TIME TO SCHO
NEW SIGNINGS WILL BE HUGE FOR SALE SAYS ROSS /P55
UNITED’S Champions League hopes may be hit – because they finished lower in the Premier League than City last season!
Pep Guardiola’s side joined the Reds in the last eight with a 10-2 aggregate thrashing of German side Schalke on Tuesday – and Liverpool’s and Tottenham’s progression means there are four English sides in the next round of the competition.
Both Manchester teams being in the last eight has added an extra complication to today’s draw in Switzerland.
Local authority rules mean the two clubs both can’t play at home in the same week.
So, if United and City were both drawn to play their home legs in the same week, one would have to switch. And due to UEFA rules, that would be the side which finished lower in their domestic league last season, which would be the Reds after Guardiola’s men won the title in emphatic style.
Many believe playing a home leg second gives sides a slight advantage. However, United may have to give that up and play their home leg first if today’s draw brings up a clash.
The rules would also be in place should both teams progress to the semi-final of the competition.
Both teams could, however, also draw each other, with the prospect of four derbies before the end of the season, with both teams still in the FA Cup and the league clash to be played on April 24. PAUL Scholes has quit as Oldham manager after just 31 days over claims of broken promises.
Tuesday’s League Two 2-0 defeat was his final match at the helm, with the United legend aiming a jibe at owner Abdallah Lemsagam saying he wasn’t able to operate as he was led to believe before taking the role.
“It is with great regret that I have decided to leave the club with immediate effect,” Scholes said.
“I hoped to at the very least, see out my initial term of 18 months as the manager of a club I’ve supported all my life. The fans, players, my friends and family all knew how proud and excited I was to take this role.
“In the short period since I took on the role it unfortunately became clear that I would not be able to operate as I intended and was led to believe prior to taking on the role.
“I wish the fans, the players and the staff - who have been tremendous - all the best for the rest of the season and will continue to watch and support the club as a fan.”
Scholes’ departing statement appears to fly in the face of Lemsagam saying upon his appointment in February that ‘Paul will have my backing 100 per cent’.
The club said in a statement: “Oldham Athletic can confirm that Paul Scholes has resigned from his position as first-team manager with immediate effect.
“We would like to place on record our thanks to Paul for his efforts during his spell in charge of the club and would like to wish him well for the future.
“An update on the permanent replacement will be made as soon as possible.”