thomas Frank has heaped praise on new signing Frank Onyeka as they prepare to face Aston Villa in their third match of the Premier League campaign on Saturday.

The promoted side will travel to Villa Park and coach Frank has admitted some of his new signings including Nigeria international Onyeka have already settled in well into the club.

“[The new signings] have settled in well, especially Kristoffer Ajer and Frank [Onyeka] who started the first two games and did very well,” Thomas told the club’s official website.

“Yoane Wissa came in a bit later, but we have big expectations for him and believe he can help us. He got 90 good minutes on Tuesday night. Alvaro Fernandez is a good goalkeeper and you have Myles Peart-Harris as well. They have settled in well.

“I think we have a strong squad and a squad that can compete. I am happy but we are always aware of the market. I can’t say one definitely won’t come in, but I can’t say one definitely will come in. We are not desperate to bring one in. We have built a squad that I think is strong enough and exciting enough to be competitive but also has some interesting players for the future.”

On their trip to face Aston Villa, Thomas said: “We are very humble. Of course, we believe in ourselves and go into every game believing we can win. We believe we can go to Villa Park and get something out of it. Villa are a massive club and Dean Smith has done a fantastic job.

“They have invested massively in the squad over the past three seasons. This summer they lost Jack Grealish but invested well in Danny Ings, Leon Bailey, Emi Buendia, and Ashley Young.

“They are building a team that, over time, could be a top-eight team.”

The Bees opened their return to the top-flight with a 2-0 win against Arsenal before forcing a 0-0 draw against Crystal Palace.

Football Kenya Federation Premier League champions Tusker have on Saturday confirmed the signing of Harambee Stars goalkeeper Patrick Matasi.

Matasi is returning to the club he left in 2018 when he went to sign for Ethiopian giants St George Sports Club and in the new deal, he has been offered a two-year contract.

"We would like to confirm that goalkeeper Patrick Matasi has re-joined the team on a two-year contract. The goalkeeper returns to Tusker, having left three seasons ago for Ethiopian club St George," Tusker, who are on a squad strengthening mission, announced on Saturday.

"He will don the number 34 jersey."

The former Posta Rangers goalkeeper, who was a free agent before signing for the champions, revealed the reasons that pushed him to accept an offer that made him return to the Ruaraka club.

“I am really happy to be back at Tusker and it’s a great pleasure for me. I was here for only three months then left and for me to come back, it means there is something I didn’t fulfil as a player. I am here to work and help the team prosper and achieve its targets,” Matasi said in his first interview.

“I come into a great team which has achieved a lot. Tusker have won the league and qualified to represent the country in the Caf Champions League and this means a lot to me as a player. I have to work and fight to defend the badge of the club."

On his part, chairman Dan Aduda said; “We are really excited to land Matasi and he will add immense competition in our goalkeeping department. He has been here before, he knows the fabric of the club and it will not be hard for him to adjust.”

“As we prepare to play in the Champions League, Matasi’s experience will be vital for the goalkeeping department. He has played at big levels within club level and the national team and he is a huge addition to the squad," Tusker's chief executive officer Charles Obiny stated.

Matasi's signing is the latest business the Brewers have completed after acquiring Kalos Protus Kirenge and Ibrahim Joshua, both 27, on two-year contracts from Namungo FC and Ken Gold FC.

Charles Momanyi, a former Gor Mahia defender and a Premier League winner, was the first player to be signed - for two seasons - by the Robert Matano side.

Ex-Mamelodi Sundowns star Benedict Vilakazi feels the club has started the season slowly and if they continue like that, “the door is open” for Golden Arrows to reach the MTN8 final.

Arrows host the Brazilians in the first leg of the MTN8 semi-finals at Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium on Saturday, before the second leg at Lucas Moripe Stadium exactly a month later. 

To reach this stage of the competition, it took a penalty shootout for the Tshwane giants to sneak past Kaizer Chiefs in the quarter-finals after surrendering a 2-0 lead to draw 2-2 after extra time.

Masandawana then needed a Themba Zwane penalty to edge AmaZulu 1-0 in their Premier Soccer League opener before the midweek 0-0 draw away at Chippa United. 

Vilakazi has credited that run of form to the likes of Kermit Erasmus, Gaston Sirino, Andile Jali, Sphelele Mkhulise and Sibusiso Vilakazi seeing limited playing opportunities. 

Some new Sundowns players like Pavol Safranko, Neo Maema and Grant Kekana have so far been given a run this season and Vilakazi feels it’s too early to throw them into the fray and that could cost Masandawana against Arrows.

“I see Sundowns are still trying to introduce new players into the system but it’s difficult. You cannot just change things just like that,” said Vilakazi on iDiski TV.

“Maybe those new boys are doing right at training but now when it comes to the game they are not that level where they are really impressive to the supporters and us analysing the game. You cannot just make that change [bringing in new players]. 

“You have the likes of Andile Jali,  Mkhulise, Gaston Sirino came in as a substitute [in the last two games] and Vilakazi has been on the bench. These are the players who have been there. I believe new players need to come in gradually to gel with the others. 

“You can’t just arrive and start playing. It happens but not all players can do that like [Peter] Shalulile and Erasmus. Maybe Sundowns took it that they started like that last season and it worked for them and they have stuck to that.

“They think even now it is going to work again. But it is not working because if you score a penalty [as your only league goal in two games] and a draw. It raises questions that something is not right. 

“If the Sundowns' technical team continues with the way they have started, the door is open for Arrows to reach the final. It is up to them to just walk in.”

Vilakazi feels Arrows have what it takes to cause an upset against Sundowns on Saturday as they bid for their first MTN8 title since 2008.

“I don’t know how coach Seema is going to motivate his boys but I think they have nothing to lose because Sundowns are a big team,” Vilakazi.

“Arrows, they have good players who can come to the party like [Knox] Mutizwa and the goalkeeper [Sifiso Mlungwana]. So they do have good players. It is going to be on the day of the match to say ‘Guys this is how we need to take it.’”

Reading new signing Abdul Rahman Baba has promised to give everything for the team after completing a loan from Chelsea on Friday.

The 27-year-old Ghana left-back will spend the entire season with the Royals in the EFL Championships after Chelsea extended his contract but decided to loan him out, his fifth loan deal away from Stamford Bridge.

The Black Star has now taken to his social media pages to express his delight at the latest move.

“Absolutely delighted to have joined Reading,” Rahman wrote on his Twitter account. “Thanks to the fans for the great messages and support, means a lot to me and my family.

“I promise to leave everything on the pitch for you.”

The latest move will see Rahman play alongside Ghanaian compatriot and international colleague Andy Yiadom at Reading.

On announcing the arrival of Rahman, Reading said in a statement: “We are very pleased to confirm that left-back Baba Rahman has joined Reading Football Club on a season-long loan from Chelsea, subject to the normal ratification procedures from the relevant football authorities.

“The 27-year-old has represented the Blues in the Premier League and Champions League, as well as bringing with him top-flight experience in Germany, France, Spain, and Greece – and now embarks on a new challenge in Berkshire as a Royal!"

On his part, Reading coach Veljko Paunovic said: “It is no secret that recruiting an experienced left-back was a priority for us this summer, so I am delighted that we have managed to do this deal to bring Baba to Reading.

“He is a quick, strong, physical footballer who has a lot to offer to the club and the players around him. Baba was really keen to be part of our project and to test himself in this tough division and I am excited to see him playing for us.”

Baba will be in line to make his Reading debut when they travel to face Huddersfield at John Smith’s Stadium on Saturday.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has confirmed Amad Diallo will be sent out on loan for the rest of the season.

The 19-year-old joined the Premier League side from Atalanta in January but has made just eight senior appearances in all competitions.

Diallo has not been part of the United squad for either of their top-flight matches so far this season and Solskjaer says he will get first-team experience elsewhere.

What has been said?

Asked if he expects the Ivory Coast international to move before the transfer window ends, Solskjaer told the club's website: "Yes I do [expect him to go out on loan].

"It’s not 100 per cent signed but we’ve agreed. I don’t have to say which team it is yet [smiles], but we’ve found a place that Amad feels excited about and we feel excited about."

Where might Diallo end up?

Championship side Sheffield United are keen to sign the winger, as was recently confirmed by manager Slavisa Jokanovic.

Others are said to be interested in landing him, however, and United want to send him to a team that will provide him with regular first-team football.

Diallo, who represented Ivory Coast at the Olympics this year, hopes to be in contention for a place in the national team for the upcoming African Cup of Nations.

Ivory Coast coach Patrice Beaumelle recently urged Diallo to find a new club where he can prove himself. 

"When you have talent like Amad Diallo has, he needs to show it and to improve on the field," he said.

"I think that if he is not playing too much for Manchester United for now it is better to go on loan to show he deserves to be in the line-up or to play more for Manchester United.

"Of course I would like them to play more games but to play at Manchester United is not easy."

Further reading

VFL Bochum's Gerrit Holtman is delighted his famous goal, against Mainz 05 in the 2-0 win at Vonovia Ruhrstadion in the Bundesliga last weekend, is compared to the one Nigeria legend Jay-Jay Okocha scored in 1993.

Holtman dribbled 56 meters past several players in his former team before cutting in and calmly slotting the ball past Robin Zentner in the Mainz goal. The second goal was scored by Sebastian Polter as the promoted side collected their maiden win after the opening day's 1-0 loss to Wolfsburg.

It has been compared with the goal Okocha, who was then playing for Eintracht Frankfurt, scored against Karlsruher SC almost three decades ago. The former Super Eagle literally danced past three defenders in the 18-yard area before slotting the ball past legendary custodian Oliver Khan back then. It remains to be one of the most famous goals in the Bundesliga.

Holtman discussed his amazing goal with the media in Germany.

"I chose exactly how I would get through there. There was a small space available and I took a close look at it," Holtman said as quoted by the Bundesliga website.

"You admired it as a child," the 26-year-old commented on Okocha's goal. "It went through as if it were only flagpoles. I would be happy if my goal was compared with it."

Should the fans expect another goal like that from him?

"I am Gerrit Holtmann and not Lionel Messi. And it should stay that way," he concluded.

The winger joined Bochum in 2020 from Mainz and has since scored four goals in the 22 matches he has played. He played for Eintracht Braunschweig II from 2014 to 2015 and scored 11 goals in 29 games. He caught the attention of the senior team and he was eventually promoted.

However, he managed just four goals in 31 games he played in the 2015/2016 season and that is when Mainz came in for him. The forward played 26 matches for them and scored two goals.

He also played for the club's junior side making nine appearances before being loaned to SC Paderborn where he scored one goal in 24 matches. He will be leading Bochum against FC Koln on Saturday.

Coach Dylan Kerr believes Cristiano Ronaldo has been re-signed by Manchester United for public relations.

The Portugal forward made a sensational return to Old Trafford after 12 years, after being at Real Madrid and recently Juventus. 

Ronaldo’s agent Jorge Mendes offered the celebrated attacker to Man City after they missed out on top target Harry Kane, but City dropped out of the race on Friday. That allowed United to make a bid to bring the 36-year-old back to Old Trafford, where he starred between 2003 and 2009. It is understood the deal which has been agreed is for an initial £13 million (€15m/$18m) with add-ons of up to £7m (€8m/$9m). 

Why is Kerr critical of the move?

Is Ronaldo's move a good one for him and the former Premier League champions?

"That is a good, million-dollar question; not for me, it is not," Kerr told Goal.

"The signing is a PR marketing decision, but it is the world we live in. For example, is [Jack] Grealish worth £100 million? Is [Harry] Kane worth £160 million? Is Messi worth it? 

"It is about public image, on what clubs value the respective player. Again, what is Ronaldo's motive? What is Manchester United's motive? But the fans are enamored he is back."

'Ole has a bigger issue'

The former Sheffield Wednesday defender believes football has lost its identity. He has further stated the Red Devils manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has a massive issue on where the former Real Madrid man will play.

"Honestly, we have lost identity in football. But I guess the football world is happy now. However, Solskjaer has now a bigger issue to where he fits In."

Meanwhile, Nigeria legend Henry Nwosu has described Ronaldo’s imminent return to Manchester United as an "unfortunate" move for him and Juventus.

"It's so unfortunate for Ronaldo, it's unfortunate for Juventus," Nwosu told Goal.

"I don't think going back to Manchester United is the right thing at the moment because they are not doing really well. I didn't expect that move, he should have stayed with Juventus and see if they can win something again.

"Ronaldo is someone I love as a player and as a person but I'm not happy with the decision he has taken. All the same, he has his personal reasons for returning to England, let's see how it goes."

In what was one of the biggest moves in the ongoing summer transfer window, Cristiano Ronaldo returned to Manchester United after a gap of 12 years, leaving Serie A giants Juventus. The Red Devils confirmed the news on Friday that they have agreed a deal to sign the 36-year-old star from the Bianconeri. 

Ronaldo had earlier played at Manchester United from 2003 to 2009 before he moved to Real Madrid. In 2018, the Portuguese attacker joined Juventus but has ended his Turin stint after three years.

In a statement on their club website , United said: "Manchester United is delighted to confirm that the club has reached agreement with Juventus for the transfer of Cristiano Ronaldo, subject to agreement of personal terms, visa and medical.

"In his first spell for Manchester United, he scored 118 goals in 292 games. Everyone at the club looks forward to welcoming Cristiano back to Manchester."

The Manchester United fans, former players and the current crop of players were elated to the news of the superstar returning to Old Trafford. Players like Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Harry Maguire took to social media to express their joy.

How did the Manchester United players react to Ronaldo re-joining the Red Devils?

Marcus Rashford

Jadon Sancho

Raphael Varane

David De Gea

Bruno Fernandes

Harry Maguire

Juan Mata

How did England cricketers react to Ronaldo's return to Manchester United

England international cricketers Sam Billings and Liam Livingstone who also ply their trade in the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals respectively were elated to see Ronaldo return to the Premier League.

Sam Billings

Liam Livingstone

Former India international captain Bhaichung Bhutia has recommended the names of East Bengal legends Manoranjan Bhattacharya and Tarun Dey to the new East Bengal team management as the selectors to help build a team for the upcoming Indian Super League (ISL) season.

Bhutia took to social media to put forward his suggestion to the East Bengal management where he wrote, "As much as I would love to but I don't think I would have time to really be involved and help SC East Bengal to build the team. I request the club to kindly consider and appoint Manoranjan Bhattacharjee and Tarun Dey as the selectors to build the team."

After the long-standing deadlock between East Bengal and their investor Shree Cement got resolved temporarily on August 25, thanks to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's mediation, the Red and Golds' participation in the eighth season of the ISL was confirmed.

As soon as the issue got resolved, East Bengal's general secretary Kalyan Majumdar wrote a letter to Shree Cement East Bengal Foundation CEO, Col. Shivaji Samaddar, expressing his desire to co-operate and help in the team-building process to build a 'formidable' squad. 

The letter from the East Bengal secretary read, "Since time is very short, the Executive Committee also resolved to extend all sorts of co-operation to SC East Bengal Foundation, including the formation of a formidable team for participation in CFL and ISL to ensure the success of the team. You are most welcome to contact the club."

In turn, the CEO welcomed the suggestions and requested the officials to share a list of players. 

Col. Samaddar's response read, "As regards formation of the team for participation in ISL 2021-22 is concerned, the process of selection of the team is done by our technical team which is headed by the Head Coach and thereafter approved by the Board of Directors. You are therefore requested to forward a list of players with their credentials for us to take it forward with the technical team. Your suggestions are welcome." 

Earlier, there were rumours that Bhutia might be involved in the team-building process at East Bengal. But Bhutia has denied the same. Now Bhutia has recommended the management to appoint the two legendary East Bengal players as selectors in order to build a strong squad ahead of the upcoming ISL season.