Cristiano Ronaldo scored his first Old Trafford goal of the season on Thursday night, but he remains linked with a move away from Manchester United, according to Friday’s Paper Round.
A swap with Atletico Madrid is being discussed, while Barcelona’s January plans include two Premier League players, and Newcastle wants to reward Miguel Almiron.
‘I will correct him,’ Ten Hag says after Antony’s antics in Manchester United’s win over Sheriff.
RONALDO SWAPPED ANYONE?
According to the Mirror, Atletico Madrid’s exit from the Champions League may improve Manchester United’s chances of swapping Cristiano Ronaldo for Joao Felix. With Ronaldo looking to leave Old Trafford in January, the forward could end up at Real Madrid’s city rivals, who can no longer qualify for the Champions League last 16.
This will be a blow to Atletico Madrid’s finances, and the Spanish club may be tempted to sell Felix, who cost them £113 million in 2019. On Wednesday, he came on for the final three minutes of their 2-2 draw with Leverkusen.
Paper Round’s point of view: United requires a striker, preferably a proper No. 9 striker. You know, like Erling Haaland, but more human. Felix is not the answer, though with Jadon Sancho struggling, he could be another wide option. Still, they are better off looking elsewhere, especially since Ronaldo at Atletico Madrid appears to be a non-starter, as it was in the summer.
BARCELONA’S JANUARY PLANS
After exiting the Champions League, Barcelona is looking for January reinforcements to bolster their La Liga and Europa League campaigns after the holidays. According to Sport in Spain, Wolves’ Ruben Neves and Manchester United’s Diogo Dalot are among the candidates. Barcelona believes Neves is more affordable than other midfield options, but despite their desire for a new right-back, it may be “practically impossible” to entice Dalot away from United.
Paper Round’s take: It’s not surprising that Barcelona is considering January transfers, but money cannot buy success, as we saw on Wednesday night and throughout their upcoming Champions League campaign. They’re still far from resuming their place at Europe’s top table, and these additions would not significantly improve their chances.
According to the Telegraph, Newcastle United intends to offer Miguel Almiron a new contract in the face of potential interest from rival clubs. Almiron has had a strong start to the season, scoring six goals with Newcastle currently fourth in the Premier League table, and the Toon are eager to reward him now that he has settled in and become a key member of the squad. When he first joined in January 2019, he signed a five-year contract.
Newcastle are looking to reward Miguel Almiron for his superb start to the season@LukeEdwardsTele#TelegraphFootball #NUFC
— Telegraph Football (@TeleFootball) October 27, 2022
Paper Round’s take:
A just reward for Almiron, and it demonstrates what a strong run can do for your team standing – and bank balance. Suddenly, Almiron appears to be a step above the player who joined three years ago, and while it is unclear which teams would want to sign him, an extension for the 28-year-old would see him play a key role in their seemingly inevitable rise up the table.
ENGLAND VS FATBOY SLIM
And, just for fun, the Mirror’s exclusive claims that England’s Qatar 2022 base is on the doorstep of “party central,” with Fatboy Slim and David Guetta among the acts set to DJ near the team’s hotel in Al Wakra. The city will host 28 consecutive nights of festivals, with England reportedly based “down the road.”
Paper Round’s take: “Fright here, right now,” says the Mirror’s back page headline. We’ll leave it there.
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