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Eleven Wonders chief executive officer (CEO) Albert Commey reveals he was not surprised by the Court of Arbitration for Sports' postponements of their final verdict on the case between former Ghana Football Association (GFA) presidential aspirant Wilfred Kwaku Osei 'Palmer' and football's governing body.

Osei is seeking redress from the sports tribunal for wrongful disqualification from the GFA presidential race by the defunct Fifa/Caf Normalisation Committee for Football in 2019.

CAS had initially set the date for the announcement of their final ruling on Friday, but on Wednesday rescheduled the decision to August 4.

Edwin Kurt Okraku ultimately won the GFA presidential contest last October.

“When we heard the news we weren’t surprised because the bench is looking at the weighing of the verdict to see if nobody will file a case for appeal the moment the verdict comes out," Commey, reportedly a member of Okraku's camp, told Mabesh TV.

“It is normal if you know how CAS does their works. Our campaign manager for Kurt Okraku, Mr Abu Alhassan has experience in CAS because he has filed cases in CAS and has won before. He will tell you that CAS might even postpone it on 4th August, 2020 and it’s not cast in stone.

“Kurt and the other aspirants had no hand in the decision to disqualify Osei Kwaku Palmer. We are patiently waiting for the ruling and we are waiting for the way forward. We have experienced persons among us who advise us and it is even likely the date might be postponed again."

Ghana went to the polls last year under the supervision of the Normalisation Committee in search of a replacement for Kwesi Nyantakyi whose administration as GFA boss was crashed by a bribery and match-fixing scandal.

Osei and six others filed their candidacy for the presidency but the Tema Youth president was ultimately disqualified from the contest on the recommendation of a Vetting Committee for breaching financial regulations after the transfer of a player of his club.

The displeased Osei promptly filed an appeal but the Normalisation Committee threw out the request on grounds of late submission.

'Palmer' then moved to seek redress at CAS. Should his appeal be successful, the GFA could be forced to organise a new presidential election. 

The Nigerian was last handed a starter’s role against Norwich City in the FA Cup. There, he equalled the Red Devils’ 95-year-old record.

Ighalo became only the second player in the club’s history after Jimmy Hanson to have scored in each of his first four competitive starts for United.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men are in dire need of three points against Palace to boost their bid for next season’s Champions League. Currently, they are six points behind fourth-placed Leicester City who defeated Sheffield United earlier on Thursday.

For Crystal Palace, Roy Hodgson will be counting on the duo of Wilfried Zaha and Jordan Ayew to beat the visitors.

Senegal international Cheikhou Kouyate would be hoping to get some minutes following his inclusion amongst the substitutes.

The Eagles have nothing but pride to fight for in this encounter, and they would be hoping to end their five-game losing streak in the competition.

Since scoring against Bournemouth – which saw him eclipse Tony Yeboah’s record as the highest-scoring Ghanaian in Premier League history, Ayew has gone on a run of five games without a goal as he aims to reach double-figures for the first time in England.

Alexis Sanchez scored one and set up another as Inter saw off bottom side SPAL 4-0 at Stadio Paolo Mazza to move up to second place in Serie A and within six points of leaders Juventus.

Reigning champions Juve dropped points for the third game running in Wednesday's 3-3 draw with Sassuolo and Inter took full advantage a little over 24 hours on.

Antonio Candreva opened the scoring with a first-half strike for the visitors, who rested Romelu Lukaku, Stefan de Vrij and a number of other first-team players.

Sanchez set up that goal, played a part in Cristiano Biraghi's drive the other side of half-time and then headed in a third for Antonio Conte's men, before Roberto Gagliardini rounded things off.

SPAL were nearly behind inside five minutes as Marcelo Brozovic's shot clipped the post.

The hosts held Milan to a draw here two weeks ago, though, and they gave Inter a scare when Andrea Petagna's deflected shot on the turn hit the crossbar.

But Conte's side edged in front eight minutes before half-time through Candreva's clinical finish past Karlo Letica after being played in by Sanchez.

The hosts were further dismayed three minutes later as a penalty shout for Samir Handanovic's challenge on Gabriel Strefezza was turned down following a VAR check.

Inter extended their lead nine minutes after the restart - Biraghi cutting inside and picking out the bottom corner with a good finish.

Sanchez was involved in that goal and Biraghi repaid the favour by swinging in a cross for the loanee to head in from five yards out with an hour played.

A win that lifts Inter above Lazio and Atalanta was sealed by Gagliardini, who timed his run well to tap in substitute Ashley Young's cross.

What does it mean? Inter's Scudetto dream still alive

Inter looked well out of the title race after taking one point from games against Bologna and Hellas Verona, but back-to-back wins in the space of three days has changed that.

Juventus have lost one and drawn two of their last three games and play fourth-placed Lazio next, offering Conte's men hope of further closing the gap with four games to go.

Sharp Sanchez steps up again

With Lukaku being given the day off it was left to Sanchez and Lautaro Martinez to lead the line.

Sanchez was lively throughout and now has a combined eight goals and assists since last month's restart - only Juve's Cristiano Ronaldo (nine) has been directly involved in more.

Handanovic let off

The usually reliable Handanovic endured a moment to forget in the comeback win over Torino and he was perhaps fortunate to avoid giving away a first-half penalty on Thursday.

The Slovenian goalkeeper made clear contact with Strefezza inside the box, but the SPAL winger was not going to get to the ball so the referee decided against pointing to the spot.

What's next?

Inter travel to fifth-placed Roma on Sunday and SPAL take on Brescia, the side directly above them in the table, on the same day.

National First Division (NFD) side Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila (TTM) have confirmed two positive coronavirus cases in their camp.

All 16 PSL teams and 16 NFD clubs are expected to complete their second and final round of testing which is mandated by the National Soccer League (NSL) health and safety return to training protocol.

The 32 teams are preparing for the resumption of the 2019/20 season which was halted due to the coronavirus pandemic last March.

TTM released the following statement on their official Twitter account on Thursday: 

"After conducting Covid-19 tests on the management, technical team and the players, the results came back negative except for one player and a technical staff member who tested positive for Covid-19."

"The two have been advised to isolate with immediate effect and also inform all those who had contact with them. The club would like to wish them a speedy recovery during this trying time," a club statement read.

This means there are now 15 confirmed positive cases that have been reported across both the PSL and NFD.

Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs, Bloemfontein Celtic, Stellenbosch FC, Swallows FC, TS Galaxy, TS Sporting and Tshakhuma are the clubs that have announced positive cases of coronavirus in their camps.

However, Pirates midfielder Ben Motshwari and Celtic midfield maestro Given Mashikinya have both recovered from the deadly virus.

PSL and NFD teams are set to move to a Biologically Safe Environment (BSE) in Gauteng where the suspended season will be completed with matches expected to start next month.

Tshakhuma, who are placed fourth on the league standings having accumulated 38 points, have six matches left in their current campaign.

The Limpopo-based side is also waiting for the PSL to approve their deal to purchase Bidvest Wits' top-flight league status ahead of the 2020/21 season.

Once the deal is approved, Wits will relocate to Limpopo and the club will be renamed Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila and the team will play its home games at the Thohoyandou Stadium.

Tshakhuma's Limpopo rivals, Black Leopards have been hosting their PSL and cup matches at the multi-purpose venue.

Arsenal have confirmed that Gabriel Martinelli will miss the first half of the 2020-21 season.

Martinelli damaged the cartilage in his left knee during a training session on June 21, and underwent surgery on the issue later in the month.

The 19-year-old was ruled out of action for the remainder of the current season, which had been an impressive one for the man snapped up for a modest fee of £8 million from Ituano last summer.

The Brazilian has hit 10 goals in his first 26 appearances in all competitions for the Gunners, despite the fact he has operated in a back-up role behind first-choice strikers Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette.

Unfortunately, Mikel Arteta will also be without Martinelli for the start of his first full campaign in charge at Emirates Stadium, with Arsenal releasing an official update on his rehabilitation programme on Thursday.

A statement on the club's official website reads: "Surgery was successful, with consultants and our medical team very encouraged with Gabi’s current progress at this stage of his recovery.

"[He is] currently at our training centre every day receiving specialist attention and support from our medical team. [He] will continue his recovery throughout the close season, with the aim of a return to full training by the end of 2020."

Arsenal have also informed their supporters that Pablo Mari is on course to return to action in September, having been sidelined since the club's 3-0 defeat to Manchester City on June 17.

The 26-year-old had to be withdrawn from the game early in the first half after sustaining ankle ligament damage, and was subsequently sent to Spain to undergo therapy on the injury.

The Gunners' statement added on Mari's recovery: "[Mari] Will return to the UK later in July to resume his rehabilitation at our training centre throughout the close season, with the aim of returning to full training in September."

Arteta has had to maximise the output of his squad in the absence of Martinelli and Mari as Arsenal continue to fight for Europa League qualification.

The Gunners picked up a morale-boosting 2-1 victory over newly-crowned Premier League champions Liverpool on Wednesday, which saw them move to within three points of sixth-placed Wolves in the table.

Next up for the north London outfit is an FA Cup semi-final showdown against City on Saturday, with a crucial trip to Aston Villa set to follow three days later.

Paris Saint-Germain sporting director Leonardo has hit back at Thomas Meunier after the new Borussia Dortmund signing claimed the club refused to let him play in the Champions League.

Belgium international Meunier joined Bundesliga runners-up Dortmund on a free transfer on June 25, with his PSG contract set to expire a few days later.

The 28-year-old revealed in an interview on Thursday that he wanted to sign a short-term deal with PSG to play in next month's Champions League 'Final Eight' tournament, but the French champions were apparently unwilling to find common ground with BVB.

However, Leonardo insists that is not the case as Dortmund were demanding a loan fee from PSG that made striking a deal "impossible".

"For these players who were at the end of their contracts, we have implemented a common policy," he told Le Parisien.

"That was to extend them by two months in order to complete the competitions under the same conditions as those in their contract which ended on June 30, 2020.

"Thiago Silva, Eric-Maxim Choupo-Moting and Sergio Rico agreed. They behaved perfectly.

"Thomas Meunier had already signed for Borussia Dortmund. I do not know when. He was free to do so since January 1 - he was perfectly right to do so.

"He asked for the same salary as in Dortmund. I called Dortmund to get a loan and the German club demanded a paid loan. In these conditions, it was impossible."

Leonardo added: "There was no reason to act differently with him. The club never disrespected him. We tried to extend him, he didn't want to, it's his right."

Meunier, who spent four years with PSG, also alleged the Ligue 1 giants denied him access to their training base after he had agreed to join Dortmund.

"He asked to come to the training centre. He was told no by mail from the club because it made no sense to come for eight days," Leonardo said.

"We have communicated to say that he was released from the last eight days of his contract.

"He came to greet the players at the Camp des Loges on June 26, the day after he signed for Dortmund. He was therefore not prohibited from a training centre."

Bologna coach Sinisa Mihajlovic is keen to keep Musa Barrow on a permanent basis.

The 21-year-old Gabonese joined the Rossoblu on loan from Atalanta in January and has not missed any Serie A game, scoring eight goals and providing one assist in 14 matches.

His latest came in Wednesday’s 1-1 draw at Napoli, equalising in the 80th minute after Konstantinos Manolas had given the home team the lead early in the first half.

Barrow’s loan deal was supposed to end in June, but due to the Serie A being suspended because of the coronavirus pandemic, loaned players can extend their temporary contracts until the season officially comes to a close.

“We took him [Barrow] as a priority. Unfortunately, there was Covid-19, we didn't have time to work on it,” Mihajlovic told DAZN.

“Now I see him more as an outsider, but next season we can make him the centre forward. Let's see in future.”

Barrow also speaking with DAZN credited Mihajlovic as well as former player turned backroom staff member Marco Di Vaio for his improved form which sees Bologna sit comfortably in 10th place with 43 points.

Roberto Soriano who provided Barrow with the assist for the goal also played his part in making the Gabon international ensure Bologna took a point on their turf.

"In the first half we didn't close well. Before the second half the coach spoke to us, he said to take them up and in the second half we did well,” he said.

“Di Vaio is a striker and helps me with the movements. Soriano told me not to give up before the goal. All of them, including the coach, help me training after training.

“We now try to recover well and try to give everything on the pitch. Let's try to do what the coach asks.

"I will do my best on the pitch until the end. If I feel tired I ask for a change, otherwise, I will stay and give everything."

Before his Bologna move, Barrow had played seven times for Atalanta in the first half of the season, providing two assists in defeats by current Serie A leaders Juventus and Bologna.

Five rounds remain to end the season with Bologna having AC Milan, Atalanta, Lecce, Fiorentina and Torino left to play.

Karim Benzema scored a goal in each half as Real Madrid clinched a 34th LaLiga title with a 2-1 victory over Villarreal.

The Frenchman's 20th and 21st league goals - the second of which came from a contentious penalty - of the season ultimately earned a win at Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano that meant Barcelona's result against Osasuna was rendered immaterial.

Zinedine Zidane's men were in control against game opponents until Vicente Iborra's late header made for a nervy finish, but a 10th straight win since LaLiga's resumption means Madrid are champions with a game to spare.

Benzema has scored seven times in that run and it was fitting his contribution should round out their title success given the striker's goals and a solid defensive base have been the pillars of Madrid's campaign.

This game did not initially look like being the banana skin it had the potential to be and it felt a matter of time before Madrid found an opening, albeit bar Luka Modric's long-range drive their early endeavours proved fruitless.

The opener arrived after 29 minutes, though. Casemiro picked off Sofian Chakla's pass and Modric quickly laid into the path of Benzema, who drilled through the legs of Sergio Asenjo.

Asenjo denied Dani Carjaval early in the second half after the full-back showed quick feet to get a left-foot shot away.

Madrid were gifted a golden opportunity to double the lead when Sergio Ramos tore forward and was awarded a dubious penalty when the referee judged Chakla to have clipped Los Blancos' captain.

Ramos cheekily passed the ball off the spot for Benzema to score, only for the latter to have encroached, but Benzema clinically dispatched the re-take into the bottom-left corner.

Toni Kroos rattled the crossbar prior to Iborra's thumping header to set up a tense finale, in which Thibaut Courtois brilliantly saved from Bruno Soriano and Iborra in the same move.

Marco Asensio thought he had calmed the nerves in the final minute of added time only to be denied by the VAR, but it did little to dampen the mood of the new champions.

What does it mean? Madrid reign again in Spain

There are few who would argue Madrid are not worthy champions. The goals again have not flowed as freely as once they did in the halcyon days of Cristiano Ronaldo but Zidane's men have been far and away more consistent than deposed champions Barcelona.

Madrid have now won 11 trophies during Zidane's two spells in charge, while with 34 top-flight titles they have eight more than their Clasico rivals.

Benzema the Karim of Madrid's title-winning crop

Much of Madrid's success this term has been built on the back of a stoic defence that has been breached just 23 times.

But Benzema has been their chief goal threat and was once again outstanding at linking Madrid's midfield and attack. A landmark goal is just reward for a tremendous campaign and he has now registered 20-plus goals in consecutive LaLiga seasons for the first time.

Los Blancos accept Chakla gift

Chakla had already been booked having been caught out by Eden Hazard and his lack of awareness was pounced upon by Casemiro. He was unlucky with the penalty award but it was not a night the full-back will remember with fondness.

Key Opta Facts:

- Real Madrid have won their 34th LaLiga title - this is the most of any team in the competition's history.
- No other player has scored more in LaLiga since the restart in June than Karim Benzema.
- Madrid have just conceded 23 goals after 37 games in LaLiga this season, their best defensive total at this stage in the competition's history. 
- Luka Modric has provided seven assists in LaLiga this season, his best ever return in a league campaign (LaLiga and Premier League).
- Benzema has scored all of his 10 penalties he has taken in LaLiga for Real Madrid - no current LaLiga player has netted more with a 100 per cent success rate.

What's next?

Madrid will celebrate their title triumph with a short hop to Leganes, while Villarreal end their own campaign at home to Eibar.

Wilfred Ndidi put up an impressive showing as Leicester City defeated Sheffield United 2-0 in Thursday’s Premier League encounter.

Goals from Ayoze Perez and substitute Demarai Gray were all Brendan Rodgers’ team needed to secure maximum points against the Blades.

Playing in his 30th English top-flight game of the season, Ndidi underlined his efficiency for the Foxes holding sway in the middle alongside James Justin, Luke Thomas and Youri Tielemans.

For his effort, he made 46 passes, five interceptions, won 10 tackles including an 89% passing accuracy.

His effectiveness quashed Chris Wilder’s five-man midfield that had Enda Stevens, Ben Osborn, Oliver Norwood, Sander Berge and George Baldock – cutting their supplies for David McGoldrick and Oliver McBurnie.

Interestingly, the 23-year-old has made 121 tackles in the English elite division so far to lead the top tacklers’ chart ahead of Manchester United’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka and teammate Ricardo Pereira.

The Nigeria international has developed into one of the best defensive midfielders in the English top-flight since joining the Foxes from Belgian side Genk in 2017.

Meanwhile, manager Rodgers has applauded his team for showing their quality against their visitors who are eighth with 54 points.

"It was our first 90-minute performance since we came back. We’ve played well in other spells in games, but we had to play well over the course of 90 minutes.

“The players showed incredible quality, they battled when they had to. Sheffield United test you physically and that’s okay because when we’re at our best, we’re physically strong and aggressive.

“We showed all of that. I thought our football was very good, we played the shape really well.

“We scored two goals and with a better pass or finish, we could have had another two or three, so it was an outstanding team performance and a great result for us.”

Thanks to Leicester’s latest victory, they remain fourth in the English top-flight log having accrued 62 points from 36 games.

Rodgers’ men travel to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday evening for their clash against Jose Mourinho’s Spurs before their last game of the season against Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Red Devils.

Barcelona suffered a dismal 2-1 home defeat to Osasuna on Thursday as they relinquished their LaLiga title to Real Madrid with a whimper.

Madrid secured their first championship since the 2016-17 season courtesy of a 2-1 win over Villarreal, opening an insurmountable seven-point gap over Barca with just a game to play.

With an injured Antoine Griezmann not in the squad and Luis Suarez starting on the substitutes' bench, Quique Setien's side looked bereft of ideas against their spirited visitors.

Lionel Messi scored a stunning free-kick to cancel out Jose Arnaiz's opener but Osasuna, who had Enric Gallego sent off late on, secured all three points in stoppage time thanks to Roberto Torres' strike.

Barca started sluggishly and were duly punished after 16 minutes when Arnaiz superbly half-volleyed Pervis Estupinan's cross past Marc-Andre ter Stegen at his near post.

Jon Moncayola whipped wide from just outside the penalty area soon after as the visitors threatened to extend their lead.

Barca belatedly woke from their slumber as the half wore, Messi going closest to scoring a leveller before the interval with a free-kick that crashed against the crossbar.

The hosts started the second half with a vigour that had been missing from their first-half display, with Messi firing straight at Sergio Herrera after a smart one-two with Ansu Fati. 

There was little the Osasuna goalkeeper could do shortly after the hour mark, Argentina international Messi bending home a glorious free-kick from 25 yards to draw the hosts level.

Gallego received his marching orders 13 minutes from time after a VAR review deemed he had elbowed Clement Lenglet in an aerial challenge.

The visitors had the last laugh against their forlorn opponents, though, as Torres scored on the breakaway in stoppage time to seal a memorable away win that also summed up Barca's poor campaign.

What does it mean? Scale of Barca's task clear after woeful defeat

Madrid's win over Villarreal rendered Barca's result irrelevant but to lose so dismally on the day their bitter rivals win back the title will stick in the throats of their fans. Setien's side were exceptionally poor and can scarcely have any complaints with the defeat.

This side desperately needs some surgery during the close season if they are to reign again next season.

Messi magic in vain

Visibly frustrated by his side's inadequacies, the Barca icon looked unhappy throughout. Despite this, he scored yet another wonderful free-kick and was his side's best player by some distance.

Rakitic endures a game to forget

Croatia international Ivan Rakitic looked well off the pace in the middle of the pitch, regularly getting caught out by his busier and brighter Osasuna counterparts.

What's next?

Barca wrap up their domestic season with a trip to Deportivo Alaves on Sunday, while Osasuna finish with a home clash against Mallorca on the same day.

Mohammed Kudus' transfer to Dutch giants Ajax Amsterdam on Thursday was greeted with excitement.

After scoring 11 goals in 25 league appearances for Nordsjaelland in the Danish Super Liga, the 19-year-old, who netted on his international debut last November, has taken a step-up by joining the Eredivisie fold.

He penned a five-year deal reportedly worth €9 million, and follows the likes of Anthony Obodai and Yakubu Abubakari to play for Ajax.

Many Ghanaians, including Kudus' international teammates Jonathan Mensah and Mubarak Wakaso and Ghana coach CK Akonnor, took to social media to share their delight after Ajax announced their latest acquisition.

Below are some of the reactions:
 

Rebecca Elloh has become the second African to move to Logrono this summer after signing a two-year deal with the Spanish outfit.

Logrono announced the signing of the 25-year-old from Cypriot club Pyrgos Limassol FC on Thursday, with the forward becoming their eighth signing during the ongoing transfer window.

The Cote d'Ivoire international enjoyed stints at Onze Sœurs de Gagnoa in Cote d'Ivoire before moving to Swiss club Chênois Geneve, where she left for Lithuania side Gintra Universitetas in 2015.

In 2018, she teamed up with Barcelona FA in Cyprus before joining Limassol a year later, featuring regularly in the Uefa Women's Champions League for her last three outfits.

At international level, Elloh has been a regular feature for Cote d'Ivoire as she featured at the country's maiden Women's World Cup campaign in Canada in 2015, with two goals in 18 appearances.

Her signing is coming days after the arrival of South Africa's Nothando Vilakazi to earlier aquired Olga Garcia, Paloma Tajonar, Julie Tavlo, Inés Juan Altamira, Marta Cazalla, and Raquel Infante.

Following her announcement, she becomes the second Ivorian in Gerardo Leon's side, after striking compatriot Ida Guahei, who joined from Spanish top-flight rivals Levante in 2019.

Elloh's arrival swells attacking options for Leon's team, with Jade Boho, Garcia, Guehai and Judith Luzuriaga as Leon aims to surpass a seventh-place finish and Spanish Cup semi-final feat from last term.

She also becomes the fifth African on the books of the club for the 2020-21 season campaign after compatriot Guehai, South Africa's Vilakazi, Equatorial Guinea's Boho and Ghana's Grace Asantewaa.

Having teamed up with her fellow Ivorian Guehai, Elloh will be eager to hit the ground running at Logrono when the new season reopens in September.

Linkopings manager Olof Unogard has given injury updates on Chinaza Uchendu ahead of their Damallsvenskan game with Eskilstuna United on Sunday.

Uchendu joined the Swedish outfit on an 18-month deal from former Portuguese champions Sporting Braga in June and made her first debut in her side's second match of the season against Vittsjo.

At Vittsjo IP, Unogard handed the Nigeria international her Damallsvenskan debut in the 87th minute of the match as a replacement for compatriot Ebere Orji, whose brace sealed a 2-1 win.

After five minutes of her introduction, the Super Falcons striker was stretched out of the encounter after she suffered a knee injury.

As a result of the injury, she has missed Linkopings' last two ties with a 1-0 triumph over Djurgardens and a 2-2 draw at Pitea on Wednesday.

"We missed her of course and we all feel bad for her," Unogard told Goal.

"She will be out for another two to three weeks. It’s unfortunate to get the injury so soon but we just have to adapt and make the best out of the situation."

In four matches, Linkopings are unbeaten with 10 points in second on the log but tied with leaders Goteborg, with a four-goal advantage.

They will welcome Nigeria duo Halimatu Ayinde and Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene's Eskilstuna United in Linkoping on Sunday.

Manchester United continued their push for Champions League qualification as Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial secured a 2-0 win over Crystal Palace.

After a draw with Southampton ended their four-match streak of Premier League victories, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side returned to winning ways to keep the pressure on fourth-placed Leicester City, who had beaten Sheffield United earlier on Thursday.

Their victory came in somewhat unconvincing fashion, however, with Rashford providing a moment of quality to open the scoring in first-half stoppage time.

Palace fell foul of some contentious VAR decisions either side of the opener yet United had the final say -  despite a glaring miss from Bruno Fernandes - when Rashford turned provider for Martial to wrap up the points and leave the Champions League race perfectly poised with two matches remaining.

Following a sluggish start, United finally clicked into gear on the half-hour mark, but Mason Greenwood scuffed wide from Martial's lay-off.

Victor Lindelof dived in on Wilfried Zaha just before half-time, yet Palace's penalty appeals fell on deaf ears, and their frustration was compounded three minutes later – Rashford finishing in style after getting the better of Van Aanholt.

Jordan Ayew thought he had restored parity 10 minutes after the restart, only for VAR to deem the striker was offside as Zaha released his cross.

Fernandes struck the post with half of the goal to aim at with 16 minutes remaining, but he soon atoned for that, combining brilliantly with Rashford to set up Martial, who tucked in his 10th top-flight goal since the turn of the year.

In the process of scoring, Martial collided with Van Aanholt, who had to receive lengthy treatment and oxygen before being taken off as a difficult day for Palace ended on a worrying note.

What does it mean? Champions League race set to run to the wire

United and Leicester go head-to-head on the final day of the season and it looks set to be a straight shoot-out for a spot in the Champions League, though third-placed Chelsea are still very much in the mix.

In-form Rashford rolls on

United forward Rashford has enjoyed a fine week, having been awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Manchester for his work in the community, and his effort took him onto 17 league goals for the season – the same as in his two previous campaigns combined.

VAR controversy frustrates Palace

Lindelof seemed to make contact with Zaha in the box when the Palace forward powered through shortly before half-time, yet VAR did not instruct referee Graham Scott to reassess his decision, despite the replays showing there was indeed a touch from the United defender.

Palace were dealt a blow by the technology again in the second half, when Ayew's goal was disallowed. 

Key Opta Facts:

- Manchester United have gone unbeaten in their last 19 games in all competitions (W14 D5) – their longest such run since a 29-game streak ending in November 2010 under Alex Ferguson.
- Roy Hodgson has lost six consecutive Premier League games for the first time since losing his last three with Blackburn in November 1998 and his first three with Fulham in January 2008.
- Seven goals that were originally awarded against Man Utd have been overturned by VAR this season, the joint-most of any side in the Premier League this campaign (alongside Southampton and Brighton).
- Man Utd's Marcus Rashford has scored 17 goals in 29 league games this season, as many goals as he managed in the previous two campaigns combined (68 apps).
- Anthony Martial and Rashford have now assisted one another a combined seven times in this season's Premier League, the most of any pairing in a single season for Man Utd in the competition.

What's next?

United turn their focus to the FA Cup on Sunday, with Chelsea their semi-final opponents on Sunday. Palace, meanwhile, face Wolves in their penultimate league outing.

Lionel Messi has blasted Barcelona's performance in 2019-20, insisting "if we continue like this, we'll lose to Napoli" in the Champions League.

Barca suffered their sixth La Liga defeat of the season on Thursday night, while Real Madrid picked up the win they needed to secure their first La Liga title since 2017 .

Quique Setien's men were humbled by Osasuna 2-1 at Camp Nou, with goals from Jose Arnaiz and Roberto Torres cancelling out a trademark Messi free-kick.

The result leaves the Blaugrana seven points behind Madrid, who beat Villarreal 2-1 at Santiago Bernabeu to increase their advantage at the summit heading into the final round of fixtures.

Messi aired his frustration in a post-match interview with Movistar + , expressing his belief that Barca made it far easy for their arch-rivals to dethrone them.

The six-time Ballon d'Or winner also raised doubts over the team's chances of winning their last 16 Champions League second leg tie against Napoli next month, which will be played in Lisbon with the aggregate score currently locked at 1-1.

"We didn't want to end the season like this but it represents how the season has gone," Messi began. 

"We were a very erratic, very weak, low-intensity team… We lost a lot of points and today's game is a summary of the season.

"We have to be self-critical. Starting with the players but doing a global self-criticism. We are Barca and we have to win everything. We can't look at Madrid…Madrid have done their job, but we have helped them a lot.

"If we want to win the Champions League, we have to change a lot. If we continue like this, we will lose the game against Napoli."

The Argentina international added on Barca's dip in performance levels since the turn of the year: “We have to change lots of things. We have a game against Napoli just around the corner and things have to change. I think we’ll have a break now which will be good for us to clear the heads a bit.

"January until now has been such a terrible time for everybody. I think in the Champions League there are four matches where we could turn the whole season around if we get the right results.

“I think the people here at the club will feel angry about what’s been going on this season but that’s normal, the players feel like that too, it’s logical people will be critical. I think it’s like losing against Roma and Liverpool, when you don’t win anything no-one is happy.”

Alexis Sanchez scored one and set up another as Inter saw off bottom side SPAL 4-0 at Stadio Paolo Mazza to move up to second place in Serie A and within six points of leaders Juventus.

Reigning champions Juve dropped points for the third game running in Wednesday's 3-3 draw with Sassuolo and Inter took full advantage a little over 24 hours on.

Antonio Candreva opened the scoring with a first-half strike for the visitors, who rested Romelu Lukaku, Stefan de Vrij and a number of other first-team players.

Sanchez set up that goal, played a part in Cristiano Biraghi's drive the other side of half-time and then headed in a third for Antonio Conte's men, before Roberto Gagliardini rounded things off.

SPAL were nearly behind inside five minutes as Marcelo Brozovic's shot clipped the post.

The hosts held Milan to a draw here two weeks ago, though, and they gave Inter a scare when Andrea Petagna's deflected shot on the turn hit the crossbar.

But Conte's side edged in front eight minutes before half-time through Candreva's clinical finish past Karlo Letica after being played in by Sanchez.

The hosts were further dismayed three minutes later as a penalty shout for Samir Handanovic's challenge on Gabriel Strefezza was turned down following a VAR check.

Inter extended their lead nine minutes after the restart - Biraghi cutting inside and picking out the bottom corner with a good finish.

Sanchez was involved in that goal and Biraghi repaid the favour by swinging in a cross for the loanee to head in from five yards out with an hour played.

A win that lifts Inter above Lazio and Atalanta was sealed by Gagliardini, who timed his run well to tap in substitute Ashley Young's cross.

What does it mean? Inter's Scudetto dream still alive

Inter looked well out of the title race after taking one point from games against Bologna and Hellas Verona, but back-to-back wins in the space of three days has changed that.

Juventus have lost one and drawn two of their last three games and play fourth-placed Lazio next, offering Conte's men hope of further closing the gap with four games to go.

Sharp Sanchez steps up again

With Lukaku being given the day off it was left to Sanchez and Lautaro Martinez to lead the line.

Sanchez was lively throughout and now has a combined eight goals and assists since last month's restart - only Juve's Cristiano Ronaldo (nine) has been directly involved in more.

Handanovic let off

The usually reliable Handanovic endured a moment to forget in the comeback win over Torino and he was perhaps fortunate to avoid giving away a first-half penalty on Thursday.

The Slovenian goalkeeper made clear contact with Strefezza inside the box, but the SPAL winger was not going to get to the ball so the referee decided against pointing to the spot.

What's next?

Inter travel to fifth-placed Roma on Sunday and SPAL take on Brescia, the side directly above them in the table, on the same day.

Harry Kane has warned his Tottenham team-mates that anything less than six points from their remaining two matches will likely result in them missing out on European football next term.

Spurs claimed a 3-1 win at Newcastle United on Wednesday to move them up to seventh, which would be high enough to secure a spot in next season's Europa League, assuming the FA Cup is won by a team already certain of European qualification.

Sheffield United could move back above Spurs when they play their game in hand on Thursday, though their opponents – Leicester City – are also in the mix, meaning at least one European hopeful will drop points.

With the Premier League then heading into its final two rounds of matchdays, Jose Mourinho will hope Spurs are primed to take full advantage of any slip-ups – particularly given Champions League qualification is still a remote possibility.

Kane has told his colleagues they must assume anything other than two wins against Leicester and Crystal Palace will see them fail.

"[Beating Newcastle] was a massive win," he told the Spurs website. "We said before, 'Three games, it has to be three wins if we want to be in with a shout of reaching the Europa League.'

"Arsenal was a big win for us and that gave us momentum coming into these final three games. Every game is tough, and it's been an up-and-down season for us, especially our away form, so we knew it was important to get the three points and thankfully we did.

"Now, some of the teams around us have to play each other, so we'd imagine two more wins and we should be in the Europa League places, but we can only take care of ourselves and see what happens. It's a massive game on Sunday [against Leicester] now."

Kane scored twice in the win at Newcastle to reach 201 career goals at club level and, while he insisted it is not something he will dwell on, he did acknowledge it felt good to receive recognition for remaining consistent despite having some injury issues in recent seasons.

"It's a nice milestone to hit but as always when I'm told about these milestones, it's always on to the next 100 or 200," he added. "It's gone quickly – I've been a professional now for eight or nine years and it just flies by.

"In the last couple of years I've had a few injuries as well, and they've kept me out of quite a lot of games. [Scoring 20 goals per season] is a nice, consistent level I'd like to keep at and I'm happy to do it again this season. Two more games to go, let's see how many more we can get."

The future of Lille attacker Victor Osimhen has been thrown into doubt, with Napoli stating that the player has changed agents and must start negotiations “all over again”.

The Nigeria forward has long been linked with a move to the Neapolitan side, with reports suggesting an €81 million (£74m/$93m) transfer would be completed on Thursday.

Elsewhere, Partenopei defender Kalidou Koulibaly confirmed that Osimhen had been in touch with him to discuss the matter of racism in Serie A, giving further credence to the reports.

With Ligue 1 having been curtailed due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Lagos-born forward was free to concentrate on his future and his current club went so far as to say he was on the brink of moving on.

“We are in the final stage of discussions, the player has made his choice,” Lille director Marc Ingla told a press conference on Thursday. “It is a regret to see him leave but we must be aware of the strength of the market.

“We do not hide our economic model. We must not only consider the amount of the transfer fee but also the salary that is being offered to the player. With that in mind, we are not a 'final destination' club. With us, players thrive, we use their talent, but we also help build their careers.

“This is our process. It is the life of a club and the transfer market. For him and his family, this can be an exceptional opportunity.”

Now, however, Napoli sporting director Cristiano Guintoli has cast doubt over the move, claiming that the player's change of agent has led to talks starting from scratch, while other teams remain in the frame to sign the highly rated attacker.

“Osimhen is a very good player, but there are lots of other teams who want him and we're working on other fronts too,” Guintoli told DAZN. “He changed his agent, so now we have to start all over again. It's a complex and difficult set of negotiations.”

Further pushed as to whether club owner Aurelio De Laurentiis would confirm the transfer soon, Guintoli merely replied: “I don't know.”