..::Football IV::..

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Ranieri scoops LMA Manager of the Year award

Claudio Ranieri collected another prestigious accolade after being named the League Managers Association's (LMA) Manager of the Year on Monday.The Italian was an obvious choice, having led Leicester City from Premier League relegation candidates to champions in his first season at the club.

Ranieri's no-fuss approach took Leciester's more established Premier League contenders by surprise as they lost just three league matches all season on the way to claiming one of the greatest sporting triumphs.

Their eventual winning margin was 10 points over next-best Arsenal, who pipped rivals Tottenham into second place on the final day of the season.
Ranieri's efforts also won him the LMA Premier League Manager of the Year award along with the association's top gong, becoming just the second non-British manager to win the award after Arsene Wenger (2002, 2004).

Brighton and Hove Albion's Chris Hughton was named the Championship Manager of the Year, League Two Manager of the Year went to Northampton Town's Chris Wilder, while the League One award went to Wigan's Gary Caldwell.

Also recognised on the night was LMA Special Achievement award-winner Michael O'Neill for his efforts with Northern Ireland, whom he led to Euro 2016 qualification.

 

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Barclays Premier League Final Fixture 2016.05.17

Barclays Premier League Final Fixture 2016.05.17

(Rearranged)

Manchester United Vs Bournemouth

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Good Luck Manchester United!

Kohomahari win karamu ada match 1ka​

 

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Man Utd offer for Ibrahimovic 'not factual' - Raiola

Zlatan Ibrahimovic's agent has cooled talk of his client moving to Manchester United after claiming reports of an offer from the club are untrue.

Mino Raiola says the reports - mostly originating from France - suggesting that United have made a concrete offer to the Sweden international are "not factual."
"In this world we have to accept some journalists use their imagination and make things up," Raiola told Sky Sports.

Ibrahimovic says he already knows where his next destination will be after making his final appearance for PSG - a 4-0 win over Nantes on Saturday in which he scored a brace.

The 34-year-old's deal with PSG is set to expire next month making him a free agent, and the mercurial forward remains in demand from all corners of the globe despite his age, and Graeme Souness has urged United to move quickly in order to rediscover their "spark"."I'd certainly like to see him in the Premier League, I'm a fan of his,” he told Sky Sports.

"They need something to light a fire if they are not going to be in the Champions League. I can go back to George Best and Wille Morgan on the wings to David Beckham and Ryan Giggs.

"These people got you on the edge of your seat and United have not been that for a couple of years."Ibrahimovic would give you that. He'd get you on the edge of your seat and would that stadium and that pressure overawe him? Not at all.

"I think he could be the catalyst for United to get back to somewhere where you're watching them play the kind of football that you associate with Manchester United - the football that got you on the edge of your seat.

"Pay him what he wants, which would be a shed load of money and you'd certainly get one great year out of him and you might even get two great years out of him."
Milan have been linked with a move for Ibrahimovic - who played for the Serie A club between 2010 and 2012 - while MLS clubs are also interested.

 

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Ibra gatthoth nam watinawa​

 

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Gotze would fit in well at Liverpool, says Firmino

Bayern Munich midfielder Mario Gotze would shine under Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool, according to Roberto Firmino. Gotze has been heavily tipped to leave Bayern in the summer after sliding down the pecking order at the club this season.

The 23-year-old has been strongly linked with a move back to Borussia Dortmund, while reports also suggest he could join former manager Klopp at Anfield. And Firmino, who played against Gotze several times during his four-year stint in the Bundesliga with Hoffenheim, feels Gotze would be a perfect fit at Liverpool.

"Gotze I still know well from my time in Germany, when I played with Hoffenheim against Borussia Dortmund and Bayern," the Brazilian told Bild. "He has incredible qualities in attack.

"He would fit in well with us and will surely help us with his class also."Firmino is preparing to play in his second cup final since joining Liverpool last summer as they gear up to face Sevilla in the Europa League final on Wednesday.

The Brazilian believes defending champions Sevilla will prove to be tough opponents on the night but is confident Liverpool can pull through and get their hands on the trophy.The 24-year-old said: "We have worked over the entire season so hard and deserve this final.

"But Sevilla is probably the most difficult opponents we could have faced. But we have beaten Dortmund and we won't hide."In Basle we have to deliver our maximum again."

 

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Two defeats could cause Man Utd pre-season chaos

Manchester United’s summer plans could be thrown into disarray should they lose to Bournemouth on Tuesday and fail to win Saturday’s FA Cup final against Crystal Palace.

The 20-time English champions have organised a lucrative summer tour to China, incorporating friendly matches with Borussia Dortmund on July 22 and Manchester City three days later. They have also scheduled a testimonial fixture for Wayne Rooney at Old Trafford on August 3 against the club captain’s former club Everton.

However, United would find themselves having to begin their 2016-17 Europa League campaign on July 28 should they lose their final two games of this season, causing havoc with their carefully-organised schedule over the summer months.

Defeat to Eddie Howe’s Bournemouth in Tuesday’s rearranged Premier League closer would see United end their season in sixth place, while Wembley heartbreak on Saturday would deny them another direct route to the Europa League group stage.

That eventuality could in turn force a rethink to the club’s participation in the International Champions Cup in China, with a Europa League third qualifying round first-leg fixture set to be played just three days after their final commitment in the Far East on July 25.

The second leg is scheduled for August 4, meaning Rooney’s benefit match, which will see four charities sharing the gate receipts, may have to be cancelled or at least postponed since it is currently pencilled in 24 hours before the Europa League return date.

Louis van Gaal’s side can still theoretically qualify for the Champions League at the expense of neighbours Manchester City but would need a 19-goal win over Bournemouth to finish fourth. Any other result will leave them in the Europa League, with a draw enough to guarantee entry into the group stage.

 

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Wickham: Manchester United's fake 'bomb scare' could help them for the FA Cup final

Connor Wickham has warned that Manchester United's 'bomb' debacle could help the squad in the FA Cup final, as Crystal Palace set their sights on taking down the giants at Wembley.

Manchester United's final game of the season against Bournemouth was cancelled after a suspected explosive device had been detected in the Old Trafford stands, which ultimately turned out to be a dummy training prop.

United were competing with Manchester City and West Ham on the final game for the final Champions League spot, but the Citizens' draw with Swansea practically assured them fourth place ahead of Tuesday's rescheduled clash. "It was extraordinary what happened," Wickham told reporters, suggesting that Louis van Gaal could now rest first-teamers for the Wembley visit.

"Obviously there was a bit of disbelief at how quickly it all unfolded. But we’re not part of that. Now their Champions League place is pretty much gone they might play a very different team on Tuesday. Our focus is on ourselves."

"It’s more that it’s disrupted that weekend. They were ready to go out and they got evacuated. It’s up to them what team they play but their Champions League hopes are gone so their main focus will be on us."Manchester United only need a draw to finish above Southampton to guarantee Europa League football, but an FA Cup final win would buoy the club after almost three years without silverware.

Crystal Palace, meanwhile, have ended the season poorly and finished in 15th place in the Premier League despite a strong start, but Wickham's semi-final goal landed them a place in the FA Cup decider.

"We know how good United are. They are used to playing two games a week. They will be ready for us. We have to make sure we’re better than them," the forward affirmed.

"Obviously they will rotate players and make a lot of changes. They will want to keep some players ticking over and give them some minutes but I’d expect them to make changes."

 

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Diego Costa, Cazorla, Mata & Torres ALL left out of Spain's Euro 2016 squad

Spain manager Vicente Del Bosque has left Chelsea striker Diego Costa, Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata and Arsenal star Santi Cazorla out of his preliminary 25-man squad for this summer's European Championships.

The Chelsea striker struggled for form in the first half of the season as the Blues endured a torrid start to the campaign, but he ended the season with 16 goals in all competitions, leading to hope that he may be included in his country's selection for the tournament in France.However, Del Bosque has overlooked the 27-year-old, instead selecting Alvaro Morata, Aritz Aduriz and Nolito as his striking options.

Fernando Torres, who has enjoyed something of a career renaissance at Atletico Madrid, also misses out on the squad, along with a number of Premier League stars.

Manchester United midfielder Mata has not been selected by Del Bosque, despite making over 50 appearances for Louis van Gaal's men, and proving a rare bright spot for the Red Devils in a season that has seen them slip to sixth in the Premier League.Arsenal star Cazorla also misses out, while his Gunners team-mate Hector Bellerin has only been named on the back-up list.

Bellerin enjoyed a fine season at club level, winning plenty of plaudits as Arsene Wenger's men finished second in the Premier League, but Juanfran and Dani Carvajal will, fitness permitting, serve as Del Bosque's right-back options in France.

 

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Mourinho: No Manchester United deal in place

Jose Mourinho has again denied he has a deal in place to take over at Manchester United this summer.

The Portuguese has been out of work since he was sacked by Chelsea last December following a poor defence to the Premier League title, but he has suggested more than once that a return to management is on the cards ahead of the 2016-17 season.

Mourinho has been heavily linked with a move to United, with Louis van Gaal's future still under scrutiny, while more recent speculation has suggested that the former Real Madrid manager is in talks with PSG.However, Mourinho is adamant that he does not have an agreement in place with any club.

"With nobody," Mourinho told Sky Sports when asked whether a deal is in place with Manchester United."I go to Montreal for the Grand Prix and carry on enjoying my life."

Mourinho remains the favourite to replace Van Gaal at United ahead of next season, with the Dutchman set to fail in his bid to take United into the top four.
The Red Devils face AFC Bournemouth on Tuesday and know that they need a 19-0 victory to overhaul Manchester City and qualify for the Champions League.

 

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Schweinsteiger named in Germany's provisional Euro 2016 squad

Bastian Schweinsteiger has been included in Germany's provisional squad for Euro 2016.

Head coach Joachim Low has opted to hand a place to his captain despite the Manchester United midfielder having made just one Premier League appearance since January as the result of a knee injury.

Mario Gomez has been rewarded for firing Besiktas to the Turkish Super Lig title with a place in the squad, while rising stars Julian Weigl, Joshua Kimmich and Leroy Sane have also been earned spots, along with the uncapped Julian Brandt.

"We have watched them for a long time," Low said of the youngsters. "Sane is incredibly fast, Weigl has played a good role for Dortmund."Kimmich is someone who can play in a number of positions. Brandt is technically gifted and fast."

Low admits they will monitor the fitness of Schweinsteiger closely before making a final decision on whether to take him to France - and who should replace him as captain if he remains at home.

"He's still injured but he's running again," he said. "We must wait and see when he will be back. If he doesn't make it in time, we'll decide who will be captain. But he will be decisive when he is fit."

Low also insists that Lukas Podolski - who has enjoyed an improved campaign with Galatasaray - can still make a decisive impact on the international stage."Lukas still has huge sporting value, even if some people can't understand that," he said. "He can still bring the performance that we expect of him."

Germany squad in full:

Goalkeepers: Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich), Bernd Leno (Bayer Leverkusen), Marc-Andre ter Stegen (Barcelona)

Defenders: Jerome Boateng (Bayern Munich), Emre Can (Liverpool), Jonas Hector (Cologne), Benedikt Howedes (Schalke), Mats Hummels (Borussia Dortmund), Shkodran Mustafi (Valencia), Sebastian Ruby (Hoffenheim), Antonio Rudiger (Roma)

Midfielders: Karim Bellarabi (Bayer Leverkusen), Julian Brandt (Bayer Leverkusen), Julian Draxler (Wolfsburg), Mario Gotze (Bayern Munich), Sami Khedira (Juventus), Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich), Toni Kroos (Real Madrid), Mesut Ozil (Arsenal), Leroy Sane (Schalke), Bastian Schweinsteiger (Manchester United), Julian Weigl (Borussia Dortmund)

Forwards: Mario Gomez (Besiktas), Thomas Muller (Bayern Munich), Lukas Podolski (Galatasaray), Marco Reus (Borussia Dortmund), Andre Schurrle (Wolfsburg)

 

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Higuain better than Suarez - Toni

Luca Toni believes record-breaking Napoli striker Gonzalo Higuain has shown this season that he is better than Barcelona's Luis Suarez.

Higuain netted a hat-trick in Napoli's 4-0 win over Frosinone at the weekend to take his tally to 36 goals in Serie A this season, eclipsing Gunnar Nordahl's record of 35 set back in 1950.The 28-year-old finished four goals behind Suarez in the race for the European Golden Shoe, but Toni nevertheless prefers the Napoli man over the Uruguay international.

"I think Higuain has done a fantastic job," Toni told Tiki Taka."He has done something exceptional, also because he has not even played all games.

"Gonzalo is from another planet. For me, he is even stronger than Suarez."Despite Higuain's magnificent efforts, Napoli have been linked with a shock transfer for Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who is due to leave Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer.

However Toni believes a move for the Sweden international would only work if Napoli were to switch to a formation with two strikers."Ibrahimovic to Napoli would be difficult," he added. "Higuain has been doing really well already.

"Unless they would be playing up front together."

 

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I want to stay at Roma, insists Nainggolan

Radja Nainggolan has reiterated he does not want to leave Roma and is desperate for Miralem Pjanic to reject a move to Juventus.Nainggolan has been heavily linked with a summer transfer to Chelsea, with incoming boss Antonio Conte reportedly having identified him as a primary target.

Pjanic, on the other hand, is reportedly the subject of interest from Serie A champions Juve and the 26-year-old is understood to have a buyout clause of €38million in his contract.

Nainggolan, however, says he has made it clear to Roma officials that he has no desire to leave and hopes Pjanic remains a team-mate of his at the Stadio Olimpico."I want to stay, the club know my thoughts perfectly well," he said, as quoted by Il Tempo.

"If it [Pjanic joining Juve] happens, I won't talk to him any more! Having said that, maybe in the end Pjanic will stay and I will go.

"No, that's just a joke. I want to stay at Roma."Roma president James Pallotta underlined the club's determination to keep hold of the star duo last week.

"I have already said that we will not sell Pjanic and Nainggolan," Pallotta told La Gazzetta dello Sport."I want to see them continue in the jersey of Roma."

 

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Manchester United bore me to death - Schmeichel

Former Manchester United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel says he has been "bored to death" by their displays this season.Barring a miraculous 19-goal victory over Bournemouth on Tuesday, the 20-time English champions will miss out on a top-four finish for the second time in three seasons.

Manager Louis van Gaal has come in for consistent criticism this season for both his team's results and a style of play perceived to be at odds with the attacking football championed by club greats Sir Alex Ferguson and Sir Matt Busby.

And Schmeichel - who won five Premier League titles and the Champions League in a glittering career at Old Trafford - says Van Gaal has taken them backwards with his cautious tactics.

"Manchester United - a club that I love and have followed since I was a kid - have bored me to death this season," he told Sky Sports.

"We are one of those clubs that has been dragged in completely the wrong direction. We never used to play football the way we play now. We never played for 1-0 and then defend. We always went for the second goal and the third.

"All the hard work that Sir Alex put in to recover what was there from Sir Matt Busby has been undone in a very short period of time. I, as a fan, want to be winning but to entertain equally as much too. I want exciting players."

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been linked with a possible move to United, although agent Mino Raiola says the Sweden star - who will leave Paris Saint-Germain after Saturday's Coupe de France final - has not yet received a contract offer from the club.Schmeichel has previously urged United to sign the former Barcelona and AC Milan forward and he believes he could be the right man to reinvigorate the dressing room.

"I read about Zlatan Ibrahimovic in the newspapers. I would love for him to come to Manchester United, I've said this for a long time. He was born to play for Manchester United," he said.

"He's like an Eric Cantona, who can inspire all the guys in the dressing room but also the supporters. That's what it's all about. It's not about having a Sunday nap at Old Trafford."

 

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Carrick facing Man Utd exit after family 'goodbyes'

Michael Carrick could be set for a final Old Trafford appearance as a Manchester United player on Tuesday following indications on Sunday that his family were set for an emotional farewell.

Carrick, who joined United in 2006 from Tottenham, has remained a constant during a raft of changes at the club in recent years but has not yet been offered a contract to stay beyond this summer.

And Goal sources have revealed that the 34-year-old appeared set to wave goodbye to friends and team-mates at Sunday’s Premier League closer against Bournemouth until the abandonment of the fixture due to the discovery of a suspicious package.

While the club had agreed to have 11 mascots walk out with the team on Sunday wearing shirts bearing the names of characters from the new movie X-Men: Apocalypse, a decision was made to also allow Carrick’s two children to be added to the procession ahead of kick-off.

And while Carrick himself was said to be ‘noticeably down’ before the dramatic events which delayed the game by two days, sources also spotted his wife, Lisa, having poignant photographs taken with long-time friends and employees of the club.

Although this is not the first time Carrick’s contract has been allowed to reach its final year, he has always previously been offered a new deal some months before expiry.

However, the club has so far done little to assure the midfielder of his future and the latest developments, coupled with uncertainty about manager Louis van Gaal’s own position, have led to clear signs the former England star’s days at Old Trafford may well be numbered.

As Goal reported in March, Newcastle United had been among a number of Premier League clubs taking an interest in Carrick, but their relegation to the Championship could open the way for other interested parties.

Carrick has played a total of 419 appearances for Manchester United, scoring 23 goals in his 10 seasons at the club, but has started only 21 league matches so far this term.

 

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Griezmann demands 'perfect' performance in Champions League final

Antoine Griezmann has called on Atletico Madrid to deliver a "perfect" performance in the Champions League final.Diego Simeone's side edged past Bayern Munich on away goals after a 2-2 aggregate draw in the last four and will meet their city rivals in the final at San Siro for the second time in three seasons.

Griezmann, who joined from Real Sociedad after Atletico were beaten 4-1 by Madrid in Lisbon in 2014, is desperate for his side to deliver this year in order to cap what he believes has been an impressive campaign.

"Collectively, we've had a great year. The team has played as well as possible and we really should be happy with the season we've had," Griezmann told the club's official website after being named the fans' player of the year.

"The goal was to be in the top three. We gave our all until the end and we are happy with our level and qualification for the Champions League and hopefully we can raise that next year."It's a final, a very nice match for all the players, for the club, for the fans... We're very excited.

"We will have to play a perfect match and I trust my team-mates to be prepared."

 

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Barclays Premier League 2015/16 Season Finale 2016.05.17

Manchester United Vs Bournemouth

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Manchester United Starting Line-up​

De Gea
Valencia
Smalling
Blind
Borthwick-Jackson
Carrick
Rooney
Mata
Lingard
Martial
Rashford​

&​

Bournemouth Starting Line-up​

Federici
Francis
Elphick
Cook
Daniels
Ritchie
Gosling
Surman
Pugh
King
Wilson​

 

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Good Luck Manchester United!

Kohomahari Match 1ka Win Karamu

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