Aston Villa guaranteed a spot in next season’s Champions League by sweeping past Liverpool.
The ‘Spygate’ saga rumbled on as Middlesbrough urged Southampton to be removed from next weekend’s Championship play-off final.
Michael Carrick is inching closer to being appointed permanent Manchester United head coach as it is understood a broad agreement is in place between the two parties.
Watkins stars as Villa beat Liverpool
Aston Villa enjoyed a perfect send off ahead of the Europa League final as a 4-2 win over Liverpool booked their place in next season’s Champions League and left the Reds still sweating over their qualification.
Ollie Watkins’ double, which will surely secure his place in England’s World Cup squad, and classy goals from Morgan Rogers and John McGinn guaranteed Unai Emery’s men will finish in the top five of the Premier League with a game to spare.
They can now head to Istanbul for Wednesday’s European final against Freiburg knowing their domestic ambitions have been achieved, allowing them to put their full focus on winning a first continental trophy in 44 years.
Virgil van Dijk scored with two headers for Liverpool but this was another directionless performance and the Reds’ place in Europe’s premier club competition is still not secured as Bournemouth and Brentford can still overtake them in the English top-flight.
Boro want Saints booted out of Championship play-offs
Middlesbrough have called for Southampton to be kicked out of the Championship play-offs over spying allegations.
The Saints were charged by the EFL last Friday with observing a training session at Middlesbrough’s Rockliffe Park complex, two days before the sides met in a play-off semi-final first leg.
Middlesbrough confirmed on Friday they had sought to be a party in the independent commission hearing but were denied the opportunity.
“In these circumstances, the only appropriate response is a sporting sanction which would prevent Southampton FC from participating in the EFL Championship play-off final,” Boro said in a statement.
Carrick creeps closer to United deal
Michael Carrick says clarity over his future will come “pretty soon” as the Manchester United head coach closes in on an agreement to stay at Old Trafford beyond this season.
The 44-year-old has surpassed expectations since replacing Ruben Amorim for the remainder of the campaign, leading the side up to third in the Premier League and securing Champions League qualification with three games to spare.
A two-year deal with the option of a further season is reportedly on the table and the Press Association understands a broad agreement has been reached, which could potentially be wrapped up before Sunday’s Old Trafford encounter against Nottingham Forest.
“Listen, the future for me is going to be decided pretty soon,” Carrick said. “We knew that was going to be towards the end of the season, if not the end of the season, so nothing’s changed.”
Guardiola in playful mood over future
Pep Guardiola says he has had ‘f****** fun’ as he continues to keep people guessing over his future.
The Manchester City manager was in a playful mood when asked if Saturday’s FA Cup final could be his last trip to Wembley with the club.
Asked at a press conference if he had achieved greatness in his time at City, Guardiola flexed his biceps before answering with a smile: “Yes, of course, 19 titles in 10 years is not bad! They know, they don’t need to wait (for) when I’m leaving, they know I’ve been fun. I’ve been f****** fun!
He was then asked if Saturday would be his Wembley swansong with City. After it was indicated this would be the final question of the press conference, he responded in a jokey tone, saying: “No way! I have one more year (on my) contract.” He then headed sharply for the exit.
What’s on today?
Manchester City will be hoping to make it third time lucky in the FA Cup final at Wembley after surprise defeats in the past two showcase matches. Chelsea are bidding for their first cup win since 2018.
Hearts will be crowned champions of Scotland for the first time since 1960 if they avoid defeat at second-placed Celtic in a blockbuster Premiership finale. Rangers travel to Falkirk and Hibernian welcome Motherwell.
