Manchester United got back to winning ways in somewhat unconvincing fashion as they secured a 3-2 comeback win at Omonia Nicosia in Thursday’s Europa League clash.
Marcus Rashford netted twice for Erik ten Hag's side as fellow substitute Anthony Martial also scored in the comeback victory in Cyprus, after United had suffered a first-half shock as they fell behind to the group outsiders.
Despite United’s victory, it was an evening of frustration for Cristiano Ronaldo – whose wait for his 700 th club goal continues after he spurned multiple opportunities, including hitting the post from close-range. Here are all the main stories surrounding the red half of Manchester this Friday.
Ronaldo exit talks confirmed
Bayern Munich CEO Oliver Kahn has confirmed that his club held discussions over signing Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo in the summer - but opted against a move.
Ronaldo, 37, was intent on departing United after his high-profile return from Juventus the previous year did not go to plan. Despite netting 24 goals across all competitions last season, United's collective form nosedived and they finished a distant sixth in the Premier League.
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The Portuguese superstar was left "upset" at seeing his pay slashed at Man United after each member of the squad was hit with a 25 per cent cut to their weekly wage due to the club's failure to qualify for the Champions League. Yet Ronaldo was unable to secure an exit, with no side willing to meet his wage demands and guarantee him regular football.
Read Kahn’s full comments on Ronaldo here
Rashford makes Martial admission
Marcus Rashford has suggested that his link-up play with strike partner Anthony Martial could be the reason why Cristiano Ronaldo is not in Manchester United's first-choice XI.
Rashford has established himself as Erik ten Hag's first-choice starting striker this campaign while Martial has returned to injury and netted a brace after coming on from the bench in the loss at City. Between them, they scored all three goals for United as second-half substitutes in Thursday night's comeback win at Omonia Nicosia.
Roy Keane accused the club of showing "disrespect" to Ronaldo after he was kept on the bench for the entirety of the game against City, and the former United captain's teammate Luke Chadwick – who made 39 first-team appearances at the club – added that it was "surprising" to see the forward not brought on as a second-half substitute in Sunday's game.
Read Rashford post-match comments here
Scholes attacks Ten Hag approach
Paul Scholes has made the bold claim that Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag "disrespected" local rivals Manchester City after they were on the wrong end of a 6-3 drubbing at the Etihad on Sunday.
In truth, the scoreline actually flattered United - who were 6-1 down at one point and 4-0 down at half-time. Two late goals from Anthony Martial helped spare some blushes, but the gulf in quality between the two teams was on full display for all to see.
Scholes was scathing in his assessment of how Ten Hag approached the derby clash. Speaking as part of BT Sport's coverage of United's Europa League contest against Omonia, the Red Devils legend explained: "It was a difficult day, you're playing against not just the best team around but in the world and they got it badly wrong.
