MANCHESTER UNITED boss Erik Ten Hag has slammed his side's 'unacceptable' defeat against Spanish outfit Cadiz.
The Red Devils participated in their first warm-weather friendly but it didn't go to plan having lost 4-2.
Meanwhile, Bruno Fernandes has defended Cristiano Ronaldo after his former teammate was dropped for Portugal's emphatic World Cup win over Switzerland.
Fernandes said: "Cristiano is doing his job, he’s doing his part, he’s happy with the result because the goal for everyone is to go as far as possible.
"When Cristiano plays and the team loses, everyone talks. [He is] the most famous player in the world. No one is more famous than Cristiano in sports, not in football, in sports."
And Cody Gakpo has dropped a huge transfer hint as Holland star eyes £65million transfer to Old Trafford.
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Rio Ferdinand has warned old side Man Utd to forget about signing Jude Bellingham – as he will go to rivals City instead.
Ferdinand said: "Pep Guardiola's signed a new deal, if they don't win the Champions League this year, he goes there with a mindset, 'I am going to be the man that brings you the Champions League.'
"That's how I think he's moving, that's how I think he rolls. I think he will (go to City), I think he'll say he's got a couple of mates there, England boys, 'I can go to (Real) Madrid in five years'.
"I think he thinks, 'listen man, I'm a superstar, I want to go win the league and the Premier League because I'm an English-born boy and then I'll go Madrid and do the same there in a couple of years’.”
Erik ten Hag slammed his Man Utd flops after a 4-2 friendly defeat to Cadiz.
He told MUTV: "We prepared them. (We knew) They are a threat in transition and we have seen the second goal. It can't happen.
"You are not awake. Especially in the midfield, we got run off, this is not possible. Unacceptable.
"The first goal was as well. A set play, bad organisation and bad discipline in the organisation, and you concede a goal."
Manchester United lost in their return to action in a mid-season friendly to Cadiz 4-2.
Anthony Martial scored from the penalty spot and youngster Kobbie Mainoo got the other goal.
Meanwhile, Jude Bellingham is not expected to sign for Man Utd, according to reports in Germany.
But they could need a new striker as Cristiano Ronaldo has left the club.
He was left out of Portugal's starting XI as they demolished Switzerland 6-1.
And manager Fernando Santos has claimed his axing was tactical and not personal after Ronaldo appeared to sulk when he was subbed off against South Korea.
Santos admitted he was not happy with Ronaldo but denied a fall out.
United could go in for Cody Gakpo. The PSV winger has impressed at this year's World Cup netting three goals and he has admitted that would consider a move to Old Trafford but said he is yet to hear from them.
Jude Bellingham will seal a transfer to Manchester City over any of their rivals, according to Rio Ferdinand.
Speaking on FIVE, he said: "Pep Guardiola's signed a new deal, if they don't win the Champions League this year, he goes there with a mindset, 'I am going to be the man that brings you the Champions League.'
"That's how I think he's moving, that's how I think he rolls.
"I think he will (go to City), I think he'll say he's got a couple of mates there, England boys, 'I can go to (Real) Madrid in five years'."
Ex-Manchester United captain Roy Keane scored the winning goal for ITV in the World Cup pundits match versus the BBC team.
Keane earned himself the headlines as he scored the “golden goal” to earn ITV victory – and he notched past none other than his Sky Sports pal Micah Richards in the net.
Fortunately for the usually no-nonsense Republic of Ireland great the cameras were there to capture his moment of magic.
And the 51-year-old celebrated by ripping off his T-shirt, swirling it around his head, and then jumping over a wheelie bin prior to being mobbed by his colleagues.
You can watch the video of the goal and celebration HERE.
Cody Gakpo says he would consider joining Manchester United in January.
The Holland star revealed the Red Devils are yet to make any contact over a possible move after SunSport revealed United are readying a bid.
he PSV Eindhoven attacker has lit up the World Cup, scoring three goals in four games ahead of facing Argentina in the quarter-finals.
United snubbed a summer deal for the 23-year-old after opting to buy Ajax star Anthony for £85.5million instead.
Speaking about the failed summer move Gakpo, 23, said: “That was a tough period. I learned from that. I’m going to do it differently. What comes, that comes.
“I thought about Manchester United, but when that didn’t happen, I couldn’t remember. And I started to doubt. Leeds United did come. Should I go there?
“Now I wait for everything. I haven’t heard from Manchester United yet. When they come, I’ll think about it. I also seek the help of God in these decisions.”
It's defeat for Manchester United in Spain.
Goals for Anthony Martial and Kobbie Mainoo were not enough.
Before the game Erik ten Hag said he hates friendlies – he will hate them more now.
It's goals galore in southern Spain.
Cadiz go two ahead – Charlie Savage gives the ball away and Cadiz break well.
Tomás Alarcón is through on goal and shoots beyond Martin Dubravka.
Erik ten Hag has made a number of changes at the break and subbed on Charlie Savage, son of ex-pro and pundit Robbie.
Fellow youngster Kobbie Mainoo has came off the bench and scored from the edge of the box to draw United level.
But Cadiz have moved back in front thanks to a strike from Ruben Sobrino.
You can follow SunSport’s LIVE coverage of the game HERE.
Half-time in Spain and Man Utd find themselves 2-1 down.
Perhaps there is something about the location, United have played in Spain thirty times now. They have only won six of those games.
You can follow SunSport’s LIVE coverage of the game HERE.
Things get worse for Man Utd, before they improve slightly, they are now find themselves 2-1 down.
Update: Cadiz make it look all so easy to open United up on the break. Flowing move down the left, the ball is played into the box.
A neat stepover by Negredo allows Lozano to run onto it and drive the ball passed Dubravka.
But Man Utd hit back via a Martial penalty that was won by Iqbal.
You can follow SunSport’s LIVE coverage of the game HERE.
Man Utd have made a poor start to their friendly against Cadiz and find themselves behind after just nine minutes.
Carlos Garcia has netted for the Spanish outfit.
Update: A foul out wide by Brandon Williams give Cadiz a chance to load the box and get the ball in to test United.
The ball is played short and flighted into the back post. Cadiz have a two on one at the back post and Garcia heads passed Dubravka into the far corner.
You can follow SunSport's LIVE coverage of the game HERE.
There is a familiar name in the Cadiz squad with links to Manchester.
Veteran striker Alvaro Negredo, formally of Manchester City is plying his trade for the LaLiga side aged 37.
He won the Premier League with them back in the 2013/14 season.
You can follow SunSport's minute-by-minute coverage of Manchester United's friendly versus Cadiz HERE.
Today marks the first game for United since they decided to part ways with Cristiano Ronaldo.
Antony Martial is set to take his place up top this evening.
Zidane Iqbal starts for Manchester United versus Cadiz.
The Iraq international is aged 19 and has been at the club for ten years.
He is a central midfielder with a lot of flair and has made one first-team appearance before – coming on in the Champions League versus Young Boys in 2021.
Teden Mengi starts for Manchester United versus Cadiz.
Mengi, 20, is a centre-back who joined the club aged seven.
He has featured for the first-team once before, in United's Europa League campaign back in 2020.
Mengi has had spells on loan at Derby, when they were managed by Wayne Rooney, and Birmingham.
Manchester United line-up like this for the friendly against Cadiz tonight.
Erik ten Hag mixes first-team stars with a few youngsters.
Starting XI: Dubravka, Wan-Bissaka, Mengi, Lindelof, Williams, McTominay, Van de Beek, Iqbal, Garnacho, Elanga, Martial
Erik ten Hag is more than ready to forget about Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Man Utd boss said ahead of the friendly with Cadiz: "He's gone and it's the past.
"We are now looking forward and we're looking forward to the future."
Fans are looking forward to the return of Manchester United tonight in the friendly versus Cadiz.
Supporters have not seen their team play in nearly a month as they went out to the World Cup in style beating Fulham.
But now those not in Qatar will get some much needed minutes under the belt with some online calling for youngster Zidane Iqbal to start as well as Antony Martial and Alejandro Garnacho.
Manchester United are set to face Cadiz in a mid-season friendly this evening.
Kick-off is at 19:00 and with just hours to go fans have been given a sneak peak inside the Nuevo Mirandilla Stadium.
The club's official Twitter account has posted a video showing the view the players will get from the tunnel this evening.
A United shirt is even seen hanging in the dugout.
Cristiano Ronaldo is still open to offers – despite a whopping £173million-a-year bid from Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr.
Manchester United axed Ronaldo last month after he openly slammed the club in a bombshell interview.
According to the Sunday Mirror, the 37-year-old is still open to offers, which would include any potential offer from Chelsea.
Blues owner Todd Boehly was keen on bringing the five-time Ballon d’Or winner to Stamford Bridge in the summer as a statement signing, and could be tempted to try one more time.
Then manager Thomas Tuchel wasn’t eager, and reports suggest current boss Graham Potter feels the exact same way.
But the star forward will only make a decision on his future after the World Cup is completed for Portugal
Portugal boss Fernando Santos insists his decision to drop Cristiano Ronaldo against Switzerland was tactical and not personal.
Santos said: “Cristiano and Ramos are different players. There is no problem with the captain of the national team.
“It was strategic. Players are different. I also started [Diogo] Dalot, Raphael [Guerreiro], however [Joao] Cancelo is a fabulous player. That’s what I thought for the game against Switzerland, in another game it might be different.
Santos added when pressed for a detailed answer: “Didn’t I already answer this question? There is no problem between Fernando Santos and the captain of the national team.
“We’ve been friends for many years and things don’t affect us. Coaches make decisions. I already explained, that part was completely resolved and he set an example of a great captain”
Manchester United legend Cristiano Ronaldo’s sister has begged him to “come home” and QUIT Portugal’s World Cup team after he was axed for last night’s 6-1 triumph over Switzerland.
And the star forward’s sister Katia Aveiro has now posted a passionate message on social media urging her brother to ditch the squad and return home to his family.
Aveiro posted: “Portugal won. Thank God. New talents shone. Amazing. Are we going to win this? I believe so!! On the field they shouted for Ronaldo. It wasn’t because Portugal was winning…
“And I’m not saying this. The world watched… Why is it??? I’m glad Portugal won… (I’ve seen Portugal win so many times). And even this doesn’t invalidate the smallness of a large part of the Portuguese people. And this is what is not right, because they continue to curse, they continue to insist on offence and ingratitude.
“Too sad with what I read and hear not here in Qatar but in my country in his country… But really sad. AND I WANTED IT SO MUCH. I really wanted him to come home, leave the national team and sit next to us so we could hug him and say that everything is fine, remind him of what he conquered and what home he came from.
“I really wanted him not to go there anymore , we have suffered enough (they will never know how big) you are and the little ones don’t realise how huge you are… Come to your house. Which is where they understand you, where they embrace you. As always was. Where do you have all the gratitude. And not ingratitude.
“Thank you Ronaldo. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I really wanted to… But whatever you decide, we are with you. Until death. Thanks”
Cristiano Ronaldo refused to train with Portugal’s subs and instead insisted on joining the starters for a gym session.
Ronaldo was axed by manager Fernando Santos during his team’s 6-1 triumph over Switzerland in the Round of 16 of the 2022 World Cup.
Santos admitted he was unhappy with the forward for acting out after getting substituted during the group stage victory over South Korea.
According to Marca, the Manchester United hero is still causing a stir after failing to show up for training with the substitutes.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner instead went for a low-intensity gym session with the starters, even though he played less than 20 minutes against the Swiss.
The Portugal camp, though, are said to be “surprised” not to see the 37-year-old amongst the substitutes on the field.
The Portugal captain was not feeling any discomfort and was thus in perfect condition to take part in practice
Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes could have represented another country other than Portugal if his father had his way.
Fernandes' dad Jose wanted his family to leave Portugal but his son refused aged just 12.
The playmaker wanted to stay in his homeland because he thought the standard of football was better there and he stood an improved chance of making it as a professional.
But his father, who also was a footballer, was keen for his family to emigrate to Switzerland, according to newspaper Blick.
If the Portugal international did make the move he would have then been eligible to play for the Swiss national team
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