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Middlesbrough manager Jonathan Woodgate says he doesn’t want to come up against the Swansea City trio of Andre Ayew, Rhian Brewster and Conor Gallagher again after they were instrumental in a 3-0 bashing of Boro at the Riverside Stadium on Saturday.

The game marked the return of Championship fixtures after a halt in March due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Brewster - who is on loan from Premier League leaders Liverpool, scored first with Ayew providing the assist. The youngster then registered his brace before Ayew made it 3-0 from the spot after Gallagher was brought down in the box by Boro captain George Friend.

“They've got some exceptional players in Rhian Brewster, Conor Gallagher and Andre Ayew. We just couldn't deal with them,” Woodgate was quoted as saying in Wales Online.

"It's hard to explain that type of performance. It's not nice to see. It was just the basics of the game at times. It wasn't good enough.

"We won't come up against a Brewster, an Ayew or a Conor Gallagher again. Them three up top, I thought they were absolutely outstanding."

Brewster has now scored six goals in 12 Championship outings since his arrival from Anfield in January and Ayew took to social media to congratulate the 20-year-old for his performance.

“Three points great start. One more goal. Congrats my Lil bro Rhian Brewster. Missed the Jack Army! Let’s keep going,” he posted on Twitter.

Ayew had a solid game at the Riverside, making 43 touches on the ball and 22 accurate passes (91.7%) which was the highest percentage of any player on the pitch. He also did well defensively, making four tackles and five clearances.

The Ghana captain remains the club’s top scorer in all competitions with 15 goals and six assists in 3216 minutes, averaging a goal every 214 minutes.

Saturday’s victory is Swansea’s biggest away from home in the Championship this season and their second biggest in the second-tier after seeing off Birmingham City 3-0 at the Liberty Stadium on August 25, 2019.

The South Wales outfit are just a point away from the promotion-playoff places and will next host title-chasers Leeds United, whom they saw off 1-0 in the reverse fixture at Elland Road.

Former Mainland Premier League champions Yanga SC and Azam FC fought to a 0-0 draw on Sunday at the National Stadium, Dar es Salaam.

Azam FC, after punishable mistakes by their defenders, were saved from going down by a superb Benedict Haule in goal.

Yanga conceded a corner after Idd Seleman was brought down from the right-hand side of the pitch and Azam almost got an opener from the resultant kick.

Idd Kipagwile received a short corner and delivered a pinpoint cross for Selemani who headed it past Metacha Mnata only for his goal to be ruled out for offside. It was not Selemani who was caught in an offside position but it was Zimbabwean Never Tigere in the sixth minute of play.

A chance for the Timu Ya Wananchi presented itself in the 15th minute when David Molinga, left unmarked in Azam's box, collected a back pass meant for Haule by Kipagwile. Haule did well to deny Yanga the opener by stretching to his right-hand side and collected Molinga's striker with considerable calm.

Another horrible backpass by Oscar Masai in the 35th minute almost cost Azam big and gave Yanga an opener. Masai's pass back to Haule was intercepted by Patrick Sibomana but the goalkeeper again stood firm to thwart the danger.

Apart from the nullified Azam's goal and Haule's key saves, none of the sides was able to get a much-sought opener before the first half ended with the scoreboard reading 0-0.

Yanga's furious appeal for a penalty was not entertained by centre referee Elly Sasii in the 67th minute when Ugandan international Nicholas Wadada looked to have brought down Molinga.

The Congolese striker, starting in his first match since resumption, received a cross from the left side of the pitch from Sibomana and as he entered into the box, there was contact between him and Wadada.

To the referee, the contact was not a serious one that would have warranted a penalty for the home side. 

In the 76th minute, Wadada himself saw his call for a penalty dismissed when he was brought down inside the box by Jafari Mohammed. Referee Sasii waved play on as Wadada looked on without further protestation.

None of the sides was able to claim maximum points in an equally feisty match in Dar es Salaam even in the six additional minutes.

Yanga will remain third with 56 points as Azam maintain second spot, with 58 points, after 30 matches.

Yanga SC XI: Metacha Mnata, Deus Kaseke, Jafari Mohammed, Kelvin Yondani, Said Makapu, Feisal Salum, Balama Mapinduzi, Haruna Niyonzima, David Molinga, Ditram Nchimbi, Haruna Niyonzima, Patrick Sibomana.

Subs: Farouk Shikalo, Paul Geofrey, Ally Mtoni, Bernard Morrison, Abdoulaziz Makame, Ngasa, Gnamien Yikpe.

Azam FC XI: Benedict Haule, Nicholas Wadada, Salmin Hoza, Oscar Masai, Abdallah Kheri, Bryson Raphael, Idd Selemani, Mudathir Yahya, Richard Djodi, Never Tigere, Idd Kipagwile.

Subs: Ally Mwadini, Lusajo Mwaikenda, Bruce Kangwa, Khlefin Hamdoun, Andrew Simchimba, Shaaban Idd Chilunda.

Wayne Rooney has revealed that he advised Manchester United to sign Idrissa Gueye a month after re-joining Everton.

Rooney began his career at Everton before moving to United in 2004, and went on to win 16 major trophies at Old Trafford, including five Premier League titles and the Champions League.

The former England international made his way back to Goodison Park on a free transfer in the summer of 2017, having been deemed surplus to requirements by then Red Devils boss Jose Mourinho.

Rooney stayed for one full season before undertaking a new challenge in MLS with DC United, helping Everton earn an eighth-place finish in the top-flight.

One man who stood out above all others to United's all-time record scorer during his second stint with the Toffees was Paris Saint-Germain star Gueye, who enjoyed an impressive spell on Merseyside between 2016 and 2019.

Rooney says he quickly became convinced that the Senegal international had enough quality to join United, who have been linked with the midfielder on several occasions, but he failed to convince his former club to launch a bid for his services.

The Red Devils legend wrote in his latest column for The Times: "Everyone talks about his tackling and energy but what surprised me was his quality on the ball — he always looked to play it forward and to your feet.

"After a month playing with him, I spoke to people at Manchester United saying he was good enough for them. I wasn't shocked when Paris Saint-Germain signed him."

Rooney also discussed his time spent playing alongside another ex-Everton star, Marouane Fellaini, who left Goodison to join United in 2013.

The Belgium international was often criticised for not fitting the Red Devils' style of play, and never quite managed to win over his detractors despite putting in some impressive performances in the middle of the park.

Rooney added on Fellaini: "He was an absolute handful. He didn't mean to, but he'd always catch you with a knee or elbow; he scored goals, was always threatening and never got the credit he deserved.

"He was such a nice person and when he was getting stick at Manchester United it was hard for him. I admired the character he showed to get through that and win fans around a bit."

Shola Ameobi claimed he has been massively awestruck by Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s performances for Everton this season.

The 23-year-old joined the Toffees from Sheffield United in a £1.5 million deal on 31 August 2016.

Calvert-Lewis made a slow start in his first three seasons at Goodison Park – accounting for just 11 goals in 78 appearances in the Premier League.

This season, however, he stepped up his game to turn in 13 goals in 27 appearances – which earned him a new five-year contract in March.

He has made a strong case to be included in England’s Euro 2021 plans, and could make the final cut to the championship should regulars Harry Kane and Marcus Rashford get injured during the build-up.

Overall, the England youth international has done enough to impress the Newcastle great who is gobsmacked with his stirring qualities.

“I’ve been so hugely impressed with the way he carries [himself],” Ameobi said on Sky Sports.

“I remember when Everton came here [to Newcastle] earlier in the season, I was so impressed with his movement and tenacity, he knows where to be.

“He is a striker who has got pace, got power and he has a knack of being in the right place at the right time.”

The 38-year-old also hailed the impact of Carlo Ancelotti and Duncan Fergusson on his development.

Calvert-Lewin has thrived since the Italian manager was named the club’s boss in December, scoring eight goals in his last 10 English elite division outings before the league went on hiatus owing to the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic.

“Since Ancelotti has been here, he just shows us the different types of goals he scores,” he continued.

“His improvisation is brilliant. You can’t underestimate the impact Ancelotti has had on him this season and also Duncan Fergusson.

“I just love his tenacity, he never gives up – he keeps fighting. He is obviously the huge star of the moment."

The striker is expected to lead Everton when champions-elect Liverpool come calling in Sunday evening’s derby clash before heading to Norwich City on Wednesday.

Ancelotti’s men are currently 13th in the log having accrued 37 points from 29 matches.

Liverpool may be running away with the Premier League title but the race for the Golden Boot is a whole lot closer.

Goal is compiling the individual goal tallies for the highest-scoring Premier League players this season and you can check it out below.

Premier League 2019-20 Top Scorers

Jamie Vardy has flourished under the guidance of Brendan Rodgers and currently leads the charts. He is followed closely by Arsenal star Pierre-Emerick Aubamayeng and a chasing pack that includes Sergio Aguero, Marcus Rashford and Danny Ings.

The likes of Tammy Abraham, Mohamed Salah and Raheem Sterling will also feel they still have a chance, with plenty of time still left in the 2019-20 campaign.

*Up to date as of games played on June 20

Who finished top in 2018-19?

Liverpool star Mohamed Salah successfully defended his title as Golden Boot winner in May when he scored 22 goals in 2018-19, though he had to share his prize in a three-way tie with team-mate Sadio Mane and Arsenal forward Aubameyang when the duo pulled level on the last day of the season.

The Egypt international scored 32 goals in 2017-18, beating previous holder Kane to the title.

Former Liverpool striker Peter Crouch has admitted he is “concerned” about Bukayo Saka’s contract situation at Arsenal, fearing he could leave.

The 18-year-old’s contract runs out in 2021 and there has not been any talk. Should he fail to renew, it could mean he leaves at any stage from now or allows his contract to expire and leave as a free agent.

Crouch is worried Saka’s situation could continue the trend of Arsenal losing their best players and not offering them better contracts.

Saka has been a sensation this season, playing 32 times in all competitions under Unai Emery and Mikel Arteta, playing a more prominent role under the latter.

The Anglo-Nigerian teenager has scored three goals and provided 11 assists. His competitive assist tally is only behind Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne (18), Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold (14) and Algeria international Riyad Mahrez (12) in the Premier League.

His latest assist was for Nicolas Pepe’s goal in Arsenal’s shock 2-1 defeat at Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday which strengthened the Seagulls quest to avoid relegation by going five points clear, while for the Gunners, they are eight points away from the top four and it could widen should Chelsea beat Aston Villa on Sunday.

"I would be concerned [if Saka left]. It's happened time and time again at Arsenal,” Crouch told BT Sport.

“I'm not sure who's in charge of contracts, but it needs to be sorted out.

"They're giving big, big contracts to players who don't want to be there and they haven't sorted out someone with immense potential like Saka.

"Some players are lacking a little bit of desire at Arsenal, and you have to say, he's been the shining light.

"A club of Arsenal's stature, they should be trying to tie down these top young players. It's a surprising thing that they haven't been able to do that."

Arsenal’s next two league games will be on the road against in-form Southampton and top four chasers Sheffield United.

They also have a consecutive stretch of four difficult games to come in the month of July against Wolverhampton Wanderers, Leicester City, north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur and then league leaders Liverpool.

Former Kaizer Chiefs striker Patrick Mayo believes the Soweto giants can succeed with Bidvest Wits defender Sifiso Hlanti's experience.

The retired striker also hopes the Premier Soccer League (PSL) log leaders can do well with a defender like Thulani Hlatshwayo as they look to fill the void left by former defender Tefu Mashamiate.

With the Clever Boys set to part ways with a number of players following the sale of Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila (TTM), Mayo wants to see coach Ernst Middendorp signing Thabang Monare to replace George Maluleka who is bound for Mamelodi Sundowns.

“I think they need an experienced defender like Hlanti because Siphosakhe Ntiya-Ntiya is a young boy. Hlanti is playing for the national team and Siphosakhe can learn from Hlanti,” Mayo told Goal.

“Hlanti has the experience and ever since they parted ways with Tsepo [Masilela], Chiefs never had a good and experienced left-back.

“I think it’s time they capitalize on this opportunity and sign Hlanti because I hear that some of the players don’t want to go to Venda as the club is sold.”

On Monare, the Mthatha Bush Bucks legend explains the Naturena-based side will need someone that will occupy Maluleka’s central spot.

“I think it’s also time they sign a player like Monare because ever since Yeye [Reneilwe Letsholonyane] left the club, I don’t think they have replaced him,” he added.

“Monare is a good ball player and he can do well for Chiefs. He is a great, talented player. That boy can open up the defenders and create chances for Chiefs. What I like about him is that he is very disciplined. He lives a clean life and he was developed by Jomo Cosmos.

“I also think Chiefs must push to sign Thulani. We lost Mashamaite and we need someone to support Tower [Erick Mathoho]. Yes, we have [Daniel] Cardoso and Mathoho but he needs an experienced defender to do well and ensure we are astable at the back.

“We have a good goalkeeper in Itumeleng Khune and Daniel Akpeyi but we would really be good if we have Hlanti and a good right-back. Having Thulani [Hlatshwayo] will definitely boost Chiefs.”

Timo Werner’s agent has defended the RB Leipzig star from criticism over his £47.5 million ($59m) move to Chelsea.

It was confirmed this week that the German forward will join the Stamford Bridge side on a five-year deal next month. The transfer means he will miss out on the remainder of this season’s Champions League, which will resume in August.

Werner has faced criticism for walking out on his side before they contest the quarter-finals of the European competition, though managing director Oliver Mintzlaff came to his defence on Saturday, saying he is an “absolute sportsman”.

Karlheinz Forster has reiterated Mintzlaff’s message and says Werner does not deserve a negative image.

"What annoys me is that Timo is now being put in a corner and portrayed as a bad sportsman who lets his team-mates down,” Werner’s representative told Sport1. “I have to contradict that very clearly and I can only agree with what Oliver Mintzlaff said yesterday before the game!

“It would have been anything but a good start for Timo at his new club if he had to return to Leipzig for the preparation and the Champions League after the break.

“It was the joint vote of all parties involved - and not just Timo's decision - that he should move to Chelsea on July 1, and not until mid or late August.”

Chelsea beat the likes of Liverpool and Bayern Munich to the signing of the Leipzig star and ex-Germany star Oliver Bierhoff believes he was right to pick the Premier League ahead of staying in the Bundesliga.

"There's a lot of competition at Bayern, so you have to have a certain character. He's more of a player who lives on continuity and trust,” he said to Sport1. “English football is good for him. He'll have a good development there. I see him there more than in a team that works purely with technical football.

“He is a player who needs space, who needs depth and who plays out his speed. Maybe that was also a thought when changing.

"Timo always wants to play. Maybe there are also financial aspects. For example, Chelsea said: ‘We cannot take the risk that he will start with us injured or tired’.

“I believe that there has been pressure on Timo from various sides."

Frank Lampard will guide Chelsea to a top-four finish in the final weeks of the season, according to Joe Cole, who says a club legend "has been unbelievable" in his first year at the helm.

Chelsea are currently sitting fourth in the Premier League standings, two points clear of fifth-placed Manchester United with a game in hand.

The Blues can open up a five-point lead over their rivals in the race for the final Champions League spot if they beat Aston Villa on Sunday, while also moving to within three points of Leicester in third.

Cole is confident that his former employers will earn a spot at Europe's elite table once again, and he can even see them leapfrogging the Foxes as the campaign reaches its conclusion over the next two months. 

"I'm going to stick with the four teams that are there, but I think Man Utd will push all the way," the ex-Chelsea winger told 90min.

"I don't think Chelsea will fall, Frank will have enough. I think Leicester could fall because of their lack of experience, as a club at the top, top echelons. I know they won the league a few years ago, but I think if you're going to ask if any of the teams would fall out, I think possibly it could be Leicester. I think Chelsea will be fine, I think Frank will be fine."

Cole went on to praise Lampard for the work he's done with Chelsea's academy stars since succeeding Maurizio Sarri in the Stamford Bridge hot seat last summer.

The 38-year-old said of his former team-mate: "The future's looking bright, you know, credit to the club for appointing Frank at the start of the season. It was a bold decision and credit to Frank, I think he's been unbelievable, his staff as well.

"He's brought his staff in, people he can trust, people who do their job very well. He's really steadied the ship, you know, a great job right from the academy, the club's really pulling in the right direction and the names they are linked with I think are bang on.

"I think they're the right type of players for Chelsea, so the club in that sense I think is in a strong, strong position and, you know, a lot of people have to share out the credit for that, but I think mainly you've got to look at Frank coming in. I think he's taken it in his stride and he looks like he's going to be a top, top manager."

Jurgen Klopp's claim that Liverpool cannot dominate in the Premier League like Manchester United did has been disputed by Wayne Rooney, who says the key for the Reds is keeping their manager.

Liverpool, who are 22 points clear of Manchester City, are on the cusp of a first top-flight title since 1990 and need just two more wins to guarantee lifting the trophy.

Boss Klopp said he feels it is impossible for one club to enjoy the sort of success United did under the legendary Alex Ferguson, who won 13 Premier League titles during his 26-year stint.

Former United captain Rooney – a long-time foe of Liverpool due to his association with Everton and the Red Devils – disagrees, though, and tipped the Anfield club to win the league at least five times in the next decade on the proviso Klopp remains at the helm.

"Liverpool's squad is young and all the key players are tied down on long contracts. They have huge potential to win more trophies," Rooney wrote in his column for The Times.

"Klopp says it's impossible for any club to dominate like United once did but he is wrong. There's a simple way for Liverpool: let Klopp go on and on.

"United dominated because Fergie stayed so long. I think if Klopp, who is only 53, stayed at Anfield for the next 10 years Liverpool would win at least five Premier League titles.

"He could keep building great sides because, as I mentioned, players join clubs to work with managers as good as him.

"On the flip-side, players stay at clubs because of managers, too. If Klopp left it would be no surprise to see the likes of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino also deciding to move on.

"If I were one of Liverpool's owners, I would be doing everything in my power to tie him down for many years."

Rooney won the Premier League five times playing for Ferguson at Old Trafford, while he also became a Champions League winner under the Scot.

Liverpool's first game back since the suspension of the top-flight due to the coronavirus pandemic is Sunday's Merseyside derby at Everton.

Former Chelsea striker Tony Cascarino has admitted he would pick Southampton forward Danny Ings over Arsenal superstar Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang if he was to choose between the two at the moment.

The 31-year old has drawn blanks in games against Manchester City and Brighton and Hove Albion in the restart of the Premier League.

It has prompted more doubts about his focus and commitment to the club with a year left to run on his contract.

Meanwhile, former Liverpool striker Ings was a catalyst in Friday’s 3-0 victory at Norwich City, scoring a goal and providing an assist to send the Saints 10 points clear of the relegation zone.

Aubameyang has 19 league goals this season, two behind top scorer Jamie Vardy, while Ings has 16 goals.

“Having a player like Aubameyang is great, but he doesn’t want to be at Arsenal, he’s not committing himself to the club,” Cascarino told TalkSPORT.

“I don’t question him as a striker getting goals, he’s always score you 20-plus a season.

“This year he’s got one more Premier League goal than Danny Ings, but Ings has given a lot more to Southampton, as we saw [against Norwich]. His commitment to the team, he has a desire that drives the other players around him and makes them a better side.

“That’s one of the problems I see for Arteta, with players likes Aubameyang and Ozil.

“So, if I had a choice, I’d take Ings over Aubameyang.”

Cascarino is of the opinion Ings tops Aubameyang because he does more for the team in the kind of manner Roberto Firmino does for Liverpool.

Ings played for the Reds between 2015 and 2019, playing just 25 times as he was largely on the sidelines with injury and scored only four goals.

“When you look at Aubameyang’s numbers, they’re extraordinary,” Cascarino continued.

“But when you compare him to a player like Roberto Firmino for Liverpool, hasn’t got the goals say the likes of Luis Suarez and Fernando Torres did, but he does far more for the team.

“Danny Ings is like that, too, for me. He’s done this all season

“Let’s not forget, Ings’ career has been wrecked by injury and he’s come back and looks so good, he just leads the line brilliantly.

“He’s a consistent threat, even when the team isn’t playing well he’s still trying his socks off.

“He also wants to be at the football club, he wants to be at Southampton, he wanted to leave Liverpool and go there to play football.”

Former Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns striker Mark Williams admits playing the remaining matches behind closed doors will definitely affect Ernst Middendorp's men. 

However, Williams believes other teams such as the Brazilians and Orlando Pirates will equally be impacted negatively by the absence of fans. 

"There is no question that Chiefs will miss their '12th player' but they are not the only team that will be affected by this," Williams told Isolezwe . 

"I think all the 'Big Three' teams will suffer because they are used to having a lot of fans at their games." 

In Europe, a number of television broadcasters have included an artificial crowd noise feed and Williams hopes this could also work in South Africa. 

"We don't know if there will be a sound of Vuvuzelas to help the players feel as if they are playing in front of fans but that would mean the players must imagine having fans at the stadium," he said. 

Furthermore, the former Bafana Bafana marksman believes smaller PSL teams could benefit a lot from the remaining matches of the season which are set to be completed in one province due to the coronavirus.        

Williams picked Bidvest Wits as the team that could benefit the most because they are used to playing in front of fewer fans in almost all their home games. 

"No doubt that players who play for teams that don't usually attract too many fans sometimes feel intimidated when the stadiums are packed."  

"Teams such as Wits are used to being watched by around 2 000 fans or less - they are used to having no fans at times and I think they will benefit from this situation," he added.    

The Students are in the process of selling their PSL status to Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila and Williams admits this could prove tricky but he's of the view the performance of the players will depend on an agreement between the squad and management.  

Nonetheless, he feels this is an opportunity for those that could lose their jobs to market themselves if they mind leaving the Gauteng province for Limpopo. 

"That one is a problem because there are players who I know very well that they won't agree to leave Gauteng for Limpopo." 

He added: "It will affect them but that will depend on their agreement with the chairman of the club." 

"There are those who will use the remaining nine games to market themselves to Gauteng teams that could be interested in them," concluded Williams. 

Wits have an outside chance of winning the league title despite sitting 10 points behind log leaders Chiefs. 

Gavin Hunt's men still have to play Amakhosi twice before the suspended season can be concluded. 

Jurgen Klopp has already achieved more than Pep Guardiola in English football, according to Stan Collymore.

Guardiola inherited the managerial reigns at Manchester City in 2016, and has since delivered eight major trophies, including back-to-back Premier League titles.

The Spaniard is widely revered as the finest manager of his generation, having also won numerous titles at both Barcelona and Bayern Munich, but he has always benefitted from strong financial backing in the transfer market.

Klopp arrived in England with a similarly sterling reputation in 2015, after guiding Borussia Dortmund to two Bundesliga crowns, and he quickly set about stamping his own mark on a Liverpool squad devoid of confidence.

The German head coach has gradually affected significant change on a limited budget over the last five years, overcoming early growing pains to create a side which is now considered to be among the strongest in Europe.

Liverpool won the Champions League last season, and look set to add an elusive Premier League title to their trophy cabinet this summer, with Klopp credited for being the mastermind in their ascent to the top.

Collymore says the Reds boss has had a greater impact at Anfield than Guardiola has had at Etihad Stadium, and that he is well on his way to earning a place in English football's hall of fame.

The former Liverpool striker wrote in his latest column for The Mirror: "If Jurgen Klopp carries on like this he will go down as one of the all-time great managers – not just at Liverpool but in English football history.

"His buying and building of a team, his management of his players, his demeanour and his achievements are first class.

"And if he can back up last season’s European Cup win, and this season’s Super Cup, Club World Cup and Premier League triumphs with two or three more titles, maybe another Champions League and a domestic cup or two, then he will quite rightly be talked about in the same breath as Sir Alex Ferguson, Bill Shankly, Brian Clough, Bob Paisley, Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola.

“In terms of what he has achieved in England, I’d even put Klopp ahead of Guardiola now. Manchester City were already four, five or six years into a project when Guardiola arrived at the Etihad, whereas Klopp pretty much had a standing start at Anfield by comparison.

“I know some people will point to the £75 million-plus Klopp splurged on Virgil van Dijk and £56 million on Alisson. But others have spent those sorts of sums several times over without the return Klopp is enjoying.”

Former Manchester United star Roy Keane says he was “too nice” during his playing days, leading to many betraying him over the years.

The ex-Ireland midfielder was famous throughout his career for his rough and physical style as well as his quick temper on and off the field.

Keane was sent off a total of seven times during his successful spell in Sir Alex Ferguson’s midfield and had several high-profile run-ins with the likes of Patrick Vieira, Alan Shearer and Alf Inge Haaland.

His confrontational nature ensured the controversies followed him into management, but he maintains his difficulties as a player and coach were a result of him being too nice to those around him.

“Sometimes I was too hard. Sometimes I was too soft,” he told the Irish Independent. “If I was critical, looking back on my own career and how I dealt with people, even in management – and people mightn’t believe this – but I reckon that sometimes I was too nice to people.

“People stabbed me right in my chest, it wasn’t in my back. Because I was too nice to them.”

Keane says he has always been a demanding figure and that his career would not have turned out the way it did had he tried to repress that side of him.

“That was who I was. Even pre-season, any game I ever took it easy in, I guarantee you I was the worst player on the park,” he added.

“I couldn’t do it. I just couldn’t do it. It just wasn’t in my make-up. I had to be full pelt. If I lightened up too much in football, I would never have got to England. If I did, I wouldn’t have lasted two minutes.”

Keane joined United from Nottingham Forest in 1993 and spent 12 years at Old Trafford.

He captained the Red Devils for eight of those years and made 469 appearances and scored 51 goals for the club, lifting seven Premier League titles and a Champions League crown among others before he left to join Celtic before calling time on his career in 2006.

The South African Football Association National Executive Committee (Safa NEC) has decided the South African National Women's League (SNWL) be declared concluded. 

This follows Dr Thulani Ngwenya's report on the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the restart of play to the NEC on Saturday. 

With only three to four rounds of matches remaining in the SWNL, the association's highest-making decision body felt the season should be concluded and Mamelodi Sundowns be crowned champions. 

Sundowns top the standings with 63 points from 21 league games and are nine points ahead of TUT Ladies. 

The Brazilians finished the season unbeaten - in fact, they won all their 21 league games, scored 82 goals and conceded just 12 in the process.    

"Safa Medical Officer, Dr Thulani Ngwenya gave a full briefing on the impact of Covid-19 on the restart of play, both for professional and amateur football. It is in this context that the NEC decided the SNWL be declared concluded and that the current league log standing, with a handful of matches to be played, be declared final," said Safa in a statement. 

"It is on this basis that Mamelodi Sundowns Women’s team is declared the league champions for the inaugural 2019/20 season." 

Furthermore, the NEC also decided that JVW which is owned by Banyana Banyana legend Janine van Wyk, as well as Malndies will be promoted to the SNWL ahead of next season. 

"The Safa NEC further confirmed that JVW and MaIndies are both promoted to the SNWL for next season." 

All the other leagues in the country, including the ABC Motsepe League, remain suspended and Safa said the NEC will revisit the decision at a later stage.  

"Dr Ngwenya recommended that all other amateur leagues must remain suspended until the end of the lockdown or when the general environment is conducive to do so. This matter will be further revisited and discussed at a later stage." 

"It was also reported that in the absence of official competitions in the Regions and LFAs which are similarly suspended, the phenomenon of social games has emerged in some parts of the country and it was emphasised that this is in violation of lockdown regulations and the authorities must act to avoid a spike in Covid-19 infections," read the statement on the official Safa website.

The country's FA will continue to work with the National Soccer League (NSL) which governs the PSL for the return to play of professional football in South Africa.  

"On the National Soccer League (NSL), Safa will continue to work with the NSL to develop further proposals for submission to the government on the way forward," said the association.  

Meanwhile, Safa announced the NEC's decision to appoint Safa's legal head Tebogo Motlanthe as the association's CEO for the next six months.  

"The NEC also confirmed the appointment of Advocate Tebogo Motlanthe as Safa CEO until December." 

Arsenal "always give teams a chance" to beat them, according to Ray Parlour, who has expressed his belief that the Gunners are "going backwards at the moment".

Mikel Arteta's men have been dealt two major setbacks in the space of a week, having failed to pick up from where they left off in March following the resumption of Premier League football amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Arsenal were unbeaten in 2020 before coming up against Manchester City at Etihad Stadium on Wednesday, but they suffered a damaging 3-0 defeat which severely dented their hopes of Champions League qualification.

The Gunners were expected to bounce back from that result away at Brighton on Saturday, and looked on track for all three points when Nicolas Pepe struck in the 68th minute at the Amex Stadium.

However, Lewis Dunk equalised seven minutes later before Neal Maupay scored a dramatic stoppage-time winner for the Seagulls to complete a huge upset and compound Arsenal's misery.

Parlour was left dejected at the final whistle and he is concerned that his old club are starting to regress again after a bright start to Arteta's reign.

Asked how confidence levels within the squad will be holding up after the Brighton loss, the ex-Arsenal midfielder told Stadium Astro: "Oh, absolutely shot.

"This was a game they had to win. Not a lot of people would’ve given them a chance against Manchester City in a normal league period, but going to Brighton, if you’re going to compete with teams at the top, everybody’s dream at Arsenal is to get back into the Champions League, but these are the sides you’ve got to beat.

"They got themselves in a good position by getting the opening goal but they always give teams a chance. That’s the problem with Arsenal at the moment.

"Fair play to Brighton, they took that chance and they scored two fantastic goals, especially the last one, it was a fantastic winner for Brighton, but the fans will be very much on their backs a little bit now because they demand more of the players, they demand wins, they demand getting closer to that top five.

"At the moment Arsenal are going backwards."

Alex Iwobi has acknowledged he needs to show more of the “hype” about him after a string of unimpressive performances for Everton this season.

The 24-year old Nigerian has featured 22 times in all competitions for the Toffees, but has only just two goals to his name and one assist.

His lack of form has led to questions about the £35 million fee Everton paid to get him from Arsenal and his worth as a player despite showing potential as a teenager at Arsenal and for famously being the nephew of Super Eagles legend Jay-Jay Okocha.

“I’m no longer that young prospect, that young talent. I have to show why there was so much hype about me,” Iwobi was quoted saying in the Daily Mail.

“The only way you can do that is in games. I feel I’m at that time in my career when I need to start doing that. I need to up my stats a bit more, improve a bit more. That will come. I’m looking forward to restarting the season so I can prove myself.”

Everton resume league action when they host cross-town rivals and runaway leaders Liverpool in the Merseyside derby on Sunday.

The Toffees are winless in 18 top-flight encounters against the Reds, failing to score in their last three derbies at Goodison Park.

Iwobi acknowledges that it is something that has to change as they prepare to play without their supporters. He also wants to ensure the men in blue delay Jurgen Klopp’s men from winning a historic league title for the first time in 30 years.

“We have to accept it’s not a great record but we are on our own turf, even without fans. We’re going from no games to a derby, everyone will put in the hard graft, that extra bit of helping a team-mate,” he continued.

“We’re like one big family. You wouldn’t want a family member going into a challenge on their own or fighting a war without being there for each other.

“I’m sure there would have been no better feeling for Liverpool than winning the title at Goodison. They can’t but we will still treat it the same. We are ready for the war.”

Iwobi also spoke on former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger and current Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti. 

“Both of them [Wenger and Ancelotti] want to play football, to get forward the quickest way but also keep the ball,” he said.

“As people, they are really patient. They don’t say a lot but when they do, it’s with a lot of wisdom. All managers are different. Some have a temper and give you the hot treatment, these two are calm and collected.”

Bayern Munich must be careful when it comes to making a move for Manchester City winger Leroy Sane this summer, club legend Oliver Kahn has warned.

The German giants have been chasing the signature of the 24-year-old since last year, but put their pursuit on hold when he suffered a cruciate ligament rupture at the start of the season.

Sane has not featured for the reigning Premier League title holders since the Community Shield win over Liverpool last August, but is available for selection again and was on the bench for the 3-0 win over Arsenal in midweek.

Pep Guardiola confirmed this week that the Germany international wants to leave the club in the near future and has rejected an offer to extend his contract, which expires in the summer of 2021.

Bayern remain the Germany international's most likely destination, but board member Kahn is holding off discussing the likelihood of a move in the next transfer window. However, he did warn that the club will have to play it safe when it comes to finances for the foreseeable future as they look to deal with the consequences of the coronavirus pandemic.

"He still has a year contract with Manchester City, and there is nothing more to say about it now," former Bayern and Germany goalkeeper Kahn told ZDF. "We will then talk about transfers, about player commitments, if they have actually taken place.

"Possibly also in the next season, I think it is a time when you have to act very carefully, especially economically."

Bayern won an eighth consecutive Bundesliga title this year, having gone 10 points ahead of nearest challengers Borussia Dortmund.

Kahn, who won eight titles as a player with the club, is disappointed by the lack of competition for his side, but says they cannot slow down for other teams.

He said: "Of course, a competition like the Bundesliga lives very much for the tension, especially the tension around the championship title, but we can’t go and say: 'yes, we’ll play a little bit worse now'. Of course, the competition is also required to make the best of their means.

"There have actually been chances for the competition to attack and knock us off the throne but this team has an incredible mentality, an incredible will. They were absolutely deserved champions."

Gor Mahia chairman Ambrose Rachier has openly claimed he will not leave the club anytime soon.

On many occasions, Rachier has come out to state he is keen to leave the position of chairmanship at the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) champions, something that has never materialised.

Earlier this year, Rachier confessed he was thinking of handing over the mantle of running the club to a new chairman, but the elections were later postponed leaving him in office.

On Saturday, Rachier now said he will only leave Gor Mahia when they have solved the problems they are facing financially.

“It is quite true that last year on several occasions, not just once I indicated I will hand over the leadership mantle of Gor Mahia to another chairman in an election that would have been held sometime early this year,” Rachier told reporters after the team was hosted to a luncheon at a Nairobi Hotel.

“But what then has transpired is that our boat has been locked, I have been the captain of the boat and the boat has been locked first by the departure of the sponsor and now the coronavirus pandemic and for that reason, I have decided as a captain you do not let the boat sink when you are kind of directing it.

“We are going to look at different aspects here and there and when the boat is stabilised I will still carry out my intention, that is to leave, and that is my position, that I am still running Gor and will run it to a point I think it has been steadied because if I leave it now, in the situation it is, I will be accused of neglect.”

Rachier further clarified during the function that new title sponsors Betsafe will start bankrolling the club when the new Kenyan Premier League (KPL) season kicks off.

On Thursday, the Kenyan champions, along with their sworn rivals AFC Leopards, signed a partnership deal with the betting firm that will last for the next three years, with K’Ogalo set to pocket KSh55million per year while Ingwe will receive KSh45 million.

“As things stand now, we don’t have anything to give back to the new sponsor because there is no football being played,” Rachier told reporters after Gor Mahia's players were hosted in a luncheon on Saturday.

“What we agreed on when signing the deal, is they will only be able to start funding the club when football resumes, and that can only be possible when our league starts again.”

Rachier further revealed the club was working on ways to reduce their monthly wage bill, which currently stands at Sh5million, by half.

“We have 35 players who are in our payroll and we must have Sh5million every month to clear their salaries and this is becoming a bit too much for the club to handle, so our aim, for now, is to try and reduce it to at least half,” Rachier continued.

“If you ask me, I would prefer our wage bill to stand at Sh3million a month because we can try to handle it.”

"Rachier also called on Gor Mahia fans to register as members in big numbers so they can directly help support the team financially.”

Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards have been struggling since SportPesa, their previous sponsor, left, leaving the club to depend on fans, members, and other well-wishers to honour matches and settle players' allowances at times.