themanchestereveningnews--2020-12-09--Latest coronavirus figures for Greater Manchester and every area in England

The latest coronavirus infection rates for every local authority in England have been released .
Today 's update of the rolling seven-day rate of new cases of Covid-19 in each area across the country shows which areas are seeing a rise infections - and which ones are seeing a drop .
The majority of places have seen a fall in cases - with 171 out of 315 local authorities in England reporting a drop in infection rates .
Two areas remain unchanged , while 142 areas have seen a rise in case rates .
Greater Manchester is still seeing a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infections in all but one borough .
Bury has the highest infection rate , which has risen from 215.7 to 225.7 in a week .
Eight Greater Manchester boroughs are reporting now less than 200 cases per 100,000 people .
The infection rate in Trafford has dropped below 100 cases per 100,000 people - falling from 121.8 to 85.1 in a week .
Swale in Kent continues to have the highest rate in England , with 930 new cases recorded in the seven days to December 5 – the equivalent of 619.7 cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from 564.4 in the seven days to November 28 .
Medway , also in Kent , has the second highest rate , up from 529.2 to 602.4 , with 1,678 new cases .
Basildon in Essex is in third place , where the rate has risen from 302.9 to 433.8 , with 812 new cases .
The list has been calculated by the PA news agency , based on Public Health England data published on December 9 on the Government ’ s coronavirus dashboard .
The rate is expressed as the number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the most recent four days ( December 6-9 ) has been excluded as it is incomplete and does not reflect the true number of cases .
Here is the list in full .
From left to right , it reads : name of local authority ; rate of new cases in the seven days to December 5 ; number ( in brackets ) of new cases recorded in the seven days to December 5 ; rate of new cases in the seven days to November 28 ; number ( in brackets ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days to November 28 .

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The latest coronavirus infection rates for every local authority in England have been released.
Today's update of the rolling seven-day rate of new cases of Covid-19 in each area across the country shows which areas are seeing a rise infections - and which ones are seeing a drop.
The majority of places have seen a fall in cases - with 171 out of 315 local authorities in England reporting a drop in infection rates.
Two areas remain unchanged, while 142 areas have seen a rise in case rates.
Greater Manchester is still seeing a steady decline in the number of new infections in all but one borough.
Bury has the highest infection rate, which has risen from 215.7 to 225.7 in a week.
Eight Greater Manchester boroughs are reporting now less than 200 cases per 100,000 people.
The infection rate in Trafford has dropped below 100 cases per 100,000 people - falling from 121.8 to 85.1 in a week.
Swale in Kent continues to have the highest rate in England, with 930 new cases recorded in the seven days to December 5 – the equivalent of 619.7 cases per 100,000 people.
This is up from 564.4 in the seven days to November 28.
Medway, also in Kent, has the second highest rate, up from 529.2 to 602.4, with 1,678 new cases.
Basildon in Essex is in third place, where the rate has risen from 302.9 to 433.8, with 812 new cases.
The list has been calculated by the PA news agency, based on Public Health England data published on December 9 on the Government’s coronavirus dashboard.
The rate is expressed as the number of new cases per 100,000 people.
Data for the most recent four days (December 6-9) has been excluded as it is incomplete and does not reflect the true number of cases.
Here is the list in full. From left to right, it reads: name of local authority; rate of new cases in the seven days to December 5; number (in brackets) of new cases recorded in the seven days to December 5; rate of new cases in the seven days to November 28; number (in brackets) of new cases recorded in the seven days to November 28.
Sign up to the free MEN email newsletter Get the latest updates from across Greater Manchester direct to your inbox with the free MEN newsletter You can sign up very simply by following the instructions here
Greater Manchester boroughs are highlighted in bold.
Swale, 619.7, (930), 564.4, (847)
Medway, 602.4, (1,678), 529.2, (1,474)
Basildon, 433.8, (812), 302.9, (567)
Gravesham, 423.6, (453), 385.3, (412)
Thanet, 419.9, (596), 464.3, (659)
Maidstone, 409.1, (703), 359.7, (618)
Lincoln, 391.7, (389), 388.7, (386)
Boston, 387.6, (272), 550.1, (386)
Havering, 378.7, (983), 287.4, (746)
Dover, 371.6, (439), 313.2, (370)
Canterbury, 323.5, (535), 252.7, (418)
Stoke-on-Trent, 321.8, (825), 364.7, (935)
Waltham Forest, 316.6, (877), 205.8, (570)
Barking and Dagenham, 310.9, (662), 256.0, (545)
Oadby and Wigston, 301.7, (172), 315.7, (180)
Redbridge, 299.1, (913), 305.7, (933)
Folkestone and Hythe, 299.1, (338), 212.4, (240)
Dartford, 291.3, (328), 238.9, (269)
Luton, 290.1, (618), 261.0, (556)
Pendle, 286.6, (264), 279.0, (257)
Runnymede, 284.0, (254), 161.0, (144)
Brentwood, 281.7, (217), 166.2, (128)
Tonbridge and Malling, 280.7, (371), 217.2, (287)
North Kesteven, 272.8, (319), 201.9, (236)
Broxbourne, 264.2, (257), 175.8, (171)
Newham, 263.9, (932), 236.2, (834)
Blackburn with Darwen, 263.2, (394), 297.3, (445)
Bexley, 259.8, (645), 216.7, (538)
Ashford, 257.6, (335), 163.0, (212)
Bassetlaw, 256.3, (301), 197.5, (232)
Thurrock, 252.4, (440), 194.4, (339)
Epping Forest, 249.1, (328), 179.2, (236)
Burnley, 247.4, (220), 296.9, (264)
Leicester, 245.6, (870), 289.6, (1026)
Wolverhampton, 243.4, (641), 258.6, (681)
Tower Hamlets, 239.6, (778), 200.5, (651)
Enfield, 239.1, (798), 153.7, (513)
Slough, 238.7, (357), 305.6, (457)
Rossendale, 226.6, (162), 281.2, (201)
Bury, 225.7, (431), 215.7, (412)
Hartlepool, 222.1, (208), 266.9, (250)
Kingston upon Thames, 220.8, (392), 177.5, (315)
East Staffordshire, 220.5, (264), 238.8, (286)
Woking, 218.3, (220), 193.5, (195)
Harrow, 217.4, (546), 138.2, (347)
Rochdale, 215.4, (479), 265.7, (591)
Doncaster, 214.2, (668), 200.4, (625)
Sandwell, 211.3, (694), 267.0, (877)
Harlow, 207.9, (181), 219.4, (191)
Haringey, 206.6, (555), 133.3, (358)
Peterborough, 206.2, (417), 202.7, (410)
South Tyneside, 205.3, (310), 248.4, (375)
Newcastle-under-Lyme, 204.0, (264), 250.3, (324)
Blaby, 203.9, (207), 231.5, (235)
Hull, 200.9, (522), 269.1, (699)
Preston, 200.5, (287), 201.9, (289)
Watford, 199.8, (193), 156.4, (151)
Hastings, 199.7, (185), 70.1, (65)
Melton, 199.2, (102), 164.0, (84)
West Lindsey, 198.6, (190), 240.4, (230)
Northampton, 197.2, (443), 163.8, (368)
Greenwich, 196.2, (565), 146.6, (422)
Dudley, 196.2, (631), 306.0, (984)
South Kesteven, 195.9, (279), 148.9, (212)
Walsall, 194.4, (555), 245.6, (701)
Bradford, 192.7, (1040), 243.2, (1313)
Staffordshire Moorlands, 192.0, (189), 211.3, (208)
Calderdale, 192.0, (406), 238.3, (504)
Birmingham, 191.4, (2186), 231.8, (2647)
Southend-on-Sea, 190.0, (348), 138.2, (253)
Bromley, 189.6, (630), 145.9, (485)
Darlington, 189.1, (202), 254.7, (272)
Hackney and City of London, 187.4, (545), 140.6, (409)
Wigan, 187.1, (615), 212.7, (699)
Hillingdon, 186.4, (572), 158.0, (485)
Rotherham, 184.6, (490), 198.2, (526)
Kirklees, 182.6, (803), 243.3, (1070)
Merton, 182.5, (377), 166.1, (343)
Milton Keynes, 182.2, (491), 141.4, (381)
Nuneaton and Bedworth, 181.7, (236), 206.3, (268)
Middlesbrough, 180.9, (255), 177.3, (250)
Sutton, 180.3, (372), 126.0, (260)
Stafford, 179.9, (247), 218.5, (300)
South Ribble, 179.6, (199), 218.4, (242)
Rochford, 177.4, (155), 135.1, (118)
East Lindsey, 176.4, (250), 283.6, (402)
Castle Point, 175.9, (159), 185.9, (168)
Barnet, 175.8, (696), 148.3, (587)
North Lincolnshire, 174.1, (300), 228.7, (394)
Cannock Chase, 173.7, (175), 206.4, (208)
Tunbridge Wells, 173.5, (206), 97.7, (116)
Croydon, 170.9, (661), 126.2, (488)
Gloucester, 170.4, (220), 180.4, (233)
Manchester, 169.8, (939), 189.2, (1046)
Wakefield, 169.7, (591), 217.0, (756)
Spelthorne, 169.3, (169), 114.2, (114)
Hyndburn, 169.0, (137), 254.2, (206)
Chorley, 168.3, (199), 202.2, (239)
Ealing, 167.3, (572), 177.3, (606)
Rother, 166.5, (160), 116.6, (112)
Lichfield, 166.1, (174), 154.6, (162)
Newark and Sherwood, 165.0, (202), 191.1, (234)
Scarborough, 164.6, (179), 126.9, (138)
Bolsover, 163.8, (132), 185.0, (149)
Bolton, 163.4, (470), 220.8, (635)
Sunderland, 162.8, (452), 170.7, (474)
Reading, 161.3, (261), 130.4, (211)
Ipswich, 160.7, (220), 128.5, (176)
Aylesbury Vale, 160.4, (320), 128.4, (256)
Bracknell Forest, 159.1, (195), 88.9, (109)
Hertsmere, 158.2, (166), 152.5, (160)
Tandridge, 157.7, (139), 91.9, (81)
Amber Valley, 155.3, (199), 194.3, (249)
Northumberland, 155.1, (500), 178.3, (575)
North East Lincolnshire, 153.5, (245), 223.1, (356)
Oldham, 153.5, (364), 229.4, (544)
Hounslow, 152.1, (413), 168.7, (458)
South Staffordshire, 152.1, (171), 209.9, (236)
Nottingham, 152.0, (506), 158.9, (529)
Wycombe, 151.2, (264), 133.4, (233)
South Derbyshire, 151.0, (162), 157.6, (169)
Stockton-on-Tees, 151.0, (298), 206.7, (408)
Brent, 150.7, (497), 161.0, (531)
Blackpool, 147.7, (206), 156.3, (218)
East Riding of Yorkshire, 147.4, (503), 183.8, (627)
East Hertfordshire, 146.2, (219), 127.5, (191)
Derby, 144.6, (372), 175.3, (451)
Ribble Valley, 144.5, (88), 157.7, (96)
Epsom and Ewell, 143.9, (116), 111.6, (90)
Solihull, 143.7, (311), 161.3, (349)
Tamworth, 143.4, (110), 213.8, (164)
County Durham, 143.4, (760), 188.6, (1000)
Surrey Heath, 143.3, (128), 131.0, (117)
Leeds, 142.5, (1130), 171.3, (1359)
Wokingham, 142.0, (243), 101.7, (174)
Oxford, 140.4, (214), 125.3, (191)
Barnsley, 139.8, (345), 190.4, (470)
Portsmouth, 139.1, (299), 117.3, (252)
Redcar and Cleveland, 138.5, (190), 144.4, (198)
North Tyneside, 137.6, (286), 207.8, (432)
South Bucks, 137.1, (96), 122.8, (86)
Great Yarmouth, 136.9, (136), 79.5, (79)
Craven, 136.5, (78), 126.0, (72)
South Gloucestershire, 136.4, (389), 151.5, (432)
Chelmsford, 135.1, (241), 105.4, (188)
Ashfield, 133.7, (171), 175.1, (224)
Islington, 133.6, (324), 103.1, (250)
Southwark, 133.3, (425), 97.9, (312)
Bedford, 132.7, (230), 103.9, (180)
Chesterfield, 132.5, (139), 129.6, (136)
Sevenoaks, 132.5, (160), 125.1, (151)
Lambeth, 131.3, (428), 100.6, (328)
Sheffield, 131.1, (767), 179.9, (1052)
Salford, 129.8, (336), 155.7, (403)
St Helens, 129.6, (234), 139.0, (251)
Coventry, 129.5, (481), 177.1, (658)
Maldon, 129.4, (84), 55.4, (36)
Wandsworth, 128.9, (425), 101.9, (336)
Bristol, 126.7, (587), 176.7, (819)
Braintree, 126.5, (193), 114.7, (175)
Three Rivers, 126.4, (118), 127.5, (119)
Gedling, 126.4, (149), 149.3, (176)
Lewisham, 126.2, (386), 106.6, (326)
Bromsgrove, 126.2, (126), 132.2, (132)
Erewash, 125.7, (145), 111.8, (129)
Halton, 124.4, (161), 142.2, (184)
Wellingborough, 124.2, (99), 105.4, (84)
North Warwickshire, 124.1, (81), 190.0, (124)
Warwick, 123.8, (178), 107.8, (155)
Barrow-in-Furness, 123.8, (83), 71.6, (48)
Harborough, 123.7, (116), 153.5, (144)
Havant, 123.6, (156), 97.4, (123)
St Albans, 122.6, (182), 103.1, (153)
Charnwood, 122.1, (227), 128.1, (238)
South Holland, 122.1, (116), 144.2, (137)
Fenland, 121.7, (124), 99.2, (101)
Norwich, 121.6, (171), 113.8, (160)
Dacorum, 121.5, (188), 95.0, (147)
Warrington, 120.9, (254), 132.8, (279)
West Lancashire, 120.7, (138), 117.2, (134)
Stevenage, 118.4, (104), 91.1, (80)
Mansfield, 118.0, (129), 149.1, (163)
Tameside, 117.9, (267), 146.6, (332)
Swindon, 117.5, (261), 133.7, (297)
Kensington and Chelsea, 117.2, (183), 105.0, (164)
Welwyn Hatfield, 114.6, (141), 92.7, (114)
Wealden, 114.6, (185), 115.2, (186)
Telford and Wrekin, 114.5, (206), 182.9, (329)
Elmbridge, 114.0, (156), 87.7, (120)
Newcastle upon Tyne, 113.9, (345), 179.3, (543)
North Somerset, 113.9, (245), 162.3, (349)
North West Leicestershire, 113.9, (118), 158.3, (164)
Stockport, 113.5, (333), 138.7, (407)
South Northamptonshire, 113.2, (107), 114.3, (108)
Hinckley and Bosworth, 113.1, (128), 103.4, (117)
Bath and North East Somerset, 111.8, (216), 83.3, (161)
Central Bedfordshire, 111.2, (321), 82.8, (239)
Reigate and Banstead, 110.9, (165), 84.0, (125)
Kettering, 110.0, (112), 122.8, (125)
South Norfolk, 109.3, (154), 98.0, (138)
Broxtowe, 108.7, (124), 135.0, (154)
Lancaster, 108.2, (158), 125.3, (183)
Wyre, 107.9, (121), 111.5, (125)
Redditch, 107.9, (92), 195.9, (167)
Broadland, 107.8, (141), 119.3, (156)
East Devon, 107.3, (157), 123.0, (180)
South Somerset, 106.9, (180), 96.8, (163)
Rugby, 105.6, (115), 149.6, (163)
North East Derbyshire, 105.5, (107), 129.1, (131)
Guildford, 104.0, (155), 107.4, (160)
Gosport, 103.7, (88), 149.7, (127)
Cheshire East, 103.1, (396), 121.8, (468)
Fylde, 101.5, (82), 136.2, (110)
Corby, 101.1, (73), 113.5, (82)
Cheshire West and Chester, 100.9, (346), 107.6, (369)
Selby, 100.4, (91), 135.7, (123)
North Hertfordshire, 100.3, (134), 89.8, (120)
Hammersmith and Fulham, 99.9, (185), 102.1, (189)
Rutland, 97.7, (39), 47.6, (19)
Windsor and Maidenhead, 97.1, (147), 107.6, (163)
Camden, 96.3, (260), 98.5, (266)
Chiltern, 95.9, (92), 67.8, (65)
Exeter, 95.9, (126), 100.5, (132)
King’s Lynn and West Norfolk, 95.8, (145), 85.9, (130)
West Devon, 95.0, (53), 60.9, (34)
High Peak, 95.0, (88), 92.8, (86)
Harrogate, 94.5, (152), 92.6, (149)
Mole Valley, 94.0, (82), 114.6, (100)
Knowsley, 93.5, (141), 120.0, (181)
Daventry, 93.1, (80), 108.2, (93)
Basingstoke and Deane, 92.9, (164), 91.2, (161)
Gateshead, 92.1, (186), 152.4, (308)
South Lakeland, 91.4, (96), 74.2, (78)
Uttlesford, 90.9, (83), 82.2, (75)
Rushcliffe, 90.6, (108), 102.4, (122)
Colchester, 88.9, (173), 77.0, (150)
Westminster, 88.8, (232), 94.9, (248)
Richmond upon Thames, 88.4, (175), 88.9, (176)
Liverpool, 88.1, (439), 98.6, (491)
Mid Sussex, 86.7, (131), 86.7, (131)
Tewkesbury, 86.3, (82), 100.0, (95)
Trafford, 85.1, (202), 121.8, (289)
Stroud, 85.0, (102), 90.0, (108)
Cherwell, 84.4, (127), 83.7, (126)
Fareham, 84.3, (98), 86.0, (100)
Richmondshire, 83.8, (45), 94.9, (51)
Worcester, 82.0, (83), 78.0, (79)
Wyre Forest, 81.0, (82), 141.2, (143)
Babergh, 80.4, (74), 84.7, (78)
Rushmoor, 80.3, (76), 68.7, (65)
Horsham, 80.0, (115), 66.1, (95)
Sedgemoor, 78.7, (97), 103.1, (127)
Carlisle, 78.2, (85), 96.6, (105)
South Oxfordshire, 77.4, (110), 52.8, (75)
North Devon, 77.2, (75), 102.9, (100)
Forest of Dean, 76.0, (66), 88.7, (77)
Waverley, 76.0, (96), 67.3, (85)
Eastbourne, 75.2, (78), 67.5, (70)
Torridge, 74.7, (51), 104.0, (71)
East Cambridgeshire, 74.6, (67), 53.4, (48)
Cheltenham, 73.9, (86), 110.9, (129)
Cambridge, 73.7, (92), 74.5, (93)
Breckland, 73.6, (103), 57.2, (80)
Wiltshire, 73.4, (367), 72.6, (363)
Mendip, 72.7, (84), 103.0, (119)
North Norfolk, 72.5, (76), 56.3, (59)
Derbyshire Dales, 71.9, (52), 95.4, (69)
Tendring, 71.6, (105), 65.5, (96)
Somerset West and Taunton, 70.9, (110), 70.9, (110)
Sefton, 70.5, (195), 91.9, (254)
Mid Devon, 70.5, (58), 51.0, (42)
Southampton, 68.5, (173), 74.8, (189)
Hart, 68.0, (66), 64.9, (63)
East Northamptonshire, 66.6, (63), 138.6, (131)
Allerdale, 66.5, (65), 77.7, (76)
Vale of White Horse, 66.2, (90), 62.5, (85)
Ryedale, 65.0, (36), 99.3, (55)
Crawley, 64.9, (73), 64.1, (72)
Hambleton, 64.4, (59), 80.8, (74)
Shropshire, 63.4, (205), 112.0, (362)
Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole, 63.0, (249), 85.5, (338)
East Suffolk, 61.7, (154), 51.3, (128)
Malvern Hills, 61.0, (48), 67.3, (53)
Arun, 61.0, (98), 64.7, (104)
South Cambridgeshire, 60.3, (96), 47.1, (75)
York, 59.8, (126), 76.9, (162)
Brighton and Hove, 59.8, (174), 60.8, (177)
East Hampshire, 58.9, (72), 76.9, (94)
West Berkshire, 58.1, (92), 53.0, (84)
Wychavon, 57.2, (74), 82.7, (107)
Wirral, 57.1, (185), 60.8, (197)
New Forest, 55.5, (100), 40.5, (73)
Chichester, 53.7, (65), 61.9, (75)
West Suffolk, 53.6, (96), 34.6, (62)
Eden, 52.6, (28), 46.9, (25)
Mid Suffolk, 52.0, (54), 32.7, (34)
Eastleigh, 51.7, (69), 59.1, (79)
Stratford-on-Avon, 51.5, (67), 66.9, (87)
Herefordshire, 51.3, (99), 73.1, (141)
Plymouth, 48.5, (127), 71.7, (188)
Winchester, 48.1, (60), 80.1, (100)
Cotswold, 46.7, (42), 40.1, (36)
Huntingdonshire, 45.0, (80), 59.0, (105)
West Oxfordshire, 44.3, (49), 43.4, (48)
Lewes, 42.6, (44), 67.8, (70)
Test Valley, 41.2, (52), 61.0, (77)
Teignbridge, 41.0, (55), 41.7, (56)
Dorset, 39.6, (150), 44.4, (168)
Copeland, 36.7, (25), 55.7, (38)
South Hams, 35.6, (31), 33.3, (29)
Torbay, 33.0, (45), 65.3, (89)
Adur, 31.1, (20), 40.4, (26)
Worthing, 30.7, (34), 24.4, (27)
Cornwall and Isles of Scilly, 22.7, (130), 27.5, (157)
Isle of Wight, 16.2, (23), 31.0, (44)


themanchestereveningnews--2020-12-09--Rio Ferdinand says Man City have 'work to do' to win Champions League

Rio Ferdinand does not think Manchester City can be considered as a contender to win the Champions League this season .
City were knocked out in the quarter-finals of the European competition during the 2019/20 campaign by French club Lyon and will be looking to kick on this time around .
Pep Guardiola has won the Champions League twice as a manager - both with Barcelona in 2008/09 and then 2010/11 .
The Spaniard will be desperate to win it once again with City - who are still without the most prestigious European trophy .
Last season saw City knocked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the furthest they have ever gone in the competition was the semi-finals , when they were beaten by Real Madrid in the 2015/16 season .
According to Manchester United legend Ferdinand , European success wo n't be happening anytime soon at the Etihad Stadium .
The former United centre-back said on BT Sport : “ If I ’ m honest , I ’ d have to say no ( to City surpassing last season ) .
`` In previous seasons , I ’ d have been more confident in this team , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ve had the consistency of other teams like Liverpool in the Premier League , who I believe in any given day would beat Man City .
I think they ’ ve got work to do .
`` For instance , the centre-back partnership - he ’ s seemed to find a pairing that he likes , but it ’ s about time and getting that communication and understanding going .
Manchester City completed their Champions League group stage campaign against Marseille on Wednesday The Blues went into the match knowing they have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and goals from Torres , Aguero and Sterling saw them ease to a 3-0 .
As Pep Guardiola rested some of his star names , it was the perfect preparation for Saturday 's Manchester derby .
We 'll bring you all the reaction and analysis to the match with our daily City newsletter .
You can get it all delivered straight to your inbox by signing up to our daily newsletter - just submit your email address in the sign-up box above or follow this link - it 's free and it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that ’ s a fundamental area and if they ’ re going to be successful , they ’ ve got to make sure they stiffen that area up .
In recent years , they ’ ve fallen apart in that area in the latter stages of the tournament.
” City have already progressed as group winners from Group C - with their Round of 16 opponents to be decided next week .

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Rio Ferdinand does not think Manchester City can be considered as a contender to win the Champions League this season.
City were knocked out in the quarter-finals of the European competition during the 2019/20 campaign by French club Lyon and will be looking to kick on this time around.
Pep Guardiola has won the Champions League twice as a manager - both with Barcelona in 2008/09 and then 2010/11.
The Spaniard will be desperate to win it once again with City - who are still without the most prestigious European trophy.
Last season saw City knocked out in the quarter-finals by Lyon, and the furthest they have ever gone in the competition was the semi-finals, when they were beaten by Real Madrid in the 2015/16 season.
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According to Manchester United legend Ferdinand, European success won't be happening anytime soon at the Etihad Stadium.
The former United centre-back said on BT Sport: “If I’m honest, I’d have to say no (to City surpassing last season).
"In previous seasons, I’d have been more confident in this team, but I don’t think they’ve had the consistency of other teams like Liverpool in the Premier League, who I believe in any given day would beat Man City. I think they’ve got work to do.
"For instance, the centre-back partnership - he’s seemed to find a pairing that he likes, but it’s about time and getting that communication and understanding going.
"But that’s a fundamental area and if they’re going to be successful, they’ve got to make sure they stiffen that area up. In recent years, they’ve fallen apart in that area in the latter stages of the tournament.”
City have already progressed as group winners from Group C - with their Round of 16 opponents to be decided next week.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-12-09--Paul Pogba's admission when he rejoined Manchester United

Paul Pogba 's time at Manchester United is over , according to agent Mino Raiola .
The controversial agent has claimed his client is unhappy at United and needs to leave the club for a change of scenery .
It has prompted fresh speculation over the future of the French midfielder , who has also recently talked up the prospect of playing for Real Madrid one day .
Both Pogba and Raiola have made regular comments about leaving United over the last 18 months , with his friend and former Reds defender Patrice Evra claiming over the weekend that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the summer .
The timing of Raiola 's latest comments has caused outrage from fans as they came in the build-up to crucial matches against RB Leipzig and Man City .
It is a far cry from Pogba 's comments when he rejoined United in 2016 .
After departing his boyhood club in 2012 to join Juventus in search of more first-team football , Pogba returned to Old Trafford amid much fanfare as he became the world 's most expensive player .
Speaking to Sky Sports after returning to United , Pogba explained @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first place and said to Thierry Henry that it was never through ill-feeling towards the Reds .
Manchester United were knocked out of the Champions League on Tuesday night following a 3-2 defeat to RB Leipzig .
After beating both Leipzig and PSG earlier in the campaign , it represents a hugely disappointing return for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer 's side , who now drop into the Europa League .
They also have the Manchester derby vs Man City this weekend to prepare for .
MEN Sport will bring you all the build-up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have it all delivered straight to your inbox by signing up to our daily newsletter .
Just put your email address in the sign-up box at the top of this article , or simply follow this link .
It 's free and only takes a few seconds .
He said : `` First of all , I 've always loved United to be honest .
`` I left here because I wanted to play and I wanted to show the world and United that I was ready to play .
I was motivated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that , while I left United , a part of my heart was still here . ''

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Paul Pogba's time at Manchester United is over, according to agent Mino Raiola.
The controversial agent has claimed his client is unhappy at United and needs to leave the club for a change of scenery.
It has prompted fresh speculation over the future of the French midfielder, who has also recently talked up the prospect of playing for Real Madrid one day.
Both Pogba and Raiola have made regular comments about leaving United over the last 18 months, with his friend and former Reds defender Patrice Evra claiming over the weekend that the midfielder asked to leave Old Trafford in the summer.
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The timing of Raiola's latest comments has caused outrage from fans as they came in the build-up to crucial matches against RB Leipzig and Man City.
It is a far cry from Pogba's comments when he rejoined United in 2016.
After departing his boyhood club in 2012 to join Juventus in search of more first-team football, Pogba returned to Old Trafford amid much fanfare as he became the world's most expensive player.
Speaking to Sky Sports after returning to United, Pogba explained his reasons for leaving the club in the first place and said to Thierry Henry that it was never through ill-feeling towards the Reds.
He said: "First of all, I've always loved United to be honest.
"I left here because I wanted to play and I wanted to show the world and United that I was ready to play. I was motivated to play.
"This comeback shows that, while I left United, a part of my heart was still here."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-12-09--Manchester United evening headlines as players want changes from Solskjaer

Here are your Manchester United evening headlines for Wednesday , December 9 .
United dressing room wants two changes that a number of United players feel that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is to blame for the club ’ s inconsistent form this season amid fears that it has become an ‘ easy ride ’ to play for the team .
United crashed out of the Champions League on Tuesday night despite winning their first two matches of the six-game group stage .
It continues an inconsistent start to the season which some put on Solskjaer , though the Norwegian still has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ squad .
Our report says there are two changes in personnel that some players would like to see .
Paul Pogba to be sold , though his close friends in the squad can understand his desire to leave , and Dean Henderson to replace David de Gea in goal .
Henderson has impressed in training following his arrival after two on-loan seasons at Sheffield United and is pushing de Gea hard as the Spaniard has suffered another dip in form .
Earlier this week , Pogba ’ s agent Mino Raiola stoked the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s United career is over .
And now Juventus director Fabio Paratici has further antagonised the situation by admitting that the club still loves the player .
Pogba played for Juventus for four years , signing from United before returning to Old Trafford in 2016 .
And Paratici revealed that there is still strong affection for the French World Cup winner , though conceded that a transfer would be difficult .
“ That is not the right question , I think it ’ d be rather costly , ” Paratici told Sport @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Pogba .
“ We love him very much , we know he is a great player , but right now he is at Manchester United.
” Owen Hargreaves named former RB Leipzig director of football Ralf Ragnick as the ideal candidate to take on the same role at United .
The German left Leipzig last year but was instrumental in the club ’ s tremendous rise up the football pyramid in recent years .
His tactical insight is renowned and Hargreaves believes that he would perfect for United .
“ I don @ @ @ @ @ @ @ better one .
The recruitment , the detail , everything .
He ’ s almost perfect for the job .
He ’ s got experience , he ’ s been in big jobs , ” Hargreaves told BT Sport .
“ He was the architect behind that RB Leipzig project , getting to a Champions League semi-finals with players that wouldn ’ t get in any of the top teams .
Manchester United were knocked out of the Champions League on Tuesday night following a 3-2 defeat to RB Leipzig .
After beating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaign , it represents a hugely disappointing return for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer 's side , who now drop into the Europa League .
They also have the Manchester derby vs Man City this weekend to prepare for .
MEN Sport will bring you all the build-up to that huge match .
You can have it all delivered straight to your inbox by signing up to our daily newsletter .
Just put your email address in the sign-up box at the top of this article , or simply follow this link .
It 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Going and getting Julian Nagelsmann to take them to the next level .
His attention to detail is second to none .
He ’ d be perfect for Manchester United .
“ You think about Naby Keita , Mane , Joshua Kimmich , Haaland , all those players that come through him .
A sporting director should get players that we don ’ t really know - that makes it really interesting - to sign players like Kylian Mbappe , that ’ s easy .
“ But finding those hidden gems @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - that ’ s what they should be doing .
Ralf Rangnick does that time and time again .
”

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Here are your Manchester United evening headlines for Wednesday, December 9.
United dressing room wants two changes
The MEN understands that a number of United players feel that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is to blame for the club’s inconsistent form this season amid fears that it has become an ‘easy ride’ to play for the team.
United crashed out of the Champions League on Tuesday night despite winning their first two matches of the six-game group stage. It continues an inconsistent start to the season which some put on Solskjaer, though the Norwegian still has the backing of the majority of the squad.
Our report says there are two changes in personnel that some players would like to see. Paul Pogba to be sold, though his close friends in the squad can understand his desire to leave, and Dean Henderson to replace David de Gea in goal.
Henderson has impressed in training following his arrival after two on-loan seasons at Sheffield United and is pushing de Gea hard as the Spaniard has suffered another dip in form.
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Juventus chief gives update on Paul Pogba interest
Earlier this week, Pogba’s agent Mino Raiola stoked the transfer fire by saying that his client’s United career is over. And now Juventus director Fabio Paratici has further antagonised the situation by admitting that the club still loves the player.
Pogba played for Juventus for four years, signing from United before returning to Old Trafford in 2016. And Paratici revealed that there is still strong affection for the French World Cup winner, though conceded that a transfer would be difficult.
“That is not the right question, I think it’d be rather costly,” Paratici told Sport Mediaset when asked about a potential move for Pogba.
“We love him very much, we know he is a great player, but right now he is at Manchester United.”
Owen Hargreaves names 'perfect' director of football
Owen Hargreaves named former RB Leipzig director of football Ralf Ragnick as the ideal candidate to take on the same role at United.
The German left Leipzig last year but was instrumental in the club’s tremendous rise up the football pyramid in recent years. His tactical insight is renowned and Hargreaves believes that he would perfect for United.
“I don’t think you could get a better one. The recruitment, the detail, everything. He’s almost perfect for the job. He’s got experience, he’s been in big jobs,” Hargreaves told BT Sport.
“He was the architect behind that RB Leipzig project, getting to a Champions League semi-finals with players that wouldn’t get in any of the top teams.
“Going and getting Julian Nagelsmann to take them to the next level. His attention to detail is second to none. He’d be perfect for Manchester United.
“You think about Naby Keita, Mane, Joshua Kimmich, Haaland, all those players that come through him. A sporting director should get players that we don’t really know - that makes it really interesting - to sign players like Kylian Mbappe, that’s easy.
“But finding those hidden gems, those next ones - like Haaland - that’s what they should be doing. Ralf Rangnick does that time and time again.”


themanchestereveningnews--2020-12-09--Hashem Abedi has admitted what we already knew - he's an Islamic State fanatic

Jailed terrorist Hashem Abedi professed support for 'violent jihad ' during a video confession from his prison cell in which he finally admitted his role in the Manchester Arena bombing , it emerged today .
Abedi , 23 , a Libyan heritage Islamic State fanatic from Fallowfield , helped his suicide bomber brother Salman source chemicals and prepare for the devastating May 2017 attack which left 22 dead and hundreds more seriously injured .
He was in Tripoli when his sibling carried out the deadly bombing but was just as guilty .
For three years , he denied he knew @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he did n't hold extremist views although a jury convicted him at the Old Bailey in March following a trial he largely boycotted , often refusing to attend court .
He is serving a minimum 55 years behind bars after the jury found him guilty of 22 counts of murder , attempted murder and plotting to cause an explosion likely to endanger life .
On Monday the continuing inquiry into the atrocity heard that Hashem Abedi had finally admitted playing a full part in the attack , although no details of his confession @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the inquiry , taking place at Manchester and Salford Magistrates ' Court , heard details of the confession he gave to two inquiry lawyers who visited him in prison on October 23 .
The prison interview was video recorded although it was not played to the inquiry .
Paul Greaney QC , counsel to the inquiry , outlined what Hashem Abedi had said during that interview .
Hashem Abedi had said he was a supporter of 'violent jihad and a supporter of the institutions of Sharia law through violence ' and said he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bring about change in society .
He admitted he was a supporter of Islamic State .
The QC said Abedi 's opinion was 'expressed very starkly ' by one question put to him during the interview : what actions have you taken to support Islamic State ?
Hashem Abedi , the inquiry was told , answered : `` The Manchester attack . ''
Abedi also handed two inquiry lawyers who were conducting the interview a statement that he had prepared earlier .
Although it was not read to the inquiry in its entirety @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who said in it Abedi set out his motivations taking part in the Manchester attack .
Det Chf Supt Simon Barraclough , who led the police investigation into the attack , confirmed to the QC he had accurately reflected the contents of the video and statement of Hashem Abedi on day 46 of the inquiry .
The QC went on : `` If the video recording of the interview were to be made public is it likely in your judgement it would encourage people with a mindset similar to Hashem Abedi to carry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a counter terrorism expert , replied : `` Yes , it is . ''
The police investigation into the bombing remains live and detectives still want to speak to six 'people of interest ' including the parents of the Abedi brothers and others suspected of involvement in the storage of explosives in a Nissan Micra .
All but one are believed to have fled the country .
Dad Ramadan 's fingerprints and DNA were found on a Nissan Micra which the brothers had parked up in Rusholme and packed with bomb-making chemicals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attack .
Ramadan Abedi 's DNA was found on the indicator and on the driver 's side door handle as well as on a blue drum found in the car , the inquiry was told .
The battered 19-year-old Micra had been purchased on April 13 , 2017 , via Gumtree for £230 cash and then parked up in Rusholme when the Abedi brothers returned to Libya .
The brothers flew back to Libya with their parents , said to have come to fetch them , on April 15 .
Salman Abedi returned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ collect explosives from the car and carry out the bombing four days later .
DCS Barraclough suggested there could be legitimate explanations for the forensic evidence finds although Ramadan Abedi can not be questioned because he is believed to remain in Libya .
The DNA of his oldest son , Ismail Abedi , was found on a hammer in the Micra , the inquiry was told .
The inquiry also heard how the investigation obtained a download from Ramadan Abedi 's sister in Canada with help from the Canadian authorities .
It revealed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between 19.24 and 19.45 the day after the attack when Ramadan Abedi is said to have informed his sister Rabaa that his son Salman Abedi had 'blown himself up ' at the arena .
Ramadan was said to have told Rabaa : `` Allah is the predominant .
I did my best .
One month ago I went and returned them back when I found out their thinking is wrong .
She then went and gave them the passports .
`` She told me she 's going for umrah ( pilgrimage to Mecca @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about him until he travelled four days ago . ''
The inquiry is expected to conclude in the spring .

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Jailed terrorist Hashem Abedi professed support for 'violent jihad' during a video confession from his prison cell in which he finally admitted his role in the Manchester Arena bombing, it emerged today.
Abedi, 23, a Libyan heritage Islamic State fanatic from Fallowfield, helped his suicide bomber brother Salman source chemicals and prepare for the devastating May 2017 attack which left 22 dead and hundreds more seriously injured.
He was in Tripoli when his sibling carried out the deadly bombing but was just as guilty.
For three years, he denied he knew what his brother was doing and claimed he didn't hold extremist views although a jury convicted him at the Old Bailey in March following a trial he largely boycotted, often refusing to attend court.
He is serving a minimum 55 years behind bars after the jury found him guilty of 22 counts of murder, attempted murder and plotting to cause an explosion likely to endanger life.
On Monday the continuing inquiry into the atrocity heard that Hashem Abedi had finally admitted playing a full part in the attack, although no details of his confession were given.
(Image: PA)
Today (Wednesday) the inquiry, taking place at Manchester and Salford Magistrates' Court, heard details of the confession he gave to two inquiry lawyers who visited him in prison on October 23.
The prison interview was video recorded although it was not played to the inquiry.
Paul Greaney QC, counsel to the inquiry, outlined what Hashem Abedi had said during that interview.
Hashem Abedi had said he was a supporter of 'violent jihad and a supporter of the institutions of Sharia law through violence' and said he considered violence was justified in order to bring about change in society.
He admitted he was a supporter of Islamic State.
The QC said Abedi's opinion was 'expressed very starkly' by one question put to him during the interview: what actions have you taken to support Islamic State?
(Image: MEN)
Hashem Abedi, the inquiry was told, answered: "The Manchester attack."
Abedi also handed two inquiry lawyers who were conducting the interview a statement that he had prepared earlier.
Although it was not read to the inquiry in its entirety, it was summarised by the QC who said in it Abedi set out his motivations taking part in the Manchester attack.
"Put simply it represents pro-Islamic State propaganda," said Mr Greaney.
Sign up to the free MEN email newsletter Get the latest updates from across Greater Manchester direct to your inbox with the free MEN newsletter You can sign up very simply by following the instructions here
Det Chf Supt Simon Barraclough, who led the police investigation into the attack, confirmed to the QC he had accurately reflected the contents of the video and statement of Hashem Abedi on day 46 of the inquiry.
The QC went on: "If the video recording of the interview were to be made public is it likely in your judgement it would encourage people with a mindset similar to Hashem Abedi to carry out terrorist attacks?"
DCS Barraclough, a counter terrorism expert, replied: "Yes, it is."
(Image: PA)
The police investigation into the bombing remains live and detectives still want to speak to six 'people of interest' including the parents of the Abedi brothers and others suspected of involvement in the storage of explosives in a Nissan Micra. All but one are believed to have fled the country.
Dad Ramadan's fingerprints and DNA were found on a Nissan Micra which the brothers had parked up in Rusholme and packed with bomb-making chemicals and equipment in the weeks before the attack.
Ramadan Abedi's DNA was found on the indicator and on the driver's side door handle as well as on a blue drum found in the car, the inquiry was told.
The battered 19-year-old Micra had been purchased on April 13, 2017, via Gumtree for £230 cash and then parked up in Rusholme when the Abedi brothers returned to Libya.
(Image: GMP)
The brothers flew back to Libya with their parents, said to have come to fetch them, on April 15.
Salman Abedi returned alone on May 18 that year to collect explosives from the car and carry out the bombing four days later.
DCS Barraclough suggested there could be legitimate explanations for the forensic evidence finds although Ramadan Abedi cannot be questioned because he is believed to remain in Libya.
(Image: MEN MEDIA)
The DNA of his oldest son, Ismail Abedi, was found on a hammer in the Micra, the inquiry was told.
The inquiry also heard how the investigation obtained a download from Ramadan Abedi's sister in Canada with help from the Canadian authorities.
It revealed one 'chat' between the pair timed between 19.24 and 19.45 the day after the attack when Ramadan Abedi is said to have informed his sister Rabaa that his son Salman Abedi had 'blown himself up' at the arena.
Ramadan was said to have told Rabaa: "Allah is the predominant. I did my best. One month ago I went and returned them back when I found out their thinking is wrong. She then went and gave them the passports.
"She told me she's going for umrah (pilgrimage to Mecca). I did not know anything about him until he travelled four days ago."
The inquiry is expected to conclude in the spring.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-12-09--Man City vs Marseille in Champions League action - pictures

Manchester City complete their Champions League group stage campaign against Marseille at the Etihad Stadium Manchester City take on French @ @ @ @ @ group match of the 2020/21 Champions League .
City have already been confirmed as group @ @ @ @ @ the knockout stages , while Marseille were playing for a place in the last 32 @ @ @ @ @ Pep Guardiola had the luxury of rotating his side with their qualification assured , and @ @ @ @ @ the Manchester derby against Man United on Saturday .
Aymeric Laporte returned for the first @ @ @ @ @ Nathan Ake returned to the starting XI after injury , and Sergio Aguero was on @ @ @ @ @ his efforts to get back to fitness .
We 'll bring you the best images @ @ @ @ @ .

Manchester City complete their Champions League group stage campaign against Marseille at the Etihad Stadium
Manchester City take on French side Marseille in their final group match of the 2020/21 Champions League.
City have already been confirmed as group winners and have qualified for the knockout stages, while Marseille were playing for a place in the last 32 of the Europa League.
Pep Guardiola had the luxury of rotating his side with their qualification assured, and also with one eye on the Manchester derby against Man United on Saturday.
Aymeric Laporte returned for the first time in five matches, Nathan Ake returned to the starting XI after injury, and Sergio Aguero was on the bench as he continued his efforts to get back to fitness.
We'll bring you the best images of tonight's match below.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-12-09--A further 24 people with coronavirus have died in our region's hospitals

A further 24 people with coronavirus have died in our region 's hospitals .
It takes the number of deaths related to the virus in Greater Manchester hospitals during the pandemic to 3,857 .
Each day the NHS issues an update on coronavirus fatalities at hospital trusts in England .
These are cases where a patient has tested positive for the virus within 28 days of their death or where Covid-19 is mentioned on their death certificate .
This means some deaths which occurred several weeks or months ago are sometimes included in the daily figures .
Today 24 new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Greater Manchester region .
A total of 10 fatalities were recorded by Manchester University NHS Foundation trust which runs most of the city 's major hospitals .
Five deaths were recorded Wrightington , Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust , with three deaths recorded by both Pennine Acute and the Bolton NHS Foundation Trust .
Two were recorded by Stockport Foundation Trust , which runs Stepping Hill hospital and one by Salford Royal .
Nationally a further 344 people have died of the virus in hospital the NHS said .
The highest number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 83 new fatalities were recorded .
A total of 64 were recorded in the North East and Yorkshire with 58 in the North West .
A total of 30 new deaths were recorded in London .
In their daily issued update the NHS said : `` Patients were aged between 16 and 100 years old .
`` All except 11 ( aged 51 to 96 years old ) had known underlying health conditions .
`` Date of death ranges from 18 October to 8 December 2020 with the majority being on or after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been informed . ''
The total number of coronavirus deaths at hospital trusts in Greater Manchester , as of Wednesday , December 9 , are :

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A further 24 people with coronavirus have died in our region's hospitals.
It takes the number of deaths related to the virus in Greater Manchester hospitals during the pandemic to 3,857.
Each day the NHS issues an update on coronavirus fatalities at hospital trusts in England.
These are cases where a patient has tested positive for the virus within 28 days of their death or where Covid-19 is mentioned on their death certificate.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
This means some deaths which occurred several weeks or months ago are sometimes included in the daily figures.
Today 24 new deaths were recorded by trusts in the Greater Manchester region.
A total of 10 fatalities were recorded by Manchester University NHS Foundation trust which runs most of the city's major hospitals.
Five deaths were recorded Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust, with three deaths recorded by both Pennine Acute and the Bolton NHS Foundation Trust.
Two were recorded by Stockport Foundation Trust, which runs Stepping Hill hospital and one by Salford Royal.
Nationally a further 344 people have died of the virus in hospital the NHS said.
The highest number of these occurred in the Midlands where 83 new fatalities were recorded.
A total of 64 were recorded in the North East and Yorkshire with 58 in the North West.
A total of 30 new deaths were recorded in London.
In their daily issued update the NHS said: "Patients were aged between 16 and 100 years old.
"All except 11 (aged 51 to 96 years old) had known underlying health conditions.
"Date of death ranges from 18 October to 8 December 2020 with the majority being on or after 4 December.
"Their families have been informed."
The total number of coronavirus deaths at hospital trusts in Greater Manchester, as of Wednesday, December 9, are:


themanchestereveningnews--2020-12-09--The 86-year-old who is one of the first people to receive vaccine in Stockport

An 86-year-old woman has made history as one of the first people to be vaccinated in Stockport .
Shirley McConnell , from Romiley , rolled up her sleeve with pride today as she received the jab whilst at Stepping Hill Hospital for a routine eye clinic appointment .
She described the experience as the 'most wonderful ' thing as she praised the hospital for helping keep people like her safe .
The first care home worker in Stockport to receive the vaccination was Sara Lyndon , who works at the Bramhall Manor Care Home .
Sarah said : `` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first to get the vaccination .
I think it ’ s very important for people working in care homes to get vaccinated to keep themselves safe and help get life back to normal . ''
People ages 80 and over , as well as care home workers are first in line to receive the jab , along with NHS workers who are at a higher risk .
Stockport NHS Foundation Trust have worked hard to prepare the smooth launch of the programme .
Karen James OBE , Chief Executive , Stockport NHS Foundation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ incredibly proud to be one of the first 50 Trusts to deliver the Covid-19 vaccine to our most vulnerable patients , frontline care and NHS workers .
`` The impact of Covid-19 can never be under-estimated , therefore we welcome the opportunity to take part in the largest vaccination programme our country has ever seen .
`` I would urge anyone who is contacted to come forward for their jab . ''
Whilst the UK has become the first country in the world to give out the vaccine , NHS national medical director @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out would be a marathon not a sprint .
The Pfizer/BioNtech vaccine needs to be stored at -70C before being thawed out and can only be moved four times within that cold chain before being used .
GPs and other primary care staff have been put on standby to start delivering the jab .
A number of GP-led primary care networks will begin doing so next week with more practises in more parts of the country joining in on a phased basis during December .
Vaccination centres treating large numbers of patients in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stand up when further supplies of vaccine come on stream .
Sir Simon Stevens , NHS chief executive , said : `` Coronavirus is the greatest health challenge in NHS history , taking loved ones from us and disrupting every part of our lives .
`` Hospitals have now cared for more than 190,000 seriously ill Covid-19 patients and have seen beds fill up again in recent weeks .
`` The deployment of this vaccine marks a decisive turning point in the battle with the pandemic .
NHS vaccination programmes which have successfully @ @ @ @ @ @ @ smallpox , now turn their focus to coronavirus .
`` NHS staff are proud to be leading the way as the first health service in the world to begin vaccination with this Covid jab . ''
Stockport NHS Foundation Trust have begun to invite over 80s in for a jab and are working with care providers to book staff in to vaccination clinics .
Any appointments not used for these most at-risk groups are being used for healthcare workers who are at highest risk of serious illness from Covid .
All those vaccinated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ later .

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An 86-year-old woman has made history as one of the first people to be vaccinated in Stockport.
Shirley McConnell, from Romiley, rolled up her sleeve with pride today as she received the jab whilst at Stepping Hill Hospital for a routine eye clinic appointment.
She described the experience as the 'most wonderful' thing as she praised the hospital for helping keep people like her safe.
The first care home worker in Stockport to receive the vaccination was Sara Lyndon, who works at the Bramhall Manor Care Home.
Sarah said: "I was happy to be one of the first to get the vaccination. I think it’s very important for people working in care homes to get vaccinated to keep themselves safe and help get life back to normal."
People ages 80 and over, as well as care home workers are first in line to receive the jab, along with NHS workers who are at a higher risk.
(Image: Stockport NHS Foundation Trust)
Stockport NHS Foundation Trust have worked hard to prepare the smooth launch of the programme.
Karen James OBE, Chief Executive, Stockport NHS Foundation Trust, said: "We are incredibly proud to be one of the first 50 Trusts to deliver the Covid-19 vaccine to our most vulnerable patients, frontline care and NHS workers.
"The impact of Covid-19 can never be under-estimated, therefore we welcome the opportunity to take part in the largest vaccination programme our country has ever seen.
"I would urge anyone who is contacted to come forward for their jab."
Whilst the UK has become the first country in the world to give out the vaccine, NHS national medical director Professor Stephen Powis warned that the roll out would be a marathon not a sprint.
The Pfizer/BioNtech vaccine needs to be stored at -70C before being thawed out and can only be moved four times within that cold chain before being used.
GPs and other primary care staff have been put on standby to start delivering the jab.
A number of GP-led primary care networks will begin doing so next week with more practises in more parts of the country joining in on a phased basis during December.
Vaccination centres treating large numbers of patients in sporting venues and conference centres will subsequently stand up when further supplies of vaccine come on stream.
Sir Simon Stevens, NHS chief executive, said: "Coronavirus is the greatest health challenge in NHS history, taking loved ones from us and disrupting every part of our lives.
"Hospitals have now cared for more than 190,000 seriously ill Covid-19 patients and have seen beds fill up again in recent weeks.
"The deployment of this vaccine marks a decisive turning point in the battle with the pandemic. NHS vaccination programmes which have successfully helped overcome tuberculosis, polio, and smallpox, now turn their focus to coronavirus.
"NHS staff are proud to be leading the way as the first health service in the world to begin vaccination with this Covid jab."
Stockport NHS Foundation Trust have begun to invite over 80s in for a jab and are working with care providers to book staff in to vaccination clinics.
Any appointments not used for these most at-risk groups are being used for healthcare workers who are at highest risk of serious illness from Covid.
All those vaccinated will need a booster jab 21 days later.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-12-09--Manchester's mini Christmas markets open after 'awful year' for traders

Manchester 's Winter Markets are officially underway , a smaller , scaled-back version of the city 's famous Christmas Markets .
Spread over two sites in the city centre , the market stalls will host an array of local traders on a rotation , many of whom are familiar faces from the usual festive event .
A new market has appeared at St Ann 's Square , while Piccadilly Gardens ' normal street food market has been expanded to allow some gift and craft stalls to pitch up .
While the council 's decision to proceed with the markets was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it 's all smiles from the traders here who have been given one last chance to grab some Christmas trade .
Many who have taken a pitch hope to end what has been an 'awful ' year on a high note .
But shoppers heading down expecting to see anything on the scale of the usual markets will be disappointed .
There are no wooden sheds , no mulled wine , and only a handful of the usual number of businesses to browse .
A strict one-way system is in place around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ huddle of street food trucks nearer to St Ann 's church .
Much like when non-essential retail reopened last week , the crowds have n't descended as quickly as many predicted they would .
Traders here are hoping footfall increases by the weekend - though not so much that Manchester goes 'the same way as Nottingham ' , whose Christmas Markets had to be cancelled just hours after opening last weekend .
One trader who is responsible for the biggest queues at the normal markets is Eddie Osman of Porky Pig , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Yorkshire pudding wraps .
Eddie says that the year has been 'awful ' so far , with the markets making up a huge part of his annual trade .
He has continued to trade as a takeaway from Porky Pig 's Cooper Street cafe , but says the commission taken by UberEats and Deliveroo has n't made it the most viable option .
`` We 've lost everything this year , '' he says .
`` Parklife , Manchester Pride , the Christmas Markets .
We do Manchester United games too , so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that will pick up . ''
Speaking of the return of the markets - albeit on a smaller scale - he says : `` We were really happy , at least we 've got something .
`` We were a bit worried that there 'd be a crowd that would n't listen to the rules .
`` It 's very difficult to try and run a business while managing a crowd too and that 's what concerns me - if people do n't want to listen , it will be the traders who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down .
`` The guidance is here to stay , let 's just stick to the rules - it is what it is .
`` We 're not looking for a 'Christmas Market ' , we 're not looking for huge crowds or huge queues .
We just want a little bit of something to see us through the end of the year . ''
The safety aspect is a concern for Charlotte Whittle too , who runs the always-popular Elsie May 's Cookie Dough .
She says : `` We just want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people to do it properly , wear their masks , sanitise their hands .
The last thing we want is to go the same way as Nottingham .
`` This could be a really nice end to the year , we just need to do it safely . ''
She also points out how important the markets , which in a normal year attract tens of thousands of visitors , are to a small business like hers .
`` This is my yearly income , those six weeks are my income all year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they got cancelled I sobbed - it 's your life , I just thought 'what am I going to do , how am I going to pay my bills ? '
`` I was over the moon when these Winter Markets got announced - I actually feel a bit out of practice after not working all year ! ''
Elsewhere on St Ann 's Square , Oliver Edhouse , from the Crusty Pie company , says the business makes around a third of its annual income over Christmas and they were 'saddened ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He says : `` We 're outdoors , and they 're letting people round the supermarkets which are so busy - it seems like this is safer than there .
`` They had an issue in Nottingham but they were trying to run a full Christmas Market , and this is n't really like that .
`` We 're trying our best . ''
A regular trader of the Christmas Markets for the last six years , Jenny Flynn from The Closet Boutique says they are her 'bread and butter for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The markets were supposed to be my start after maternity leave - I had a baby in March .
So when I found out they were n't going ahead I was really disappointed .
`` I 've been to so many markets over the last few months where social distancing has n't been the best , but I know Manchester can do it .
`` I 've seen a bit of feedback online that 's not been the best , but I just hope that people come and see what it 's like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ earn a living while keeping everyone safe .
`` This is safer than the Arndale in my opinion . ''
Eat Greek - another street food stand that usually has huge queues for its halloumi fries and gyros - is back too , surrounded by a maze of one-way systems and safety measures .
Founder Neal Daniels says from outside his silver food truck : `` The Christmas Markets are a valuable part of our business over the year .
`` We 've been on the summer festival circuit for nearly 20 years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so important .
`` I 've learnt more in 2020 than I 've learnt in the last 20 years of business .
`` It 's been a tough time and we 're glad this is happening .
`` Hopefully we can get a nice financial end to the year , just enough to save us .
`` I think it 's important for the traders , for Manchester , and just for the social activity to keep people sane ! ''
Joining in from inside the truck , where she 's frying off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Shaw adds : `` It 's very organised , they 've tried their best for us traders and I think the pubic will appreciate that too - everyone just wants a bit of normality .
`` We want to end on a high note .
The council have put their necks on the line with this and we appreciate their help . ''
Another familiar face from the Christmas Markets is Pip Fowler , who 's behind music-themed business Popsters .
He says : `` Normally I would say these are 80 per @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I take at Christmas takes me through to the following Christmas .
`` Initially when they were cancelled it was incredibly scary , the thought of losing that much income .
`` Thankfully the internet kicked in which has filled the gap slightly , in terms of the business , but the worry always is how we get to next Christmas .
`` We 've got 10 days here .
It 's the beginning of day one and it 's quiet , but the weekend could pick up .
`` Full credit to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ planned so much that 's had to cancel .
`` It 's so nice to be in front of customers again , and the markets are such a big part of Manchester . ''
Lester Gronow of Beckford 's , which sells flavoured rums , says : `` You take most of your money at the Christmas markets .
`` Over those 50 or so days , you can take the majority of your yearly income .
The past few months have been quite bad really .
`` This is n't really the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get some shoppers .
People just seem to want to be out and doing things . ''
The shoppers are thin on the ground on day one , but the ones who do perform a lap of the market stalls seem pleased to see them there .
Students Narjis Alzeivi and Shamael Alharthi are some of the first on site .
Shamael says : `` It 's very small , it 's kind of everything we 're used to seeing is there .
`` At least this is better than nothing ! ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Shaw - they visit the markets every year .
Anthony says : `` We were definitely surprised to hear they were going ahead but personally I think it 's good .
`` I think it 's nice , to be able to get out .
`` The usual markets are normally very busy when we get down here !
`` We were both working so we 'd usually come down here when we finished work , we 're both retired now . ''
Eileen adds : `` Imagine retiring in the middle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ too busy here just yet .
It 's just nice to see people again ! ''
Nikita , from Bolton , says : `` It 's usually just the same stuff every year , but it 's nice to have a wander round anyway .
`` It 's not too crowded , so that 's good .
I do n't think we 'll come back though , I think this is us done ! ''
Her friend Nicole adds : `` It 's very small but it 's better than nothing . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'underwhelming ' compared to previous years .
They say : `` It 's not as Christmassy as it could be , but it 's nice to see something here .
`` I might come back again to get some more food , there are some good food trucks here , but otherwise I think I 'm done ! ''

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Manchester's Winter Markets are officially underway, a smaller, scaled-back version of the city's famous Christmas Markets.
Spread over two sites in the city centre, the market stalls will host an array of local traders on a rotation, many of whom are familiar faces from the usual festive event.
A new market has appeared at St Ann's Square, while Piccadilly Gardens' normal street food market has been expanded to allow some gift and craft stalls to pitch up.
While the council's decision to proceed with the markets was met with its fair share of criticism, it's all smiles from the traders here who have been given one last chance to grab some Christmas trade.
Many who have taken a pitch hope to end what has been an 'awful' year on a high note.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
But shoppers heading down expecting to see anything on the scale of the usual markets will be disappointed.
There are no wooden sheds, no mulled wine, and only a handful of the usual number of businesses to browse.
A strict one-way system is in place around the retail section, with a small huddle of street food trucks nearer to St Ann's church.
Much like when non-essential retail reopened last week, the crowds haven't descended as quickly as many predicted they would.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Traders here are hoping footfall increases by the weekend - though not so much that Manchester goes 'the same way as Nottingham', whose Christmas Markets had to be cancelled just hours after opening last weekend.
One trader who is responsible for the biggest queues at the normal markets is Eddie Osman of Porky Pig, which draws massive numbers of shoppers with its Yorkshire pudding wraps.
Eddie says that the year has been 'awful' so far, with the markets making up a huge part of his annual trade.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
He has continued to trade as a takeaway from Porky Pig's Cooper Street cafe, but says the commission taken by UberEats and Deliveroo hasn't made it the most viable option.
"We've lost everything this year," he says. "Parklife, Manchester Pride, the Christmas Markets. We do Manchester United games too, so we're not sure how or when that will pick up."
Speaking of the return of the markets - albeit on a smaller scale - he says: "We were really happy, at least we've got something.
"We were a bit worried that there'd be a crowd that wouldn't listen to the rules.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
"It's very difficult to try and run a business while managing a crowd too and that's what concerns me - if people don't want to listen, it will be the traders who will lose out and could be shut down.
"The guidance is here to stay, let's just stick to the rules - it is what it is.
"We're not looking for a 'Christmas Market', we're not looking for huge crowds or huge queues. We just want a little bit of something to see us through the end of the year."
The safety aspect is a concern for Charlotte Whittle too, who runs the always-popular Elsie May's Cookie Dough.
She says: "We just want it to be safe - we want people to do it properly, wear their masks, sanitise their hands. The last thing we want is to go the same way as Nottingham.
"This could be a really nice end to the year, we just need to do it safely."
She also points out how important the markets, which in a normal year attract tens of thousands of visitors, are to a small business like hers.
"This is my yearly income, those six weeks are my income all year," she says.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
"When they got cancelled I sobbed - it's your life, I just thought 'what am I going to do, how am I going to pay my bills?'
"I was over the moon when these Winter Markets got announced - I actually feel a bit out of practice after not working all year!"
Elsewhere on St Ann's Square, Oliver Edhouse, from the Crusty Pie company, says the business makes around a third of its annual income over Christmas and they were 'saddened' when the Christmas Markets were called off.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
He says: "We're outdoors, and they're letting people round the supermarkets which are so busy - it seems like this is safer than there.
"They had an issue in Nottingham but they were trying to run a full Christmas Market, and this isn't really like that.
"We're trying our best."
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
A regular trader of the Christmas Markets for the last six years, Jenny Flynn from The Closet Boutique says they are her 'bread and butter for the year'.
She adds: "The markets were supposed to be my start after maternity leave - I had a baby in March. So when I found out they weren't going ahead I was really disappointed.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
"I've been to so many markets over the last few months where social distancing hasn't been the best, but I know Manchester can do it.
"I've seen a bit of feedback online that's not been the best, but I just hope that people come and see what it's like and see we're just trying to earn a living while keeping everyone safe.
"This is safer than the Arndale in my opinion."
Eat Greek - another street food stand that usually has huge queues for its halloumi fries and gyros - is back too, surrounded by a maze of one-way systems and safety measures.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Founder Neal Daniels says from outside his silver food truck: "The Christmas Markets are a valuable part of our business over the year.
"We've been on the summer festival circuit for nearly 20 years, but financially the Christmas markets are so important.
"I've learnt more in 2020 than I've learnt in the last 20 years of business.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
"It's been a tough time and we're glad this is happening.
"Hopefully we can get a nice financial end to the year, just enough to save us.
"I think it's important for the traders, for Manchester, and just for the social activity to keep people sane!"
Joining in from inside the truck, where she's frying off some meat for a kebab, Carol Shaw adds: "It's very organised, they've tried their best for us traders and I think the pubic will appreciate that too - everyone just wants a bit of normality.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
"We want to end on a high note. The council have put their necks on the line with this and we appreciate their help."
Another familiar face from the Christmas Markets is Pip Fowler, who's behind music-themed business Popsters.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
He says: "Normally I would say these are 80 per cent of my annual business - what I take at Christmas takes me through to the following Christmas.
"Initially when they were cancelled it was incredibly scary, the thought of losing that much income.
"Thankfully the internet kicked in which has filled the gap slightly, in terms of the business, but the worry always is how we get to next Christmas.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
"We've got 10 days here. It's the beginning of day one and it's quiet, but the weekend could pick up.
"Full credit to the market organisers, because they've planned so much that's had to cancel.
"It's so nice to be in front of customers again, and the markets are such a big part of Manchester."
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Lester Gronow of Beckford's, which sells flavoured rums, says: "You take most of your money at the Christmas markets.
"Over those 50 or so days, you can take the majority of your yearly income. The past few months have been quite bad really.
"This isn't really the same but we're hoping we'll get some shoppers. People just seem to want to be out and doing things."
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
The shoppers are thin on the ground on day one, but the ones who do perform a lap of the market stalls seem pleased to see them there.
Students Narjis Alzeivi and Shamael Alharthi are some of the first on site.
Shamael says: "It's very small, it's kind of everything we're used to seeing is there.
"At least this is better than nothing!"
Anthony and Eileen Roach have travelled in from Shaw - they visit the markets every year.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Anthony says: "We were definitely surprised to hear they were going ahead but personally I think it's good.
"I think it's nice, to be able to get out.
"The usual markets are normally very busy when we get down here!
"We were both working so we'd usually come down here when we finished work, we're both retired now."
Eileen adds: "Imagine retiring in the middle of lockdown!
"It's not too busy here just yet. It's just nice to see people again!"
Nikita, from Bolton, says: "It's usually just the same stuff every year, but it's nice to have a wander round anyway.
"It's not too crowded, so that's good. I don't think we'll come back though, I think this is us done!"
Her friend Nicole adds: "It's very small but it's better than nothing."
Another shopper says the markets are slightly 'underwhelming' compared to previous years.
They say: "It's not as Christmassy as it could be, but it's nice to see something here.
"I might come back again to get some more food, there are some good food trucks here, but otherwise I think I'm done!"


themanchestereveningnews--2020-12-10--Manchester United news and transfers RECAP

Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho has named Manchester United among the favourites to win the Europa League after they dropped down into the competition following their Champions League exit .
United suffered a 3-2 defeat to RB Leipzig on Tuesday evening , their final group-stage match , having required a point to secure passage into the knockout phase of the competition and were eliminated .
Mourinho led United to Europa League glory during his stint at the club and believes his former employers are among the favourites to go all the way .
`` Of course , now Manchester United become @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the competition .
The teams that drop down are always strong teams , teams that normally do n't belong to that level of the Europa League competition , '' he told a press conference .
`` Manchester United are one of the top teams .
The group was very hard , PSG , Manchester and Leipzig , very hard .
`` We all knew it was not going to be easy for any one of them and we all knew from that group a top team would drop into the Europa League .
@

newsdesk@men-news.co.uk (Richard Fay, Marcus Banks)

Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho has named Manchester United among the favourites to win the Europa League after they dropped down into the competition following their Champions League exit.
United suffered a 3-2 defeat to RB Leipzig on Tuesday evening, their final group-stage match, having required a point to secure passage into the knockout phase of the competition and were eliminated.
Mourinho led United to Europa League glory during his stint at the club and believes his former employers are among the favourites to go all the way.
"Of course, now Manchester United become one of the top favourites to win the competition. The teams that drop down are always strong teams, teams that normally don't belong to that level of the Europa League competition," he told a press conference.
"Manchester United are one of the top teams. The group was very hard, PSG, Manchester and Leipzig, very hard.
"We all knew it was not going to be easy for any one of them and we all knew from that group a top team would drop into the Europa League."
Recap the latest United news


themanchestereveningnews--2020-12-10--Mayor’s office fails to state confidence in Chief Constable after damning report

The mayor ’ s office has repeatedly refused to say whether it has confidence in the Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police after a damning report found the force was failing to record one in four violent crimes .
It also cast doubt over the Chief ’ s long-term future at the helm of the force and criticised the fact he has not fronted up any interviews today .
Responding to the report from Her Majesty ’ s Inspectorate , Andy Burnham part-blamed its blistering findings about the force ’ s treatment of victims on the delayed roll-out of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ insisting crime has fallen significantly during his tenure .
But he apologised on behalf of the force to victims of crime , adding : `` I 'm not shying away at all . ''
The inspectorate ’ s brutal verdict on GMP ’ s crime recording , published this morning , called its findings ‘ extremely disappointing ’ given it has been repeatedly warned about the same failures since 2016 .
It also found the force was closing investigations prematurely without demonstrating consent from victims , is dealing with 70pc of domestic abuse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , is failing to record all its child protection referrals from social services and that ultimately victims are being ‘ denied justice ’ .
Andy Burnham , who as mayor has the same responsibilities as a police commissioner in overseeing the force , including hiring and firing Chief Constables , held a press conference this afternoon alongside his deputy for policing and crime Beverley Hughes , at which they responded to the findings .
They said the situation 'is n't good enough ' and promised to closely monitor its improvement .
Both were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have confidence in Chief Constable Ian Hopkins , but neither directly answered the question .
However Baroness Hughes heavily implied his job may now hang in the balance .
The mayor had renewed the Chief ’ s contract for two years in June 2019 , his office at the time praising his leadership as ‘ outstanding ’ - but since then more than 80,000 reported crimes have not been recorded by the force , according to today ’ s report .
“ Up to that point the mayor and I had no issue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s contract and making those comments , ” said the deputy mayor of the decision 18 months ago .
“ Clearly this is an issue that he is responsible for and must deal with.
” She said senior command ’ s plan to improve the situation would now be monitored weekly by her and monthly by the mayor , ahead of a follow-up visit from the inspectorate in six months .
But asked about the renewal of the Chief ’ s contract at that point , she added : “ We ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expect to see substantial progress within the next three to six months and if we don ’ t get that progress , then we ’ ll have to see where we are.
” Asked whether she had confidence that the Chief could now oversee the necessary changes , she said : “ Well I think he ’ s certainly capable of making the necessary changes .
He has to demonstrate that he can do so.
” She also criticised the Chief ’ s lack of visibility since the report was published this morning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an embargoed statement from his deputy , Ian Pilling , but had included a note to journalists informing them that ‘ GMP will not be facilitating any interviews ’ .
Asked about that decision , Baroness Hughes said : “ I wish that the Chief Constable had come out today and spoken ... that is a matter for him to answer .
Although if he ’ s not appearing I appreciate it ’ s difficult for you to put that question to him.
” GMP have been approached for comment on the remarks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to respond until tomorrow .
The report ’ s findings have already elicited concern from government .
Policing minister Kit Malthouse tweeted this morning that it was ‘ alarming news ’ and added : “ I have requested a meeting with the Manchester [ sic ] mayors office to understand how this happened and what they plan to do about it .
Fast.
” At this afternoon ’ s press conference , Andy Burnham was asked by the M.E.N .
whether he bore responsibility for the failures identified .
“ Our role of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
So we are not making operational policing decisions - GMP is independent , it makes its own decisions , ” he said .
“ What we must do is hold them to account where we are presented with evidence which shows the service to the public is not good enough - and in this case the service to victims of crime .
“ And that is what we have done and will do.
” He said he had also held GMP to account on other issues , such as the historic Augusta @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the hugely unpopular new IT system introduced - 18 months late - in summer last year .
“ So my responsibility is to hold them to account on behalf of the public of GM and every time where we ’ ve been presented with issues that need to be addressed , that is what both I and the deputy mayor do and that is what we will continue to do.
” Both he and his deputy were clear they were extremely disappointed with the report 's findings , Mr Burnham adding : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' However while stressing he was n't 'making excuses ' for the force , the mayor denied that GMP had deteriorated overall since taking office in 2017 .
The ‘ main issue , of course ’ that had been raised with him by the public was a lack of policing visibility , he said , which he had addressed .
Thanks to a rise in the police precept introduced by him - an increase added to council tax bills - the force now has 679 more officers than when he took over , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ criticised the non-emergency 101 number for not answering a fifth of calls , he noted that it had improved on his watch and more people were now using its online service .
“ And beyond that I think there have been improvements - falls in recorded crime , in serious crime , ” he said .
“ I don ’ t think you can just take this report as evidence that overall GMP ’ s performance has deteriorated .
I don ’ t think the figures back that up .
“ You could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ picture .
But on the things that matter most to the public , I can demonstrate significant progress.
” He also said the failures identified had been known to the force , but that the delay in their resolution was linked to issues with the roll-out of iOPS , the new integrated IT system that has been beset with problems and the trigger for a flurry of whistleblower warnings that victims were being put at risk and denied justice .
That system had subsequently improved since the sample of records looked at by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ June of this year , he said , while noting also that that was not a 'normal time ' for GMP .
“ Services to victims of crime are at the heart of policing - the trust that all police services need comes from those victims of crime and to do it properly all of the time .
So in no way can these failures in this report today be minimised , ” he said .
“ The question of confidence then arises from whether or not GMP have a credible plan to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ identified over a number of years now by HMIC .
“ And they do have a long term plan .
The issue , of course , is that it was linked to a major change in the way their internal systems operate , the iOPS system.
” Asked yesterday by the M.E.N .
whether failures in IT may be responsible for the issues she had identified , Her Majesty 's policing inspector Zoe Billingham said : “ To our mind , the difficulties or otherwise of IT should not and can not be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ four years - not to be getting it right.
” Both Mr Burnham and Baroness Hughes stressed they accepted the report ’ s findings , while also emphasising that there are areas that GMP gets right , including organised crime , modern slavery , historic child abuse and cyber-crime investigations .
The mayor said victims of crime deserved an apology , adding : “ On behalf of GMP and GM , if you like , I am saying sorry to people where the service they were given fell short of what it should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shying away at all .
It would be wrong to talk around that or hedge that .
If things aren ’ t good enough , say sorry .
”

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The mayor’s office has repeatedly refused to say whether it has confidence in the Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police after a damning report found the force was failing to record one in four violent crimes.
It also cast doubt over the Chief’s long-term future at the helm of the force and criticised the fact he has not fronted up any interviews today.
Responding to the report from Her Majesty’s Inspectorate, Andy Burnham part-blamed its blistering findings about the force’s treatment of victims on the delayed roll-out of the troubled iOPS computer system - while also insisting crime has fallen significantly during his tenure.
But he apologised on behalf of the force to victims of crime, adding: "I'm not shying away at all."
The inspectorate’s brutal verdict on GMP’s crime recording, published this morning, called its findings ‘extremely disappointing’ given it has been repeatedly warned about the same failures since 2016.
It also found the force was closing investigations prematurely without demonstrating consent from victims, is dealing with 70pc of domestic abuse cases via cautions or other out-of-court measures, is failing to record all its child protection referrals from social services and that ultimately victims are being ‘denied justice’.
(Image: 2020 Getty Images)
Andy Burnham, who as mayor has the same responsibilities as a police commissioner in overseeing the force, including hiring and firing Chief Constables, held a press conference this afternoon alongside his deputy for policing and crime Beverley Hughes, at which they responded to the findings.
They said the situation 'isn't good enough' and promised to closely monitor its improvement.
Both were also repeatedly asked whether or not they have confidence in Chief Constable Ian Hopkins, but neither directly answered the question.
However Baroness Hughes heavily implied his job may now hang in the balance.
The mayor had renewed the Chief’s contract for two years in June 2019, his office at the time praising his leadership as ‘outstanding’ - but since then more than 80,000 reported crimes have not been recorded by the force, according to today’s report.
“Up to that point the mayor and I had no issue at all about renewing the Chief Constable’s contract and making those comments,” said the deputy mayor of the decision 18 months ago.
“Clearly this is an issue that he is responsible for and must deal with.”
(Image: ABNM Photography)
She said senior command’s plan to improve the situation would now be monitored weekly by her and monthly by the mayor, ahead of a follow-up visit from the inspectorate in six months.
But asked about the renewal of the Chief’s contract at that point, she added: “We’ll monitor progress really carefully. We expect to see substantial progress within the next three to six months and if we don’t get that progress, then we’ll have to see where we are.”
Asked whether she had confidence that the Chief could now oversee the necessary changes, she said: “Well I think he’s certainly capable of making the necessary changes. He has to demonstrate that he can do so.”
She also criticised the Chief’s lack of visibility since the report was published this morning.
Last night the force had issued an embargoed statement from his deputy, Ian Pilling, but had included a note to journalists informing them that ‘GMP will not be facilitating any interviews’.
Asked about that decision, Baroness Hughes said: “I wish that the Chief Constable had come out today and spoken...that is a matter for him to answer. Although if he’s not appearing I appreciate it’s difficult for you to put that question to him.”
GMP have been approached for comment on the remarks, but said they would be unable to respond until tomorrow.
The report’s findings have already elicited concern from government.
Policing minister Kit Malthouse tweeted this morning that it was ‘alarming news’ and added: “I have requested a meeting with the Manchester [sic] mayors office to understand how this happened and what they plan to do about it. Fast.”
At this afternoon’s press conference, Andy Burnham was asked by the M.E.N. whether he bore responsibility for the failures identified.
“Our role of course is to hold GMP to account. So we are not making operational policing decisions - GMP is independent, it makes its own decisions,” he said.
“What we must do is hold them to account where we are presented with evidence which shows the service to the public is not good enough - and in this case the service to victims of crime.
(Image: ABNM Photography)
“And that is what we have done and will do.”
He said he had also held GMP to account on other issues, such as the historic Augusta child abuse investigation and issues with iOPS, the hugely unpopular new IT system introduced - 18 months late - in summer last year.
“So my responsibility is to hold them to account on behalf of the public of GM and every time where we’ve been presented with issues that need to be addressed, that is what both I and the deputy mayor do and that is what we will continue to do.”
Both he and his deputy were clear they were extremely disappointed with the report's findings, Mr Burnham adding: "It isn't good enough."
However while stressing he wasn't 'making excuses' for the force, the mayor denied that GMP had deteriorated overall since taking office in 2017.
The ‘main issue, of course’ that had been raised with him by the public was a lack of policing visibility, he said, which he had addressed. Thanks to a rise in the police precept introduced by him - an increase added to council tax bills - the force now has 679 more officers than when he took over, he said.
While the inspectorate had criticised the non-emergency 101 number for not answering a fifth of calls, he noted that it had improved on his watch and more people were now using its online service.
“And beyond that I think there have been improvements - falls in recorded crime, in serious crime,” he said.
“I don’t think you can just take this report as evidence that overall GMP’s performance has deteriorated. I don’t think the figures back that up.
“You could say it’s a more mixed picture. But on the things that matter most to the public, I can demonstrate significant progress.”
He also said the failures identified had been known to the force, but that the delay in their resolution was linked to issues with the roll-out of iOPS, the new integrated IT system that has been beset with problems and the trigger for a flurry of whistleblower warnings that victims were being put at risk and denied justice.
That system had subsequently improved since the sample of records looked at by the inspectorate, which covered April to June of this year, he said, while noting also that that was not a 'normal time' for GMP.
“Services to victims of crime are at the heart of policing - the trust that all police services need comes from those victims of crime and to do it properly all of the time. So in no way can these failures in this report today be minimised,” he said.
(Image: PA Wire/PA Images)
“The question of confidence then arises from whether or not GMP have a credible plan to improve on the issues that have been identified over a number of years now by HMIC.
“And they do have a long term plan. The issue, of course, is that it was linked to a major change in the way their internal systems operate, the iOPS system.”
Asked yesterday by the M.E.N. whether failures in IT may be responsible for the issues she had identified, Her Majesty's policing inspector Zoe Billingham said: “To our mind, the difficulties or otherwise of IT should not and cannot be an excuse for a force - for four years - not to be getting it right.”
Both Mr Burnham and Baroness Hughes stressed they accepted the report’s findings, while also emphasising that there are areas that GMP gets right, including organised crime, modern slavery, historic child abuse and cyber-crime investigations.
The mayor said victims of crime deserved an apology, adding: “On behalf of GMP and GM, if you like, I am saying sorry to people where the service they were given fell short of what it should be.
"I’m not shying away at all. It would be wrong to talk around that or hedge that. If things aren’t good enough, say sorry.”