Wednesday cannon fodder: unsung diatribe comeback

Premier League/England

Francis Benali: Ex-Southampton defender completes five Ironmans in a week - BBC Sport
I get tired after biking 50 miles.

Gary Neville’s 1,110-word diatribe on Man United ‘shambles’ - Football365
Gary Neville had a few things to get off his chest about the “shambles” at Man United.

Why the Championship is better than the Premier League - Football365
Johnny is relieved that Boro remain in a division that is not all about money.

When Saturday Comes - Durham Women’s underdog Championship challenge inspires a city
The only side in the top two tiers of women’s football without a male counterpart have more than held their own this season, pushing the professional heavyweights all the way.

Fans #UnfollowManUnited social media accounts in protest against Old Trafford bosses
Some Manchester United fans have been unfollowing the club’s social media accounts in protest of the malaise at Old Trafford.

Everton Ladies: potential, stymied by management’s neglect - Royal Blue Mersey
Willie Kirk and the Toffees are capable of so much — if the club decides to acknowledge they need to increase investment

England manager Phil Neville set to name squad for Women’s World Cup - BBC Sport
England manager Phil Neville is set to name his squad for this summer’s Women’s World Cup on Wednesday.

Manchester City set to sign £47m Sporting midfielder Bruno Fernandes | Football | The Guardian
Manchester City are set to beat Manchester United to the signature of the Sporting midfielder Bruno Fernandes after lodging a €55m (£47.2m) bid for the attacking midfielder.

From Foster to Mitrovic: my Premier League unsung XI of the season | Football | The Guardian
A team of players whose contribution to the 2018-19 campaign has either gone under the radar or not been fully appreciated.

Europe

Liverpool stage sensational comeback to beat Barcelona and reach final | Football | The Guardian
Liverpool produced one of the most memorable comebacks of all time to progress to the Champions League final 4-3 on aggregate.

Barcelona defence looked like schoolboys against Liverpool - Luis Suarez - BBC Sport
I feel like Suarez owes schoolboys an apology for the insult.

The incredible adventures of Romario and Stoichkov in Barcelona | FourFourTwo
They were the greatest strike partnership ever seen, but their mercurial relationship tore them and Barça apart after just one year.

Diego Godin: Atletico Madrid captain to leave club; Inter next | SI.com
Atletico Madrid captain Diego Godin has confirmed that he will leave the club on a free transfer this summer.

MLS/Americas

DeAndre Yedlin has surgery on groin, could miss Gold Cup
The United States defender could miss next month’s CONCACAF Gold Cup matches after having surgery to fix a groin injury on Tuesday.

The Evolution of MLS Penalty Kicks (and How to Fix Them) — American Soccer Analysis
In which we try to answer the question of what aspects of the sport are “lucky” vs. “skilled”, and whether the existing balance of those two is the most desirable.

Other

NBA Playoffs: What Damian Lillard’s Moment Means to Portland - The Ringer
This is about the Blazers, but it’s also about how there may be a better way to enjoy sports.