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      Ruud van Nistelrooy ‘to leave Leicester at end of season with two names in frame to replace Man Utd icon after 6 months’

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      RUUD VAN NISTELROOY is set to leave Leicester at the end of the season – with two names in the running to replace him. The Manchester United legend will only have lasted six months in charge after replacing Steve Cooper. Ruud van Nistelrooy is set to leave Leicester at the end of the seasonCredit: AFPBut with the club relegated to the Championship, the Foxes have decided to part ways with Van Nistelrooy, according to Sky Sports.Russell Martin and Danny Rohl are the two leading names primed to take over at Leicester. But the club are said to be reluctant to progress talks with either out of respect for Van Nistelrooy. The Daily Mail report that Martin – sacked by Southampton in December – is the Foxes’ No1 target to replace Van Nistelrooy. READ MORE IN football He took the Saints to the Premier League via the play-offs in 2024. And his experience in gaining promotion to the top-flight is said to have been appealing to Leicester chiefs. But any incoming Foxes manager faces starting the season with a point deduction after a major legal call went against the club.But the King Power Stadium side will NOT be punished for their PSR breach in the 2022-23 season – which could have meant a second points loss.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSLeicester claimed a major win over Prem chiefs in September when an Appeals Board agreed that they could not be punished for their 2022-23 breach because it was not confirmed until AFTER they had formally rejoined the EFL.The club’s accounts for the three years up to their relegation season saw a PSR loss of £124.5m, £19.5m above the £105m threshold.Emotional Leicester fans say ‘delete this’ as club share pics of Jamie Vardy packing his things into a cardboard boxBut Leicester put back their accounting period by one month to the end of June – after their Prem “share” had been transferred to Luton.While a Prem Commission ruled that the League did have jurisdiction, that ruling was set aside by the Appeal body.And now an Arbitration Tribunal, consisting of two Law Lords and a senior KC, has ruled that although the Appeal Board was “wrong” to make that decision, it did not add up to the “perverse interpretation of the law” required for the decision to be revoked.That was a win for Leicester, but was swiftly followed by a defeat that seems certain to impact them next term.In a similar conflict, Leicester claimed that they could not be punished for their breach of the EFL PSR loss limit of £83m in 2023-24, arguing that they were not formally under investigation before they were promoted back to the Prem.But the Arbitration Tribunal ruled that the March 1 letter from EFL legal and financial eagles noting the forecast loss above the £83m threshold meant it “was subject to an investigation by the EFL into an alleged breach”.In response to that decision, which gave it the green light for action, a Prem spokesman said: “Following an Arbitration Tribunal’s decision concerning jurisdiction, Leicester City FC has now been referred to an independent Commission for alleged breaches of:“The EFL Championship Profit and Sustainability Rules (P&S Rules) for Season 2023/24.’Leicester loophole’“The club’s obligation to provide its Annual Accounts to the Premier League by 31 December 2024.“The club’s obligation to provide full, complete and prompt assistance to the Premier League in response to the League’s inquiries.”It means a Prem commission will now rule on the punishment – but any points deduction imposed WILL be applied in the Championship.Clubs in both leagues agreed an alignment of financial rules last month as the “Leicester loophole” was closed.An EFL spokesman said: “The EFL notes that the Premier League has today referred Leicester City to an independent Commission for an alleged breach of Profit and Sustainability Rules for the period ending season 2023/24.“The EFL commenced an investigation into this reporting period following the March 2024 submissions and as is permitted in accordance with EFL Regulations, jurisdiction for that passed to the Premier League at the conclusion of the 2023/24 season on the Club’s promotion.“We will now await the outcome of the Premier League proceedings and until then are not able to comment any further on the matter.”Leicester responded by saying the club was “pleased” at the outcome of the 2022-23 proceedings but conceded: “The Premier League was successful in establishing jurisdiction on one of the two grounds argued with respect to the assessment period ending FY24.“The Premier League has now referred this to an independent Commission.Read More on The Sun“Consistent with its previous commitments, the Club intends to engage cooperatively in this matter now that the Premier League’s jurisdiction has been established for the period ending FY24.“However, we will not be able to comment further on these proceedings until they are concluded, due to their confidential nature.”Leicester face a points deduction next seasonCredit: Getty More

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      Five Man City stars most at risk as Pep Guardiola threatens to resign if club don’t cut his squad down

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      PEP GUARDIOLA has threatened to quit Manchester City if they do not cut the size of his squad this summer.The Spaniard had to leave out several stars from his 20-man squad for Tuesday’s 3-1 win over Bournemouth.Pep Guardiola threatened to quit Manchester City if they do not cut the size of his squad this summerCredit: ReutersAnd he revealed the situation is “impossible for my soul”.With Pep wanting a smaller squad, SunSport’s PHIL THOMAS assesses which Etihad players are facing the exit . . .JACK GREALISHTHE man who arrived as the nation’s costliest signing in 2021, but British football’s first £100million man now plays no more than a bit-part role.Grealish has started only seven Prem games and any doubts about his future effectively ended in last week’s FA Cup final, when Pep chucked on untried kid Claudio Echeverri instead. READ MORE IN football Regular action demands a move – but also a huge drop in wages.Jack Grealish now plays no more than a bit-part roleCredit: GettyJOHN STONESON his day Stones has plenty of backers as the best ball-playing English centre back, and at times when others doubted him, Pep Guardiola always fiercely fought his corner.But injuries have limited him to 18 Prem starts in two seasons – only six in this one – and fitness woes mean he can’t be relied on.There are whispers David Moyes, who signed him from Barnsley as a teenager, would like him back at Everton. Even if it is only a season-long loan, the deal makes sense.Most read in FootballJohn Stones is linked with a return to EvertonCredit: RexEDERSONTHE Brazilian keeper has been a fixture in the side for eight years, but this season a few cracks have appeared.Injuries have meant more openings for back-up Stefan Ortega, another whose future may be elsewhere, yet even when fully fit, Ederson is no longer an automatic pick.A pocket-lining move to Saudi Arabia wouldn’t be the biggest surprise…they have flirted with him before but this time could have a different outcome.Ederson’s City future is uncertainCredit: GettyJAMES McATEEHIS City future looked pretty solid when Pep Guardiola knocked back Chelsea’s efforts to sign him in January, a month in which McAtee hit an FA Cup hat-trick against Salford.But the local-born midfielder knows he will probably only have a cameo role if he sticks around, and with promoted Leeds sniffing around, McAtee’s best chance of regular football is likely to be at Elland Road.James McAtee’s best chance of regular football is likely to be at Elland RoadCredit: ReutersMATEO KOVACICMAYBE a surprise, given his end-of-season form, but with Rodri fit, Nico Gonzalez signed in January and possibly Morgan Gibbs-White to come, Kovacic could be back in the shadows.There has been interest from Atletico Madrid and Saudi Arabia, and with two years left on his contract, it wouldn’t be a huge shock if City decided to cash in.Mateo Kovacic could make way at CityCredit: Reuters More

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      Bruno Fernandes offers to QUIT Man Utd after Europa League heartbreak as Saudi club targets British record transfer

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      MANCHESTER UNITED captain Bruno Fernandes stated he is willing to leave if the club decide to cash in on him this summer. Fernandes, 30, saw United’s hopes of Champions League qualification go up in flames on Wednesday when they lost the Europa League final to Tottenham, who ended their 17-year trophy hoodoo.Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes is willing to leave if the club decide to cash in on himFernandes wants to stay at Man Utd and contribute to Ruben Amorim’s rebuildThe playmaker has been Man Utd’s standout performer amid the club’s worst ever Premier League campaign but failed to inspire at San Mames where they lost 1-0 to Spurs.And the Portugal international confirmed after full-time that he is willing to depart Old Trafford if the club opt to part ways in order to raise cash for manager Ruben Amorim’s planned squad revamp.Nevertheless, the ex-Sporting Lisbon star is adamant he wants to stay and help the Manchester giants return to the top.Fernandes said: “I have always been honest. I’ve always said I will be here until the club says to me that it’s time to go.Read More on Man Utd”I’m eager to do more, to be able to bring the club the great days. “In the day that the club thinks that I’m too much or it’s time to part ways, football is like this, you never know it. But I’ve always said it and I keep my word in the same way.”If the club thinks it’s time to part ways because they want to do some cashing in or whatever, it’s what it is, and football sometimes is like this.”This comes amid reports suggesting Al-Hilal are planning a British transfer record bid for Fernandes during the summer transfer window.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe Saudi giants are prepared to smash the £115million Premier League transfer record Chelsea paid Brighton for Moises Caicedo in 2023.That would work as a massive financial boost for United as they missed out on a £100m windfall and won’t play in Europe at all this coming season. ‘Do you know the rules-‘ – Bruno Fernandes gives blunt Spanish interview after red card controversy in Man Utd clashAnd the Saudi Pro League outfit would pay the attacking midfielder a staggering £65million per season on a three-year deal.Amorim, though, is adamant he wants Fernandes to stay put in Manchester ahead of his major rebuild.Nevertheless, the Portuguese tactician also claimed he would walk away from United with no pay-off if the board and fans decide his time is up. Amorim said: “In this moment, I am not going to be here defending myself. It’s not my style, I cannot do it. It is really hard for me.“So I have nothing to show to the fans and say, ‘I’m going to improve because of this, I have these problems…’ I will not do nothing. “In this moment, it is a little bit of faith. Let’s see. Read More on The Sun“I’m always open, if the board and the fans feel that I am not the right guy, I will go the next day without any conversation about compensation. “But I will not quit. I am really confident in my job. As you can see, I will not change nothing in how I do things.”Man Utd ratings: Diallo best player in Europa League final but Hojlund out of his depthAMAD DIALLO’S fizzing first-half display was little consolation for Manchester United in a dismal 1-0 Europa League final loss to Tottenham.Rasmus Hojlund’s plight up front continued in one of the worst European showpieces for many years – as both sides showed why they will finish in the Premier League lower reaches.Spurs clinched it from virtually their first opportunity – on 42 minutes.Brennan Johnson bundled in Pape Sarr’s inswinging cross, with United left-back Luke Shaw also getting a touch on the way.The Red Devils dictated possession more and more after the break, with Leny Yoro stretching to test Guglielmo Vicario from a free-kick.But United’s chances only arrived regularly in the final quarter of a patchy contest.The Red Devils belatedly piled on the pressure in the seven minutes of stoppage time, but Spurs just held on.Here’s how SunSport’s Dave Courtnadge rated United on a miserable night individually and collectively for Ruben Amorim’s men… More

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      Tottenham’s Europa League parade route confirmed as Brennan Johnson goal ends 17-year trophy drought

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      TOTTENHAM will finally get to parade silverware around North London as Brennan Johnson ended their 17-year trophy drought.The winger’s scrappy winner decided an equally scrappy affair in Bilbao to condemn Manchester United to more heartache this season. Spurs will finally get to parade silverware around North LondonCredit: GettyBefore the game, residents around the area were warned by Tottenham officials that they planned an open top bus parade this Friday. Locals received letter that read: “Dear Neighbour, we hope this finds you well.”As you may be aware, Tottenham Hotspur will face Manchester United in the Uefa Europa League final in Bilbao on Wednesday 21st May.”We should like to make residents, schools and businesses aware that, if we are successful and bring the trophy home to Tottenham, our first team squad will take part in an open-top bus victory parade through the local area on Friday 23rd May, as is customary.”READ MORE IN football The letter also revealed exactly what route the parade will take.Adding: “Should the historic celebratory event go ahead, residents, please take note of the following information:”The parade will begin at Edmonton Green at 3pm and proceed south down Fore Street and the High Road past the stadium.”Before turning left at Lansdowne Road, along Willoughby Lane and Northumberland Park, finishing at approximately 4.30pm.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”Our players will present the trophy to crowds gathered from a staging area outside the Stadium on the High Road at approximately 5pm.”Spurs have since confirmed the bus will instead depart at 5.30pm from Edmonton Green and last between 60-90 minutes.Richarlison bangs on drum and celebrates with Tottenham fans following Spurs Europa League triumph It comes after thousands of Tottenham fans stormed the pitch at their £1BILLION stadium to celebrate the historic win. Supporters leapt over barriers and flooded the pitch, as some even climbed on top of the giant screens waving their shirts in the air.Within minutes of the game ending, North London was gridlocked.Ange Postecoglou – the under-fire boss-turned Spurs legend overnight – proved good to his word in winning a trophy in his second season. Postecoglou, predicting a revolution at Tottenham, said: “I understand why it would be difficult for a club like this to buy into one person’s vision.”I remember even when I signed, the club and even Daniel said, ‘we went after winners, it didn’t work and now we’ve got Ange.’ But mate, I’m a winner.”I have been a serial winner my whole career. It’s what I have done more than anything else.Tottenham ratings: Bissouma dominates Europa League final as occasion gets to UdogieBRENNAN JOHNSON was Tottenham’s hero as they finally ended their 17-year trophy drought in the Europa League final.Despite being without James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski for the clash in Bilbao, Spurs came up with a massive win against Manchester United.Johnson scored the goal as he helped bundle in from a corner in a tussle with Luke Shaw to send fans into dreamland.But Spurs also owe a huge thanks to Yves Bissouma who was totally dominant in midfield.At the other end, Destiny Udogie struggled to get up to the pace of the match as he was up against Manchester United’s Amad Diallo.Spurs had just three shots, only 27 per cent of the ball, and completed a mere 115 passes over 90 minutes.But it didn’t matter, as United never really looked like finding a leveller to take it to extra time.SunSport’s Henry Tomlinson gave his ratings for the Tottenham players…”Obviously the way things have gone in the league, people are right to be concerned about, but I don’t think that’s a true reflection of where we are at.”We’ve got a really young group of players and you can talk to them about success and what it means, but until they feel it, it doesn’t become real.”I’ve got no doubt that all those boys – having this feeling – will want it again. To get it again they’re going to have to make similar sacrifices.”They’ve climbed the mountain now. They know what it takes to get to where we are. “I think that does, it accelerates the opportunities to build a team who can be successful and play at a high standard for years to come.”As I said yesterday, I still feel there’s a lot of work to be done, I think that’s quite obvious, but not as much work as people may think.Read More on The Sun”People can bang on about 20 league defeats and where we are, but they’re missing the point of what we’re trying to build, or what I’m trying to do anyway. “I really feel that this can be a great platform for us to kick on.”Ange Postecoglou grips onto the Europa League trophyCredit: Getty More

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      Alejandro Garnacho slams Man Utd’s ‘s***’ season and drops transfer exit hint as brother fumes he was ‘thrown under bus’

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      ALEJANDRO GARNACHO slammed Manchester United’s “s*** season” while dropping a major transfer hint. And speculation that Garnacho is an unhappy United camper only strengthened after his brother’s social media outburst.Alejandro Garnacho slammed Manchester United’s ‘s*** season’Credit: AlamyThe Argentine was left out of the starting XI that was beaten by Tottenham in the Europa League final in Bilbao.That is despite starting in ten of their matches in the European campaign, scoring just the once. United’s defeat in Spain – while sitting 16th in the Premier League – caps off a horror season. And Garnacho, speaking to Argentine press and translated by Fabrizio Romano, said: “It’s difficult for all of us. This season has been s***.READ MORE IN football “We lost the final, we didn’t beat anyone in the league. It’s very difficult.” Garnacho cryptically added: “I’ve played every round until I reached the final, but I only played 20 minutes today.“I’ll enjoy the summer and then we’ll see.”Garnacho’s brother Roberto then caused a stir by posting on Instagram: “Working as no one else, helping every round, coming from two goals in the last two finals, just to be on the pitch for 19 mins and get thrown under the bus.”Most read in FootballMan Utd ratings: Diallo best player in Europa League final but Hojlund out of his depthAMAD DIALLO’S fizzing first-half display was little consolation for Manchester United in a dismal 1-0 Europa League final loss to Tottenham.Rasmus Hojlund’s plight up front continued in one of the worst European showpieces for many years – as both sides showed why they will finish in the Premier League lower reaches.Spurs clinched it from virtually their first opportunity – on 42 minutes.Brennan Johnson bundled in Pape Sarr’s inswinging cross, with United left-back Luke Shaw also getting a touch on the way.The Red Devils dictated possession more and more after the break, with Leny Yoro stretching to test Guglielmo Vicario from a free-kick.But United’s chances only arrived regularly in the final quarter of a patchy contest.The Red Devils belatedly piled on the pressure in the seven minutes of stoppage time, but Spurs just held on.Here’s how SunSport’s Dave Courtnadge rated United on a miserable night individually and collectively for Ruben Amorim’s men…CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe winger – linked with a move away in January – was benched against Spurs with Mason Mount and Amad Diallo operating as forwards.Amorim was probed on his decision to leave Garnacho out for Mount, to which he replied: “It’s easy to say that now.Maguire and Romero in post-match scrap as Man Utd and Tottenham stars’ battle continues after Europa League final”Who missed the big opportunity in the first half in the semi-final? Garnacho. Football is like that.”Garnacho, 20, has played 58 times this season across all competitions, more than any other United player. He has 11 goals to his name and remains linked with a move away from Old Trafford, with Chelsea showing interest earlier in the year.Ruben Amorim took aim at GarnachoCredit: Shutterstock Editorial More

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      Chelsea join Arsenal and Liverpool in transfer race for £84m former PSG star after incredible season

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      CHELSEA have reportedly joined Arsenal and Liverpool in the race for Eintracht Frankfurt star Hugo Ekitike.The 22-year-old striker managed just four goals at previous club Paris Saint-Germain.Chelsea have joined the race for Eintracht Frankfurt star Hugo EkitikeCredit: ReutersBut Ekitike has finally discovered his scoring boots in Germany, netting 22 goals in all competitions for Frankfurt.His 15 league goals led them to a third place finish and Champions League football.But the Frenchman’s form has not gone unnoticed.Arsenal and Liverpool are both interested in snapping him up this summer.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLYet RMC Sport claims it could be Chelsea who end up winning the race.It’s claimed that the Blues are among several clubs who have made an approach for Ekitike.Chelsea are eager to bolster their squad with a free-scoring striker this summer.And Ekitike’s profile makes him the perfect fit for Enzo Maresca’s young squad.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSHowever, suitors will have to pay a pretty penny to bring him to England.It’s reckoned Ekitike will fetch anywhere between £67million and £84m – having cost Frankfurt just £14m last year.Spurs fans in Tottenham Hotspur Stadium go wild as Brennan Johnson fires Lilywhites ahead vs Man United in Europa League final Chelsea have also been linked with a switch for Ipswich’s Liam Delap, who has an active £30m relegation release clause.But he is thought to be favouring a move to Manchester United, forcing the Blues to look elsewhere. More

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      ‘Not to be horrible’ – Bale sends message to Man Utd fans and reveals Sir Alex Ferguson problem after failed transfer

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      GARETH BALE sent a message to Manchester United fans as he opened up over his failed transfer.The Wales icon, 35, became one of the game’s top stars during a six-year stint at Spurs.Gareth Bale has sent a message to Man Utd fans over his failed transferCredit: AFPBale has lifted the lid on the impact of Sir Alex Ferguson in his transferCredit: AlamyBale’s stunning final season form, which saw him net 26 goals while being crowned Player of the Year, secured a then-record £89million move to Real Madrid in 2013.And he saw his trophy cabinet finally fill up with three LaLiga titles and FIVE Champions Leagues in eight campaigns.But things could have gone differently had Bale ended up at Manchester United instead.The forward was first linked with a Red Devils switch in 2007 when he was still at Southampton.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBale ended up moving to Tottenham instead, and once again was linked with United when he departed for Real in 2013.Now, the ace has opened up on why he never moved to Old Trafford.Speaking ahead of United’s Europa League final against former club Tottenham, Bale explained that Sir Alex Ferguson’s exit played a big role in his decision to join Real instead.And he has no regrets, telling talkSPORT: “It was a couple of times I was close to joining but it never quite materialised.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford“I think the closest was when I actually joined Madrid. It was between United and Real, and at the time Fergie had left, so it didn’t quite have that aura.“I think the team was ageing a little bit so I felt like I’d always had my heart set on Madrid anyway.Man Utd & Spurs supporters party all day in Bilbao’s fan zones ahead of Europa League finalMAN UTD VS TOTTENHAM – EUROPA LEAGUE FINAL LIVELatest betting odds, offers and predictions “I feel like I made the right decision in the end, not to be horrible to Man Utd fans, I feel I made the right choice.Bale, who retired in January 2023 after a stint with MLS side LAFC, added: “I think it would have definitely been a bigger factor (if Fergie had stayed). “Having such a legendary manager, somebody with that kind of pedigree who you kind of trust with your career.”It definitely would have made the decision a lot harder but ultimately he wasn’t (staying), so it was more of a simple decision for me.”Bale was crowned Player of the Year during his final season at SpursCredit: GettyHe went on to win FIVE Champions Leagues at Real MadridCredit: AP More

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      ‘Lack of consistency has blown my mind’ – Fans stunned at glaring Liverpool gaffe on Premier League trophy

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      STUNNED eagle-eyed football fans were left baffled at an apparent gaffe on the Premier League trophy.Liverpool will get their hands on the famous piece of silverware on Sunday afternoon.The Premier League trophy has been updated for 2024-25Credit: GettyThe silverware was engraved with ‘Liverpool F.C.’Credit: GettyThe new addition caused controversy onlineCredit: GettyVirgil van Dijk looks set to lift the trophy at Anfield following the Reds’ clash with Crystal Palace.It is the second time Liverpool have won the Premier League since its inception in 1992.Their previous title came in the Covid-hit 2019-20 season as Jordan Henderson was forced to lead the celebrations in an empty stadium. But now the engraving has been done for the 2024-25 season with Liverpool crowned champions again.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHowever, supporters immediately spotted a strange quirk when the Premier League tweeted a photo of the base of the trophy. In 2019-20, the winners’ name is etched into the silver as “Liverpool”.But in 2024-25, it is “Liverpool F.C.”.At first it was unclear whether the image the Premier League tweeted was an AI-generated picture or not – especially as the two fonts and spacing from 2019-20 and 2024-25 appear to be ever so slightly different.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHowever, a series of photographs were released on Wednesday seemingly of the trophy engraving taking place at jewellers Asprey London.And SunSport understands the engraver did add “F.C.” to the 2019-20 “Liverpool” after doing the 2024-25 version. Confusingly, various photos from previous years appear to show both “Liverpool” and “Liverpool FC” on the base of the trophy.And in yet another video from 2020, Liverpool’s name is at the bottom of a column, rather than top – although there may be multiple replicas.Either way, fans flooded social media with comments about the strange disparity.One said: “The lack of consistency in ‘Liverpool’ and ‘Liverpool FC’ has blown my mind here.”Another wrote: “Can you put ‘FC’ next to the 2019/20 winners to match 2024/25, as that’s doing my OCD no favours lads.”A third added: “Get him to add the FC up there too.”Read More on The SunA fourth commented: “Congratulations to Liverpool and Liverpool F.C. on their respective wins.”And a final user replied: “Why FC on that one but no FC on 2019/20? It’s doing my head in.”Jordan Henderson lifted the trophy in an empty Anfield in 2020Credit: GettyOne photo shows the 2019-20 winners as ‘Liverpool F.C.’Credit: GettyThis version of the trophy shows ‘Liverpool’Credit: Getty More