Football

Marcus Rashford was crowned the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year and Players’ Player of the Year at Manchester United’s annual awards ceremony held on Monday. This remarkable achievement made him the first academy graduate to receive the fan-voted accolade since 1998. During the event, Rashford displayed great humility as he accepted both trophies on stage, expressing his immense pride in being the top choice among fans and teammates.

Following his double award triumph, the number 10 engaged in an interview with the club’s media, where he disclosed the names of the players he had voted for in the Players’ Player of the Year poll. With a lighthearted tone, Rashford revealed that he had nominated two individuals, joking about whether it was permissible to do so.

He disclosed that his votes went to Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes. Rashford acknowledged Casemiro’s incredible impact since joining the team, particularly in strengthening the midfield and contributing to David De Gea’s achievement of the Golden Glove award. He attributed the team’s increased solidity to Casemiro’s presence, which in turn allowed players like Bruno Fernandes and Christian Eriksen, whom Rashford regarded as having exceptional seasons, to flourish in their style of play.

Ultimately, it was Rashford who received the Players’ Player of the Year award, as determined by his fellow teammates. The honor was presented to him by club captain Harry Maguire, who lauded Rashford’s exceptional year. Maguire emphasized Rashford’s vital role in the dressing room, highlighting his professionalism and ability to perform at the highest level. Maguire expressed his hope that Rashford would continue his outstanding form and contribute to the team’s success in the upcoming Emirates FA Cup final.

Marcus Rashford’s accolades underscore his remarkable contributions to Manchester United throughout the season, both on and off the pitch. His recognition as the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year and Players’ Player of the Year reflects his exceptional talent, dedication, and impact within the team.

Leeds United Relegated from Premier League After Defeat to Tottenham Hotspur

Leeds United’s three-year stay in the Premier League came to an end as they suffered a heavy loss to Tottenham Hotspur in their final game of the season. The defeat sparked frustration among Leeds’ fans, who directed their anger towards the team and the club’s owners at Elland Road.

Leeds needed a victory to have any chance of avoiding relegation, but they found themselves trailing within the first two minutes when Harry Kane scored a superb goal. Pedro Porro extended Tottenham’s lead early in the second half, leaving Leeds with a daunting task. Jack Harrison’s goal briefly raised hopes of a comeback, but Kane’s 30th league goal of the season restored Spurs’ two-goal advantage. Lucas Moura added a late goal to seal the victory for Tottenham.

While Leeds faced disappointment, Tottenham’s win wasn’t enough to secure European qualification. The result marked their first top-flight victory away from London since October.

Leeds’ chairman and majority owner, Andrea Radrizzani, was absent from the game but faced chants from supporters demanding the club be sold. The fans expressed their dissatisfaction with the team’s performance and expressed support for Marcelo Bielsa, the former coach who led Leeds back to the Premier League in 2020 but was subsequently sacked.

Leeds now faces uncertainty, with a proposed takeover by the San Francisco 49ers owners and Radrizzani’s stake in Sampdoria, a recently relegated Serie A club. Clarity is needed regarding the club’s future direction.

Leeds previously experienced lengthy spells outside the top flight after relegations in 2004 and 1982, and they will hope to avoid a similar fate this time.

Despite their fate being sealed before the game due to results elsewhere, Leeds’ performance was lackluster. A moment during the first half epitomized their disappointing season, as a poorly executed corner kick resulted in a dangerous counterattack for Tottenham.

Meanwhile, Harry Kane’s exceptional season went unnoticed to some extent due to Erling Haaland’s impressive performances. Kane concluded the campaign in remarkable form, scoring 14 goals in his last 14 appearances for club and country. His brace against Leeds took his tally for the season to 30, equaling his best return. Speculation now surrounds Kane’s future, as he enters the final year of his contract, and there are questions about whether Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy will consider letting him leave.

Chelsea Women’s team are in contention to take the top spot in the Women’s Super League (WSL) table after their dominant performance against Leicester, which ended in a 7-0 thrashing. The reigning champions had fallen seven points behind Manchester United in the league table after the latter enjoyed a comfortable win over Tottenham. However, Chelsea cut the gap on United to just a single point with their recent win.

Chelsea has a game in hand and could take the top spot in the league if they win their next game against West Ham next Wednesday. If they succeed, they will be in the driving seat, with no more games in hand, and whoever is in first place going into the penultimate round of fixtures will see the title as theirs to lose.

However, one major factor that could work against Chelsea at this stage is the potential for fatigue. The Blues have played 14 games across four competitions since March 5, while United has been in action only nine times. Nonetheless, Chelsea remains confident, with Erin Cuthbert stating that certain turning points, such as their performance against Lyon in the Champions League quarter-finals, gave them energy to go on and win two titles.

Despite the potential for fatigue, Chelsea has been in good form, scoring 13 goals without reply in their last two WSL games, which has wiped out United’s goal difference advantage in the space of 72 hours. If they continue in this vein, Chelsea will be well-positioned to take the top spot in the WSL table and contend for two titles this season.

David de Gea, Manchester United’s goalkeeper, has agreed to a new contract with the club. However, his position as the number one goalkeeper for the upcoming season is not guaranteed, despite receiving support from the manager, Erik ten Hag. Manchester United has been linked to several potential replacements, including Brentford’s David Raya and Portugal’s Diogo Costa, known for his remarkable distribution skills. Furthermore, Dean Henderson, who spent the previous season on loan at Nottingham Forest, is also part of United’s roster.

De Gea has been under scrutiny for some high-profile errors lately, including letting a weak shot from Said Benrahma slip through his grasp in United’s 1-0 loss to West Ham. Nonetheless, ten Hag has defended De Gea and wants him to sign the new deal, which will likely result in a significant decrease in his £375,000-a-week salary.

De Gea’s current deal is due to expire next summer, but the new contract is expected to extend his 12-year stay at Old Trafford. However, his status as the world’s highest-paid goalkeeper means he may have to accept a pay cut.

As Manchester United pursues a top-four finish this season, the club remains committed to keeping De Gea as part of their future plans. Regardless of his position in the team next season, De Gea is expected to play a crucial role in United’s success going forward.