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• Rooney praises Man Utd's Ronaldo reaction, backs Rashford to break Red Devils record

  Wayne Rooney has praised Manchester United for moving on from Cristiano Ronaldo's exit, while backing their new talisman Marcus Rashford to beat his own Red Devils goals record.

  Ronaldo left United for the second time in acrimonious circumstances in November, having declared he did not respect manager Erik ten Hag during an incendiary interview with British broadcaster Piers Morgan.

  The five-time Ballon d'Or winner then joined Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr, while United have enjoyed a successful spell, winning the EFL Cup and strengthening their grip on a top-four spot in the Premier League.

  Asked about Ronaldo's controversial departure during an interview with CNN, United's all-time leading scorer Rooney said: "I suppose he got what he wanted.

  "For Manchester United, it was important to move on as quick as possible from that and really refocus on the group of players who were there and wanted to be there. 

  "I think that's where Ten Hag has done a really good job in refocusing the players and getting them in a position where they are, obviously comfortably in the top four, and also winning the [EFL] Cup."

  Asked whether Ronaldo's turbulent second stint at Old Trafford harmed his standing with the club's supporters, Rooney added: "No, I think what he's done for Manchester United is great. 

  "He's won Premier League titles, won the Champions League, scored many goals. I think certainly for the fans and his former team-mates, we'll never forget what he did for Manchester United. 

  "In my eyes, he'll always be a club legend and it's a shame the way it ended, of course, this time round. But I don't think that takes anything away from his legacy at the club."

  Rashford has stepped up since Ronaldo left United, scoring 19 times in 25 appearances after returning from the World Cup.

  Rooney saw his record total of 53 England goals surpassed by Harry Kane last week, and he hopes his tally of 253 goals in a United shirt will one day be within Rashford's reach. 

  "We've all known about Marcus, even before he was in the first team, coming through the academy," Rooney said.

  "He's a top player and he fell off a little bit over the last 18 months especially. And again, I think Ten Hag has come in and really simplified it for him.

  "I'm not a player who sits on records and hopes no one breaks them. I hope he does it. I think it's a great story and it means he's been very successful with the club and been there a long time and scored a lot of goals if he does do it. So I hope he does. 

  "I think he certainly has the ability and the capabilities to be able to do it. I'm sure, or I hope, sometime in the next few years I'll be able to pass that mantle onto him."

• Gavi loses number six jersey after LaLiga blocks Barcelona registration

  Gavi has lost his first-team status and shirt number at Barcelona after his registration was blocked by LaLiga.

  The Spain international was registered as a first-team player by Barca in January, and it was announced he would wear the number six shirt.

  Yet LaLiga sought to overturn a court decision that ruled in Barcelona's favour, with the league getting its way earlier in March, entitling it to reverse Gavi's registration.

  Barcelona have been told they cannot register the 18-year-old's contract as they do not have room in their wage bill.

  Gavi has subsequently been placed back on his youth contract, meaning he could leave Barca as a free agent at the end of the season.

  A move away from Camp Nou for the teenager is unlikely. However, as it stands, Gavi will have to wear his old shirt number – 30 – for the remainder of the campaign.

  After a breakthrough season in 2021-22, Gavi has played 37 games for Barca this term, and his relegation in official status does not mean he cannot continue to play for Xavi's team.

• Which three get your vote? Ferdinand, Toure, Neville, Terry and Fowler among 15 Premier League Hall of Fame nominees

  Rio Ferdinand was "delighted" to be named among 15 nominees for the Premier League Hall of Fame.

  Introduced in 2021, the Hall of Fame has inducted eight players in each of the past two years, adding managerial greats Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger on Wednesday.

  Voting for the latest round of player inductees has begun, with greats nominated from across the last 30 years of the Premier League.

  The 2023 class of inductees is dominated by defenders, including former Arsenal captain Tony Adams, ex-Chelsea skipper John Terry and Manchester United stalwarts Ferdinand and Gary Neville.

  Former Chelsea and Arsenal duo Petr Cech and Ashley Cole are also nominated, along with ex-United defender Nemanja Vidic.

  Midfielders Michael Carrick and Yaya Toure represent both sides of Manchester, with strikers Andy Cole, Les Ferdinand, Robbie Fowler and Michael Owen completing the list.

  Ferdinand wrote on Twitter: "Delighted to be nominated again on the #PLHallOfFame. Few decent CBs [centre-backs] listed on the nominees."

  The former England captain will be hoping it is third time lucky, having also been among the nominees in 2021 and 2022.

  Fans can vote for three players they believe should be inducted, with voting open until 6pm BST on Monday, April 10.

  Only three players will take their place among the greats this time around.

  The shortlist has been reduced from 25 names previously to 15 and players are only eligible if their retirement was confirmed before 1 January 2023.

  In order to be eligible, players must have made at least 250 Premier League appearances or made 200 league appearances for a single club, been selected in any Team of the Decade or 20-year Anniversary teams, won a Golden Boot or Golden Glove, been voted Player of the Season, won three titles or scored 100 goals or registered 100 clean sheets.

  2023 nominees: Tony Adams, Sol Campbell, Michael Carrick, Petr Cech, Andy Cole, Ashley Cole, Jermain Defoe, Les Ferdinand, Rio Ferdinand, Robbie Fowler, Gary Neville, Michael Owen, John Terry, Yaya Toure, Nemanja Vidic.