MARCUS RASHFORD has handed Manchester United a huge injury boost for the crucial Man City clash.
The in-form forward is back in training ahead of this weekend's Manchester derby, SunSport can exclusively reveal.
Cristiano Ronaldo was on the losing team and failed to improve on his world record goalscoring tally as Portugal lost 1-0 to Iberian rivals Spain.
Though Harry Maguire could miss two weeks in another blow to the struggling defender.
The Manchester United captain, 29, picked up a thigh injury during England's 3-3 draw with Germany.
Get all the latest news, updates and transfer gossip here...
Striker 'will be Ten Hag's top target'
Manchester United are tipped to make a new striker their transfer priority – but are rated unlikely to land Victor Osimhen.
Napoli’s Nigeria star has long been linked with United.
But transfer guru Fabrizio Romano reckons Erik ten Hag has little chance of signing Napoli – unless the Red Devils bid 100million euros (around £86m).
Romano wrote on his blog: “A new striker will be one of the top targets for Manchester United in 2023.
“It was a priority for summer 2022 but Ten Hag wanted to invest big money on Antony and this is why the plan changed, so Manchester United will consider the opportunities in 2023.
“Rumours of Victor Osimhen are not confirmed as Napoli have no intention to sell him, unless they receive an official bid of more than €100m so it looks extremely unlikely.
“It’s still an open situation for Man United… (they) will take time before deciding on the next big investment.”
Ronaldo sister slams his 'sick, ungrateful' critics
Cristiano Ronaldo's sister Katia Aveiro has leapt to his defence after he was slammed by Portugal fans following the 1-0 loss to Spain.
The defeat meant Portugal lost their place at the top of Nations League Group A2 with Spain instead qualifying for the final four.
Supporters were quick to criticise Ronaldo after the match with some questioning whether he should still be picked.
But Katia rejected the backlash and accused the fans of being cruel and ungrateful while claiming Ronaldo receives little support and is still the "best player in the world".
She wrote on Instagram: "He has his family and those who love him by his side. They will always be by his side, no matter what.
"But the current times don't surprise me at all. The Portuguese spit on the plate they eat [from], it has always been that way.
"That's why when someone appears from the ashes and changes mentalities, it bothers… With you always, my king. Calm down.
"It is necessary to give a hand to those who have always given theirs to Portugal. But the Portuguese are sick, petty, soulless, stupid, ungrateful and forever ungrateful. This guy who's sitting, he's on his knees… There's no one to give him a hand.
"It is cruel. And it was already so much, but so much that he gave and gives. The one sitting is called Cristiano Ronaldo and he is just the best player in the world."
Most ex-players rate Messi over Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo's legendary career TRUMPS that of rival Lionel Messi - according to a survey of former footballers.
The global superstars have been the subject of comparison from footy fans for the best part of two decades.
Messi, 35, holds more individual accolades to his name, winning the Ballon d'Or seven times to Ronaldo's five scoops of the prestigious award.
But a whopping two-thirds of ex-footballers reckon five-time Champions League winner Ronaldo, 37, has had a better career than his Argentine adversary.
In a poll recently conducted by The Athletic, a whopping 66 per cent of the former players quizzed picked Ronaldo when asked which of the pair had a better career.
That stat could stem from Ronaldo's stints at multiple clubs during his career - an area he trumps Messi on.
The Portugal international has enjoyed two spells at Manchester United, a historic stint with Real Madrid and a trophy-filled stay with Juventus in addition to his humble beginnings at Sporting Lisbon.
Messi, meanwhile, remained loyal to Spanish giants Barcelona until the summer of 2021 when he joined French champions Paris Saint-Germain.
Facundo tipped for January loan
Manchester United right-winger Facundo Pellistri could be loaned out in January if he fails to get much game time before then.
The 20-year-old has impressed for Uruguay but Antony, Jadon Sancho and Anthony Elanga are ahead of him in Erik ten Hag’s wideman options at Old Trafford.
Luke AGREES with being dropped
Luke Shaw expects to again be only a Manchester United sub in Sunday’s derby at City – and even BACKS Erik ten Hag’s decision.
Left-back Shaw bagged the opening goal when playing all of England’s 3-3 home draw with Germany last night.
But he’s still out of favour at Old Trafford behind Tyrell Malacia after being axed following their poor start to the season.
He said: “It’s understandable, and I even agree. The start of the season wasn’t good enough and he had to make changes. I fully accept that.
“The only thing I can do is train hard and wait for opportunities, whether that’s in cup games or the Premier League.
“Whatever I play in, I just have to be ready — and then play at the standard I should be at.”
“I think Ten Hag knows my qualities, he knows what I’m capable of and we’ve had chats.”
'Utd could pip Leeds to Gakpo'
PSV Eindhoven winger Cody Gakpo could join Manchester United rather than Leeds in the summer.
That's the verdict of transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, who says the Holland star has remained on the radar of Old Trafford chief Erik ten Hag.
Roman told CaughtOffside that United could now leap back over Leeds in the hunt for the 23-year-old.
Elland Road boss Jesse Marsch reportedly bid £43million on deadline day for Gakpo.
But Romano believes the Eindhoven-born ace could be even more in demand if he shines at the World Cup this winter.
Arsenal battling for fifth with Man Utd, says Barnes
John Barnes reckons that Arsenal will be lucky to claim the final Champions League spot this season.
Despite the Gunners hot start, the former England international reckons the league leaders will end up “between fourth and sixth”.
The 58-year-old spoke to BonusCodeBets and said: “Arsenal needed a centre-forward and that’s Jesus’ position. He’s young and it’s a great signing for Arsenal.
“He’s scored seven goals this pre-season so he’s definitely hit the ground running and of course, Arteta would have known him from Man City, he would have known the type of player he was, it’s an excellent signing.
“I know my top two will be Liverpool and Man City but my next two will be Chelsea and Tottenham. In what order, I don’t know.
“Arsenal will finish between four and six, quite possibly the top four. I think after that, it’s between them and Manchester United.
“Arsenal will finish around fourth, fifth or sixth, it’ll be around there.”
European giants queue up for Diogo
Atletico Madrid are thought to be monitoring Diogo Dalot – after earlier links to Barcelona, Juventus, Roma and AC Milan.
Te Portugal right-back is said to be keen on landing a new Manchester United contract next summer after earning a regular starting spot under new boss Erik ten Hag.
Nonetheless, the Manchester Evening News suggest Atletico manager Diego Simeone is weighing up a move for the 23-year-old.
Six-footer Dalot would seem to fit Simeone’s preference for powerful, mobile players.
Osimhen could be out of reach in Utd's striker hunt
Manchester United are tipped to make a new striker their transfer priority - but are rated unlikely to land Victor Osimhen.
Napoli's Nigeria star has long been linked with United.
But transfer guru Fabrizio Romano reckons Erik ten Hag has little chance of signing Napoli - unless the Red Devils bid 100million euros (around £86m).
Romano wrote on his blog: “A new striker will be one of the top targets for Manchester United in 2023.
"It was a priority for summer 2022 but Ten Hag wanted to invest big money on Antony and this is why the plan changed, so Manchester United will consider the opportunities in 2023.
“Rumours of Victor Osimhen are not confirmed as Napoli have no intention to sell him, unless they receive an official bid of more than €100m so it looks extremely unlikely.
"It’s still an open situation for Man United... (they) will take time before deciding on the next big investment.”
Christian makes it easy for me, says Bruno
Bruno Fernandes says Manchester United team-mate Christian Eriksen makes his game easier.
Eriksen joined United on a free transfer after a successful six-month stint at Brentford.
Fernandes told ManUtd.com on Eriksen: “It’s really good to play with Christian, he’s a player that can find the passes, find the pockets and obviously make my game easier because he finds me when I move between the lines. It’s something that’s not easy to do.
“I’m really happy to have him on the team because, as I’ve said before, he’s a quality player.
“He’s a player who’s showed in the past that he has really good qualities in the Premier League, in the Italian league, even for his national team.
“So, it’s always a pleasure to play with players like him.”
'AC had last-minute Cristiano chance'
Manchester United ace Cristiano Ronaldo was offered to AC Milan in a late summer transfer, according to reports.
Five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo, 37, communicated his desire to leave Old Trafford after United failed to qualify for the Champions League last term.
Instead, United had to settle for a sixth-placed finish and Europa League football.
Ronaldo’s agent, Jorge Mendes, held talks with a number of top Champions League clubs.
But none decided to follow up with an official move for the 816-goal man.
It has been revealed, though, that Serie A champions AC Milan were offered Ronaldo late on by Mendes, journalist Gianluca di Marzio has reported via mbn.com.
Mendes had desperately tried to engineer a move for Ronaldo’s compatriot Rafael Leao to Paris Saint-Germain or Chelsea, so that there could be room for the football icon at the San Siro.
Cantona and son net in same game
Manchester United legend Eric Cantona and his son Emir both scored in a French charity match that featured legends such as Fabian Barthez and Djibril Cisse.
The Frenchman, 56, got on the scoresheet with a good headed finish.
His 13-year-old son then followed up with a goal after his 56-year-old father netted.
Cantona is among the Premier League's most revered legends and had several defining career moments while at Manchester United.
Among his most infamous moments include his impish chip against Sunderland, his cryptic quote about seagulls and trawlers, and his kung-fu kick into a Crystal Palace fan in 1995.
There was nothing quite so dramatic on show at the charity game but the Cantona name was still heavily involved.
Red Devils linked to Lozano
Manchester United are being linked with Napoli winger Hirving Lozano.
The 59-cap Mexico star, 27, is thought to be unhappy at Matteo Politano being preferred to him for the Italian giants.
And the Mexican edition of Marca claims United, Everton, Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig are monitoring Lozano's situation.
Pellistri faces loan exit
Manchester United right-winger Facundo Pellistri could be loaned out in January if he fails to get much game time before then.
The 20-year-old has impressed for Uruguay but Antony, Jadon Sancho and Anthony Elanga are ahead of him in Erik ten Hag's wideman options at Old Trafford.
Shaw dropped from Martin Lipton’s England XI
SunSport's Martin Lipton has picked who he thinks should make the England squad and the starting line-up for their World Cup opener against Iran on November 21.
Bukayo Saka proved in 25 minutes against Germany why he has to start against Iran.
But there has to be a casualty and for me that is Raheem Sterling.
Tyrick Mitchell is my wildcard at left wing-back so no squad place for Luke Shaw. Marcus Rashford, if fit, travels but not Jadon Sancho.
SQUAD: Pickford, Ramsdale, Pope, Walker, Stones, Dier, Tomori, Maguire, Guehi, James, Alexander-Arnold, Trippier, Mitchell, Chilwell, Rice, Bellingham, J Henderson, Ward-Prowse, Saka, Foden, Grealish, Mount, Sterling, Kane, Rashford, Abraham.
LINE-UP: Pickford; Stones, Dier, Tomori; James, Rice, Bellingham, Mitchell; Saka, Kane, Foden (3-4-2-1)
Malacia shows off huge lion tattoo
Manchester United star Tyrell Malacia has revealed that he also has a huge lion tattoo covering his back like his compatriot Memphis Depay.
The 22-year-old full-back headed to Old Trafford from Feyenoord for an initial £12.9million this summer.
And after a rocky start by the Red Devils, he is now firmly finding his feet with a number of impressive displays.
Now Malacia, who shone in a new role for Holland at the weekend, has given his Instagram followers a glimpse of what is under the shirt as he showed off his incredible ink work.
'Atletico and Barca keen on Dalot'
Atletico Madrid are thought to be monitoring Diogo Dalot - after earlier links to Barcelona, Juventus, Roma and AC Milan.
Te Portugal right-back is said to be keen on landing a new Manchester United contract next summer after earning a regular starting spot under new boss Erik ten Hag.
Nonetheless, the Manchester Evening News suggest Atletico manager Diego Simeone is weighing up a move for the 23-year-old.
Six-footer Dalot would seem to fit Simeone's preference for powerful, mobile players.
Saka a ‘shoo-in’ for Jordan Davies England XI
Here, our SunSport reporters pick their England squad and first XI for our opener against Iran on November 21.
No way Maguire makes the starting XI — he is a walking disaster.
Having four at the back will allow the midfield three, Mount especially, to venture forward more.
Saka must be a shoo-in for his attacking threat. Alexander-Arnold, who has the X-factor the squad could need, goes ahead of Trippier.
SQUAD: Pickford, Pope, Ramsdale, Stones, Dier, Maguire, Coady, White, Tomori, Shaw, James, Alexander-Arnold, Walker, Chilwell, Rice, Bellingham, J Henderson, Mount, Phillips, Kane, Saka, Foden, Sterling, Abraham, Rashford, Grealish.
LINE-UP: Pickford; James, Stones, Dier, Shaw; Rice, Bellingham, Mount; Saka, Kane, Sterling (4-3-3)
Georgina sparkles on dark night for Ronaldo
Georgina Rodriguez stunned in a green dress in the stands as boyfriend Cristiano Ronaldo suffered late heartache with Portugal against Spain.
The 28-year-old was spotted in the crowd during the big Nations League match as cheered on her boyfriend.
Despite the support, Ronaldo and his teammates fell to a 1-0 defeat.
Georgina watched from the stands, wowing in a low cut dress and big sparkling earrings.
She watched a game that was goalless until late on - when Spain's Alvaro Morata hit a winner just before stoppage time.
The former Chelsea striker popped up to score in the 88th minute after receiving a header from Nico Williams.
Fernandes hails Eriksen
Bruno Fernandes says Manchester United team-mate Christian Eriksen makes his game easier.
Eriksen joined United on a free transfer after a successful six-month stint at Brentford.
Fernandes told ManUtd.com on Eriksen: "It’s really good to play with Christian, he’s a player that can find the passes, find the pockets and obviously make my game easier because he finds me when I move between the lines. It’s something that’s not easy to do.
"I’m really happy to have him on the team because, as I’ve said before, he’s a quality player.
"He’s a player who’s showed in the past that he has really good qualities in the Premier League, in the Italian league, even for his national team.
“So, it’s always a pleasure to play with players like him.”
Ronaldo was ‘offered to AC Milan’
Manchester United ace Cristiano Ronaldo was offered to AC Milan in a late summer transfer, according to reports.
Five-time Ballon d'Or winner Ronaldo, 37, communicated his desire to leave Old Trafford after United failed to qualify for the Champions League last term.
Instead, United had to settle for a sixth-placed finish and Europa League football.
Ronaldo's agent, Jorge Mendes, held talks with a number of top Champions League clubs.
But none decided to follow up with an official move for the 816-goal man.
It has been revealed, though, that Serie A champions AC Milan were offered Ronaldo late on by Mendes, journalist Gianluca di Marzio has reported via mbn.com.
Mendes had desperately tried to engineer a move for Ronaldo's compatriot Rafael Leao to Paris Saint-Germain or Chelsea, so that there could be room for the football icon at the San Siro.
Rio speaks on Paris incident
Ferdinand said: "It's disheartening, you got your own kids waking up and going, 'Dad, seen that banana thrown on the pitch to Richarlison?'
"It's madness, there was probably as much vitriol and hysteria on social media and in media in general as there were with this racist incident as there was when Richarlison was doing kick-ups and he got smashed [at Nottingham Forest].
"Let that sink in, it's mad. It's just crazy. That's where the media feel in the way it's reported that racism is not [up] there [as] something we absolutely need to discuss and sort out. It's not there, it don't sit there man."
Rio slams racist abuse aimed at Richarlison
Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand slammed the vile racist abuse directed at Tottenham star Richarlison while on international duty with Brazil.
The winger had a banana thrown at him by a yob from the stands during the Selecao's 5-1 victory against Tunisia at Parc des Princes on Tuesday during their final game before the 2022 World Cup.
The 25-year-old had put his nation 2-1 up during the friendly game in Paris and was celebrating when the fruit was thrown at him.
Manchester United ace Fred then kicked the banana away with Richarlison appearing not to notice it until later.
Ferdinand took to Instagram where he released a clip condemning the "mad" incident.
Southgate praises 'positive' Shaw
England boss Gareth Southgate praised Luke Shaw after Monday's 33 draw with Germany.
Although it came with a warning shot, as he fights for game time at Old Trafford.
Southgate said: "I think Luke Shaw, considering how little football he’s had, had a really positive night."
It's 'understandable', says Shaw on being benched
Luke Shaw expects to again be only a Manchester United sub in Sunday’s derby at City – and even BACKS Erik ten Hag’s decision.
Left-back Shaw bagged the opening goal when playing all of England’s 3-3 home draw with Germany last night.
But he’s still out of favour at Old Trafford behind Tyrell Malacia after being axed following their poor start to the season.
He said: “It’s understandable, and I even agree. The start of the season wasn’t good enough and he had to make changes. I fully accept that.
“The only thing I can do is train hard and wait for opportunities, whether that’s in cup games or the Premier League.
“Whatever I play in, I just have to be ready — and then play at the standard I should be at.”
"I think Ten Hag knows my qualities, he knows what I’m capable of and we’ve had chats.”
