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MAN UNITED COMPLETE UNBEATEN AWAY LEAGUE CAMPAIGN WITH VOCTORY AT WOLVES

Manchester United completed the Premier League season undefeated away from home as Juan Mata’s penalty secured a 2-1 win at Wolves in the hosts’ final match under Nuno Espirito Santo.

A much-changed United took the lead in the 13th minute when 19-year-old forward Anthony Elanga headed in.

Nelson Semedo equalised in the 39th minute before Mata put Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men back in front with a spot-kick in first-half stoppage time.

In managing to go through the campaign without suffering a loss on the road, United have matched a feat only previously achieved in the English top-flight by Preston in 1888-89 and Arsenal in 2001-02 and 2003-04.

They had already been confirmed as finishing second in the table, while Wolves end the season in 13th place on the day fans returned to Molineux and bade farewell to Nuno after a four-year tenure.

With the runners-up spot sealed and Wednesday’s Europa League final against Villarreal ahead, Solskjaer made 10 changes to his starting-line up.

Axel Tuanzebe was the sole player retaining his place from the 1-1 draw with Fulham on Tuesday, with the likes of Edinson Cavani, Paul Pogba, Bruno Fernandes and David De Gea dropping out of the squad entirely.

Nuno, meanwhile, made three changes from Wednesday’s 1-0 loss to Everton for his last game in the job, two days on from Wolves’ announcement that he would be leaving by mutual consent following the contest.

A crowd of 4,500 Wolves fans were permitted to attend, and various chants of appreciation for the Portuguese were sung by the supporters both before the game outside the ground and during the match.

There were also some boos heard from the stands when the players took a knee ahead of kick-off.

Adama Traore produced the first attempt of the match when he flashed a shot across the face of the United goal in the second minute and Elanga then fired over the bar at the other end.

Five minutes later, the Swedish youngster was on target as he marked what was his second senior appearance with his first United goal, connecting with Daniel James’ cross from the left to head past Rui Patricio.

Wolves responded with a Fabio Silva header and an off-target Traore strike. Traore subsequently had a penalty appeal waved away by referee Mike Dean after a tussle with Tuanzebe before having to go off injured, with Willian Jose replacing him.

The home side drew level when Silva produced a cut-back and Semedo slid in and sent the ball past Dean Henderson.

Soon after, Patricio did well to save a Brandon Williams effort and United’s lead was then restored in the final moments of the half.

Romain Saiss’ challenge on Donny Van De Beek led to a VAR review, and after watching the incident back on the pitchside monitor, Dean awarded the penalty that Mata stroked past Patricio in composed fashion.

After the break, Jose and Rayan Ait-Nouri saw efforts comfortably dealt with by Henderson, either side of James being played in but was only able to send a shot wide.

Silva was twice thwarted by Williams blocks in the 79th minute and, after Amad Diallo saw a shot saved by Patricio, substitute Morgan Gibbs-White and Willy Boly struck wide in the closing moments as Wolves were unable to prevent Nuno’s tenure ending in defeat.

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CHELSEA SECURE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SPOT DESPITE DEFEAT TO ASTON VILLA

Chelsea qualified for next season’s Champions League on Sunday despite a 2-1 defeat at Aston Villa as Leicester’s loss against Tottenham saved the Blues’ top four place in a thrilling end to the Premier League season. Thomas Tuchel’s side were 14 minutes away from missing out on a top-four finish when they trailed at Villa Park while Liverpool and Leicester were both winning. Bertrand Traore put Villa ahead late in the first half before the former Chelsea winger won a penalty that was converted by Anwar El Ghazi.

Ben Chilwell got one back for Chelsea, but at that stage the Blues were still heading out of the top four.

An own goal from Leicester keeper Kasper Schmeichel was followed by two late Gareth Bale strikes, condemning the Foxes to a 4-2 loss as Chelsea received an unexpected favour from bitter London rivals Tottenham.

That Harry Kane, linked with a close-season move to Chelsea after declaring his desire to quit Tottenham, was also on the scoresheet at the King Power Stadium was an added layer of irony.

Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta was sent off in the final minute after clashing with Jack Grealish.

But the Blues finished one point above fifth-placed Leicester, illustrating the slender margins at play in a pulsating conclusion to the top four race.

It was a huge escape for Chelsea as they enjoyed a significant measure of revenge for their FA Cup final defeat against the Foxes last weekend.

They can now concentrate on Saturday’s Champions League final against Manchester City without the extra pressure of knowing they have to win in Porto to qualify for next season’s tournament.

But Tuchel has plenty of work to do to get Chelsea in shape for their first Champions League showpiece since 2012 after they were beaten for the third time in their last four games in all competitions.

Adding to Tuchel’s problems, Edouard Mendy may be a doubt for the final after Chelsea’s keeper was unable to play the second half, having collided with the woodwork in a failed attempt to keep out Traore’s goal.

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ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI BREAKS 49-YEAR OLD BUNDESLIGA GOAL RECORD WITH LAST-GASP BAYERN GOAL

Robert Lewandowski broke a 49-year Bundesliga record by scoring his 41st goal of the season in the very last minute of Bayern Munich’s final 2020/21 outing at home to Augsburg.

The Poland striker had already equalled Bayern legend Gerd Mueller’s long-standing record, set all the way back in 1972, for the most goals in a single Bundesliga campaign, getting on the scoresheet for the 40th time in last weekend’s 2-2 draw away at Freiburg.

Nevertheless, he appeared set to miss out on the 41st in Saturday’s 5-2 thrashing of Augsburg, first spurning a number of golden opportunities to write history.

But just as it seemed the chance to break the record would pass him by, Lewandowski capitalised on a rebound in the box, pouncing on the loose ball and rounding the goalkeeper before stroking it home in the 90th minute.

That strike means he has produced the highest ever return in a single Bundesliga campaign with his remarkable tally of 41 goals in 29 appearances.

After etching his name into German football folklore, Lewandowski told BT Sport: “It’s difficult to say about my emotions because I’m very happy, I’m very proud.

“Also, I want to dedicate this goal to my mother because she has her birthday today, and also to Hansi Flick and all the staff – because they did an amazing job.

“We’ve worked together and had amazing performances since Hansi Flick’s [been] here, so that was something special also for me as a player.

“I’m feeling great. I don’t know exactly what I did yet, but I’m very proud, very happy and my emotions are high.

“I have to say that I never dreamt about breaking this record, to score more than 40 goals, because I thought that it’s impossible if you have only 34 games – and I played 29 games.

“So that’s why I still don’t believe what I did. But after this whole game I scored in the last seconds, the last minute. I was trying before three, four, five times to score even just one goal and I couldn’t.

“And the last situation came and I scored the goal. That is something special, something historic. I still don’t believe it but maybe tomorrow, maybe even one or two weeks later, I will understand what I did.”

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ATLETICO MADRID BEAT REAL MADRID TO LA LIGA TITLE ON FINAL DAY

Atletico Madrid have won La Liga for the first time since 2014 after a final-day 2-1 comeback win at Real Valladolid saw them clinch the title ahead of rivals Real Madrid.

Valladolid had taken a half-time lead over Atletico before goals from Angel Correa and Luis Suarez turned the score around. Madrid’s late turnaround to beat Villarreal 2-1 was irrelevant due to Atletico’s result.

The results mean Diego Simeone’s team end the season on 86 points, two ahead of second-placed Madrid and seven above third-placed Barcelona.

It’s the eleventh time that Atletico have been crowned champions of Spain, with just three of them coming in the last 40 years, in 1996, 2014 and now 2021.

Simeone has now won two La Liga titles, a Copa del Rey and a Supercopa Espana in a decade in charge, as well as two Europa League successes and two UEFA Super Cups.

Atletico have been title favourites for much of the season, leading the league table since December 5 when they went top with a 2-0 win, also over Valladolid.

Key to their early-season success was the form of forward Suarez — who was deemed surplus to requirements at Barcelona last summer — who scored 16 goals in his first 17 games.

The role of Marcos Llorente, converted into an attacking midfielder this season by coach Simeone, has also been crucial, bagging 12 goals and 11 assists.

By January 31, a 4-2 victory at Cadiz put Atletico 10 points clear of both Madrid and Barca in the title race.

That was followed by a more challenging spell, as Suarez’s goals dried up, and three losses and six draws allowed Atletico’s title rivals to begin to close the gap.

Two weeks ago, a rollercoaster matchday 35 saw Atletico drop more points in a 0-0 draw with Barcelona at Camp Nou — in what looked like a potentially decisive result — only for Madrid to be held 2-2 by Sevilla a day later.

Last weekend, with all ten matchday 37 games being played simultaneously, Atletico looked to have blown their title chances when they went 1-0 down at home to Osasuna, with Real leading by the same scoreline at Athletic Bilbao.

Two goals in the last ten minutes from Renan Lodi and Suarez turned the race on its head, a 2-1 win setting up Saturday’s dramatic league finale.

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WOLVES TO PART WAYS WITH BOSS NUNO ESPIRITO AFTER END OF SEASON

Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo will leave the club after the final game of the season on Sunday, the Premier League team announced on Friday.

Nuno led Wolves to promotion from the Championship and established them in the top-flight during his four seasons at Molineux.

“Wolves can confirm head coach Nuno Espirito Santo will leave the club, by mutual agreement, after Sunday’s match against Manchester United,” a club statement said.

With Tottenham still looking for a new manager after Jose Mourinho’s sacking in April, it has been reported that Nuno is among the contenders to take charge of the north London side.

Under Nuno’s management, Wolves secured consecutive seventh-placed finishes in the Premier League and reached the Europa League quarter-finals.

This season has proved more difficult and Wolves can do no better than a 12th-placed finish depending on Sunday’s result in his farewell match against United at Molineux.

There had been reports for several weeks that Wolves were considering parting ways with the 47-year-old, who only signed a new deal with the club 12 months ago.

Both Nuno and the club insisted the decision for the Portuguese coach to leave had been made by mutual consent.

“We achieved our goals, we did it with passion and we did it together. Firstly, I want to thank the supporters, who have all played such an important part in helping us reach new heights for Wolves, and the people of the city, who embraced us and made us feel at home,” Nuno said.

“I, of course, want to thank all of the staff at Wolves, for their support and total commitment, every single day.

“Most importantly, I want to thank each and every player that we’ve worked with since the day we started, for their loyalty, their dedication, hard work and talent. They are the ones who have made this amazing journey possible for us.

“Sunday will be a very emotional day, but I am so happy that the fans will be back in Molineux and we can share one last special moment together, as one pack.”

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LEICESTER TITLE WINNING CAPTAIN, WES MORGAN TO RETIRE THIS SUMMER

Leicester’s Premier League title winning captain Wes Morgan will retire at the end of the season.

The 37-year-old defender made 324 appearances and scored 14 goals in his nine years at the King Power Stadium and is assured of legendary status after lifting the Premier League trophy following their shock triumph in 2016.

Morgan also came on as a sub last weekend during Leicester’s victory over Chelsea which sealed their maiden FA Cup success. He could make a final appearance for the club on Sunday when they take on Tottenham on the final day of the Premier League season.

The Jamaica international won the Championship with the Foxes and was named on the Football League’s Team of the Decade, the Championship Team of the Year three times, as well as the PFA Team of the Year in 2015/16.

“Wes has been one of Leicester City’s greatest servants, leading the team through the club’s most successful era and helping to set the standards that have pushed the club forward,” Leicester chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha said of Morgan’s retirement.

“A big brother to everyone he has played with, a strong representative of the squad and a valuable source of counsel to managers and senior executives in the club, his contribution has been enormous.

“Wes has shown throughout his Leicester City career that he has a great deal to offer away from the pitch. I’m excited to see how we can help him shape his career after football and how the club can continue to benefit from his experience, knowledge and passion for the game.”

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DAVID BECKHAM VOTED INTO PREMIER LEAGUE HALL OF FAME

David Beckham has been confirmed as the final Premier League Hall of Fame inductee of 2021.

The former Manchester United midfielder helped the club win six Premier League titles with his unrivalled passing ability, pinpoint crosses and 18 goals from trademark free-kicks, a total to which no player has come close.

He follows Alan Shearer, Thierry Henry, Eric Cantona, Roy Keane, Dennis Bergkamp, Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard in receiving the League’s highest individual honour.

“It’s an honour to be inducted into the inaugural Premier League Hall of Fame alongside these legends of the game and league,” Beckham told newmen

“The Premier League was such an important part of my career and life and I’m delighted to be recognised alongside these icons who I played with, competed with and looked up to.

“This is made even more of an honour for me knowing that it was down to the fans. This past year or so has shown just how important fans are to the game and it’s so great to see them slowly being able to come back to stadiums because they make football truly special.

“I’ve always said that throughout my playing career and beyond, I’m so lucky to have incredible fans who support me no end so thank you to everyone who voted.”

Beckham announced himself on the Premier League stage on the opening weekend of the 1996/97 season, scoring from inside his own half for Man Utd away to Wimbledon.

While he brought fame and glamour to the League, he was also a fearless competitor and established himself as a mainstay in Sir Alex Ferguson’s Man Utd side, claiming his six titles across eight full seasons.

Only eight players have beaten Beckham’s total of 80 PL assists, while just three have surpassed his combined tally of 142 goal involvements for Man Utd in the competition.

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CHELSEA AND LEICESTER CITY CHARGED AFTER STAMFORD BRIDGE FRACAS

Chelsea and Leicester have been charged by the English Football Association following the ugly scenes towards the end of their match at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night.

Players and staff from both teams squared up to each other after Ricardo Pereira’s challenge on Ben Chilwell.

An FA statement read: “Chelsea FC and Leicester City FC have both been charged with a breach of FA Rule E20.1 following their Premier League fixture on Tuesday, May 18, 2021.

“It is alleged that both clubs failed to ensure their players and/or club officials conducted themselves in an orderly fashion and/or refrained from provocative behaviour during the 93rd minute.

“Chelsea FC and Leicester City FC both have until Tuesday, May 25, 2021 to provide their respective responses.”

Chelsea won the match 2-1 to boost their Champions League bid and knock Leicester out of the top four.

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GERRARD INDUCTED INTO PREMIER LEAGUE HALL OF FAME

Steven Gerrard is the latest former player to be inducted into the Premier League Hall of Fame.

As the driving force in Liverpool’s midfield for 17 years, Gerrard inspired his team-mates with surging runs, pinpoint passes, talismanic tackles and spectacular strikes, scoring 120 goals and providing 92 assists in the competition.

The former Liverpool captain joins Alan Shearer, Thierry Henry, Eric Cantona, Roy Keane, Frank Lampard and Dennis Bergkamp in receiving the League’s highest individual honour.

Gerrard made 504 PL appearances between 1998 and 2015, all for Liverpool, and is one of only two players to make at least 500 appearances for the club in the competition, along with Jamie Carragher (508).

The midfielder’s qualities were highlighted by the fact he won the Premier League Player of the Month award six times.

Gerrard is one of six players from a 23-man shortlist inducted into the Hall of Fame after receiving the most combined votes from the public and the Premier League Panel.

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RUBEN DIAS WINS FWA PREMIER LEAGUE PLAYER OF THE SEASON

Manchester City’s Ruben Dias has won the prestigious Football Writers’ Association Player of the Year award, beating Tottenham’s Harry Kane and City teammate Kevin De Bruyne.

Centre-back Dias has enjoyed a fine debut season at City following his move from Benfica last summer, becoming an integral figure in Pep Guardiola’s title-winning team. He becomes the first defender to win the award since Liverpool’s Steve Nicol in 1989.

Overall, nine City players received votes which accounted for over 50% of those cast and FWA chair Carrie Brown said: “Ruben Dias turned heads soon after his arrival in Manchester, a 23- year-old belying his age with fortitude, steel, a relentless drive for perfection and an almost superhuman ability to read and anticipate phases of play.

“This, while commendable, would not alone qualify a player to win the FWA Footballer of the Year award. One of our founding members, Charles Buchan, prescribed the award to recognise and celebrate a player who ‘by precept and example’ is considered to be the footballer of the year.

“Pep Guardiola improves players, shapes them but at no point, has a new signing arrived into one of Pep’s already trophy-laden teams and exerted such influence.

“Dias has demanded the highest standards which have resulted in the swiftest of upturns in fortune not solely for Dias himself, but team-mates to his left, right, front and centre.

“Ruben Dias is our Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year for his leadership on and off the pitch as much as for the infectious joy he derives from executing the art of defending to perfection.”

Dias, 23, started in City’s Carabao Cup final win over Tottenham on April 25, and will look to feature in the club’s first-ever Champions League final against Chelsea on May 29. The Portugal international has made 61 appearances for club and country so far this season.

He signed for City from Benfica for £68 million plus add-ons and quickly imposed himself at the heart of Guardiola’s defence.

“He’s not just a player who plays good, he’s a player who makes the other guys play good too,” the City manager said in February.

“It’s 90 minutes talking, 90 minutes communicating, 90 minutes saying what they have to do in every single action. When that happens, [he is] undroppable.”

Voted for by the FWA members since 1947, the first recipient of the award was Sir Stanley Matthews. Dias succeeds last year’s winner, Liverpool’s Jordan Henderson.