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The Football Association have confirmed the forward has been fined and warned about his future conduct after social media posts relating to the controversial gesture
Hull City striker Yannick Sagbo has been fined £15,000 after admitting a charge of improper conduct relating to the 'quenelle' gesture.
The controversial gesture, which gained notoriety when former West Brom forward Nicolas Anelka used it to celebrate a goal in the club's 3-3 Premier League draw at West Ham in December, is said to have anti-Semitic connotations.
Sagbo found himself under scrutiny following social media posts relating to the gesture and accepted the Football Association charge, brought against him at the start of the month.
The FA confirmed on Tuesday in a statement following an Independently Regulatory Commission: "Yannick Sagbo has been fined £15,000, subject to any appeal, after he admitted an aggravated breach of FA Rule E3.
"The Hull City player was also warned as to his future conduct and ordered to complete a compulsory education course."
Full written reasons for the commission's decision will be released, while both parties have the right to appeal the outcome of the hearing.
The French midfielder has recovered from an ankle injury picked up in February but coach Tim Sherwood says the club will have to monitor him closely
Tottenham midfielder Etienne Capoue has returned to first-team training after two months on the sidelines.
The midfielder has been out of action since suffering an ankle injury during Tottenham's 1-0 defeat to Norwich City in February.
The 25-year-old's return has delighted Spurs boss Tim Sherwood, though he is wary of rushing the Frenchman back into action too soon.
"It's great to see him back in training, but he has been out for two months, so we have to be careful," Sherwood told the club's official website.
"We'll continue to monitor him closely."
Capoue has made 18 appearances in all competitions for Tottenham since his move from Toulouse in August, scoring his only goal in the 5-1 defeat to Manchester City in January.
The United owners are expected at the club's training base following the sacking of the Scot, who is understood to have agreed a £10 million severance package
By Paul Clennam
Manchester United's owners, the Glazer family, are due to make a rare appearance at the club's Carrington training base on Friday as plans to appoint David Moyes’ successor gather pace.
Goal understands staff at Carrington have been primed to expect a visit from brothers Joel, Avram, and Bryan, who will meet with executive vice chairman Ed Woodward to discuss plans to replace Moyes, whose ill-fated nine-month reign was terminated on Tuesday.
Reports suggest Sir Alex Ferguson will also play a part in determining the next Manchester United manager, despite his last recommendation failing to see out a full term in charge.
Ferguson is understood to have played no role in the decision to dispense with Moyes but had been surprised by his fellow Scot’s failure to stamp his authority on the position in recent weeks.
Moyes is believed to have agreed a £10 million severance package with the reigning Premier League champions and is understood to be planning a holiday in Dubai before deciding upon his own next move.
United, meanwhile, have been quick to identify their primary targets and have already met with Louis van Gaal, the Dutch national team boss who has told friends he is "very keen" on taking over at Old Trafford when his stint in charge of the Netherlands finishes after the World Cup.
Jurgen Klopp has also been approached by United but the Borussia Dortmund manager publicly distanced himself from the job on Tuesday morning.
"Man United is a great club and I feel very familiar with their wonderful fans," Klopp was quoted as saying in the Guardian. "But my commitment to Borussia Dortmund and the people is not breakable."
Ryan Giggs has been placed in caretaker charge of the club until the end of the season but his lack of managerial experience is likely to count against him in the coming weeks as United prepare to make their second appointment in a year.
The Scot was relieved of his duties at Old Trafford just 10 months into a six-year contract, and his Blues counterpart has expressed his sympathies
Jose Mourinho says he "feels sorry" for David Moyes following his sacking as Manchester United manager on Tuesday.
The Scot was relieved of his duties just 10 months into a six-year contract having presided over the club's worst campaign of the Premier League era - with Ryan Giggs promptly named as interim head coach.
Louis van Gaal is the favourite to take over the vacancy, despite links with Tottenham, and is known to be "very keen" on the role, although first-choice candidate Jurgen Klopp has distanced himself from an approach.
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti previously admitted his surprise at the sacking and Mourinho - who was linked with the Old Trafford job before Moyes was appointed - has echoed the Italian's sentiments.
"I prefer not to comment. I feel sorry for him, obviously," he told ITV.
"I just feel sorry for David like I feel sorry for every manager who loses his job."
Moyes, who created a host of unwanted records during his brief stint at Old Trafford, has become the first United manager to be dismissed since Ron Atkinson in 1986.
Keane: Manchester United should be ashamed for sacking Moyes
By Chris Davie
Apr 22, 2014 9:06:00 PM
The former Old Trafford midfielder believes the Scot has been let down by the club - namely in the transfer market - but says Sir Alex Ferguson is not to blame for his appointment
Roy Keane believes Manchester United should be "ashamed of themselves" for sacking David Moyes.
The Scot, who turns 51 on Friday, lasted just 10 months as Sir Alex Ferguson’s successor having guided the club towards their lowest finish in Premier League history, which will also result in an absence from the Champions League for a minimum of 18 months.
Keane believes the club's inability to strengthen in the transfer market last summer has contributed to United’s poor campaign and insists the club have failed Moyes.
"He certainly had a hard start last summer when he took the job," the former Red Devils captain told ITV.
"The chief executive [Ed Woodward] didn’t get the deals done that he wanted, there was a lot of negativity and then they had a slow start and had no momentum.
"I think it is a shame. He should have been given more time. Some of the players at Manchester United should be really ashamed of themselves, they have really let him down.
"For David Moyes to be seventh in the league is disappointing and he should take responsibility for that but you still need people around you to help you in every way you can. I don’t think he’s had that support, particularly form the players. I definitely think he deserved some more time."
Sir Alex has faced criticism over his decision to choose Moyes as his successor but Keane believes the 72-year-old should not be blamed.
"I wouldn’t necessarily say Moyes was his pick," the Irishman argued. "He certainly put his name forward but obviously the club had to make the decision so I don’t think you can be critical of Sir Alex Ferguson."
Paul Scholes has been added to Ryan Giggs' backroom staff at Manchester United.
Wednesday 23rd April 2014
Giggs was appointed United interim manager following the sacking of David Moyes on Tuesday.
The Welshman installed Nicky Butt and Phil Neville as first-team coaches, and it has now emerged that Scholes has returned to the club to assist his former team-mate.
"It's great to see Paul Scholes here at the Aon Training Complex today, assisting Ryan Giggs, Nicky Butt and Phil Neville," read a post on Manchester United's official Twitter feed.
Giggs, Neville, Scholes and Butt are all graduates of the famed 'Class of '92' which helped bring the club much of the success they enjoyed under Sir Alex Ferguson.
Scholes coached at the club for six months when he first retired from the playing staff in 2011.
Ferguson managed to persuade the midfielder to come out of retirement the following year and he then hung up his boots for good last summer after Ferguson left.
Moyes tried to persuade Scholes to join his backroom staff at the start of the season, but he failed.
The former United midfielder, who has 11 Premier League winner's medals to his name, has spent his time out of the game pursuing various projects.
He was part of a consortium, along with Giggs, Butt Gary Neville and his brother Phil, that bought Salford City FC. Scholes has also appeared as a TV pundit during his time away from United.
The United board hope Giggs and his staff can restore some pride after a woeful season under Moyes.
Giggs, Neville, Scholes and Butt are all graduates of the famed 'Class of '92' which helped bring the club much of the success they enjoyed under Sir Alex Ferguson.
Scholes coached at the club for six months when he first retired from the playing staff in 2011.
Ferguson managed to persuade the midfielder to come out of retirement the following year and he then hung up his boots for good last summer after Ferguson left.
Moyes tried to persuade Scholes to join his backroom staff at the start of the season, but he failed.
The former United midfielder, who has 11 Premier League winner's medals to his name, has spent his time out of the game pursuing various projects.
He was part of a consortium, along with Giggs, Butt Gary Neville and his brother Phil, that bought Salford City FC. Scholes has also appeared as a TV pundit during his time away from United.
The United board hope Giggs and his staff can restore some pride after a woeful season under Moyes.
Fergie will be involved in United manager search
Each member of the Manchester United board, including Sir Alex Ferguson, will be asked for their views on who should replace David Moyes in the coming days.
Wednesday 23rd April 2014
And whoever takes over from the Scot will be given significant funds to rebuild the squad, sources said.
Holland coach Louis van Gaal emerged as the early front-runner to succeed Moyes, whose 10-month reign came to an end on Tuesday when he was fired following a meeting with vice-chairman Ed Woodward at Carrington.
Press Association Sport understands the United board first discussed the possibility of getting rid of Moyes on Sunday night following the team's 11th defeat of the season at Everton.
On Monday the board, which includes Ferguson and Sir Bobby Charlton, decided Moyes should be sacked and he was summoned to the AON Training Complex the following morning to be dismissed.
Although Ferguson was responsible for appointing Moyes, he will play a part in choosing his compatriot's successor, although this time he will not be the sole man responsible.
United are looking to appoint an experienced manager who has a history of signing top-class players and managing them.
For that reason, the club are known to be interested in Van Gaal, who has won titles in Spain and Germany. The 62-year-old also won the Champions League with Ajax in 1995.
The Dutchman has made it clear he wants to move to England when his contract expires at the end of the World Cup.
Another potential candidate, according to reports, is Carlo Ancelotti, whose position at Real Madrid could be in jeopardy if the Italian fails to win either the Spanish league or the Champions League.
The United board will back their new manager in the transfer market, with the £150million kitty promised to Moyes still available.
Ryan Giggs will take care of the team "until a permanent appointment can be made," United said.
Press Association Sport understands Giggs will not be considered as a full-time replacement, but they hope United's most-decorated player will become part of the new manager's backroom staff.
For the final four games of the season, Giggs will be assisted by Nicky Butt, Phil Neville and Chris Woods - the latter two keeping their jobs despite being brought in by Moyes.
Steve Round and Jimmy Lumsden were also brought in by the Scot but they have been fired.
Moyes can have no qualms about his dismissal. This time last year United won the title with four games to spare. Now they sit 23 points below the summit in seventh place.
One United source said the board started worrying about Moyes' capabilities during the 2-0 defeat to Olympiacos.
"The players didn't look up for it," the source said. Once more "lacklustre" performances followed, the source added, Moyes had to go.
Fans and shareholders widely backed Moyes' dismissal, although former captain Roy Keane said the players should take a large portion of the blame.
"Some of the players should be ashamed of themselves," Keane told ITV1.
On Tuesday evening the club's share price on the New York Stock Exchange climbed sharply to its highest point since Ferguson's retirement last May.
Manchester United will not consider appointing Ryan Giggs as the club's next full-time manager, Press Association Sport understands.
Wednesday 23rd April 2014
United announced on Tuesday morning that Giggs would take charge of first-team affairs on an interim basis following the sacking of David Moyes, who was finally given his marching orders after 10 months in charge.
Once the news was announced, many United fans took to Twitter to declare their support for Giggs to take over on a permanent basis.
Giggs, a graduate of the famed 'Class of '92', has made more appearances (962) than any other player in the club's 136-year history.
The 40-year-old Welshman, who started taking his coaching badges earlier this season, has 13 Premier League winner's medals to his name and is revered by United fans across the globe.
But, it is understood the United board would prefer to appoint a more experienced manager to drag them out of the hole Moyes left them in.
Club officials hope the midfielder will form part of the backroom staff of Moyes' full-time successor, although they are happy to leave that decision with the man who takes over.
United hope Giggs can restore a sense of pride to the club in the next few weeks.
The Welshman is expected to remind his players of the club's illustrious history and the board are hopeful he will do a good job in the short-term.
Senior figures within the United board room started having misgivings about Moyes' ability to get the best out of his squad during the 2-0 away defeat to Olympiacos, it has emerged.
One United source claimed the players simply "didn't look up for it" during the embarrassing Champions League loss in Greece.
United managed to win the tie 3-2 following an uplifting win in the return leg, but doubts persisted among senior figures, who lamented a series of "lacklustre" performances, principally against Liverpool and Manchester City.
Ultimately the 2-0 loss at Everton was the tipping point. Disgruntled board members started discussing Moyes' potential sacking at Goodison Park on Sunday.
After sleeping on it, a United board member called Moyes on Monday, asking him to come to the AON Training Complex the following morning.
It was there that Moyes was informed of his dismissal. Press Association Sport understands Moyes was unhappy with news of his impending dismissal being leaked on Monday.
It is thought that United are also unhappy with the leak and are investigating who may have been the culprit.
David Moyes' sacking by Manchester United inspired the club's share price on the New York Stock Exchange to climb sharply to its highest point since Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement last May.
Wednesday 23rd April 2014
The shares had slumped in value on Monday when reports started surfacing that Moyes was set to be axed.
But the official confirmation of his departure was followed by a spike in share price up from 17.72 US dollars to 18.60 dollars in the first two hours of trading.
Analysts believe United's owners, the Glazer family, had reached a point where the team's poor performances were threatening to impact on the club's finances - the anticipated new deal with Nike has been much-delayed.
The decision to axe Moyes and appoint a new manager appears to have won the confidence of investors - perhaps in the belief that the Nike deal will now be confirmed.
London-based financial analyst Andy Green, who writes a blog on football finance and advises the Manchester United Supporters' Trust, said: "It's telling that there was a level of underperformance the owners could tolerate and a level they couldn't and it's interesting where that level was.
"You can have transition but decline is a different thing entirely and Nike would have not wanted to announce a huge new sponsorship deal while the situation - and the football - has been so dire."
More than half of the United shares on the NYSE - though only 5.5% of the club - are owned by one American investment firm. It was revealed in March that Baron Capital had acquired 57% of the shares - a good investment strategy in the light of the recent surge in value.
United's debt was reported by the club in September as being £389.2million, costing £71million last year in debt servicing. According to Green, the £71million costs means that the total cost to United in interest, fees, bank charges and debt repayments since the Glazers' 2005 takeover of the club now stands at £680million.
Liverpool planning summer spending spree
Liverpool are planning a summer spending spree to add to their successful squad, according to managing director Ian Ayre.
Wednesday 23rd April 2014
Brendan Rodgers' side are favourites for the Barclays Premier League title and have already guaranteed themselves a place in next season's Champions League group stage.
That is a huge step up from not playing in Europe at all this term - making them a more attractive destination but also increasing the strain on Rodgers' resources.
"There is no question we always expected that the squad we need for next season will be very different to the squad that we have needed for this year when we were not playing in Europe," Ayre told national newspapers.
"It will cost what it costs when we decide who the manager wants to buy. That has always been on the cards. It is fairly obvious that we set out with an ambition to get into the Champions League.
"It has always been tougher in the transfer market when you are not competing at the highest level. We had the issue with Luis [Suarez] last summer because he wanted to play in the best games against the best players. That is always a factor.
"We have always been fortunate to be able to bring great players here despite that but there is no question it opens up a few doors for us and makes it a little bit easier."
Liverpool are five points clear of Chelsea at the Premier League summit following Sunday's win over Norwich - though third-placed Manchester City, a point further back, have a game in hand.
"What we achieved on Sunday was massive," said Ayre. "This isn't just about getting in the qualifiers. We are guaranteed Champions League football.
"It is an unbelievable achievement from where we were. It is what we set out for but if you were taking bets at the start of the season, you'd have said fourth place would be a great achievement. Now we are guaranteed third and we are determined to push on."
Leicester beat Bolton to win Championship title
Leicester clinched the Sky Bet Championship title at the Reebok Stadium after a 1-0 victory over Bolton.
Wednesday 23rd April 2014
The Foxes, who have maintained their position at the division's summit since before Christmas, were promoted earlier this month and, despite a heavy loss to Brighton, they immediately set their sights on securing silverware.
Second-placed Burnley's win on Easter Monday, which saw the Clarets grab the other automatic promotion spot, meant Nigel Pearson's men needed three points against Wanderers to wrap up the title.
And after dominating large spells of the contest against a team with little to play for, Dyer arrived from the bench to rifle home a fine strike just after the hour.
With Bolton safely tucked in the middle of the division's pack, it gave boss Dougie Freedman a perfect opportunity to experiment with his team.
Teenage defender Hayden White was given a full debut in a five-man defence while the bench was largely filled with players yet to feature for Wanderers' first team. White, 19, was certainly given a tough examination early on as Foxes winger Riyad Mahrez enjoyed oceans of space on the left flank.
Andy King had a shot deflected off target while Anthony Knockaert also fired wide after a one-two sent Mahrez to the byline. The Frenchman then drifted inside and unleashed a swerving shot which Bolton goalkeeper Adam Bodgan just about shovelled wide.
At the other end a wonderful reverse pass from captain Jay Spearing gave Lukas Jutkiewicz the chance to shoot, yet the on-loan forward elected to pull the trigger when off balance and made a mess of the attempt.
For the remainder of the half it continued to be one-way traffic down Leicester's left with David Nugent unable to get great purchase on Mahrez's cross before the visitors' dangerman twice cut inside and skewed efforts off target.
It had seemed a matter of when, rather than if, the league leaders would score and they very nearly got a helping hand when Zat Knight, under no duress, headed inches over his own crossbar.
Freedman had seen enough of Mahrez's marauding runs as he hauled White off for ex-Leicester striker Jermaine Beckford at the break and reverted to a more accustomed back four.
That did not stop the wave of Foxes attacks, though, as Knockaert's rasping drive was pushed behind by Bogdan. Nigel Pearson brought Mahrez off 10 minutes after the interval while Andy King was also sacrificed in a double switch for Dyer and Chris Wood.
Bolton were now built to counter and the energetic Lee Chung-yong scampered away down the left before picking out Jutkiewicz to steer wide of the mark. The 25-year-old would come closer still after running half the length of the pitch and clipping a shot just beyond Kasper Schmeichel's far post.
It would prove to be a particularly costly miss as, just 36 seconds later, Leicester went ahead. Dyer cut in from the left flank and smashed a right-footed drive which soared into the top corner.
The hosts looked to hit back immediately and ex-Leicester striker Beckford had more time than he realised when lashing a half volley into the crowd. On that occasion the ball had fallen kindly for the Wanderers substitute and Jutkiewicz too benefited from some fortune with Schmeichel able to claw his low poke away.
Still Freedman's side looked to strike on the break with Beckford sauntering through only to prod a tame effort at Leicester's Danish stopper.
Freedman introduced debutants Andrew Kellett and Chris Lester to proceedings and aside from a Wood strike which Bogdan kept out, the contest would peter out before the final whistle blew and the champions banners were brought out.
'Proud' Moyes thanks fans following Manchester United sacking
By Jay Jaffa
Apr 23, 2014 12:47:00 PM
The Scot was dismissed on Tuesday morning following the club's 11th Premier League defeat of the season at Everton but spoke of his pride at having managed the Old Trafford outfit
David Moyes has thanked the Manchester United fans following his sacking on Tuesday and says he is "proud" to have managed the club in a statement made to the League Managers Association.
Moyes was sacked following a 2-0 loss at Everton which confirmed the club would miss out on Champions League football next season and the Red Devils look set for their lowest finish since the 1989-90 season.
Via the LMA, the Scot said: “To have been appointed as manager of Manchester United, one of the biggest football clubs in the world, was and remains something of which I will always be incredibly proud.
"Taking charge after such a long period of continuous stability and success at the club was inevitably going to be a significant challenge, but it was one which I relished and never had a second thought about taking it on.
"The scale of the manager's job at United is immense, but I have never stepped away from hard work and the same applies to my coaching staff. I thank them for their dedication and loyalty throughout the last season.
"We were fully focused and committed to the process of the fundamental rebuilding that is required for the senior squad.
"This had to be achieved whilst delivering positive results in the Barclays Premier League and the Champions League.
"However, during this period of transition, performances and results have not been what Manchester United and its fans are used to or expect, and I both understand and share their frustration."
Sir Alex Ferguson handpicked Moyes last season to succeed him following 11 years at Goodison Park but United have suffered a difficult transition.
The club were eliminated from the FA Cup in the third round - one of many unwanted records accumulated by the 50-year-old in his one season in charge.
"In my short time at the club I have learnt what special places Old Trafford and Carrington are. I would like to thank the United staff for making me feel so welcome and part of the United family from my first day. And of course thank you to those fans who have supported me throughout the season. I wish you and the club all the best for the future.
"I have always believed that a manager never stops learning during his career and I know I will take invaluable experience from my time as United's manager. I remain proud to have led the team to the quarter finals of this year's Champions League and I remain grateful to Sir Alex Ferguson for believing in my ability and giving me the chance to manage Manchester United.”
'Louis van Gaal would be a revelation at Manchester United' - Roy
By Harry Sherlock
Apr 23, 2014 1:02:00 PM
The Netherlands boss, who is set to step down after the 2014 World Cup, would succeed at Old Trafford, according to his countryman
Louis van Gaal would be a “revelation” should Manchester United decide to appoint him as David Moyes' successor, according to former Netherlands international Bryan Roy.
It is understood Van Gaal – who has also been courted by Tottenham – is keen to take over at Old Trafford in the wake of Moyes' sacking on Tuesday.
And Roy believes the current Netherlands national team boss – who is set to step down after the World Cup – would succeed at the soon to be deposed Premier League champions.
Roy, who played under Van Gaal at Ajax, told the Daily Mirror: "He has definitely still got the hunger.
"I think he will die on the pitch, because he will never retire. He loves the job too much.
"He will never turn down Manchester United, believe me. I think it’s the job he really wants. And he will be a revelation at Manchester United."
Many players were believed to have grown distant during Moyes' tenure, but Roy believes Van Gaal's hands-on approach will suit United.
"He is, without question, the best manager I have ever played for. For me, he has proved himself to be one of the best managers and coaches in the world.
"He is very disciplined, very strict and is very attacking in his philosophy. I know English football well, and his style is suited to that.
"He believes in wingers, he is very strong and very tactical. The best word I can think of is demanding.
"On the pitch, every player will be told their job, they will know exactly what is expected of them, their position and role in the team. The way he prepares his teams is outstanding. In terms of organisation and tactics - the way he sets teams up will suit English football - is superb.
"I don’t know so much about fitness anymore and that’s the only thing he may lack, simply because you have to be so fit to play in England. That’s such a big part of the game in England.
"But if you look at the teams he has managed, they have always played attractive and exciting football. He will bring that to Manchester United. If he goes there, he will be a huge success."
Brendan Rodgers has revealed the Reds owners are already mapping out their hopes for the future, while hinting at a potentially busy summer ahead of a return to Europe's top table
Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers says the club's owners are already making plans to build on this season's success.
The Anfield outfit are on course to win their first English title since 1990, holding a five-point advantage over second-placed Chelsea with three matches to play.
Owners Fenway Sports Group recently visited Merseyside to take in a 3-2 home triumph over Manchester City – a game that has potentially decided the title.
And Rodgers says the owners are delighted with the development at Liverpool before stating long-term success was their aim.
Rodgers told the Liverpool Echo: "It was great to have the owners over.
"It was nice for them because it was such a huge game and obviously it was an emotional time around the Hillsborough anniversary.
"I think they saw the development of the club and of the team and they were very complimentary. It's important for them to see that progress across the football club.
"They are absolutely delighted with what they've seen over the past 20 months and we talked about how we can keep the club moving forward because that's vitally important.
"It's been an ongoing process since I arrived here. We don't want it to be just for this season, we want to sustain it over a longer period.
"That's something that was pretty clear for us all in the discussions we had when I came in. We wanted to establish something that would be in place for a long time."
Rodgers also hinted at a busy close-season in the transfer market as Liverpool prepare for a return to the Champions League.
Liverpool's campaign has been aided by a lack of European football and Rodgers knows additions are necessary to cope with the demands it will bring next term.
"If you want to be challenging on all fronts then you need depth in all departments," he added.
The Chilean still believes his side can win the Premier League and does not feel Liverpool's clash with Chelsea will prove decisive
Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini does not feel the Premier League title will be decided by Liverpool's clash with Chelsea.
Pellegrini is still holding out hope his side can win the league, a prospect that has become increasingly unlikely in recent weeks.
City – six points behind table-toppers Liverpool and with a game in hand – need Chelsea to win at Anfield on Sunday but will be anxious after manager Jose Mourinho hinted at fielding a weakened side to help the Blues' Champions League push.
If Chelsea do beat Liverpool, and City succeed in all their remaining games, they can win the Premier League and Pellegrini told the Manchester Evening News: "I don't think Sunday will be decisive.
"There are a lot of examples in football to say not. If you remember the last title City won, against United, in the last few minutes, football is never finished.
"Liverpool could win on Sunday and then maybe the other two games will be very difficult for them.
"In the end, if you have a mathematical chance to win, football will never say it is final. They are two important games on Sunday, but both teams have to win their other games as well."
Pellegrini feels the club have been hard done by with their fixture list, with runs in the League Cup - which they won – and FA Cup as well as inclement weather giving them multiple games in hand.
"For us all season it has been very difficult to get to the top of the league," he added.
"If you look at the 34 games we have played, only once or twice were we top of the table.
"With three games being postponed, you don't have nine points, you still have to win them, so it has been very difficult for our team in motivation, to think we were at the top of the table.
"Since we lost against Liverpool, our future hasn't depended on what we do, but have a duty to try and win our games."
Pellegrini also said City "recovered" their early season style on Monday, as goals from Pablo Zabaleta, Sergio Aguero and Martin Demichelis gave them a 3-1 home win over West Brom.
Manchester United 'unprofessional' in Moyes sacking, says LMA chief
By George Ankers
Apr 23, 2014 1:51:00 PM
News broke of the Scot's imminent departure the day before his exit, with the organisation's chief damning in his assessment of the club's conduct
The chief executive of the League Managers Association, Richard Bevan, has criticised the "unprofessional manner" in which Manchester United handled the sacking of David Moyes.
The departing manager thanked fans for their support in a statement via the LMA on Wednesday, having been jettisoned after presiding over a disastrous 10 months in which the Red Devils failed to qualify for the Champions League and are guaranteed their lowest-ever Premier League points total.
In his own statement, Bevan wrote: "The LMA is very disappointed with the nature of David's departure from Manchester United and to read extensive reports in the press, confirming David's sacking, before David himself had been spoken to officially by the club.
"Throughout his time at United, David, as he always does, has conducted himself with integrity and professionalism, values that he believes in and that have been strongly associated with the club and its rich tradition.
"It is therefore sad to see the end of David's tenure at United being handled in an unprofessional manner."
Ryan Giggs has been put in interim charge at Old Trafford, with Louis van Gaal "very keen" to take the job on a permanent basis after stepping down from Netherlands in the summer.
Ryan Giggs revives Class of '92 as Paul Scholes returns to join Nicky Butt and Phil Neville on Manchester United coaching staff
Ryan Giggs called Paul Scholes and persuaded him to help coach the side
They will be joined by Phil Neville and Nicky Butt in the Man United dugout
Giggs wants the team to start playing the 'Manchester United' way again
Tom Cleverley is likely to get a game with Marouane Fellaini and Juan Mata possibly dropped while Giggs is in charge
By Ian Ladyman
Published: 21:30 GMT, 23 April 2014 | Updated: 23:57 GMT, 23 April 2014
No sooner had one regime slunk out of the back gates at Manchester United’s Carrington training ground than another was driving in through the front. Before 9am on Wednesday, Paul Scholes was back at his spiritual football home.
The story of Scholes and United this season serves, in many ways, as a window into the uncertain, unhappy world of David Moyes.
Moyes, sacked by United on Tuesday morning, thought he had offered Scholes a role last autumn and briefly the former Old Trafford midfielder worked with Nicky Butt and the Under 19s.
Class of '92: (R-L) Ryan Giggs, Nicky Butt, Phil Neville and Paul Scholes are on United's coaching staff
Old times: All coaches along with Gary Neville and David Beckham were in the 1992 FA Youth Cup Final team
Reunion: Four of the six from The Class of '92 will be in the United dugout
Soon, though, the relationship was in pieces, with Scholes heading back home to Oldham under the impression Moyes didn’t want him.
On Wednesday morning, United’s interim manager Ryan Giggs had repaired the damage with a single phone call and his former team-mate was back amongst it at first-team training.
United’s technical area will begin to resemble a screen grab from the Class of ’92 movie when Norwich arrive in the Barclays Premier League on Saturday.
Giggs, for his part, knows that his role as United manager will be a cameo. He will not be considered for the post at this stage and is aware the incoming manager — set to be foreign — may not want him either.
Between now and the end of the season, though, he will attempt to turn back time and it is hard to blame him.
Before telling the United squad on Tuesday afternoon that he was bringing in Scholes and indeed Butt, Giggs sat the players down and delivered a simple message.
‘Ryan was very straightforward, as always,’ revealed an informed source. ‘He told the players it was time to go back to playing like Manchester United.
Wide smile: Giggs arriving at Carrington as he plans for United's Premier League game against Norwich
Interim manager: Giggs will take temporary charge at United after the dismissal of David Moyes
Ginger ninja: Scholes has returned to the club after getting the impression that he was not wanted by Moyes
Support act: Giggs and Phil Neville join Moyes in the dugout during a game against West Ham at Upton Park
NOT SO SELF HELP BOOK
David Moyes was mocked by United’s players for reading a self-help book called Good to Great, and it is no wonder when you look at some of the bizarre advice it offers:
● Keep it simple — be a hedgehog, not a fox.
● Achieve BHAGs — big hairy audacious goals.
● Create alignment by results, not hoopla.
● Avoid the Doom Loop.
● 1) Get the right people on the bus. 2) Get the right people in the right seats. 3) Get the wrong people off the bus.
‘He said it was time to get on the front foot, to press and to start dictating games. Like everyone else in the room, he is fed up worrying about the opposition all the time.
‘He wants this team to be ruthless, brave and unforgiving, just as it used to be.’
Giggs — for all his understandable denials — is known to have disagreed with Moyes’s tactics. On more than one occasion, he tried to persuade Sir Alex Ferguson’s successor to change his outlook.
The style the 40-year-old will attempt to impose on Saturday at Old Trafford will owe much more to Ferguson — and indeed his first youth coach Eric Harrison — than it will the man who drove out through Carrington’s rear entrance after his dismissal.
Not so great Scot: Moyes failed to live up expectations, losing 11 league games during his tenure
Back to the future: Giggs has told players they will return to playing 'the Manchester United' way
In the frame: Giggs realises that Louis van Gaal and Carlo Ancelotti are favourites to take the job permanently
Giggs has told central midfielders including Tom Cleverley that they are not to sit alongside holding player Michael Carrick any more but to move into advanced positions and hurt the opposition when United have the ball.
Cleverley, who has struggled more than most this season, is expected to start against Norwich, as is another academy product, Danny Welbeck, and Adnan Januzaj. Not surprisingly, Giggs will jettison Marouane Fellaini and, more controversially, is giving thought to leaving out Juan Mata.
If United start without almost £60m of Moyes signings then it will represent a staggering indictment of the mistakes of the past eight months. Fellaini has been so poor that Moyes himself had started to drop him while Mata’s form has been lamentable since United signed him in January.
Respected figures in the game have been critical of Mata’s inability to influence games going against United since he moved from Chelsea and there is no way Giggs will select players he believes don’t have the courage to receive possession in difficult areas.
Mentor: Giggs will try and implement a style of play learned under his former manager Sir Alex Ferguson
Mutiny? Reports of unrest among seniors players in the United dressing room persist
On Saturday, Old Trafford will witness a highly motivated United team. It could well be that Norwich suffer. United, with nothing of worth left to play for, will attack the game unshackled, motivated by a desire to show they are better off without Moyes.
There remains a key group of senior players who believe Moyes has tried to turn public opinion against them. That is a dubious assertion. Nevertheless, motivated footballers can do remarkable things and it would be no surprise if United finish their miserable season with a flourish that will remind people of their true worth.
The United board — with the Glazers in attendance — will look on with interest. As they continue their efforts to turn the heads of Louis van Gaal and Carlo Ancelotti towards Manchester these coming days, they are aware that a few Giggs victories will start a bandwagon of public opinion in favour of the Welshman’s appointment.
Whatever happens, he will not get the job this time. It could, however, be fun watching him try and that particular commodity has been rather thin on the ground in Stretford this season.
On the attack: Tom Cleverley will be encouraged to take up more forward positions in United's midfield
Collateral damage: New signings Juan Mata and Marouane Fellaini could lose their places under Giggs
Make a mark: United fans would love to see Giggs get the job is he impresses in the final four games
Jose Mourinho told he can pick Chelsea kids for Liverpool showdown
By Neil Ashton
Published: 21:10 GMT, 23 April 2014 | Updated: 00:18 GMT, 24 April 2014
Jose Mourinho has been given the go-ahead by Chelsea’s board to pick a second-string team at Liverpool on Sunday, after accepting that the club’s title hopes are over.
Mourinho is preparing to carry out his threat to save his remaining fit, first-choice players for the Champions League semi-final second leg at home to Atletico Madrid on Wednesday.
The Chelsea manager believes that their Barclays Premier League title chances are over after the 2-1 home defeat by Sunderland on Saturday left his side five points behind leaders Liverpool.
Thanks, Premier League: Mourinho is unhappy at having to play Liverpool on Sunday not Friday or Saturday
Call up: Dutch youngster Nathan Ake could make appearance for Chelsea
And Chelsea’s football board, Dave Barnard, Bruce Buck, Ron Gourlay, Marina Granovskaia and Eugene Tenenbaum, all support Mourinho’s decision after meeting on Wednesday to discuss the situation.
Mourinho lost goalkeeper Petr Cech and skipper John Terry to injuries in Tuesday’s first-leg draw at Atletico. It means third-choice keeper Henrique Hilario could start his first Chelsea game in three years to protect 41-year-old keeper Mark Schwarzer.
There may also be chances for youngsters such as Tomas Kalas, Nathan Ake and Under 21 defender Andreas Christensen.
Drab: Atletico Madrid and Chelsea played out a 0-0 draw in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final
Manchester City, who travel to Crystal Palace on Sunday, are six points behind Liverpool — but with a game in hand. They will monitor Chelsea’s team selection with interest.
But the Premier League have confirmed that Mourinho is entitled to select anyone from his 25-man squad, plus members of the academy side if needed.
Mourinho had an extraordinary row over this issue during his time as Real Madrid boss in Spain. In 2010 Mourinho criticised then Sporting Gijon coach Manuel Preciado for making eight changes ahead of a game at Barcelona.
In the frame: Veteran keeper Henrique Hilario last played in 2011
Mourinho claimed: ‘You can’t do this in England because you get punished. A team shouldn’t give away a game cheaply.’
Sporting lost 1-0 and Preciado, who has since passed away, was furious with Mourinho over the criticism. He said: ‘If he is saying what he really thinks, he is despicable and a bad professional colleague.’
The Premier League changed their rules over playing weakened sides in 2011 when Blackpool made representation to the other 19 clubs after they were fined for fielding an under-strength team at Aston Villa.Rule L19 remains in the Premier League handbook, saying: ‘In every league match each participating club shall field a full-strength team.’
But this is open to interpretation because clubs must register a 25- man squad at the start of the season — and they can now also call on players from the Under 21 development squad. Former Sheffield United boss Neil Warnock still complains about Rafa Benitez fielding a weakened Liverpool team against Fulham ahead of the 2007 Champions League final with Milan.
Warnock also claims Sir Alex Ferguson did the same on the final day of the season when Manchester United lost to West Ham and his side were relegated.
Yesterday, Mourinho’s players went through a gentle warm-down session after returning to London following the 0-0 draw in Madrid.
They will be without Cech until the start of next season. Terry is struggling with an ankle injury.Frank Lampard and John Mikel Obi are both suspended for next Wednesday’s second leg so will both play at Anfield.
Meanwhile, Fernando Torres has edged closer to the Stamford Bridge exit after his agent held talks with Atletico Madrid and Inter Milan.
The Chelsea striker’s representative Antonio Sanz met officials from Atletico and Inter earlier this week, while the Serie A side are also believed to be strongly interested in Demba Ba.
The meeting about Torres took place in Madrid and both clubs impressed on Sanz their eagerness to hand the Spaniard a chance to recapture his best form.
Home straight: Liverpool need seven points from their last three games to win the Premier League
Manchester United insist Moyes' exit was handled professionally
By Gill Clark
Apr 23, 2014 4:56:00 PM
The Red Devils have responded to criticism from LMA chief Richard Bevan and say the decision to replace the Scot was not taken until late on Monday night
Manchester United have insisted that David Moyes' departure from the club was handled properly and professionally after the Scot left Old Trafford after just 11 months.
Moyes' exit was confirmed on Tuesday morning after being widely reported on Monday and the former Everton boss has since spoken of his pride at being asked to lead the Red Devils.
However, League Managers Association chief Richard Bevan has hit out at United saying he was disappointed with the nature of the 50-year-old's departure, accusing the champions of acting unprofessionally.
The Red Devils have now responded to his comments, insisting they acted properly and that the decision to replace Moyes had not been made when newspaper reports emerged on Monday afternoon.
"We do not accept that it was handled in an unprofessional manner," a Manchester United spokesman told Press Association Sport.
"The decision was not taken until late Monday night and was communicated face-to-face first thing on Tuesday morning.
"When reports started emerging on internet news sites on Monday afternoon, no decision had been taken at that time."
Ryan Giggs has subsequently been appointed interim manager at Old Trafford and Goal understands the club's owners, the Glazer family, are due at Carrington on Friday to discuss who should succed the Scot.
The Reds reveal their plans to extend their stadium's capacity to 58,800 for consultation from fans and locals, with completion by the start of 2016-17 a plausible target
Liverpool have unveiled details of their plans to redevelop Anfield and expand it to a capacity of around 58,800.
With an official planning application intended to be submitted in the close-season, the Reds are seeking consultation from fans, residents and local businesses on the proposed work.
The plans would see the stadium's Main Stand have 8,500 seats added and redeveloped to open into a large concourse, better accessible to the ground's surroundings. The Hillsborough Memorial would also be moved to a dedicated cloister in the stand.
"As part of our proposed stadium redevelopment project, we have unveiled the detail of our ambitious plans for an expanded Main Stand and Anfield Road stand and are embarking on a consultation process which will shape and inform our planning application," the club's managing director, Ian Ayre, said in a statement.
"In order to move forward with our expansion plans we need to have certainty that we can navigate the complex planning process and secure the support of the community, local homeowners, businesses and other key stakeholders. This consultation exercise is an important part of this process.
"We started this journey just over 18 months ago and a lot of work has already been done. There is still an incredible amount to do but good progress has been made so far and we are proud to be able to unveil our plans."
In conjunction with the City Council, Liverpool are still negotiating to buy up the last of the vacant housing around the stadium to go ahead with the redevelopment but the club say that they are optimistic of finally securing agreements to that effect.
If the application for planning permission is submitted on schedule and granted, the Reds hope to begin work in early 2015, with completion in time for the 2016-17 season a possibility.
