Manchester United think they can raid Real Madrid, whileArsenal face an injury crisis. That and more from the Monday papers.
Man United ready to pounce for Ronaldo, Bale.Real Madrid were thumped 4-0 by Barcelona on Saturday and now find themselves in a crisis. That could open the door for Manchester United to signCristiano Ronaldo or Gareth Bale, per The Sun. The Red Devils have been trying to lure Ronaldo back to Real Madrid and went after Bale on several occasions too. Now with the Merengues in crisis and talks of the team being torn up and rebuilt, everyone may be for sale. That would be welcome news for the Red Devils, who could nab a star in all the upheaval.
Paper Round's view - It's impossible to predict what is going to happen at Real Madrid. The club is in disarray and president Florentino Perez's future is very much in doubt. If Ronaldo and/or Bale are put up for sale, Manchester United will undoubtedly make a hard push at both, but they will have competition and it's far too early to say the two will be sold. Nothing is clear at the Bernabeu.
 |
| Paper Round: Manchester United ready to pounce for Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale |
The Daily Telegraph reports that Cristiano Ronaldo is leading a dressing room campaign to get Real Madrid manager Rafa Benitez fired. "Cristiano Ronaldo, whose relationship with manager Rafael BenÃtez appeared frayed beyond repair, reputedly told team-mates in the Bernabéu dressing room: 'Either he goes, or I go,'" the paper reportsd after Real's "night of unmitigated anguish." The Telgraph's reported accuses Ronaldo of "politicking" and "forcing Florentino Perez's hand", and adding that, "The more fits of pique Ronaldo throws, the stronger the rumours that he will decamp to Paris St Germain or Manchester United become. His behaviour is unfair on BenÃtez, who is guilty of nothing more than trying to fashion a team in his own image despite constant pressure from above."
Paper Round's view - If Ronaldo wants Benitez to leave, he's far from alone. The simple fact is that Real Madrid look worse rather than better this season; Ronaldo looks worse rather than better this season; Bale looks worse rather than better this season; and the only likely short-term solution will be to axe the boss.
Full story
Coquelin likely out until 2016
Francis Coquelin looks set to miss the rest of the year with a knee injury, according to The Mail. The midfielder was hurt in Saturday's loss to West Brom and the scans were not encouraging. Coquelin has serious ligament damage and the Gunners medics don't think he will play again until 2016. The doctors will wait until the swelling goes down before they make a final decision on his status, but it doesn't look good.
 |
| Arsenal's Francis Coquelin - Reuters |
Paper Round's view - There are various opinions on how good Coquelin really is, but everyone can accept that he is a much-needed defensive midfielder in the Arsenal team who makes the team markedly better. Playing without him for the next six weeks will be a huge blow to the team, especially with the team dealing with so many other injuries. The Gunners may look like Premier League favourites right now, but if Coquelin is out for a long time, they may not be riding so high by the time he comes back.
Read the full story
Eight Arsenal players out for Champions League clash.
 |
| Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger - Reuters |
Paper Round's view - The Gunners don't have much left through the middle. They'll have trouble stopping Zagreb, especially on the break, and may have to out-score them. It's just bad knock after bad knock for Arsenal and at the worst time possible in the Champions League because their lives are on the line. At least Wenger has experience dealing with an onslaught of injuries.
Read the full story
Lingard will talk new deal to double wages
 |
| Jesse Lingard of Manchester United - PA Sport |
Paper Round's view - Lingard is a talented young player who looks very much a part of the Red Devils' team now and in the future. They should give him a contract that reflects his new squad status. £50,000-per-week is a health deal, but just about routine in the Red Devils wage structure so that's a contract that should appease both the player and the club.
Read the full story
.jpg "Sona Solar Zimbabwe")
.jpg "Sona Solar Zimbabwe")
