Sad Wenger bids final adieu to Old Trafford

PREMIER LEAGUE: Deja vu for Gunners boss as United grab last-gasp winner Firmino signs up

MANCHESTER UNITED 2 ARSENAL1

Arsene Wenger’s final trip to Old Trafford as Arsenal manager ended in disappointment after substitute Marouane Fellaini’s stoppage-time header secured Manchester United a 2-1 victory yesterday.

Nine days after it was announced the Frenchman would be leaving the north Londoners after 22 years, the outgoing Gunners boss was given a warm welcome at a ground that has witnessed some of his most unforgettable moments.

But what could prove Wenger’s final duel with old foe Jose Mourinho ended like so many before it as substitute Fellaini headed home to secure the Portuguese’s side victory after former United playmaker Henrikh Mkhitaryan had cancelled out Paul Pogba’s opener.

It was a memorable end to a forgettable match at Old Trafford, where the Gunners’ hopes of a first point away from the Emirates Stadium in 2018 were scotched at the death.

Arsenal came closer to ending that run than many had expected when the team sheets were handed in, given Wenger made eight changes with an eye on Thursday’s crucial Europa League semifinal second leg at Atletico Madrid.

Yet Pogba’s 16th-minute opener did not open the floodgates as the visitors Roberto Firmino has signed a new long-term contract with Liverpool.

The 26-year-old Brazil forward has become a key player for the Reds since arriving at Anfield from Hoffenheim in 2015, scoring 50 goals in 140 appearances.

Firmino has netted 27 times this season to fire Liverpool to the brink of atop-four spot in the Premier League and on the verge of the Champions League final.

“It was an easy decision,” he told Liverpoolfc. com.

“The club have taken me in in an incredible way and I’ve grown a lot here with my work with the support of the whole team. I am very, very happy here.”

Sunderland have sacked manager Chris Coleman after failing to keep the club in the Sky Bet Championship.

The 47-year-old left his role as Wales national team boss after six years to succeed Simon Grayson at the Stadium of Light last November. produced a performance that belied their inexperienced starters.

Mkhitaryan – signed then sold by Mourinho in January – levelled to become the first player to score for and against United in the same Premier League campaign, only for Fellaini to snatch the hosts a late win that ensures Champions League qualification.

It was a galling way to lose for Wenger on an afternoon that had, at times, felt like his testimonial.

Applauded down the touchline, he was met in the technical area by a warm embrace from Mourinho before Sir Alex Ferguson presented him with a commemorative silver vase.

On the warm reception he received, Wenger added: “Very nice, it’s classy and you enjoy it. I have come here for a long, long time and next year somebody else will be on the bench and will get a very hostile reception as well, don’t worry!”

WESTHAM1 MANCHESTER CITY 4

Manchester City racked up a century of Premier League goals and ensured West Ham remained in the relegation fight with a 4-1 win at the London Stadium.

Leroy Sane, Gabriel Jesus and Fernandinho were on target, while Pablo Zabaleta scored an own goal against his old club, as Pep Guardiola’s title winners cruised to a record-equalling 30th victory of the campaign.

They now require two goals and three points from their three remaining games to break another two Premier League records.

West Ham, by contrast, are still only three points above the relegation zone with a troubled campaign destined for a nervous finish.

Getty. Sir Alex Ferguson and Jose Mourinho says their farewells to Gunners boss Arsene Wenger.