Lianne Sanderson slams ‘homophobic’ abuse aimed at her by online trolls, after the former England star predicted Man United will finish above Chelsea this season

• Lianne Sanderson has tipped Manchester United to finish above Chelsea
• She received ‘homophobic’ abuse in response, and has hit out at online trolls
• Listen to the latest episode of Mail Sport’s podcast ‘It’s All Coming Up!’

Former England star Lianne Sanderson has hit out at online abuse she received after predicting Manchester United will finish above Chelsea in the Premier League this season.

Sanderson is a United fan despite playing for Chelsea between 2008 and 2010, and made the claim during an appearance on talkSPORT on Thursday.

United have lost four of their opening eight league matches this term, and Sanderson was asked who would finish higher out of the Red Devils and Mauricio Pochettino’s Chelsea.

She responded: ‘I still think we (United) will. I think Man United will finish higher than Chelsea. They’re (Chelsea) in 11th, and they’ve shown a couple of glimpses against Burnley, but what is it that Chelsea have done? Do you think Chelsea are making top four?’

Presenter Hugh Woozencroft disagreed with her view, claiming he has seen positive signs for the Blues but Sanderson was not backing down.

Lianne Sanderson (pictured) claimed Man United will finish above Chelsea this season

She took to X afterwards to call out ‘homophobic’ abuse she received following her comments

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‘We will see. Last year we were poor and we still finished in the top four and won a trophy. You’re saying Chelsea are going to finish above us, based on what?’

Sanderson’s comments instantly got fans talking online, but some replies turned personal.

The 35-year-old, who is openly gay, took to X late on Thursday night to call out the ‘homophobic’ abuse being sent her way.

‘It’s predictable behaviour in these comments. Some homophobic, most reckon they can do a better job. But then come on air and can’t talk. Pub talk is different lads than what we do. So enjoy your night. Disagree all you like but some people need to have a word with themselves.’

Sanderson has moved into punditry in recent years after finishing her playing career in 2019.

She has never been afraid to speak her mind, and lashed out at former England boss Kevin Keegan earlier this month after he confessed to having ‘a problem’ with female pundits talking about the men’s game.

Sanderson recently lashed out at Kevin Keegan after he said he had ‘a problem’ with female pundits talking about the men’s game

Sanderson wrote on X: ‘I won’t be doing any interviews about Kevin Keegan’s comments. I won’t be bringing light to misogyny. He’s irrelevant. 

‘But I would absolutely “Love it” if he would Shut up! Those comments are not needed. It’s a shame people feel threatened by some of us. Unlucky for those people!’

Her post was a nod to Keegan’s famous quote when he said he would ‘absolutely love it’ if his Newcastle side beat United to the title in 1996.

She followed that up a few days later by confirming she had signed a new deal with talkSPORT to continue as one of their pundits, and has made it clear that she will not be holding back despite the abuse she receives online. 

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