Alvarez can be star Reds lost without Ron
GARY NEVILLE believes that Manchester United would be “lost” without Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Portuguese ace, 37, bagged 24 goals in 38 games in all competitions in his first season back at Old Trafford.
But his future remains uncertain after another poor campaign from the club which brought no trophies.
Marcus Rashford has been badly out of form, Edinson Cavani has left the club and Mason Greenwood is still suspended.
Red Devils legend Neville said: “For me, if Ronaldo leaves we haven’t got a centreforward.
“Then we have to go and sign three players – and we can’t sign three because we haven’t got the money. He always gets 18-20 goals so if by
ASTON VILLA keeper Emiliano Martinez has predicted that his Argentina team-mate Julian Alvarez will be a superstar at Manchester City. Martinez revealed how he failed to convince the striker, 22, to join him at Villa Park before City swooped to sign the River Plate ace for just £14million.
He will link up with the Premier League champions for pre-season training next month after Pep Guardiola refused any loan deals for the youngster. And although Alvarez will have to compete with they lose his goals then that’s a problem.”
Neville won eight Premier League titles, two Champions League crowns, three FA Cups and the League Cup twice during a glittering career at Old Trafford. But, like many of his Class of 92 team-mates, he’s been left dismayed with the club’s sorry demise. Neville, 47, said: “I think Ronaldo is staying but I would be very surprised if he’s just kept for commercial reasons. “When Erik ten Hag was announced, within two or three days Cristiano put something out on his social media feed. “In my mind he wouldn’t have put something out unless there was comfort
Norwegian superstar Erling Haaland for the chance to lead City’s attack, Martinez (below) believes the Blues have got a bargain.
He said: “We all know the talent that Julian has.
“But he is a very humble guy who has sacrificed himself and has worked hard to get where he is.
“He is going to do well at City. In fact, I think he is going to be a superstar.
“I wanted him to come to Aston Villa. Before the Copa America last year I told him to join us.
“But it was clear City were already in position. Julian is that the new manager wanted him for next season.
“So I think Cristiano is staying but I think the problem began at the start of the season.
“Cavani pleaded to lead the attack but when they signed Ronaldo it completely put his nose out of joint.
“It also upset the dynamic in the dressing room with Bruno Fernandez. I think that made him feel a bit inferior to what he was before.
“It also made Harry Maguire naturally feel a bit inferior as captain. Not from Ronaldo himself, but his presence on the pitch. Everyone looks to Cristiano.” going to do well there. We are talking about him working with one of the best coaches in the world.” River Plate were hoping to keep Alvarez until January so he could spearhead their Copa Libertadores bid. He will be available for their last-16 clash with Velez Sarsfield. But he will fly to Manchester after the second leg on July 6 to meet his new team-mates at the Etihad Campus. Boss Guardiola wants to have as much firepower as possible at his disposal and is planning to have Alvarez, Haaland and youth-team graduate Liam Delap all in his squad.