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      Robert Lewandowski opens up on ‘special’ Jurgen Klopp, his failed Man Utd transfer and eating dessert before his main

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      ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI has described Jurgen Klopp as a “special” man in a fitting tribute to the outgoing Liverpool manager.SunSport exclusively sat down with the legendary striker to discuss his old Borussia Dortmund boss, a failed move to Manchester United, the Euros, and the real story behind him eating dessert before main meals.Robert Lewandowski sat down with SunSport for an exclusive interview in BarcelonaThe former Borussia Dortmund striker gave a touching tribute to Jurgen KloppCredit: Bongarts – GettyThe interview was in honour of his partnership with gaming company G2ABut we start with Klopp – who said farewell to Anfield on Sunday after a stellar nine years at the club.Lewandowski, 35, spent four seasons playing under Klopp at Dortmund during which he scored 103 goals in 187 games.Prior to Bayer Leverkusen’s recent triumph, Dortmund were the last team to topple Bayern Munich and clinch the Bundesliga title when they won back-to-back championships in 2011 and 2012.Klopp’s side also reached the Champions League final in 2013, losing to Bayern at Wembley.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd Lewandowski has nothing but fond memories of his time with the iconic German coach.’I still have amazing contact with Klopp’Speaking about Klopp at the announcement of his partnership with gaming company G2A, he said: “He’s just special as a man, not only as a coach.”I think that he wrote the new history of the Liverpool because he won everything.”When I saw what’s happened in the last game, not even the last game, even last week, he is still not only the legend but he’s the person who you loved and you love him because not only what he won, what he did on the pitch, but everything around [him] and you understood that this man is special.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSRobert Lewandowski major honoursMajor honours won by Robert Lewandowski:
      Lech Poznan: Polish league, Polish Cup, Polish Super Cup
      Borussia Dortmund: Bundesliga x2, German Cup, German Super Cup
      Bayern Munich: Bundesliga x8, German Cup x3, German Super Cup x5, Champions League, Uefa Super Cup, Club World Cup
      Barcelona: LaLiga, Spanish Super Cup
      Individual awards: Best Fifa Men’s Player x2, European Golden Shoe x2, Uefa Men’s Player of the Year, Uefa Team of the Year x2, Bundesliga Player of the Season x2, Bundesliga top scorer x7, Bundesliga Team of the Season x9, Bayern Munich Player of the Season x3, LaLiga Team of the Season x2

      “When I was with him in Dortmund I had and still have with him amazing contact because I know everything he does is pure.”He never lied. Even the tough decisions or tough conversations he said to you exactly what he wanted to say, not what you wanted to hear.Robert Lewandowski pays tribute to Jurgen Klopp”So it’s different. Always he was clear with the players, with the people. And in the end for sure he was clear with himself. And that’s why everything what he did for Liverpool, for this club, for the players, for sure that’s staying with him for the next years.”For one side it’s very sad that he’s leaving. But he knew that he needed a break. To be the coach not only of Liverpool but to be the coach of a top club costs a lot of energy. It’s a difficult job, very tough.”I’m very grateful for everything what he did, what kind of person he is. And I think that so many fans are going to miss him.”So nearly a Red DevilLewandowski wanted to join Manchester United by Dortmund blocked the dealCredit: PA:Empics SportLewandowski insisted he ‘could not say no’ when Sir Alex Ferguson called himCredit: GettyLewandowski left Dortmund for Bayern in 2014, one year before Klopp also departed the Westfalenstadion.But his exit could have come much earlier had he been granted his wish to join Man Utd.Red Devils boss Sir Alex Ferguson spotted the forward’s supreme talent and was keen to bring him to Old Trafford.Yet despite both Fergie and Lewandowski wanting the move to happen, Dortmund refused to let him go, and instead Manchester United signed Robin van Persie from Arsenal.Recalling that time, the striker said: “I had decided to go to Manchester United. I remember when I was speaking with Sir Alex Ferguson and I was already decided.”I was 22, 23 [years old] and it was after one or two years in Dortmund [when Sir Alex called me]. You cannot say no [to him], it’s the prime of Manchester United, the prime of Sir Alex Ferguson. I was decided, okay, I want to join to Manchester United.”But in the end Dortmund said no. So I had to respect this.”He has not held that decision against Dortmund – insisting it will be a “dream” if they win the Champions League final at Wembley against Real Madrid on June 1.It comes 11 years after he lost with Dortmund at Wembley alongside team-mate Marco Reus – who he hopes is given the most “beautiful” send-off with a European triumph.As a person, Lewandowski has a number of eccentric quirks.They include his love of gaming – particularly anything F1-related – as he revealed his admiration for both Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen.But the main idiosyncrasy he has become known for is eating dessert BEFORE main meals.’I don’t like to mix food’Lewandowski was keen to set the records straight on this tale, elaborating on exactly what the unusual eating habit entails.”If you are talking about lunch, for example, I want to eat dessert like one and a half hours before I’m eating or one and a half hours after the lunch because I don’t like to mix food,” he said.”If you have the sweet things and you mix with protein, for example, if you boil it up, it doesn’t work well. So this is the idea.”I know the story was that I first [eat] dessert and [then] soup, something like that. But yeah, it’s not so correct.”On his dessert of choice, he added: “Chocolate fondant. Hot chocolate with the inside. I am so ready to eat this.”Lewandowski has scored 25 goals for Barcelona this season – the 13th successive campaign he has achieved this goalscoring tally.But, with the Catalan giants set to close out their campaign away at Sevilla on Sunday, they have already been condemned to a trophyless term.Behind the scenes with Robert LewandowskiROBERT LEWANDOWSKI is just as impressive off the pitch as he has been on it for the best part of 20 years, writes SunSport’s Dylan Terry.
      From the moment he walked into the room of 30 or 40 people at the G2A media day, there was a humbleness you would not expect from one of the best players of his generation.
      He then proceeded to give what appeared to be an off-the-cuff speech about his excitement for the partnership – a task many sports stars may have found daunting but which Lewandowski took in his stride.
      Sitting down for the interview, he was quick to ask about my time in Barcelona and how I had found the city.
      He then proceeded to joke that I had “forgotten my sun cream” after catching a glimpse of my redder-than-usual complexion.
      Across the next 15 minutes he was happy to answer anything, speaking with an impressive eloquence and relaxed nature.
      At the end I requested a photo which was warmly received by Lewandowski – who was happy to oblige.
      We shook hands and he wished me the best, before he prepared for his next two interviews in German and Polish.

      Lewandowski backs three teams at EurosNow the Poland captain, who has scored 680 goals in 988 games for club and country, will lead his nation into this summer’s European Championships.A tough group awaits them after they were drawn alongside France, Netherlands and Austria.And Lewandowski believes the French are one of three teams with a realistic chance of glory in Germany – alongside England and Portugal.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe said: “France, I think also England. Also Portugal, I think they can be very dangerous because of the coach, because of the players of this generation.”G2A.COM is the world’s largest and most trusted marketplace for digital entertainment where users can choose from more than 75,000 digital offerings including games, DLCs, in-game items, as well as non-gaming items like gift cards, subscriptions and software.Lewandowski previously revealed he eats dessert before main mealsCredit: InstagramLewandowski has been scoring for fun as usual this seasonCredit: Getty More

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      How Man Utd could line up under Mauricio Pochettino with Palmer, Hakimi and Branthwaite among transfer overhaul

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      MANCHESTER UNITED could be ready to pounce after Mauricio Pochettino’s shock Chelsea exit. The Argentine left Stamford Bridge following only one season in charge in West London.But Pochettino may be swiftly welcomed back to the Premier League as Erik ten Hag’s future remains in doubt.The United hierarchy have long admired the former Tottenham manager, who was pipped to the job by Ten Hag in 2022. Ten Hag will remain in charge for the FA Cup final against rivals City on the weekend but his job is far from safe. Should the Dutchman be sent on his way, Pochettino will be among the favourites to succeed Ten Hag. READ MORE ON MAN UTDAnd here, SunSport looks at how they could line up under the now ex-Chelsea boss. United are in the market for a right-back and Pochettino is a big fan of Achraf Hakimi, who he signed at PSG. And he was linked with a move for highly-rated Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite. England pair Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw have been staples in United’s defence with Andre Onana the No1 despite shaky form. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAt Chelsea, Pochettino often deployed a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 formation which has also been used by Ten Hag. Pochettino has given young stars a chance during his time with the Blues, which would be good news for 18-year-old sensation Kobbie Mainoo. Andre Onana offers to ‘take bullets’ as he names himself among four Man Utd stars who should face criticismCole Palmer – Chelsea’s best player of the season – shined after joining from City in the summer. So Pochettino would be tempted to sign the boyhood United fan wherever he ends up next. He could fit into the No10 role at Old Trafford with Fernandes partnering Mainoo in a pivot. Going forward, both Chelsea and United have been linked with Crystal Palace’s Michael Olise. And Olise would compliment a front three alongside Marcus Rashford and striker Rasmus Hojlund More

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      Man Utd star Marcus Rashford posts 14-word response after he is snubbed from England squad ahead of Euro 2024

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      MARCUS RASHFORD has broken his silence following his shock omission from England’s Euro 2024 squad.SunSport learned that the Manchester United (opens in a new tab)” rel=”noreferrer noopener” >Manchester United hitman would not be part of the 33-man provisional squad hours before the official announcement.Marcus Rashford has been left out of the England squad for Euro 2024Credit: RexThe 26-year-old’s inconsistency for Manchester United this season has cost him a place in the squadCredit: RexAnd 20 minutes after The FA made his omission public, the 26-year-old issued a statement.But the striker didn’t throw his toys out the pram, opting instead to send his team-mates and international gaffer a message of support.He took to his Instagram story to write: “Wishing Gareth and the boys all the best for the up and coming tournament.”Rashford has been a staple of England squads since Southgate succeeded Roy Hodgson as manager in November 2016.READ MORE ON EURO 2024The United forward has featured in all three of the tournaments that have taken place during Southgate’s reign.But his poor form last season has ultimately stopped him from playing in a fourth-straight major international competition.The decision to axe Rashford wasn’t easy for Southgate, who said: “These are of course difficult calls. “You are talking about players that are very important players. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”With Marcus, in that area of the pitch, I feel that other players have had better seasons, it’s as simple as that.Gareth Southgate names initial Euro 2024 squad UPDATEDRashford has made a total of 60 appearances for his country since making his debut in 2017.He’s found the back of the net 17 times, with three of those goals coming at the 2022 World Cup.Rashford isn’t the only big-name player to have been omitted from the squad.Jordan Henderson, Raheem Sterling, Ben Chilwell and Reece James will all have the summer off as they’ve not been called up for the tournament.Southgate added: “The 33 isn’t quite a fair definition because we’re taking a longer squad with some younger players to look at. “Hendo has given himself every chance. From the last camp, he missed five weeks through injury and he hasn’t been able to get to that tempo since then. “It’s a big call to make, the three players from last time, he, Ben [White] and Marcus [Rashford] all had excellent professionalism.READ MORE SUN STORIES”[Jordan Henderson] will be a miss. He’s an exceptional individual and fantastic human being. “He’s been in that leadership role for a long time.” More

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      Sir Jim Ratcliffe ‘obsessed’ with winning trophy more important to him than Man Utd lifting Premier League

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      MANCHESTER UNITED chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe is determined to win one of the most “elusive” trophies this year.Ratcliffe, 71, took over a 27.7 per cent stake of United back in February in a deal that also saw him take up the reins on all sporting operations at Old Trafford.Manchester United chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe is determined to win the America’s CupCredit: PASir Jim will be hoping to combine his arrival with a trophy in his first year in charge of the Red Devils on May 25 when Erik ten Hag’s side faces rivals Manchester City in the FA Cup final at Wembley.However, the British billionaire has his fingers in a lot of other pies with INEOS who are looking to make history in one of the most historic competitions.Ratcliffe is “obsessed” with winning the America’s Cup, which kicks off on August 22 and runs until October 20.Sky News reporter Rob Harris tweeted: “Sir Jim Ratcliffe is obsessed with trying to win a prize more elusive for Britain than the Premier League trophy for Manchester United.”Read More on Man UtdThe UK has never won the prestigious sailing trophy and the INEOS chief is looking to make history with Britannia, the boat he created in his bid to conquer the competition dubbed the F1 of the oceans.Ratcliffe told Sky News: “Manchester United is another sporting challenge and it’s a very big one obviously, probably one of the biggest ones in the world.”But this, I think for the UK, this is one of the biggest sporting challenges you could find.”Whilst the UK has won just about every international sporting competition there is in the world, the one and only it has never won has been the sailing one.”Most read in FootballRatcliffe has his hands full at United after a hapless campaign that saw the team finishing eighth in the Premier League table.The minority shareholder will have to decide on Ten Hag’s future, who has come under immense scrutiny throughout the campaign.’I’m in a rush,’ Sir Jim Ratcliffe says live on BBC after running London Marathon before Wembley dash to watch Man UtdRaphael Varane has also announced his imminent departure from the club once his contract runs out at the end of the season.More players could follow Varane, such as Anthony Martial whose deal also expires in June.Why Man Utd must win FA Cup
      ERIK TEN HAG says Manchester United must pay back their world-class fans with an FA Cup triumph after their awful league season, writes Tom Barlcay.
      United came eighth which was their lowest-ever finish despite winning 2-0 on the final day at Brighton.
      They also came away from a miserable campaign with a negative goal difference – but still can win a trophy when they take on Manchester City in next week’s cup final.
      The away fans roared themselves hoarse just as they have done all term despite the poor results.
      Boss Ten Hag said: “We have the best fans in the world and I mean this. 
      “I have never had this experience when you have a season like us, which is by far not good enough, that the supporters are with us. 
      “They are with us in the bad season and in bad times they are there. I think also they know why the bad times are there. 
      “But we have to pay them back and we have to do everything to give them a trophy next week but also for the future, we have to perform better.”
      United won thanks to late goals from Diogo Dalot and Rasmus Hojlund.
      But for the second game running, Hojlund began the match on the bench as United opted for a false nine – in a hint over how United will set up in the cup final.
      That was how they played in March’s 3-1 defeat to City at the Etihad in the league, too.
      Ten Hag added: “It’s a luxury problem. Both formations can be a success because we can set up like we did at the Etihad where we were a threat with movement in behind.
      “But of course with Rasmus Hojlund in this form it’s absolutely a consideration and a thought that we have to consider. 
      “You need not only 11 players in a tough final but a bench as well.”
      Hojlund’s tally now stands at 16 goals in his maiden season after the 21-year-old arrived from Atalanta for £72million last summer.
      Reflecting on the Dane’s campaign, Ten Hag observed: “It could always be better but don’t forget he had three injuries this season. 
      “He came in with the injury, missed the start, then he got injured before winter and then he got injured after winter. So every time that broke his rhythm and if you then shoot 16 goals for the first season it’s OK. And it’s not over, we have to play the FA Cup final.” More

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      Andre Onana offers to ‘take bullets’ as he names himself among four Man Utd stars who should face criticism

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      ANDRE ONANA has declared he is prepared to “take bullets” of criticism for his young team-mates. Onana, 28, is one of the senior stars in the Manchester United dressing room.Andre Onana has said he is willing to ‘take bullets’ for the younger members of the teamCredit: GettyThe team have limped to a worst-ever eighth place finish in the Premier League.Much of the criticism has been aimed towards a dodgy defence, with the Red Devils conceding 660 shots this season – second only to bottom side Sheffield United.Onana has put their shakiness down to an injury-ravaged defence.While he acknowledged the team has to do better, he fears the criticism has affected the younger players in the squad.READ MORE IN MAN UTDHowever, he said it was up to senior stars at the club including himself, captain Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro and Harry Maguire to bare the brunt of the criticism.Asked by Man Utd icon Gary Neville about the criticism levelled at the team by pundits, Onana told The Overlap, brought to you by Sky Bet: “For me, I don’t pay attention to it.”I have come into this team to take bullets, because we are under construction – at the moment, we are not the best.”We have other teams who are doing better than us and we have to be honest and recognise that.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”If things and when things are going wrong, don’t go for the youngest player – I’m here to take it, Bruno [Fernandes], Casemiro and Harry [Maguire] are there and we are used to it.”When it’s people who were sitting where I’m sitting, who won everything, sometimes it’s bizarre – we are in the same boat.Man Utd’s top targets for the transfer window”We try to follow your thing and what you did. For me, I don’t mind, but other people may be affected. For me, to be honest, it’s just a part of the game.”Despite the high number of shots he has faced, Onana has conceded 58 goals which has resulted in him having a save rate of 74.9 per cent, the best in the division.Man Utd managed to keep a clean sheet in their final game against Brighton, with Onana once again on hand to produce some good saves on route to a ninth clean sheet of the season.He will be hoping for another shutout when Man Utd face Premier League champions Manchester City in Saturday’s FA Cup final.Onana said: “It’s a very important game for us, especially as you are in the final and people only remember the winner. “We are going there to win, we are Manchester United. We cannot go thinking that we are going to lose otherwise it’s better to not step on to the pitch.”We’re there to win, we have important players, good players with a lot of personality and experience.”SunSport’s verdict on Man Utd flopsSir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos have a busy summer ahead to get Man Utd’s squad in order for next season. Below SunSport gives it verdict on how they should deal with the Red Devils flops this summer.
      Andre Onana – STAY: After a dodgy start at Old Trafford Onana has proven to be one of the more reliable members of the squad this season despite being peppered with shots constantly.
      Altay Bayindir – GO: Reports in February suggested Bayindir was unhappy with his bit part role at Man Utd amid interest from Turkish giants Galatasaray. If profit can be made on a sale then it should be done.
      Tom Heaton – STAY: Veteran goalkeeper Heaton, 38, is a reliable back-up and is on a relatively small wage at the club. So long as he is happy it makes sense to keep him.
      Aaron Wan-Bissaka – GO: Wan-Bissaka, 26, has never managed to make the right-back position his own. With his contract up in 2025 it makes sense to cash in now.
      Diogo Dalot – STAY: Dalot, 26, has been one of Man Utd’s most consistent performers this season.
      Raphael Varane – GO: If it wasn’t for his injury record there would be a strong shout to keep Varane, but costs need to be cut to allow the squad to be freshened up.
      Harry Maguire – GO: Maguire has showed he has the right character to be at Man Utd but overall ability and desired profile are another matter, with Maguire too slow to play in a high line defence.
      Lisandro Martinez – STAY: Martinez, 26, is second to none in terms of build up play. He needs a long-term defensive partner on the right side and to cut out the injuries which have plagued him this season.
      Jonny Evans – GO: Veteran campaigner Evans could easily be on the stay list if he was only going to be a bit part player. But he has shown his advanced years at times this season.
      Victor Lindelof – GO:  Lindelof, 29, has been reliable if not unremarkable in his Man Utd career. He has one year left on his contract so should be moved on if a decent transfer fee can be got for him.
      Willy Kambwala – STAY: He should be given the opportunity to mature for a few years behind a senior CB pairing before stepping into the first team as a starter or being moved on.
      Luke Shaw – GO: One of the Premier League’s best left-backs when fit, Shaw has been a good servant when available. But alas that has been his Achilles heel once again this season.
      Tyrell Malacia – STAY: Malacia, 24, was decent enough to earn some merit in his first season at Man Utd before injury ended his season and inadvertently led to his second season being a write off.
      Sofyan Amrabat – GO: Amrabat, 27, looked like a world beater at the Qatar World Cup with Morocco. But he’s had an underwhelming season in England and his loan spell will almost certainly not be made permanent.
      Casemiro – GO: An alarming physical decline has seen him turn from key star to burden. If a club is willing to buy the 32-year-old – who has two more years on his contract – then United should snatch their hand off.
      Christian Eriksen – GO: Eriksen proved a useful asset and Ineos should look to bring in another player with similar traits, but frankly his legs have looked gone towards the end of this season.
      Kobbie Mainoo – STAY: The first of the so-called untouchables, Mainoo has been a rare glimmer of hope in the Red Devils midfield this season.
      Mason Mount – STAY: Mount can be given the benefit of the doubt until summer 2025 at least after a debut season riddled with injury.
      Scott McTominay – STAY: McTominay, 27, has proven himself to be a brilliant plan B off the bench this season, and that is exactly why Ineos should look to keep him.
      Bruno Fernandes – STAY: Man Utd’s best player since his arrival just over four years ago, Fernandes, 29, remains second-to-none when it comes to creating chances while his tenacity boosts those around him.
      Antony – GO: There’s a case to argue that Antony may be the worst pound-for-pound signing in Premier League history. Despite some memorable moments he simply isn’t Man Utd quality.
      Anthony Martial – GO: Ultimately Martial needs to be let go when his deal runs out this summer after an appalling injury record of late.
      Marcus Rashford – STAY: As easy as it would be to say Rashford should leave the club this summer, it is difficult to look at the market and find many available players capable of scoring 30 goals a season.
      Alejandro Garnacho – STAY: Another third of the untouchables trio, Garnacho has made the right-wing his own since coming into it. He’s a raw talent but has shown he has the quality to improve.
      Rasmus Hojlund – STAY: A slow burner in his first Man Utd season, the 21-year-old has often been starved of supply which has led to him being unable to get the goals his movement and unselfish play often merits.
      Amad Diallo – STAY: In the fleeting moments he has been on the pitch for Man Utd this season, Diallo has looked dangerous and exciting. He should be given a chance to flourish with some proper chances in the first team across a whole season. More

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      Jadon Sancho forced to take huge pay cut as Man Utd name price tag for Borussia Dortmund loanee

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      JADON SANCHO will not be handed a cut-price dream ticket back to Germany.And even if Borussia Dortmund do meet Manchester United’s asking price, he will have to take a hefty cut on his £275,000-a-week wages.Manchester United won’t be selling Jadon Sancho on a cut-price dealCredit: RexSancho wants to return to Borussia Dortmund after falling out of favour at Man UtdCredit: GettyThe Red Devils winger, 24, wants a permanent return to Dortmund after a sparkling loan spell for the Champions League finalists.United are happy to listen to offers but will not let the 23-cap England man go for less than 75 per cent of the £73million they paid Dortmund for him in 2021.Sancho, who became a global star in his first four years at the Bundesliga giants, was exiled at Old Trafford in September after falling out with boss Erik ten Hag.He went to Dortmund in January but his United deal runs to 2026 and there is talk of reconciliation.Read More on Man UtdIf Ten Hag is axed this summer, Sancho may be welcomed back as new technical director Jason Wilcox and CEO Omar Berrada worked with him at Manchester City.Sources also say Ten Hag’s tough stance has softened and could have him back if he stays at Old Trafford.But much will depend on how much Dortmund offer for their fan favourite and Sancho’s willingness to take a wage cut.Sancho’s turbulent three-year stint at United has only seen him amassing 12 goals and six assists in 82 appearances.Most read in FootballBut since returning to Dortmund on loan in January the winger has been regaining his old form.The forward has already registered three goals and three assists in 20 appearances with the Bundesliga giants.Jamie Carragher interviews Jadon Sancho on live TV after EIGHT PINTS and CBS Sports studio cannot bear to watchSancho has also played a crucial role in BVB’s road to the Champions League final where they will face Real Madrid on June 1 at Wembley. More

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      Man Utd 0 Chelsea 6: Emma Hayes bids farewell to Blues by sealing WSL title on dramatic final day at Old Trafford

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      MAYRA RAMIREZ caused magnificent mayhem, lighting the fuse for a six-goal Chelsea rampage with Emma Hayes given a storming send-off. The Colombian bagged a brace in a 6-0 Old Trafford trouncing of Manchester United, with Fran Kirby also netting in her final Blues outing.Emma Hayes signed off her Chelsea reign in styleCredit: ReutersFran Kirby signed off on her Chelsea career with a goalCredit: GettyAnd was mobbed by her Chelsea team-matesCredit: GettyThe one-sided demolition saw the team crowned Women’s Super League queens for a fifth successive time with England boss Sarina Wiegman and United icon Sir Alex Ferguson watching from the standsThe visitors also took their trophy tally from 15 to a sweet 16 with Hayes ending her Blues’ reign as a top-flight champion 12 years on from starting her job without an office or staff.Women’s Super League  season finales did not come much more intense than today’s fixtures with the race once again going to the wire.  The stakes were high for the Blues who started the day top but level on points with second-placed Man City initially by virtue of a plus-two goal difference advantage.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLIt was the final day their blunt-talking, serial-winning boss Hayes would be in their dugout before taking charge of the USA Women’s national team at the end of this term. In a season that began with dreams of a quadruple trophy treble, hopes that were later dashed, the visitors were eager to give their boss another silverware send-off With Arsenal defeating them in the Conti Cup, Barcelona dispatching them in the Champions League and Man United ending their FA Cup run in the semis, the league was their only hope“The league is your bread and butter”, was a response Hayes gave at a press conference two years ago when asked how it means to her to win back-to-back titles. Most read in FootballChelsea captain Millie Bright and Emma Hayes shared a moment on the touchlineCredit: PACASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSYet earlier this month her seven-time title winners came so close to ending the season trophyless. A shock 4-3 loss to Liverpool took the race out of Chelsea’s hands with Gareth Taylor’s Man City looking odds on to triumph. Emma Hayes gets stuck into Chelsea trainingBut Chelsea’s bitter rivals Arsenal clinching a hardfought away win against City earlier this month gave Hayes a second chance. “We’re not f***king done yet”, were the words Hayes’ roared after her final home game at Kingsmeadow 13 days ago.  Back then her side capitalised on Man City dropping points to reignite their title challenge by thrashing Bristol City 8-0And in today’s game they grabbed it with both hands roasting the Red Devils by racing to a 4-0 lead in 44 minutes. Ramirez, who missed the Blues’ last five matches with a hamstring injury, made a stunning return with her crocked striker pal Sam Kerr among those watching from the stands. The Colombian took just two minutes to give Chelsea a lead heading home from Guro Reiten’s cross. Johanna Rytting Kaneryd made 2-0 six minutes later, slotting into a far corner beyond United goalkeeper Mary Earps. United hit the woodwork with Maya Le Tissier’s attempted header from a corner before Sjoeke Nusken made 3-0 at close range.And they took their lead to 4-0 with Ramirez outmuscling her marker to bag her brace before half-time.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe second spell went from bad to worse for Marc Skinner’s side with Melanie Leupolz taking advantage of their failure to clear to slam the ball into the roof of the net.And Chelsea heroine, who was playing her last Blues game before leaving the club this month, slotting home a classy finish to wrap up the hammering.TYSON FURY VS OLEKSANDR USYK LIVE: ALL THE LATEST FROM HUGE UNDISPUTED WORLD TITLE FIGHT More

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      Son of Man Utd Treble winner released from League One club despite being top goalscorer

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      THE SON of Manchester United legend Andy Cole has been released by Barnsley, despite being the club’s top goalscorer.Devante Cole, 29, scored 18 goals and assisted three times in his 46 games for Barnsley this season.Devante Cole has been released by BarnsleyCredit: RexHe is the son of former Manchester United star Andy ColeCredit: GettyHis goals helped fire the Tykes to the League One Play-Offs after they finished sixth in the league.They lost the first leg of their play-off semi-final to Bolton 3-1 before winning the second 3-2 – going out 5-4 on aggregate.The club went into those matches without a manager after Neil Collins was sacked before the final game of the league season.Cole scored a total of 34 goals in 115 appearances for Barnsley across three seasons.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe is one of five players released by Barnsley this summer.Cole is joined by Jordan Williams, Robbie Cundy, Herbie Kane and Nicky Cadden in being released by the club.Despite his father’s legendary status with the red side of Manchester, Devante is a product of the Manchester City academy, having joined them as a seven year old in 2003.Hi father would also later join City, spending the 2005-06 season with the Cityzens.Most read in FootballCredit: tHE sUNCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSDevante never made a senior appearance for City and left the club to join Bradford in 2015.Spells at Fleetwood, Wigan, Doncaster and Motherwell followed before joining Barnsley.I’m a Man Utd treble winner who had 23-year feud with team-mate and I nearly punched him after a game Andy Cole currently works as a Manchester United ambassador and a pundit.He won five Premier Leagues, a Champions League, two FA Cups and a League Cup during his playing career – and is a recent inductee into the Premier League Hall of Fame.TYSON FURY VS OLEKSANDR USYK LIVE: ALL THE LATEST FROM HUGE UNDISPUTED WORLD TITLE FIGHT More