themanchestereveningnews--2020-04-02--What happens when city centre tenants can't pay rent? Firm promises 'patience'

The property firm run by Manchester Council and Manchester City owners the Abu Dhabi United Group ( ADUG ) says dozens of its tenants are facing financial difficulties because of the coronavirus lockdown - but promised 'to be patient ' .
Manchester Life , the £1bn joint venture launched in 2014 , has hundreds of tenants living in developments in Ancoats and New Islington on the edge of the city centre .
Many work in industries heavily affected by the coronavirus crisis such as hospitality and have lost work or are on a reduced income as a result .
As @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emailed Manchester Life to say they are facing financial problems .
The dramatic scale of the employment emergency sparked by coronavirus became clear yesterday when it emerged that nearly 950,000 people have applied for Universal Credit in the past fortnight .
The Department for Work and Pensions ( DWP ) said it had seen a surge in benefits claims , with almost 950,000 new claims since March 16 - up from around 100,000 in a normal two-week period .
Around a quarter - 70,000 out of around 270,000 Universal Credit applications in one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The government has introduced some measures to protect renters , including a ban on evictions for the next three months .
But while banks are being told to give mortgage lenders payment holidays , the policy for renters is less clear .
Campaigners Tenants Union UK say they are worried that renters will be running up unaffordable arrears and that the threat of eviction has merely been delayed by ninety days .
They say they have seen ' a huge rise ' in tenants worried about losing their tenancy in recent weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' to prevent millions of people falling into a 'financial hole caused by coronavirus ' .
As it stands , the government says 'tenants are still liable for their rent ' and that if they are suffering financial hardship 'support is available ' .
This includes the government paying up to 80pc of wages where workers are placed on the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme .
In the last few weeks , a large number of Manchester Life tenants who have lost income have been attempting to contact management to find out what their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they were initially advised to send an email outlining their individual circumstances and told their case will be assessed .
However , few appeared to be getting a concrete response .
That appeared to change when the M.E.N contacted Manchester Life for comment on the situation on Wednesday morning .
We asked the company for its position on renters facing financial hardship and whether three-month rental holidays will be offered , as well as a response on several other issues raised by tenants .
For example , earlier this week Manchester Life said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be accepting parcels .
Instead , residents were told to individually come and collect them outside the gates .
The M.E.N was told this was leading to either couriers abandoning deliveries entirely , because they do n't have phone numbers , or large numbers of residents gathering at the gates for multiple deliveries .
Manchester Life has also banned tenants from having visitors from their buildings .
Although this is in line with the government 's advice on having no social contact with anyone outside your household , residents complained that it was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whether they are entitled to rent reductions given that services they pay for - including concierge , gym and communal areas - can not be used .
On Wednesday afternoon , Manchester Life told the M.E.N it would be unable to provide a response to our queries until Thursday morning .
But in a letter sent to residents hours earlier , the company addressed rent issues and the services provided to residents .
The letter includes a change of heart regarding parcel deliveries , which will now be accepted by the concierge who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ collect them from the floor .
Regarding 'rent payment issues ' , a Manchester Life spokesperson later said : `` We know and understand that we need to be patient and allow our residents time to catch up on any rent debt once the emergency is over and the economy is moving again .
`` In line with Government guidelines , we encourage residents to continue meeting rent commitments to the extent they can , with our approach being to agree on a plan on a case-by-case basis .
`` If a three-month @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any severely impacted resident , we will support that and work with them on a plan to get back on track .
`` We are following all Government guidelines and have halted all debt recovery procedures , even for those who owed rent prior to any effects of the current emergency .
`` We ’ re also helping our residents understand the Government support available .
`` All 55 emails from residents alerting to us of rental payment concerns had been acknowledged , and the team are now in the process of speaking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ specific circumstances . ''
Responding to questions over whether rent could be reduced because of services that are n't being used , the spokesperson added : `` The views on the closure of gyms and club rooms and restrictions on visitors being over the top are surprising - Government guidelines on social distancing are clear on the closure of gyms and leisure spaces .
`` We are not reducing rent for the temporary suspension of these services as the costs of keeping them equipped , cleaned , maintained and ready to go as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fixed .
`` It is important to note we 've increased other services such as cleaning , refuse management , hazardous waste management and administration support provisions at no extra cost to residents . ''
'Threat of eviction has only been delayed' With thousands of other tenants in Greater Manchester likely to be a similar position , the actions of landlords across the region will be watched closely .
Rather than being left to make ad-hoc decisions , campaigners are calling for the government to step in and make clear what it expects @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tenants Union UK said : `` The Coronavirus pandemic has exposed the precarious economic situation of so many people in our society .
`` With one million new Universal Credit claimants , and millions more self employed , contracted and casual workers waiting to see what the government , and their employers will do to support them in this unprecedented crisis , there is huge concern that many tenants will face unaffordable arrears .
`` Government legislation did not live up to the Prime Minister 's promises , the threat of eviction has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ far , and only after the judiciary moved to suspend eviction hearings and recall warrants .
`` Tenants Union UK has seen a huge rise in people worried about maintaining their tenancy after losing their income .
`` We are inviting all concerned tenants to contact us , via our Coronavirus page , tell us about their situation , find advice and support , and get involved in the campaign to ensure everyone is protected after Coronavirus , and has a safe , secure and healthy home they can afford to live in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has only delayed this , and without a rent freeze for all tenants who have had their incomes severely cut or disappear overnight , there will be millions unable to get out of the financial hole caused by Coronavirus .
`` Landlords who have had a mortgage holiday must be compelled to pass this on to tenants , and the government should bring forward legislation to keep its promise to end Section 21 'no fault ' evictions before the end of the crisis , and decree that any period of time spent in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be disregarded in section 8 hearings and not counted in the ‘ over 2 months of arrears ’ threshold .
`` Arrears must be dealt with sensitively and in line with renters ability to pay , and there must be a ban on 'no DSS ' policies , with all those claiming benefits allowed to stay in their properties . ''

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The property firm run by Manchester Council and Manchester City owners the Abu Dhabi United Group (ADUG) says dozens of its tenants are facing financial difficulties because of the coronavirus lockdown - but promised 'to be patient'.
Manchester Life, the £1bn joint venture launched in 2014, has hundreds of tenants living in developments in Ancoats and New Islington on the edge of the city centre.
Many work in industries heavily affected by the coronavirus crisis such as hospitality and have lost work or are on a reduced income as a result.
As of last night, 55 tenants had emailed Manchester Life to say they are facing financial problems.
The dramatic scale of the employment emergency sparked by coronavirus became clear yesterday when it emerged that nearly 950,000 people have applied for Universal Credit in the past fortnight.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) said it had seen a surge in benefits claims, with almost 950,000 new claims since March 16 - up from around 100,000 in a normal two-week period.
Around a quarter - 70,000 out of around 270,000 Universal Credit applications in one week - applied for an advance payment.
The government has introduced some measures to protect renters, including a ban on evictions for the next three months.
But while banks are being told to give mortgage lenders payment holidays, the policy for renters is less clear.
(Image: PA)
Campaigners Tenants Union UK say they are worried that renters will be running up unaffordable arrears and that the threat of eviction has merely been delayed by ninety days.
They say they have seen 'a huge rise' in tenants worried about losing their tenancy in recent weeks and are calling for a 'rent freeze' to prevent millions of people falling into a 'financial hole caused by coronavirus'.
'Support is available'
As it stands, the government says 'tenants are still liable for their rent' and that if they are suffering financial hardship 'support is available'.
This includes the government paying up to 80pc of wages where workers are placed on the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.
In the last few weeks, a large number of Manchester Life tenants who have lost income have been attempting to contact management to find out what their approach will be.
It is understood they were initially advised to send an email outlining their individual circumstances and told their case will be assessed.
However, few appeared to be getting a concrete response.
That appeared to change when the M.E.N contacted Manchester Life for comment on the situation on Wednesday morning.
We asked the company for its position on renters facing financial hardship and whether three-month rental holidays will be offered, as well as a response on several other issues raised by tenants.
For example, earlier this week Manchester Life said its 24/7 concierge service would no longer be accepting parcels.
Instead, residents were told to individually come and collect them outside the gates.
The M.E.N was told this was leading to either couriers abandoning deliveries entirely, because they don't have phone numbers, or large numbers of residents gathering at the gates for multiple deliveries.
Manchester Life has also banned tenants from having visitors from their buildings.
Although this is in line with the government's advice on having no social contact with anyone outside your household, residents complained that it was heavy-handed.
And finally, residents asked whether they are entitled to rent reductions given that services they pay for - including concierge, gym and communal areas - cannot be used.
On Wednesday afternoon, Manchester Life told the M.E.N it would be unable to provide a response to our queries until Thursday morning.
But in a letter sent to residents hours earlier, the company addressed rent issues and the services provided to residents.
The letter includes a change of heart regarding parcel deliveries, which will now be accepted by the concierge who will then call residents to come and collect them from the floor.
(Image: ABNM Photography)
Regarding 'rent payment issues', a Manchester Life spokesperson later said: "We know and understand that we need to be patient and allow our residents time to catch up on any rent debt once the emergency is over and the economy is moving again.
"In line with Government guidelines, we encourage residents to continue meeting rent commitments to the extent they can, with our approach being to agree on a plan on a case-by-case basis.
"If a three-month rent deferral is the right plan for any severely impacted resident, we will support that and work with them on a plan to get back on track.
"We are following all Government guidelines and have halted all debt recovery procedures, even for those who owed rent prior to any effects of the current emergency.
"We’re also helping our residents understand the Government support available.
"All 55 emails from residents alerting to us of rental payment concerns had been acknowledged, and the team are now in the process of speaking with everyone to understand and support with specific circumstances."
Responding to questions over whether rent could be reduced because of services that aren't being used, the spokesperson added: "The views on the closure of gyms and club rooms and restrictions on visitors being over the top are surprising - Government guidelines on social distancing are clear on the closure of gyms and leisure spaces.
"We are not reducing rent for the temporary suspension of these services as the costs of keeping them equipped, cleaned, maintained and ready to go as soon as Government advice permits are largely fixed.
"It is important to note we've increased other services such as cleaning, refuse management, hazardous waste management and administration support provisions at no extra cost to residents."
'Threat of eviction has only been delayed'
With thousands of other tenants in Greater Manchester likely to be a similar position, the actions of landlords across the region will be watched closely.
Rather than being left to make ad-hoc decisions, campaigners are calling for the government to step in and make clear what it expects them to do.
A spokesperson for Tenants Union UK said: "The Coronavirus pandemic has exposed the precarious economic situation of so many people in our society.
"With one million new Universal Credit claimants, and millions more self employed, contracted and casual workers waiting to see what the government, and their employers will do to support them in this unprecedented crisis, there is huge concern that many tenants will face unaffordable arrears.
"Government legislation did not live up to the Prime Minister's promises, the threat of eviction has only been delayed by ninety days so far, and only after the judiciary moved to suspend eviction hearings and recall warrants.
"Tenants Union UK has seen a huge rise in people worried about maintaining their tenancy after losing their income.
"We are inviting all concerned tenants to contact us, via our Coronavirus page, tell us about their situation, find advice and support, and get involved in the campaign to ensure everyone is protected after Coronavirus, and has a safe, secure and healthy home they can afford to live in regardless of income.
"Government legislation has only delayed this, and without a rent freeze for all tenants who have had their incomes severely cut or disappear overnight, there will be millions unable to get out of the financial hole caused by Coronavirus.
"Landlords who have had a mortgage holiday must be compelled to pass this on to tenants, and the government should bring forward legislation to keep its promise to end Section 21 'no fault' evictions before the end of the crisis, and decree that any period of time spent in self isolation or ill with Coronavirus will be disregarded in section 8 hearings and not counted in the ‘over 2 months of arrears’ threshold.
"Arrears must be dealt with sensitively and in line with renters ability to pay, and there must be a ban on 'no DSS' policies, with all those claiming benefits allowed to stay in their properties."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-04-02--New 24/7 helpline for residents struggling in isolation could soon be set up

A new 24/7 coronavirus helpline could be set up to help vulnerable residents - particularly older people - struggling with the ‘ new reality ’ of life in isolation .
Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham said the pandemic 's impact on people ’ s wellbeing and mental health are going to become ‘ more significant ’ in the coming weeks and months .
Councils , Greater Manchester Police and the NHS are now considering new ways of offering around-the-clock assistance to work alongside existing support networks .
These include hotlines and community response hubs which have been set up across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ medicine and fuel top-up payments to those in need .
With demand growing , local authorities are having to redeploy employees to run the new community hubs , while also continuing to deliver key services .
The helplines are also being used to co-ordinate volunteering efforts within local communities , but most of the contact centres are only staffed Monday to Saturday between 8.30am and 5.30pm .
Mr Burnham , speaking at his weekly press conference on COVID-19 , said : “ As we live in this new reality we ’ re in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , particularly older people , are going to become more and more significant the further we get into this .
“ If you combine that with the news getting more difficult to listen to , we have to have an eye to that .
“ One of the issues we ’ ve discussed with leaders , the NHS and GMP is whether or not we can have more 24/7 support .
“ That ’ s not to replicate phone numbers already out there , but to provide the facility through local numbers so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ phone day or night .
“ We think that might be helpful to people who might be struggling with this situation.
” Work on more specialist mental health support is being drawn up by health professionals Sir Richard Leese , leader of Manchester council and the regional lead on health .
Drop a heart on our special map of gratitude to show your support for our NHS heroes

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A new 24/7 coronavirus helpline could be set up to help vulnerable residents - particularly older people - struggling with the ‘new reality’ of life in isolation.
Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham said the pandemic's impact on people’s wellbeing and mental health are going to become ‘more significant’ in the coming weeks and months.
Councils, Greater Manchester Police and the NHS are now considering new ways of offering around-the-clock assistance to work alongside existing support networks.
These include hotlines and community response hubs which have been set up across the city-region to provide food parcels, medicine and fuel top-up payments to those in need.
With demand growing, local authorities are having to redeploy employees to run the new community hubs, while also continuing to deliver key services.
The helplines are also being used to co-ordinate volunteering efforts within local communities, but most of the contact centres are only staffed Monday to Saturday between 8.30am and 5.30pm.
Mr Burnham, speaking at his weekly press conference on COVID-19, said: “As we live in this new reality we’re in, the effects of isolation on people, particularly older people, are going to become more and more significant the further we get into this.
“If you combine that with the news getting more difficult to listen to, we have to have an eye to that.
“One of the issues we’ve discussed with leaders, the NHS and GMP is whether or not we can have more 24/7 support.
“That’s not to replicate phone numbers already out there, but to provide the facility through local numbers so people can always get somebody on the phone day or night.
“We think that might be helpful to people who might be struggling with this situation.”
Work on more specialist mental health support is being drawn up by health professionals Sir Richard Leese, leader of Manchester council and the regional lead on health.
Drop a heart on our special map of gratitude to show your support for our NHS heroes


themanchestereveningnews--2020-04-02--Bayern Munich's Leroy Sane transfer pursuit is going cold - sources

Bayern Munich are rapidly going off the idea of signing Leroy Sane in the next transfer window , according to German sources .
The Bundesliga giants staged a very public pursuit of the Manchester City star last summer , and were preparing a big bid for the 24-year-old before he damaged knee ligaments during the Community Shield win over Liverpool in August .
City offered Sane a new deal , with his current contract due to expire in the summer of 2021 , and were prepared to sell him – at the right price – rather than run the risk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The injury put everything on hold , and now the coronavirus pandemic has further complicated the matter .
City ’ s stance is unchanged – they want Sane to stay and they are open to talk about a new deal , but will sell if they deem it necessary .
They wanted around £130million last summer , but realistically that demand will have to reduce , with the player one year nearer to his contract deadline , and with the global health crisis depressing the football economy .
But sources in Germany @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the idea .
Those sources claim that the Bundesliga giants feel that Sane is not showing enough commitment to joining them , and is more interested in the money .
That seems to have been sparked by Sane ’ s change of agent in January , which was portrayed in some quarters as indicating a determination to push through the switch .
But there is a feeling in Munich that the appointment of a new agent was about maximising his wage , and that Sane had backed away from his initial keenness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fuelled by his frustration at being unable to break into the City team on a regular basis .
The player was close to a return for City before the pandemic caused a suspension of all football .
He had played for the Blues under-23s , but teammate Ilkay Gundogan suggested the problem was getting himself mentally right for a return rather than any physical difficulty .
The source says that Bayern want to hear more about Sane ’ s desire to play for the European giants and less about his financial demands .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a nine-figure transfer fee to drop to anything between £45million to £70million , depending on the way the suspension of the sport affects the transfer market .
Bayern are also keen on buying RB Leipzig striker Timo Werner , and the fall in income created by the pandemic means they will have much less money to spend in the next window .

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Bayern Munich are rapidly going off the idea of signing Leroy Sane in the next transfer window, according to German sources.
The Bundesliga giants staged a very public pursuit of the Manchester City star last summer, and were preparing a big bid for the 24-year-old before he damaged knee ligaments during the Community Shield win over Liverpool in August.
City offered Sane a new deal, with his current contract due to expire in the summer of 2021, and were prepared to sell him – at the right price – rather than run the risk of losing him for nothing next year.
The injury put everything on hold, and now the coronavirus pandemic has further complicated the matter.
City’s stance is unchanged – they want Sane to stay and they are open to talk about a new deal, but will sell if they deem it necessary.
They wanted around £130million last summer, but realistically that demand will have to reduce, with the player one year nearer to his contract deadline, and with the global health crisis depressing the football economy.
But sources in Germany suggest that Bayern are also going cool on the idea.
Those sources claim that the Bundesliga giants feel that Sane is not showing enough commitment to joining them, and is more interested in the money.
That seems to have been sparked by Sane’s change of agent in January, which was portrayed in some quarters as indicating a determination to push through the switch.
(Image: ANP Sport)
But there is a feeling in Munich that the appointment of a new agent was about maximising his wage, and that Sane had backed away from his initial keenness for a move, which was initially fuelled by his frustration at being unable to break into the City team on a regular basis.
The player was close to a return for City before the pandemic caused a suspension of all football. He had played for the Blues under-23s, but teammate Ilkay Gundogan suggested the problem was getting himself mentally right for a return rather than any physical difficulty.
The source says that Bayern want to hear more about Sane’s desire to play for the European giants and less about his financial demands.
Bayern expect City’s demands for a nine-figure transfer fee to drop to anything between £45million to £70million, depending on the way the suspension of the sport affects the transfer market.
Bayern are also keen on buying RB Leipzig striker Timo Werner, and the fall in income created by the pandemic means they will have much less money to spend in the next window.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-04-02--There's a massive online drag festival this weekend

A four-hour drag cabaret will be streamed live into our homes on Saturday with talent from all across the world .
Queeriosity Unplugged will see 45 drag queens take to the online stage in a bid to raise money to purchase and create PPE masks for medical staff working during the coronavirus outbreak .
The event , which starts at 8pm on Saturday ( April 4 ) , has been set up by Manchester performer Donna Trump after seeing a similar show organised by an American artist .
“ I set up the show because I was inspired by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taken to online platforms , ” Donna said .
“ Biqtch Puddin ’ from the TV show Dragula started a show and it was fantastic .
It blew me away but wasn ’ t at the easiest time for British audiences to catch it live from their living rooms.
” Manchester ’ s Cheddar Gorgeous , Danny Beard , and Narcissa Nightshade will perform during the event alongside RuPaul ’ s Drag Race contestant Nina West , Brooklyn queen Merrie Cherry , Lina Galore from Milan , and Hungry from Berlin .
Despite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only started planning the event last week .
“ Assembling this line up has been a quick turnaround to be honest .
“ I ’ ve invited artists I adore , admire and have worked with over my four-year drag career - somebody asked me earlier if I was trying to achieve the Live Aid of drag.
” Queeriosity first started out in September 2019 as a cabaret night in Kiki on Canal Street , in Manchester 's Gay Village .
When the venue was taken over it was decided the weekly event @ @ @ @ @ @ @ When the venue was sold , they didn ’ t want to continue with the night and I ’ ve been hunting for a new appropriate venue ever since , ” Donna laughs .
“ Queeriosity was a home for people to come on Saturday , enjoy brand new performances and delve into a world where anything can happen “ We had people from all walks of life , ages , ethnicities , genders , sexualities and identities.
” The idea for the live-streamed event is that people can make a suggested donation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can afford to part with ) in return for watching a selection of the best drag and cabaret performers .
There will also be the option to tip performers directly to their personal PayPal accounts .
50 % of the money raised will be put towards a by Misty Couture , a tailor brand specialising in corsets .
The brand is producing reusable masks made from a double layer of cotton and Coutil , a high-grade material with a high thread count , which can be worn by healthcare professionals and those at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ masks will soon be sent to the Beeston Dialysis Unit in Leeds .
The remaining money raised will be divided between the artists performing , many of who are currently out-of-work due to the coronavirus outbreak .
“ Coronavirus has hit the world hard - we can ’ t deny that , ” Donna says .
“ Industries like the entertainment and hospitality sector were hit first .
I had my whole booking diary pretty much cancelled within 48 hours .
“ We are all in the same boat .
Whether we work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the world after appearing on television - everyone ’ s industry has changed overnight .
“ We are adapting and rising from the ashes to help that.
” You can join the Queeriosity Unplugged livestream from 8pm on Saturday right here .

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A four-hour drag cabaret will be streamed live into our homes on Saturday with talent from all across the world.
Queeriosity Unplugged will see 45 drag queens take to the online stage in a bid to raise money to purchase and create PPE masks for medical staff working during the coronavirus outbreak.
The event, which starts at 8pm on Saturday (April 4), has been set up by Manchester performer Donna Trump after seeing a similar show organised by an American artist.
“I set up the show because I was inspired by the fact that drag and cabaret are being taken to online platforms,” Donna said.
“Biqtch Puddin’ from the TV show Dragula started a show and it was fantastic. It blew me away but wasn’t at the easiest time for British audiences to catch it live from their living rooms.”
Manchester’s Cheddar Gorgeous, Danny Beard, and Narcissa Nightshade will perform during the event alongside RuPaul’s Drag Race contestant Nina West, Brooklyn queen Merrie Cherry, Lina Galore from Milan, and Hungry from Berlin.
Despite the impressive line-up, Donna says she only started planning the event last week.
“Assembling this line up has been a quick turnaround to be honest.
“I’ve invited artists I adore, admire and have worked with over my four-year drag career - somebody asked me earlier if I was trying to achieve the Live Aid of drag.”
Queeriosity first started out in September 2019 as a cabaret night in Kiki on Canal Street, in Manchester's Gay Village. When the venue was taken over it was decided the weekly event would no longer take place.
(Image: Joel Goodman)
“When the venue was sold, they didn’t want to continue with the night and I’ve been hunting for a new appropriate venue ever since,” Donna laughs.
“Queeriosity was a home for people to come on Saturday, enjoy brand new performances and delve into a world where anything can happen
“We had people from all walks of life, ages, ethnicities, genders, sexualities and identities.”
The idea for the live-streamed event is that people can make a suggested donation of around £5 (or whatever they can afford to part with) in return for watching a selection of the best drag and cabaret performers.
There will also be the option to tip performers directly to their personal PayPal accounts.
50% of the money raised will be put towards a fundraising campaign by Misty Couture, a tailor brand specialising in corsets.
The brand is producing reusable masks made from a double layer of cotton and Coutil, a high-grade material with a high thread count, which can be worn by healthcare professionals and those at high risk.
The first batch of masks will soon be sent to the Beeston Dialysis Unit in Leeds.
The remaining money raised will be divided between the artists performing, many of who are currently out-of-work due to the coronavirus outbreak.
“Coronavirus has hit the world hard - we can’t deny that,” Donna says.
“Industries like the entertainment and hospitality sector were hit first. I had my whole booking diary pretty much cancelled within 48 hours.
“We are all in the same boat. Whether we work in the bars, clubs or touring the world after appearing on television - everyone’s industry has changed overnight.
“We are adapting and rising from the ashes to help that.”
You can join the Queeriosity Unplugged livestream from 8pm on Saturday right here.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-04-02--Eurovision announces alternative broadcast honouring 2020 artists

Eurovision organisers have announced details of a show that will air in place of the now-cancelled Grand Final .
Eurovision : Europe Shine A Light will honour all the artists that were due to perform in this year ’ s ceremony , which was cancelled last month due to the spread of COVID-19 throughout Europe .
The alternative show will feature ‘ plenty of surprises for fans and viewers at home ’ as it honours all 41 songs in a non-competitive format .
Airing on May 16 , the two-hour show will also include a performance from all artists selected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ entrant James Newman , of a past Eurovision hit .
Famous faces from the song contest 's past will also be involved , performing classic Eurovision hits in locations across Europe .
`` Sadly there will be no Eurovision Song Contest this year , ” Jon Ola Sand , executive supervisor of the contest on behalf of the EBU , said .
“ Instead , we intend to unite Europe on 16 May with a unique prime-time TV programme .
“ We are encouraging all broadcasters who were due to take part in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and EBU Members in other countries , to air this show in the spirit of unity and togetherness . ''
The show will be hosted by previous Eurovision 1998 and 2007 presenters Chantal Janzen and Edsilia Rombley , alongside Jan Smit .
Sietse Bakker , Executive Producer Event of what would have been the 65th Eurovision Song Contest promised the show will be a historic moment for Eurovision fans .
“ We want to make a show that puts a spotlight not only on the 41 artists that were due to appear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home and connect people from across Europe and beyond in these difficult times , ” Sietse said .
“ Of course , we will also honour those who are affected by the coronavirus crisis and those who work so hard to fight it .
“ Let ’ s make this an unforgettable moment in Eurovision history !
” It is not yet clear if or when the show will air in the UK , as another special broadcast will air on BBC One in place of the 2020 contest .
Hosted by Graham @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said to feature classic Eurovision performances and interviews with artists .
However , UK fans will be able to watch Eurovision : Europe Shine A Light on the official Eurovision YouTube channel when it airs on Saturday May 16 at 8pm .
For more ideas and inspiration to pass the time and stay entertained during lockdown , visit our new Stay In section .

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Subscribe to our daily What's On newsletter to keep up with what's happening around Greater Manchester
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Eurovision organisers have announced details of a show that will air in place of the now-cancelled Grand Final.
Eurovision: Europe Shine A Light will honour all the artists that were due to perform in this year’s ceremony, which was cancelled last month due to the spread of COVID-19 throughout Europe.
The alternative show will feature ‘plenty of surprises for fans and viewers at home’ as it honours all 41 songs in a non-competitive format.
Airing on May 16, the two-hour show will also include a performance from all artists selected for the 2020 ceremony, including British entrant James Newman, of a past Eurovision hit.
Famous faces from the song contest's past will also be involved, performing classic Eurovision hits in locations across Europe.
(Image: Getty Images)
"Sadly there will be no Eurovision Song Contest this year,” Jon Ola Sand, executive supervisor of the contest on behalf of the EBU, said.
“Instead, we intend to unite Europe on 16 May with a unique prime-time TV programme.
“We are encouraging all broadcasters who were due to take part in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest, and EBU Members in other countries, to air this show in the spirit of unity and togetherness."
(Image: AP)
The show will be hosted by previous Eurovision 1998 and 2007 presenters Chantal Janzen and Edsilia Rombley, alongside Jan Smit.
Sietse Bakker, Executive Producer Event of what would have been the 65th Eurovision Song Contest promised the show will be a historic moment for Eurovision fans.
“We want to make a show that puts a spotlight not only on the 41 artists that were due to appear in Rotterdam but also inspire those at home and connect people from across Europe and beyond in these difficult times,” Sietse said.
“Of course, we will also honour those who are affected by the coronavirus crisis and those who work so hard to fight it.
“Let’s make this an unforgettable moment in Eurovision history!”
(Image: BBC/So TV/Christopher Baines/Matt Burlem)
It is not yet clear if or when the show will air in the UK, as another special broadcast will air on BBC One in place of the 2020 contest.
Hosted by Graham Norton, Eurovision: Come Together is said to feature classic Eurovision performances and interviews with artists.
However, UK fans will be able to watch Eurovision: Europe Shine A Light on the official Eurovision YouTube channel when it airs on Saturday May 16 at 8pm.
For more ideas and inspiration to pass the time and stay entertained during lockdown, visit our new Stay In section.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-04-02--Grieving drunk man hurled abuse at cop giving him a lift home

A drunk man who hurled homophobic abuse at a police officer who gave him a lift home during the lockdown has avoided jail .
Shane Smith , 32 , was seen in a ‘ drunken ’ state outside of the Spar store when the officer offered him a lift to his home in Clayton out of ‘ good will ’ .
But whilst driving him home , Smith was abusive towards her and told her she had ‘ dykey hair ’ , Manchester Magistrates Court heard .
The court heard Smith had been grieving after his partner was found dead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and had struggled to cope with staying indoors since .
But prosecutors also said Smith has now breached a Criminal Behaviour Order three times , which stated he must not use abusive words towards another person or get drunk in a public place in England or Wales .
Prosecutor Kavi Choolun told the court that on March 27 , March 29 and March 30 , Smith was seen by officers in a ‘ drunken state ’ and being abusive .
“ The PC spoke to the defendant outside the Spar store on March @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This is an emergency worker who is already working incredibly hard because of the current situation .
“ She gave the defendant a lift to his home address , and despite her good will , the defendant was abusive towards her and said she had ‘ dykey hair ’ .
“ This caused alarm to the officer who was just carrying out her duties.
” Smith was said to have many previous convictions for similar offences , but had managed to stay out of trouble for six months before these offences were committed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Abigail Henry said his girlfriend , who he lived with , went missing around a month ago .
“ Police attended at his address and he found out in the local paper that she had been found dead and her body was removed from a canal , ” Ms Henry told the court .
“ He is a chronic alcoholic and his alcohol consumption increased as a coping mechanism due to the events that occurred .
“ She was the main support network in relation to him and she stopped him from drinking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up until her death .
“ He has found it difficult to be in that address on his own with the memories he has of his partner .
“ He is aware of the serious nature of the allegations and added pressure these officers have got in this current climate.
” Drop a heart on our special map of gratitude to show your support for our NHS heroes Smith pleaded guilty to using threatening words towards the officer and breaching his criminal behaviour order three times .
He was sentenced to 12 weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was also handed an eight week electronically monitored curfew where he must stay indoors between 8pm and 8am , and he was ordered to pay £125 compensation and £85 court costs .
Sentencing him , District Judge Jack McGarva said : “ Your record does you no favours .
“ They are serious matters , particularly in the current climate .
“ We must clamp down on it due to what it causes with our emergency services who are already under enough pressure as it is .
”

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A drunk man who hurled homophobic abuse at a police officer who gave him a lift home during the lockdown has avoided jail.
Shane Smith, 32, was seen in a ‘drunken’ state outside of the Spar store when the officer offered him a lift to his home in Clayton out of ‘good will’.
But whilst driving him home, Smith was abusive towards her and told her she had ‘dykey hair’, Manchester Magistrates Court heard.
The court heard Smith had been grieving after his partner was found dead in a canal a month earlier, and had struggled to cope with staying indoors since.
But prosecutors also said Smith has now breached a Criminal Behaviour Order three times, which stated he must not use abusive words towards another person or get drunk in a public place in England or Wales.
(Image: M.E.N.)
Prosecutor Kavi Choolun told the court that on March 27, March 29 and March 30, Smith was seen by officers in a ‘drunken state’ and being abusive.
“The PC spoke to the defendant outside the Spar store on March 29,” he said.
“This is an emergency worker who is already working incredibly hard because of the current situation.
“She gave the defendant a lift to his home address, and despite her good will, the defendant was abusive towards her and said she had ‘dykey hair’.
“This caused alarm to the officer who was just carrying out her duties.”
Smith was said to have many previous convictions for similar offences, but had managed to stay out of trouble for six months before these offences were committed.
In mitigation, his defence lawyer Abigail Henry said his girlfriend, who he lived with, went missing around a month ago.
“Police attended at his address and he found out in the local paper that she had been found dead and her body was removed from a canal,” Ms Henry told the court.
“He is a chronic alcoholic and his alcohol consumption increased as a coping mechanism due to the events that occurred.
“She was the main support network in relation to him and she stopped him from drinking.
“He had that stable network up until her death.
“He has found it difficult to be in that address on his own with the memories he has of his partner.
“He is aware of the serious nature of the allegations and added pressure these officers have got in this current climate.”
Drop a heart on our special map of gratitude to show your support for our NHS heroes
Smith pleaded guilty to using threatening words towards the officer and breaching his criminal behaviour order three times.
He was sentenced to 12 weeks imprisonment suspended for 12 months.
He was also handed an eight week electronically monitored curfew where he must stay indoors between 8pm and 8am, and he was ordered to pay £125 compensation and £85 court costs.
Sentencing him, District Judge Jack McGarva said: “Your record does you no favours.
“They are serious matters, particularly in the current climate.
“We must clamp down on it due to what it causes with our emergency services who are already under enough pressure as it is.”


themanchestereveningnews--2020-04-02--Morrisons' incredible gesture to thank staff for their hard work

It 's no secret that throughout the coronavirus pandemic , supermarket staff have been pushed to the limits .
Not only have they seen an increased demand for products , and a massive change in footfall , but they 've also been required to put their own lives at risk to make sure the nation is fed and provided with all the necessary essentials .
Our supermarket workers are true heroes , and they should be treated as such .
Morrisons clearly got the memo , as the supermarket has announced that staff will see an extra £1,050 in their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bonuses triple to say thank you .
According to PA , all Morrisons staff will see a £1,050 windfall this year as the supermarket promised to triple its bonuses as workers toil to keep up with a huge upswing in demand caused by the coronavirus .
All members of staff who are working on the front line will see a 6 per cent bonus on top of their earnings for the next 12 months .
This percentage equals the equivalent of more than £1,000 for full-time employees .
It is something that has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to grave , the National Health Service is a part of British life .
Today , more than ever , we should cherish those who dedicate themselves to our care as they work tirelessly to care for people in the face of the coronavirus pandemic .
So let ’ s show them some love , and create a living map of gratitude from every corner of Britain .
Click HERE to drop a heart on the map , and show you appreciate the efforts undertaken daily in the NHS .
And the good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sick or self-isolating employees will also be paid the bonus , which will come in quarterly instalments , rather than in one big cheque at the end , Morrisons has confirmed .
Clare Grainger , Morrisons group people director , said : `` Our highly valued colleagues have stood tall amidst the coronavirus pandemic , playing their full part in feeding the nation .
`` We want to thank every single one of them for their continued hard work during these unprecedented times by paying a much higher guaranteed bonus for the whole @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' It follows promises by several other supermarkets to pay bonuses during the crisis . ''
BRAVO , MORRISONS .
Let 's hope other supermarkets and major brands that have seen an increase of profits during the pandemic will follow suit .

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It's no secret that throughout the coronavirus pandemic, supermarket staff have been pushed to the limits.
Not only have they seen an increased demand for products, and a massive change in footfall, but they've also been required to put their own lives at risk to make sure the nation is fed and provided with all the necessary essentials.
Our supermarket workers are true heroes, and they should be treated as such.
Morrisons clearly got the memo, as the supermarket has announced that staff will see an extra £1,050 in their pay packets this year, as their bonuses triple to say thank you.
According to PA, all Morrisons staff will see a £1,050 windfall this year as the supermarket promised to triple its bonuses as workers toil to keep up with a huge upswing in demand caused by the coronavirus.
All members of staff who are working on the front line will see a 6 per cent bonus on top of their earnings for the next 12 months.
This percentage equals the equivalent of more than £1,000 for full-time employees.
Send a heart to our #NHSheroes and donate to our NHS frontline fundraiser It is something that has touched all our lives. From cradle to grave, the National Health Service is a part of British life. Today, more than ever, we should cherish those who dedicate themselves to our care as they work tirelessly to care for people in the face of the coronavirus pandemic. Click HERE to drop a heart on the map and you can also donate to our frontline fundraiser for the chance to win weekly prizes.
And the good news doesn't stop there, as sick or self-isolating employees will also be paid the bonus, which will come in quarterly instalments, rather than in one big cheque at the end, Morrisons has confirmed.
Clare Grainger, Morrisons group people director, said: "Our highly valued colleagues have stood tall amidst the coronavirus pandemic, playing their full part in feeding the nation.
"We want to thank every single one of them for their continued hard work during these unprecedented times by paying a much higher guaranteed bonus for the whole year in recognition of their effort.”
"It follows promises by several other supermarkets to pay bonuses during the crisis."
BRAVO, MORRISONS. Let's hope other supermarkets and major brands that have seen an increase of profits during the pandemic will follow suit.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-04-02--Exclusive: How Manchester United star Fred is keeping fit in lockdown

Manchester United midfielder Fred is focusing on volume and intensity work in his individual training regime amid the suspension of football matches .
United issued players with individual programmes to maintain their fitness after domestic and European fixtures were postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic .
Although the Premier League and the EFL pencilled in April 30 to resume the domestic calendar , that date is expected to be pushed back following a Premier League meeting on Friday .
After a difficult first season with United , Fred accepted he had to enhance his intensity to get up to speed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ League .
Fred 's fitness confidants viewed his first year in England as one of 'adaptation ' , since the 27-year-old was taken aback by the demands of English football after five years with Shakhtar Donetsk in the Ukraine .
Fred originally found the day-to-day routine at United much harder than he experienced in the Ukraine or Brazil , and those who work with the Brazil international described the differences between Ukrainian and English football as 'notorious ' .
United staff still gave 'very positive ' feedback on Fred 's training performances during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not play for 53 days , and Fred 's camp remained confident he would make a 'great comeback ' in his second season in England .
This season , Fred is the only United regular who has avoided injury .
The midfielder has started in United 's last 22 Premier League fixtures , completing 90 minutes in all but one , and Fred has rarely appeared visibly tired .
United players have not trained at Carrington in nearly three weeks and Fred has undergone online sessions with physical trainer Túlio Horta .
Fred @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and intensified his focus on routines that have served him well since his programme was adjusted ahead of this season .
Despite missing two weeks of pre-season in July due to his wedding , Fred stepped up his fitness at the Five CT gym in Belo Horizonte .
Fred continues to work with Professor LC Cameron , based at the Laboratory of Protein Biochemistry in Rio de Janeiro , on his durability .
Renato Pinheiro works with Professor Cameron and is in lockdown in Rio , where he has still conducted virtual training @ @ @ @ @ @ @ based in Europe , Asia , and the Middle East .
Pinheiro was scheduled to visit Fred in Manchester last month to carry out evaluations on the Brazilian 's fitness before the outbreak of the coronavirus ground life to a halt .
Pinheiro insists maintaining intensity in individual training is critical to prepare Fred for competitive matches whenever the season resumes .
`` I have been in touch with Tulio , who is the physical trainer that is directly working with Fred , '' Pinheiro told the MEN over the phone from Brazil @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been doing exactly in terms of his physical co-training with Fred .
`` They 're keeping the volume and intensity quite high , so that he loses as little as possible in this lockdown .
We were on the brink of organising our next sport biochemistry evaluation for Fred and the week we were going to set our schedule , everything happened and all the championships went into lockdown and were suspended , and now we have to wait .
`` Since I 'm a physical trainer myself , me and Tulio have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agree on mostly everything about what a football athlete needs to improve and the techniques that we like to use in physical training , so there 's no problem with that .
Fred 's in very good hands . ''
Fred was voted the United player of the month by supporters for January , scored two goals and assisted two more in his last two Europa League appearances , and has drawn praise from Pep Guardiola .
`` Fred 's had a great few months , '' Pinheiro added .
`` He 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more adapted to the Premier League .
I guess he 's going to keep getting better . ''

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Manchester United midfielder Fred is focusing on volume and intensity work in his individual training regime amid the suspension of football matches.
United issued players with individual programmes to maintain their fitness after domestic and European fixtures were postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic. Although the Premier League and the EFL pencilled in April 30 to resume the domestic calendar, that date is expected to be pushed back following a Premier League meeting on Friday.
After a difficult first season with United, Fred accepted he had to enhance his intensity to get up to speed with the frantic pace of the Premier League. Fred's fitness confidants viewed his first year in England as one of 'adaptation', since the 27-year-old was taken aback by the demands of English football after five years with Shakhtar Donetsk in the Ukraine.
Fred originally found the day-to-day routine at United much harder than he experienced in the Ukraine or Brazil, and those who work with the Brazil international described the differences between Ukrainian and English football as 'notorious'. United staff still gave 'very positive' feedback on Fred's training performances during a period last season where Fred did not play for 53 days, and Fred's camp remained confident he would make a 'great comeback' in his second season in England.
This season, Fred is the only United regular who has avoided injury. The midfielder has started in United's last 22 Premier League fixtures, completing 90 minutes in all but one, and Fred has rarely appeared visibly tired.
United players have not trained at Carrington in nearly three weeks and Fred has undergone online sessions with physical trainer Túlio Horta. Fred has had his programme redesigned for isolation and intensified his focus on routines that have served him well since his programme was adjusted ahead of this season.
Despite missing two weeks of pre-season in July due to his wedding, Fred stepped up his fitness at the Five CT gym in Belo Horizonte. Fred continues to work with Professor LC Cameron, based at the Laboratory of Protein Biochemistry in Rio de Janeiro, on his durability.
Renato Pinheiro works with Professor Cameron and is in lockdown in Rio, where he has still conducted virtual training sessions via video calls with other footballers based in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
Pinheiro was scheduled to visit Fred in Manchester last month to carry out evaluations on the Brazilian's fitness before the outbreak of the coronavirus ground life to a halt. Pinheiro insists maintaining intensity in individual training is critical to prepare Fred for competitive matches whenever the season resumes.
"I have been in touch with Tulio, who is the physical trainer that is directly working with Fred," Pinheiro told the MEN over the phone from Brazil. "And understanding what he has been doing exactly in terms of his physical co-training with Fred.
"They're keeping the volume and intensity quite high, so that he loses as little as possible in this lockdown. We were on the brink of organising our next sport biochemistry evaluation for Fred and the week we were going to set our schedule, everything happened and all the championships went into lockdown and were suspended, and now we have to wait.
"Since I'm a physical trainer myself, me and Tulio have similar backgrounds in training, so we agree on mostly everything about what a football athlete needs to improve and the techniques that we like to use in physical training, so there's no problem with that. Fred's in very good hands."
Fred was voted the United player of the month by supporters for January, scored two goals and assisted two more in his last two Europa League appearances, and has drawn praise from Pep Guardiola. "Fred's had a great few months," Pinheiro added. "He's improving overall, and he's become more adapted to the Premier League. I guess he's going to keep getting better."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-04-02--Confirmed coronavirus cases pass one million mark worldwide

More than one million cases of coronavirus have been confirmed worldwide while the death toll has soared above 50,000 .
Of the cases recorded , 210,555 have recovered , according to tracking website Worldometer .
In the UK , a total of 34,000 people have tested positive for Covid-19 , while 2,921 have died .
At least 140 people have died from coronavirus at Greater Manchester Hospitals and more than 1,000 people have tested positive .
In New York , the number of cases has soared over the past few days , with those hospitalised now standing at 13,383 - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ earlier , The Mirror reports .
The number of deaths in the state has increased to 2,373 - up from 1,941 a day earlier , Governor Cuomo said .
The US has a reported 213,000 confirmed cases .
In Italy , the number of cases has reached more than 115,242 with 13,915 deaths .
The World Health Organization chief , Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus , previously warned of the new milestone .
He said : `` As we enter the fourth month since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic I ’ m deeply concerned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of infection .
`` Over the past five weeks , we have witnessed a near exponential growth in the number of new cases , reaching almost every country .
`` The number of deaths has more than doubled in the past week .
In the next few days we will reach one million confirmed cases and 50,000 deaths .
”

newsdesk@men-news.co.uk (Abigail O'Leary, Rebecca Day)

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More than one million cases of coronavirus have been confirmed worldwide while the death toll has soared above 50,000.
Of the cases recorded, 210,555 have recovered, according to tracking website Worldometer.
In the UK, a total of 34,000 people have tested positive for Covid-19, while 2,921 have died.
At least 140 people have died from coronavirus at Greater Manchester Hospitals and more than 1,000 people have tested positive.
In New York, the number of cases has soared over the past few days, with those hospitalised now standing at 13,383 - up from 12, 226 a day earlier, The Mirror reports.
The number of deaths in the state has increased to 2,373 - up from 1,941 a day earlier, Governor Cuomo said.
The US has a reported 213,000 confirmed cases.
In Italy, the number of cases has reached more than 115,242 with 13,915 deaths.
The World Health Organization chief, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, previously warned of the new milestone.
He said: "As we enter the fourth month since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic I’m deeply concerned about the rapid escalation and global spread of infection.
"Over the past five weeks, we have witnessed a near exponential growth in the number of new cases, reaching almost every country.
"The number of deaths has more than doubled in the past week. In the next few days we will reach one million confirmed cases and 50,000 deaths.”


themanchestereveningnews--2020-04-02--Key moments that could help Jadon Sancho on his way to Man United

Jadon Sancho ’ s progression into one of the most promising young talents in Europe has led to huge interest from Old Trafford .
Manchester United have been interested in the Borussia Dortmund star since before he left Man City , and are expected to make their move when the transfer window opens again .
Any chance of signing the England international could depend on competition from other clubs , including Liverpool and Chelsea , but also how much Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is willing to spend on the youngster .
With a fee of more than £100m quoted by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will require thorough scouting and an assurance that he can become a star for United .
In terms of fitting into Solskjaer ’ s system , the former City man has a number of attributes that could be highly effective in United ’ s usual 4-2-3-1 .
On the right of the three attacking midfielders , Sancho ’ s pace , dribbling and chance creation makes him one of the best in his position .
With 30 goal contributions in 23 Bundesliga games this season , his form indicates that spending big money @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be worthwhile .
Some key moments from his current campaign with Dortmund help demonstrate why Sancho is probably worth that hefty price-tag and could be a perfect fit for United ... Sancho ’ s goal in a 3-1 defeat to Barcelona may go down as a mere consolation , but it proved he has the ability to find the back of the net against even the very best .
In contrast to most of his goals , this strike demonstrated his ability to get away from defenders in tight spaces .
The impressive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ corner past Marc-Andre Ter Stegen might well have been noted down by United ’ s recruitment team .
In more typical Sancho style , his goal against Eintracht Frankfurt highlighted his ability to run at pace with the ball and still maintain his composure .
His lengthy run could have easily ended in poor decision-making , but he sends the recovering defender to the ground with a well-executed dummy .
The resulting finish past the goalkeeper rounded off a great piece of individual play .
In terms of potential to play for United @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that mirrors the style of play from Marcus Rashford and Daniel James .
The pace in the team ’ s front line means that Sancho would not look out of place if he were to sign for the club .
The first two moments show Sancho scoring goals , but creating chances for his team-mates is just as influential in his overall game .
Again , we see him running with the ball at pace after beating the midfield press before finding the perfect pass to pick out an attacking run .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of quality that would be helpful in United ’ s attacking line-up .
So far this season , they have frequently failed to break down defensive set ups and , as shown here , Sancho could help considerably with that .
As well as directly creating goal-scoring opportunities , the 19-year-old also boasts a high degree of creative flair that most world class players possess .
Most importantly , though , Sancho doesn ’ t dwell on his creativity and almost always creates chances as a result of individual skill .
As shown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nutmegs the oncoming defender before racing into open space beyond the defensive line of Mainz .
This type of skill in a tight space provides him with a number of attacking options and , more than anything , illustrates how he has many attacking attributes to make him worth his large price tag .
For United , these types of individual moments of brilliance highlight why they should be considering a serious bid for the 20-year-old .

newsdesk@men-news.co.uk (Reece Chambers )

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Jadon Sancho’s progression into one of the most promising young talents in Europe has led to huge interest from Old Trafford.
Manchester United have been interested in the Borussia Dortmund star since before he left Man City, and are expected to make their move when the transfer window opens again.
Any chance of signing the England international could depend on competition from other clubs, including Liverpool and Chelsea, but also how much Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is willing to spend on the youngster.
With a fee of more than £100m quoted by the German side, any move for Sancho will require thorough scouting and an assurance that he can become a star for United.
In terms of fitting into Solskjaer’s system, the former City man has a number of attributes that could be highly effective in United’s usual 4-2-3-1.
On the right of the three attacking midfielders, Sancho’s pace, dribbling and chance creation makes him one of the best in his position.
With 30 goal contributions in 23 Bundesliga games this season, his form indicates that spending big money on such a talented long-term investment would be worthwhile.
Some key moments from his current campaign with Dortmund help demonstrate why Sancho is probably worth that hefty price-tag and could be a perfect fit for United...
Stunning goal at Camp Nou (Nov 27, 2019)
Sancho’s goal in a 3-1 defeat to Barcelona may go down as a mere consolation, but it proved he has the ability to find the back of the net against even the very best.
In contrast to most of his goals, this strike demonstrated his ability to get away from defenders in tight spaces.
The impressive effort that flew into the top right corner past Marc-Andre Ter Stegen might well have been noted down by United’s recruitment team.
(Image: Wyscout)
Clinical finish after lengthy run versus Frankfurt (Feb 14, 2020)
In more typical Sancho style, his goal against Eintracht Frankfurt highlighted his ability to run at pace with the ball and still maintain his composure.
His lengthy run could have easily ended in poor decision-making, but he sends the recovering defender to the ground with a well-executed dummy. The resulting finish past the goalkeeper rounded off a great piece of individual play.
In terms of potential to play for United, this type of goal is something that mirrors the style of play from Marcus Rashford and Daniel James.
The pace in the team’s front line means that Sancho would not look out of place if he were to sign for the club.
(Image: Wyscout)
Creating chances for team-mates against Bremen (Feb 4, 2020)
The first two moments show Sancho scoring goals, but creating chances for his team-mates is just as influential in his overall game.
Again, we see him running with the ball at pace after beating the midfield press before finding the perfect pass to pick out an attacking run.
This degree of incision shows an added layer of quality that would be helpful in United’s attacking line-up.
So far this season, they have frequently failed to break down defensive set ups and, as shown here, Sancho could help considerably with that.
(Image: Wyscout)
Creative flair against Mainz (Dec 14, 2019)
As well as directly creating goal-scoring opportunities, the 19-year-old also boasts a high degree of creative flair that most world class players possess.
Most importantly, though, Sancho doesn’t dwell on his creativity and almost always creates chances as a result of individual skill.
(Image: Wyscout)
As shown above, he receives the ball and nutmegs the oncoming defender before racing into open space beyond the defensive line of Mainz.
This type of skill in a tight space provides him with a number of attacking options and, more than anything, illustrates how he has many attacking attributes to make him worth his large price tag.
For United, these types of individual moments of brilliance highlight why they should be considering a serious bid for the 20-year-old.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-04-02--Man City evening headlines as Blues handed Leroy Sane boost

Manchester City should make up to a £20m profit on left-back Angelino this summer , with RB Leipzig keen to sign the defender on a permanent basis .
Angelino joined the Bundesliga side on loan in January and has shown brilliant form in Germany .
The loan agreement in place has an option for Leipzig to buy the 23-year-old for £26m , and it looks like the German team are keen to take that up in the summer .
Angelino has featured five times in the Bundesliga for Leipzig and has scored one goal , while recording assists in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He was a key figure in the side that thrashed City ’ s Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur over two legs in the last 16 of the Champions League .
Redknapp says City would be perfect fit for Kane Former Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp believes Manchester City would be the perfect fit for his former club ’ s striker Harry Kane .
Kane said recently that he could look to play his football elsewhere in order to win more trophies and City have been one of the many clubs linked with the England @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Spurs but also said the 26-year-old would be a perfect replacement for Sergio Aguero at City .
“ And what a player he would be for one of those top clubs , ” Redknapp told Sky Sports .
“ I don ’ t want to see him leave Tottenham and nor do Tottenham fans , but what a centre-forward he would be for Man City for instance , with Aguero coming to the end .
“ He ’ d be a great signing for anybody .
He ’ s a great player @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ll stay at Tottenham but he won ’ t stay unless he sees them pushing to win things.
” Bayern going off idea of signing Sane Bayern Munich are quickly losing interest in signing Manchester City winger Leroy Sane , according to German sources .
The German giants pursued Sane last summer , and were set to bid for the 24-year-old , but he suffered knee ligament damage in the Community Shield victory against Liverpool before the season started .
Sane ’ s current deal at the Etihad expires in the summer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sell him without running the risk of losing him on a free next year .
However , the long-term injury caused complications and now with the worldwide coronavirus pandemic , it seems Bayern have been put off the German winger somewhat .
City have not changed their stance on the matter , though , with the champions still wanting Sane to stay , but they realise they may have to sell if he wishes to leave .
Sources in Germany say that Bayern believe Sane is not showing enough commitment to joining them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The former Schalke man changed agent in January , and Bayern ’ s opinion of the winger could have changed as a result .
The source says that Bayern want to hear more from Sane on why he wants to join the club and less about his financial demands .
Manchester City are reportedly prepared to pay Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez ’ s full release clause , believed to be €111m .
A report from Spanish newspaper Sport states that City and Chelsea are willing to pay his release clause and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Barcelona are also heavily interested in the Argentina striker and face competition from two Premier League giants .
The report states that the decision is all down to Martinez now , and that Barca believe he will make the decision purely based on footballing reasons , rather than the financial gains .

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£20m profit on Angelino
Manchester City should make up to a £20m profit on left-back Angelino this summer, with RB Leipzig keen to sign the defender on a permanent basis.
Angelino joined the Bundesliga side on loan in January and has shown brilliant form in Germany.
The loan agreement in place has an option for Leipzig to buy the 23-year-old for £26m, and it looks like the German team are keen to take that up in the summer.
Angelino has featured five times in the Bundesliga for Leipzig and has scored one goal, while recording assists in the Champions League and DFB-Pokal as well.
He was a key figure in the side that thrashed City’s Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur over two legs in the last 16 of the Champions League.
Redknapp says City would be perfect fit for Kane
Former Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp believes Manchester City would be the perfect fit for his former club’s striker Harry Kane.
Kane said recently that he could look to play his football elsewhere in order to win more trophies and City have been one of the many clubs linked with the England striker.
Redknapp hopes that Kane remains with Spurs but also said the 26-year-old would be a perfect replacement for Sergio Aguero at City.
“And what a player he would be for one of those top clubs,” Redknapp told Sky Sports.
“I don’t want to see him leave Tottenham and nor do Tottenham fans, but what a centre-forward he would be for Man City for instance, with Aguero coming to the end.
“He’d be a great signing for anybody. He’s a great player and a great professional – hopefully he’ll stay at Tottenham but he won’t stay unless he sees them pushing to win things.”
Bayern going off idea of signing Sane
Bayern Munich are quickly losing interest in signing Manchester City winger Leroy Sane, according to German sources.
The German giants pursued Sane last summer, and were set to bid for the 24-year-old, but he suffered knee ligament damage in the Community Shield victory against Liverpool before the season started.
Sane’s current deal at the Etihad expires in the summer of 2021, with City prepared to sell him without running the risk of losing him on a free next year.
However, the long-term injury caused complications and now with the worldwide coronavirus pandemic, it seems Bayern have been put off the German winger somewhat.
City have not changed their stance on the matter, though, with the champions still wanting Sane to stay, but they realise they may have to sell if he wishes to leave.
Sources in Germany say that Bayern believe Sane is not showing enough commitment to joining them, and cares more about the money.
The former Schalke man changed agent in January, and Bayern’s opinion of the winger could have changed as a result.
The source says that Bayern want to hear more from Sane on why he wants to join the club and less about his financial demands.
City prepared to pay Martinez’s release clause
Manchester City are reportedly prepared to pay Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez’s full release clause, believed to be €111m.
A report from Spanish newspaper Sport states that City and Chelsea are willing to pay his release clause and would offer the striker €10m-per-season.
However, Barcelona are also heavily interested in the Argentina striker and face competition from two Premier League giants.
The report states that the decision is all down to Martinez now, and that Barca believe he will make the decision purely based on footballing reasons, rather than the financial gains.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-04-02--Manchester has labs and scientists to test for COVID-19 but haven't been asked

On March 18 ’ s edition of BBC Question Time - filmed without a studio audience - Greater Manchester ’ s mayor grilled the health secretary on his claim that frontline worker testing would be ramped up to 25,000 a day within a month .
Mr Burnham , himself a former health secretary , reported ‘ a lot of skepticism ’ within the upper echelons of the NHS here about whether that was really possible .
“ People are saying they can ’ t see how that ’ s going to be delivered any time soon , because it requires @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lab capacity in other parts of the NHS , ” he said .
“ And I think people are struggling to see when that will come through.
” In response , the minister said he had been ‘ buying tests today ’ , before wandering off the point .
Pushed on when the 25,000 figure would be hit , he eventually replied : “ That ’ s going to happen in the next couple of weeks .
We ’ re going as fast as we can.
” That was a couple of weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were full of criticism for the apparent drift since then , while the health secretary announced this afternoon that today ’ s test figure was just 1,500 .
Unlike Germany , this country does not have an existing diagnostics sector , he said in the government 's defence , but it would now start to build one .
Six weeks into the outbreak and nearly a fortnight into lockdown , he also finally announced government would be working with universities and the private sector .
There have been furrowed brows in Greater Manchester @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In a region that includes a considerable degree of biomedical expertise , many would contest his claim from a fortnight ago that government has been going ‘ as fast as we can ’ .
The Manchester Evening News understands both Manchester University and Salford University have spare lab capacity and dozens of scientists - some of them currently furloughed - in a position to step up to a national testing response .
Yet although some conversations have taken place to date , earlier today no instruction had been received from government to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Greater Manchester press conference , the mayor politely - but pointedly - noted that there is a significant level of expertise here waiting to be used .
Plus , it wants to help .
“ What I would want to get over to government today is that Greater Manchester stands ready to help in a national effort to get testing capacity up to the level that is required , ” he said .
“ I ’ ve spoken just before this briefing with Dame Nancy Rothwell , Vice Chancellor of Manchester University .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ other universities and together with the NHS in Greater Manchester - of course very aligned with our universities - we ’ re doing all we can to try and mobilise staff , laboratory space and indeed chemical reagents to support the national testing effort .
“ That offer goes out from Greater Manchester to the government : we stand ready to help in any way we can to mobilise that extra support to increase the number of tests.
” A number of theories about the slow progress are put forward by senior figures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the NHS is so top-down , it has been unable to move and adapt with the necessary agility .
“ I think there ’ s a control thing going on here , ” says one of the national system ’ s approach .
” Overall it does appear to be that it is to do with the combination of command and control and bureaucracy , which means they just don ’ t have the flexibility and bandwidth to change tack , ” agrees another , noting that the approach to testing has so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beginning of the outbreak , for example , Manchester , Oldham and a number of other local authority areas all had significant community testing programmes ready to go , including the potential for drive-through centres .
But weeks later , they still have not had the green light nationally to use them .
A similar assessment is applied by some to the hold-up in deliveries of protection equipment , which has seen national figures insist that it does exist in significant quantities , while local authorities , police forces and hospital trusts find @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hold of it .
The counter to that argument is that the NHS has to be top-down in order to get through a crisis .
`` There has to be a consistent 'one version of the truth ' , or it would be chaos - different hospitals and clinical commissions would be doing different things , '' says one senior NHS insider .
Nevertheless although Greater Manchester has identified a number of sites suitable for drive-through NHS frontline testing , including space at Alderley Park , Manchester Airport , Trafford Park and Heaton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off nationally .
Again , in Greater Manchester nobody spoken to by the Manchester Evening News seems to know why specifically this is , when the government announced several days ago that there would be five such sites nationally and two have already opened in the south of England .
One possible reason given for the slow pace - including by the government itself - is the lack of chemicals known as ‘ reagents ’ , the substance used by labs to actually process the tests carried out by hospitals .
Certainly a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It is understood the region ’ s biggest lab , at Manchester Royal Infirmary - which processes tests from a string of hospitals - has not been running at full capacity due to a lack of reagent .
Yet one senior insider says that while this is an issue , ‘ it may not be the showstopper everyone is making it out to be ’ , arguing that the biotech sector has not actually been asked to step up to make any extra .
And there is another factor some suggest is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Public Health England .
Some believe there is effectively a culture clash within the national health system itself : between a more academic , ‘ purist ’ approach towards processes within PHE , and a more pragmatic view taken by those within the NHS itself , one more bothered about getting things moving .
As of this afternoon , there does seem to be movement on Andy Burnham ’ s call to ‘ open up ’ the conversation between government and organisations on the ground , however .
In today ’ s press @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plan that included working with universities and companies to hit 100,000 tests a day by the end of the month .
Manchester ’ s experts are on standby .
The health secretary may need them if that figure is to withstand more scrutiny than the one he announced a fortnight ago .

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A fortnight ago, Andy Burnham and Matt Hancock met face-to-face in a TV studio.
On March 18’s edition of BBC Question Time - filmed without a studio audience - Greater Manchester’s mayor grilled the health secretary on his claim that frontline worker testing would be ramped up to 25,000 a day within a month.
Mr Burnham, himself a former health secretary, reported ‘a lot of skepticism’ within the upper echelons of the NHS here about whether that was really possible.
“People are saying they can’t see how that’s going to be delivered any time soon, because it requires standing down screening capacity and freeing up lab capacity in other parts of the NHS,” he said.
“And I think people are struggling to see when that will come through.”
In response, the minister said he had been ‘buying tests today’, before wandering off the point.
Pushed on when the 25,000 figure would be hit, he eventually replied: “That’s going to happen in the next couple of weeks. We’re going as fast as we can.”
(Image: 2020 Getty Images)
That was a couple of weeks ago. Today the national front pages were full of criticism for the apparent drift since then, while the health secretary announced this afternoon that today’s test figure was just 1,500.
Unlike Germany, this country does not have an existing diagnostics sector, he said in the government's defence, but it would now start to build one. Six weeks into the outbreak and nearly a fortnight into lockdown, he also finally announced government would be working with universities and the private sector.
There have been furrowed brows in Greater Manchester over why that has not happened sooner.
In a region that includes a considerable degree of biomedical expertise, many would contest his claim from a fortnight ago that government has been going ‘as fast as we can’.
The Manchester Evening News understands both Manchester University and Salford University have spare lab capacity and dozens of scientists - some of them currently furloughed - in a position to step up to a national testing response.
Yet although some conversations have taken place to date, earlier today no instruction had been received from government to that effect.
(Image: Mark Waugh)
At yesterday’s Greater Manchester press conference, the mayor politely - but pointedly - noted that there is a significant level of expertise here waiting to be used. Plus, it wants to help.
“What I would want to get over to government today is that Greater Manchester stands ready to help in a national effort to get testing capacity up to the level that is required,” he said.
“I’ve spoken just before this briefing with Dame Nancy Rothwell, Vice Chancellor of Manchester University.
“She’s speaking to the other universities and together with the NHS in Greater Manchester - of course very aligned with our universities - we’re doing all we can to try and mobilise staff, laboratory space and indeed chemical reagents to support the national testing effort.
“That offer goes out from Greater Manchester to the government: we stand ready to help in any way we can to mobilise that extra support to increase the number of tests.”
A number of theories about the slow progress are put forward by senior figures here. The most common is that the NHS is so top-down, it has been unable to move and adapt with the necessary agility.
“I think there’s a control thing going on here,” says one of the national system’s approach.
(Image: Pippa Fowles/Crown Copyright/10 Downing Street/PA Wire)
”Overall it does appear to be that it is to do with the combination of command and control and bureaucracy, which means they just don’t have the flexibility and bandwidth to change tack,” agrees another, noting that the approach to testing has so far been strictly centralised.
At the beginning of the outbreak, for example, Manchester, Oldham and a number of other local authority areas all had significant community testing programmes ready to go, including the potential for drive-through centres. But weeks later, they still have not had the green light nationally to use them.
A similar assessment is applied by some to the hold-up in deliveries of protection equipment, which has seen national figures insist that it does exist in significant quantities, while local authorities, police forces and hospital trusts find themselves having to wrangle over actually getting hold of it.
The counter to that argument is that the NHS has to be top-down in order to get through a crisis. "There has to be a consistent 'one version of the truth', or it would be chaos - different hospitals and clinical commissions would be doing different things," says one senior NHS insider.
Nevertheless although Greater Manchester has identified a number of sites suitable for drive-through NHS frontline testing, including space at Alderley Park, Manchester Airport, Trafford Park and Heaton Park, nothing had apparently been signed off nationally.
Again, in Greater Manchester nobody spoken to by the Manchester Evening News seems to know why specifically this is, when the government announced several days ago that there would be five such sites nationally and two have already opened in the south of England.
One possible reason given for the slow pace - including by the government itself - is the lack of chemicals known as ‘reagents’, the substance used by labs to actually process the tests carried out by hospitals.
Certainly a shortage within the system has caused issues. It is understood the region’s biggest lab, at Manchester Royal Infirmary - which processes tests from a string of hospitals - has not been running at full capacity due to a lack of reagent.
Yet one senior insider says that while this is an issue, ‘it may not be the showstopper everyone is making it out to be’, arguing that the biotech sector has not actually been asked to step up to make any extra.
And there is another factor some suggest is at play, albeit one denied by Public Health England.
Some believe there is effectively a culture clash within the national health system itself: between a more academic, ‘purist’ approach towards processes within PHE, and a more pragmatic view taken by those within the NHS itself, one more bothered about getting things moving.
As of this afternoon, there does seem to be movement on Andy Burnham’s call to ‘open up’ the conversation between government and organisations on the ground, however. In today’s press conference Matt Hancock announced a five-point testing plan that included working with universities and companies to hit 100,000 tests a day by the end of the month.
Manchester’s experts are on standby. The health secretary may need them if that figure is to withstand more scrutiny than the one he announced a fortnight ago.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-04-02--Police rush to reports of stabbing as air ambulance scrambled

Police have been called to reports of a stabbing and an air ambulance was scrambled to a car park in Bolton .
Police say they were called to reports of a stabbing a property in Spring Gardens in Atherton at around 5.15pm .
A man was found with minor injuries at the scene .
Police officers remain at the scene in Atherton , though it has not yet been confirmed which street the incident took place in .
A 21-year-old male has been taken to Manchester Royal Infirmary , it is not believed his condition is serious , say police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inspector Dale Sexton told the M.E.N .
: `` Police are currently in attendance dealing with an incident at an address in Atherton .
`` The call came through as a stabbing but the circumstances at the moment are unclear .
`` Officers are still at the scene . ''
Atherton residents watched as the air ambulance landed in the middle of the town centre car park in Mealhouse Lane .
Resident Billie Raynor said : `` I just heard the helicopter circling and popped my head out of the front door when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ road .

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Police have been called to reports of a stabbing and an air ambulance was scrambled to a car park in Bolton.
Police say they were called to reports of a stabbing a property in Spring Gardens in Atherton at around 5.15pm.
A man was found with minor injuries at the scene.
Police officers remain at the scene in Atherton, though it has not yet been confirmed which street the incident took place in.
A 21-year-old male has been taken to Manchester Royal Infirmary, it is not believed his condition is serious, say police.
Greater Manchester Police's force duty inspector Dale Sexton told the M.E.N.: "Police are currently in attendance dealing with an incident at an address in Atherton.
(Image: Dave Benson)
"The call came through as a stabbing but the circumstances at the moment are unclear.
"A male has sustained minor injuries.
(Image: Billie Raynor)
"Officers are still at the scene."
Atherton residents watched as the air ambulance landed in the middle of the town centre car park in Mealhouse Lane.
Resident Billie Raynor said: "I just heard the helicopter circling and popped my head out of the front door when the ambulance crew ran across the main road.
"Lots of police cars came."