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UEL FINAL: MANCHESTER UNITED LOSE TO VILLREAL AFTER DRAMATIC PENALTY SHOOT OUT

Manchester United’s wait for their first trophy under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer continues after David De Gea saw his spot-kick saved at the end of a wild shootout that saw Villarreal crowned Europa League champions.

On this day 22 years ago, the Norwegian wrote himself into club folklore when turning home at the death as Sir Alex Ferguson’s side fought back to win the Champions League and complete the treble.

But May 26, 2021 did not provide another triumphant chapter in United’s success-laden story, with the match ending 1-1 and going to a penalty shootout after Edinson Cavani cancelled out Gerard Moreno’s opener.

All outfield players scored their spot-kicks, as did Villarreal goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli before saving De Gea’s penalty to win the shootout 11-10 and secure the first major trophy in their history.

It was a heartbreaking end to a promising season for United, who finished as Premier League runners-up and showed clear signs of progress.

But defending set-pieces has been a problem throughout and Moreno opened the scoring when all too easily meeting Dani Parejo’s terrific free-kick.

Cavani levelled early in the second half after Marcus Rashford’s volley fell kindly for him from close range and Villarreal clung on for extra-time, which Unai Emery’s men edged before triumphing on penalties.

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ZINEDINE ZIDANE RESIGNS AS REAL MADRID COACH

Zinedine Zidane has resigned as Real Madrid manager with immediate effect, according to media reports, just days after the club were beaten to the La Liga title by Atletico Madrid. The Frenchman’s reported departure comes at the end of a disappointing campaign for the 13-time European champions, who also lost to Chelsea in the Champions League semi-finals as they failed to win a trophy for the first time in 11 seasons.

Italian football journalist Fabrizio Romano broke what he called “exclusive” news in a tweet which was picked up by Spanish sports outlets including Madrid sports dailies Marca and AS, and the radio station Cadena Ser.

An official announcement of his departure, said Romano, would be made “in the next hours/days”.

Only 10 days ago Zidane, who has a contract until 2022, denied media speculation that he had already told his players that he would be leaving at the end of the season.

“How am I going to tell my players that I am going now? It’s a lie,” he said after a 1-0 win at Athletic Bilbao.

“I focus on this season. There is a game left and we are going to give everything. I only care what happens in this finale.”

But, perhaps tellingly, he added: “The rest, we will see at the end of the season.”

If confirmed, it marks the end of Zidane’s second spell in charge of the Spanish giants.

The 1998 World Cup winner first took the helm in January 2016 and guided Real to the 2017 La Liga title and an unprecedented hat-trick of Champions League titles before abruptly quitting on May 31, 2018.

He returned in 2019, winning a second La Liga crown in 2020 and the Spanish Super Cup.

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BEN WHITE, GODFREY, RAMSDALE MAKE ENGLAND PROVISIONAL EURO 2020 SQUAD

Ben White, Ben Godfrey and Aaron Ramsdale received their first England call-ups as Gareth Southgate selected Trent Alexander-Arnold among four right-backs in his provisional European Championship squad.

With England dealing with issues such as injuries and European final absentees, the Football Association confirmed a larger provisional squad would be announced on Tuesday rather than the definitive group.

Southgate has named a 33-man party that will be trimmed down to 26 players on June 1st, allowing him to include injury doubts such as Harry Maguire, Jordan Henderson and Kalvin Phillips.

There are first senior call-ups for Brighton centre-back White and Everton defender Godfrey, while Sheffield United goalkeeper Ramsdale joins uncapped Sam Johnstone in the squad as Nick Pope misses out through injury.

Manchester United teenager Mason Greenwood has been recalled for the first time since being sent home after his debut in Iceland.

Eric Dier misses out, but Alexander-Arnold returns to the group alongside fellow right-backs Reece James, Kieran Trippier and Kyle Walker. Bukayo Saka, Ollie Watkins and 17-year-old Jude Bellingham are among the others to get the nod.

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LUKA MODRIC SIGNS CONTRACT EXTENSION TO STAY AT REAL MADRID FOR ANOTHER SEASON

Veteran midfielder Luka Modric has signed a contract extension which will keep him at Real Madrid until the end of next season, the La Liga giants announced on Tuesday. The 35-year-old Croatian international, who won the Ballon d’Or in 2018, has played 391 times for Madrid since joining from Tottenham in 2012.

“The Croatian midfielder will remain at our club until 30 June, 2022,” Real said in a short statement.

Modric has remained a key player for Zinedine Zidane’s men this season, scoring six goals in 48 appearances.

“Happy and proud to continue wearing the jersey of the best team in the world,” he said on Twitter.

It was a very disappointing season for the 13-time European champions though, losing to Chelsea in the Champions League semi-finals and being pipped to the La Liga title by Atletico Madrid on Saturday.

Questions remain about the futures of coach Zidane and long-serving defender Sergio Ramos ahead of the 2021-22 campaign.

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EUROPA LEAGUE: SIR ALEX FERGUSON JOINS MANCHESTER UNITED SQUAD ON BOARD TO THE FINAL

Former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has accompanied the current squad to the Europa League final against Villarreal in Gdansk.

Manchester United will take on Villarreal in the finals of the Europa League on Wednesday and the squad departed for Gdansk on Monday afternoon. Ferguson had then joined the traveling party on the flight, reported Goal.com.

United is just one game away from registering their first title win under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Solskjaer has played under Alex Ferguson and in 1999, the current manager had scored a famous goal against Barcelona to hand United a victory in the Champions League final.

Manchester United managed to win the Premier League title 13 times under Sir Alex Ferguson, with the last win coming in 2013.

United finished at the second spot in the Premier League standings for the 2020-21 season.

United have taken 26 players with them for the finals of the Europa League. Anthony Martial has returned to training, but he has not travelled with the squad.

Goalkeepers: David De Gea, Dean Henderson, Lee Grant, Nathan Bishop

Defenders: Eric Bailly, Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Alex Telles, Axel Tuanzebe, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Brandon Williams

Midfielders: Amad Diallo, Bruno Fernandes, Fred, Daniel James, Juan Mata, Nemanja Matic, Scott McTominay, Paul Pogba, Donny van de Beek

Forwards: Edinson Cavani, Anthony Elanga, Mason Greenwood, Marcus Rashford, Shola Shoretire.

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MANCHESTER CITY BOSS PEP GUARDIOLA NAMED LMA MANAGER OF THE YEAR

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has been named the LMA manager of the year.

The 50-year-old reclaimed the Premier League title with City, won the League Cup for a fourth time and faces Chelsea in the Champions League final on Saturday.

The five other managers who received the most votes were Marcelo Bielsa, Daniel Farke, Emma Hayes, David Moyes and Brendan Rodgers.

Guardiola said: “I am delighted to win the LMA manager of the year award for the second time.
“It is, for me, such a special trophy to win because it is voted for by my fellow managers. An award like this is only possible though if a manager is surrounded by top professionals.

“My players have been fantastic – their dedication and professionalism never wavered, even in a season that has been the most challenging we have ever faced.

“And my staff are also deserving of the highest praise. I am so lucky to have a team of people who give everything they have every single day to make sure Manchester City are the best we can be.

“This award is dedicated to and shared with them.”

Guardiola won a third Premier League crown with City after they finished 12 points ahead of Manchester United.

Norwich manager Farke, Hull boss Grant McCann and Cheltenham chief Michael Duff won the awards for their respective divisions.
Chelsea’s Hayes won the Barclays FA Women’s Super League manager of the year while Rangers boss Steven Gerrard was presented with the LMA special achievement award after going unbeaten to win the Scottish Premiership.

LMA chairman Howard Wilkinson said: “Many congratulations to Pep on winning his second LMA manager of the year award, following a season which epitomises his career to date.

“He never gives up, he is humble in victory and defeat and he is always respectful of his opponents, who in turn have shown him the ultimate respect in voting for him to win this award.”
Sir Alex Ferguson, an LMA committee member, also praised Guardiola: “As well as being a truly gifted manager and leader, you always display admirable humility and composure and I am sure your family must be very proud of you.”

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BRENTFORD AND SWANSEA CALL FOR MORE FANS AT CHAMPIONSHIP PLAY-OFF FINAL

Brentford and Swansea have issued a joint statement calling for more fans to be allowed in to the Sky Bet Championship play-off final on Saturday at Wembley.

Both clubs have questioned the 10,000-capacity limit set for the match, compared to the 21,000 who were present as Leicester beat Chelsea in the FA Cup final earlier this month.

Brentford chief executive Jon Varney called the decision “incredulous and unjustifiable”, and admitted that the football authorities were “powerless” to increase the crowd limit without Government intervention.

Varney said: “We feel it is unjust that only a few days ago, more than 20,000 fans were admitted to the FA Cup final and advanced discussions were taking place for Wembley to host the Champions League final with a similar number of fans attending.
“We find it incredulous and unjustifiable that the Championship play-off final will be restricted to just half that number.

“The 12 Sky Bet play-off semi-finalists joined together last week to plead for an increased capacity, but to no avail. We want to make one last call for something to be done to allow more fans in.”

Fans have launched a petition against the terms of the existing arrangement, as both clubs will only have 4,000 supporters each cheering them on towards a place in the Premier League.

Swansea chief executive Julian Winter described the allocation as “unfair”, adding: “The FA Cup final recently hosted over 20,000 spectators which helped generate a fantastic atmosphere for both teams – something which has been sorely missed over the past 14 months.

“Supporters are the lifeblood of the game we all love, and it is such a shame that more of them cannot be at Wembley to cheer on their team in what will be a brilliant occasion for all those clubs involved in the play-off final weekend.”

League One play-off finalists Lincoln have also registered their disappointment at receiving less than 4,000 tickets for their match against Blackpool, describing the allocation as “disappointing”.

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SERGIO RAMOS DROPPED FROM LUIS ENRIQUE’S SPANISH EURO SQUAD

Spain coach Luis Enrique on Monday announced his squad for Euro 2020 and veteran defender Sergio Ramos is not included, but centre-back Aymeric Laporte, who recently switched his football nationality is.

Ramos, the 35-year-old Real Madrid captain has struggled with injury this season and has featured just five times since the start of the year.

“It was a very difficult decision but he has not been able to play this season and has hardly trained since January,” Luis Enrique told the press conference as he announced a 24-man squad.

“I called him yesterday (Sunday), it was hard, difficult. I feel bad, because he is very professional and he helps the national team a lot. And he can still help it in the future. But I have to look for the best for the squad,” the coach said.

The absence of Ramos means there is not a single Madrid player in the Spain squad.

Laporte, a 26-year-old Manchester City defender, was born in southwest France and was called up three times for Les Blues but never made it onto the pitch.

While France coach Didier Deschamps has a wealth of central defenders to choose from, Luis Enrique has had fewer options since Gerard Pique retired in 2018.

Ramos has been an automatic starter when fit with a number of players, including Villarreal’s Pau Torres, Real Sociedad’s Inigo Martinez and Eric Garcia of Manchester City, playing alongside him.

After an impressive start at City, Laporte suffered a knee injury in 2019 and has not been a regular under Pep Guardiola this season.

Spain squad

Goalkeepers: David De Gea (Manchester United/ENG), Unai Simon (Athletic Bilbao), Robert Sanchez (Brighton/ENG).

Defenders: Jose Gaya (Valencia), Eric Garcia, Aymeric Laporte (Manchester City/ENG), Jordi Alba (Barcelona), Diego Llorente (Leeds/ENG), Marcos Llorente (Atletico Madrid), Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea/ENG)

Midfielders: Fabian Ruiz (Napoli/ITA), Pedri, Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Rodri Hernandez (Manchester City/ENG), Koke, Marcos Llorente (both Atletico Madrid), Thiago Alcantara (Liverpool/ENG).

Forwards: Dani Olmo (Leipzig/GER), Mikel Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad), Ferran Torres (Manchester City/ENG), Gerard Moreno (Villarreal), Alvaro Morata (Juventus/ITA), Adama Traore (Wolverhampton/ENG), Pablo Sarabia (Paris Saint-Germain/FRA).

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HARRY KANE BEATS MO SALAH TO PREMIER LEAGUE GOLDEN BOOT, WINS PLAY MAKER OF THE SEASON

Tottenham Hotspur’s Harry Kane has won the 2020-21 Premier League Golden Boot after scoring 23 goals over the course of the season.

Kane, who according to ESPN sources has told Spurs he wants to leave this summer, beat Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah to the prize. The Egypt international finished the season with 22 goals.

Both players had gone into the final day level on 22, but Kane scored in Tottenham’s 4-2 win with Leicester City, while Salah drew a blank in Liverpool’s 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace.

This is Kane’s third Golden Boot award after winning it in back-to-back seasons in 2015-16 and 2016-17.

He has scored 221 goals in 336 games for Spurs across all competitions and is on track to beat Alan Shearer’s Premier League record of 260 goals. Kane, 27, has 166.

Sunday’s game against Leicester possibly marked Kane’s last in a Tottenham shirt as he has requested a move away from Spurs.

Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City are all reportedly interested in the 27-year-old.

However, he still has three years left on his contract with the north London side and chairman Daniel Levy is said to be reluctant to let his star forward leave.

Should the move be sanctioned, though, Spurs are thought to want around £150 million for him.

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ARSENAL FAILS TO QUALIFY FOR EUROPE FOR FIRST TIME IN 25 YEARS

Arsenal missed out on qualifying for European competition for the first time in 25 years after finishing the Premier League season in eighth place following a 2-0 win over Brighton on Sunday.

Arsenal needed to win and for both Tottenham and Everton to drop points to seal seventh place and a spot in the inaugural Europa Conference League next season.

Mikel Arteta’s team did its part, with Nicolas Pepe continuing his fine end to the season by scoring twice in front of 10,000 returning fans at Emirates Stadium.

However, Tottenham’s late turnaround in its 4-2 win at Leicester meant Spurs finished above Arsenal, its fierce north London rival.

Arsenal had to settle for an eighth-place finish for the second season in a row but Arteta is adamant the team has improved after ending the campaign with five straight league wins – its best run in the competition since October 2018.

“When I was with the team a few months ago and with them now, regardless of the results, we are in a much better place and will be in a much better place and can hopefully take the club where we want,” Arteta said.

“It is frustrating because last season, with 61 points, we (would have finished) fifth, now we are eighth and that is the step that we have to identify. The level has gone so high so the only way to do it is to be much better next season and much more consistent and this is the challenge ahead of us.”

With muted protests against the club´s owners before the game and director Josh Kroenke watching on from the stands, this could have been a powder keg of emotions had Arsenal lost. Instead, Arteta´s side won comfortably, although it proved not to be enough in their quest to maintain a 25-year run of European qualification.

Martin Odegaard, who returns to Real Madrid after the game, showed why Arsenal are so keen to keep hold of the Norway international as he ran the show. There we also strong performances from Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka in the heart of the midfield.