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Man Utd 1-0 Brentford: Marcus Rashford scores again as Red Devils move back into top four

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Man Utd 1-0 Brentford: Marcus Rashford scores again as Red Devils move back into top four

Marcus Rashford scored his 15th Premier League goal of the season as Man Utd edged out Brentford at Old Trafford to move back into the top four.

Man Utd’s Carabao Cup triumph in February underlined the progress overseen by Erik ten Hag this season, but the Red Devils’ failure to win any of their three league matches since Wembley has raised some eyebrows.

Sunday’s poor defeat at Newcastle United led Ten Hag to once again publicly question his players’ desire, but Man Utd showed character three days later to edge out Brentford at Old Trafford.

In-form Rashford struck the first-half winner from the impressive Marcel Sabitzer’s knockdown, putting the hosts on course for just their fourth Premier League win in 10 top-flight matches.

United did drop off after the break as Brentford bounced back from a subdued first-half display, but Thomas Frank’s men were unable to eke out an equaliser on Wednesday.

David De Gea spread himself to block substitute Kevin Schade’s effort as United gained a measure of revenge for August’s 4-0 loss to the Bees in Ten Hag’s second match in charge.

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That defeat was among a handful of alarming performances that have seen the side return to what the former Ajax boss calls “old habits”.

Ten Hag reacted by sticking with an unchanged side after last month’s annihilation at Liverpool and did similar this time around, plumping for only one change from Newcastle.

It meant Wout Weghorst dropped to the bench for the first time since joining on loan in January, with United having to remain patient as the Bees’ five-man backline sat deep and frustrated.

A lack of movement and creativity meant the Red Devils offered little in response until showing flickers of life midway through the opening period.

Scott McTominay fizzed narrowly over after one-footed Antony caught Brentford off guard by cutting back with his weaker right, only to return to his favoured foot soon after and strike wide.

The Brazil international was again involved as United opened the scoring in the 27th minute.

Antony collected a cleared corner and lifted the ball back into the box, with Sabitzer smartly cushioning a header into the path of Rashford to fire home from six yards.

That snapshot lit up a drab game played in miserable conditions at Old Trafford, where Luke Shaw’s 250th United appearance lasted just 37 minutes. Tyrell Malacia replaced the injured left-back.

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Antony volleyed wide shortly after Shaw’s exit and had two further shots before the break, with Rashford having two himself as he attempted to extend United’s lead.

Brentford were surprisingly passive but dithering De Gea nearly gave them a way back in shortly after the break as Ivan Toney charged down his kick, with his block taking the ball just wide.

Jadon Sancho and Antony had efforts before Sabitzer was denied as United again pushed for a second, but Brentford were growing in confidence.

Substitute Shandon Baptiste had a shot deflected wide and De Gea bravely stood his ground to block an attempt by fellow introduction Schade. The United goalkeeper requited treatment after the collision.

Ten Hag and Frank both made changes in a bid to change the dynamic of this game, with an initial uptick in Brentford’s threat petering out as the hosts held firm.

There was a collective groan when sub Fred fired into the Stretford End but Brentford offered little in response, with Aaron Hickey missing from distance and Ivan Toney chipping over for Brentford in stoppage time.

Man Utd 1-0 Brentford: Marcus Rashford scores again as Red Devils move back into top four

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Brazil U20 beat Flying Eagles 2-0, move to next round

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May 28, 2023

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Brazil U20 beat Flying Eagles 2-0, move to next round 

Brazil’s U20 team defeated Flying Eagles 2-0 Saturday night at the ongoing FIFA U20 World Cup in Argentina.

Brazil thus maintained the tradition of never losing to the West African side in their five encounters so far.

The Ladan Bosso-led Flying Eagles finished third in the Group D with the same six points as Brazil and Italy. They were only separated by goals difference.

From leading the standing, Nigeria dropped to third spot, allowing Brazil to go on top of the table, while Italy, who beat Dominican Republic 3-0, finished second.

Nigeria will be among the four best third placed sides to process to the last 16 round of the tournament.

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In dramatic twist, Bayern snatch 11th consecutive Bundesliga title as Borussia Dortmund slip  

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1 day ago

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May 27, 2023

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In dramatic twist, Bayern snatch 11th consecutive Bundesliga title as Borussia Dortmund slip  

Bayern Munich have been crowned Bundesliga champions for an 11th consecutive season after a late 2-1 win at Cologne.

The win on Saturday enabled them to snatch the title away from Borussia Dortmund.

According to Sky Sports, Dortmund, who entered a pulsating final day two points clear at the top, were denied being crowned champions for the first time in 11 years after they drew 2-2 at home to Mainz, losing out on goal difference.

Bayern knew they needed to beat Cologne and hope for a favour from Mainz, and having led through Kingsley Coman’s stunning eighth-minute strike, the defending champions moved top as Mainz raced into a two-goal lead in the first half at Dortmund.

Jamal Musiala scored Bayern’s 89th minute winner as Thomas Tuchel’s side snatched the title by the tightest of margins on a dramatic final day.

Dortmund finished on 71 points – the same as Bayern following their victory – but with an inferior goal difference of 15 on one of the most dramatic ends to any Bundesliga season.

In a climactic season finale, Bayern were celebrating what ended up being an unexpected title win while Dortmund’s dreams of their first league trophy since 2012 were left in tatters when they were trailing 2-0 to Mainz early on before battling to a 2-2 draw – but they needed victory to become champions.

RB Leipzig and sensational Union Berlin are third and fourth respectively and will also compete in the Champions League next season.

Hertha Berlin and Schalke 04 were relegated, while VfB Stuttgart will go into the relegation playoff.

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Man United thrash Chelsea to qualify for Champions League

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3 days ago

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May 26, 2023

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Man United thrash Chelsea to qualify for Champions League

Manchester United secured UEFA Champions league football next season with a commanding 4-1 win over Chelsea at Old Trafford on Friday.

It was the third consecutive win for Man United while Chelsea suffered consecutive losses to both sides in Manchester within seven days.

Casemiro started the goal rush in the 6th minute, heading Christian Eriksen’s free-kick into the net, as he got his name on the scoresheet in two consecutive games. It was the 74th Premier League assist for Eriksen, which got him level with Arsenal great Thierry Henry.

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Despite Chelsea coming close to equalising on multiple occasions, its missed chances came to bite it in the back late in the first half. Casemiro’s through ball, first received by Jadon Sancho, was served on a plate for Anthony Martial to tap-in.

The Red Devils began the second half with the same level of attacking prowess and sloppy defending by Frank Lampard’s boys gifted them a spot-kick in the 72nd minute, which captain Bruno Fernandes converted with ease.

With United knocking on the door constantly, Chelsea suffered for dropping its guard yet again, five minutes later when Marcus Rashford scored the fourth, becoming the first Manchester United player to score over 30 goals in a season since Robin van Persie in the 2012-13 season.

Joao Felix, on loan from Atletico Madrid, tried to uplift the hopes of the visitors, with a great solo goal, but it was too little too late as Chelsea slumped to a morale-breaking defeat to its rival, United.

Man United thrash Chelsea to qualify for Champions League

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