Cristiano Ronaldo told Ole Gunnar Solskjaer Man United must play faster for him. ESPN's Insider Notebook has more details. PLUS: Football's push to have mixed-gender matches.
Jump to: Mixed gender matches in football? Taekwondo champ signs for Barca
Ronaldo would like a United that is faster
Sources tell ESPN that Cristiano Ronaldo demands the highest standards from Manchester United. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, manager of Manchester United, has urged his players to play faster in attack areas to make the most of the Portugal forward.
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Since his return from Juventus, Ronaldo has scored five goals for United in five games. This is after a 12-year absence. Sources tell ESPN that Ronaldo made it clear to Solskjaer, his coaches and his teammates that he is capable of increasing his goal ratio by being sharper and faster when passing the ball in the opposing half.
Since his debut against Newcastle, Ronaldo has been in Solskjaer's central attacking position. Mason Greenwood and Jadon Sancho have been used as inverted wings alongside the 36 year-old.
Paul Pogba, Bruno Fernandes, and Bruno Fernandes were used as attacking midfielders to Ronaldo. However, sources claim that United's coaching staff wants the team's defensive team to move the ball faster to the attackers, which will allow them to feed Ronaldo while taking advantage of their lack of fitness at the back.
Wright Thompson: Ronaldomania and the fight to save Man United's soul
ESPN reported that United's coaching staff believes Raphael Varane's arrival in Real Madrid has improved the team's speed, with the France international being more adept at moving the ball forward with pace than Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof.
However, work continues on the training pitch to get Ronaldo the ball quicker. Solskjaer tries to make United more aggressive in front of goal. -- Mark Ogden
Cristiano Ronaldo asks Manchester United to get him the ball faster. Manchester United photo
Fokkema, Trailblazer could open the door to mixed-gender football
Ellen Fokkema, the first Dutch woman to play in senior men's league play, made Dutch football history. Sources told ESPN that there is hope that mixed-gender matches will become more common among European football associations.
Fokkema (20 years old) was banned from playing for her team VV Foarut because the Dutch Football Association (KNVB), only permitted mixed gender football until the age of 19. After a successful pilot program in which Fokkema participated in seven matches, the Dutch FA modified its eligibility rules to May 2021. Fokkema made history last weekend when she was substituted in the 60th minute of her side's opener against Sleat at "4e Klasse", (Dutch ninth-tier).
Hamilton: The day Fokkema made History
ESPN has been told by sources that FIFA and UEFA are currently in talks with the KNVB in order to learn more about the Dutch pilot program that paved the path for Fokkema’s historic appearance. The German FA has also been in touch with them to request the research results. Fokkema was interviewed after each of her seven matches in the senior men’s team pilot match.
Sources said that English amateur clubs are keen to learn more from the Dutch FA in order to take the Fokkema case before the English Football Association, to amend its eligibility rules.
Fokkema said that she believes it was a significant milestone in soccer. "Women will have the option to choose which team they play in... That's a new thing, that they can make that choice. It would be a shame if I was the last to do it. Tom Hamilton
Play 0:52 Solskjaer - Man United are more that Ronaldo Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reveals the impact of Cristiano Ronaldo since his return to Manchester United.
Pow! Barca's new head for player care is Taekwondo champ
Barcelona has appointed an Olympic champion in taekwondo to lead their player care section as President Joan Laporta continues to make improvements behind the scenes.
Joel Gonzalez, who won both a gold and bronze medal in London 2012, has taken over for Pepe Costa. He has now moved to Paris Saint-Germain along with Lionel Messi. Costa's contract expired June 30, and Barca didn't offer him a new contract. This made it possible for him to follow Messi in France. He was "Messi’s shadow" in Barca.
Gonzalez, 31, was recommended by Enric Masip (ex-handball player), who is now an advisor to Barca chief Laporta. Gonzalez, who won gold in London and was named Spain's male sportperson of the Year in 2012, is also a two time world champion in taekwondo in the 58kg (128lbs) division.
Camp Nou's tasks will include building and strengthening relationships and supporting players with any issues they might have off the pitch. Sam Marsden and Moises Lorens
play 1:46 Ellen Fokkema discusses her experience playing for VV Foarut’s senior men’s team Ellen Fokkema shares the reasons she was allowed to train and play alongside the senior men's teams.
Salah saga rumbles on
Mohamed Salah's contract situation with Liverpool is still unresolved. The forward has yet to sign a replacement agreement. However, sources tell ESPN that his dedication and focus in the face of uncertainty has helped him earn a good reputation among his teammates.
Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane, all forwards, are still free agents at the close of the 2022-23 seasons. However, sources say Salah's situation will be the most difficult. There are ongoing talks.
Former Chelsea and Roma forward Salah has not previously ruled out the possibility of moving to LaLiga. Real Madrid and Barcelona were both linked with Salah in the past. However, neither team is in a position in the next transfer window due to financial problems at both clubs. Real's main focus is on Kylian Mbappe. Paris Saint-Germain were also admirers of Salah in recent seasons. However, the signing of Lionel Messi seems to have shut down any possibility of a move.
Liverpool is aware of Salah's limited options in terms of moving away from Anfield in 2022 for a fee, but sources say the club must also consider the economic implications of signing a long-term contract for a player in his mid-30s when the deal expires.
Salah is the Premier League's joint top scorer with five goals, despite the distraction of his contract. Salah became the fastest player to score 100 Premier League goals in Liverpool's history with his goal at Brentford last Saturday.
Sources claim Salah is "sensational" during training, and has shown no frustrations with Jurgen Klopp or the squad.
Liverpool signed Ibrahima Konate from RB Leipzig as a defender this summer. The club spent the last months securing new long-term contracts for Virgil van Dijk (Fabinho), Andy Robertson and Jordan Henderson. -- Mark Ogden
play 1:21 Laurens: Barcelona cannot put too much pressure upon Ansu Fati Julien Laurens speaks following Ansu Fi's Barcelona victory against Levante in LaLiga.
Lacazette closes Arsenal exit door
Sources told ESPN that Alexandre Lacazette's inability to play regularly is increasing the likelihood of him leaving Arsenal in January. Atletico Madrid and Juventus are some of the clubs that have expressed interest in Lacazette. He could be used in a player plus cash deal. Arsenal previously scouted Sevilla forward Youssefen-Nesyri.
Lacazette (30) has only made one substitute appearance in this season's Premier League -- August's 5-0 loss at Manchester City -- and European football's absence this season means that there are fewer matches, and less chance for rotation.
Mikel Arteta, manager of Lacazette, has said that Lacazette is still a part his plans. ESPN reported Sept. 17 that there was no contract offer despite the fact that his deal expires at the end the season. Lacazette can talk to other clubs starting Jan. 1, but he would not be allowed to transfer for free until the summer.
Sources claim that the France international is now keen to make a move in the meantime -- something that would appeal to Arsenal financially, as they could charge a transfer fee if it happened.
Given the current situation with Lacazette, Eddie Nketiah and other forward options, the Gunners are looking for options to redesign their forward options. Sources at Arsenal indicated that Nketiah would have joined Crystal Palace if his agent had not complicated the deal. James Olley
Play 0:47 Janusz Michallik reveals how 'incredible" Salah was invited to join the Premier League 100 club. This is after Mohamed Salah became fifth fastest player to score 100 Premier League goals.
Leeds deal talks held by In-demand Phillips
Sources tell ESPN that Leeds United is in negotiations with Kalvin Phillips, England's midfielder, to sign a long-term contract at Elland Road. This comes amid interest from Liverpool and Manchester City, as well as Manchester United.
Leeds is aware that Phillips' impressive performances in England's Euro 2020 final this year have sparked interest and they are keen to reward him with a lucrative deal to keep him from leaving the club.
Sources claim that City and Liverpool are monitoring Phillips's progress in England and Leeds, while United is being linked to a move this week as they look for alternatives to Declan Rice at West Ham.
Although talks with Leeds remain in an early stage of negotiations, sources claimed they were confident that a deal could be reached with a player who is a key figure for coach Marcelo Bielsa. -- Mark Ogden
