The ripple effect from Cristiano Ronaldo’s bombshell interview isn’t just travelling throughout Manchester United but the Portugal camp too, it would seem.
Following his controversial comments in an exclusive with Piers Morgan released on Sunday, the 37-year-old travelled to join his compatriots ahead of the World Cup, but he wasn’t exactly welcomed with open arms by two of his fellow United teammates.
In footage released by the Portuguese FA, Bruno Fernandes can be seen entering the training camp and keeping somewhat of a distance as Ronaldo goes to greet him. It’s all in the face.
Bruno Fernandes gives Cristiano Ronaldo a frosty reception as Portugal meet for the World Cup. pic.twitter.com/W5rDdMirc8
As you can see, Fernandes not only limits himself to a civil but brief handshake while Ronaldo looks on despondently, but the midfielder then goes on to share an affectionate private handshake with one teammate and then hugs another.
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Currently acting as one of the leaders in the United dressing room, often captaining the side given the recent absence of Harry Maguire, Bruno will have no doubt been upset by his friend and colleague’s comments — especially when they came after such a hard-fought win against Fulham on Sunday.
Several figures around Old Tafford are said to be “extremely disappointed” that veteran footballer, sporting icon and United legend (or at least he was) would “disrespect” the club like this.
To make matters worse, the ‘Portuguese Magnifico’ wasn’t the only one to seemingly snub CR7, as United right-back Diogo Dalot was also pictured looking less than chummy with his fellow club and countryman.
In not one but two different photos, Dalot can also be seen keeping his distance from Ronaldo and one image, in particular, has unlimited meme potential.
We’d say these don’t look so bad if it wasn’t for the fact that even Portgual decided to crop his expression out of the right-most photo on their own Instagram.
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‘Smile for the camera!’Oh, nevermind…Credit: Portugal (via Instagram)
Some people are arguing that too much is being made of these images, especially given they were released by the team themselves. However, when you consider how these players normally are on the pitch, not to mention how friendly they are with their national hero usually, there is a marked difference.
Ronaldo is a player that both Bruno and Dalot, like the rest of their country, have obviously admired growing up in Portugal and have regularly displayed camaraderie with since Ronaldo returned to United.
With that in mind, even if they intend to play happy families for the sake of the tournament, it’s fair to say they haven’t made the best start when it comes to keeping up appearances.
Manchester’s Club de Padel claps back at ’embarrassing’ copycat ASOS product
Daisy Jackson
A local Manchester business has sarcastically pointed out the glaring similarities between a new t-shirt on ASOS and one of its own designs.
Club de Padel has a range of retro-inspired merch with UN:IK, a small independent streetwear brand also based here in Manchester.
Its collection of t-shirts, hoodies, tracksuits, hats and bags often feature a design of an illustrated padel ball (which to the untrained eye is basically a tennis ball) in motion.
But this week a t-shirt appeared on ASOS that also featured an illustrated padel ball in motion, just in a slightly different colour palette.
The ASOS version, which has now been removed from sale, also undercut Club de Padel’s price by £6.
Since Club de Padel took the ’embarrassing’ copycat product public on their Instagram page, ASOS has launched an investigation and taken it off their website.
The sports venture, based at Deansgate Square and the only padel club in Manchester, wrote: “Love the new designs ASOS, kinda reminds us of something though…
The ASOS t-shirt that Club de Padel has said copies their merch. Credit: ASOSClub de Padel’s t-shirt created by Manchester brand UN:IK. Credit: Club de Padel
“Ah. Well that’s embarrassing… We’ve got a new line coming soon with UN:IK Clothing you’re just gonna love ASOS.
“In the meantime we made this for you @asos, save your design team a job.”
An ASOS spokesperson said: “We take intellectual property issues very seriously and have removed this product from sale while we investigate further.”
Of the Club de Padel and UN:IK collaboration, aka the real deal, UN:IK says it has ‘served up a staple for us, retro inspired leisure pieces with Manchester’s first ever padel club’.
Club de Padel in Manchester has gone public to poke fun at ASOS
They wrote: “Inspired by owners after a trip to Spain, Club de Padel has hit the city with a wave and the lifestyle brand we have created with them reinforces the fastest growing sport across Europe.
“Our classic vintage washes and oversized fits, working with independent designs as always on this local independent partnership. Don’t be afraid to the sport, we’ll guarantee you love it as much as these clothes.”
Manchester Remembers release unbelievable new kits featuring iconic Manc landmarks for 2024 charity match
Danny Jones
The Manchester Remembers Foundation have just released the official kit designs for this year’s upcoming charity football match and they’re utterly amazing.
The 2024 Manchester Remembers charity game is fast approaching, with this year’s edition set to take place in July and the excitement is really starting to build – especially with kits as eye-catching as these.
Roping in help from local media and production company Badger and Coombes, as well as getting Lionesses legend Sue Smith involved in the kit launch, the brand new Legends and Celebs kits have finally been revealed in extremely fine fashion.
Lovingly made once again by Oldham-based kit manufacturers, Hope and Glory, and with Salfordian fashion brand Marc Darcy Menswear serving as the main sponsor, the new shirt designs feature incredibly detailed drawings of recognisable locations around Manchester. Just look at them:
— The McrRemembers Foundation™️⚽️🐝 (@McrRemembers) April 19, 2024
The 2024 Manchester Remembers kits have officially been unveiled.
As you can see, iconic Manc landmarks like Old Trafford and the Etihad Stadium take pride of place in the semi-opaque sublimated pattern on both the white and black versions of the kit.
Other noticeable buildings include Manchester Cathedral, the Central Library, Manchester Central (formerly the GMEX) and even a nice little nod to the Metrolink and Bee Network, just to name a few.
The incredibly detailed design pays homage to the city we all know and love and is a big step up from the already very well-received kits from last year’s charity match.
Once again, all the proceeds from the shirt sales go straight back into the Manchester Remembers Foundation and its partnered charities, which raise money for the families of those sadly lost in the 2017 Manchester Arena attack.
Celebs stripLegends kitYou can pre-order the shirts ahead of their release in May HERE and they’re very affordable compared to most footy kits these days.
With a whole host of exciting names taking part in the 2024 edition of the charitable community-driven event, including ex-Manchester United stars Antonia Valencia and Danny Simpson, local celebs like soap star Adam Thomas, YouTuber ‘Angry Ginge’ and many more, it’s going to be a momentous day.
This year marks just the third time the game has been held but the amazing people attached to this non-profit, not to mention the thousands that have turned up to see the wholesome fixture, have already helped raise over £117k for the associated charities. Unbelievable stuff.
Returning to Oldham Athletic‘s Boundary Park for the second year running, tickets for the game on Sunday, 28 July are already available and priced at only a fiver for under 16s and just £10 for adults, it’s one of the most uplifting and affordable afternoons of live sport you’ll find the region.
If you’ve not heard about this truly inspiring annual match until now, you can find out more HERE.
Danny Jones -
15th November 2022 
