Welcome to our Manchester Evening News Manchester United media watch piece. Maybe not the first, we've definitely done transfer round-ups before, and European round-ups, so I guess in some ways it's not that new at all. Anyway, we thought we would enter the world of football in a broad and roundabout manner for you and have some fun with some of the stories and captions doing the daily rounds.
Hernandez pledges admiration
Javier Hernandez pledged his admiration for Sir Alex Ferguson claiming that he would sacrifice his life for the former Manchester United boss, speaking on the UTD Podcast.
The Red Devils' two-time Premier League winner recalled the time he first met the Scotsman, hailing his former boss for the manner in which he looked after his family.
'Chicharito', who became famed for dusting off the reins and picking up from where Ole Gunnar Solskjaer left off from, admitted that Sir Alex Ferguson's man-management was a pivotal factor in his determination to succeed, repaying his faith.
"The way he presented himself and the way he treated you like a human," Hernandez said. "The way he treated my family, for me it was like, yeah I will kill myself for this manager inside the pitch, for sure. For sure!
“If he treats my family that way, man, I will vomit after every game if it helps him to achieve in games and championships. He was an amazing man. It’s hard to believe.”
Lingard talks through the celebration
Jesse Lingard returned to his old tricks pioneering England to a rampant four-goal win over Andorra at Wembley producing a new celebration in the meantime.
The 28-year-old, who has earned a reputation for matching his incredible goals with incredible dances, moulded his famed 'JLingz' hand sign with Cristiano Ronaldo's trademark 'SIUUU' celebration.
Speaking to beIN Sport , Lingard explained how he thought of the idea with Mason Mount: "Me and Mason were thinking about celebrations this week and obviously we mixed my celebration with Cristiano’s and I said I’d do it if I scored.
“It’s a little welcoming gift for him. He’ll settle in very quickly and it will help the team tremendously this season.”
Pogba reveals Ronaldo effect
Paul Pogba has insisted that Cristiano Ronaldo's fairytale move back to Old Trafford will 'raise the level of the team', explaining the overriding results Solskjaer's squad will reap.
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner's arrival has already seen the likes of Lingard thrive off of Ronaldo's return by emulating his famous celebration, but Pogba reaffirmed the performances will be taken up a level on the pitch as well as the dance floor.
While on international break, the Frenchman told Telefoot (via Get Football News France ): "It’s always a pleasure to play with the best, it’s a plus for the players to be able to train with a great player. He’s going to raise the level of the team."
Prior to the deal materialising, Pogba said: "Everybody knows [what Ronaldo brings]. He’s already a legend in this club and he’s coming back, so obviously it’s huge for us, for the club.
"He’s going to bring his experience, his quality and obviously when he comes the level [of the team] goes up."
Van de Beek's agent slams Ronaldo move
Donny Van de Beek's agent, Guido Albers, has scathingly confirmed that the Manchester United midfielder held talks with Everton over the transfer window before proceeding to slam Ronaldo's arrival.
The 24-year-old arrived at Old Trafford last summer from Ajax for £35 million on a five-year deal with the option for a further but struggled to obtain the game time communicative of the transfer fee.
Albers stressed that he and his client became worried seeing Ronaldo join United in a move that naturally edged Van de Beek down the pecking order.
Speaking to Ziggo Sport, Van de Beek's agent said: "Cristiano arrived on Friday which we knew was bad news for us. Pogba plays on the left, and with Cristiano’s arrival it means another extra player in midfield, with Pogba moving away from the left.
"We had conversations with Solskjær and the board. We took the initiative to find a club and our search ended up at Everton. We opened talks with Marcel Brands and Farhad Moshiri."
Albers continued, as he detailed how the two parties have since resolved terms with an agreement in principle for a greater role in the squad.
"On Monday night [before deadline day] we received a call from Solskjær and the club who told us that a transfer was out of the question and that he had to report himself to training the next morning," Van de Beek's agent said.
"The perspective now is that we stated that Donny is not a Carabao Cup player, or FA Cup player, or to play only in European games.
“Donny went to England to play in the Premier League. The way the conversation went this time [with Solskjær] compared to last summer… things are much more clear now. I have full expectations that Donny will get his chance now."
