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Ten Hag’s first season at Man United was a success, so all is great, right? Wrong.

Erik ten Hag has created a problem for himself at Manchester United, but at least it’s a good one. It’s been a while since the club have been in a position to look forward with optimism. That is down to the man who ended a six-year trophy drought and secured Champions League football in his first season as manager at Old Trafford. – Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.)…

Liverpool Keep or Dump: Who stays and who goes this summer?

Liverpool will miss out on Champions League football next year. There were some really rough moments this season, they’re losing sporting director Julian Ward (a disciple of Michael Edwards, who built the current squad before leaving a year ago), and there is some uncertainty with the ownership who initially put all or part of the club up for sale, only to later change their minds. That said, we don’t think…

Fan charged over offensive jersey at FA Cup final

London’s Metropolitan Police said on Sunday that a football fan has been charged with wearing an offensive jersey to the FA Cup final that referenced the 1989 Hillsborough Stadium disaster where 97 Liverpool fans died. James White, 33, of Warwickshire, will appear in court June 19 on a charge of displaying threatening or abusive writing likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress. A photo retweeted by police after Saturday’s match…

Ibrahimovic retires from game after AC Milan win

AC Milan and Sweden striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic said on Sunday he had decided to end his football career. The 41-year-old’s Milan contract expires at the end of June and will not be renewed following a season plagued by injuries, prompting him to end a remarkable and successful career. – Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.) But Ibrahimovic later revealed in a news conference that no one knew the big…

With the treble secured, what’s next for Ange Postecoglou?

During the build to Saturday’s Scottish Cup final, Celtic coach Ange Postecoglou was loath to discuss his future — or anything else that could distract him and his squad from the task at hand. “Do you think the person who wins The Masters or Wimbledon thinks about all these other things? Or does he think about winning?” Postecoglou retorted, in typical fashion, when it floated that he could both focus…

Man City outclass Man United to take another step toward treble

LONDON — Manchester City lifted the FA Cup thanks to a 2-1 win over Manchester United at Wembley (stream a replay on ESPN+, US only), and are closing in on the treble. Ilkay Gundogan scored the quickest goal in the FA Cup final history after just 12 seconds, only for United to equalise before half-time through Bruno Fernandes’ penalty, awarded after a VAR check when Jack Grealish handled in the…

Barca’s Champions League heartbreaks fuel win over Wolfsburg

In their fourth Champions League final in five years, Barcelona used their experience to write a new chapter in their history, leaning on the lessons of the past to banish any final demons and come from two goals down to beat VfL Wolfsburg 3-2 on Saturday. It was a win that started with a loss five years previous, though. Humbling. That’s the easiest way of describing Barcelona’s first Champions League…

Fernandes on Man City, Ten Hag and defining success

Erik ten Hag has set high standards at Manchester United this season, but Bruno Fernandes might be even more demanding. After watching his team beat Chelsea 4-1 to add a top-four finish to the Carabao Cup, Ten Hag declared his first year at Old Trafford as a success. Fernandes, though, disagrees. And he won’t change his mind even if United beat Manchester City at Wembley on Saturday and lift the…

‘Festival of Football’ set for expansion – APL chief

As the controversial “Festival of Football” nears its crescendo, APL chief executive Danny Townsend has told ESPN the concept’s debut had delivered on its key goals and that planning for an expanded and improved effort for next year is already underway. Concluding when Melbourne City and the Central Coast Mariners face off in the A-League Men grand final on Saturday, this year’s festival is the first since the leagues signed…