Hell Or High Water: A Manchester United Story

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Cristiano Ronaldo sparked a wave of speculation online after his private jet mysteriously turned up at Manchester airport on Friday.

There could be little doubt who the Bombardier Global Express 6500 jet belonged to - given it features a 'CR7' logo and an image of Ronaldo's iconic celebration.

And news of its arrival came straight from the horse's mouth - with Manchester Airport posting a video of the Portugal superstar's aircraft on their runway.

However, they offered little by way of explanation, captioning the clip with two emojis - heart eyes and normal eyes.

It begs two questions: is Ronaldo in Manchester - and if so - what is he doing there?

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner left Manchester United after a second spell in January 2023, having fallen out with Erik ten Hag. Ronaldo joined Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr on an extraordinary £167.9million-a-year contract - and there is little suggestion the 40-year-old will move any time soon.

Given his recent history at Old Trafford, and the fact United are laying off hundreds of staff to avoid financial disaster, pigs will fly before Ronaldo joins the club for a third time.

That did not stop a number of Red Devils fans losing their minds on social media.

"He is coming for one last dance," one wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. Others theorised that Ronaldo could be arriving to buy a stake in United - which seems equally unlikely.

However, the Portuguese superstar recently said he would be able to fix United if he was the owner.

"[The] Premier League it's the most difficult league in the world," he said at the Dubai Globe Soccer Awards ceremony.

"All the teams are good, all the teams fight, all the teams run, all the teams are strong. Football is different right now. There's no easy games any more.

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Ronaldo coming back???

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Ronaldo coming back???

Watch this space...

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Are you using the 3-4-2-1? How are you finding it in FIFA

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Are you using the 3-4-2-1? How are you finding it in FIFA

Yes I've got a tactic code based on Amorims system. It's not great. Like real life we don't have the players yet so I'm trying to figure it out. I switched to a 352 and just find it flows better. Bruno can roam as a CAM and can have 2 defensive guys in behind.

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Brent Pilnick
BBC Sport England at Old Trafford

Manchester United booked their place in the FA Cup quarter-finals with a 4-2 victory over Championship side Birmingham City at Old Trafford.

A brace from youngster Chido Obi, along with goals from Patrick Dorgu and Joshua Zirkzee, sealed the win for Ruben Amorim’s side, despite a spirited performance from Birmingham and a brace from Jay Stansfield.

The visitors took a surprise lead in the 27th minute through Stansfield, but United hit back before half-time with two quick goals from Obi. Dorgu extended the lead in the second half, but Stansfield’s second strike kept the tie alive until Zirkzee put the result beyond doubt with a late finish.

Obi Takes His Chance

With Rasmus Højlund given a rest, young striker Chido Obi stepped up with a clinical performance. His first goal came in the 36th minute with a sharp finish inside the box, while his second just before half-time displayed excellent movement and composure.

Dorgu’s Influence Growing

Since Amorim switched to the 3-5-2 formation, Patrick Dorgu has excelled in the left wing-back role. The Danish youngster was rewarded with a goal in the 58th minute, capping off an energetic display filled with overlapping runs and defensive contributions.

A Midfield Change Taking Shape

Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte are forming a solid double pivot, offering both defensive protection and ball progression, but today Toby Colleyer stepped into Ugartes position and filled the role very well. Casemiro controlled the tempo, while Collyer’s aggressive pressing and tackles broke up Birmingham’s counter-attacks. Adding in a 20 minute cameo for Sekou Kone in place of Casemiro showed the future is bright for United in midfield.

Birmingham's Brave Effort

Despite being second best in possession (42%-58%), Birmingham gave United a scare with their attacking intent. Jay Stansfield’s brace showcased his finishing ability, and their xG of 4.6 indicated they had chances to make it an even tighter contest.

What’s Next for United?

United's second consecutive win in this 3-5-2 formation suggests Amorim has found a system that works. With Casemiro and Collyer controlling the midfield and Obi and Zirkzee linking up well, the Red Devils look well-positioned for a strong finish to the season.

Their next test comes in the Premier League as they face a tricky away fixture, where Amorim will hope to build on this momentum and keep United’s FA Cup dream alive.

Match Stats

**Possession:** 58% - 42%
**Shots:** 13 - 12
**xG:** 6.3 - 4.6
**Corners:** 1 - 2
**Free Kicks:** 1 - 0
**Penalties:** 0 - 1
**Yellow Cards:** 0 - 0
**Red Cards:** 0 - 0

Match Events

� 10' - Yellow Card: G. Hanley (BIR)
27' - Goal: J. Stansfield (BIR)
36' - Goal: C. Obi (MUN)
43' - Goal: C. Obi (MUN)
58' - Goal: P. Dorgu (MUN)
65' - Goal: J. Stansfield (BIR)
87' - Goal: J. Zirkzee (MUN)

**Starting Lineups**

Manchester United (3-5-2):


GK: Altay Bayindir
CB: Ayden Heaven
CB: Harry Maguire
CB: Leny Yoro
LWB: Patrick Dorgu
RWB: Diogo Dalot
CDM: Casemiro
CDM: Toby Collyer
CAM: Bruno Fernandes (c)
ST: Joshua Zirkzee
ST: Chido Obi

Birmingham City (4-2-3-1):


GK: Bailey Peacock-Farrell
RB: Alfons Sampsted
CB: Grant Hanley
CB: Christoph Klarer
LB: Alex Cochrane
CDM: Krystian Bielik
CDM: Tomoki Iwata
RM: Scott Wright
LM: Emil Hansson
CAM: Willum Þór Willumsson
ST: Jay Stansfield

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Third Time’s a Charm: Cristiano Ronaldo Signs Short-Term Deal with Manchester United

Cristiano Ronaldo is officially back at Manchester United for a third spell, signing a short-term contract until the end of the season in a stunning move. The 39-year-old forward, who recently negotiated a buyout of his Al-Nassr contract, reunites with Sir Alex Ferguson in what could be a fairytale ending to his legendary career. The signing of Jhon Duran by Al-Nassr has lessened the blow of losing Ronaldo at this stage of the season.

Ronaldo, who scored 145 goals across his previous two stints at Old Trafford, was eager to return after Ferguson’s shock return as Assistant Manager to Ruben Amorim. Speaking exclusively to Sky Sports, Ronaldo said:

"Manchester United is my home. Sir Alex is my football father, and when I heard he was back, I knew I had to return. I want to help this club fight again and finish my career where it all started. I have know Amorim for a long time and we have a great friendship and this just made too much sense to turn down."

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner is expected to make his debut in United’s upcoming Europa League last-16 tie, adding much-needed firepower to an attack that has struggled all season. Rasmus Hojlund has been struggling all season and Ronaldo will be expected to lead the attack. Younsgter Chido Obi who bagged an impressive brace has the opportunity to learn from a legendary striker now.

Mount Gives Up No.7 Shirt as Injury Ends His Season

In a symbolic gesture, Mason Mount has relinquished the iconic No.7 shirt to Ronaldo. However, the midfielder won’t get the chance to share the pitch with his new teammate, as United have confirmed he has been ruled out for the remainder of the season with a serious knee injury. It’s another frustrating setback for Mount, who has endured a stop-start campaign since his summer move from Chelsea.

Luke Shaw Set to Retire After Injury Heartbreak

Meanwhile, reports suggest that Luke Shaw is considering retirement after yet another injury setback. The left-back has struggled with persistent fitness issues in recent years, and sources close to the player say he is seriously weighing up his future in professional football.

United’s season has been chaotic, but with Ferguson and now Ronaldo back, the club is looking to restore its identity. Could this legendary duo inspire one last push for silverware?