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      Neville, Keane & Carragher’s embarrassing Premier League predictions re-emerge from flop title pick to Ronaldo advice

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      GARY NEVILLE, ROY KEANE and Jamie Carragher’s Premier League predictions have re-emerged following the climax of the campaign.A dramatic final day of the season saw Leicester City and Leeds United relegated on Sunday with Everton surviving with a 1-0 win over Bournemouth.
      Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher’s pre-season predictions have re-emergedCredit: Getty
      Roy Keane was also left red-faced with some of his predictionsCredit: Sportsfile
      Manchester City had already been crowned champions after Arsenal’s title collapse over the last month.
      The Gunners did qualify for next season’s Champions League, with both Manchester United, in third, and fourth-place Newcastle joining them.
      Liverpool endured a miserable season but their late upturn in form led them to ending it in fifth.
      And that ensures that they and Brighton, who finished sixth, will be in the Europa League.
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      Meanwhile, Man Utd’s Carabao Cup success in February could be followed by FA Cup joy this weekend when they face neighbours Man City in the final at Wembley.
      The above has freed up an extra place in Europe, and it was Aston Villa who capped a remarkable turnaround under Unai Emery by finishing seventh in the top-flight to make it to next season’s Europa Conference League.

      At the start of the season, Sky Sports asked their pundits to make their predictions for the campaign.
      Both United legends Keane and Neville were in agreement that Man City, who are also aiming to complete an historic treble with Champions League success against Inter Milan next month, and Liverpool would be battling it out for the title.
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      And they both correctly guessed that it would be the Cityzens celebrating – although Neville was way off when saying: “Tottenham are the only team I can see that can get close to them [City and Liverpool].”
      Although Keane also backed them to challenge the top two, only for their season to end in disaster after Antonio Conte’s exit.
      Liverpool legend Carragher was also left red-faced after he incorrectly backed his old club to win the title “because of Virgil van Dijk”.
      He also tipped Spurs to finish third and Chelsea, who finished in the bottom half, to make fourth.
      United’s success has all come despite Cristiano Ronaldo’s explosive transfer exit before Christmas following his criticism of Erik ten Hag and the club’s hierarchy.
      But that was not what both Keane and Neville were feeling at the start of the season despite him reporting back for pre-season late
      Keane said: “You have to try and keep Ronaldo because he’s a brilliant player.
      “I don’t think it’s as big of a deal as everyone’s making out.
      “When you’re a manager, trouble comes your way, he has to deal with it.
      “I think it can work out well for United.”
      Meanwhile, Neville said: “Ronaldo has the power, the strength, the status to influence.”
      Although Carragher did say: “I’d move Ronaldo on, it’d be the first thing I’d do if I was Ten Hag coming in.
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      “He’s almost bigger than the club and we are talking about one of the biggest clubs in the world, and Ronaldo is one of the few players who could be classed like that alongside Lionel Messi.
      “You can put up with that if he’s one of the best players in the world – I don’t think he is right now.” More

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      Graham Potter ‘told Todd Boehly Enzo Fernandez WASN’T worth £106m’ as Chelsea boss Pochettino hunts midfield partner

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      GRAHAM POTTER told Chelsea owners that Enzo Fernandez was not worth £106million, reports say. The Blues signed World Cup winner Fernandez for a club and Premier League record fee in January.
      Ex-Chelsea boss Graham Potter and Enzo FernandezCredit: Getty
      It followed after a heavy pursuit for the midfielder which took up almost the entirety of the winter window.
      But according to The Guardian, then-Chelsea manager Potter told co-owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali that Fernandez was not worth the money.
      Although Boehly and Eghbali did not want to lose out on the player and were willing to sign him at quite literally any cost.
      Eghbali was key to talks with Benfica and Fernandez was soon a Chelsea player, finishing the season on 22 appearances.
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      The Blues finally saw the back of their horror season, in which both Thomas Tuchel and Potter left the club.
      Stamford Bridge legend Frank Lampard managed just ONE win after returning in the interim in place of Potter.
      So Mauricio Pochettino’s arrival marks a positive for fans, who can expect a clearout in the summer.
      Under Boehly and Eghbali, transfer spending soured past £600MILLION, causing a cramped squad.
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      Still, it is believed a midfielder to partner Fernandez is seen as a priority over a striker.
      Chelsea prepare to welcome Christopher Nkunku next season, having signed the Frenchman from RB Leipzig last summer.
      But he finished the campaign with Leipzig and did so after scoring 22 times in 35 matches.
      And despite being able to play all across the front line, Chelsea could look to turn Nkunku into a No9 to fix their finishing flaws.
      Christopher Nkunku will join Chelsea next seasonCredit: AFP More

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      Arsenal DELETE tweet wishing Andrey Arshavin happy birthday after they’re hit with furious backlash from Ukrainians

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      ARSENAL deleted a tweet wishing Andrey Arshavin a happy birthday after a furious backlash.Former forward Arshavin turned 42 on Monday.
      Andrey Arshavin famously scored four goals at Liverpool in 2009Credit: Getty
      And the club posted a video of his memorable four goals in the 4-4 draw with Liverpool in 2009, alongside the message: “Wishing you a great day, Andrey.”
      But the post received criticism from Ukrainians due to Arshavin being Russian.
      The two nations have been at war since February 2022 when Vladimir Putin’s troops invaded Ukraine, the home nation of Gunners left-back Oleksandr Zinchenko.
      Arshavin, who scored 31 goals in 144 Arsenal appearances between 2008 and 2013, regularly works for Russian TV as a pundit but reportedly agreed to fight in the army should he get conscripted.
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      And furious supporters slammed the North London side for the birthday post.
      Ukrainian football account @ZoryaLondonsk said: “It’s another week and it’s another club throwing itself into a social media scandal involving ‘good fortune’ towards Russia / a Russian…
      “Last October, Arshavin said he’d serve in the Russian army (vs Ukraine) if conscripted and regularly works for Russian state TV… Terrible optics.”
      @KarpatyLvivFC added: “28 May: Russian army attacked Zhytomyr region, home region of Alex Zinchenko, by a missile strike.
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      “29 May: Arsenal send greetings to Russian player Andrey Arshavin.
      “How Zinchenko and all Ukrainians must feel about it, @Arsenal?”
      The original Gunners tweet was soon deleted and removed from the club’s profile, which has 21.6million followers.
      Arshavin joined from Zenit under Arsene Wenger but failed to win any trophies in his five years – but did etch his name into Arsenal folklore with that memorable performance at Anfield.
      He returned to his boyhood club in 2013 and had spells with Kuban Krasnodar and Kairat before retiring in 2018.
      Arshavin made 75 caps for Russia and came sixth in the 2008 Ballon d’Or.
      Fans threw their support behind Oleksandr ZinchenkoCredit: EPA More

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      Golden oldies leave Premier League fans completely stunned as they lead the way in two impressive stats

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      THE Premier League’s golden oldies proved age is just a number after topping the charts for two remarkable stats. In a cardio-heavy sport such as football, workhorses and speed demons may typically be assumed to be on the younger side.
      James Milner is one of the Premier League’s most seasoned campaignersCredit: PA
      While Kyle Walker remains a speed demon at Manchester CityCredit: Getty
      However, veteran campaigners James Milner and Kyle Walker put paid to such thoughts after their chart-topping exploits were revealed.
      Milner, 37, topped the Premier League for distance covered per 90mins with 11.2km (minimum 900 minutes played).
      This figure was matched by 22-year-old Leeds winger Brenden Aaronson.
      But the rest of the top five was comprised entirely of players over the age of 28, with fourth and fifth-place stars Christian Eriksen and Roberto Firmino both 31 years old.
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      Milner topped the Premier League endurance charts
      Reacting to the table, one shocked fan said: “Wow, that is massively impressive from Milner, really ageless. Milner is an optimal squad player from every perspective.”
      A second fan joked: “Man Utd should be sanctioned for making Eriksen run 11km 😭😭.”
      “I can’t believe it! ERIKSEN??” remarked a third.
      While a fourth commented: “Workhorse 🐎.”
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      It should be noted, however, that Milner and Firmino both completed fewer 90 minutes than their counterparts, with 10.1 and 13.5 sets of 90 completed over the season.
      Meanwhile, Ryan Christie completed 20.4, Eriksen 22.8 and Aaronson 26.4.
      The speed charts show Manchester City star Walker still has his trademark electric pace.
      However, upon seeing who he is accompanied by, Walker will know he can still rock it with the younger generation – given he is at least TEN years older than the stars who joined him in the top five.
      Walker, 33, topped the charts with a top speed of 37.31km/h (23.2mph) – though he still has some way to go to catch Usain Bolt’s top speed of 44.72km/h (27.8mph).
      Walker left the young guns in his dust once again
      His rivals from second down to fourth are all aged 22, but none could break the 37km/h mark.
      Brennan Johnson earned a silver while Mykhailo Mudryk edged out Anthony Gordon for a spot on the podium.
      Liverpool’s Darwin Nunez, 23, took up fifth spot with a top speed of 36.53km/h.
      Fans were very impressed with Walker’s exploits here too.
      One fan commented: “Still fast at 33 😢 competing with these young lads 😭.”
      A second remarked: “Daaaaammmmmmnnnnnnnn, Kyle… what do you have for breakfast? Jet fuel ⛽️?”
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      A third typed: “Mudryk up in this. Chelsea signed the flash.”
      While a third simply said: “At 33… that’s crazy man.” More

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      Real Madrid star Marco Asensio closing in on shock transfer to ambitious Premier League club

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      MARCO ASENSIO is closing in on a shock move to Aston Villa according to reports.Asensio is out of contract at the end of the season and hasn’t put pen to paper on a new deal with Real Madrid.
      Asensio is expected to leave Real Madrid on a free transfer this summerCredit: Rex
      The 27 year old joined the Spanish giants from Mallorca in 2014 and has made 190 appearances, scoring 37 goals.
      The Spanish international has been frustrated at a lack of playing time under Carlo Ancelotti and doesn’t expect that to change if he puts pen to paper on fresh terms.
      He has been linked with a move to PSG, while both Arsenal and AC Milan hold interest in the player.
      However, according to Marca, Asensio could be playing under Unai Emery at Aston Villa next season.
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      The report states that Emery wants to have Asensio as part of his project next season and has taken steps to try and convince him to join.
      Villa would be an interesting move for Asensio with the club having qualified for the Conference League next season and seemingly on the up under Emery.
      Marca adds that the attacker has yet to make a final decision on his future and will continue to study all the proposals he receives.
      Asensio has only started 15 La Liga matches this season, but has provided an impressive 15 goal contributions in 30 league appearances.
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      The Spaniard will want to play regularly next season with Euro 2024 next summer.
      He recently lost his place in the Spain squad for the qualifiers against Scotland and Norway in March.
      He will likely say his goodbyes to Madrid fans this weekend when Los Blancos conclude their campaign against Athletic Bilbao at The Bernabeu. More

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      Chelsea will NOT make Joao Felix transfer permanent after Mauricio Pochettino snub as Atletico Madrid release statement

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      JOAO FELIX will not become a permanent member of Chelsea’s dressing room next season. Mauricio Pochettino snubbed the Portugal ace as he prepares to wield the axe on his bloated squad in the summer.
      Joao Felix will not stay at Chelsea beyond his loanCredit: Getty
      The revelation came following a statement from Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo.
      He said: “We’ve been informed that Pochettino does not count with Joao Felix for Chelsea.
      “He will return here, we’ll see. We have nothing planned.”
      Felix, 23, scored four goals after arriving at Stamford Bridge in January.
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      His final effort came as a consolation in a 4-1 defeat against Manchester United.
      Despite his talent, Felix saw himself relegated to the bench during Frank Lampard’s interim period in charge.
      Felix had also struggled for form while at Atletico Madrid earlier this season, netting just four goals and adding three assists in 14 La Liga outings.
      Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville was stunned to find out Chelsea do not have an option to buy the attacker, saying during the Blues loss to the Red Devils: “They’ve signed everyone.
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      “But the one player they should have an option to buy on they haven’t got.”
      However, with new boss Pochettino – appointed on Monday – Felix will not see his future at Stamford Bridge.

      Indeed, the former Tottenham manager is set to see the back of a number of stars.
      The likes of  Mateo Kovacic, Christian Pulisic, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Edouard Mendy, Hakim Ziyech, Conor Gallagher and Kalidou Koulibaly are all on the chopping block.
      Raheem Sterling has also backed the appointment, saying: “He will bring leadership, he will challenge players physically and mentally.
      “I feel he is going to come here and he is going to have the personality that everyone is going to respect.
      “That’s what we need, someone in charge.” More

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      Who Man Utd are most likely to sign this summer according to AI as it produces stunning nine-man transfer list

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      ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE has given a stunning nine-man shortlist when asked who Manchester United are most likely to sign this summer.The Red Devils have had a successful first season under Erik ten Hag, finishing third in the Premier League, and could complete a domestic cup double if they beat rivals Manchester City in the FA Cup final on Saturday.
      Harry Kane is reportedly United’s number one target this summerCredit: Getty
      Declan Rice has a host of clubs interested in signing him this summerCredit: Rex
      United are set to be busy in the transfer market, and need to sign a centre forward, having not replaced Cristiano Ronaldo as well as strengthening their midfield options.
      These are the nine options AI has predicted could end up at Old Trafford this summer.
      Harry Kane
      The England and Tottenham captain is reportedly United’s number one target as they search for a goal scorer.
      Kane will have one year left on his contract heading into the summer, but Spurs chairman Daniel Levy is notoriously difficult to negotiate with and a fee in excess of £100million could be required.
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      Mason Mount
      The Chelsea midfielder appears set to leave Stamford Bridge this summer, with contract talks having ground to a halt.
      Erik ten Hag is said to be driving United’s pursuit of the 24 year old and the club have been linked with a £55m move for the England International.
      Declan Rice
      The West Ham captain is widely expected to leave this summer with just a year left on his contract.
      The 24 year old has been strongly linked with a move to Arsenal, whilst he is also a priority target for Bayern Munich.
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      Rice is set command a fee of around £90m, and United face a tough task to convince him to come to Old Trafford.
      Alexis Mac Allister
      The World Cup winner will leave Brighton this summer having helped them qualify for the Europa League this season.
      It’s unlikely that the Argentine will be playing his football at Old Trafford, as he is very close to completing a move to Liverpool.
      Jude Bellingham
      The 19 year old wonderkid is set to be one of the most sort after players in the upcoming window.
      However, the Borussia Dortmund midfielder won’t be playing in the Premier League next season as he is expected to complete a move to Spanish giants Real Madrid.
      Frenkie de Jong
      United tried to sign the Barcelona midfielder last summer but were unsuccessful in their pursuit of the Dutch international.
      De Jong appears happy at the La Liga champions and is a key part of Xavi’s side.
      Trying to prize him away from the Nou Camp could prove a very difficult task.
      Youri Tielemans
      The Belgian midfielder will leave relegated Leicester City on a free transfer and was linked with a move to Arsenal last summer.
      A move for Tielemans wouldn’t be too difficult to complete for United with the player a free agent.
      He has been linked with fellow Premier League clubs Newcastle, Liverpool and Aston Villa.
      Nicolo Barella
      Midfield star Barella has played a key role for Inter this season as they won the Coppa Italia and could help them lift the Champions League on June 10.
      He has been linked with a move to rivals Liverpool and could be available this summer given Inter’s financial difficulties.
      Read More on The Sun
      Denzel Dumfries
      The Dutch right back was linked with a move to Chelsea last summer.
      He’s enjoyed a productive season for Inter Milan, but it seems unlikely United will make a move for the 27 year old given the resurgence of Aaron Wan-Bissaka and the form of Diogo Dalot. More

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      Man Utd Foundation chief slammed for ‘casual sexism’ after telling England ace Alessia Russo her award is ‘too heavy’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED’S charity chief executive is embroiled in a sexism storm – with fans claiming he suggested Alessia Russo was not strong enough to lift her award.Russo was crowned Women’s Player of the Year at the end-of-season gala on Monday.
      Man Utd Foundation CEO sparked controversy with his comment to Alessia RussoCredit: Twitter
      She scored 12 goals for the Red Devils as they were pipped to the WSL title by Chelsea on the final day.
      But the England ace, who was the subject of a world-record bid from Arsenal amid contract uncertainty, appeared unimpressed when she received the gong.
      That was because Manchester United Foundation boss John Shiels suggested Russo – who he appeared to call “Alexa” – would be unable to hold the “heavy” trophy.
      In a video circulated online, Shiels says: “I’m not going to give this trophy to Alessia because it’s so heavy.
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      “I’ve just been in a weight-training session.”
      But Sky Sports reporter Geoff Shreeves, hosting the night, quickly interjected.
      Shreeves cut in: “I think you (Russo) can take it quite happily can’t you?”
      He then added to Shiels, who kept holding on to the glass ball as he eventually passed it over: “John, you need to do a bit more weight training, it’s not that heavy.”
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      A polite Russio then confirms: “It’s fine. Yep.”
      The video has led to widespread criticism aimed at Shiels – including from talkSPORT presenter Laura Woods.
      Woods said: “How to make a great moment really bloody awkward.”
      Another wrote: “Second hand embarrassment from this. Alessia looks so uncomfortable and embarrassed. Unfortunately still people out there who treat female athletes differently. Such an unnecessary comment to make.”
      A third added: “These are our players… we should be protecting them not adding to the misogyny and sexist comments that they already have to live with.”
      A fourth replied: “That was really unprofessional and an absolute embarrassment.”
      A fifth commented: “Casual sexism at a moment when she should be celebrated. Such a poor way to treat our own player.”
      And a final user typed: “Yikes. She handled it so well, but what a mess.”
      ‘I AM MORTIFIED’
      Shiels apologised to Russo and clarified his misjudged comments.
      He said: “Last night I had the honour of presenting Alessia Russo with the Women’s Goal of the Season award at the Manchester United end-of-season awards ceremony.
      “I made a comment about the weight of the trophy which I know has caused offence. I am mortified by this and want to apologise to Alessia, her team-mates, and anyone else offended.
      “I alerted Alessia to the weight of the trophy because I was shocked by how heavy it felt, and would have done the same if presenting to a male player.
      “I simply did not want her to drop it. However, on reflection, I can see why the comment has been misconstrued.
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      “Female empowerment is at the heart of Manchester United Foundation’s work in our local community, with almost 10,000 girls and young women taking part in our programmes annually.
      “I’m proud of this work and upset that my remarks created a distraction from the fantastic achievements of Alessia and the women’s team this season.”
      Shiels apologised to Russo for the commentCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cs1urN7tU5w/
      Russo enjoyed a superb season for the Red DevilsCredit: PA More