Liverpool fumbles, so Ten Hag almost certain of Champions League with United
NOS Football–
Erik ten Hag is on the threshold of the Champions League with Manchester United. Because rival Liverpool drew at home against Aston Villa, United needs at most one more point in the remaining two duels to return to the billion-dollar ball after a season’s absence.
United themselves won 1-0 on a visit to Bournemouth, thanks to a Casemiro omelette. Already in the ninth minute, this put the final score on the board.
Ten Hag praises matchwinner Casemiro: ‘A great player, he keeps surprising us’
Without the ailing Marcus Rashford, United was unable to press forward in attack and secure the win earlier. Just before time, Kieffer Moore even had a chance for the equalizer, but goalkeeper David de Gea saved with his leg.
Twice at home and the cup final
United still plays at home against Chelsea and Fulham in the Premier League. And on June 3, Ten Hag can grab his second top prize of the season after the League Cup, when Manchester United takes on city rival City in the FA Cup final.
Liverpool escaped defeat at home against Aston Villa just before time, although it did not make much progress at 1-1.
At least for Roberto Firmino, it was still a special afternoon. In his last game for Liverpool at Anfield Road, he equalized as a substitute. The 31-year-old striker will leave Liverpool and continue his career with AC Milan, according to the latest rumors.
Goodbye was also said to James Milner (37), but he would also remain active somewhere in the Premier League next season.
Cody Gakpo saw another goal disallowed for offside. And on behalf of Aston Villa, Ollie Watkins missed another penalty just before Jacob Ramsey’s opening goal.
