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A massive story has emerged from Spain today which could pave way for potentially the two biggest transfers this summer.
Spanish news outlet Sport have reported that Cristiano Ronaldo and Sergio Ramos have handed in their transfer requests at Real Madrid, delivering the news in person to Real president Florentino Perez.
Both players have been strongly linked with a move to Manchester United in recent seasons.
The original story, that Ronaldo and Ramos had gone to meet Perez and tell him they wanted to leave, was first brought to light on Spanish TV programme El Chiringuito last night.
The incident reportedly happened after Real's1-0 defeat by neighbours Atletico Madrid last weekend. Real are now 12 points behind leaders Barcelona in third place in La Liga.
Show all 22 1 /22Manchester United 3 Arsenal 2 player ratings Manchester United 3 Arsenal 2 player ratings Manchester United: De Gea 6 out of 10 For all of Arsenal’s possession and potency De Gea had little to worry about for much of this match and could do nothing about the visitors’ goals.
Manchester United 3 Arsenal 2 player ratings Varela 7 out of 10 An unwarranted yellow on eight minutes ought to have led to a difficult day for the youngster, but the full-back managed two assists as he was able to bomb forward throughout.
2016 The Arsenal Football Club Plc
Manchester United 3 Arsenal 2 player ratings Carrick 6 out of 10 It wasn’t without nervy moments but Carrick got the job done in defence, with one tackle on Welbeck inside the area showing the composure United’s youngsters needed to see.
2016 Manchester United FC
Manchester United 3 Arsenal 2 player ratings Blind 6 out of 10 The only regular in the back four he rose to the responsibility in style, sweeping up behind Carrick when Arsenal looked to burst in behind.
2016 The Arsenal Football Club Plc
Manchester United 3 Arsenal 2 player ratings Rojo 5 out of 10 Ensured the defensive calamities weren’t just limited to Arsenal by leaving Welbeck unmarked to head in. Struggled to track the Arsenal forward throughout.
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Manchester United 3 Arsenal 2 player ratings Schneiderlin 6 out of 10 Hardly slowed the tide of Arsenal’s attacks at times in the first half, but in the second United’s destroyer did key work in winning the ball back.
2016 Getty Images
Manchester United 3 Arsenal 2 player ratings Lingard 7 out of 10 A superb display of industry and application, he was crucial in United’s second in teeing up Varela’s cross, performing sterling work out wide.
2016 Getty Images
Manchester United 3 Arsenal 2 player ratings Herrera 7 out of 10 His fortuitous goal was no less than deserved for a dynamic display that saw him make telling contributions at both ends of the pitch.
Manchester United 3 Arsenal 2 player ratings Mata 7 out of 10 Gave Ramsey and Coquelin plenty to worry about as he flitted across the frontline, using his fine passing range to conduct United’s deadly counters.
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Manchester United 3 Arsenal 2 player ratings Depay 8 out of 10 A £25million performance at last. His duel with Bellerin was the highlight of the match and one where the Dutchman often came out on top.
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Manchester United 3 Arsenal 2 player ratings Rashford 8 out of 10 This certainly was a romantic story but Arsenal could not have made it easier for the youngster if they’d gift-wrapped the ball. Still Rashford took his chances well and showed serious confidence.
2016 Manchester United FC
Manchester United 3 Arsenal 2 player ratings Arsenal: Cech 6 out of 10 Having saved a Depay free-kick smartly early on Cech could once more do nothing but watch as United were allowed to stream forward.
2016 Manchester United FC
Manchester United 3 Arsenal 2 player ratings Bellerin 6 out of 10 His advances forward were not slowed by the dangerous Depay and the full-back showed defensive solidity beyond his team-mates.
Manchester United 3 Arsenal 2 player ratings Gabriel 4 out of 10 A meek clearance teed up Rashford for the opener. Arsenal fans will find that infuriating familiar, Gabriel always seems to have at least one mistake in him per game.
2016 Manchester United FC
Manchester United 3 Arsenal 2 player ratings Koscielny 5 out of 10 Allowed Rashford an unmarked header inside the six yard box and typified a day where he was an utter liability at times.
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Manchester United 3 Arsenal 2 player ratings Coquelin 5 out of 10 Overwhelmed by the task of covering for five players ahead of him doing minimal defensive work, even the midfielder could not stem the tide of United’s counters.
2016 Manchester United FC
Manchester United 3 Arsenal 2 player ratings Monreal 5 out of 10 Has kept the likes of Coman, De Bruyne and Mahrez quiet this season. So why were Lingard and Varela such a challenge? A far from typical display
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Manchester United 3 Arsenal 2 player ratings Ramsey 4 out of 10 After showing defensive resilience against Barcelona this was the worst of Ramsey, nowhere to be seen in attack or defence.
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Manchester United 3 Arsenal 2 player ratings Welbeck 7 out of 10 Does not deserve an iota of blame for the execrable peformances of his team-mates. Welbeck was full of energy, was looking for the ball and deserved at least one goal.
2016 The Arsenal Football Club Plc
Manchester United 3 Arsenal 2 player ratings Ozil 7 out of 10 One of the few who could say they performed to their ability throughout today’s game, his sublime range of passing was present throughout, earning him assist number 18.
2016 The Arsenal Football Club Plc
Manchester United 3 Arsenal 2 player ratings Sanchez 4 out of 10 An abysmal display by anyone’s standards. Every opportunity to get forward seemed to see Sanchez run down a blind alley.
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Manchester United 3 Arsenal 2 player ratings Walcott 3 out of 10 His first notable action came 30 minutes in when Herrera whipped the ball off Walcott in his own half as United nabbed the opener. His second was being caught offside.
2016 Manchester United FC
Ronaldo of course played for United between 2003 and 2009 before his then-world record £80m move to Real. The Portuguese scored 118 goals in 292 appearances for the Old Trafford side, and won three Premier League titles, three League Cups, one FA Cup and one Champions League in a trophy-laden spell with the club.
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