After One Season, Manchester United Officially Dismiss Zlatan Ibrahimovich

The Premier League rules require all clubs to submit their retained and released lists to the Premier League by the third Saturday in May. The list has just been made public as Premier League clubs from the 2016/17 season have submitted the lists of players they will be keeping in their squads, and the ones they will be releasing.

Unfortunately, for Manchester United, Zlatan Ibrahimovich is the only player from the club that has been released.

The Premier league however stated that, 'Please note that players signified as a "free transfer" or released by a club on the expiry of their contract on 30 June 2017, could still remain there next season and so this list should not be seen as definitive for players leaving their club'. At the moment, Zlatan and Manchester United are yet to make official comments.

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Jose Mourinho Walks Out of Sky Sports Interview

Jose Mourinho walked out of a Sky Sports interview after being asked what Manchester United need to do to challenge for the title next season.

United slipped to a 2-1 defeat against Tottenham on Sunday, meaning they can finish no higher than fifth in the Premier League. Read 16 Conclusions from White Hart Lane’s final game.

Mourinho has openly admitted that domestic matters are little more than “compulsory”, as he prepares his side for a Europa League showdown against Ajax on May 24. The winner of that final will qualify for the Champions League.

The Portuguese defended his side’s performance against Spurs, noting that he had to “rest” players with that final in mind.

“Two bad goals conceded but a positive game for us because the players that needed to play 90 minutes, they did it, and it’s important for them,” Mourinho said.

“The majority of the players that needed to rest had the rest and we played in a positive way, especially in the second half when we brought to the team quality and a little bit more organisation.”

The interview turned a little sour when Geoff Shreeves turned attention back to the Premier League.

“In terms of the Premier League, what do you think is needed next season to mount a serious challenge?” asked Shreeves.

“I don’t want to think about it in this moment. I want to think about the final I have to win,” Mourinho replied.

By the time Shreeves was halfway through his follow-up question, the United manager had walked out of the interview. Cheers, Geoff.

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How Chelsea Won the 2017 Premier League Title (Video)

Chelsea's victory is a well deserved one. Argue it anywhere, you come back to believe that Chelsea won the league with much tactfulness.

For Chelsea, it was the moment that confirmed their fifth title in the last 12 years and the only downside of a glorious night for the new champions was the fighting that broke out in the home stands after the substitute Michy Batshuayi had delivered the telling blow. Chelsea have played a lot better at times this season but there can be no doubt they have been the best team in the country.

It has never been a bad trait for a team at the top of the league to win without being at their best and Tottenham Hotspur know now that their last game at White Hart Lane – at least as we know it – when Manchester United head south on Sunday will be for nostalgia rather than trying to keep up the chase. Football is a cruel game sometimes. “Tottenham Hotspur, we’re laughing at you,” was the new addition to the Chelsea songbook.

The video below shows how Chelsea was able to brace up in the arrangements that bought them the victory. Congratulations to chelsea and her fans around the world.

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Michael Carrick Says Jose Mourinho Has Changed Manchester United

Michael Carrick has given a thumbs up to the first year of Jose Mourinho’s tenure at Old Trafford.
The Manchester United boss has got the backing of one of the most influential players in the team, as Michael Carrick has stressed upon the fact that Mourinho has changed the mentality and attitude at the club since his arrival.
Speaking to UEFA.com , Carrick said: “He’s a winner – he’s won everywhere he’s been, so that’s almost enough. He’s certainly got the respect of the players and everyone in football because he’s been so successful. However he’s done that, you’ve got to look and learn from it. He’s like us – we all want to win and we all want to lift trophies.
“He’s leading it, he’s the manager, he’s guiding us through and guiding the club through. There’ve been a lot of positive things to take from this season: the consistency of the team, the general performance. There’s real confidence approaching the end of the season and looking ahead to next season.”
The star studded team of Manchester United has failed to live up to the expectations of football fans around the world this season. They are currently sitting 6th in the Premier League table, and Jose Mourinho has himself admitted that Champions League hopes through Premier League are over.
Hence, the Europa League appears to be the only feasible way for the Red Devils to make it into next year’s Champions League.
Jose Mourinho is desperate to win the Europa League title in his bid to secure big name signings for next season. Manchester United are on the right track as well, having won the first leg of the semi-final against Celta Vigo away from home.
The second leg of the semi-final takes place tonight at Old Trafford.

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FIFA Ratifies Nine World Cup Slots for Africa

The FIFA Council has ratified the decision to give Africa nine automatic places when the World Cup expands to 48 teams in 2026.

The move was confirmed on Tuesday in Bahrain – the continent currently has five spots at the tournament.

A tenth African country will take part in a six-nation play-off tournament to decide the last two spots.

The Bureau of the FIFA Council made the original proposal of how it planned to allocate the 48 places on March 30.

The expanded World Cup will feature 16 teams from Europe.

FIFA members voted in January to expand the World Cup from 32 to 48 teams, starting with the 2026 edition.

ALLOCATION

ASIA: 8 direct slots – increased from 4.5 (currently 46 members)

AFRICA: 9 direct slots – increased from 5 (currently 54 members)

NORTH AND CENTRAL AMERICA: 6 direct slots – increased from 3.5 (currently 34 members)

SOUTH AMERICA: 6 direct slots – increased from 4.5 (currently 10 members)

OCEANIA: 1 direct slot – increased from 0.5 (currently 11 members)

EUROPE: 16 direct slots – increased from 13 (currently 55 members)

*Final two places in 2026 decided by six-team play-offs

*Currently teams from Asia, north and central America, South America and Oceania play-off for two places hence .5 spots above

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