OVERNIGHT ROUND-UP
Michael Carrick overshadowed history-making Cristiano Ronaldo’s match-winning double by quitting Manchester United.
Recalled Ron’s double put United seventh with a 3-2 comeback win at home to Arsenal as he became the first modern player to pass 800 club-and-country goals.
But new interim boss Ralf Rangnick watched as Carrick ended his unbeaten three-game reign by departing the club completely after 15 years.
Emile Smith Rowe’s controversial early opener – as United keeper David de Gea lay injured – had been cancelled out by Bruno Fernandes.
Ronaldo then fired two sweet goals, including a penalty winner, either side of Martin Odegard’s 54th minute strike.
Outgoing Carrick said: “My time at this great club will always rank as the best years of my career. However, after a lot of thought and deliberation, I have decided that now is the right time for me to leave.”
Sergi Canos’ early own goal and Son Heung-min’s superb counter-attacking strike lifted much-improved Tottenham to sixth after a 2-0 win over Brentford in the night’s other Prem game.
Spurs boss Antonio Conte said: “We showed a great desire to win and fight. For sure we can improve and we have a lot of space for improvement in possession.
“We have to continue to improve in many aspects.”
On the transfer front, Newcastle have been linked to SIX major targets.
They include England midfielders in Manchester United’s Jesse Lingard, Chelsea playmaker Ross Barkley and Tottenham link-man Harry Winks, plus Atletico Madrid’s Three Lions’ full-back Kieran Trippier.
Centre-backs on the list are Liverpool’s Nat Phillips and Burnley main man James Tarkowski.
Brazilian left-back Alex Telles is reportedly wanted by both Inter and AC Milan in transfer… but the Red Devils will reportedly reject any January approaches.
Finally, Real Madrid flop Eden Hazard is said to have ‘promised’ he’ll join Fenerbahce – but also has a shock offer to join Belgian minnows KVC Westerlo.
