Month: May 2024

LONDON: Manchester United and Manchester City met at Wembley Stadium last night for the second year in a row with the Red Devils emerging as champions of the English FA Cup.

Not only was the victory important for both teams to prove their prowess in Manchester, but the decision also determined which English club would play in Europe next season.

Erik ten Hag’s men produced the worst Premier League finish by a Manchester United team in the club’s history, finishing eighth and missing out on Europe for the first time in 10 years.

However, Bruno Fernandes and his teammates know that victory at Wembley could at least save their season and also play in Europe next season.

Both Newcastle and Chelsea will definitely support Manchester’s blue team to win the FA Cup because it will maintain their position playing in Europe.

By finishing sixth, Chelsea are guaranteed a place in Europe no matter what the result at Wembley.

If City wins it means they will play in the Europa League.

Because United pulled off one of the biggest upsets against their opponents, Chelsea will now be in action in next year’s Europa Conference League.

Newcastle are also too dependent on the hope that the four-time league champions in a row will lift the FA Cup trophy to ensure their place in Europe.

United’s success meant The Toons immediately missed their chances.

If Manchester City wins, everything will remain as before.

LISBON: 39-year-old Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo will make his sixth appearance at the Euros while defender Pepe is also on the 26-man list under Roberto Martinez.

Ronaldo, who has scored in every Euro edition since his first appearance in 2004, already has a collection of 14 goals in the tournament.

In fact, he also has a record of 10 goals in the qualifying campaign that took place last year.

“Cristiano? It’s better to talk to the data. He’s a player who scored 42 goals in 41 games with his club,” Martinez said of Ronaldo, who now joins Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League.

“That shows his physicality and his ability to stay fit, including the quality he displays in front of goal… something we really like and need.”

However, in the list announced by Martinez, Ronaldo is not the most veteran player listed since Porto’s defender, Pepe, who is 41 years old, will also take on team duties.

“Pepe’s role in the dressing room is very important, the way he values ​​the national team jersey. I think about it during the training camp, football is a constant struggle,” said Martinez.

Nine players from the English Premier League are also listed including Ruben Dias, Diogo Dalot, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva and Diogo Jota.