themanchestereveningnews--2020-09-20--Burst pipe hits controversial Great Ancoats Street roadworks project

The controversial roadworks project on Greater Ancoats Street has encountered another hiccup - a burst water pipe .
Video shared with the M.E.N showed water spouting into the air at the junction with Oldham Road on Saturday afternoon , causing the city centre ring road to be further closed to traffic .
`` I really like the new water feature they 've added to the Great Ancoats Street development , '' joked resident @ Leewelshman .
It is understood the problem is now under control and road closures are back to normal .
However , it is the latest setback @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of the busiest roads in the city centre .
Lanes have been reduced and temporary traffic lights are currently in place from Oldham Street to Old Mill Street with motorists experiencing long delays .
Manchester city council has faced criticism over its handling of the project from the start , with campaigners complaining about the lack of cycle lanes and the quality of the new pedestrian crossings .
The authority has promised a 'tree-lined , European-style boulevard ' that will improve the boundary between the Northern Quarter and Ancoats .
But the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has already run into difficulties due to the discovery of unmapped utilities .
It means a proportion of the much-vaunted trees - around 70 in total - will not be able to be planted where officials had intended , in particular the central reservation area as shown on the original artist 's impression .
Transport boss Councillor Angeliki Stogia said at the time that 'suitable locations ' had been found for 57 trees and 'trial excavations ' were ongoing for a further nine .
Piccadilly councillor Jon-Connor Lyons suggested Saturday 's burst pipe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suitable tree locations .
Retweeting the video , he wrote : `` This is what happens when you hit utilities and is the same reason why adding trees pits has been difficult in this specific location because of the main United Utilities pipe .
Let 's hope this can be resolved ASAP . ''
One critic asked why council officials were not able to map out utilities before the final design was approved and work began .
Cllr Lyons responded : `` I personally think govs , of all seniority , should be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the location of unmapped utilities before work commences is not possible .
`` The checking of locations of unmapped utilities requires for road to be dug up .
Millions would have needed to be spent . ''
It is understood the problem with the intended tree pit locations was first revealed by the project management team in July , and local councillors have been lobbying for it to be urgently rectified ever since .
Initially , it was suggested around a third of the 70 trees would not be able to go in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and would need to find homes elsewhere .
Labour councillors - conscious that the scheme has already proved controversial - want as many to be put back as possible , or to be found new locations close by .
It is understood putting trees in planters instead is not seen as an option as they take a lot of maintenance and generally last only 10 years .
The council hopes the 70 trees it is buying will last around 100 years .
Images of the work so far suggest a stretch of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Oldham Road has already been covered in tarmac and wo n't have any tree pits .
Nick Galpin was among the critics , tweeting : `` The photo on the right [ how the scheme looks currently ] shows the paucity of vision of Manchester city council .
The photo on the left [ the artist 's impression ] shows they can ’ t even achieve it .
`` It embodies the current city centre .
Car-centric , no thought for active travel and not a green leaf to be seen .
Such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ So what happened to the European boulevard ?
We look across at Paris as see the massive uptake in cycling due to the miles , well kilometres I guess , of protected infrastructure and can only shed a Gallic tear for what could have been .
£9m for a sea of jet black tarmac . ''
Addressing concerns about cycling lanes , council leaders have said two new walking and cycling routes which will run parallel to the Inner Ring Road are also being brought forward , with funding support from the Greater @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Those schemes will provide 'safer alternatives to cycling on the Inner Ring Road , while maintaining traffic flow to deter vehicles from ‘ rat-running ’ onto residential streets ' , they argue .

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The controversial roadworks project on Greater Ancoats Street has encountered another hiccup - a burst water pipe.
Video shared with the M.E.N showed water spouting into the air at the junction with Oldham Road on Saturday afternoon, causing the city centre ring road to be further closed to traffic.
"I really like the new water feature they've added to the Great Ancoats Street development," joked resident @Leewelshman.
It is understood the problem is now under control and road closures are back to normal.
However, it is the latest setback to hit the £9.1million scheme to overhaul one of the busiest roads in the city centre.
Lanes have been reduced and temporary traffic lights are currently in place from Oldham Street to Old Mill Street with motorists experiencing long delays.
Manchester city council has faced criticism over its handling of the project from the start, with campaigners complaining about the lack of cycle lanes and the quality of the new pedestrian crossings.
(Image: @Leewelshman)
The authority has promised a 'tree-lined, European-style boulevard' that will improve the boundary between the Northern Quarter and Ancoats.
But the M.E.N revealed last month how that promise has already run into difficulties due to the discovery of unmapped utilities.
It means a proportion of the much-vaunted trees - around 70 in total - will not be able to be planted where officials had intended, in particular the central reservation area as shown on the original artist's impression.
Transport boss Councillor Angeliki Stogia said at the time that 'suitable locations' had been found for 57 trees and 'trial excavations' were ongoing for a further nine.
Piccadilly councillor Jon-Connor Lyons suggested Saturday's burst pipe may be connected to the search for suitable tree locations.
(Image: @Leewelshman)
Retweeting the video, he wrote: "This is what happens when you hit utilities and is the same reason why adding trees pits has been difficult in this specific location because of the main United Utilities pipe. Let's hope this can be resolved ASAP."
One critic asked why council officials were not able to map out utilities before the final design was approved and work began.
Cllr Lyons responded: "I personally think govs, of all seniority, should be held to high standards but to know the location of unmapped utilities before work commences is not possible.
"The checking of locations of unmapped utilities requires for road to be dug up. Millions would have needed to be spent."
It is understood the problem with the intended tree pit locations was first revealed by the project management team in July, and local councillors have been lobbying for it to be urgently rectified ever since.
Initially, it was suggested around a third of the 70 trees would not be able to go in the central reservation as originally planned, and would need to find homes elsewhere.
(Image: Joel Goodman)
Labour councillors - conscious that the scheme has already proved controversial - want as many to be put back as possible, or to be found new locations close by.
It is understood putting trees in planters instead is not seen as an option as they take a lot of maintenance and generally last only 10 years.
The council hopes the 70 trees it is buying will last around 100 years.
Images of the work so far suggest a stretch of the central reservation where Great Ancoats Street meets Oldham Road has already been covered in tarmac and won't have any tree pits.
(Image: Manchester Council)
Nick Galpin was among the critics, tweeting: "The photo on the right [how the scheme looks currently] shows the paucity of vision of Manchester city council. The photo on the left [the artist's impression] shows they can’t even achieve it.
"It embodies the current city centre. Car-centric, no thought for active travel and not a green leaf to be seen. Such a sad state of affairs.
"So what happened to the European boulevard? We look across at Paris as see the massive uptake in cycling due to the miles, well kilometres I guess, of protected infrastructure and can only shed a Gallic tear for what could have been. £9m for a sea of jet black tarmac."
Addressing concerns about cycling lanes, council leaders have said two new walking and cycling routes which will run parallel to the Inner Ring Road are also being brought forward, with funding support from the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Challenge Fund.
Those schemes will provide 'safer alternatives to cycling on the Inner Ring Road, while maintaining traffic flow to deter vehicles from ‘rat-running’ onto residential streets', they argue.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-09-20--Three released under investigation after fatal collision on Handforth bypass

Three men who were arrested after a fatal collision on the Handforth Dean bypass have all been released under investigation .
A motorcyclist died following the collision between four vehicles on the A34 near Handforth Dean retail park last Tuesday night ( September 15 ) .
Police believe the vehicles were travelling in convoy when they collided just before 10pm .
Cheshire Police were called to reports of a smash between two cars and two motorbikes .
A grey Audi RS3 , a dark blue Audi R8 , a black Suzuki GSXR motorbike and a blue Suzuki GSXR motorcycle crashed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The rider of the black Suzuki - a 34-year-old man from Bradford - was pronounced dead at the scene .
Police said the rider on the blue Suzuki , a 32-year-old man thought to be from Bradford , was also injured .
He was taken to Manchester Royal Infirmary .
A 28-year-old man from Cheadle and two men from Bradford , aged 29 and 23 , were arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving .
None of the men suffered injuries , Cheshire Police said .
All three have since been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a police spokesperson confirmed .
At the time , Sergeant Andy Dennison called on any witnesses to come forward with information .
“ Initial enquiries suggests that those involved in the collision were potentially travelling in convoy and we are keen to hear for anyone who witnessed the collision , or saw the vehicles prior to the incident , ” he said .
“ The same goes for anyone with any video footage of which may aid the investigation.
” Anyone with information or footage that may be relevant to the investigation is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , quoting IML 806041 .

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Three men who were arrested after a fatal collision on the Handforth Dean bypass have all been released under investigation.
A motorcyclist died following the collision between four vehicles on the A34 near Handforth Dean retail park last Tuesday night (September 15).
Police believe the vehicles were travelling in convoy when they collided just before 10pm.
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
Cheshire Police were called to reports of a smash between two cars and two motorbikes.
A grey Audi RS3, a dark blue Audi R8, a black Suzuki GSXR motorbike and a blue Suzuki GSXR motorcycle crashed near to the shopping centre roundabout.
The rider of the black Suzuki - a 34-year-old man from Bradford - was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police said the rider on the blue Suzuki, a 32-year-old man thought to be from Bradford, was also injured.
He was taken to Manchester Royal Infirmary.
A 28-year-old man from Cheadle and two men from Bradford, aged 29 and 23, were arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.
None of the men suffered injuries, Cheshire Police said.
All three have since been released under investigation pending further enquiries, a police spokesperson confirmed.
At the time, Sergeant Andy Dennison called on any witnesses to come forward with information.
“Initial enquiries suggests that those involved in the collision were potentially travelling in convoy and we are keen to hear for anyone who witnessed the collision, or saw the vehicles prior to the incident,” he said.
“The same goes for anyone with any video footage of which may aid the investigation.”
Anyone with information or footage that may be relevant to the investigation is asked to call Cheshire Constabulary on 101, quoting IML 806041.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-09-20--Manchester United cannot waste any more time in the transfer market

You can only imagine the smiles that lit up the Borussia Dortmund boardroom on Saturday night .
Having watched their own team blaze a trail on the opening weekend of the Bundesliga season , they would have glanced at events at Old Trafford and seen Manchester United 's new season had got off to a diametrically opposing start .
At around the time Jadon Sancho was racing the length of the pitch and teeing up Erling Haaland for another stunning counter-attacking goal , United were watching Wilfried Zaha confirm a disastrous opening day defeat to Crystal Palace .
Haaland and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around like a couple of kids high on life , which they basically are .
While United were showing just how badly they need Sancho , Dortmund were getting a glimpse of what might be possible this season with their thrilling young team .
Not only were Sancho and Haaland , both 20 , teaming up , but 17-year-old Gio Reyna scored after an assist from 17-year-old Jude Bellingham , one who got away for United this summer .
So while United 's need for Sancho increased and the gaps in Ole Gunnar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dortmund saw the England winger play with a smile on his face as they laid down their intentions to challenge Bayern Munich this season .
There 's no doubt who holds the stronger hand in negotiations now .
This might not be the best week for United to try and step up attempts to sign Sancho , given their desire to cut a deal that takes into account the uncertainty around revenues in this window , but they are running out of time .
Sancho has been United 's priority target since the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ago .
Those eight weeks have bought briefing and counter-briefing , minor progress and hopes rising and falling , but as United and Dortmund began their league season at the same time , Sancho was playing for Dortmund .
With the window open for three more weeks United have to stop wasting time and get more business done .
Solskjaer expressed his belief that his squad is short at the moment and the reality is that Liverpool , Manchester City , Chelsea , Tottenham and Arsenal have all strengthened to a greater degree @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The caution this summer may be understandable from a business point of view , but supporters want to see ambition and progress and as things stand United are engaging reverse .
They 're in danger of being left behind unless more business done is before the window closes on October 5 .
United have been in this position before in transfer windows .
In January , in fact .
The initial £47million they paid for Bruno Fernandes looks like a bargain given his impact at Old Trafford , but United spent most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to strike terms they felt were advantageous .
Wise from a business point of view , but given how the season transformed on Fernandes ' arrival there will always be a sense of 'what if ? '
given he missed defeats to Manchester City , Liverpool and Burnley earlier in January .
Now United are suffering from the same problem .
Perhaps they will sign Sancho before the window closes , but Solskjaer has had to start the season with only Donny van de Beek in the arrivals column and it 's already @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defeat .
The signing of Sancho and/or others may not have been able to stop the defeat to Palace , but they would undoubtedly have had a positive impact on the performance .
There 's also the psychological impact on the rest of the squad .
Sign up to our free MUFC email newsletter for Donny van de Beek updates Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Manchester United made waves with the high-profile signing of Dutch wonder Donny van de Beek - and a lot is expected of him at Old Trafford .
With a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's XI , you certainly wo n't want to miss a thing .
In a daily United bulletin from the MEN , we 'll be bringing you the latest breaking news , analysis , transfer features and opinion , as well as the key talking points for fans , straight to your inbox - and of course , we 'll cover everything that Van de Beek does in a United shirt .
How do you sign up ?
It 's easy !
Click HERE .
It only takes a few seconds If you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Premier League , you can use van de Beek in your FPL team , possibly win £250 , a new replica 20/21 football shirt of your choice , and the inaugural RFFL winner ’ s trophy as well as a certificate in our Reach Fantasy Football League .
Joining is easy to enter , simply sign up here .
This group of players took great strides forward last season and they would have expected the squad to be strengthened this summer .
They want more support , but instead they 've had to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It 's going to be noticed in the dressing room .
Luke Shaw confirmed that when he spoke to Norway 's TV2 after the defeat to Palace .
There was no need to read between the lines with what the left-back said .
“ We are a very good group , but personally I think we need more players to strengthen the squad .
It can give us a boost .
When you look around at how other teams are strengthening their teams , then we must also do it to keep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
With three weeks to go United remain might confident of doing the business they want , but time is of the essence .
They 've allowed Solskjaer to begin a season with an under-powered squad and are already paying the price .
How many millions need to come off the Sancho asking price to make a home defeat to Crystal Palace feel like a price worth paying ?
United need new arrivals and they need them sooner rather than later .
Ideally before the weekend 's trip to Brighton .
Defeat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Premier League fixtures that follow , with Tottenham , Newcastle , Chelsea , Arsenal and Everton coming up next .
Already United are on the back foot in the Premier League .
Fail to win at Brighton and they will be seeking to make up ground again this season , just as they did last term .
The way Solskjaer 's side finished 2019/20 gave them momentum .
Right now that 's in danger of being squandered unless United begin to get things right off the pitch .

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You can only imagine the smiles that lit up the Borussia Dortmund boardroom on Saturday night. Having watched their own team blaze a trail on the opening weekend of the Bundesliga season, they would have glanced at events at Old Trafford and seen Manchester United's new season had got off to a diametrically opposing start.
At around the time Jadon Sancho was racing the length of the pitch and teeing up Erling Haaland for another stunning counter-attacking goal, United were watching Wilfried Zaha confirm a disastrous opening day defeat to Crystal Palace.
Haaland and Sancho celebrated their latest blitzkrieg by cavorting around like a couple of kids high on life, which they basically are.
While United were showing just how badly they need Sancho, Dortmund were getting a glimpse of what might be possible this season with their thrilling young team. Not only were Sancho and Haaland, both 20, teaming up, but 17-year-old Gio Reyna scored after an assist from 17-year-old Jude Bellingham, one who got away for United this summer.
So while United's need for Sancho increased and the gaps in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's squad were laid bare, Dortmund saw the England winger play with a smile on his face as they laid down their intentions to challenge Bayern Munich this season. There's no doubt who holds the stronger hand in negotiations now.
This might not be the best week for United to try and step up attempts to sign Sancho, given their desire to cut a deal that takes into account the uncertainty around revenues in this window, but they are running out of time.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
Sancho has been United's priority target since the day the transfer window opened eight weeks ago. Those eight weeks have bought briefing and counter-briefing, minor progress and hopes rising and falling, but as United and Dortmund began their league season at the same time, Sancho was playing for Dortmund.
With the window open for three more weeks United have to stop wasting time and get more business done. Solskjaer expressed his belief that his squad is short at the moment and the reality is that Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea, Tottenham and Arsenal have all strengthened to a greater degree than United have so far this summer.
The caution this summer may be understandable from a business point of view, but supporters want to see ambition and progress and as things stand United are engaging reverse. They're in danger of being left behind unless more business done is before the window closes on October 5.
United have been in this position before in transfer windows. In January, in fact. The initial £47million they paid for Bruno Fernandes looks like a bargain given his impact at Old Trafford, but United spent most of the month haggling with Sporting Lisbon to strike terms they felt were advantageous. Wise from a business point of view, but given how the season transformed on Fernandes' arrival there will always be a sense of 'what if?' given he missed defeats to Manchester City, Liverpool and Burnley earlier in January.
Now United are suffering from the same problem. Perhaps they will sign Sancho before the window closes, but Solskjaer has had to start the season with only Donny van de Beek in the arrivals column and it's already contributed to what could be a costly defeat.
The signing of Sancho and/or others may not have been able to stop the defeat to Palace, but they would undoubtedly have had a positive impact on the performance. There's also the psychological impact on the rest of the squad.
This group of players took great strides forward last season and they would have expected the squad to be strengthened this summer. They want more support, but instead they've had to watch their rivals dominate the transfer market. It's going to be noticed in the dressing room.
Luke Shaw confirmed that when he spoke to Norway's TV2 after the defeat to Palace. There was no need to read between the lines with what the left-back said.
“We are a very good group, but personally I think we need more players to strengthen the squad. It can give us a boost. When you look around at how other teams are strengthening their teams, then we must also do it to keep up with the others," he said.
With three weeks to go United remain might confident of doing the business they want, but time is of the essence. They've allowed Solskjaer to begin a season with an under-powered squad and are already paying the price. How many millions need to come off the Sancho asking price to make a home defeat to Crystal Palace feel like a price worth paying?
United need new arrivals and they need them sooner rather than later. Ideally before the weekend's trip to Brighton. Defeat at the Amex is unthinkable given the Premier League fixtures that follow, with Tottenham, Newcastle, Chelsea, Arsenal and Everton coming up next.
Already United are on the back foot in the Premier League. Fail to win at Brighton and they will be seeking to make up ground again this season, just as they did last term.
The way Solskjaer's side finished 2019/20 gave them momentum. Right now that's in danger of being squandered unless United begin to get things right off the pitch.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-09-20--Pep Guardiola addresses his future as Man City manager

Pep Guardiola says he would “ love to stay longer ” at Manchester City .
But the Blues boss , whose contract expires next summer , believes that it all depends on whether he thinks the team is still making progress under his command .
And he said that he expects to sit down and discuss his future whenever he and the City hierarchy can find time in a busy schedule , later in the season , to sit down and discuss it .
City kick off the new Premier League season at Wolves tomorrow night after finishing last season @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trophy cabinet .
Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak said last month that the club is “ very comfortable ” with the situation as they head into the campaign unsure whether Guardiola will still be in charge in a year ’ s time .
Khaldoon said the situation would “ work naturally.
” And when Guardiola was asked his viewpoint , he indicated that his future would revolve around the way the team evolves in the months ahead .
“ I would love to stay longer here , ” he said , even though his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of his managerial career – this will be his fifth season , compared to four at Barcelona and three at Bayern Munich .
He went on : “ It is a place I love to be but I have to deserve .
This club achieved standards in the last decade but we have to maintain that and I have to deserve it .
“ I am going to see if I deserve it this season in terms of how the club goes forward and improves.
” Khaldoon was vague on whether the club @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say that he and the executive leadership were on the same page as Guardiola in their view of the way forward .
Guardiola was asked whether the club had told him that they wanted to see how the season was going before any talks about his future could start , but he said that was not the case .
“ No , this is my mind , ” he said .
“ We didn ’ t speak with the club in these terms .
They didn ’ t push me from day one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They allow me to do my job the best I can and with all my staff and the players and this is going to continue .
“ They didn ’ t tell me you have to do this or you have to do that , or you have to win this or you have to win that .
They told me to play .
“ In my feeling , I know the standards of the club and if I don ’ t achieve the standards , I probably don ’ t deserve so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contract.
” Guardiola ’ s point is that he has not been given any targets to achieve in order to earn a new contract – he thinks both he and the club will know if it is not working .
Defining what is deemed as progress is unclear – Guardiola has always said that he does not judge himself on how much silverware he wins , but rather on how the team is developing , and the level of football it is playing .
So when he was asked whether a new contract @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he replied : “ It depends on what is , for you , success.
” He wet on : `` I would not be here if I didn ’ t feel the fire or the desire to play good .
I still want to help the players avoid making mistakes and still I have passion to do it and maybe more than ever .
I want to try to be together and do a good season '' We have every three days a game so we don ’ t have much time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to see every day ( football director ) Txiki ( Begristain ) and ( chief executive ) Ferran ( Soriano ) and I speak every week with Khaldoon .
`` When it is going to happen , it is going to happen .
Now we have other issues .
The organisation is so strong in all departments .
It will not be a problem for the club to do what we have to do in the future . ''

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Pep Guardiola says he would “love to stay longer” at Manchester City.
But the Blues boss, whose contract expires next summer, believes that it all depends on whether he thinks the team is still making progress under his command.
And he said that he expects to sit down and discuss his future whenever he and the City hierarchy can find time in a busy schedule, later in the season, to sit down and discuss it.
City kick off the new Premier League season at Wolves tomorrow night after finishing last season with just the Carabao Cup in the trophy cabinet.
Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak said last month that the club is “very comfortable” with the situation as they head into the campaign unsure whether Guardiola will still be in charge in a year’s time.
Khaldoon said the situation would “work naturally.”
And when Guardiola was asked his viewpoint, he indicated that his future would revolve around the way the team evolves in the months ahead.
“I would love to stay longer here,” he said, even though his stay at City is already the longest of his managerial career – this will be his fifth season, compared to four at Barcelona and three at Bayern Munich.
He went on: “It is a place I love to be but I have to deserve. This club achieved standards in the last decade but we have to maintain that and I have to deserve it.
“I am going to see if I deserve it this season in terms of how the club goes forward and improves.”
Khaldoon was vague on whether the club has demanded improvements, other than to say that he and the executive leadership were on the same page as Guardiola in their view of the way forward.
Guardiola was asked whether the club had told him that they wanted to see how the season was going before any talks about his future could start, but he said that was not the case.
“No, this is my mind,” he said. “We didn’t speak with the club in these terms. They didn’t push me from day one to today, in September.
“They allow me to do my job the best I can and with all my staff and the players and this is going to continue.
“They didn’t tell me you have to do this or you have to do that, or you have to win this or you have to win that. They told me to play.
“In my feeling, I know the standards of the club and if I don’t achieve the standards, I probably don’t deserve so I have to win to extend my contract.”
Guardiola’s point is that he has not been given any targets to achieve in order to earn a new contract – he thinks both he and the club will know if it is not working.
Defining what is deemed as progress is unclear – Guardiola has always said that he does not judge himself on how much silverware he wins, but rather on how the team is developing, and the level of football it is playing.
So when he was asked whether a new contract would depend on being successful this season, he replied: “It depends on what is, for you, success.”
He wet on: "I would not be here if I didn’t feel the fire or the desire to play good. I still want to help the players avoid making mistakes and still I have passion to do it and maybe more than ever. I want to try to be together and do a good season
"We have every three days a game so we don’t have much time to think about it. I try to see every day (football director) Txiki (Begristain)and (chief executive) Ferran (Soriano) and I speak every week with Khaldoon.
"When it is going to happen, it is going to happen. Now we have other issues. The organisation is so strong in all departments. It will not be a problem for the club to do what we have to do in the future."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-09-20--Pep Guardiola reveals new Man City captain

Fernandinho has been elected as new Manchester City captain by the rest of the squad and backroom staff .
The Brazil international , who was handed a one-year contract extension after impressing as a stand-in centre back last season , has inherited the armband from the departed David Silva .
The 35-year-old was picked out by his teammates after last season being one of the “ assistant ” captains , along with Sergio Aguero and Kevin De Bruyne .
Fernandinho could start as City kick-off the new Premier League season at Wolves , with Aymeric Laporte out injured – he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last season .
He was on-field captain in the absence of Silva last season but now has the job full time .
Silva was hardly a fist-pumping , inspirational , demonstrative leader , like his predecessor Vincent Kompany , preferring to quietly lead by example , and Guardiola expects Fernandinho to be similar .
“ He will be good , as he always has done since I met him , ” said the manager after revealing the identity of the new skipper .
“ Sometimes I have captains , it doesn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first captain , he is always a guy who leads in the bad moments .
“ We decided in the locker room - the players , the backroom staff - we decided that Fernandinho is captain and I am more than delighted with that.
” In recent years , City have had a group of five senior players acting as captains , with a set hierarchy .
It is not clear whether that number remains the same , or whether it is now down to Fernandinho , Aguero and De Bruyne .

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Fernandinho has been elected as new Manchester City captain by the rest of the squad and backroom staff.
The Brazil international, who was handed a one-year contract extension after impressing as a stand-in centre back last season, has inherited the armband from the departed David Silva.
The 35-year-old was picked out by his teammates after last season being one of the “assistant” captains, along with Sergio Aguero and Kevin De Bruyne.
Fernandinho could start as City kick-off the new Premier League season at Wolves, with Aymeric Laporte out injured – he was first choice in the same circumstance last season.
He was on-field captain in the absence of Silva last season but now has the job full time.
Silva was hardly a fist-pumping, inspirational, demonstrative leader, like his predecessor Vincent Kompany, preferring to quietly lead by example, and Guardiola expects Fernandinho to be similar.
“He will be good, as he always has done since I met him,” said the manager after revealing the identity of the new skipper.
“Sometimes I have captains, it doesn’t matter with the armband, being the first captain, he is always a guy who leads in the bad moments.
“We decided in the locker room - the players, the backroom staff - we decided that Fernandinho is captain and I am more than delighted with that.”
In recent years, City have had a group of five senior players acting as captains, with a set hierarchy.
It is not clear whether that number remains the same, or whether it is now down to Fernandinho, Aguero and De Bruyne.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-09-20--M62 shuts in both directions as two injured in 'serious collision'

The M62 was closed in both directions today to allow for an air ambulance to land following a police incident .
The carriageway was shut in both directions between junction 11 for Birchwood Way ( Birchwood ) and junction 10 for Croft Interchange just before midday .
The incident was a 'serious collision ' involving two cars , police said .
Two men suffered minor injuries and were taken to hospital as a precaution .
North West Motorway Police tweeted about the incident at around 11.45pm .
The tweet said : `` RTC J11-10 M62 WB lanes are blocked .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` RTC J11-10 M62 air ambulance attending so both carriageways will be closed . ''
Photos from traffic cameras show a number of emergency service vehicles at the scene .
Police cars and a fire engines were in attendance .
Traffic website Inrix has posted about the incident , saying : `` All traffic being temporarily held and stationary traffic due to accident on M62 Westbound between J11 A574 Birchwood Way ( Birchwood ) and M62 J10 / A574 ( Croft Interchange ) Croft Interchange .
`` All traffic being temporarily held @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you live updates below .

The M62 was closed in both directions today to allow for an air ambulance to land following a police incident.
The carriageway was shut in both directions between junction 11 for Birchwood Way (Birchwood) and junction 10 for Croft Interchange just before midday.
The incident was a 'serious collision' involving two cars, police said. Two men suffered minor injuries and were taken to hospital as a precaution.
The motorway fully reopened at 1pm.
North West Motorway Police tweeted about the incident at around 11.45pm.
The tweet said: "RTC J11-10 M62 WB lanes are blocked."
They then tweeted an update saying: "RTC J11-10 M62 air ambulance attending so both carriageways will be closed."
Photos from traffic cameras show a number of emergency service vehicles at the scene.
Police cars and a fire engines were in attendance.
Traffic website Inrix has posted about the incident, saying: "All traffic being temporarily held and stationary traffic due to accident on M62 Westbound between J11 A574 Birchwood Way (Birchwood) and M62 J10 / A574 (Croft Interchange) Croft Interchange.
"All traffic being temporarily held around 11.45am."
We will bring you live updates below.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-09-20--Pensioner sent home from op as Covid test result didn't come back

Hospital bosses have apologised after a pensioner was sent home from a planned operation because his coronavirus test had not come back in time .
Stepping Hill Hospital admitted that coronavirus test results for several patients had not been returned in time for their planned procedures on Wednesday ( September 16 ) .
Stockport NHS Foundation Trust - which runs the hospital - has apologised .
But bosses said swabbing patients to check for the virus prior to operations is essential and it ’ s “ appropriate ” to postpone procedures if test results do not come back in time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is not naming - was due to undergo a procedure to rectify a painful hernia on Wednesday .
The 71-year-old self-isolated at home with his wife for two weeks prior to the operation and had a Covid-19 test on Monday ahead of his operation .
He was told if he didn ’ t hear back about the test , he should assume it was negative and he could go ahead with the operation .
But after a four hour wait on Wednesday morning , the pensioner was sent home .
His son has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ farce ” .
Writing to the M.E.N that day , he explained that his father ’ s hernia operation had been delayed for some time .
“ He and my mother have been isolating for the last two weeks in preparation for the operation , ” he wrote .
“ He had a Covid test on Monday , which he had to walk to - kind of painful with a hernia .
“ He was told if he didn ’ t hear back , it meant all was ok and to turn up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 7.30am , the operation would be sometime today and he ’ d be home by the evening .
“ He has now been sent home after waiting there for four or five hours , not having eaten in some time ( as requested ) as they have lost his and the other four people in the waiting room 's Covid test results.
” Describing the situation as “ utter farce ” he added : “ He 's now told to carry on isolating and 'hopefully ' they ’ ll book in again the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ means others miss out and a further test with possibility of issues .
“ He 's incurred the stress , the isolation , the time wasted and lack of food today and the hospital has presumably wasted money on an empty theatre for him , the other patients and the surgeon.
” A Stockport NHS Foundation Trust spokesperson said : “ Swabbing patients prior to a procedure is essential to ensure the safety of all of our patients and staff and where test results do not come back in time it is appropriate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ We appreciate the inconvenience and frustration this causes and apologise profusely to any patient whose procedure is delayed.
” The family 's experience is the latest example of problems with coronavirus testing across Greater Manchester and England .
This week , Nick Holden branded the system “ chaotic ” after witnessing dozens of cars being turned away from a testing centre in Bolton .
Meanwhile in Bury , dozens of people were pictured queuing up for tests at the Mosses Centre .
Last week the Department of Health and Social Care admitted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrongly sent a man with coronavirus symptoms to two closed testing centre .
Health chiefs have urged people with symptoms to stay away from Greater Manchester ’ s GP surgeries and A & E departments after reports that more than 100 people turned up to Royal Bolton Hospital 's emergency department requesting tests .
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said there has been a spike in demand in recent weeks and only people with symptoms should be requesting a test .
“ NHS Test and Trace is providing tests at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on average over the last week – with the vast majority of people getting tested within 6 miles of their home , '' they added .

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Hospital bosses have apologised after a pensioner was sent home from a planned operation because his coronavirus test had not come back in time.
Stepping Hill Hospital admitted that coronavirus test results for several patients had not been returned in time for their planned procedures on Wednesday (September 16).
Stockport NHS Foundation Trust - which runs the hospital - has apologised.
But bosses said swabbing patients to check for the virus prior to operations is essential and it’s “appropriate” to postpone procedures if test results do not come back in time.
One septuagenarian - who the M.E.N is not naming - was due to undergo a procedure to rectify a painful hernia on Wednesday.
(Image: MEN)
The 71-year-old self-isolated at home with his wife for two weeks prior to the operation and had a Covid-19 test on Monday ahead of his operation.
He was told if he didn’t hear back about the test, he should assume it was negative and he could go ahead with the operation.
But after a four hour wait on Wednesday morning, the pensioner was sent home.
His son has branded the whole experience as “utter farce”.
Writing to the M.E.N that day, he explained that his father’s hernia operation had been delayed for some time.
“He and my mother have been isolating for the last two weeks in preparation for the operation,” he wrote.
“He had a Covid test on Monday, which he had to walk to - kind of painful with a hernia.
(Image: PA)
“He was told if he didn’t hear back, it meant all was ok and to turn up for the operation today, Weds at 7.30am, the operation would be sometime today and he’d be home by the evening.
“He has now been sent home after waiting there for four or five hours, not having eaten in some time (as requested) as they have lost his and the other four people in the waiting room's Covid test results.”
Describing the situation as “utter farce” he added: “He's now told to carry on isolating and 'hopefully' they’ll book in again the next two weeks - but presumably it means others miss out and a further test with possibility of issues.
“He's incurred the stress, the isolation, the time wasted and lack of food today and the hospital has presumably wasted money on an empty theatre for him, the other patients and the surgeon.”
A Stockport NHS Foundation Trust spokesperson said: “Swabbing patients prior to a procedure is essential to ensure the safety of all of our patients and staff and where test results do not come back in time it is appropriate to postpone and reschedule any procedures.
“We appreciate the inconvenience and frustration this causes and apologise profusely to any patient whose procedure is delayed.”
The family's experience is the latest example of problems with coronavirus testing across Greater Manchester and England.
This week, Nick Holden branded the system “chaotic” after witnessing dozens of cars being turned away from a testing centre in Bolton.
Meanwhile in Bury, dozens of people were pictured queuing up for tests at the Mosses Centre.
Last week the Department of Health and Social Care admitted that the government's booking website had wrongly sent a man with coronavirus symptoms to two closed testing centre.
Health chiefs have urged people with symptoms to stay away from Greater Manchester’s GP surgeries and A&E departments after reports that more than 100 people turned up to Royal Bolton Hospital's emergency department requesting tests.
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said there has been a spike in demand in recent weeks and only people with symptoms should be requesting a test.
“NHS Test and Trace is providing tests at an unprecedented scale – 200,000 a day on average over the last week – with the vast majority of people getting tested within 6 miles of their home," they added.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-09-20--Palace defeat, transfers and what's next - your Man United questions answered

Manchester 's United 's Premier League season could hardly have got off to a worse start as they were beaten 3-1 by Crystal Palace at Old Trafford .
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer 's Reds looked well off the pace against a fit and hungry Palace side who were well deserving of the three points , and the performance has already cast doubt on whether the current United squad can truly challenge for top honours this season .
Meanwhile , the transfer window remains open for a few more weeks , and the pressure is on for United to bring in more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 5 .
You can ask our senior football writer Tyrone about the new season , the latest transfer reports and more in our latest Q & A webchat .
All you have to do in order to get involved is sign up to submit your question , register your details , and you can then take part in the discussion with other fans and with Tyrone when he joins in from around 2pm today .
You can also sign up by clicking on the silhouette on the top right-hand corner of the screen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the chat box above is not displaying correctly , try this link instead .

newsdesk@men-news.co.uk (Lee Swettenham, Tyrone Marshall)

Manchester's United's Premier League season could hardly have got off to a worse start as they were beaten 3-1 by Crystal Palace at Old Trafford.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's Reds looked well off the pace against a fit and hungry Palace side who were well deserving of the three points, and the performance has already cast doubt on whether the current United squad can truly challenge for top honours this season.
Meanwhile, the transfer window remains open for a few more weeks, and the pressure is on for United to bring in more new blood before the deadline on October 5.
You can ask our senior football writer Tyrone about the new season, the latest transfer reports and more in our latest Q&A webchat.
All you have to do in order to get involved is sign up to submit your question, register your details, and you can then take part in the discussion with other fans and with Tyrone when he joins in from around 2pm today.
You can also sign up by clicking on the silhouette on the top right-hand corner of the screen next to the magnifying glass.
*If the chat box above is not displaying correctly, try this link instead.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-09-20--Formation, Hickman, taking chances - Talking points from Bolton vs Colchester

In the opening three games of the season in all competitions , Bolton Wanderers have lined up in a 3-4-1-2 formation .
But that changed in the defeat against Colchester United where Ian Evatt named a Wanderers side which took to the field in a 4-2-3-1 .
It meant Gethin Jones and Liam Gordon playing as full-backs rather than wing-backs , with Nathan Delfouenso pushed out to the left wing and Jak Hickman out on the right .
And the different formation seemed to suit Wanderers better and the performance was a large improvement on last weekend 's poor showing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end result , Evatt noted the change appeared to suit his side a lot more and it could be a blueprint for how Wanderers line up in the future .
Hickman made his Bolton debut earlier this month against Crewe Alexandra in the EFL Trophy and caught the eye with an energetic performance at right wing-back .
He made his EFL debut yesterday against the U 's and was deployed in a more attacking position on the right hand side , with Jones behind him and taking more of the defensive duties .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ was a position which appeared to suit Hickman , who linked up well with Jones on the right flank and put in several crosses and caused problems for the Colchester defence until he was replaced by Finlay Lockett .
The former Coventry City man was among , if not the , best players on the pitch for Wanderers at the Jobserve Community Stadium and was a positive to take despite the defeat .
Despite the change in formation making Wanderers look better overall , it proved to be lapses in concentration defensively which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had most of the better opportunities in the first half in Essex , but trailed at the break after Tom Eastman was left unmarked at the back post to head home after a corner was nodded on .
For the second goal , Jevani Brown broke clear of the Wanderers rearguard and goalkeeper Billy Crellin , who has overall had a positive start to his Bolton career , was left in no man 's land and was chipped as the U 's sealed the points .
As has been the case in previous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'switched off ' in the words of Evatt and it 's costing Wanderers dearly at this moment in time and needs to be addressed .
At the other end of the pitch , Wanderers had chances throughout the game , the standout ones being when Ali Crawford hit the post in the first half and Eoin Doyle fired straight at Dean Gerken after the break .
Wanderers dominated possession against the U 's with the statistics showing they had 64 % of the ball against Colchester , something Evatt acknowledged Bolton managed against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ side .
In the shots tally however , matters were even between the two sides with 11 for the hosts and 10 for Wanderers .
Of these , Colchester had three on target and Bolton had two , but the U 's were clinical with theirs and it proved to be decisive .

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Formation change suited Wanderers
In the opening three games of the season in all competitions, Bolton Wanderers have lined up in a 3-4-1-2 formation.
But that changed in the defeat against Colchester United where Ian Evatt named a Wanderers side which took to the field in a 4-2-3-1.
It meant Gethin Jones and Liam Gordon playing as full-backs rather than wing-backs, with Nathan Delfouenso pushed out to the left wing and Jak Hickman out on the right.
And the different formation seemed to suit Wanderers better and the performance was a large improvement on last weekend's poor showing against Forest Green Rovers.
Despite the end result, Evatt noted the change appeared to suit his side a lot more and it could be a blueprint for how Wanderers line up in the future.
Hickman impresses again
Hickman made his Bolton debut earlier this month against Crewe Alexandra in the EFL Trophy and caught the eye with an energetic performance at right wing-back.
He made his EFL debut yesterday against the U's and was deployed in a more attacking position on the right hand side, with Jones behind him and taking more of the defensive duties.
Allied to the formation change, it was a position which appeared to suit Hickman, who linked up well with Jones on the right flank and put in several crosses and caused problems for the Colchester defence until he was replaced by Finlay Lockett.
The former Coventry City man was among, if not the, best players on the pitch for Wanderers at the Jobserve Community Stadium and was a positive to take despite the defeat.
Defensive lapses costing Wanderers dearly
Despite the change in formation making Wanderers look better overall, it proved to be lapses in concentration defensively which proved to be their downfall.
Wanderers had most of the better opportunities in the first half in Essex, but trailed at the break after Tom Eastman was left unmarked at the back post to head home after a corner was nodded on.
For the second goal, Jevani Brown broke clear of the Wanderers rearguard and goalkeeper Billy Crellin, who has overall had a positive start to his Bolton career, was left in no man's land and was chipped as the U's sealed the points.
As has been the case in previous games, Bolton conceded goals where they 'switched off' in the words of Evatt and it's costing Wanderers dearly at this moment in time and needs to be addressed.
Difference in finishing proves decisive
At the other end of the pitch, Wanderers had chances throughout the game, the standout ones being when Ali Crawford hit the post in the first half and Eoin Doyle fired straight at Dean Gerken after the break.
Wanderers dominated possession against the U's with the statistics showing they had 64% of the ball against Colchester, something Evatt acknowledged Bolton managed against a possession based team in the Essex side.
My Bolton Wanderers on social media My Bolton Wanderers provides news about the Whites from the Manchester Evening News. We have set up social media accounts on Facebook and Twitter which you can follow and where the latest articles will be posted to.
In the shots tally however, matters were even between the two sides with 11 for the hosts and 10 for Wanderers.
Of these, Colchester had three on target and Bolton had two, but the U's were clinical with theirs and it proved to be decisive.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-09-20--Everton are embarrassing Manchester United in the transfer window

We might only be one game into the new Premier League season , but already some Manchester United fans will be begging for the misery to end .
United 's dismal defeat against Crystal Palace on Saturday evening was just about as bad as things have gotten since Sir Alex Ferguson left , as Roy Hodgson 's side strutted up to Old Trafford and comfortably swept away a team which has n't addressed any of the essential repairs which are so apparent to see .
Donny van de Beek was the one highlight on an encouraging debut , but his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be further evidence of the clear need for investment before transfer deadline day next month .
Prior to the match Ed Woodward used his programme notes to warn of 'the most extraordinarily challenging time for everyone in football ' as part-excuse for United 's inability to recruit in the summer transfer window .
It simply does n't cut it when their traditional rivals , and others down the pecking order have done so with comparative ease .
Perhaps the most damning of them all is at Goodison Park , where an Everton side @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last season has been reinforced by three quality midfield additions in the summer window .
An opening day win over Tottenham not only saw Ancelotti outsmart Jose Mourinho , but it sent a genuine warning to the rest of the Premier League about their lofty ambitions for the season ahead .
Saturday 's thumping of West Brom did n't come without some concerns at the back , but it did reinforce their clear change in approach and the wonders of what backing a manager in the summer transfer window can do .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Owen Hargreaves remarked after their win over West Brom earlier in the day .
`` They are the real deal . ''
Fittingly it 's their Real Madrid deal which has inspired such a change in fortunes , with an excellent piece of recruitment bringing with it immediate results .
`` I think it is important not to get carried away , '' hat-trick hero Dominic Calvert-Lewin warned after the win , but after two impressive wins the expectations will only continue to grow from those outside the club .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if Everton were to force their way into the Premier League top-four this season , but their early season form should be a warning to United about the improving quality all around them in the Premier League .
One year ago United were good value for their eventual third-place finish , but it came with the caveat of an overall poor top-flight season which saw them finish ahead of teams also in transition .
Chelsea were adapting to life under a new manager , while Everton , Arsenal and Tottenham all changed managers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aware that a positive start to a new season counts for little , and last season they themselves managed to overturn their own worst start in nearly 40 years to eventually achieve their target of Champions League qualification .
Now they need to do it again .
However , such a lapse in concentration seems like it will already be costlier this campaign given the excellent recruitment from the chasing pack .
James Rodriguez , Allan and Abodoulaye Doucoure have added silk and steel to an Everton side previously lacking star quality , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wolves and two excellent additions at Tottenham .
This season United 's challenge is not only to close the gap on Man City and Liverpool but they must find the consistency to finish above Chelsea , Arsenal , Tottenham , Wolves , Leicester and now Everton .
With just over two weeks left to recruit new players the recent result only further emphasise the clear necessity for further arrivals at United this season .
Every squad will be tested to the limits given the packed fixture schedule , now it is down to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ signings needed to ensure he can actually achieve the targets set for him .

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We might only be one game into the new Premier League season, but already some Manchester United fans will be begging for the misery to end.
United's dismal defeat against Crystal Palace on Saturday evening was just about as bad as things have gotten since Sir Alex Ferguson left, as Roy Hodgson's side strutted up to Old Trafford and comfortably swept away a team which hasn't addressed any of the essential repairs which are so apparent to see.
Donny van de Beek was the one highlight on an encouraging debut, but his energy and desire to win should only be further evidence of the clear need for investment before transfer deadline day next month.
Prior to the match Ed Woodward used his programme notes to warn of 'the most extraordinarily challenging time for everyone in football' as part-excuse for United's inability to recruit in the summer transfer window. It simply doesn't cut it when their traditional rivals, and others down the pecking order have done so with comparative ease.
Perhaps the most damning of them all is at Goodison Park, where an Everton side which had found stability under Carlo Ancelotti last season has been reinforced by three quality midfield additions in the summer window.
An opening day win over Tottenham not only saw Ancelotti outsmart Jose Mourinho, but it sent a genuine warning to the rest of the Premier League about their lofty ambitions for the season ahead. Saturday's thumping of West Brom didn't come without some concerns at the back, but it did reinforce their clear change in approach and the wonders of what backing a manager in the summer transfer window can do.
"This Everton are going to go places," Owen Hargreaves remarked after their win over West Brom earlier in the day. "They are the real deal." Fittingly it's their Real Madrid deal which has inspired such a change in fortunes, with an excellent piece of recruitment bringing with it immediate results.
"I think it is important not to get carried away," hat-trick hero Dominic Calvert-Lewin warned after the win, but after two impressive wins the expectations will only continue to grow from those outside the club.
It would still be something of a shock if Everton were to force their way into the Premier League top-four this season, but their early season form should be a warning to United about the improving quality all around them in the Premier League.
One year ago United were good value for their eventual third-place finish, but it came with the caveat of an overall poor top-flight season which saw them finish ahead of teams also in transition. Chelsea were adapting to life under a new manager, while Everton, Arsenal and Tottenham all changed managers during the campaign.
United are well aware that a positive start to a new season counts for little, and last season they themselves managed to overturn their own worst start in nearly 40 years to eventually achieve their target of Champions League qualification. Now they need to do it again.
Sign up to our free MUFC email newsletter Get the latest breaking Manchester United transfer news and analysis every day direct to your inbox with our free MUFC newsletter Sign up here - it only takes a few seconds.
However, such a lapse in concentration seems like it will already be costlier this campaign given the excellent recruitment from the chasing pack. James Rodriguez, Allan and Abodoulaye Doucoure have added silk and steel to an Everton side previously lacking star quality, while there has been steady improvement at Wolves and two excellent additions at Tottenham.
This season United's challenge is not only to close the gap on Man City and Liverpool but they must find the consistency to finish above Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham, Wolves, Leicester and now Everton.
With just over two weeks left to recruit new players the recent result only further emphasise the clear necessity for further arrivals at United this season. Every squad will be tested to the limits given the packed fixture schedule, now it is down to the board to back Solskjaer with the signings needed to ensure he can actually achieve the targets set for him.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-09-20--Headteachers share frustrations as thousands of pupils now self-isolating

Headteachers in Greater Manchester have shared their frustrations at having to send pupils home amid the ongoing pandemic .
Following months of planning to get children back in the classrooms for the new academic year , it 's come as a huge blow for many to have to send classes and even entire year groups home .
The Manchester Evening News has been keeping an up-to-date list of the schools impacted by closures and more and more positive cases are being confirmed each day .
It 's been far from easy for schools to manage what many are saying was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ large numbers .
The struggling testing system has n't helped , with children and staff unable to access tests , leaving schools in limbo and at risk of close contacts transmitting the virus within their bubbles .
Some , like Clarendon Road Primary School in Eccles , have isolated bubbles based on suspected cases , rather than waiting for positive results - sending home children in Years 3 and 4 .
In a message to parents headteacher Rachel Gallagher said : `` The decision to close this bubble was not taken lightly and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the Public Health Team and local authority based on the high proportion of suspected cases within one bubble .
`` Testing was extremely limited and therefore we could n't get definite answers quickly enough . ''
A parent of a child in Year 6 at the school says schools should be given priority for testing .
She told us : `` Children have suffered enough this year with lack of education and lack of routine .
We need to free up spaces for people to be tested , or do we not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the head of the 1,600-pupil St Mary 's Catholic High School in Astley , Wigan , where students in Years 10 and 11 are isolating after a number of positive cases .
He said : `` It is a really difficult decision to send an entire year group home and we followed all avenues of contact tracing as per PHE guidelines before making the decision .
`` However there comes a tipping point where the common meeting place for 250 plus young people in each year group is the school and that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stop them physically coming into school and teach the children virtually by Zoom lessons .
`` It is undoubtedly very frustrating especially when the children had come back to school eager to learn , enthusiastic and grateful to be receiving an education and enjoying being with the teachers and friends .
It is incumbent upon us as school leaders to make sure the impact on the children ’ s education is minimised as much as possible . ''
They have also experienced problems with the testing system - hindered by the fact that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that they 'd been told to look out for .
`` There have been a number of problems with this in a couple of different ways . ''
he said .
`` There is obviously a significant amount of pressure on the testing system and this is leading in some cases to delays in results and/or access to tests .
Parents and staff are becoming really frustrated with not being able to get a test .
`` If someone is positive and there is a delay , it means that their close contacts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concern is that the majority of our pupils who have been tested positive have had different symptoms to the three main symptoms of Coronavirus .
Our students have tended to experience sore throats , dizziness and upset stomach .
`` This has meant that accessing testing has been problematic as the symptoms don ’ t match the established criteria and parents have been unable to get their children tested .
Having said this , Wigan Local Authority has been very supportive in providing additional testing for us . ''
Manchester Communication Academy ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been sent home following positive cases in Year 8 and Year 11 bubbles .
Testing is having an impact there too .
Executive principal John Rowlands said : `` There appears to be a growing issue with a lack of testing for those with potential Covid symptoms , as such , there is a gradual increase in the number of staff and students who are either waiting for a test or waiting for a result at home which presents logistical challenges each day across our community . ''
He added : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is improved rapidly so that we can deliver the continuity of education that our children deserve and also support our parents and carers more effectively in their own work commitments . ''
Like most schools , both St Mary 's and MCA are determined to minimise the impact of self-isolation on children 's education .
Quarantined students are following their usual timetables from home , with virtual lessons taught by their teachers and pupils submitting their work electronically .
`` This is still early days and we are seeing staff and students really @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' said Mr Dawson .
`` In addition for students in Year 11 we have extended the school day so they have an additional period of learning for each subject over a fortnight .
`` We ’ ve also been using Zoom when a teacher has to isolate , but they are still physically well themselves .
They have been teaching the lesson from home which is streamed into the classroom and pupils have access to their lessons in that way . ''
There is , however , growing concern over what will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already teachers and unions have been calling on the government to scrap them , saying there 'can never be a level playing field ' when some pupils will have spent time isolating and others wo n't .
Mr Rowlands said : `` The situation is having a significant impact on all schools and therefore clarity around assessment and exams next summer in both primary and secondary schools is required urgently . ''
Steve Chalke , founder of the Oasis trust , is among those calling for an 'exams rethink ' from the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exams for next summer ' , he says the government needs to 'come up with a credible , fail-safe and equitable way of analysing the progress of students ' - and make schools aware of that plan now to avoid the 'chaos ' that ensued last month .
Mr Chalke , whose trust runs 52 academies including the likes of Oasis MediaCityUK and Oasis Academy Oldham - which both have pupils self-isolating - also believes that while successful mass testing is the ideal for everyone , at the moment it 's simply ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should think more strategically to deliver ' a stable , deliverable and failsafe plan ' for the long term .
Schools should have a set rota system to have half the children in at any one time and the others learning from home , he says .
`` In reality , as more and more year groups are sent home , we already have a rotation system by default - it is simply that we are not in control of it , '' he said .
`` No one doubts that face-to-face learning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one doubts that getting children back into school buildings is part-and-parcel of the push to get the economy back up and running .
But , the point is that keeping quality full-time education up and running is a different matter .
`` A school is a learning community , not a building .
Full-time education , therefore , does not require all students to be in the same building at the same time .
`` We need to invest in and sanction a creative , full-time learning approach that is not dependant on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at home .
And we must support this with government ’ s long promised but , as yet , not delivered digital access and resources for every student .
`` Oasis has already made that move – we have a plan in place - but if the government is really committed to full-time education for all , it has to do exactly the same on a national scale . ''
How has sending your child back to school been for you so far ?
Let us know in the survey below .
If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Chalke says schools can cope with 'Hands ' and 'Face ' - many have invested in visors and masks - but the problem is that 'Space defeats us all ' and schools ca n't magic up extra buildings .
To help with home learning , he 's also calling for a boost in the Pupil Premium , the amount of funding schools get for disadvantaged pupils .
`` Oasis serves three times the national average of disadvantaged children .
We , and many other schools like us , need government thought and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now , '' he said .
`` Only this will equip schools with the tools needed to address the root causes of the disadvantage gap rather than plastering over systemic issues that will keep reemerging but for lack of an intelligent and courageous , long-term strategy . ''
The head of Clarendon Road Primary did not want to comment on the testing system .
However , the teachers ' union NASUWT has described it as 'completely inadequate ' .
Rachel Knight , national executive member for Greater Manchester NASUWT , said : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ symptoms are self-isolating , but are unable to access tests , staffing is becoming depleted and potentially there are staff and pupils still in school who have been in contact with a case but will not be made aware and told to isolate until a positive test result is obtained .
`` We are receiving phonecalls from teachers who are following the DfE guidance to the letter and self-isolating if they have symptoms .
Our members are then very clear that they should get tested immediately but are unable to get a test @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no tests are available and some are told that tests are miles away .
`` The teacher can not return until they have a negative test result and they are angry and frustrated at not being able to get one quickly , meaning that they are unable to attend work , and , while self-isolating , are also unable to carry out their personal commitments such as taking their own children to school or picking them up .
`` Teachers are also dealing with the impact of the testing failure when it comes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who are having to send pupils home to wait for tests . ''
She said that teachers 'want to be in work and remain in work ' , and they want their own children to as well , but 'this failing and collapsing test and trace system is jeopardising that for everyone ' .
Salford council leaders have also spoken out saying the 'grossly inadequate system ' needs sorting out .
Councillor John Merry , deputy city mayor and lead member for children ’ s and young people ’ s services at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I completely share the frustration in our communities about the testing shambles and can assure residents that collectively Greater Manchester leaders are pressing the government extremely hard to expand testing provision , to prioritise Greater Manchester given that we ’ re seeing sustained transmission of Covid-19 and to sort out the clearly grossly inadequate system that government has put in place .
“ It is because of the national situation that Salford has agreed to be part of the national early adopter programme for saliva-based community testing .
I strongly believe that freely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ways forward to getting back some of the city ’ s economic , social and educational activities.
” A Government spokesperson said : “ The latest official statistics show that 99.9 % of schools are open with the vast majority of pupils attending .
“ Where staff or children have symptoms of Covid-19 , testing capacity is the highest it has ever been , and we are working to provide further priority access for teachers .
“ Schools only need to identify close contacts and ask them to self-isolate if and when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ test result .
Close contacts of confirmed cases must follow the full 14 day self-isolation period and should only seek a test if they have symptoms .
”

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Headteachers in Greater Manchester have shared their frustrations at having to send pupils home amid the ongoing pandemic.
Following months of planning to get children back in the classrooms for the new academic year, it's come as a huge blow for many to have to send classes and even entire year groups home.
The Manchester Evening News has been keeping an up-to-date list of the schools impacted by closures and more and more positive cases are being confirmed each day.
It's been far from easy for schools to manage what many are saying was an inevitable outcome of pupils returning in large numbers.
The struggling testing system hasn't helped, with children and staff unable to access tests, leaving schools in limbo and at risk of close contacts transmitting the virus within their bubbles.
Some, like Clarendon Road Primary School in Eccles, have isolated bubbles based on suspected cases, rather than waiting for positive results - sending home children in Years 3 and 4.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
In a message to parents headteacher Rachel Gallagher said: "The decision to close this bubble was not taken lightly and was made through completing a risk assessment with the Public Health Team and local authority based on the high proportion of suspected cases within one bubble.
"Testing was extremely limited and therefore we couldn't get definite answers quickly enough."
A parent of a child in Year 6 at the school says schools should be given priority for testing.
She told us: "Children have suffered enough this year with lack of education and lack of routine. We need to free up spaces for people to be tested, or do we not matter anymore?"
Headteachers say they share parents' concerns.
Andrew Dawson is the head of the 1,600-pupil St Mary's Catholic High School in Astley, Wigan, where students in Years 10 and 11 are isolating after a number of positive cases.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
He said: "It is a really difficult decision to send an entire year group home and we followed all avenues of contact tracing as per PHE guidelines before making the decision.
"However there comes a tipping point where the common meeting place for 250 plus young people in each year group is the school and that the best way to prevent transmission is to stop them physically coming into school and teach the children virtually by Zoom lessons.
"It is undoubtedly very frustrating especially when the children had come back to school eager to learn, enthusiastic and grateful to be receiving an education and enjoying being with the teachers and friends. It is incumbent upon us as school leaders to make sure the impact on the children’s education is minimised as much as possible."
They have also experienced problems with the testing system - hindered by the fact that students didn't have the typical symptoms that they'd been told to look out for.
"There have been a number of problems with this in a couple of different ways." he said. "There is obviously a significant amount of pressure on the testing system and this is leading in some cases to delays in results and/or access to tests. Parents and staff are becoming really frustrated with not being able to get a test.
"If someone is positive and there is a delay, it means that their close contacts are in school longer.
"Another concern is that the majority of our pupils who have been tested positive have had different symptoms to the three main symptoms of Coronavirus. Our students have tended to experience sore throats, dizziness and upset stomach.
"This has meant that accessing testing has been problematic as the symptoms don’t match the established criteria and parents have been unable to get their children tested. Having said this, Wigan Local Authority has been very supportive in providing additional testing for us."
(Image: Google Maps)
Manchester Communication Academy (MCA) is another school where students have been sent home following positive cases in Year 8 and Year 11 bubbles. Testing is having an impact there too.
Executive principal John Rowlands said: "There appears to be a growing issue with a lack of testing for those with potential Covid symptoms, as such, there is a gradual increase in the number of staff and students who are either waiting for a test or waiting for a result at home which presents logistical challenges each day across our community."
He added: "It is essential that the testing system is improved rapidly so that we can deliver the continuity of education that our children deserve and also support our parents and carers more effectively in their own work commitments."
Like most schools, both St Mary's and MCA are determined to minimise the impact of self-isolation on children's education.
Quarantined students are following their usual timetables from home, with virtual lessons taught by their teachers and pupils submitting their work electronically.
"This is still early days and we are seeing staff and students really pulling together to ensure minimum disruption." said Mr Dawson. "In addition for students in Year 11 we have extended the school day so they have an additional period of learning for each subject over a fortnight.
"We’ve also been using Zoom when a teacher has to isolate, but they are still physically well themselves. They have been teaching the lesson from home which is streamed into the classroom and pupils have access to their lessons in that way."
There is, however, growing concern over what will happen to next year's exams and already teachers and unions have been calling on the government to scrap them, saying there 'can never be a level playing field' when some pupils will have spent time isolating and others won't.
Mr Rowlands said: "The situation is having a significant impact on all schools and therefore clarity around assessment and exams next summer in both primary and secondary schools is required urgently."
Steve Chalke, founder of the Oasis trust, is among those calling for an 'exams rethink' from the government.
Instead of 'mindlessly pressing ahead with exams for next summer', he says the government needs to 'come up with a credible, fail-safe and equitable way of analysing the progress of students' - and make schools aware of that plan now to avoid the 'chaos' that ensued last month.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Mr Chalke, whose trust runs 52 academies including the likes of Oasis MediaCityUK and Oasis Academy Oldham - which both have pupils self-isolating - also believes that while successful mass testing is the ideal for everyone, at the moment it's simply 'a dream', and the government should think more strategically to deliver 'a stable, deliverable and failsafe plan' for the long term.
Schools should have a set rota system to have half the children in at any one time and the others learning from home, he says.
"In reality, as more and more year groups are sent home, we already have a rotation system by default - it is simply that we are not in control of it," he said.
"No one doubts that face-to-face learning is better than home learning. No one doubts that getting children back into school buildings is part-and-parcel of the push to get the economy back up and running. But, the point is that keeping quality full-time education up and running is a different matter.
"A school is a learning community, not a building. Full-time education, therefore, does not require all students to be in the same building at the same time.
"We need to invest in and sanction a creative, full-time learning approach that is not dependant on whether students are in the classroom or at home. And we must support this with government’s long promised but, as yet, not delivered digital access and resources for every student.
"Oasis has already made that move – we have a plan in place - but if the government is really committed to full-time education for all, it has to do exactly the same on a national scale."
How has sending your child back to school been for you so far? Let us know in the survey below. If it fails to load click here.
Mr Chalke says schools can cope with 'Hands' and 'Face' - many have invested in visors and masks - but the problem is that 'Space defeats us all' and schools can't magic up extra buildings.
To help with home learning, he's also calling for a boost in the Pupil Premium, the amount of funding schools get for disadvantaged pupils.
"Oasis serves three times the national average of disadvantaged children. We, and many other schools like us, need government thought and urgent action, and we need it now," he said.
"Only this will equip schools with the tools needed to address the root causes of the disadvantage gap rather than plastering over systemic issues that will keep reemerging but for lack of an intelligent and courageous, long-term strategy."
The head of Clarendon Road Primary did not want to comment on the testing system. However, the teachers' union NASUWT has described it as 'completely inadequate'.
(Image: Daily Mirror/Andy Stenning)
Rachel Knight, national executive member for Greater Manchester NASUWT, said: "As more staff and pupils who have symptoms are self-isolating, but are unable to access tests, staffing is becoming depleted and potentially there are staff and pupils still in school who have been in contact with a case but will not be made aware and told to isolate until a positive test result is obtained.
"We are receiving phonecalls from teachers who are following the DfE guidance to the letter and self-isolating if they have symptoms. Our members are then very clear that they should get tested immediately but are unable to get a test locally – some have been told that no tests are available and some are told that tests are miles away.
"The teacher cannot return until they have a negative test result and they are angry and frustrated at not being able to get one quickly, meaning that they are unable to attend work, and, while self-isolating, are also unable to carry out their personal commitments such as taking their own children to school or picking them up.
"Teachers are also dealing with the impact of the testing failure when it comes to their own children in other schools, who are having to send pupils home to wait for tests."
She said that teachers 'want to be in work and remain in work', and they want their own children to as well, but 'this failing and collapsing test and trace system is jeopardising that for everyone'.
Salford council leaders have also spoken out saying the 'grossly inadequate system' needs sorting out.
Councillor John Merry, deputy city mayor and lead member for children’s and young people’s services at Salford City Council, said: “I completely share the frustration in our communities about the testing shambles and can assure residents that collectively Greater Manchester leaders are pressing the government extremely hard to expand testing provision, to prioritise Greater Manchester given that we’re seeing sustained transmission of Covid-19 and to sort out the clearly grossly inadequate system that government has put in place.
“It is because of the national situation that Salford has agreed to be part of the national early adopter programme for saliva-based community testing. I strongly believe that freely available testing, tracing and containment are the ways forward to getting back some of the city’s economic, social and educational activities.”
A Government spokesperson said: “The latest official statistics show that 99.9% of schools are open with the vast majority of pupils attending.
“Where staff or children have symptoms of Covid-19, testing capacity is the highest it has ever been, and we are working to provide further priority access for teachers.
“Schools only need to identify close contacts and ask them to self-isolate if and when a case is confirmed from a positive test result. Close contacts of confirmed cases must follow the full 14 day self-isolation period and should only seek a test if they have symptoms.”


themanchestereveningnews--2020-09-20--Sir Keir Starmer on who should be 'at front of queue' for Covid tests

Sir Keir Starmer has urged ministers to put children “ at the front of the queue ” for coronavirus tests .
The Labour leader warned of a “ flood ” of school closures unless pupils were able to get the tests they needed .
His call came amid reports that 350 schools in England and Wales were forced to close completely or to send children home last week following positive Covid-19 tests .
In Greater Manchester , the number of schools to confirm Covid cases has now reached 177 - two schools have closed entirely .
Almost 800 pupils in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to isolate after confirmed coronavirus cases in the borough ’ s schools in the last two weeks .
Sir Keir said the move was essential so that schoolchildren do n't miss out on any more of their education as schooling has already been disrupted during lockdown .
A shortage of tests has meant that pupils have been unable to return to the classroom as they await results .
“ If the Prime Minister does not get a grip of the testing crisis , children will be robbed of an education .
We are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” he said .
“ The testing regime is not working , nor does it appreciate the unique challenges many families are having to cope with .
“ That is why I ’ m urging the Prime Minister , like our key workers , to put children at the front of the queue for testing .
To this week give parents a cast iron guarantee that they can get their child a test within 24 hours and the result back 24 hours later.
” His comments came at the start of Labour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place of the party ’ s annual conference , which was cancelled because of the pandemic .
Sir Keir is expected to use his keynote speech on Tuesday to set out his vision for Britain after Covid-19 and to explain how he intends to lead Labour back to power .
Speaking in an exclusive with The Mirror , Sir Keir said he will work with the Prime Minister to 'help save Christmas ' for the country .
He said : “ He has to act swiftly and decisively now to get infections under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ We were promised world-beating testing , but we haven ’ t even got a serviceable system .
“ It is astonishing that the Government didn ’ t anticipate that we would need to boost testing when children went back to school and people went back to work .
”

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Sir Keir Starmer has urged ministers to put children “at the front of the queue” for coronavirus tests.
The Labour leader warned of a “flood” of school closures unless pupils were able to get the tests they needed.
His call came amid reports that 350 schools in England and Wales were forced to close completely or to send children home last week following positive Covid-19 tests.
In Greater Manchester, the number of schools to confirm Covid cases has now reached 177 - two schools have closed entirely.
Almost 800 pupils in Tameside alone have been told they need to isolate after confirmed coronavirus cases in the borough’s schools in the last two weeks.
Sir Keir said the move was essential so that schoolchildren don't miss out on any more of their education as schooling has already been disrupted during lockdown.
A shortage of tests has meant that pupils have been unable to return to the classroom as they await results.
“If the Prime Minister does not get a grip of the testing crisis, children will be robbed of an education. We are seeing a growing flood of schools closures,” he said.
“The testing regime is not working, nor does it appreciate the unique challenges many families are having to cope with.
“That is why I’m urging the Prime Minister, like our key workers, to put children at the front of the queue for testing. To this week give parents a cast iron guarantee that they can get their child a test within 24 hours and the result back 24 hours later.”
His comments came at the start of Labour Connected – a four-day online event in place of the party’s annual conference, which was cancelled because of the pandemic.
Sir Keir is expected to use his keynote speech on Tuesday to set out his vision for Britain after Covid-19 and to explain how he intends to lead Labour back to power.
Speaking in an exclusive with The Mirror, Sir Keir said he will work with the Prime Minister to 'help save Christmas' for the country.
He said: “He has to act swiftly and decisively now to get infections under control so that Christmas is not lost.
“We were promised world-beating testing, but we haven’t even got a serviceable system.
“It is astonishing that the Government didn’t anticipate that we would need to boost testing when children went back to school and people went back to work.”


themanchestereveningnews--2020-09-20--Man City morning headlines with Wolves team news update

Here are your Manchester City morning headlines for Sunday , 20 September .
New signings Ake and Torres may start against Wolves Manchester City begin their 2020/2021 Premier League season at Wolverhampton Wanderers on Monday night .
And manager Pep Guardiola has given a few clues of which players will be available .
“ the footballing gods seem to be conspiring to hand Nathan Ake and Ferran Torres their Manchester City debuts ” .
And , with Sergio Aguero ruled out of the game – and possibly for as long as two months – Guardiola still has plenty of calls @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the loss of defender Aymeric Laporte is even more serious in terms of Monday ’ s match , while there are doubts over the availability of midfielders Riyad Mahrez and Bernardo Silva , which may mean a right-wing berth for Torres .
Why Doyle ’ s new deal is significant City youngster Tommy Doyle may not be the centre-back , forward or left-back that some Blues fans are desperate for , but his contract renewal is one of the more significant deals the club have done , Doyle has agreed a new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interest elsewhere in the talented young midfielder .
Bajkowski writes that it has become increasingly difficult to show a connection between the academy and the first team since the 2008 takeover , and especially since the arrival of Guardiola .
But , at only 18 , Doyle has stood out for a long time in the club ’ s academy .
He ’ s also played in England youth teams and caught the eye of boyhood hero Steven Gerrard a few years ago after a game against a Liverpool youth team .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supporters .

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Here are your Manchester City morning headlines for Sunday, 20 September.
New signings Ake and Torres may start against Wolves
Manchester City begin their 2020/2021 Premier League season at Wolverhampton Wanderers on Monday night.
And manager Pep Guardiola has given a few clues of which players will be available.
MEN Sport’s Stuart Brennan writes that “the footballing gods seem to be conspiring to hand Nathan Ake and Ferran Torres their Manchester City debuts”.
And, with Sergio Aguero ruled out of the game – and possibly for as long as two months – Guardiola still has plenty of calls to make.
Brennan also points out that the loss of defender Aymeric Laporte is even more serious in terms of Monday’s match, while there are doubts over the availability of midfielders Riyad Mahrez and Bernardo Silva, which may mean a right-wing berth for Torres.
Why Doyle’s new deal is significant
City youngster Tommy Doyle may not be the centre-back, forward or left-back that some Blues fans are desperate for, but his contract renewal is one of the more significant deals the club have done, according to MEN Sport’s Simon Bajkowski.
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Doyle has agreed a new five-year deal at the Etihad, despite interest elsewhere in the talented young midfielder.
Bajkowski writes that it has become increasingly difficult to show a connection between the academy and the first team since the 2008 takeover, and especially since the arrival of Guardiola.
But, at only 18, Doyle has stood out for a long time in the club’s academy. He’s also played in England youth teams and caught the eye of boyhood hero Steven Gerrard a few years ago after a game against a Liverpool youth team. He’s one to watch for City supporters.