The derby proved a fine night for the Manchester sides in the race for the Champions League, but it is also abundantly clear where both teams need to reinforce before next seasonThis draw suits Manchester City and Manchester United as it moved them a point closer to Liverpool and will allow each to overtake Jürgen Klopp’s side in the race for a Champions League berth if they win their game in hand. José Mourinho had said: “Our mentality now is to try to forget what is waiting for us and concentrate on this game. I don’t deny the Europa League is our main target but we have to forget about it.” This was a reference to the fact that winning...
A derby draw could suit both teams but Mourinho is unbeaten in the league since October and would clearly love to make life even more miserable for GuardiolaThe race is not always to the swift, according to Ecclesiastes, although as Damon Runyon and thousands of others subsequently pointed out, that is never the way to bet.Picking the winners and losers in this season’s title and top-four race has been an unusually fraught business, mainly because Chelsea dropped so far out of the running last time out. Related: Pep Guardiola needs time to prove naysayers wrong at Manchester City | Jacob Steinberg Related: Wayne Rooney at risk of going out at Old Trafford with a whimper | Daniel Taylor Continue reading...
As Manchester United mourned the loss of their top scorer, those in Major League Soccer were contemplating what it meant for themThe sight of a player suffering suffering a season-ending injury is always a desperate one, particularly when the player in question is of Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s quality. Indeed, the Swede will take no further part in the 2016-17 campaign, picking up a cruciate knee ligament injury that could sideline him until 2018. But as Manchester United mourned the loss of their top scorer, those in Major League Soccer were contemplating what it meant for them.Ibrahimovic has been heavily linked with a move Stateside, with recent reports claiming Los Angeles FC have offered the striker a deal worth $6.4m a year...
Manchester United’s record scorer most likely has 10 games left, at most, for the club he signed for in 2004 and his chances of a fitting finale look slimIn the middle of the pitch, under the lights of the Bernabéu, one man could be seen going through his victory poses. Cristiano Ronaldo has choreographed these routines over the years. He kept his top on this time, maybe reserving that particular treat for the final, but you are probably familiar with the rest of the act. Ronaldo pointed at his chest. He nodded with appreciation at his own night’s work and it was the look of self‑adoration you might remember from the Fonz after a particularly impressive chat-up line to one...
Ibrahimovic’s season might be over after he twisted a knee against Anderlecht but the injury allowed match-winner Marcus Rashford to switch to the centreThe final act of normal time featured the sad sight of Zlatan Ibrahimovic twisting his right knee and being taken off as the tie moved into extra time. Yet this would have a beneficial side effect for Manchester United with what happened in the 107th minute of the contest.Ibrahimovic’s exit meant a reshuffle as on came Anthony Martial, who took Marcus Rashford’s wide-left berth, with the No19 becoming centre-forward – and his deflected left-foot finish took his side into the Europa League semi-finals. Related: Marcus Rashford’s extra-time winner takes Manchester United through Related: Manchester United 2-1 Anderlecht...