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Thanfully Manchester Uniteds terrible 2021/22 season is finally over. What a year it has been. The campaign started off perfectly, with a spectacular 5-1 win over Leeds, and expectations grew.

United could never match up to those heights, and the season has ended with the clubs lowest Premier League points total.

It is a season we all want to move on from and forget, to focus on new hope. But not before we take one last look back on the year which was, and pick out some of the most ridiculous moments we have had to endure.

And there are quite a lot. We settled on 13, but this could quite easily have been 20. Get ready to laugh, because crying is the only other alternative

Cristiano Ronaldos first Champions League game back for Manchester United started well when he scored in the opening minutes. A red card for Aaron Wan-Bissaka then sent United into meltdown.

United brought on an extra defender and tried to defend a lead for 45 minutes, which was asking for trouble, with Ronaldo too isolated up front.

It turned out to be a masterclass in in-game mismanagement from Solskjaer, who took Ronaldo off for Jesse Lingard, who ended up assisting Young Boys winner.

This game came just days after Ronaldo return against Newcastle, and completely crushed the momentum from that big moment. It wasnt the first time questions over Solskjaers substitutions had cropped up, and beginning the Champions League group stages with a defeat put the Norwegian under extra pressure.

Uniteds 2020/21 season ended with David de Gea conceding 11 straight penalties in the shootout against Villarreal before missing his own.

De Gea then reversed the trend of conceding every penalty he had conceded since 2016, to start keeping them out.

A memorable save from Mark Nobles penalty for West Ham ended up being the difference maker which secured Europa League qualification, ahead of the Conference League.

He then saved two penalties, one retaken, against Watford, although still couldnt spare United an embarrassing defeat (more later).

De Geas newly rediscovered penalty saving technique was good to see, but if he could have done that in Gdansk in May 2021, it would have been appreciated a lot more.

Only Manchester United could hire a specific set piece coach and get worse. Eric Ramsay was brought in and tasked with helping United in these specific situations.

While the defensive record from set pieces did improve, Ramsay became a punchline due to Uniteds failure to score a single corner kick between August and February.

Harry Maguire eventually broke the duck, nodding in a corner against Leeds. Cristiano Ronaldo went onto score a couple more, in hat-tricks against Tottenham and Norwich.

Ending up with Erik ten Hag is probably the dream scenario for Manchester United. But it still felt like United won a battle and lost a war when Ole Gunnar Solskjaers side beat Nuno Santos Tottenham 3-0 back in October.

This relieved pressure, temporarily, on Solskjaer, and was the final straw for Santo. Tottenham fired him immediately and went out and hired Antonio Conte.

This ended the building Conte to United links, and saw Tottenham kick on. Conte went on to clinch a Champions League place with Spurs, while United scraped sixth. Looking back, losing that game was a big win for Tottenham.

Watford have been terrible this season, so it says a lot that Manchester United only took one point against them.

One of the Hornets three bosses during the campaign was Claudio Ranieri, who only won one match. Of course it was against Manchester United.

Watford won it emphatically, with a 4-1 scoreline the final straw for an embattled Solskjaer, who was fired 24 hours later.

This sparked some indecision from United, settling on Ralf Rangnick as an interim boss, who could only draw 0-0 at home to Roy Hodgsons Watford later in the season.

A truly ridiculous moment in recent UEFA history had Manchester United at the centre of it. United were drawn against PSG in the Champions League.

UEFA then admitted they had made a mistake as not all the balls were in the draw, and a second draw had to be hastily rearranged.

United were then drawn against Atletico Madrid, and eliminated, and PSG were knocked out in the last 16 by Real Madrid.

Both teams probably would have been happier with a United v PSG tie, with fans denied one last Ronaldo v Messi clash.

United have made a handful of social media own goals this season, none more so than boastfully celebrating Donny van de Beeks 50th appearance for the club in January.

A closer inspection showed just four of these 50 appearances had been Premier League starts, and he was averaging 36 minutes per game.

He was shipped out on loan to Everton a fortnight later, and hopes to restart his Manchester United career next season.

By time the FA Cup began, it became obvious it was Uniteds only real chance of silverware. This was off the table by early February.

United were eliminated at home to Championship side Middlesbrough, amid more penalty shootout heartbreak, after Cristiano Ronaldo had put one wide in the first half.

The teams finishing was awful all game, with United attempting 30 shots at goal and only scoring once. Boro had a helping hand from a farcical refereeing decision for their goal, but this was a defeat where Ralf Rangnicks team had to look at themselves.

United were beaten into submission by Liverpool and Manchester City in the four games this season, by a combined score of 15-1.

What makes it worse, is if you watch the performances back (we recommend you dont), United got off lightly in every match.

Liverpool were 5-0 up with half an hour to go at Old Trafford and eased up, while Citys win at Old Trafford was a capitulation where the team had just one shot on target.

Under Ralf Rangnick, the return fixtures were no better. United were passed off the ball by City at The Etihad, with substitute Jesse Lingard managing only two touches in 30 minutes.

Suicidal defending against Liverpool at Anfield saw United conceded four more goals in another embarrassingly one-sided game.

The perfect epitaph to Paul Pogbas Manchester United career came as he walked off with an injury 10 minutes into the away game against Liverpool, with the team 1-0 down.

This turned out to be the Frenchmans final game of an immensely disappointing six year spell at the club, in which he did not win a single Champions League knockout game he played in.

Pogba at least lasted a couple minutes longer than at Old Trafford against Liverpool, when he was red carded shortly after coming on at half-time.

Edinson Cavani was the mystery man of Manchester Uniteds season, rarely available. If he wasnt having extra-time off in Uruguay, he was passing himself not fit enough to play.

His continued absences in the second half of the season left United short-handed, and the fight to keep him at Old Trafford hardly seemed worth it.

He ends the campaign with just two goals to his name, a substantial dip on 17 in his first season. In two seasons at the club he did not play a single match of five games against Manchester City, and never managed to score in front of a packed Old Trafford.

Playing second fiddle to Cristiano Ronaldo wasnt what he hoped for, but he proved this season he was not reliable, and Ronaldos addition seemed more like a necessity after his repeated unavailability.

Notably, he was always available whenever Uruguay needed him.

United did not do right by Jesse Lingard this season, keeping him and then deciding not to play him. This repeated itself last summer and in January.

The 2021/22 campaign was a waste of Lingards time, but its possible the player did not help himself, failing to get on with interim boss Ralf Rangnick.

His situation was not helped by Lingards brother blasting United on social media after the clubs final home game, angry that Lingard had not been given a farewell appearance at Old Trafford.

Rangnick responded by not picking Lingard for even a minute of Uniteds last two games, failing to even make the bench against Palace.

In a season of low points and ridiculous moments, United fans hoped the worst was out the way by May. Unfortunately not.

One of the worst results of the post-Fergie era saw Manchester United beaten 4-0 away at Brighton, and it could have been more.

The players looked both disinterested and completely lacking in ability, and it was truly shocking to see how low they had sunk.

When United began the campaign with such an enthralling opening game victory over Leeds, winning 5-1, nobody could have imagined a 4-0 loss away at Brighton would be just months away.

Dan is still wondering what would have happened if United had kept Juan Veron...

Continue reading here:
13 most ridiculous moments of Manchester Uniteds terrible 2021/22 season - United In Focus - Manchester United FC News

Joe Cullen sealed the latest night of Premier League Darts action after seeing off Jonny Clayton in the penultimate week in London.

But ahead of a crunch clash with Peter Wright next week which will decide the final spot, former World Champion, Mark Webster has told Cullen to be careful.

If Joe gets in those play-offs, what an achievement it would be, Webster told Online Darts TV. [He can take] a lot of confidence into it [the match with Wright], but be careful with it.

Gerwyn Price [who lost to Clayton to extinguish his play-off hopes], I thought he would crack it. I thought he was back last week [after winning in Sheffield] and he succumbed in the first game.

Joe has got to be careful next week, ride the storm, enjoy it, but get ready. Its a big game. Its as good as a knockout game. Peter Wrights got to find some form, its a massive match.

On who he thought he would win, Webster leans more towards Cullen. I think he [Cullen] does. Hes come out tonight, with the pressure on. Hes going to be under loads of pressure next week. Its probably a bigger game for him than Peter.

Yes, Peter will expect to get there. With Joe, will he be back next year? Maybe not. This might be his one crack at the Premier League, so go and grab it, Joe.

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Webster tells Cullen to 'be careful' ahead of Premier League Darts knockout clash: "Hes going to be under loads of pressure next week" -...

Joe Lipa, the legendary coach and UP icon who piloted the UP Fighting Maroons to the UAAP title in 1986, paid the ultimate complement to the 2022 version of the team that won the school's first UAAP championship since that fabled title run of the 1986 team.

"This is the most-talented UP team I have ever seen," Lipa said of the Season 84 Maroons.

That's high praise coming from one of the best basketball coaches in Philippine history. Lipa added that the 2022 team is even better than his 1986 team.

"Yes (they're better)," he told ESPN. "Iba ang talents ng mga batang ito. Wala kang itatapon dito sa team na ito. Almost all of them are very athletic."

Regardless which team is better, there are several similarities between them. Both finished in second place behind the defending champions. Both had to survive a knockout game to make it to the finals. Both suffered heartbreaking losses in the prior season that denied them a seat in the finals.

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Additionally, some players on the current team remind Lipa of his own players.

"(Joel) Cagulangan reminds me of Eric (Altamirano) and Ronnie (Magsanoc), who are good under pressure. And the athletic ability of (Zavier) Lucero, he reminds me of Benjie Paras. (James) Spencer reminds me of Ramil Cruz and Joey Mendoza. He is a clutch shooter. (CJ) Cansino is also a clutch shooter. He's a very intelligent player and he reminds me of Ramil Cruz. Very smart player."

When asked to compare Season 84 Rookie of the Year Carl Tamayo with arguably the most popular player on his team, Benjie Paras, Lipa said both players possessed different skill sets.

"Tamayo is a tremendous athletic talent. It's different. First of all, Benjie is more of a post player. He relies on strength and his quick jump. Tamayo is very agile, very athletic and very mobile."

Lipa said the best-of-three title series could have gone either way, but that ultimately UP was destined to win.

"It was a matter of breaks of the game. UP defended very well, Goldwin (Monteverde) coached very well, and we ran our offense very well. On the part of Ateneo, Tab Baldwin coached very well also. But the breaks of the game really favored UP to be a team of destiny.

"Of all the teams in the UAAP, it was they who have proven themselves cool under fire. In a hopeless situation, they salvaged it, and they became tougher and tougher."

In fact, Lipa sees a chance for this team to do something his team wasn't able to achieve: repeat as UAAP champions.

"If the team will be intact, unless there is tremendous recruitment or changes in the other teams, UP will be dominating it for the next two or three years."

Lipa is also very happy for Monteverde, his former player at UNO High School, who has now joined him in the exclusive club of people who have coached the Maroons to a solo UAAP men's basketball title.

"Goldwin entered UNO in 1989. I was no longer coaching UNO but I was there as adviser to Milton Yu. I saw Goldwin there, and he impressed me with a cool demeanor and a very heady player. He was already a thinking player. He relied more on his mental aptitude.

"I wish him the best of luck. Good luck there, Goldwin, and keep up the good work."

Lipa said he was overjoyed watching Cagulangan give UP its first title in 36 years

"Just like any member of the UP community, I was very, very happy with our championship. After 36 long years... they deserve to be champions. The coaching staff was good, they worked very hard, and the players are very talented."

Just like his own 1986 team.

Excerpt from:
Joe Lipa, architect of 1986 title winners, says UAAP Season 84 champions 'most-talented' UP team he's ever seen - ESPN

Royal Challengers Bangalore will be up against Gujarat Titans in their last match of the league stage which will be no less than a knockout game for them. RCB needs to win their match against Gujarat Titans if they want to remain relevant in the race to the playoffs this season in IPL 2022.

Royal Challengers Bangalore and Gujarat Titans will go up against each other in their final match of the league stage in IPL 2022. Faf du Plessiss RCB need to make sure that they win against Gujarat as that will help them remain relevant in the race to the playoffs this season. RCB lost some close games and also suffered a heavy defeat during the season which has impacted their net run rate. So, it is important for them to make sure that they cross the line when they take the field against Gujarat Titans like they did earlier in the tournament. If RCB manages to register a big win over their opponents then it will even help them further as they will have a chance to improve their net run rate which can be a deciding factor in the qualification for the playoffs.

Gujarat Titans have dominated the season and have emerged as the number one side on the points table. Hardik Pandyas side can relax a little for this game and might even try to test their bench as they gear up for the playoffs. They will definitely want to register a win and reach the playoffs on a high but it is highly likely that few players might be given a chance from the bench.

Form Guide

Gujarat Titans have had the best IPL 2022 so far and have managed to win maximum games when compared to all other teams this season. Out of the 13 games that they have played so far, Gujarat have won 10 and lost three. RCB on the other hand, have also played 13 games but have won 7 and lost 6 which is why winning this game is very important for them.

RCB and Gujarat Titans have played once against each other and GT had emerged victorious in that match.

Royal Challengers Bangalore: Faf du Plessis(c), Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Glenn Maxwell, Dinesh Karthik(wk), Suyash Prabhudessai, Shahbaz Ahmed, Wanindu Hasaranga, Harshal Patel, Josh Hazlewood, Mohammed Siraj.

Gujarat Titans: Wriddhiman Saha (wk), Shubman Gill, Hardik Pandya (c), Gurkeerat Singh, Matthew Wade, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Alzarri Joseph, Pradeep Sangwan, Yash Dayal, Mohammed Shami.

Virat Kohli has not had a memorable IPL season this year. He might have scored a couple of fifties but he is still far from being at his best. He has struggled in IPL 2022 with the bat and might find it difficult to score big runs when he comes out to bat against the Gujarat Titans.

Royal Challengers Bangalore in a game that they have to win at all costs to stay relevant for the playoffs will come out with all guns blazing. They will be desperate for a win and the team atmosphere might be such that their mindset will help them register a win over Gujarat Titans.

Match - Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Gujarat Titans, IPL 2022 Match no. 67.

Time - 7:30 PM IST

Venue -Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.

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IPL 2022 | Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Gujarat Titans - Preview, head to head, where to watch, and betting tips - SportsCafe

Lucknow Super Giants' run to the playoffs has witnessed a stuttering halt after two losses in a row in IPL 2022 | Photo: Lucknow Super Giants

With three spots still up for grabs, 7 teams are still in the fray of qualification. Here's a look at chances of all the 7 teams in the hunt to advance to the next stage:

1. Rajasthan Royals

2. Lucknow Super Giants

With two back-to-back losses, LSG's spot in the top two is suddenly in danger with RR beating them in a crunch clash at Brabourne Stadium. Now, LSG don't just have to win their last game against KKR but also have to ensure that they win big to better their NRR, which took a hit after losses by 62 runs and 24 runs. Lucknow would also hope and pray that RR lose their final game and even if the Men in Pink win, they don't win big as they already have a superior NRR.

3. Royal Challengers Bangalore

To qualify

Delhi haven't helped themselves by being on the wrong side of at least 5 close encounters as the ones they have won, they did it comfortably. DC still have the destiny in their own hands and if they win their remaining two games, they will qualify for the playoffs. However, if they lose any of their last two games, then they will have to depend on other results hoping the likes of KKR, RCB and Punjab also lose their final league stage game.

5. Punjab Kings

Like Delhi Capitals, Punjab too have a simple equation in front of them - win the remaining two games and qualify for the playoffs. However, the equation will work only for one of the two teams as they face each other on Monday in a virtual knockout game. If Punjab lose any of the two games, they will have to depend on the results of KKR, RCB and Delhi's final games.

6. Sunrisers Hyderabad

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have lost five matches in a row after winning five on the trot and only have a slim hopes alive. They not just have to depend on the results of the teams above them (RCB, DC, PBKS and KKR), but also have to win their last two games to get to 14 points first.

7. Kolkata Knight Riders

KKR are in the same boat as SRH and the loser of the PBKS vs DC game will join them on Monday. The three teams can get to only 14 points and not just have to win their last game but also hope that other results go their way.

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IPL 2022 Playoffs qualification scenario: 7 teams in fray for three spots after LSG falter in two straight gam - Times Now