Gary Neville has sent a message to Manchester United’s Jesse Lingard after criticism emerged that the club had not given the 29-year-old a proper send-off.
Lingard has spent most of his career to date on the books of Manchester United but, despite excelling in a six-month loan spell with West Ham last season, Lingard has seen his opportunities very limited this term.
The midfielder has made 16 league appearances, but only three of those have come as a starter.
And, with Lingard’s contract up this summer, he is expected to leave the club for free next month.
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As a result, there was seemingly some expectation from the Lingard camp that he would be allowed to make on final appearance at Old Trafford during United’s final home game of the season vs Brentford.
Lingard, though, did not make it off the bench, leading to some criticism from his brother on social media:
Gary Neville has since responded this Lingard’s lack of send-off, simply stating that sometimes it just doesn’t work out:
“There was a lot of nonsense spoken about Lingard,” Neville said on The Gary Neville Podcast. “He’s been at the club a long time and done a good job.
“I’ve seen Bryan Robson and Steve Bruce not play in their last games for the club and not get a send-off in cup finals. They were both great captains and one of them probably is the greatest captain Manchester United have ever had.
“They didn’t get the send-off they wanted so I’m not sure why Lingard deserved it. I was thrown away in West Brom in a toilet – sometimes it just doesn’t work out, Jesse!”
As the season heads towards its end, there is still plenty to play for across the whole Premier League, with relegation, Champions League places and the Champion still to be decided in the final two games (or three, for some).
That means that there is still time for heroes to come forward, and for some to crack. 101 take a look at who excelled, and who struggled, over the weekend.
HOT: Eddie Nketiah
Kept out of the side by an underperforming Alexandre Lacazette for most of the season, Eddie Nketiah has seized his chance firmly with both hands, netting another brace against Leeds United to hand Arsenal another three points and take his goal tally to four in his last four Premier League appearances.
It is perhaps somewhat ironic that a man seemingly set to leave for free this summer is pushing Arsenal to the Champions League, but as his stock continues to rise, his options for his next club continue to improve.
HOT: Everton
Every time a side looks dead and buried, they put together a run of results that defy that idea. Frank Lampard’s Everton are the latest, backing up their 1-0 win over Chelsea with a 2-1 victory against Leicester City.
It means that they move a point clear of the drop zone, with a game in hand on both sides below them, as they look to escape the drop. And, while they are indebted to goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, they are picking up vital points.
HOT: Raheem Sterling
Sterling has only seen limited gametime in recent weeks, thanks to the resurgence of Gabriel Jesus, but issued a timely reminder of his qualities in Manchester City’s 5-0 win over Newcastle United.
50 – Raheem Sterling’s opener was his 50th Premier League goal at the Etihad Stadium, becoming the second player to reach the milestone at the ground after Sergio Aguero (106). Nifty. pic.twitter.com/hFebSHqvYQ
The English forward netted twice and was a threat all game, becoming the player with the most goals in the Guardiola era in the process. His contract situation needs to be sorted ASAP.
NOT: Manchester United
To go from being on the right end of hammerings to the wrong, you only have to cross Manchester. A pathetic performance from Ralf Rangnick’s Red Devils saw them suffer their fifth straight away defeat as they were battered 4-0 by a Brighton side that could not believe their luck.
Manchester United have lost by 4+ goals in as many Premier League games this season as they did in Sir Alex Ferguson’s entire time in charge of the club pic.twitter.com/skLLbCVqvY
Time and time again the Seagulls cut through United, who offered little threat themselves. The club are in dire need of a drastic change.
NOT: Watford
A tame 1-0 defeat meant that Watford became the second side this season to be confirmed to be playing Championship football next season, following Norwich straight back down just 12 months after securing promotion.
BREAKING: Watford have been relegated to the Championship after defeat to Crystal Palace.
The sorry 1-0 loss to Crystal Palace, doubly painful as it was Roy Hodgson’s old club that condemned them, means they are likely to lose the likes of Ismaila Sarr and Emmanuel Dennis this summer. They need to find a better plan for success than sacking three managers a season.
NOT: Leeds United and Luke Ayling
Luke Ayling marked his 500th career appearance with an early bath that ensured he will sit out the final three games of the season, contributing to a tame Leeds United defeat. The Yorkshire side replaced iconic boss Marcelo Bielsa but Jesse Marsch has not brought an improvement in results.
As a result, they sit in the relegation zone, and with games against Chelsea, Brighton and Brentford to come before the end of the campaign, they need to find a way to pick up points quickly.
Paul Pogba has reportedly snubbed a switch to Manchester City when his contract with Manchester United runs out this summer, favouring a move abroad amid interest from European giants.
The Frenchman will leave Old Trafford this summer as a free transfer, six years after joining for a then-record fee of £90m. An injury that forced him off during his side’s 4-0 hammering to Liverpool has meant that he has already played his final game for the club, racking up 39 goals and 51 assists in 233 games for the Red Devils.
And, a shock twist came at the beginning of May, when it was revealed that city-rivals Manchester City had made an audacious attempt to take the Frenchman to the Etihad this summer, with Guardiola looking to bolster his midfield and feeling that Pogba’s skillset was well suited to his side.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – APRIL 16: Paul Pogba of Manchester United reacts during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Norwich City at Old Trafford on April 16, 2022 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
However, as per the Athletic, the 29-year-old is set to snub the offer made by Guardiola and co., choosing to leave England instead, perhaps understandably given his constant scapegoating in the media.
‘The 2018 World Cup winner is understood to have received a flattering proposal from City and gave serious contemplation to the five-time Premier League champions’, David Ornstein reports.
However, ‘Pogba’s representatives are believed to have informed City that the France international is to continue his career at a different team’, he adds.
Where will he go?
Given his high wage demands, only a handful of clubs can afford to even contemplate signing Pogba. However, those that can are keen. Real Madrid, Paris Saint Germain and former side Juventus are all in the race to lure Pogba to their club, though no decision has been made by the 29-year-old yet.
In two of the three cases, he would be joining the reigning champions of their league, with all three sure to be playing Champions League football next season.
2021/22 has been a season to forget for Manchester United. The Red Devils had what, on paper, looked an excellent summer transfer window.
They would sign Jadon Sancho, Raphael Varane and Cristiano Ronaldo – all three world-class players with plenty of experience at the highest level.
However, though said signings were expected to help United, who finished 2nd last season, challenge the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City for the title, that has not come close to transpiring.
A dejected Cristiano Ronaldo during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Manchester United at American Express Community Stadium. (Photo by Matthew Ashton – AMA/Getty Images)
Instead, the once great Manchester United are on course for their worst-ever finish to a Premier League campaign.
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What is Manchester United’s worst Premier League finish?
Given Sir Alex Ferguson helped United dominate the Premier League from its inception in 1992 to his retirement in 2013, Manchester United have not had that many terrible finishes.
However, since Ferguson left, Manchester United have experienced a massive decline. 2012/13 saw United amass 89 points to clinch the title, but the club have managed to reach the 80-point mark just once since then – in 2017/18 under Jose Mourinho.
Outside of that, United have had two campaigns that ended in them securing 70 or more points, with the remainder all ending in the 60s.
That worst of that bunch came immediately after SAF retired, with David Moyes and then interim boss Ryan Giggs taking the club to a dismal 64 points in 2013/14.
So, given Manchester United are currently only on 58 points and have one game left to play of the current campaign, they are now guaranteed to set a new record for their lowest points total in the Premier League.
The fee Barcelona are set to net following their Champions League qualification has been revealed.
Barcelona would secure their spot in the 2022/23 Champions League on Saturday evening. Xavi Hernandez and co. took on Real Betis, looking to put an end to their patchy run of form that included a surprise Europa League exit at the hands of Eintracht Frankfurt.
And, when all was said and done at the Benito Villamarin, that is exactly what Barca managed.
La Blaugrana took the lead in the tie after 76 minutes via Ansu Fati:
Barcelona then pulled one back just three minutes later via Marc Bartra. However, Barcelona were able to snatch a winner at the death via Jordi Alba.
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Barcelona’s Champions League funds
And, as Real Betis are currently 5th in La Liga, a win over them was enough to ensure Barcelona have secured a top-four place with three games left to play.
Given Barcelona were outside of the top-four and there was even some doubt they would secure a Europa League space when Xavi took charge, the former midfielder has done a decent job of getting Barcelona up to 2nd in La Liga.
Now, Mundo Deportivo have revealed how much Barcelona will earn from their Champions League spot.
The Spanish giants are guaranteed to earn just under 50 million euros simply for qualifying for Europe’s most coveted club competition, over 40 million euros more than they would have netted for a Europa League place.
Barcelona are guaranteed to earn €49.75m just for qualifying to the Champions League. Qualifying to the Europa League would have just earned the club €7.85m.
Mikel Arteta has provided a fresh injury update on Ben White ahead of Arsenal’s next outing.
White has been a staple of the Gunners’ backline throughout 2021/22 and, despite a pretty shaky start to the campaign, hehas been a solid edition for the north Londoners.
However, the Englishman has missed Arsenal’s last several games, including their 2-1 win over Leeds United on Sunday.
Arsenal dominated that match and, despite conceding to Diego Llorente in the second half, were able to see off the Peacocks with relative ease.
And now, speaking after that game, Mikel Arteta has provided an update on White, confirming that the form Brighton stopper is expected to be available for the upcoming north London derby.
“I think so [he’ll be available against Tottenham],” Arteta said. “He’s starting to do a little bit of work on the pitch. We want everyone available.”
Arteta on Ben White’s fitness:
“I think so [he’ll be available against Tottenham]. He’s starting to do a little bit of work on the pitch. We want everyone available.”
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Arsenal vs Tottenham
Arsenal will face Tottenham this coming Thursday in the final north London derby of the season.
It is a huge tie for both teams, with a spot in next season’s Champions League very much on the line.
Arsenal head into the game occupying that coveted 4th spot and, thanks to Spurs’ draw with Liverpool on Saturday, Mikel Arteta and co. now boast a four-point lead over their bitter rivals.
As a result, if Arsenal win on Thursday, they will secure a Champions League place for the first time since 2017.
Arsenal are facing competition for £40m rated Youri Tielemans as Real Madrid stand ready to pounce on the Belgian should the Gunners fail to qualify for Champions League football this season.
The Leicester City central midfielder is set to leave the King Power Stadium this summer, with just one year left to run on his contract in the midlands at the end of this season and no signs that he is planning on penning a new one.
This means that he will be available at a cut-price, with a fee as low as £25m even being mentioned for the 24-year-old, who is valued at double that by transfermarkt.
Leicester City’s Youri Tielemans during the Premier League match at the King Power Stadium, Leicester. Picture date: Saturday April 23, 2022. (Photo by Mike Egerton/PA Images via Getty Images)
It has caught the attention of Arsenal, who are keen to strengthen in central midfield this summer. And, as per the Sun, ‘there is growing confidence from the player’s camp and the Emirates club that Tielemans will be an Arsenal player next season’
Real Madrid in the wings
However, there is a catch, in the form of Champions League football, with Real Madrid waiting in the wings should the Gunners fail to make 4th in the Premier League table their own.
And the Spanish side would have little problem convincing the Belgian to swap England for Spain.
As per Belgian football journalist Sacha Tavolieri, Tielemans has already told those closest to him that he would prefer a move to Spain over remaining in England this summer.
He claims that ‘Youri Tielemans told those around him his preference for a departure to Spain’, something which means that the likes of both Madrid sides and Barcelona will surely be taking notice.
In the case of Los Blancos, it could be a formality, with Tavolieri adding that ‘Real Madrid, interested, could position themselves concretely in the coming weeks’.
That, however, depends on how Arsenal finish the season.
An insight into the members of Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea squad who could yet feature in a crucial clash for the club’s U23s later this weekend has been provided on Saturday.
For those not aware, the Blues’ up-and-coming crop of academy talent are currently in the midst of a battle against the drop.
Just a year on from finishing as runners-up to Manchester City in the Premier League 2 table, Andy Myers’ troops have seen their form fall off a cliff, now sitting two points from safety with a solitary game to play.
With Leeds United above them having already seen out their 26th and final outing of the season, though, Chelsea are aware that a victory over capital rivals Tottenham on Sunday would see them stave off relegation by a solitary point.
In turn, speaking on Friday, Thomas Tuchel admitted that he is open to the prospect of members of his first-team setup featuring at Cobham in a little over 12 hours’ time.
“Of course, we hope for the very best and at the same time we play here with the under-23s,” the German explained. “A crucial match to avoid relegation and it will maybe involve some players for us we will see what is on Saturday.”
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – MAY 01: Thomas Tuchel looks dejected during the Premier League match between Everton and Chelsea at Goodison Park on May 1, 2022 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. (Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
During his latest press conference on Saturday evening, it therefore came as little surprise when the subject of tomorrow’s clash was put to Tuchel once more.
And the Chelsea headmaster went on to reiterate that not only could several of his senior stars feature versus Tottenham, but so too could a number of the Pensioners’ loan army.
Just who, though, is likely to make up this contingent of stars?
Well, an insight into precisely that has been provided this evening.
As per Chelsea insider Nizaar Kinsella, Malang Sarr and Trevoh Chalobah currently represent the most likely senior figures primed to link up with Andy Myers’ squad.
In addition, all of Henry Lawrence, Juan Castillo and Mason Burstow, fresh off respective loan stints in League One, are expected to be considered for selection.
Tuchel confirmed this in his post-match press conference. Expect Sarr and Chalobah to be considered plus Henry Lawrence, Juan Castillo and Mason Burstow from the League One loans. https://t.co/IWkLQ33Pic
All associated with Chelsea will of course be hoping that the club’s U23s fare better tomorrow afternoon than their senior equivalents did earlier today.
This comes with Tuchel and co, fresh off the back of an alarming defeat at the hands of Everton, having allowed a two-goal advantage to slip in a Premier League meeting with Wolves.
After a Romelu Lukaku brace guided the Londoners into what looked an unassailable advantage early in the 2nd-half at Stamford Bridge, Trincao pulled one back ten minutes from time, before Conor Coady ensured that Wolves departed the English capital with a share of the spoils courtesy of a headed equaliser a full six minutes into injury time.
A last-gasp winner on the part of Jordi Alba on Saturday evening ensured that Spanish giants Barcelona will be plying their trade amongst the elite of European football once more in the 2022/23 campaign.
Xavi Hernandez’s troops were of course back in action a short time ago.
Fresh off a much-needed return to winning ways at the expense of RCD Mallorca last time out, the Blaugrana made the trip to the Estadio Benito Villamarin, for a La Liga showdown with Real Betis.
And, when all was said and done, a pulsating affair culminated in Barca making it two wins from two, in the most spectacular fashion imaginable.
The evening’s scoring was opened fifteen minutes from time, when youngster Ansu Fati, after being introduced off the bench for his first appearance since January, did superbly to control a floated ball from the left, before turning and picking out the bottom corner of Betis’ net with a clever effort back across goal:
The visitors were soon pegged back, though, as former Blaugrana defender Marc Bartra nodded home from Nabil Fekir’s free-kick to set up a tense final ten minutes.
Then, just when it appeared as though proceedings were set to fizzle out into a 1-1 stalemate, what proved the game’s winner was forthcoming.
With a full 93 minutes on the clock, a lofted ball to the back post was met in sumptuous fashion by Jordi Alba, who thundered a volley into the roof of the net to ensure that Barcelona would return to Catalunya in possession of all three points:
Barca, in turn, have now officially booked their spot in next season’s Champions League, having climbed a full 11 points clear of 5th-placed Betis in the La Liga table.
Much credit, of course, must go to Xavi for this achievement, with the Blaugrana having been stuck in the depths of mid-table upon his return to the club late last year, and now sitting pretty in 2nd, with the future looking an altogether bright one at the Camp Nou.
Burnley have this afternoon been dealt a potentially costly blow on the personnel front, amid the club’s meeting with Aston Villa.
The player forced out of proceedings? James Tarkowski.
Stopper Tarkowski was, as expected, in from the off on Saturday, joining Nathan Collins at the heart of defence as Mike Jackson’s relegation-battling Clarets made the trip to Villa Park.
Early in the 2nd-half, however, disaster struck, as Burnley’s captain was forced to limp out of proceedings.
Tarkowski appeared to pick up a muscular problem of some sort, leaving him with little choice but to make way for Kevin Long, ahead of a potential spell on the sidelines over the weeks ahead.
Tarkowski’s injury, though, actually marks just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the woes facing Burnley thus far at Villa Park.
In addition, the day’s visitors look well on their way to a damaging, and altogether deserved defeat.
A dismal display in the Midlands currently sees Mike Jackson’s men trailing by three goals to nil, owing to strikes on the part of all of Danny Ings, Emi Buendia and Ollie Watkins.
Beautiful football again! 😍
Buendía switches to Digne, who finds McGinn, who puts it on a plate for Watkins to head home! 👌
Should Burnley, in turn, fail to turn things around courtesy of a frankly unlikely comeback over the remainder of the 2nd-half, they will remain in 16th in the Premier League table, with both Leeds (1) and Everton (2) directly below them in possession of crucial games in hand.
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