Sport

The Morning Sports Briefing

Ken Early in Basel, Gordon D’Arcy says Connacht should stick to their guns, Darragh Ó Sé on the intercounty rat race and Irish Open countdown

Marcus Rashford scored in what could prove to be Louis van Gaal’s final game in charge at Old Trafford. Photograph: Reuters

Wed May 18 2016 - 08:27

United end league season with Bournemouth win

A league season to forget came to an end for Manchester United last night as they beat Bournemouth 3-1 in Sunday’s rescheduled fixture thanks to goals from Wayne Rooney, Ashley Young and the brilliant Marcus Rashford.

Louis van Gaal was met by a smattering of boos as he addressed the sparse Old Trafford crowd after the match but the Dutchman has reiterated he believes he will be staying at the club to see out his three-year contract.

Ken Early in Basel

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One manager whose supporters hold in very high regard is Jurgen Klopp and Ken Early, in Basel, has looked at the effect the German has had at Anfield ahead of tonight’s Europa League final against Sevilla, and his ability to get every last drop of talent out of mediocre footballers.

Gordon D’Arcy

In his column today Gordon D’Arcy writes that Connacht should stick to their guns in Saturday’s Pro 12 play-off against Glasgow Warriors: “Connacht can, no, they must, remain true to the style of rugby that got them here.

“The other three teams might slip into cup mode, seeking to use the experience gained from winning semi-finals to their advantage. Connacht can flip this on its head and play without suffocating pressure.”

Darragh Ó Sé

In the return of his column today Darragh Ó Sé discusses the importance of sponsorship funding to intercounty football - and the rat race you have to run to try and secure it - he writes: “One way or another a county player will be costing the county board money just about every day of the week.

“You’re talking mileage, you’re talking transport, you’re talking grub, you’re talking hydration, you’re talking physio, you’re talking logistics and stats and video analysis and everything else. Money has to be spent.”

Irish Open countdown

The first round tee times for tomorrow’s Irish Open have been released. Rory McIlroy starts at 1.25pm with Andy Sullivan and Soren Kjeldsen, while Shane Lowry tees off on the 10th at 8.35am.

What to watch out for:

Football

Liverpool play defending champions Sevilla in the Europa League final (Setanta, TV3, BT Sport Europe 7.45pm ko)

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