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Top Winners and Losers After Tuesday's Champions League Semifinals Leg 1 Results

Apr 26, 2022
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - 26 April: Kevin De Bruyne of Manchester City celebrates after scoring his sides first goal during the UEFA Champions League Semi Final Leg One match between Manchester City and Real Madrid at City of Manchester Stadium on April 26, 2022 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Jose Hernandez/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - 26 April: Kevin De Bruyne of Manchester City celebrates after scoring his sides first goal during the UEFA Champions League Semi Final Leg One match between Manchester City and Real Madrid at City of Manchester Stadium on April 26, 2022 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Jose Hernandez/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

Just another banger in this year's UEFA Champions League. Were you expecting anything less?

Manchester City topped Real Madrid 4-3 in Tuesday's semifinal between the clubs, an open and exciting affair that somehow left a few goals on the pitch, if you can believe that. And it was just the first leg. Expect even more fireworks when the tie heads back to Madrid.

Below, we'll break down the day's winners and losers. And then we'll take a moment to catch our collective breaths.

Winner: City's Relentless Attack

The Sky Blues just carved Madrid apart, as they do to most teams that attempt to play an open game against them. It only took under two minutes for Kevin De Bruyne to get the home team on the board.

And the floodgates opened from there:

This wasn't City facing Everton—this was Real freaking Madrid. And Manchester cut through Los Blancos like a machete through butter on a summer day.

City is a juggernaut. At least going forward, that is.

Loser: Real Madrid's Defense

Two things can be true at once—City was effervescent going forward, but Real Madrid's defense didn't exactly put up a fight.

https://twitter.com/ChrisWarcraft/status/1519054717124440064

Los Blancos are still kicking, but it isn't because of the defensive effort.

Winner: the Individual Brilliance of Karim Benzema and Vinicius Junior

Every single week there is one constant—Karim Benzema finds himself in the winner's section of these articles.

So it's no surprise to see him here yet again, as an absolute sublime redirection led to Real Madrid's first goal and his icicle-veined Panenka on a penalty earned Los Blancos their third goal:

Sandwiched between the Frenchman's brilliance was Vinicius Junior, with a turn on makeshift right back Fernandinho so brilliant it made the City man look like he was fighting for his life in quicksand. Of course, Vini wasn't done there, racing into space before slotting home a lovely finish.

https://twitter.com/LeanderAlphabet/status/1519048013704011778

Real Madrid is lucky to head home down just a goal in this matchup. Brilliance from its attacking pair has kept the club afloat.

Loser: City's Chances to Bury Madrid

Poor Riyad Mahrez.

The City winger probably left three goals on the table in this one, missing an obvious cross to an open teammate on the attack, hitting the post on another attempt and narrowly missing a tight angle on a third attacking play.

But there was Aymeric Laporte's handball. City failing to have anyone in position to track Vinicius on the counter. Fernandinho having to moonlight at right back after John Stones had to come off injured.

It felt like classic City in the Pep Guardiola era—Champions League glory right in front of the Sky Blues but somehow wanting to slip out of their grasp.

Perhaps they'll handle business in Madrid. But even on a day when they scored four goals, this felt like a missed opportunity.

Kevin De Bruyne, Manchester City Beat Real Madrid in Thrilling UCL Semifinal 1st Leg

Apr 26, 2022
MANCHESTER, UNITED KINGDOM - APRIL 26: Bernardo Silva of Manchester City celebrates 4-2 with Phil Foden of Manchester City during the UEFA Champions League match between Manchester City v Real Madrid at the Etihad Stadium on April 26, 2022 in Manchester United Kingdom (Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, UNITED KINGDOM - APRIL 26: Bernardo Silva of Manchester City celebrates 4-2 with Phil Foden of Manchester City during the UEFA Champions League match between Manchester City v Real Madrid at the Etihad Stadium on April 26, 2022 in Manchester United Kingdom (Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images)

Manchester City drew first blood in the Champions League semifinal against Real Madrid, coming away a 4-3 winner in the first leg Tuesday at Etihad Stadium.

Bernardo Silva appeared to cap off the attacking frenzy in the 74th minute. The Portuguese star created something from nothing when he gathered the ball on the edge of the 18-yard box, took a few touches and launched a shot into the top corner.

That wasn't the last twist in the drama, though, as Aymeric Laporte was whistled for a handball in the box to gift Real Madrid a penalty.

In the club's 3-1 win over Osasuna last Wednesday, Karim Benzema missed a pair of penalty kicks, but that wasn't going to keep him from being the player to step up to the spot in the 82nd minute.

Benzema was the epitome of self-confidence as he opted for a Panenka to once again bring Madrid to within a goal.

Depending on how the second leg unfolds, that goal didn't change the outcome in the first leg but could carry massive implications for the semifinal as a whole.

Manchester City survived a nervy quarterfinal tilt with Atletico Madrid. Kevin De Bruyne scored in the 70th minute in the first leg, and that was the only goal across the two fixtures.

Between City's hard-fought aggregate victory over Atletico and FA Cup semifinal loss to Liverpool, it seemed fair to wonder whether the reigning Premier League champion is slowly losing steam.

That notion was well wide of the mark Tuesday night, as City blitzed Madrid for two goals within the first 11 minutes.

Only 93 seconds elapsed when De Bruyne headed in the opener. The Belgian then found Gabriel Jesus in the box before the Manchester City forward executed a deft turn around David Alaba and slid home the club's second.

Manchester City looked like a threat to score every time it had the ball in the Madrid half across the first third of the match. After a low shot from Phil Foden rolled just wide, a third goal felt inevitable. A few minutes before that, Riyad Mahrez hit a shot into the side netting instead of passing across to Foden for what would've been an easier finish.

https://twitter.com/ESPNFC/status/1519035961786654722

But Benzema continues to operate as something of a cheat code for Real Madrid. Against the run of play, the French striker volleyed home a cross from Ferland Mendy in the 33rd minute.

Mahrez's finishing betrayed him again in the 48th minute. His left-footed effort caromed off the far post, and Dani Carvajal cleared away Foden's follow-up.

Foden powered a header past Thibaut Courtois in the 53rd minute to put City supporters at ease, but their respite was brief as Madrid responded almost immediately.

Vinicius Junior left Brazilian compatriot Fernandinho in his dust and made a blistering run down the left flank. Before any City players could converge on the Real Madrid winger, he slotted the ball into the far post to make it a 3-2 game.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola will be happy to come away with the win but only to a certain degree. Were it not for some poor finishing, his club would carry much more than a one-goal lead into the return fixture.

Such a slim margin doesn't offer much security against Real Madrid when Benzema is in the form that he's enjoying, either.

The teams will head to the Santiago Bernabeu for the return leg on May 4.

USMNT's Zack Steffen Defended by Manchester City's Pep Guardiola for Liverpool Error

Apr 17, 2022
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 16: Sadio Mane of Liverpool scores their side's second goal past Zack Steffen of Manchester City during The Emirates FA Cup Semi-Final match between Manchester City and Liverpool at Wembley Stadium on April 16, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 16: Sadio Mane of Liverpool scores their side's second goal past Zack Steffen of Manchester City during The Emirates FA Cup Semi-Final match between Manchester City and Liverpool at Wembley Stadium on April 16, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)

Manchester City's backup goalkeeper, the USMNT's Zack Steffen, made a horrible error in Saturday's FA Cup semifinal against Liverpool, turning the ball over in front of his own goal and allowing Sadio Mane to score. 

It proved to be a costly mistake, as City lost the match 3-2, but manager Pep Guardiola came to Steffen's defense. 

"It was an accident, but we need him to try because that's how we play our football," he told reporters. "He deserves to play and after that he had a good game. He made good saves and is an exceptional keeper."

The reaction on social media wasn't so understanding:

But Guardiola has Steffen's back. 

"We use our keeper to move our opponents into different situations. I'm pretty sure Zack didn't want to do it," he said. "Sometimes the strikers miss in front of the keeper, other times the keeper makes a mistake."

It was, however, a pretty huge mistake. 

Manchester City Apologizes for Fans' Chants During Tribute to Hillsborough Victims

Apr 16, 2022
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 16: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Roberto Firmino of Liverpool Emirates FA Cup Semi-Final match between Manchester City and Liverpool at Wembley Stadium on April 16, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 16: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Roberto Firmino of Liverpool Emirates FA Cup Semi-Final match between Manchester City and Liverpool at Wembley Stadium on April 16, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Manchester City issued an apology after supporters interrupted a remembrance of the Hillsborough tragedy before Saturday's FA Cup semifinal against Liverpool.

"Manchester City are extremely disappointed with the actions of some City supporters during the minute's silence before today's game," the club said, per ESPN's James Olley. "The club sincerely apologizes to all those connected with Liverpool Football Club."

Referee Michael Oliver was forced to cut the moment of silence short because some City fans continued to chant, per Olley.

In April 1989, overcrowding at Sheffield Wednesday's Hillsborough Stadium for an FA Cup match between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest caused a crush that killed 97 people and injured 766.

A 395-page review of the disaster by the Hillsborough Independent Panel released in 2012 determined initial suggestions that alcohol use by Liverpool fans was a key factor in the tragedy was "inappropriate and misleading" and suggested up to 41 lives could have been saved "had the emergency response been better."

Court cases related to the tragedy have continued for more than three decades.

Last May, UK appellate court judge William Davis ruled three men who were accused of altering police statements—Donald Denton, Alan Foster and Peter Metcalf—in order to reduce blame on the South Yorkshire Police couldn't move forward because they had "no case to answer."

"We've got the death certificate with 96 unlawfully killed but yet not one person has been held to account," Margaret Aspinall, whose son died at the match, told BBC News.

Andrew Devine, who suffered life-altering injuries at the match, became the 97th death attributed to the disaster when he died in July.

Several memorials have been set up in remembrance of the victims, including one at Hillsborough Stadium. The venue opened in 1899 and underwent safety improvements after the tragedy.

Liverpool won Saturday's match, 3-2, to advance to the FA Cup final. The Reds will face the winner of Sunday's fixture between Chelsea and Crystal Palace for the trophy on May 14.

Manchester City Advances to UCL Semis After Scoreless Draw with Atletico Madrid

Apr 13, 2022
MADRID, SPAIN - APRIL 13: Aymeric Laporte of Manchester City battles for possession with Angel Correa of Atletico Madrid during the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final Leg Two match between Atletico Madrid and Manchester City at Wanda Metropolitano on April 13, 2022 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
MADRID, SPAIN - APRIL 13: Aymeric Laporte of Manchester City battles for possession with Angel Correa of Atletico Madrid during the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final Leg Two match between Atletico Madrid and Manchester City at Wanda Metropolitano on April 13, 2022 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Manchester City held firm at the Wanda Metropolitano on Wednesday to advance to the semifinals of the Champions League with a 1-0 aggregate win over Atletico Madrid.

Tensions boiled over as the match neared the end of the 90 minutes.

Felipe brought Phil Foden down along the sideline, and Stefan Savic attempted to push Foden out of the field of play for the action to continue. That triggered a scuffle between the teams, and Felipe was ultimately handed a second yellow card for the tackle on Foden.

That left the hosts with only 10 men at a critical juncture.

Yannick Carrasco forced Ederson to make a save off a free kick in the eighth minute of stoppage time, but couldn't make the breakthrough. Ederson saved another shot from Angel Correa in the 12th added minute, which effectively sealed the 0-0 draw.

Manchester City owned the advantage after the first leg thanks to a goal from Kevin De Bruyne. The score didn't do justice to how much City controlled the match as they had 68 percent of possession and finished with 15 shots to zero for Atletico.

Still, there was no room for complacency for Pep Guardiola's side. Bayern Munich's exit Tuesday at the hands of Villarreal served as a reminder of how fine the margins can be after a tight first leg. Villarreal only had two shots on target against Bayern over the two meetings and walked away 2-1 winners on aggregate.

In the 30th minute, Manchester City supporters might have been wondering whether it was going to be one of those nights. Ilkay Gundogan hit the post and triggered a brief frenzy around the Atletico six-yard box.

While the first half was scoreless, City were largely dictating the pace. They were weathering Atletico Madrid's physical style well and keeping their opponents from getting out on the counterattack.

Nobody expected Atletico to be the aggressors early on, but their inability to pose any sort of threat going forward didn't bode well.

Nevertheless, the Rojiblancos remained only one goal away from making things very interesting. And perhaps by design, they opened the second half with a far more proactive approach.

Suddenly, City's backs were against the ropes and they were swimming against the onrushing tide.

Geoffrey Kondogbia was massive in midfield for the home side. The 29-year-old provided cover for the defense and was often the facilitator to begin Atletico's attacking moves. He delivered a man of the match performance.

The introductions of Carrasco and Correa also made a big difference as they provided the pace and energy Atletico needed to push for the equalizer.

A quick sequence in the 87th minute summed up how Manchester City was managing to stymie those efforts but only just so. Matheus Cunha had a clean look at goal, only for his shot to get blocked by John Stones. On the ensuing corner kick, Ederson flapped at the ball and nearly gifted Atletico a scoring chance at the far post.

Were it not for the Felipe sending off, City could very well have kept the clean sheet they needed anyway to move on. More than just going a man down, though, the prolonged pause stopped Atletico's momentum dead. City also deployed the kind of time-wasting tactics Diego Simeone's players so often use to perfection.

In the end, Atletico Madrid were beaten at their own game. 

Manchester City will meet Real Madrid in the more anticipated of the two semifinals. It will host the first leg before the return fixture at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Kevin De Bruyne, Manchester City Top Atletico Madrid in UCL Quarterfinal Leg 1

Apr 5, 2022
Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne celebrates after scoring his side's opening goal during the Champions League, first leg, quarterfinal soccer match between Manchester City and Atletico Madrid at the Etihad Stadium, in Manchester, Tuesday, April 5, 2022. (AP Photo/Dave Thompson)
Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne celebrates after scoring his side's opening goal during the Champions League, first leg, quarterfinal soccer match between Manchester City and Atletico Madrid at the Etihad Stadium, in Manchester, Tuesday, April 5, 2022. (AP Photo/Dave Thompson)

Manchester City are one step closer to the Champions League semifinals after earning a 1-0 win over Atletico Madrid.

The club will look to close out the quarterfinal tie in the second leg on April 13 in Madrid.

It took a lot of effort for Manchester City to break through in the first leg with Atletico, using a heavy defensive approach, including five in the back. The Premier League club dominated possession but had few real chances on goal, keeping the match scoreless for more than an hour of action.

Kevin De Bruyne finally got onto the scoresheet with a strong finish in the 70th minute:

Atletico Madrid never came close to an equalizer, finishing with zero shot attempts in the match.

Manchester City entered Tuesday as the favorite to win the tournament and showed why once again with a strong performance against a tough opponent. Both clubs are seeking their first European championship despite past trips to the UCL finals.

Despite the talent from both sides, the first half of this tie was underwhelming with the score remaining 0-0.

Manchester City had full control of the match and seemed to be the dominant squad at home:

The heavy possession still didn't lead to much as Manchester City mostly spent time passing around the box.

Atletico Madrid stayed in front and prevented any real chances in the early going.

Though Atletico rarely even had the ball in the attacking half, they had the same number of shots on goal as Manchester City in the first 45 minutes: zero. 

The trend continued early in the second half with the only shot on goal coming from a free-kick.

Following a triple-substitution in the 68th minute, the home team came to life as Phil Foden, Gabriel Jesus and Jack Grealish brought some creativity.

Foden was especially valuable to help set up the goal for De Bruyne less than two minutes after coming onto the pitch:

It was enough to unlock an elite defense from Atletico Madrid.

Foden had other exciting moments, although Manchester City couldn't add to the lead. The forward could be even more important in the second leg, however, with Gabriel Jesus suspended due to yellow card accumulation.

On the other end, Atletico must be more aggressive after getting few looks at the net over 90 minutes. The squad had zero shots, zero corner kicks and only a handful of touches in the attacking third.

The 1-0 scoreline is still enough to keep things close heading into next week.      

Phil Foden, Family Attacked on Video Backstage at Amir Khan vs. Kell Brook Fight

Feb 20, 2022
Manchester City's Phil Foden reacts during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur, at the Etihad stadium in Manchester, England, Saturday, Feb. 19, 2022. (AP Photo/Jon Super)
Manchester City's Phil Foden reacts during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur, at the Etihad stadium in Manchester, England, Saturday, Feb. 19, 2022. (AP Photo/Jon Super)

Manchester City issued a statement in support of midfielder Phil Foden after a video posted on social media appeared to show his family being harassed at Saturday's boxing match between Kell Brook and Amir Khan at Manchester Arena.

ESPN reported Sunday the Greater Manchester Police were contacted after the incident involving Foden's family and a group of men inside an arena corridor.

"The club is aware of a video which has circulated on social media showing Phil Foden and his family being harassed and abused," City's statement read. "We are shocked and appalled about the nature of the abuse and ensuing assault on one of Phil's family members. We will continue to give Phil and his family all the support and assistance they need."

Simon Bajkowski and Joe Bray of the Manchester Evening News reported the video appears to show one man throwing a punch toward Foden's mother while another held a fire extinguisher as a weapon. Foden attempted to remove his family from the situation before the attack on his mom prompted a strong response.

Foden's family maintains they are "completely blameless" as the Manchester City player attempted to ignore the men before they became physically aggressive, per Jamie Jackson of The Guardian.

Brook won the matchup between the two standout British boxers by sixth-round knockout.

Foden attended the fight after playing all 90 minutes in City's 3-2 Premier League loss to Tottenham Hotspur earlier Saturday.

The 21-year-old England international has recorded nine goals and six assists in 27 appearances across all competitions for the Sky Blues during the 2021-22 season.

City, which sits atop the Premier League table with 63 points through 26 matches, returns to action Saturday when it visits Goodison Park to face Everton.

British authorities haven't said whether any criminal charges will be filed as a result of the altercation.

Manchester City's Pep Guardiola to Miss FA Cup Tie After Positive COVID-19 Test

Jan 6, 2022
Manchester City's head coach Pep Guardiola gestures during the Premier League soccer match between Arsenal and Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium, in London, England, Saturday Jan. 1, 2022. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
Manchester City's head coach Pep Guardiola gestures during the Premier League soccer match between Arsenal and Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium, in London, England, Saturday Jan. 1, 2022. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola will not be present for the club's third-round FA Cup match against Swindon Town on Friday after testing positive for COVID-19.

City released the following statement regarding Guardiola's forthcoming absence:

"The City manager recorded a positive test on Tuesday along with assistant Juanma Lillo. Both are now isolating, along with a number of other positive cases within the City first team bubble.

"This brings the number of those isolating for COVID-related reasons amongst the group to 21. Of that number, 14 are backroom staff and seven are first-team players. Assistant coach Rodolfo Borrell will take charge of the team for the trip to Swindon."

The cup tie against Swindon is still planned to go on as scheduled despite City's COVID-19 outbreak, per ESPN's Rob Dawson.

Guardiola is among the most accomplished and celebrated managers in the history of soccer.

He has picked up multiple individual awards and has won championships in many of the top leagues in the world.

Prior to joining Manchester City in 2016, Guardiola won three La Liga titles and two UEFA Champions League trophies at Barcelona, as well as three Bundesliga titles at Bayern Munich.

At Manchester City, Guardiola has won three Premier League titles. He also led the Citizens to a runner-up finish in the UEFA Champions League last term.

Manchester City is once again in the midst of a dominant season in 2021-22, leading the EPL with 53 points, 10 points ahead of second-place Chelsea.

While City won the FA Cup in 2018-19 with a 6-0 demolition of Watford in the finals, that marked the only time the Sky Blues have reached the final in the past eight seasons.

Manchester City is in a tough spot without its manager and some players because of COVID-19, but it is still a heavy favorite to beat a Swindon Town side that plays in EFL League Two, which is the fourth tier of English soccer.

Manchester City's Joao Cancelo Says He Was Attacked, Robbed While With Family

Dec 30, 2021
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 19: Joao Cancelo of Manchester City during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Manchester City at St. James Park on December 19, 2021 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 19: Joao Cancelo of Manchester City during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Manchester City at St. James Park on December 19, 2021 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

Manchester City star Joao Cancelo said he was the victim of an assault and robbery Thursday.

The right back shared a photo of an injury he suffered during the attack and said four men assaulted him and "tried to hurt my family." He said his family was unharmed, but the men stole his jewelry.

Manchester City issued a statement on the matter:

The robbery came one day after City's 1-0 victory over Brentford in the Premier League. Cancelo started and played all 90 minutes in the win.

Thanks to that result and Chelsea's 1-1 draw with Brighton & Hove Albion, City has an eight-point lead atop the league table.

Cancelo has been a key figure for the side. The 27-year-old has one goal and four assists in 19 Premier League appearances. He has another two goals and three assists in the Champions League, where Manchester City plays Sporting in the round of 16.

Manchester City heads to London for a match against Arsenal on Saturday. It's unclear whether the injury Cancelo suffered will affect his status for the fixture.

Report: Manchester City Won't Sign Cristiano Ronaldo amid Man United Transfer Rumours

Aug 27, 2021
UDINE, ITALY - AUGUST 22: Juventus player Cristiano Ronaldo during the Serie A match between Udinese Calcio v Juventus at Dacia Arena on August 22, 2021 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Daniele Badolato - Juventus FC/Juventus FC via Getty Images)
UDINE, ITALY - AUGUST 22: Juventus player Cristiano Ronaldo during the Serie A match between Udinese Calcio v Juventus at Dacia Arena on August 22, 2021 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Daniele Badolato - Juventus FC/Juventus FC via Getty Images)

Manchester City has reportedly pulled out of the race to land superstar striker Cristiano Ronaldo in a transfer from Juventus.

According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Manchester City has made it clear that it is no longer in on Ronaldo, and it never agreed to terms with Ronaldo or on a transfer fee with Juventus.

Romano also reported that Premier League rival Manchester United is now preparing an offer for Ronaldo, and the club is "confident" it will be able to land him.

News of Manchester City dropping out and Manchester United swooping in comes one day after Goncalo Lopes of the Daily Mail reported that Man City and Juventus had come to terms on an agreement involving Ronaldo.

It was also reported by Gianluca Di Marzio of Sky Sports Italy on Thursday that Ronaldo was hoping to be moved by Juventus prior to Tuesday's transfer deadline:

Di Marzio mentioned Manchester City as the only club positioned to secure Ronaldo, but he noted that Man City wanted to get Ronaldo for free, while Juventus was asking for a €25 million transfer fee.

Rumors of a Ronaldo transfer heated up Sunday when he came off the bench in the 60th minute of Juventus' 2-2 draw with Udinese rather than starting the match.

After the match, Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri said it was his own decision to bring Ronaldo on from the bench: "Ronaldo is feeling well. I had talked to him before the game, telling him he would start on the bench. He made himself available, he did well when he entered the pitch."

Juventus vice president Pavel Nedved later said it was a "shared" decision between Ronaldo and Allegri, and he said he could "absolutely confirm" Ronaldo would remain with Juve throughout the season.

If Ronaldo does land with Manchester United, it will mark a return to the club with which he first achieved stardom.

After spending one season in the senior ranks with Sporting CP in his home country of Portugal, Ronaldo arrived at Manchester United in 2003 and spent six seasons with the club. He scored 118 goals across all competitions in 292 matches and 84 goals in 194 EPL matches.

Ronaldo also helped lead Manchester United to three EPL titles and one UEFA Champions League title.

After that, Ronaldo reached even greater heights in nine seasons with Real Madrid and has spent the past three seasons with Juventus.

All told, the 36-year-old has 674 goals across all competitions in 897 career matches, making him one of the most prolific goal scorers of all time.

Securing Ronaldo would go a long way toward helping Manchester United win its first EPL title since 2013.

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