Ranieri wants Leicester to finish with Hollywood flourish

Claudio Ranieri has challenged Leicester City to seize their once-in-a-lifetime Premier League title chance with a Hollywood ending at Man­chester United.

Victory at Old Trafford on Sunday would see Leicester manager Ranieri’s side clinch the most unlikely title triumph in the history of the Premier League.

But the Italian has told his players their fairytale season will count for nothing un­less they finish the job.

They need three points from their fi­nal three games to guarantee top spot, al­though fewer will suffice if second-placed Tottenham Hotspur drop points.

“It is good we are doing something spe­cial,” Ranieri said. “And of course I am very proud for everybody in Leicester, for our community.

“In the internet and in the media, there is a good feeling about this story,” he add­ed. “But it is important to finish the story like an American movie. Always in the end it is OK - there is a happy ending.”

Tottenham’s home draw with West Bromwich Albion on Monday left Leices­ter on the brink of the first title in the Foxes’ history.

It is regarded as the most unlikely challenge since Brian Clough led fellow Midlands club Nottingham Forest to the English championship and European Cup in successive seasons after winning promo­tion to the top flight, then known as the First Division, back in 1977.

Now a Leicester side that cost a rela­tively modest £30 million ($44 million, 38 million euros) in transfer fees can clinch the league by beating a United side that is worth more than £150 million.

“Now is our real chance to win the title,” said Ranieri. “Next season, you never know. This is once in a lifetime.

“Next season, (Manchester) United, Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal may be at at the top, but we are fighting now."