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Man United lose to Leicester to hand Premier League title to Man City

A thumping header from Caglar Soyuncu gave Leicester all three points after Mason Greenwood had cancelled out Luke Thomas’s opener for the visitors.

A weakened Manchester United were beaten 2-1 at home by Leicester City on Tuesday, ending Manchester City’s wait to be crowned Premier League champions.

A thumping header from Caglar Soyuncu gave Leicester all three points after Mason Greenwood had cancelled out Luke Thomas’s opener for the visitors.

The result left Manchester City 10 points clear of United with just three games left for both teams, wrapping up a third Premier League title in five seasons under Pep Guardiola. read more

United, who face Liverpool on Thursday, their third game in five days, made 10 changes to their side who won at Aston Villa on Sunday with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer throwing in several young players.

The result was also a huge boost to Leicester’s goal of a top-four finish and a place in next season’s Champions League — Brendan Rodgers’ side are on 66 points with two games remaining — eight ahead of fifth placed West Ham United who have a game in hand.

Old Trafford was surrounded by heavy security after violent protests forced the postponement of last week’s scheduled match against Liverpool but the game took place without incident.

Social media posts suggested fan groups had chosen to wait until Thursday’s rearranged game with Liverpool to make their next show of opposition to the club’s American owners.

With the injured United skipper Harry Maguire watching from the stands with a protective boot on his left leg, youngsters such as Anthony Elanga and Amad Diallo were given a chance to impress Solskjaer.

Leicester grabbed a 10th-minute lead with a superbly taken first Premier League goal from 19-year-old left back Thomas who volleyed in a deep Youri Tielemans cross from a tight angle.

United struck back five minutes later with two of their teenagers combining as Diallo found Greenwood and the forward’s excellent touch allowed him to find space for a low drive into the far corner.

Leicester threatened after the break with David De Gea doing well to deny Kelechi Iheanacho at close range but the decisive goal was a simple affair in the 66th minute as Soyuncu powered home a header from a Marc Albrighton corner.

“It was a huge step (towards the Champions League). I am so proud of the team,” said Rodgers, whose side face Chelsea in the FA Cup final on Saturday.

“The players have definitely overachieved with all the big teams around. Now we can really enjoy the final at the weekend.”

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LIVERPOOL RENEW TOP FOUR HOPES WITH MASSIVE WIN AGAINST MANCHESTER UNITED

Jurgen Klopp tasted victory at Old Trafford for the first time as Liverpool breathed new life into their top-four push with a thrilling 4-2 win in the rearranged fixture against Manchester United.

After anti-Glazer protestors got into the ground and onto the pitch 11 days ago, further demonstrations could not stop Thursday’s Premier League fixture going ahead in Old Trafford’s final match behind closed doors.

United missed this chance to all but end Liverpool’s Champions League qualification hopes as their fourth match in eight days ended in a first home loss to their bitter rivals since 2014.

Stand-in skipper Bruno Fernandes’ deflected effort had got Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side off to a dream start, only for Diogo Jota to level with a smart flick after a penalty decision was overturned.

The equaliser came from a corner and United’s soft underbelly from set-pieces was again exposed in first-half stoppage time, with Roberto Firmino heading home Trent Alexander-Arnold’s excellent free-kick.

Liverpool pulled further ahead 72 seconds after half-time as a comedy of errors at the back ended with Firmino turning home his second of the evening.

United looked punch-drunk but eventually rallied as Marcus Rashford reduced the deficit, before Nat Phillips – who had deflected home Fernandes’ opener – cleared a Mason Greenwood attempt off the line.

Mohamed Salah ensured United would lose their sixth home league game of the season, racing through at the death as Liverpool moved into fifth and four points behind Chelsea with a game in hand.

It was an exhilarating match that followed a disrupted build-up, with United players arriving at the ground early in the afternoon to avoid protestors as executive boxes were turned into rest areas.

Liverpool stayed in a city centre hotel and saw a club-branded bus blocked in by cars, but players were not onboard and arrived through a back entrance as demonstrators descended on the main entrance.

The noise of a police helicopter reverberated around the heavily-guarded ground as the match got under way, with Edinson Cavani – among 10 changes – wasting a glorious fifth-minute chance after an Alisson Becker error.

But United continued strongly and opened the scoring in the 10th minute. Paul Pogba swept a ball out to the right and Rashford played into Aaron Wan-Bissaka, whose cutback found Fernandes and his shot went in off Phillips.

Liverpool dug deep after that shaky start and Dean Henderson thwarted Jota, before referee Anthony Taylor pointed to the spot following a hefty Eric Bailly challenge on Phillips.

But the video assistant referee intervened, and the decision was overturned after Anthony Taylor looked at the pitchside monitor.

Pogba headed just wide at the other end but Liverpool were looking sharp and Jota saw a stinging strike tipped over, with United failing to clear their lines from the resulting corner.

Salah’s initial effort was blocked and Phillips kept it alive, before sending a low effort back towards goal as Jota smartly flicked home.

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MANCHESTER UNITED HIT BACK TO CLAIM VICTORY AT VILLA

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s comeback kings did it again as Manchester United overcame Aston Villa to delay Manchester City’s coronation.

Fresh from sealing their place in the Europa League final against Villarreal, the Red Devils turned their focus to Villa Park as they kicked off an unenviable run of three Premier League matches in five days.

Bertrand Traore’s stunner had Villa dreaming of a first home league victory against United since 1995, but Solskjaer’s side dug deep and secured a 3-1 triumph – a competition record 10th comeback win of the season.

Pep Guardiola’s men had been on course to wrap up a third league title in four years as Villa went into the break leading through Traore’s exceptional effort.

But United levelled shortly after the restart through Bruno Fernandes’ penalty, before Mason Greenwood struck to become United’s top-scoring Premier League teenager.

The 19-year-old usurped Wayne Rooney with that 16th goal and veteran Edinson Cavani came off the bench to add gloss on an afternoon that ended with Ollie Watkins being sent off.

The Villa striker picked up a second booking having been adjudged to have dived as United all but sealed a top-four finish.

It was a tougher workout for the visitors than the scoreline suggests as they continued a run of four matches in eight days.

United started brightly enough as Greenwood mishit an attempt across the face of goal before Luke Shaw manoeuvred into the box and stung Emi Martinez’s palms.

Fred saw an effort comfortably saved and Fernandes fired wide, with Marcus Rashford unable to direct home from close range under pressure from Matt Targett.

But while United had the lion’s share of the early opportunities, Dean Smith’s side were causing a headache with their determination, organisation and pressing.

That intensity forced the visitors into errors punished in style in the 24th minute.

After Greenwood ran into traffic, the ball looped up and Fred played a poor pass to Scott McTominay. John McGinn took the ball and Douglas Luiz played it to Traore, who turned exquisitely, held off Victor Lindelof and hit a superb left-footed strike across Dean Henderson and into the top right-hand corner.

United responded well to the setback but were not causing Villa enough problems, with Traore getting back to prevent Paul Pogba getting away an effort from the edge of the box.

Martinez stopped Rashford and just about got a strong enough hand to a fizzing Greenwood attempt as half-time approached, with Ezri Konsa hacking the rebound clear.

Watkins had a shot saved at the other end just before the break, with United drawing level within seven minutes of the restart.

Luiz’s close attention on Pogba turned into a clumsy challenge, with referee Chris Kavanagh awarding a penalty that Fernandes stepped up to take and coolly send Martinez the wrong way.

United had flipped the script by the 56th minute. Greenwood turned Tyrone Mings when collecting an Aaron Wan-Bissaka pass on the edge of the box and struck a low effort beyond Martinez at his near post.

Konsa and Rashford were involved in a shoving match shortly afterwards, with Harry Maguire heading wide from the corner that followed before Henderson saved his skipper’s blushes.

Solskjaer turned to Cavani for the closing stages and the substitute’s first contribution was a timely headed clearance, before Maguire went off in discomfort in the 78th minute.

The defender had been on the cusp of becoming the first outfield player in United’s history to complete 72 consecutive Premier League matches.

United added gloss to the scoreline in the 87th minute as Rashford swung in a cross from the right, with substitute Cavani expertly peeling off to steer home a close-range header.

There was more late drama as striker Watkins was sent off in the 89th minute, having collected a second booking for an apparent dive as goalkeeper Henderson came out.

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CAVANI BAGS BRACE AS MAN UNITED REACH EUROPA LEAGUE FINAL

Manchester United are through to their first final under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, with Edinson Cavani scoring twice in a second-leg defeat to Roma that could not deny them a place in the Europa League showpiece.

Having fallen at the semi-final stage on four occasions across the last two seasons, the Red Devils made it fifth time lucky to set-up a shot at glory against Villarreal in Poland on May 26th.

Last week’s 6-2 victory at Old Trafford meant United already had one foot in the Gdansk finale ahead of the trip to Italy, where Roma made things uncomfortable and won an entertaining semi-final second leg 3-2.

Cavani was the star of the 8-5 aggregate triumph as he followed his first-leg brace with another pair in the eternal city, where he fired the visitors into a first-half lead from a fine Bruno Fernandes pass.

But David De Gea was the standout performer at the Stadio Olimpico, producing fine early saves and then some outstanding stops as United wobbled following quickfire Edin Dzeko and Bryan Cristante efforts.

Cavani rose to head United back level on the night from another superb Fernandes ball, but Roma gave it their all days after it was confirmed that Paulo Fonseca would be succeeded by Solskjaer’s predecessor Jose Mourinho.

Teenage debutant Nicola Zalewski fired home a deflected late effort to seal the spirited hosts a second-leg victory, but it is the Red Devils heading to Poland for a shot at their first trophy since winning the competition in 2017.

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AVRAM GLAZER REFUSES TO APOLOGISE TO MANCHESTER UNITED FANS AFTER OLD TRAFFORD PROTREST

Manchester United co-chairman Avram Glazer refused to apologise to supporters after the club’s failed plans to join the European Super League. The club’s American owners are under fire from supporters after United were one of six English teams to agree to join a breakaway competition from the Champions League.

The Glazers bought United in 2005 for around £780m and in the process United went from debt-free to one of the most in-debt clubs overnight, with the Americans putting around £550m of debt onto the club. United have been paying high interest repayments on the Glazers’ acquisition ever since and remain around £460m in debt.

Though the Glazers have ‘invested’ around £1bn in transfers in the last eight years, they have taken £1.1bn out of the club during their sixteen years as owners, while the club remains in heavy debt.

It was the club’s attempt to join the European Super League that reignited supporters’ dismay at the Americans’ ownership of the club, though supporters have largely been against their presence since 2005.

It led to protests at Old Trafford on Sunday, which led to the postponement of the Premier League clash against Liverpool. United supporters are desperate for the Glazers to sell up but the Florida-based company reportedly have no desire to do so.

Joel Glazer released a lengthy statement after the club’s withdrawal from the European Super League to apologise to supporters but there has been no sign of the family doing so in public.

Joel’s brother Avram, who is co-chairman of the club and resides in Florida, was given the chance to when Sky News repeatedly offered the American the opportunity to apologise to supporters when they caught up with him on Tuesday. But, as has been the case since the family took charge 16 years ago, Avram chose not to speak to supporters and in doing so refused to apologise for the club’s plans to join the European Super League.

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MANCHESTER UNITED DISMISS REPORTS OF OLD TRAFFORD GATE BEING OPEN DURING FAN PROTEST

Manchester United have dismissed reports that protestors gained entry to Old Trafford through a door deliberately opened by club staff.

A group of United supporters were able to make it inside the stadium and onto the pitch during a demonstration aimed at the team owners, the Glazer family, on Sunday. It led to the postponement of the team’s Premier League clash with Liverpool.

A club statement issued on Monday read. “Following events yesterday, while many fans wanted to exercise their right to protest and express their opinion peacefully, some were intent on disrupting the team’s preparation and the game itself, as evidenced by activity at the Lowry Hotel and at the stadium.

“Reports in mainstream and social media that protesters were able to access the stadium and pitch via a gate opened by club staff are completely incorrect.

“After breaking through barriers and security on the forecourt, some protestors climbed the gates at the end of the Munich tunnel, then forced access to a side door in the stand, before opening an external door that let others through to the concourse area and the pitch.

“A second breach occurred when a protestor smashed the door of a disability access lift, enabling a group to enter the stand.”

Sources say United are not expecting a points deduction for failure to fulfil a fixture because the the Premier League and Greater Manchester Police agreed with the decision to postpone the match.

The violent acts committed by a minority of supporters in the protest were condemned by the UK government. Both the club and the police have launched an investigation into events surrounding the protest, including injuries suffered by two police officers following clashes while protestors were moved away from the stadium.

The statement continued: “The majority of our fans have and will condemn criminal damage, along with any violence towards club staff, police or other fans, and these now become a police matter.

“The club has no desire to see peaceful protestors punished, but will work with the police to identify those involved in criminal activity, and will also issue its own sanctions to any season ticket holder or member identified, per the published sanctions policy. Information on the rescheduling of the game and any possible implication on other fixtures will be announced after discussion and agreement with the Premier League.

“We remain committed to dialogue and engagement with our fans through the fans forum and other appropriate channels.”

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PREMIER LEAGUE RELEASES STATEMENT ON OLD TRAFFORD INCIDENT

Following the security breach at Old Trafford, the Manchester United v Liverpool game has been postponed.

This is a collective decision from the police, both clubs, the Premier League and local authorities.

The security and safety of everyone at Old Trafford remains of paramount importance.

We understand and respect the strength of feeling but condemn all acts of violence, criminal damage and trespass, especially given the associated COVID-19 breaches.

Fans have many channels by which to make their views known, but the actions of a minority seen today have no justification.

We sympathise with the police and stewards who had to deal with a dangerous situation that should have no place in football.

The rearrangement of the fixture will be communicated in due course.

Source: premierleague.com

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MAN UTD V LIVERPOOL GAME POSTPONED FOLLOWING FANS’ ANTI-GLAZER PROTEST

Manchester United’s Premier League clash against Liverpool has been postponed following widespread protests at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon – with fans getting onto the pitch.

The fixture between the two old rivals was been targeted by home supporters as a continuation of their recent discontent over Glazer ownership of the club.

While the planned kick-off time of 4:30pm was initially delayed, that plan was scrapped following talks over the safety of those involved – including players.

As well as numerous groups forming outside the ground, many were spotted on the Old Trafford pitch just hours before their fixture was due to start.

The latest protest comes after a large scale gathering outside the ground following the failed European Super League plans, as well as a training ground meeting.

While supporters were cleared from the pitch and the surrounding area long before the announcement, the disruption was said to have put those involved in danger.

The full United statement reads: “Following discussion between the Police, The Premier League, Trafford Council and the clubs, our match against Liverpool has been postponed due to safety and security considerations around the protest today.

“Discussions will now take place with the Premier League on a revised date for the fixture.

“Our fans are passionate about Manchester United, and we completely acknowledge the right to free expression and peaceful protest.

“However, we regret the disruption to the team and actions which put other fans, staff, and the police in danger. We thank the police for their support and will assist them in any subsequent investigations.”

As chants and songs broke out among the group that entered the pitch earlier in the day, a flare could be seen flying through the air and hitting the side of the open-air Sky Sports studio.

Fans were also spotted necking cans of lager on the Old Trafford pitch, with tempers even rising among the pundits watching the game.

While Dave Jones hosted proceedings, Graeme Souness, Roy Keane and Micah Richards had all stepped away from the box as they awaited the 16:30 kick-off.

On their return, Gary Neville hit out at Jones for interrupting as he was discussing the reasons behind the protests, and how they might’ve got out of control.

Neville said: “I’ve never thought they were brilliant owners but I’ve also seen in football that there are worse owners than the Glazers family.

“However, I think all football fans should unite today behind what United fans have done because what they [the Gazers] did two weeks ago was dangerous for English football.

“We must not forget that. They tried to walk away and create a closed-shop league that would have created a famine in this country for every other football club…”

As Neville looked to continue , though, the Jones jumped in for some clarification on the former defender’s call to arms.

Jones interjected: “Gary, what are you saying here? Are you saying that all fans should try and get matches called off?”

But the United legend was not impressed at all, laying into the Sky Sports presenter with: “Dave, let me finish. Dave, this is not a time to interject and start that.”

A Premier League statement on the postponement reads: “This is a collective decision from the police, both clubs, the Premier League and local authorities.

“The security and safety of everyone at Old Trafford remains of paramount importance. We understand and respect the strength of feeling but condemn all acts of violence, criminal damage and trespass, especially given the associated COVID-19 breaches.

“Fans have many channels by which to make their views known, but the actions of a minority seen today have no justification.

“We sympathise with the police and stewards who had to deal with a dangerous situation that should have no place in football.

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EUROPA LEAGUE: MANCHESTER UNITED HAMMER ROMA 6-2 AFTER SLOW START

Manchester United ran amok against Roma once again as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s comeback kings triumphed 6-2 and took a giant stride towards the Europa League final.

Having fallen short in four semi-finals in the last two seasons, the Red Devils were looking to underline their progress by reaching their first final under the 1999 treble hero.

Solskjaer was part of the side that thrashed Roma 7-1 in 2007 and oversaw another famous victory against the Giallorossi on Thursday as United took charge of this Europa League semi-final.

Bruno Fernandes got the first leg off to a dream start at Old Trafford, only for Lorenzo Pellegrini to swiftly level and ex-Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko to give Paulo Fonseca’s side a shock half-time lead.

But United have dug deep to bounce back time and time again this season, with Cavani inspiring the latest comeback when smashing home a superb leveller just minutes into the second half.

The veteran put Solskjaer’s men ahead after an error by substitute Antonio Mirante, before Fernandes added a penalty and Paul Pogba headed home.

Mason Greenwood came off the bench to add gloss on a night when Roma’s three first-half injuries took their toll in a dramatic first leg.

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LEEDS HOLD MAN UTD. TO GOALESS DRAW AS CITY EDGE CLOSER TO TITLE

Manchester United were held to a 0-0 draw at Leeds United that gives Manchester City the chance to win the title next weekend.

The Red Devils are now 10 points behind the league leaders with five matches left, meaning City will win the title if they beat Crystal Palace on Saturday and Man Utd lose to Liverpool on Sunday.

The visitors had the best opportunities at Elland Road, with Marcus Rashford going closest in the first half as his free-kick was well saved by Illan Meslier.

Man Utd’s best chance fell to Bruno Fernandes from Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s pass on the hour mark, but he dragged his shot wide.

Leeds went close shortly after that chance when Helder Costa’s deflected shot landed on the roof of the net, but neither side could make a breakthrough.

A sixth match unbeaten lifts Leeds up to ninth with 47 points.

Manchester United stay second with 67 points and are now 13 matches without defeat.