Desmond Sport

Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Mohamed Salah have all been nominated for UEFA’s Champions League positional awards, with the list dominated by Real Madrid players. Real  won their third consecutive European title with thanks to a 3-1 win over Liverpool in Kiev, Gareth Bale netting a brace. Bale did not make the cut of players voted for by coaches of the 32 teams from the 2017-18 Champions League group stage and 55 journalists representing each of UEFA’s member nations, with Ronaldo, Messi and Salah the attackers put forward. Keylor Navas may have his position at  Real  under serious threat following the signing of Thibaut Courtois but is nominated in the goalkeeping category alongside Alisson and Gianluigi Buffon. Real have a clean sweep among the defenders in the shape of Marcelo, Raphael Varane and captain Sergio Ramos, while only Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne – accompanying Luka Modric and Toni Kroos – prevents a similar scenario for the midfielder...

Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has warned the club not to sell France World Cup star Paul Pogba and instead to focus on strengthening the squad. Speculation about the midfielder’s future is rife, with reports of interest from Barcelona, but Ferdinand has told executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward he must keep hold of the 25-year-old. Manager Jose Mourinho has already predicted a “difficult season” if United do not do more business before the Premier League transfer window shuts on Thursday. Ferdinand, who made more than 450 appearances for the club, wants Pogba to stay and Spurs defender Toby Alderweireld to come in. Referring to reports that Pogba’s agent, Mino Raiola, is looking at the Camp Nou as a possible new home for his player, Ferdinand said: “Don’t you dare allow this ED… #MUFC is Pogba’s home!! Silence these rumours ASAP & get @AlderweireldTob through the door.” United start their Premier League campaign on Friday at home to Leicester and, speaki...

Manchester City have picked up from where they left off last season by brushing aside Chelsea 2-0 at Wembley Stadium to win the 2018 Community Shield. Three months on from lifting the Premier League title, the Citizens made light work of the FA Cup holders thanks to a goal in either half from Sergio Aguero. There was a gulf in quality between the sides, with City cruising to victory to win the curtain-raising fixture for a fifth time – and a first since 2012 when beating Chelsea at Villa Park. Man City looked far closer to full strength this afternoon compared to their previous three friendlies in this disjointed pre-season, welcoming back the likes of Kyle Walker, John Stones, Fernandinho and matchwinner Aguero from the off. Despite a number of their players running out for the first time this summer, it was the Citizens who settled the quickest. One of the returning players in Aguero made the most of some space right on the edge of the opposition box, tucking the ball out ...

BARCELONA technical director Eric Abidal has denied holding a secret meeting with Paul Pogba over a proposed Nou Camp switch. Reports claimed the two Frenchmen met up in a private Los Angeles villa to discuss a transfer for the Manchester United midfielder. But, according to  Mundo Deportivo , Abidal insists that is not how he goes about his business. The former Barca defender apparently knew Manchester United star and pal Pogba, 25, was in LA but did not approach him. Abidal, 38, assured United he would speak to the club before trying to lure one of their players. Tuttosport claim Pogba – currently on holiday in Beverly Hills after his World Cup exploits – would be open to a Barca move. United spent a world record £89million to sign the midfielder from Juventus in 2016. Any transfer is sure to cost suitors more than that figure. Pogba has struggled to consistently perform at his best at Old Trafford. And his relationship with boss Jose Mourinho has been ...

WAYNE ROONEY has shown-off his grisly black eye following a horror clash of heads during DC United's game against Colorado.                                                                     Wayne Rooney has vowed to play on through the pain despite the dangers The former Everton forward, 32, broke his nose and required five stitches on his left eyebrow after colliding with Axel Sjoberg. Wayne Rooney was left bloodied after a sickening clash of heads Rooney wore a baseball cap to hide his face from view during his post-match press conference, but the shiner was still visible. Yet despite the dangers, Roo has vowed to play on, saying: "It looks a bit worse with the black eye but it feels fine. "There's not much swelling. I've had no problems sleeping. I'l...