themanchestereveningnews--2020-08-31--Jerome Boateng makes Lionel Messi to Man City transfer claim

Former Man City defender turned Bayern Munich star Jerome Boateng has offered his verdict on transfer links between Lionel Messi and the Blues .
Messi and Barcelona endured a tough 2019/20 season and the knock-on impact of that has been the Argentine forward 's desire to leave the Camp Nou .
Whilst Messi continued his goal-scoring exploits for the Spanish giants , netting 31 times in all competitions , Barcelona lost the battle for the La Liga title and were embarrassed in the Champions League quarter-finals thanks to a 8-2 hammering by Bayern Munich .
Messi has since demanded to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clause in his contract which allows him to do that at the end of the 2019/20 campaign .
That clause , however , expired in June , with the season end date delayed because of the coronavirus pandemic .
City are the favourites to sign Messi should he leave Spain , and Boateng feels that there would be no place better for the 33-year-old to be besides Barcelona. ''
Pep Guardiola and Messi have celebrated great successes together , which is why both sides know that their philosophies would fit together , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a further claim to make as he insisted that it was clear Messi and Barcelona were at odds with each other well before his side pulled off the aforementioned shock win in the Champions League .
`` You noticed in advance that there was drama between Messi and Barcelona , '' Boateng added .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get the latest City team news, transfer stories, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox - FREE
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get the latest City team news, transfer stories, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox - FREE
Former Man City defender turned Bayern Munich star Jerome Boateng has offered his verdict on transfer links between Lionel Messi and the Blues.
Messi and Barcelona endured a tough 2019/20 season and the knock-on impact of that has been the Argentine forward's desire to leave the Camp Nou.
Whilst Messi continued his goal-scoring exploits for the Spanish giants, netting 31 times in all competitions, Barcelona lost the battle for the La Liga title and were embarrassed in the Champions League quarter-finals thanks to a 8-2 hammering by Bayern Munich.
Messi has since demanded to leave on a free due to a clause in his contract which allows him to do that at the end of the 2019/20 campaign. That clause, however, expired in June, with the season end date delayed because of the coronavirus pandemic.
City are the favourites to sign Messi should he leave Spain, and Boateng feels that there would be no place better for the 33-year-old to be besides Barcelona.
" Pep Guardiola and Messi have celebrated great successes together, which is why both sides know that their philosophies would fit together," Boateng told Bild.
Boateng also had a further claim to make as he insisted that it was clear Messi and Barcelona were at odds with each other well before his side pulled off the aforementioned shock win in the Champions League.
"You noticed in advance that there was drama between Messi and Barcelona," Boateng added.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-08-31--Arturo Vidal explains why teammate Messi is struggling at Barcelona

Lionel Messi has been lacking support at Barcelona , with considerable change needed at the club to turn things around according to teammate Arturo Vidal .
Messi cut a forlorn figure as the La Liga runners-up were humiliated in their Champions League quarter-final at the hands of eventual winners Bayern Munich , who romped to an 8-2 win earlier this month .
The player has since decided his future lies away from the club , while the disappointing results have led to some questions over whether the best player in the world has lost some of his sparkle .
Such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who thinks that the 33-year-old and the other players have been let down by a lack of depth in the squad .
`` The last three years are not what a team like Barcelona deserves .
The best team in the world can not have 13 professional players and the rest youngsters .
You can not always win with DNA , '' he said in a Youtube interview .
`` All teams need to have 23 players to fight for the position to grow , to train better every day .
There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Messi is number one in the world , he is an alien but he also needs help . ''
The Chilean midfielder is one of a number whose future at Barcelona appears uncertain in the fallout of a disappointing campaign but he arrived for testing on Sunday to begin pre-season under new manager Ronald Koeman .
Messi was absent as his standoff with the club continues with Manchester City waiting .

Lionel Messi has been lacking support at Barcelona, with considerable change needed at the club to turn things around according to teammate Arturo Vidal.
Messi cut a forlorn figure as the La Liga runners-up were humiliated in their Champions League quarter-final at the hands of eventual winners Bayern Munich, who romped to an 8-2 win earlier this month. The player has since decided his future lies away from the club, while the disappointing results have led to some questions over whether the best player in the world has lost some of his sparkle.
Such a claim was refuted by teammate Vidal, who thinks that the 33-year-old and the other players have been let down by a lack of depth in the squad.
"The last three years are not what a team like Barcelona deserves. The best team in the world cannot have 13 professional players and the rest youngsters. You cannot always win with DNA," he said in a Youtube interview.
"All teams need to have 23 players to fight for the position to grow, to train better every day. There are clearly very good players: Leo Messi is number one in the world, he is an alien but he also needs help."
The Chilean midfielder is one of a number whose future at Barcelona appears uncertain in the fallout of a disappointing campaign but he arrived for testing on Sunday to begin pre-season under new manager Ronald Koeman. Messi was absent as his standoff with the club continues with Manchester City waiting.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-08-31--Manctopia: What to expect in episode three

It ’ s been an eye-opening series so far , but there ’ s still more to come from Manctopia : Billion Pound Property Boom .
And as we reach the third episode , there will be a lot more focus on Salford , with its City Mayor Paul Dennett taking centre stage to attempt to tackle some of Greater Manchester 's biggest issues .
This includes the desperate need for affordable housing , with controversial plans being outlined to save a much-loved derelict building .
While on the other side of the property coin , we see the inside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ boldest new developments .
Also , the show visits a disused doctor 's surgery where 15 residents , who are squatting in the building , are being threatened with eviction by owners .
If you ’ ve driven over the Mancunian Way any time over the last year or so , you ’ ll likely have seen the West Tower block .
In fact you wouldn ’ t have been able to miss the tall glass building that would not look out of place in vertical cities like New York .
The 44 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the rental market , and it is clear that developers have targeted the more luxurious end of the scale .
`` We are trying to change people 's perceptions so that renting is a positive choice , an aspirational choice .
People can be proud of where they rent , rather than rent because they ca n't buy . ''
The cheaper apartments , at £860 per month , have all been rented out , but the more expensive flats - including a swanky two-bed for a whopping £3,500 a month - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dennett , the City Mayor of Salford , appears on the programme as Greater Manchester ’ s lead on housing and homelessness .
Affordable housing is of course a big problem across Britain , and in Greater Manchester Paul is keen to get things moving .
“ It ’ s about building truly affordable housing , ” says Paul .
“ And family homes.
” In the 1950s , councils were building 200,000 council houses a year , but the programme claims that now , that figure is around 13,000 .
With 97,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Greater Manchester , the council pledged to get 50,000 new affordable homes to be built in the next 20 years .
And a way this could be done is to offer up council-owned land for possible redevelopment , and teaming up with developers like Tim Heatley and his company Capital and Centric to try and make it happen .
This derelict Georgian mansion in Salford has long been the subject of many grand restoration ideas - and Manctopia covers one of the latest .
Built in 1827 , the stately home belonged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lord Mayor of Manchester and co-founder of the Manchester Guardian newspaper .
The building closed in 2000 as the home for Lancashire Mining Museum and has been boarded up ever since .
Various plans have been put forward over the years , including one recently proposed by Tim to build 60 affordable homes on the site in a bid to make enough money to restore the building , which is said to need £4million to bring it back to life .
He wants the revenue from the houses to pay for the restoration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is quite as enthusiastic about the idea .
Local residents have been lobbying the council to bring the mansion back to public use - but this new proposal causes a backlash .
They are not happy with the idea of building homes in the park .
We meet Mary Ferrer who has been campaigning to have the mansion restored and reopened since its closure .
She says of the mansion : “ I think it ’ s got dry rot , wet rot , there are parts of the floor that have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the rooms upstairs .
“ It ’ s structurally sound , it just needs a lot of love and care .
And I ’ m sorry to say the dirty word - money .
“ They reckon about four million to get it back up and running .
But what an investment .
It just needs someone with a bit of vision.
” She adds : “ I won ’ t sit back and let things that I think are wrong happen .
“ They can find millions for other things but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this.
” Tim organises a community meeting to outline his plan for the mansion ’ s restoration and the building of the new homes - but it doesn ’ t exactly go to plan .
But it 's not all doom and gloom - Tim outlines separate plans for his new building for key workers , complete with 110 affordable homes .
A disused former doctor ’ s surgery has become the home for a number of rough sleepers who have nowhere to live .
The programme meets Stacie , 32 , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a break up from a domestic violence relationship .
She explained : “ This place gave me the strength to say , right that ’ s it , I am going .
And I left .
“ It was really daunting .
On the way down here I was petrified .
But when I got here I was made to feel so welcome and safe .
I didn ’ t feel scared.
” The GM authority currently pledges to give a bed to every homeless person in temporary accommodation or a hostel .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ had fewer problems in the doctor ’ s surgery than she has had in official accommodation .
She said : “ I have been in supported accommodation and hostels and refuges and I have been in worse places than this , that are government run and supported by proper staff .
“ I have had fewer problems here than in places like that.
” We also meet Ashley who is using his imagination to make his room more like a home .
“ Things are starting to look like home now , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my bed , my little TV , little playstation .
Tried to use these t-shirts as my decorations on my walls for now.
” Things aren ’ t rosy for long - the building ’ s owners have applied for a court order to evict the occupiers .
Manctopia : Billion Pound Property Boom continues on Tuesday from 9pm on BBC Two .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up to the MySalford newsletter to keep up with what's happening in and around the city
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up to the MySalford newsletter to keep up with what's happening in and around the city
It’s been an eye-opening series so far, but there’s still more to come from Manctopia: Billion Pound Property Boom.
And as we reach the third episode, there will be a lot more focus on Salford, with its City Mayor Paul Dennett taking centre stage to attempt to tackle some of Greater Manchester's biggest issues.
This includes the desperate need for affordable housing, with controversial plans being outlined to save a much-loved derelict building.
While on the other side of the property coin, we see the inside of some of the city’s boldest new developments.
Also, the show visits a disused doctor's surgery where 15 residents, who are squatting in the building, are being threatened with eviction by owners.
West Tower
(Image: BBC)
If you’ve driven over the Mancunian Way any time over the last year or so, you’ll likely have seen the West Tower block.
In fact you wouldn’t have been able to miss the tall glass building that would not look out of place in vertical cities like New York.
The 44 storey apartment block has been built exclusively for the rental market, and it is clear that developers have targeted the more luxurious end of the scale.
"We are trying to change people's perceptions so that renting is a positive choice, an aspirational choice. People can be proud of where they rent, rather than rent because they can't buy."
The cheaper apartments, at £860 per month, have all been rented out, but the more expensive flats - including a swanky two-bed for a whopping £3,500 a month - are struggling to attract interest.
Affordable housing
Paul Dennett, the City Mayor of Salford, appears on the programme as Greater Manchester’s lead on housing and homelessness.
Affordable housing is of course a big problem across Britain, and in Greater Manchester Paul is keen to get things moving.
“It’s about building truly affordable housing,” says Paul. “And family homes.”
In the 1950s, councils were building 200,000 council houses a year, but the programme claims that now, that figure is around 13,000.
With 97,000 people currently on the housing waiting list in Greater Manchester, the council pledged to get 50,000 new affordable homes to be built in the next 20 years.
And a way this could be done is to offer up council-owned land for possible redevelopment, and teaming up with developers like Tim Heatley and his company Capital and Centric to try and make it happen.
Buile Hill Park
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
This derelict Georgian mansion in Salford has long been the subject of many grand restoration ideas - and Manctopia covers one of the latest.
Built in 1827, the stately home belonged to Sir Thomas Potter, the first Lord Mayor of Manchester and co-founder of the Manchester Guardian newspaper.
The building closed in 2000 as the home for Lancashire Mining Museum and has been boarded up ever since.
Various plans have been put forward over the years, including one recently proposed by Tim to build 60 affordable homes on the site in a bid to make enough money to restore the building, which is said to need £4million to bring it back to life.
He wants the revenue from the houses to pay for the restoration of the mansion.
But not everyone is quite as enthusiastic about the idea.
Hard sell
(Image: Nick Mattingly)
Local residents have been lobbying the council to bring the mansion back to public use - but this new proposal causes a backlash.
They are not happy with the idea of building homes in the park.
We meet Mary Ferrer who has been campaigning to have the mansion restored and reopened since its closure.
She says of the mansion: “I think it’s got dry rot, wet rot, there are parts of the floor that have been pulled up. There is water damage in the rooms upstairs.
“It’s structurally sound, it just needs a lot of love and care. And I’m sorry to say the dirty word - money.
“They reckon about four million to get it back up and running. But what an investment. It just needs someone with a bit of vision.”
She adds: “I won’t sit back and let things that I think are wrong happen.
“They can find millions for other things but they can’t find millions for this.”
Tim organises a community meeting to outline his plan for the mansion’s restoration and the building of the new homes - but it doesn’t exactly go to plan.
But it's not all doom and gloom - Tim outlines separate plans for his new building for key workers, complete with 110 affordable homes.
Salford squat threatened with eviction
(Image: Nick Mattingly)
A disused former doctor’s surgery has become the home for a number of rough sleepers who have nowhere to live.
The programme meets Stacie, 32, who has been homeless for a month following a break up from a domestic violence relationship.
She explained: “This place gave me the strength to say, right that’s it, I am going. And I left.
“It was really daunting. On the way down here I was petrified. But when I got here I was made to feel so welcome and safe. I didn’t feel scared.”
The GM authority currently pledges to give a bed to every homeless person in temporary accommodation or a hostel.
But Stacie explains that she’s had fewer problems in the doctor’s surgery than she has had in official accommodation.
She said: “I have been in supported accommodation and hostels and refuges and I have been in worse places than this, that are government run and supported by proper staff.
“I have had fewer problems here than in places like that.”
We also meet Ashley who is using his imagination to make his room more like a home.
“Things are starting to look like home now,” he says. “I have got my bed, my little TV, little playstation. Tried to use these t-shirts as my decorations on my walls for now.”
Things aren’t rosy for long - the building’s owners have applied for a court order to evict the occupiers.
Manctopia: Billion Pound Property Boom continues on Tuesday from 9pm on BBC Two.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-08-31--Donny Van de Beek signing shows Solskjaer knows what Man United need

When analysing Manchester United 's fall from supremacy since the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson , it is not just the drop-off in points and the string of failures to challenge for the title that stands out .
To get the statistical element out of the way , United averaged 83 points a season in the 21 years between Ferguson 's first title and last .
In the seven seasons since they 've averaged just 68 points .
But they also average 77 goals a campaign in those 21 glorious years under the Scot .
In the seven seasons since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
That 's a loss of 15 points a season and 16 goals .
It does n't take a PhD in rocket science to work out where United 's problems might lie .
A lot has been said about United 's defence and it has n't been great at times , although it was much improved this season .
But teams can win titles with a leaky defence every now and again .
Ferguson 's teams won the title while conceding a goal a game or more on three occasions , and twice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ season while finishing top .
A secure defence is ideal , but it is n't always a pre-requisite for glory .
And United have conceded less than a goal a game in five of their last six Premier League seasons .
Scoring goals , however , is .
Only twice did a Ferguson team score less than 73 goals in a campaign and win the title .
The bad news is that the need for goals has accelerated since his retirement .
In the seven seasons since his departure from Old Trafford the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an average of 87 goals a season .
United 's average is 26 goals below that .
That 's a huge number to make up .
In those seven years , four teams have scored more than 100 goals in a season .
So while strengthening the defence might still be seen as an ideal scenario for Solskjaer and United , the priority has to be finding an extra 25 to 30 goals a season .
The first stage of that process came in the signing of Bruno Fernandes in January and his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ potency of Marcus Rashford , Mason Greenwood and Anthony Martial .
Now Van de Beek is set to provide another creative option , while Jadon Sancho could add even more of a goal threat to that front three .
It 's evidently going to be impossible for Solskjaer to fit all of those players in the same side , but in a busy season rotation will be essential and injuries will strike at some point .
There could even be an argument for playing Paul Pogba and Van de Beek as the more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United are faced with defensive teams at Old Trafford and they are likely to have a monopoly on possession .
In 149 appearances for Ajax , Van de Beek average 0.54 goal involvements per 90 minutes and while there is always a risk in extrapolating goal numbers from the Eredivisie and expecting them to be repeated in the Premier League , the 23-year-old has shown in the Champions League how influential he can be in his teams attacking play .
What the signing of Van de Beek and the potential signing of Sancho @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keep players fresh , to have goal threats on the bench and to make sure , even if a key player is having an off day , there is someone who can come in and provide a similar spark .
United finished last season in impressive goalscoring form , but they still only managed 66 for the season .
If Solskjaer intends to end United 's seven-year itch sooner rather than later , he knows his team needs to find another 20 to 30 goals on top of that to challenge Manchester City @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taking precedence , for now , over more defensive reinforcements .

Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
When analysing Manchester United's fall from supremacy since the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson, it is not just the drop-off in points and the string of failures to challenge for the title that stands out.
To get the statistical element out of the way, United averaged 83 points a season in the 21 years between Ferguson's first title and last. In the seven seasons since they've averaged just 68 points.
But they also average 77 goals a campaign in those 21 glorious years under the Scot. In the seven seasons since they average just 61 goals a season. That's a loss of 15 points a season and 16 goals. It doesn't take a PhD in rocket science to work out where United's problems might lie.
A lot has been said about United's defence and it hasn't been great at times, although it was much improved this season. But teams can win titles with a leaky defence every now and again.
Ferguson's teams won the title while conceding a goal a game or more on three occasions, and twice they conceded 37 goals in a 38-game season while finishing top. A secure defence is ideal, but it isn't always a pre-requisite for glory. And United have conceded less than a goal a game in five of their last six Premier League seasons.
Scoring goals, however, is. Only twice did a Ferguson team score less than 73 goals in a campaign and win the title. The bad news is that the need for goals has accelerated since his retirement.
In the seven seasons since his departure from Old Trafford the side who wins the title is scoring an average of 87 goals a season. United's average is 26 goals below that. That's a huge number to make up. In those seven years, four teams have scored more than 100 goals in a season.
So while strengthening the defence might still be seen as an ideal scenario for Solskjaer and United, the priority has to be finding an extra 25 to 30 goals a season.
The first stage of that process came in the signing of Bruno Fernandes in January and his form had a clear uplift in the potency of Marcus Rashford, Mason Greenwood and Anthony Martial.
Now Van de Beek is set to provide another creative option, while Jadon Sancho could add even more of a goal threat to that front three.
It's evidently going to be impossible for Solskjaer to fit all of those players in the same side, but in a busy season rotation will be essential and injuries will strike at some point.
There could even be an argument for playing Paul Pogba and Van de Beek as the more defensive midfielders, behind Fernandes, when United are faced with defensive teams at Old Trafford and they are likely to have a monopoly on possession.
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.
In 149 appearances for Ajax, Van de Beek average 0.54 goal involvements per 90 minutes and while there is always a risk in extrapolating goal numbers from the Eredivisie and expecting them to be repeated in the Premier League, the 23-year-old has shown in the Champions League how influential he can be in his teams attacking play.
What the signing of Van de Beek and the potential signing of Sancho would give Solskjaer is options, to keep players fresh, to have goal threats on the bench and to make sure, even if a key player is having an off day, there is someone who can come in and provide a similar spark.
United finished last season in impressive goalscoring form, but they still only managed 66 for the season. If Solskjaer intends to end United's seven-year itch sooner rather than later, he knows his team needs to find another 20 to 30 goals on top of that to challenge Manchester City and Liverpool. Fixing those issues is taking precedence, for now, over more defensive reinforcements.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-08-31--CAMRA blasted over 'tasteless and insensitive' coronavirus beer glass design

CAMRA has come under fire today for the design of its 2020 beer festival glasses .
The limited-edition pint glasses have been printed with images of virus cells - a move that has been labelled ' dimwitted ' and ' insensitive ' by Twitter users and CAMRA members .
The design has been released in support of this year 's Great British Beer Festival , which has gone virtual for its 2020 edition and is due to take place next weekend .
Hundreds of people have criticised the move , with many saying they would cancel their CAMRA memberships because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ SoBeer Blog said : `` More than disappointed in this .
We shouldn ’ t be celebrating and commemorating a virus that has taken hundreds of thousands of lives potentially including CAMRA members .
Very poor taste . ''
Tim Brogan said : `` Hmmmmm ... as a CAMRA member of 35 years standing who 's sister died of Covid 19 in April ... .I am truly appalled by the thoughtlessness on show regarding whoever thought this design was suitable to use ... . ''
Manchester brewery Beer Nouveau retweeted CAMRA 's post @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what their intentions were with this .
But this is a seriously bad execution of idea , and the following non-apology does n't help . ''
Some have defended the glass design , saying : `` It 's the most quintessentially British thing to do , to take what has hurt , oppressed and impacted you adversely and make it a figure of fun . ''
Following the backlash , CAMRA has posted a public apology and statement .
Festival organiser Catherine Tonry said : `` I sincerely apologise if anyone who has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ British Beer Festival glass theme .
`` As someone who has suffered lasting lung damage after contracting Covid-19 , I am all too aware how serious the illness can be and the devastating and long-term impact it has had on so many of us .
`` We choose a theme every year and wanted to ensure the design recognised what was at the front everyone 's mind .
`` Covid-19 has been the defining event of 2020 , and has severely impacted the beer and pub sector - as well as many of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , this is the first time we have held the festival digitally in over 40 years of hosting the Great British Beer Festival .
`` We hope that despite the difficulties faced by many , the festival will give people the chance to come together over a pint and discover new brewers and cider producers to support throughout this period of uncertainty . ''
The M.E.N .
has approached CAMRA for comment .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Subscribe to our daily What's On newsletter to keep up with what's happening around Greater Manchester
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Subscribe to our daily What's On newsletter to keep up with what's happening around Greater Manchester
CAMRA has come under fire today for the design of its 2020 beer festival glasses.
The limited-edition pint glasses have been printed with images of virus cells - a move that has been labelled ' dimwitted ' and ' insensitive ' by Twitter users and CAMRA members.
The design has been released in support of this year's Great British Beer Festival, which has gone virtual for its 2020 edition and is due to take place next weekend.
Hundreds of people have criticised the move, with many saying they would cancel their CAMRA memberships because of it.
The author of the SoBeer Blog said : "More than disappointed in this. We shouldn’t be celebrating and commemorating a virus that has taken hundreds of thousands of lives potentially including CAMRA members. Very poor taste."
Tim Brogan said : "Hmmmmm...as a CAMRA member of 35 years standing who's sister died of Covid 19 in April....I am truly appalled by the thoughtlessness on show regarding whoever thought this design was suitable to use...."
(Image: Twitter - @CAMRA_official)
Manchester brewery Beer Nouveau retweeted CAMRA's post and added: "I can see what their intentions were with this. But this is a seriously bad execution of idea, and the following non-apology doesn't help."
Some have defended the glass design, saying: "It's the most quintessentially British thing to do, to take what has hurt, oppressed and impacted you adversely and make it a figure of fun."
Following the backlash, CAMRA has posted a public apology and statement.
Festival organiser Catherine Tonry said: "As someone who has suffered lasting lung damage after contracting COVID-19, I am all too aware how serious the illness can be and the devastating and long-term impact it has had on so many of us.
"I sincerely apologise to anyone who has taken offence to the glass theme.
"We choose a theme every year and wanted to ensure the design recognised what was at the front of everyone's mind.
"COVID-19 has been the defining event of 2020, and has severely impacted the beer and pub sector - as well as many of our personal lives.
"In fact, this is the first time we have held the festival digitally in over 40 years of hosting the Great British Beer Festival.
"We hope that despite the difficulties faced by many, the festival will give people the chance to come together over a pint and discover new brewers and cider producers to support throughout this period of uncertainty."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-08-31--Donny van de Beek could add 'Frank Lampard dimension' to Manchester United

Manchester United could be signing the next Frank Lampard in Donny van de Beek according to a former Ajax and Chelsea star .
The Reds are expected to wrap up a deal for the midfielder worth up to £40.1m , their first signing of the summer .
And former Denmark international Jesper Gronkjaer has compared him to Chelsea legend turned manager Lampard , which would bring an interesting new dimension to the United midfield .
`` I wouldn ’ t be surprised to see him at Real Madrid or Barcelona but I would rather see him at a club just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told Goal , via The Mirror .
`` For his style of play alone , clubs like Tottenham or Chelsea would be a better fit .
`` They are still top clubs and he is more like Frank Lampard , that kind of player .
`` He is a big guy , box-to-box and takes good long shots , but he is not as technically gifted as other players that have come from Ajax .
`` He is a player you can always get a certain level from . ''
Van de Beek @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appearances from midfield for Ajax .
That return has won him 10 Netherlands caps at the age of 23 and , it seems , a move to Manchester United .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
Manchester United could be signing the next Frank Lampard in Donny van de Beek according to a former Ajax and Chelsea star.
The Reds are expected to wrap up a deal for the midfielder worth up to £40.1m, their first signing of the summer.
And former Denmark international Jesper Gronkjaer has compared him to Chelsea legend turned manager Lampard, which would bring an interesting new dimension to the United midfield.
"I wouldn’t be surprised to see him at Real Madrid or Barcelona but I would rather see him at a club just below that," the Dane once told Goal, via The Mirror.
"For his style of play alone, clubs like Tottenham or Chelsea would be a better fit.
"They are still top clubs and he is more like Frank Lampard, that kind of player.
"He is a big guy, box-to-box and takes good long shots, but he is not as technically gifted as other players that have come from Ajax.
"He is a player you can always get a certain level from."
Van de Beek has netted 28 goals in 118 league appearances from midfield for Ajax.
That return has won him 10 Netherlands caps at the age of 23 and, it seems, a move to Manchester United.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-08-31--Extinction Rebellion protests across Manchester this week - what is planned

Commuters may face disruption as campaign group Extinction Rebellion are due to hold protests in Manchester throughout the week .
There may be road closures in the city as demonstrators congregate for the event 'Northern Rebellion - We Want To Live . '
Council bosses warned there may be an increased police presence across the city centre and on public transport .
And bus company Stagecoach posted details about diversions to routes due to a planned closure of Peter Street .
The main protest will be held tomorrow ( Tuesday ) , when activists will congregate in St Peter 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Extinction Rebellion North Facebook page .
Protesters will meet at St Peter 's Square at 10am for talks and workshops until 3pm .
There will be a march from 3pm and further events , until demonstrators reconvene with music until 9pm .
Following tomorrow 's event , the group will hold 'mass action ' throughout the rest of the week .
On Wednesday , the group will meet at 12.30pm at St Peter 's Square for a 'Discobedience ! '
protest dance .
According to the Facebook event , protesters will perform a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sector pension fund divestment .
On Thursday , the group will hold another protest , Barclays action , although details are to be confirmed , according to the Northern Rebellion Facebook page .
Friday will see protesters gather for a demonstration against HS2 .
They will meet at 8:30am at Piccadilly Station .
On Saturday , September 5 , the group will meet at 8.30am at Media City ( Salford Quays ) - for 'BBC/Media Free The Truth ' - a protest about the media .
It follows a series of smaller events @ @ @ @ @ @ @ On Sunday , the group teamed up with Black Lives Matter and Stand Up To Racism for the 'Manchester Making History March ' .
The march took in Manchester Cathedral , Manchester Art Gallery and the Royal Exchange .
The locations were chosen to highlight the city 's ‘ relationship with slavery , colonialism and the financing of fossil fuels ’ .
A statement on the Manchester City Council website said : `` Manchester City Council respects people ’ s right to peaceful protest and has been working alongside Greater Manchester Police and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safely .
`` We declared a climate change emergency last month and we are determined to be at the forefront of tackling this critical issue .
We have set an ambitious target of making Manchester a zero carbon city by 2038 or earlier – at least 12 years ahead of the national target – and we are working hard on a detailed action plan for how this will be achieved .
`` But in return for respecting the rights of protesters we expect that they respect the right of Manchester residents to go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Manchester is used to events which bring an influx of people .
We are working with GMP , Transport for Greater Manchester , CityCo and others to do all we can to minimise the impact on the city .
`` However , there is inevitably an element of unpredictably with potential for increases in some journey times and a dynamic situation .
You can expect to see an increased police presence across the city centre and on public transport . ''

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
Commuters may face disruption as campaign group Extinction Rebellion are due to hold protests in Manchester throughout the week.
There may be road closures in the city as demonstrators congregate for the event 'Northern Rebellion - We Want To Live.'
Council bosses warned there may be an increased police presence across the city centre and on public transport.
And bus company Stagecoach posted details about diversions to routes due to a planned closure of Peter Street.
The main protest will be held tomorrow (Tuesday), when activists will congregate in St Peter's Square from 10am, according to the Extinction Rebellion North Facebook page.
Protesters will meet at St Peter's Square at 10am for talks and workshops until 3pm.
(Image: Joel Goodman)
There will be a march from 3pm and further events, until demonstrators reconvene with music until 9pm.
Following tomorrow's event, the group will hold 'mass action' throughout the rest of the week.
On Wednesday, the group will meet at 12.30pm at St Peter's Square for a 'Discobedience!' protest dance.
(Image: Joel Goodman)
According to the Facebook event, protesters will perform a dance to highlight the need for public sector pension fund divestment.
On Thursday, the group will hold another protest, Barclays action, although details are to be confirmed, according to the Northern Rebellion Facebook page.
Friday will see protesters gather for a demonstration against HS2.
They will meet at 8:30am at Piccadilly Station.
On Saturday, September 5, the group will meet at 8.30am at Media City (Salford Quays) - for 'BBC/Media Free The Truth' - a protest about the media.
It follows a series of smaller events held over the Bank Holiday weekend.
(Image: Joel Goodman)
On Sunday, the group teamed up with Black Lives Matter and Stand Up To Racism for the 'Manchester Making History March'.
The march took in Manchester Cathedral, Manchester Art Gallery and the Royal Exchange.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
The locations were chosen to highlight the city's ‘relationship with slavery, colonialism and the financing of fossil fuels’.
A statement on the Manchester City Council website said: "Manchester City Council respects people’s right to peaceful protest and has been working alongside Greater Manchester Police and other agencies to ensure they can demonstrate safely.
(Image: Joel Goodman)
"We declared a climate change emergency last month and we are determined to be at the forefront of tackling this critical issue. We have set an ambitious target of making Manchester a zero carbon city by 2038 or earlier – at least 12 years ahead of the national target – and we are working hard on a detailed action plan for how this will be achieved.
"But in return for respecting the rights of protesters we expect that they respect the right of Manchester residents to go about their day-to-day business with minimal disruption. Manchester is used to events which bring an influx of people. We are working with GMP, Transport for Greater Manchester, CityCo and others to do all we can to minimise the impact on the city.
"However, there is inevitably an element of unpredictably with potential for increases in some journey times and a dynamic situation. You can expect to see an increased police presence across the city centre and on public transport."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-08-31--Man United transfer decision is easy after Van de Beek agreement

It has been a long time coming but Manchester United are finally making their presence known in the summer transfer market .
Successful talks over the weekend saw significant progress made over their pursuit of Donny van de Beek with the club confident of agreeing personal terms ahead of a £40.1million deal .
Even in the current climate it seems like a steal with Van de Beek set to move to Old Trafford for far less than close friends Matthijs De Ligt and Frenkie de Jong did when departing Ajax a year ago , and even less than United forked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ With less than three weeks until the new season there is clear excitement over the proposed addition of Van de Beek to a United midfield which already includes both Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba , but his arrival comes with an inevitable repercussion .
The 23-year-old is a quality addition for United this summer , but he was n't necessarily the one they needed the most .
Right wing has always been the priority , while there was a growing argument to suggest a new centre-back had become a more pressing issue than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Solskjaer was well aware he had to ease the pressure on both Fernandes and Pogba ahead of the new season but the addition of Van de Beek has only shortened any hopes for Jesse Lingard and Andreas Pereira in the forthcoming campaign .
The duo are both free to leave Old Trafford this summer if an appropriate offer comes in for them , and the imminent arrival of Van de Beek will only hasten the speed at which such a deal occurs .
United 's reserve duo will only see their playing time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and it is clear selling at least one of them is the obvious next step in the summer window .
Lingard enjoyed a revitalised end to the season at United while Pereira finished the campaign with an impressive 40 appearances under his belt across all competitions , it should make the process of moving them on easier than with others in the coming weeks .
United 's midfield pairing suffered under the intense pressure put upon them last season with the two back-up options forced to play more than expected following the failure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ago .
A lack of squad depth was further amplified following injury to both Pogba and Scott McTominay during the campaign , and it was down to the two playmakers to try and resolve the shortcomings in attack .
Solskjaer named Pereira along with McTominay as the two players capable of replacing Ander Herrera following his transfer to Paris Saint-Germain , but while the Basque midfielder shone in a Champions League final the fortunes of his two former teammates have been less glamorous .
The duo both showed moments of quality last season @ @ @ @ @ @ @ figures in the Old Trafford dressing room , but this summer Solskjaer needs to be ruthless if he is to build upon the positive foundations already laid .
Van de Beek 's arrival is a step in the right direction , but it will also mark the end of at least one United career .

Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
It has been a long time coming but Manchester United are finally making their presence known in the summer transfer market.
Successful talks over the weekend saw significant progress made over their pursuit of Donny van de Beek with the club confident of agreeing personal terms ahead of a £40.1million deal.
Even in the current climate it seems like a steal with Van de Beek set to move to Old Trafford for far less than close friends Matthijs De Ligt and Frenkie de Jong did when departing Ajax a year ago, and even less than United forked out for Fred two years ago.
With less than three weeks until the new season there is clear excitement over the proposed addition of Van de Beek to a United midfield which already includes both Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba, but his arrival comes with an inevitable repercussion.
The 23-year-old is a quality addition for United this summer, but he wasn't necessarily the one they needed the most. Right wing has always been the priority, while there was a growing argument to suggest a new centre-back had become a more pressing issue than signing another creative midfielder.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was well aware he had to ease the pressure on both Fernandes and Pogba ahead of the new season but the addition of Van de Beek has only shortened any hopes for Jesse Lingard and Andreas Pereira in the forthcoming campaign.
The duo are both free to leave Old Trafford this summer if an appropriate offer comes in for them, and the imminent arrival of Van de Beek will only hasten the speed at which such a deal occurs. United's reserve duo will only see their playing time further diminish despite the packed fixture schedule and it is clear selling at least one of them is the obvious next step in the summer window.
Lingard enjoyed a revitalised end to the season at United while Pereira finished the campaign with an impressive 40 appearances under his belt across all competitions, it should make the process of moving them on easier than with others in the coming weeks.
United's midfield pairing suffered under the intense pressure put upon them last season with the two back-up options forced to play more than expected following the failure to sign a new midfielder a year ago. A lack of squad depth was further amplified following injury to both Pogba and Scott McTominay during the campaign, and it was down to the two playmakers to try and resolve the shortcomings in attack.
Solskjaer named Pereira along with McTominay as the two players capable of replacing Ander Herrera following his transfer to Paris Saint-Germain, but while the Basque midfielder shone in a Champions League final the fortunes of his two former teammates have been less glamorous.
The duo both showed moments of quality last season and remain two of the most popular figures in the Old Trafford dressing room, but this summer Solskjaer needs to be ruthless if he is to build upon the positive foundations already laid. Van de Beek's arrival is a step in the right direction, but it will also mark the end of at least one United career.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-08-31--What Rio Ferdinand previously said about Van de Beek amid Man United interest

Manchester United look set to sign Donny van de Beek from Ajax - and some comments from Rio Ferdinand will be of interest to fans .
The Reds have endured a barren summer in terms of transfers so far with slow progress on attempts to recruit Jadon Sancho .
But Ole Gunnar Solskjaer remains focused on trying to add quality to his squad ahead of the 2020/21 Premier League season .
And this weekend 23-year-old Van de Beek emerged as a target for United , and they are confident of making him their first signing of the summer transfer window @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the semi-finals of the Champions League last year with his help and it was last summer that he was linked with a transfer to Tottenham .
Spurs never ended up pulling off a deal for Van de Beek back then , something which may benefit United this summer .
As for United fans , though , Van de Beek is a potential transfer that supporters should be excited about and previous comments from club great Ferdinand hint at what he would bring to the Reds and Premier League .
Ferdinand was on punditry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ League semi-final win over Ajax and during the two-legged tie he hailed the Dutchman .
Ferdinand said at the time : `` One of his best traits when I watch him is his ability to drift into positions .
It 's very difficult for a centre-half to mark him .
He goes in that little corridor of doubt in between the midfield and the centre-halves where he frees himself up to make those passes or get shots off . ''

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
Manchester United look set to sign Donny van de Beek from Ajax - and some comments from Rio Ferdinand will be of interest to fans.
The Reds have endured a barren summer in terms of transfers so far with slow progress on attempts to recruit Jadon Sancho.
But Ole Gunnar Solskjaer remains focused on trying to add quality to his squad ahead of the 2020/21 Premier League season.
And this weekend 23-year-old Van de Beek emerged as a target for United, and they are confident of making him their first signing of the summer transfer window.
Ajax of course made it to the semi-finals of the Champions League last year with his help and it was last summer that he was linked with a transfer to Tottenham.
Spurs never ended up pulling off a deal for Van de Beek back then, something which may benefit United this summer.
Sign up to our free MUFC newsletter for the latest Edinson Cavani transfer news Want the lowdown and insight on the Edinson Cavani transfer? Get the latest breaking MUFC news and analysis every day direct to your inbox with our free newsletter Sign up here - it only takes a few seconds.
As for United fans, though, Van de Beek is a potential transfer that supporters should be excited about and previous comments from club great Ferdinand hint at what he would bring to the Reds and Premier League.
Ferdinand was on punditry duties last year during Tottenham's Champions League semi-final win over Ajax and during the two-legged tie he hailed the Dutchman.
Ferdinand said at the time : "One of his best traits when I watch him is his ability to drift into positions. It's very difficult for a centre-half to mark him. He goes in that little corridor of doubt in between the midfield and the centre-halves where he frees himself up to make those passes or get shots off."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-08-31--Teenager fighting for his life after falling from off-road bike and hitting tree

A teenager is fighting for his life in hospital following a serious off-road bike collision in Wigan .
Police were called to a crash on Warrington Road in Ince at around 4.40pm on Sunday , August 30 .
The accident happened near to the junction with Dale Street .
An 18-year-old man suffered serious injuries after falling off of an orange KTM 200 EXC off-road bike before travelling across the carriageway and colliding with a tree .
Emergency services attended and he was taken to hospital with a serious head injury where he remains in a life-threatening condition .
No @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ongoing , a spokesman for GMP said .
Police Constable Karl Horner , of GMP ’ s Serious Collision Investigation Unit , said : “ This is a tragic accident which has sadly left a man fighting for his life , and we are keen to establish the full circumstances surrounding this collision .
“ This collision happened on a busy stretch of road in broad daylight , so I am confident that there are a number of witnesses who may have valuable information or dash cam footage .
“ If you were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have any information that could assist police with their enquiries please do not hesitate to get in touch.
” Anyone with information can contact police 0161 856 4741 , quoting incident number 2167 of 30/08/2020 .
Reports can also be made anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 .

We have more newsletters
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for the MyWigan newsletter for the biggest stories direct to your inbox
We have more newsletters
Thank you for subscribing!
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for the MyWigan newsletter for the biggest stories direct to your inbox
A teenager is fighting for his life in hospital following a serious off-road bike collision in Wigan.
Police were called to a crash on Warrington Road in Ince at around 4.40pm on Sunday, August 30.
The accident happened near to the junction with Dale Street.
An 18-year-old man suffered serious injuries after falling off of an orange KTM 200 EXC off-road bike before travelling across the carriageway and colliding with a tree.
Emergency services attended and he was taken to hospital with a serious head injury where he remains in a life-threatening condition.
No arrests have been made and enquiries are ongoing, a spokesman for GMP said.
Police Constable Karl Horner, of GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “This is a tragic accident which has sadly left a man fighting for his life, and we are keen to establish the full circumstances surrounding this collision.
“This collision happened on a busy stretch of road in broad daylight, so I am confident that there are a number of witnesses who may have valuable information or dash cam footage.
“If you were in the area at this time and have any information that could assist police with their enquiries please do not hesitate to get in touch.”
Anyone with information can contact police 0161 856 4741, quoting incident number 2167 of 30/08/2020.
Reports can also be made anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-08-31--Man United working on Jadon Sancho issues as Van de Beek transfer nears

Manchester United still hope to finalise a deal for Jadon Sancho as they close in on a move for Donny van de Beek .
United have agreed a £40million fee with Ajax for Van de Beek , 22 , having failed to find a breakthrough in negotiations for Borussia Dortmund winger Sancho .
Although Van de Beek can operate as a playmaker or a midfielder , United still intend to reinforce their attack with the £108m-rated Sancho before the transfer window closes on October 5 .
If United secure the signings of Van de Beek and Sancho it would take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - the same amount they invested in last year 's window .
The MEN understands United have still not found a resolution over Sancho 's salary expectations and the agents ' fees during talks with his representative Emeka Obasi and the intermediary Marco Lichtsteiner , acting on behalf of Dortmund .
Even though Obasi represents Sancho he is believed to be communicating Dortmund 's own demands , which United have found unusual .
United 's preference is to negotiate a deal comprised of add-ons for Sancho and have refused to give up on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stay at the club .
United are frustrated by the slow pace of negotiations with Obasi and Lichtsteiner , brother of former Juventus and Arsenal defender Stephan .
Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc said earlier this month the club had extended Sancho 's contract to 2023 and the decision on him staying was 'final ' .
Sancho is due to link up with the England squad this week ahead of their Nations League matches with Iceland and Denmark , having been involved in Dortmund 's pre-season friendlies .
The MEN last month reported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to unnerve them in their pursuit of Sancho and sources in Germany say Dortmund want to 'own the story ' .
United were initially irritated by inaccurate reports emanating from Germany they had agreed terms with Sancho .
If a move for Sancho fails to materialise United are prepared to look to alternatives and have shown interest in the Juventus winger Douglas Costa and Bournemouth youngster David Brooks .
The MEN previously reported Sancho had confided in friends at former club Manchester City he would relish returning to Manchester to play for United @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interest in Sancho when they tried to sign him from City in 2017 but their rivals blocked a move and Sancho joined Dortmund for £8m .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
Manchester United still hope to finalise a deal for Jadon Sancho as they close in on a move for Donny van de Beek.
United have agreed a £40million fee with Ajax for Van de Beek, 22, having failed to find a breakthrough in negotiations for Borussia Dortmund winger Sancho.
Although Van de Beek can operate as a playmaker or a midfielder, United still intend to reinforce their attack with the £108m-rated Sancho before the transfer window closes on October 5.
If United secure the signings of Van de Beek and Sancho it would take their spending this summer up to £148m - the same amount they invested in last year's window.
The MEN understands United have still not found a resolution over Sancho's salary expectations and the agents' fees during talks with his representative Emeka Obasi and the intermediary Marco Lichtsteiner, acting on behalf of Dortmund. Even though Obasi represents Sancho he is believed to be communicating Dortmund's own demands, which United have found unusual.
United's preference is to negotiate a deal comprised of add-ons for Sancho and have refused to give up on signing him after Dortmund insisted Sancho would stay at the club. United are frustrated by the slow pace of negotiations with Obasi and Lichtsteiner, brother of former Juventus and Arsenal defender Stephan.
Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc said earlier this month the club had extended Sancho's contract to 2023 and the decision on him staying was 'final'. Sancho is due to link up with the England squad this week ahead of their Nations League matches with Iceland and Denmark, having been involved in Dortmund's pre-season friendlies.
The MEN last month reported United were relaxed amid Dortmund's tactics to unnerve them in their pursuit of Sancho and sources in Germany say Dortmund want to 'own the story'. United were initially irritated by inaccurate reports emanating from Germany they had agreed terms with Sancho.
If a move for Sancho fails to materialise United are prepared to look to alternatives and have shown interest in the Juventus winger Douglas Costa and Bournemouth youngster David Brooks.
The MEN previously reported Sancho had confided in friends at former club Manchester City he would relish returning to Manchester to play for United. The MEN first revealed United's interest in Sancho when they tried to sign him from City in 2017 but their rivals blocked a move and Sancho joined Dortmund for £8m.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-08-31--Man City morning headlines as new face joins training and Messi latest

Here are your Manchester City morning headlines for Monday , 31 August .
Defender Yan Couto has arrived in England for pre-season training five months after completing his move to City .
Couto , who joined City in a £5.3million deal back in March before spending the remainder of last season on loan at Coritiba , marked his arrival at the club ’ s academy on Instagram .
`` Thank my God for another dream come true , playing in Europe has always been my goal , ” he wrote .
`` Today I am a @ mancity player I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in one of the biggest clubs in the world !
I ’ m Citizens . ''
Couto ’ s arrival boosts Guardiola ’ s pre-season squad with several players away on international duty .
La Liga ’ s official statement regarding Lionel Messi ’ s future at Barcelona backs up why Manchester City fans have been getting excited about the Argentine ’ s possible arrival .
Messi is determined to leave Barca for free this summer , although the club are keen to recoup a premium fee for the six-time Ballon d ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ entire professional career at the Camp Nou .
As , Messi signing for City would be huge news for the Premier League , not just Pep Guardiola ’ s side .
“ As Blues dream of a transfer , some fans that were previously against returning to grounds before they are full again would make an exception to watch Messi in the flesh and he would even have opposition supporters ( and disinterested journalists ) queueing up to get a glimpse of him off the team bus and on the pitch , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be eager to test their skills against a player that Guardiola insists is head and shoulders above anybody else in the division.
” Paolo Fernandes says he will “ forever be grateful ” for the opportunity Manchester City gave him after confirming his exit from the club .
Fernandes shone in City ’ s academy before spending time on loan at NAC Breda and Perugia .
The 22-year-old leaves the Citizens having failed to make a senior competitive appearance for the club .
`` I ’ ll forever be grateful to Man City @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I was only 14-15 years old , I ’ ve learned a lot and grew as a person , '' he wrote on .
`` After my last 3 loans at some different clubs and not being very lucky with injuries , we think it 's time for me to try to get some new fresh air and move on to keep growing .
”

newsdesk@men-news.co.uk (Matthew Gault, Greg Lea)

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get the latest City team news, transfer stories, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox - FREE
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get the latest City team news, transfer stories, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox - FREE
Here are your Manchester City morning headlines for Monday, 31 August.
Couto arrives for pre-season training
Defender Yan Couto has arrived in England for pre-season training five months after completing his move to City.
Couto, who joined City in a £5.3million deal back in March before spending the remainder of last season on loan at Coritiba, marked his arrival at the club’s academy on Instagram.
"Thank my God for another dream come true, playing in Europe has always been my goal,” he wrote.
"Today I am a @mancity player I am very happy and motivated to play in one of the biggest clubs in the world! I’m Citizens."
Couto’s arrival boosts Guardiola’s pre-season squad with several players away on international duty.
La Liga statement confirms City fans’ excitement over Messi
La Liga’s official statement regarding Lionel Messi’s future at Barcelona backs up why Manchester City fans have been getting excited about the Argentine’s possible arrival.
Messi is determined to leave Barca for free this summer, although the club are keen to recoup a premium fee for the six-time Ballon d’Or winner, who has spent his entire professional career at the Camp Nou.
As Simon Bajkowski writes , Messi signing for City would be huge news for the Premier League, not just Pep Guardiola’s side.
“As Blues dream of a transfer, some fans that were previously against returning to grounds before they are full again would make an exception to watch Messi in the flesh and he would even have opposition supporters (and disinterested journalists) queueing up to get a glimpse of him off the team bus and on the pitch,” he writes.
“Players too would be eager to test their skills against a player that Guardiola insists is head and shoulders above anybody else in the division.”
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
Fernandes thanks City after confirming departure
Paolo Fernandes says he will “forever be grateful” for the opportunity Manchester City gave him after confirming his exit from the club.
Sign up to our free MCFC email newsletter Man City are Premier League champions! Get all the reaction plus daily news and analysis direct to your inbox with our free MCFC newsletter Sign up here - it only takes a few seconds.
Fernandes shone in City’s academy before spending time on loan at NAC Breda and Perugia.
The 22-year-old leaves the Citizens having failed to make a senior competitive appearance for the club.
"I’ll forever be grateful to Man City for the opportunity they gave me when I was only 14-15 years old, I’ve learned a lot and grew as a person," he wrote on Instagram .
"After my last 3 loans at some different clubs and not being very lucky with injuries, we think it's time for me to try to get some new fresh air and move on to keep growing.”


themanchestereveningnews--2020-08-31--Protest against police brutality in Hong Kong to take place bank holiday Monday

A protest will be held this bank holiday to raise awareness on police brutality in Hong Kong .
Organised by Hong Kong natives living in Greater Manchester , the demonstration will take place on Monday 31 August at Piccadilly Gardens from 12pm to 4pm During the rally the group will unfurl a 10-metre long piece of artwork and create a ‘ Lennon Wall ’ using the Piccadillly Gardens wall .
The Lennon Wall to be created on the day is inspired by the 2014 Umbrella Movement protests in Hong Kong , demonstrators plan on covering the Piccadilly with handwritten Post-it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lennon Walls have become a phenomenon in Hong Kong and can be found buildings , walkways , sky bridges , underpasses and corner shop windows with messages like “ Hong Kongers love freedom , ” “ garbage government ” and “ We demand real universal suffrage '' written on them .
The main focus of the demonstration will be the Prince Edward Station incident that took place a year ago .
On 31 August 2019 footage was released of Hong Kong police indiscriminately attacking passengers at the station during their arrest of suspected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ claimed that protestors were vandalising stations and attacking members of the public and officers had entered the station to “ stop all violent acts and arrest offenders.
” Anti-government protests in Hong Kong erupted in 2019 following the proposal of an extradition bill which triggered the first protest in April .
The bill has since been withdrawn but it would have allowed for criminal suspects to be extradited to mainland China under certain circumstances .
Opponents argued that it risked exposing Hong Kongers to unfair trials and violent treatment .
They also argued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over Hong Kong and could be used to target activists and journalists .
Despite the bill being withdrawn in September 2019 , demonstrations have continued .
A spokesperson for Manchester Hong Kong said : “ Over the past year , we have witnessed our beloved city that we were born and raised in descend into unimaginable levels of chaos and division .
“ A movement against the extradition bill has escalated into an explosion of pent-up frustration and deeply rooted dissatisfaction with the way that our city is governed .
“ We are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since June 2019 .
Hong Kong has seen excessive use of tear gas , shooting of rubber bullets and even live rounds at peaceful protesters .
“ Reports and complaints of torture and abuse of those being arrested during detention abound .
It is not only protesters who are in danger – journalists , politicians , and even first aid providers and firefighters have faced arbitrary harassment , assault , and arrest at peaceful rallies .
“ Video footage of the arrest and humiliation of humanitarian aid providers clearly demonstrated breaches of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ However the Hong Kong government continue to turn a blind eye to the police brutality , the selective law enforcement of the police and their double standards have caused injustice that snowballed into an unresolvable , collective mass of anger in the present .
“ As a group of Hong Kongers living far away from home , we advocate for democracy and human rights in Hong Kong .
”

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
A protest will be held this bank holiday to raise awareness on police brutality in Hong Kong.
Organised by Hong Kong natives living in Greater Manchester, the demonstration will take place on Monday 31 August at Piccadilly Gardens from 12pm to 4pm
During the rally the group will unfurl a 10-metre long piece of artwork and create a ‘Lennon Wall’ using the Piccadillly Gardens wall.
The Lennon Wall to be created on the day is inspired by the 2014 Umbrella Movement protests in Hong Kong, demonstrators plan on covering the Piccadilly with handwritten Post-it notes in support of the protests.
Lennon Walls have become a phenomenon in Hong Kong and can be found buildings, walkways, sky bridges, underpasses and corner shop windows with messages like “Hong Kongers love freedom,” “garbage government” and “We demand real universal suffrage" written on them.
(Image: Manchester Hong Kong)
The main focus of the demonstration will be the Prince Edward Station incident that took place a year ago.
On 31 August 2019 footage was released of Hong Kong police indiscriminately attacking passengers at the station during their arrest of suspected protesters.
In a statement the government claimed that protestors were vandalising stations and attacking members of the public and officers had entered the station to “stop all violent acts and arrest offenders.”
Anti-government protests in Hong Kong erupted in 2019 following the proposal of an extradition bill which triggered the first protest in April.
The bill has since been withdrawn but it would have allowed for criminal suspects to be extradited to mainland China under certain circumstances.
Opponents argued that it risked exposing Hong Kongers to unfair trials and violent treatment.
They also argued the bill would give China greater influence over Hong Kong and could be used to target activists and journalists.
Despite the bill being withdrawn in September 2019, demonstrations have continued.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
A spokesperson for Manchester Hong Kong said: “Over the past year, we have witnessed our beloved city that we were born and raised in descend into unimaginable levels of chaos and division.
“A movement against the extradition bill has escalated into an explosion of pent-up frustration and deeply rooted dissatisfaction with the way that our city is governed.
“We are particularly alarmed by the police brutality seen since June 2019. Hong Kong has seen excessive use of tear gas, shooting of rubber bullets and even live rounds at peaceful protesters.
“Reports and complaints of torture and abuse of those being arrested during detention abound. It is not only protesters who are in danger – journalists, politicians, and even first aid providers and firefighters have faced arbitrary harassment, assault, and arrest at peaceful rallies.
“Video footage of the arrest and humiliation of humanitarian aid providers clearly demonstrated breaches of the rights of access to medical treatment.
“However the Hong Kong government continue to turn a blind eye to the police brutality, the selective law enforcement of the police and their double standards have caused injustice that snowballed into an unresolvable, collective mass of anger in the present.
“As a group of Hong Kongers living far away from home, we advocate for democracy and human rights in Hong Kong.”


themanchestereveningnews--2020-08-31--Man United morning headlines as Van de Beek transfer close and Thiago linked

Here are your Manchester United morning headlines for Monday , 31 August .
Manchester United are poised to make Ajax midfielder Donny van de Beek their first signing of the summer in a deal that could rise to €45million ( £40.1m ) .
MEN Sport understands that United are close to finalising an agreement with Ajax , although the 23-year-old is yet to agree personal terms .
United ’ s move for Van de Beek developed over the weekend , with the midfielder left out of the Ajax squad for Saturday ’ s friendly with Eintracht Frankfurt .
Spurs and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an interest in Van de Beek , who helped Ajax reach the Champions League semi-finals in 2019 .
United also remain interested in their leading transfer target Jadon Sancho , with Borussia Dortmund demanding in excess of £100m for the England international .
Free £5 Bet for all new customers The pools.com is the country 's oldest and longest established betting outlet .
But if you have n't got an account yet , thepools.com is offering new customers a Free £5 bet !
You can bet on any match , any market .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a new account - you do n't need to deposit a penny .
18+ , UK only .
New customers only .
Full T & Cs apply .
Visit thepools.com for info .
begambleaware.org United ’ s pursuit of Van de Beek is evidence of the club ’ s commitment to building a squad for the future , writes MEN ’ s .
While the Reds still require a centre-back , the Ajax midfielder ’ s arrival will provide Ole Gunnar Solskjaer with important depth as United look to compete on four @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a return to the Champions League and their heavy fixture schedule will heighten the need for squad rotation .
Van de Beek , who can play as a No.10 or further back , will provide stiffer competition than Jesse Lingard and Andreas Pereira for Bruno Fernandes .
“ The ideal way to find that depth is to recruit good players when they become available , ” writes Marshall .
“ That is exactly what United are doing with Van de Beek and it 's the justification of the approach they 've been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fans have told Hannibal Mejbri to keep working hard following his goal for the U23 side against Huddersfield at the weekend .
Mejbri , 17 , joined United last summer from Monaco and is widely regarded as one of the most promising youngsters in the club 's academy .
United 's development sides were forced out of action as a result of the coronavirus pandemic which put an end to the Premier League 2 season .
The young Reds played a pre-season friendly match against Huddersfield on Saturday , drawing 3-3 , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the second-half .
Read what fans had to say about him here .

We have more newsletters
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
We have more newsletters
Thank you for subscribing!
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
Here are your Manchester United morning headlines for Monday, 31 August.
United close in on Van de Beek
Manchester United are poised to make Ajax midfielder Donny van de Beek their first signing of the summer in a deal that could rise to €45million (£40.1m).
MEN Sport understands that United are close to finalising an agreement with Ajax , although the 23-year-old is yet to agree personal terms.
United’s move for Van de Beek developed over the weekend, with the midfielder left out of the Ajax squad for Saturday’s friendly with Eintracht Frankfurt.
Spurs and Real Madrid have previously been credited with an interest in Van de Beek, who helped Ajax reach the Champions League semi-finals in 2019.
United also remain interested in their leading transfer target Jadon Sancho, with Borussia Dortmund demanding in excess of £100m for the England international.
Free £5 Bet for all new customers The pools.com is the country's oldest and longest established betting outlet. But if you haven't got an account yet, thepools.com is offering new customers a Free £5 bet! You can bet on any match, any market. Simply log on to thepools.com and register for a new account - you don't need to deposit a penny. 18+, UK only. New customers only. Full T&Cs apply. Visit thepools.com for info. begambleaware.org
Van de Beek pursuit symbolic of long-term squad building
United’s pursuit of Van de Beek is evidence of the club’s commitment to building a squad for the future, writes MEN’s Tyrone Marshall .
While the Reds still require a centre-back, the Ajax midfielder’s arrival will provide Ole Gunnar Solskjaer with important depth as United look to compete on four fronts this term.
United are set for a return to the Champions League and their heavy fixture schedule will heighten the need for squad rotation.
Van de Beek, who can play as a No.10 or further back, will provide stiffer competition than Jesse Lingard and Andreas Pereira for Bruno Fernandes.
“The ideal way to find that depth is to recruit good players when they become available,” writes Marshall.
“That is exactly what United are doing with Van de Beek and it's the justification of the approach they've been taking since Solskjaer arrived.”
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.
United fans send Mejbri message
Manchester United fans have told Hannibal Mejbri to keep working hard following his goal for the U23 side against Huddersfield at the weekend.
Mejbri, 17, joined United last summer from Monaco and is widely regarded as one of the most promising youngsters in the club's academy.
United's development sides were forced out of action as a result of the coronavirus pandemic which put an end to the Premier League 2 season.
The young Reds played a pre-season friendly match against Huddersfield on Saturday, drawing 3-3, with Mejbri getting on the score sheet late in the second-half.
Read what fans had to say about him here.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-08-31--Wetherspoons is launching its own Eat Out discount scheme starting tomorrow

Wetherspoons has said it will continue offering discounted meals after the government 's Eat Out to Help Out scheme comes to an end .
Thousands of restaurants signed up to the government initiative , which gave customers 50 per cent off their food bill up to £10 per person every Monday to Wednesday in August .
With the scheme set to end today , some restaurants have decided to continue the scheme at their own expense .
Pub giant Wetherspoons has announced it will be slashing its food prices on Mondays , Tuesdays and Wednesdays from tomorrow making a classic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ McDonald 's '' .
The promotion is set to continue until November 11 .
Wetherspoons chairman Tim Martin said : “ The Government ’ s Eat Out to Help Out scheme was extremely popular with our customers and a great boost to the hospitality industry .
“ We are keen to offer our customers a superb choice of food and drink at great value for money prices .
“ Our offer means that a classic beef burger in our pubs will be even better value than McDonald ’ s. ” The government said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ claimed on the Eat Out to Help Out scheme so far .
Chancellor Rishi Sunak thanked businesses and customers for helping to protect jobs in the sector .
He said : “ As the Eat Out to Help Out scheme draws to a close , I want to say thank you to the diners who have fallen back in love with their local , to the managers who have spent weeks ensuring their restaurants were safe and to the chefs , waiters and waitresses across the country who have worked tirelessly , sometimes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ever had before – all helping to protect 1.8 million jobs in the hospitality sector .
“ The scheme reminded us why we as a nation love dining out and I urge diners to maintain the momentum to help continue our economic recovery.
” Pizza Hut , Bill ’ s and Toby Carvery are among some of the other restaurants that have said they will continue to offer discounts on food into September .
Deliveroo is launching an 'eat in ' scheme to encourage customers to order more takeaways as the scheme comes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offer £5 off an order of £20 or more during the first three days of each week in September .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Subscribe to our daily What's On newsletter to keep up with what's happening around Greater Manchester
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Subscribe to our daily What's On newsletter to keep up with what's happening around Greater Manchester
Wetherspoons has said it will continue offering discounted meals after the government's Eat Out to Help Out scheme comes to an end.
Thousands of restaurants signed up to the government initiative, which gave customers 50 per cent off their food bill up to £10 per person every Monday to Wednesday in August.
With the scheme set to end today, some restaurants have decided to continue the scheme at their own expense.
Pub giant Wetherspoons has announced it will be slashing its food prices on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from tomorrow making a classic beef burger "even better value than McDonald's".
The promotion is set to continue until November 11.
Wetherspoons chairman Tim Martin said: “The Government’s Eat Out to Help Out scheme was extremely popular with our customers and a great boost to the hospitality industry.
“We are keen to offer our customers a superb choice of food and drink at great value for money prices.
“Our offer means that a classic beef burger in our pubs will be even better value than McDonald’s.”
The government said more than 64 million meals have been claimed on the Eat Out to Help Out scheme so far.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak thanked businesses and customers for helping to protect jobs in the sector.
He said: “As the Eat Out to Help Out scheme draws to a close, I want to say thank you to the diners who have fallen back in love with their local, to the managers who have spent weeks ensuring their restaurants were safe and to the chefs, waiters and waitresses across the country who have worked tirelessly, sometimes with more customers than they’ve ever had before – all helping to protect 1.8 million jobs in the hospitality sector.
“The scheme reminded us why we as a nation love dining out and I urge diners to maintain the momentum to help continue our economic recovery.”
Pizza Hut, Bill’s and Toby Carvery are among some of the other restaurants that have said they will continue to offer discounts on food into September.
Deliveroo is launching an 'eat in' scheme to encourage customers to order more takeaways as the scheme comes to a close.
It said would offer £5 off an order of £20 or more during the first three days of each week in September.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-08-31--Three ways Man United could line up with Van de Beek

Manchester United are closing in on a deal to sign Ajax midfielder Donny van de Beek as they look to add to their squad in the summer transfer window .
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been keen to strengthen his midfield with at least one new addition in the summer window , and it seems like Dutch international Van de Beek is their man .
MEN Sport understands United are close to finalising agreement over a fee worth just over £40m with Ajax but are yet to agree personal terms with the player and Van de Beek will have to undergo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ajax accelerated over the weekend , with Van de Beek left out of the Ajax side to face Eintracht Frankfurt in a friendly on Saturday .
Despite his young age the 23-year-old would bring a wealth of experience to the United midfield and help ease the pressure on both Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba in the starting XI .
Here are three ways United could line up next season with the Ajax star .
Van de Beek 's best football has come playing as an attacking midfielder for Ajax , and it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be best utilised by United .
There is no doubting Van de Beek 's talent as one of the best creative players in Europe but his arrival as an attacking midfielder would surely have to see either Bruno Fernandes or Paul Pogba drop out of an extremely attacking line up .
United 's packed fixture schedule next season makes this the most likely set-up with Van de Beek a great rotation option to help Solskjaer cope with the fixture pile-up .
This is not a luxury United will be allowed in most matches @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Manchester City , United could embrace their own attacking threat with an indulgent midfield against so-called smaller teams .
Van de Beek could play in an advanced role with either Fernandes or Pogba , with someone like Fred or Nemanja Matic occupying the defensive role behind .
In a match where United are expected to dominate or are playing against a side with little to offer on the counter-attack this would be a frightening proposition .
Another key asset to Van de Beek 's game is his versatility , with a more traditional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for him should he move to United .
The Dutch midfielder has actually grabbed the more goals playing as a central midfielder this season , although the majority of his assists have come while playing further up the pitch .
Playing Van de Beek deeper would not only solidify United 's own defensive structure and control of the match , but he has the ability to control a game from deep .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
Manchester United are closing in on a deal to sign Ajax midfielder Donny van de Beek as they look to add to their squad in the summer transfer window.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been keen to strengthen his midfield with at least one new addition in the summer window, and it seems like Dutch international Van de Beek is their man.
MEN Sport understands United are close to finalising agreement over a fee worth just over £40m with Ajax but are yet to agree personal terms with the player and Van de Beek will have to undergo a medical.
Talks between United and Ajax accelerated over the weekend, with Van de Beek left out of the Ajax side to face Eintracht Frankfurt in a friendly on Saturday.
Despite his young age the 23-year-old would bring a wealth of experience to the United midfield and help ease the pressure on both Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba in the starting XI.
Here are three ways United could line up next season with the Ajax star.
As the main attacking midfielder
Van de Beek's best football has come playing as an attacking midfielder for Ajax, and it is in this advanced role where he would be best utilised by United.
There is no doubting Van de Beek's talent as one of the best creative players in Europe but his arrival as an attacking midfielder would surely have to see either Bruno Fernandes or Paul Pogba drop out of an extremely attacking line up.
United's packed fixture schedule next season makes this the most likely set-up with Van de Beek a great rotation option to help Solskjaer cope with the fixture pile-up.
In an attacking pivot
This is not a luxury United will be allowed in most matches, but similarly to the set-up at Manchester City, United could embrace their own attacking threat with an indulgent midfield against so-called smaller teams.
Van de Beek could play in an advanced role with either Fernandes or Pogba, with someone like Fred or Nemanja Matic occupying the defensive role behind.
In a match where United are expected to dominate or are playing against a side with little to offer on the counter-attack this would be a frightening proposition.
In a deeper role
Another key asset to Van de Beek's game is his versatility, with a more traditional central midfield role perhaps the best position for him should he move to United.
The Dutch midfielder has actually grabbed the more goals playing as a central midfielder this season, although the majority of his assists have come while playing further up the pitch.
Playing Van de Beek deeper would not only solidify United's own defensive structure and control of the match, but he has the ability to control a game from deep.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-08-31--Ranvir Singh brings her adorable dog in to GMB and he humps Sean Fletcher's leg

Ranvir Singh was forced to apologise to her colleague Sean Fletcher after her dog humped him on the leg .
The Good Morning Britain presenter had brought four month old Schmizzles to work so that he wasn ’ t left on his own .
But during the morning meeting for the ITV show , the pooch took a shine to Sean , who had begun playing with him to keep him entertained .
The programme had barely begun when Ranvir felt she had to say sorry in front of the viewers .
She said : `` I feel I owe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it 's only 17 minutes past six .
“ I just have to apologise because there was a slightly over amorous incident that occurred this morning , completely not of Sean ’ s doing .
“ I am sorry you were humped by my dog.
” A video of Sean and Schmizzles was shown to viewers of the pair playing in the morning meeting , where they seemed to be getting on like a house on fire .
Ranvir joked that this was when the two of them started bonding .
`` This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” she said .
“ I had to bring him in this morning by the way . ''
Sean then felt he had to offer up an explanation himself , and revealed a reason that Schmizzles may have liked his smell .
He said : “ This is the morning meeting , you have brought your dog in and I was basically the dog sitter throughout the whole meeting .
“ While you did the meeting with Ben , our producer , I had to look after the dog .
Because puppies bite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ He must really like the smell of me , because I have a dog - I have a girl dog and you have a boy dog .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
Ranvir Singh was forced to apologise to her colleague Sean Fletcher after her dog humped him on the leg.
The Good Morning Britain presenter had brought four month old Schmizzles to work so that he wasn’t left on his own.
But during the morning meeting for the ITV show, the pooch took a shine to Sean, who had begun playing with him to keep him entertained.
The programme had barely begun when Ranvir felt she had to say sorry in front of the viewers.
She said: "I feel I owe you an apology Sean, I know it's only 17 minutes past six.
“I just have to apologise because there was a slightly over amorous incident that occurred this morning, completely not of Sean’s doing.
(Image: ITV)
“I am sorry you were humped by my dog.”
A video of Sean and Schmizzles was shown to viewers of the pair playing in the morning meeting, where they seemed to be getting on like a house on fire.
Ranvir joked that this was when the two of them started bonding.
"This is the sort of flirting moment,” she said.
“I had to bring him in this morning by the way."
Sean then felt he had to offer up an explanation himself, and revealed a reason that Schmizzles may have liked his smell.
He said: “This is the morning meeting, you have brought your dog in and I was basically the dog sitter throughout the whole meeting.
“While you did the meeting with Ben, our producer, I had to look after the dog. Because puppies bite you and it’s all playful.
“He must really like the smell of me, because I have a dog - I have a girl dog and you have a boy dog.
“That's when the humping started."
Good Morning Britain airs weekdays from 6am on ITV.