Kenyon throws down gauntlet to Ranieri

CHIEF executive Peter Kenyon has increased the growing pressure on Claudio Ranieri by stressing the importance of Chelsea holding off the challenge of Manchester United to finish as Premiership runners-up.

Chelsea were not only beaten 3-1 by Monaco in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final on Tuesday night, but found that United closed the gap on them to just one point in defeating Charlton.

Ranieri's side must still travel to Old Trafford, but they also face a tricky game at Newcastle on Sunday, with two draws and two defeats since qualifying for the last four of the Champions League.