themanchestereveningnews--2020-06-09--Man United evening headlines as Daniel James' future is made clear

Here are your Manchester United headlines for the evening of Tuesday , June 9 .
United not planning on letting Dan James leave on loan Manchester United have no intentions of letting Dan James leave the club on loan this season despite continued speculation that Jadon Sancho could arrive from Borussia Dortmund .
It was reported by The Sun that United would be open to loaning out the Welsh winger after signing him to a new contract , but the Manchester Evening News understands that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has no such plans .
James has enjoyed an encouraging first season @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million move from Swansea City last summer , making 27 Premier League appearances and scoring three times for the Red Devils .
Sancho is still widely believed to be United ’ s top target for the summer window , with Solskjaer keen on adding the right winger to his team ’ s ranks for the start of the 2020/21 season .
Juventus forward Paulo Dybala has confirmed that talks between the Serie A champions and Manchester United took place last summer , with the Argentine previously a target for the Old Trafford outfit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , were reported at the time to be interested in Dybala only for the forward to stay at Juventus , where he has become a key figure for Maurizio Sarri ’ s side this season .
“ It was more or less last year at this point when Juventus did n't want to count on me , did n't want me to continue playing here , ” Dybala told CNN .
“ That 's when I was contacted and there were some clubs that were interested in me .
Among those were Manchester @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a long time there were conversations , then Paris Saint-Germain also appeared .
I did not speak directly to any of them , but there were conversations with the clubs .
However , my intention at the time was to stay.
” Israelite Literary Center and Max Nordau Library , an institution in La Plata , have issued a statement after Manchester United defender Marcos Rojo was spotted breaking lockdown restrictions again .
Rojo has spent the last few months on loan at Estudiantes in his homeland and was filmed spending time with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ having already been spoken to by United for being captured playing cards with friends last month .
“ Firstly , in compliance with the Preventive and Mandatory Social Isolation , our institution remains closed , having even offered the municipal authorities our facilities for sanitary use by the community , if necessary , for purposes related to the situation we are experiencing due to the pandemic , ” the statement read .
“ Secondly , neither Mr. Marcos Rojo nor the other people were authorised by our institution to enter the property .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ result of which we will take the appropriate measures , but under no circumstances do we approve this flagrant violation of the regulations imposed by the national , provincial and municipal government , adding to the condemnation of the fact . ''

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Here are your Manchester United headlines for the evening of Tuesday, June 9.
United not planning on letting Dan James leave on loan
Manchester United have no intentions of letting Dan James leave the club on loan this season despite continued speculation that Jadon Sancho could arrive from Borussia Dortmund.
It was reported by The Sun that United would be open to loaning out the Welsh winger after signing him to a new contract, but the Manchester Evening News understands that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has no such plans.
James has enjoyed an encouraging first season at Old Trafford since making the £15 million move from Swansea City last summer, making 27 Premier League appearances and scoring three times for the Red Devils.
Sancho is still widely believed to be United’s top target for the summer window, with Solskjaer keen on adding the right winger to his team’s ranks for the start of the 2020/21 season.
Paulo Dybala opens up on transfer talks
Juventus forward Paulo Dybala has confirmed that talks between the Serie A champions and Manchester United took place last summer, with the Argentine previously a target for the Old Trafford outfit.
United, along with Tottenham Hotspur, were reported at the time to be interested in Dybala only for the forward to stay at Juventus, where he has become a key figure for Maurizio Sarri’s side this season.
“It was more or less last year at this point when Juventus didn't want to count on me, didn't want me to continue playing here,” Dybala told CNN.
“That's when I was contacted and there were some clubs that were interested in me. Among those were Manchester United and Tottenham. I think for a long time there were conversations, then Paris Saint-Germain also appeared. I did not speak directly to any of them, but there were conversations with the clubs. However, my intention at the time was to stay.”
Statement released after Rojo breaks lowdown restrictions
Israelite Literary Center and Max Nordau Library, an institution in La Plata, have issued a statement after Manchester United defender Marcos Rojo was spotted breaking lockdown restrictions again.
Sign up to our free MUFC email newsletter Get the latest breaking Manchester United transfer news and analysis every day direct to your inbox with our free MUFC newsletter Sign up here - it only takes a few seconds.
Rojo has spent the last few months on loan at Estudiantes in his homeland and was filmed spending time with friends in the city of La Plata having already been spoken to by United for being captured playing cards with friends last month.
“Firstly, in compliance with the Preventive and Mandatory Social Isolation, our institution remains closed, having even offered the municipal authorities our facilities for sanitary use by the community, if necessary, for purposes related to the situation we are experiencing due to the pandemic,” the statement read.
“Secondly, neither Mr. Marcos Rojo nor the other people were authorised by our institution to enter the property. We are investigating what happened as a result of which we will take the appropriate measures, but under no circumstances do we approve this flagrant violation of the regulations imposed by the national, provincial and municipal government, adding to the condemnation of the fact."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-06-09--Family and friends of Adam Kay say their goodbyes at a vigil in Clifton Country Park

Family and friends of Adam Kay say their goodbyes at a vigil in Clifton Country Park Hundreds of people laid @ @ @ @ @ bridge where the teenager 's body was found .

News gallery
Family and friends of Adam Kay say their goodbyes at a vigil in Clifton Country Park
Hundreds of people laid balloons and flowers near the bridge where the teenager's body was found.
(Image: STEVE ALLEN) 1 of 8 (Image: STEVE ALLEN) 2 of 8 (Image: STEVE ALLEN) 3 of 8 (Image: STEVE ALLEN) 4 of 8 (Image: STEVE ALLEN) 5 of 8 (Image: STEVE ALLEN) 6 of 8 (Image: STEVE ALLEN) 7 of 8 (Image: STEVE ALLEN) 8 of 8


themanchestereveningnews--2020-06-09--Another 286 people have died from coronavirus in the UK

The number of people who have died from coronavirus in the UK has risen by 286 today , according to the Department of Health and Social Care .
It comes as just 55 people were reported to have died in all settings on Monday , a significant fall to pre-lockdown levels .
But Tuesday 's figure was considerably higher at 286 deaths .
The coronavirus death toll in Ireland has risen to 1,691 after a further nine deaths were announced by the National Public Health Emergency Team .
In the UK , the Department of Health and Social Care ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in hospitals , care homes and the wider community after testing positive for coronavirus in the UK as of 5pm on Monday , up by 286 from 40,597 the day before .
The government figures do not include all deaths involving Covid-19 across the UK , which is thought to have passed 51,000 .
Northern Ireland ’ s health minister Robin Swann welcomed the third day without any new deaths with coronavirus being reported , but said he was “ reminded of a verse that said ‘ do not boast about tomorrow for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may bring ’ .
” “ Whilst that , along with the low number of daily reported cases is encouraging I would urge people to remain mindful of the serious threat that this virus continues to present , ” he told Stormont ’ s coronavirus briefing on Tuesday .
“ And as always we must never forget that the coronavirus has claimed the lives of many hundreds of our citizens and for those families the grief still remains incredibly raw .
“ Covid-19 and its aftermath represent the greatest challenge for our health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added .
Public Health Wales said a further nine people have died after testing positive for coronavirus , taking the total number of deaths in Wales to 1,410 .
Another 42 people have tested positive for Covid-19 , bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the country to 14,480 .
There have been seven more deaths in Scotland , First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said earlier , as 2,422 patients have died .
It is the first rise in deaths in Scotland since Saturday but Ms Sturgeon said there is always a “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @

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The number of people who have died from coronavirus in the UK has risen by 286 today, according to the Department of Health and Social Care.
It comes as just 55 people were reported to have died in all settings on Monday, a significant fall to pre-lockdown levels.
But Tuesday's figure was considerably higher at 286 deaths.
The coronavirus death toll in Ireland has risen to 1,691 after a further nine deaths were announced by the National Public Health Emergency Team.
In the UK, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) said 40,883 people had died in hospitals, care homes and the wider community after testing positive for coronavirus in the UK as of 5pm on Monday, up by 286 from 40,597 the day before.
(Image: Getty Images)
The government figures do not include all deaths involving Covid-19 across the UK, which is thought to have passed 51,000.
Northern Ireland’s health minister Robin Swann welcomed the third day without any new deaths with coronavirus being reported, but said he was “reminded of a verse that said ‘do not boast about tomorrow for you do not know what a day may bring’.”
“Whilst that, along with the low number of daily reported cases is encouraging I would urge people to remain mindful of the serious threat that this virus continues to present,” he told Stormont’s coronavirus briefing on Tuesday.
“And as always we must never forget that the coronavirus has claimed the lives of many hundreds of our citizens and for those families the grief still remains incredibly raw.
(Image: PA)
“Covid-19 and its aftermath represent the greatest challenge for our health service since its inception", he added.
Public Health Wales said a further nine people have died after testing positive for coronavirus, taking the total number of deaths in Wales to 1,410.
Another 42 people have tested positive for Covid-19, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the country to 14,480.
There have been seven more deaths in Scotland, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said earlier, as 2,422 patients have died.
It is the first rise in deaths in Scotland since Saturday but Ms Sturgeon said there is always a “weekend lag” in reported deaths.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-06-09--EuroMillions results and draw LIVE: Winning numbers for Tuesday June 9

It 's Tuesday again , which means it 's time for another Euromillions draw .
And the second game of June wo n't disappoint as there 's £33 million up for grabs .
Someone out there could find themselves to be an overnight millionaire - but only if you have picked up a ticket for tonight 's draw .
Do you know what you would do if you walked away a lucky winner ?
To play the game , you 'll need to pick up a lottery ticket before 7.30pm and choose five main numbers and two lucky stars - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even if you do n't secure the jackpot , you could still take home large amounts of cash .
With every ticket you 'll also be entered into the Millionaire Maker draw and one lucky ticket holder will be automatically made into a millionaire if their raffle code is picked .
Tonight we 'll be revealing the results for Euromillions , the Thunderball draw , and the Millionaire Maker code .
Now we have the EuroMillions result .
Have you won £33m ?
The numbers you need to match are 5 , 15 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the lucky stars are 2 and 8 .

It's Tuesday again, which means it's time for another Euromillions draw.
And the second game of June won't disappoint as there's £33 million up for grabs.
Someone out there could find themselves to be an overnight millionaire - but only if you have picked up a ticket for tonight's draw.
Do you know what you would do if you walked away a lucky winner?
To play the game, you'll need to pick up a lottery ticket before 7.30pm and choose five main numbers and two lucky stars - or you can play online.
But even if you don't secure the jackpot, you could still take home large amounts of cash.
With every ticket you'll also be entered into the Millionaire Maker draw and one lucky ticket holder will be automatically made into a millionaire if their raffle code is picked.
Tonight we'll be revealing the results for Euromillions, the Thunderball draw, and the Millionaire Maker code.
EuroMillions winning numbers
Now we have the EuroMillions result. Have you won £33m?
The numbers you need to match are 5, 15, 27, 36, 46 and the lucky stars are 2 and 8.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-06-09--Southgate hints at Premier League transfer for Sancho amid Man Utd links

England manager Gareth Southgate has admitted that a move to the Premier League could be the next step in Jadon Sancho 's progression amid links with Manchester United .
MEN Sport understands that Sancho remains one of Ole Gunnar Solskajer 's top transfer targets this summer .
The Borussia Dortmund winger has been in fine form this season , scoring 20 goals and registering 18 assists across all competitions .
Those numbers have seen Sancho emerge as a key player on the international stage for England under Southgate .
The England boss has admitted that the depth of quality in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Premier League and a move back to England could be the next step in his development .
`` He 's a very talented young player , that 's clear , '' Southgate told The Football Show .
`` The Bundesliga has a huge profile at the moment because it 's the only football being played that we 're able to watch , it 's no surprise to us that .
`` I think it 's clear Bayern Munich are the best team in the league .
You 've then got Leipzig and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as you work down the league is an interesting one to compare to the Premier League .
`` The level is not quite the same .
I think the top teams , the matches at Champions League , when the English teams have played the top German teams have been a good challenge .
`` The depth of the league is n't the same , the finances of the league are n't the same .
Our smallest teams can compete with some historical big hitters like Ajax .
Our smallest teams have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ higher value than those clubs .
`` Any step is going to be a big challenge but he 's developing really well when you look at his age , what his contribution is , he 's learning the game , he 's maturing .
`` He 's got some fantastic role models in Raheem Sterling and Marcus Rashford to look at .
Not just in how they play but their professionalism , their hunger , they 're brilliant role models for Jadon to be working with with us . ''

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England manager Gareth Southgate has admitted that a move to the Premier League could be the next step in Jadon Sancho's progression amid links with Manchester United.
MEN Sport understands that Sancho remains one of Ole Gunnar Solskajer's top transfer targets this summer.
The Borussia Dortmund winger has been in fine form this season, scoring 20 goals and registering 18 assists across all competitions.
Those numbers have seen Sancho emerge as a key player on the international stage for England under Southgate.
The England boss has admitted that the depth of quality in the Bundesliga does not equally compare to the Premier League and a move back to England could be the next step in his development.
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.
"He's a very talented young player, that's clear," Southgate told The Football Show.
"The Bundesliga has a huge profile at the moment because it's the only football being played that we're able to watch, it's no surprise to us that.
"I think it's clear Bayern Munich are the best team in the league. You've then got Leipzig and Dortmund who perform well but the gap as you work down the league is an interesting one to compare to the Premier League.
"The level is not quite the same. I think the top teams, the matches at Champions League, when the English teams have played the top German teams have been a good challenge.
"The depth of the league isn't the same, the finances of the league aren't the same. Our smallest teams can compete with some historical big hitters like Ajax. Our smallest teams have been able to compete and sign players for higher value than those clubs.
"Any step is going to be a big challenge but he's developing really well when you look at his age, what his contribution is, he's learning the game, he's maturing.
"He's got some fantastic role models in Raheem Sterling and Marcus Rashford to look at. Not just in how they play but their professionalism, their hunger, they're brilliant role models for Jadon to be working with with us."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-06-09--Pensioner who had £2k stolen from her trolley says she's scared to live her life

A pensioner who had £2,000 in cash stolen from her shopping trolley says the shocking incident has left her fearful to live her life .
Andrea Merrall , 77 , had been on her way to a knitting group at the Forum Leisure Centre in Wythenshawe , when she was the target of a distraction theft .
She had been travelling in a lift at the Forum Library with the money in an envelope , stashed in the compartment of her trolley .
The money was for someone at the craft club that takes place at the library .
Andrea @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lift , and began chatting with them .
After they left , she realised the envelope with the money had dissapeared .
Police believe she was the target of a distraction robbery .
They have released a CCTV image of two women they wanted to speak to in connection with the incident on February 5 , 2020 .
Four months on from the robbery , Andrea says she stills feels fearful of going outside , and is wary of everyone she meets .
The culprit/s still have n't been caught .
`` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the moment I actually feel secure and safe , '' Andrea said .
`` But I am not sure exactly how I will feel when it comes to going back outside - this has made me wary of a lot of people .
`` I did go out after it happened but I tried to limit where I went and who I was going to see .
It is very hard to describe how it makes you feel . ''
`` I would always be conscious if anyone went near my shopping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of people that I do n't know , '' Andrea added .
`` When I get off the bus I am a 10 minute walk home , but I would stop every few minutes to check if anyone was behind me . ''
Police say they are keen to catch the thieves responsible , and have launched a fresh appeal for information .
The two women they want to speak to are described as between 5ft 5ins and 5ft 6ins tall and are believed to speak with Eastern European accents .
`` The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have come round every so often to keep me up to date with the investigation , '' Andrea said .
`` I would like to hope they catch the individuals to stop them from doing this to someone else , but I do n't expect to get the money back .
`` I just hope my story makes people more aware of the kind of people that are out there , and to encourage women like me to carry their bags safely over their shoulder . ''
PC David Pimlott , of GMP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : `` Our investigation in to this theft from an innocent woman is continuing , despite the time that has passed since the incident .
`` The theft had a lasting impact on the victim as she used her personal savings to replace the money .
We are keen to return it to its rightful owner .
`` We have released CCTV of two women we would like to speak to in connection with this incident and would encourage anyone who can help us identify them to get in touch .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have any information which may assist us , I appeal you to contact police or Crimestoppers , anonymously . ''

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A pensioner who had £2,000 in cash stolen from her shopping trolley says the shocking incident has left her fearful to live her life.
Andrea Merrall, 77, had been on her way to a knitting group at the Forum Leisure Centre in Wythenshawe, when she was the target of a distraction theft.
She had been travelling in a lift at the Forum Library with the money in an envelope, stashed in the compartment of her trolley.
The money was for someone at the craft club that takes place at the library.
Andrea was approached by two women in the lift, and began chatting with them. After they left, she realised the envelope with the money had dissapeared.
Police believe she was the target of a distraction robbery. They have released a CCTV image of two women they wanted to speak to in connection with the incident on February 5, 2020.
Four months on from the robbery, Andrea says she stills feels fearful of going outside, and is wary of everyone she meets. The culprit/s still haven't been caught.
(Image: Greater Manchester Police)
"I have been isolating during lockdown and so at the moment I actually feel secure and safe," Andrea said.
"But I am not sure exactly how I will feel when it comes to going back outside - this has made me wary of a lot of people.
"I did go out after it happened but I tried to limit where I went and who I was going to see. It is very hard to describe how it makes you feel."
"I would always be conscious if anyone went near my shopping trolley, and I was more wary of people that I don't know," Andrea added.
"When I get off the bus I am a 10 minute walk home, but I would stop every few minutes to check if anyone was behind me."
Police say they are keen to catch the thieves responsible, and have launched a fresh appeal for information.
The two women they want to speak to are described as between 5ft 5ins and 5ft 6ins tall and are believed to speak with Eastern European accents.
"The police have done a fantastic job and have come round every so often to keep me up to date with the investigation," Andrea said.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
"I would like to hope they catch the individuals to stop them from doing this to someone else, but I don't expect to get the money back.
"I just hope my story makes people more aware of the kind of people that are out there, and to encourage women like me to carry their bags safely over their shoulder."
PC David Pimlott, of GMP’s City of Manchester district, said: "Our investigation in to this theft from an innocent woman is continuing, despite the time that has passed since the incident.
"The theft had a lasting impact on the victim as she used her personal savings to replace the money. We are keen to return it to its rightful owner.
"We have released CCTV of two women we would like to speak to in connection with this incident and would encourage anyone who can help us identify them to get in touch.
"If that’s you or you have any information which may assist us, I appeal you to contact police or Crimestoppers, anonymously."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-06-09--A rugby coach on the mental challenges after two weeks in a coma with Covid-19

It started out as a routine day , but by the evening Brendan Sheridan was in an induced coma .
The 41-year-old spent the next two weeks unconscious , kept alive by a machine .
But on that morning , on March 29 , the assistant coach at Oldham RLFC ( Roughyeds ) woke up feeling fine .
He ate his breakfast at his home in Dewsbury and did some work .
It was later on that the dad-of-three began to struggle with his breathing .
Over the next ten hours he deteriorated rapidly as he fell ill with Covid-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had squeezed the air out of my lungs '' , he said .
He phoned 111 , and they told him they would phone back in a few hours .
He phoned again , and was given the same response .
But his condition started getting worse .
`` My auntie phoned an ambulance and paramedics came .
`` The last thing I remember saying to the paramedic was 'where are we ?
, where have you brought me ? '
, That 's my last memory . ''
He was taken to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an induced coma for a fortnight .
Medics later told him he was the first coronavirus patient at the hospital to be put on a ventilator .
Brendan then contracted pneumonia and doctors packed his body in ice to bring his temperature down .
Two weeks later , Brendan woke up from the coma in an oxygen hood .
`` I was claustrophobic .
Because I had been packed in ice I could n't move .
I just panicked .
I could n't speak .
I did n't know I had been out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was dark , the nurses were flying about in the hospital .
It was just like 'what 's happened ? '
'' He began suffering hallucinations due to the medication he was on .
`` In the room things were moving , the lights were flying round the room .
I had vivid dreams about dying and not breathing .
`` I was waking up in cold sweats .
I kept asking ( the staff at the hospital ) to put me back to sleep .
`` I was begging them to knock @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my family members , it was traumatic for them . ''
Brendan made remarkable physical progress in the days that followed .
He had lost two stone in two weeks .
After a few days he was able to get out of bed .
He said he felt like a 'child learning to walk again ' .
As soon as he left the hospital he began doing seven kilometre walks .
He began putting weight back on , through healthy eating and exercise .
But the mental scars took longer to heal .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Batley Bulldogs rugby player , had struggled with his mental health in the past .
It was due to 'personal stuff ' that he had n't dealt with , he said .
`` Being a rugby player and a male , it 's hard to speak about it .
Back then , coming through the sport 20 years ago , it was very , very rare that a man would come out and speak about their problems , it was n't part of the sport in general until now . ''
The trauma @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wounds ' , and he suffered PTSD .
He was traumatised by his brush with death , particularly the thought that he could have died without getting to say goodbye to his family .
`` I would never have got to say goodbye to my kids , or said that I loved them .
Or said sorry for things in my past .
`` It 's very hard to come to terms with .
That 's one of the big things you struggle with .
`` Over 40,000 people have died ( from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'm one of the very few that were so close that survived .
`` As much as you celebrate me being here , it 's not nice to know that so many have gone .
You feel bad .
It 's very , very sad . ''
He has suffered insomnia and has gone days without sleeping at all .
When he does sleep , he still has vivid dreams of lying in hospital beds struggling to breathe .
`` I have my family around me , I 'm trying to talk to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ love them .
They ca n't hear me '' , he said .
`` I wake up in different parts of the bedroom in a cold sweat . ''
Club chairman of the Roughyeds , Chris Hamilton , encouraged Brendan to get therapy through sports mental health charity Sporting Chance .
`` I owe a massive thanks to Chris , for nudging me in that direction .
It took a lot to take those first steps . ''
He has started sessions with counsellor Craig Dexter .
Brendan said it was 'tough to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been 'fantastic ' .
`` It 's probably saved my life .
Without it I would n't have wanted to be here and would have dealt with that badly .
The only way out of that is suicide , '' he said .
He would urge other people who are struggling with anxiety or depression to open up to someone else .
`` It 's about dealing with each day as it comes , '' he said .
His colleagues in the Rugby League have shown tremendous support for Brendan through his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospital , they took part in an initiative to run a mile to support him .
`` It 's very humbling '' , he said .

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It started out as a routine day, but by the evening Brendan Sheridan was in an induced coma.
The 41-year-old spent the next two weeks unconscious, kept alive by a machine.
But on that morning, on March 29, the assistant coach at Oldham RLFC (Roughyeds) woke up feeling fine.
He ate his breakfast at his home in Dewsbury and did some work.
It was later on that the dad-of-three began to struggle with his breathing.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
Over the next ten hours he deteriorated rapidly as he fell ill with Covid-19.
"It was like someone had had squeezed the air out of my lungs", he said.
He phoned 111, and they told him they would phone back in a few hours.
(Image: supplied)
He phoned again, and was given the same response.
But his condition started getting worse.
"My auntie phoned an ambulance and paramedics came.
"The last thing I remember saying to the paramedic was 'where are we?, where have you brought me?', That's my last memory."
He was taken to Pinderfields Hospital in Wakefield and put into an induced coma for a fortnight.
Medics later told him he was the first coronavirus patient at the hospital to be put on a ventilator.
Brendan then contracted pneumonia and doctors packed his body in ice to bring his temperature down.
Waking up
Two weeks later, Brendan woke up from the coma in an oxygen hood.
He felt confused and scared.
"I was claustrophobic. Because I had been packed in ice I couldn't move. I just panicked. I couldn't speak. I didn't know I had been out for that long.
"The room was dark, the nurses were flying about in the hospital. It was just like 'what's happened?'"
He began suffering hallucinations due to the medication he was on.
"In the room things were moving, the lights were flying round the room. I had vivid dreams about dying and not breathing.
"I was waking up in cold sweats. I kept asking (the staff at the hospital) to put me back to sleep.
"I was begging them to knock me out.
"I spoke to my family members, it was traumatic for them."
Brendan made remarkable physical progress in the days that followed.
He had lost two stone in two weeks. After a few days he was able to get out of bed.
He said he felt like a 'child learning to walk again'.
(Image: supplied)
He spent ten days recovering on a ward.
As soon as he left the hospital he began doing seven kilometre walks.
He began putting weight back on, through healthy eating and exercise.
But the mental scars took longer to heal.
Brendan, a former Sheffield Eagles and Batley Bulldogs rugby player, had struggled with his mental health in the past.
It was due to 'personal stuff' that he hadn't dealt with, he said.
"Being a rugby player and a male, it's hard to speak about it. Back then, coming through the sport 20 years ago, it was very, very rare that a man would come out and speak about their problems, it wasn't part of the sport in general until now."
The trauma of the illness began opening up 'old wounds', and he suffered PTSD.
He was traumatised by his brush with death, particularly the thought that he could have died without getting to say goodbye to his family.
"I would never have got to say goodbye to my kids, or said that I loved them. Or said sorry for things in my past.
"It's very hard to come to terms with. That's one of the big things you struggle with.
"Over 40,000 people have died (from coronavirus in the UK). I'm one of the very few that were so close that survived.
"As much as you celebrate me being here, it's not nice to know that so many have gone. You feel bad. It's very, very sad."
He has suffered insomnia and has gone days without sleeping at all.
When he does sleep, he still has vivid dreams of lying in hospital beds struggling to breathe.
"I have my family around me, I'm trying to talk to them, to say goodbye and I love them. They can't hear me", he said.
"I wake up in different parts of the bedroom in a cold sweat."
Getting help
Club chairman of the Roughyeds, Chris Hamilton, encouraged Brendan to get therapy through sports mental health charity Sporting Chance.
"I owe a massive thanks to Chris, for nudging me in that direction. It took a lot to take those first steps."
He has started sessions with counsellor Craig Dexter.
Brendan said it was 'tough to let someone in' but the therapy has been 'fantastic'.
"It's probably saved my life. Without it I wouldn't have wanted to be here and would have dealt with that badly. The only way out of that is suicide," he said.
He would urge other people who are struggling with anxiety or depression to open up to someone else.
"It's about dealing with each day as it comes," he said.
His colleagues in the Rugby League have shown tremendous support for Brendan through his ordeal.
While he was ill in hospital, they took part in an initiative to run a mile to support him.
"It's very humbling", he said.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-06-09--Men pretending to be police break into a mum's home demanding drugs

A mum says she was left 'petrified ' after men - one of whom pretended to be a policeman - smashed their way into her home and demanded drugs from her .
The woman was forced to lock herself in her bedroom with her young daughter during the ordeal .
She is now warning others living in Gorton to be vigilant after the terrifying raid .
The drama unfolded at around 10:45pm on Sunday night .
The mum was at her home on Brogan Street close to Tesco with her young daughter when a man began banging on her front @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bedroom window to ask who he was and he told her he was a policeman and to let him in .
`` I knew he was n't '' the mum , who did want to be named , told the Manchester Evening News .
`` He did n't have a uniform on , and was dressed all in black .
`` I said I did n't believe him and he pulled a lanyard out of his pocket and kept saying he was and to let him in .
`` I said I would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's when I heard the window smash . ''
At this point a window of the woman 's back door was smashed and men entered .
She remained in her bedroom and locked herself and her daughter in as she heard three men , one of whom she believes was the fake policeman , walking around inside her house .
`` I was absolutely petrified '' she said .
`` I thought they were coming in to attack me .
`` I heard three sets of footsteps coming up the stairs .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where 's the weed , we know you 've got it .
`` I do n't smoke it and have no idea what they were on about .
It was like they were looking for a cannabis farm or something but maybe they got the wrong house .
`` I knew they were n't going to find anything so that made me even more scared they might come after me .
`` My daughter was sat on the bed screaming her head off .
The mum rang the police as they broke in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into her bedroom and had fled before officers arrived around three or four minutes later .
A wardrobe was knocked over however as far as she is aware nothing was taken .
What is believed to be the cover or bag for a machete was found in the living room .
Searches on and around the street , which contains both terraced and semi-detatched houses , were carried out but no one was located .
Officers , who spent Monday at the house carrying out enquiries , are now trying to trace the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ GMP ) spokeswoman confirmed no arrests had yet been made but said enquiries into the incident were ongoing The victim says the man who knocked on the door was in his twenties , tall , of medium build and had mousey or light brown hair and was dressed all in black .
The mum has now temporarily moved out and gone to stay with a relative .
`` It could have been a lot worse '' she said .
`` We were n't hurt which is the main thing but we are badly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want to go back to that house and neither do I really .
`` I 'd just urge people to be vigilant and be aware of who 's around . ''
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call police on 101 quoting incident 2950 of 07/06/20 or contact Crimestoppers , anonymously , on 0800 555 111 .

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A mum says she was left 'petrified' after men - one of whom pretended to be a policeman - smashed their way into her home and demanded drugs from her.
The woman was forced to lock herself in her bedroom with her young daughter during the ordeal.
She is now warning others living in Gorton to be vigilant after the terrifying raid.
The drama unfolded at around 10:45pm on Sunday night.
The mum was at her home on Brogan Street close to Tesco with her young daughter when a man began banging on her front door.
She leaned out of her bedroom window to ask who he was and he told her he was a policeman and to let him in.
"I knew he wasn't" the mum, who did want to be named, told the Manchester Evening News.
"He didn't have a uniform on, and was dressed all in black.
"I said I didn't believe him and he pulled a lanyard out of his pocket and kept saying he was and to let him in.
"I said I would ring the police and check, that's when I heard the window smash."
At this point a window of the woman's back door was smashed and men entered.
She remained in her bedroom and locked herself and her daughter in as she heard three men, one of whom she believes was the fake policeman, walking around inside her house.
"I was absolutely petrified" she said.
"I thought they were coming in to attack me.
"I heard three sets of footsteps coming up the stairs.
"One of them shouted 'come on love where's the weed, we know you've got it.
"I don't smoke it and have no idea what they were on about.
It was like they were looking for a cannabis farm or something but maybe they got the wrong house.
"I knew they weren't going to find anything so that made me even more scared they might come after me.
"My daughter was sat on the bed screaming her head off.
The mum rang the police as they broke in.
The men never tried to get into her bedroom and had fled before officers arrived around three or four minutes later.
A wardrobe was knocked over however as far as she is aware nothing was taken.
What is believed to be the cover or bag for a machete was found in the living room.
Searches on and around the street, which contains both terraced and semi-detatched houses, were carried out but no one was located.
Officers, who spent Monday at the house carrying out enquiries, are now trying to trace the culprits.
A Greater Manchester Police (GMP) spokeswoman confirmed no arrests had yet been made but said enquiries into the incident were ongoing
The victim says the man who knocked on the door was in his twenties, tall, of medium build and had mousey or light brown hair and was dressed all in black.
The mum has now temporarily moved out and gone to stay with a relative.
"It could have been a lot worse" she said.
"We weren't hurt which is the main thing but we are badly shaken.
"My daughter doesn't want to go back to that house and neither do I really.
"I'd just urge people to be vigilant and be aware of who's around."
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call police on 101 quoting incident 2950 of 07/06/20 or contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-06-09--Captured on CCTV, the drug addict robber who preyed on women at the cash point

A drug addict robber preyed on vulnerable women at high street cash points , even wrestling a church trustee for her handbag to feed his addiction to crack cocaine and heroin .
CCTV captured homeless father-of-three Nathan Shepherd , 31 , laying in wait outside Lloyds Bank in Moston where he would take care to leave the male customers and then pounce when he saw a woman .
Among his victims was an NHS worker and a church trustee , the latter fighting him off after a 'tug of war ' for her bag which contained the cash from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jailed for his crimes , sobbing to the judge who caged him : `` I 'm absolutely ashamed of my actions . ''
Nathan Shepherd , 31 , went on a 13-day crime spree from January 27 this year , targeting lone women aged between 30 and 50 at a Lloyds Bank cash point on Moston Lane in Moston , north Manchester .
`` It 's apparent from the footage that the defendant was waiting by the machine looking for appropriate victims , '' prosecutor Brian Williams told Manchester Crown Court .
During @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 27 , Shepherd 's victim , an NHS worker , was on the phone to her friend whilst she was at the cash machine .
He was at the adjacent machine , pretending to use the ATM but actually waiting for a moment to pounce .
The woman withdrew £50 cash and then felt the defendant push against her right arm before he snatched the money and ran away .
Her Samsung phone was damaged when it fell to the ground and her coat was ripped .
The court heard she was unable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because of an ache to her left arm and was worried about looking after her three children .
Shepherd struck again a week later , on February 5 , when he shoved his second victim moments after she had withdrawn £60 from the cash machine .
The court heard there was a struggle as the woman tried and failed to stop him and he ran away with her money .
As he fled , he dropped £40 of the cash which she retrieved .
The woman was said to have suffered minor injuries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , this time snatching a bag from a woman as she was standing outside her home at nearby Marshall Street in Blackley looking for the door keys .
`` She shouted for help but there was nobody around , '' said Mr Williams .
Moments later she received a text from her bank to alert her that her bank card had been used to obtain goods worth £70 at a nearby shop .
The court heard the attack left the woman 'shaking ' and that she now felt afraid to leave the house @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lock changed on her front door .
Shepherd was at it again at 7.45am the next day , this time back at the cash machine on Moston Lane when he stood beside the woman and then grabbed her cash .
`` She told him to let go of her money but but he did n't and ran off , '' said Mr Williams .
The victim later told police the crime had left her 'upset and depressed ' particularly as she had grown up in Moston and had always felt safe .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in humanity , '' said the prosecutor .
The defendant struck again a few hours later when CCTV captured him waiting for his next victim , the trustee of a local church who had come to bank the church collection money .
The court heard Shepherd smiled at her and there was a brief conversation between them but then he grabbed at her bag from behind .
CCTV showed a violent struggle as the woman resisted his attempts to take her bag .
`` She fell to the ground and what followed was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trying to pull it off her and her very gamely trying to stop him , '' said Mr Williams .
The bag broke during the incident , others intervened and Shepherd ran away empty-handed .
The incident left the woman with a sore back and a cut to her ear .
A PCSO was called to the scene and Shepherd tried to run away but he was arrested nearby .
He was said to be under the influence of drugs and had to be taken to hospital before being taken to a police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cross QC noted that it was 'rather sad ' one man inside the bank had failed to help at all when the woman was on the ground wrestling with Shepherd and it was a man who came running across the road to help her .
Shepherd had a large number of previous convictions but none for robbery .
David Morton , defending , told the court his client 'utterly apologises for his behaviour ' .
He said his client was now drugs free and 'was proud of that ' .
The court heard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three children , had told him he was no longer welcome at the family home because of the 'negative influence ' he was having on their kids .
Mr Morton said Shepherd had 'relapsed ' when he had fallen back in with 'old associates ' who had a common interest in drugs before Christmas .
It had left him homeless , the court heard .
Shepherd himself , appearing in court from Forest Bank prison via videolink , made a tearful apology direct to the the judge .
`` I sincerely apologise for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adding that he had been addicted to 'crack and heroin ' and that it meant he had lost his wife and children .
He admitted he had committed 'awful crimes under the influence of drugs ' .
`` I 'm absolutely ashamed of my actions .
I want nothing more than to stop using ( drugs ) , '' he continued .
`` I never planned to commit these crimes .
It was impulsive behaviour .
I know I ca n't change what I 've done but I can change my future , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would accept all the help he can to stay off drugs and explained he had suffered 'mental health issues and thought self-medication was the easiest way to cope ' .
Shepherd , formerly of Benchill Road in Wythenshawe , was jailed for four years and six months after he admitted four counts of robbery , one attempted robbery and fraud .
Jailing the sobbing the defendant , Judge Cross told him : `` Over the course of 13 days you , in the grips of addiction with heroin and crack cocaine , sought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the weak and vulnerable .
You targeted women because you decided that they would offer less resistance . ''
Following the hearing , Police Constable Clare Smith said : “ Nathan Shepherd committed a series of despicable acts targeting innocent woman going about their daily lives and I hope this verdict offers comfort to the five victims at the hands of this man .
`` Not only have these women suffered financially , psychologically and sometimes physically as a result of his actions , but the community as a whole were becoming increasingly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these offences by Shepherd .
“ I hope they can take reassurance that we will do everything within our power to ensure that such offenders will be put behind bars for their attacks on members of our community .
“ I would like to pay tribute to the courage shown by the victims during this case and also to members of the public who helped ultimately detain this man and demonstrate how solidarity in society can overcome the minority who seek to do others harm .
”

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A drug addict robber preyed on vulnerable women at high street cash points, even wrestling a church trustee for her handbag to feed his addiction to crack cocaine and heroin.
CCTV captured homeless father-of-three Nathan Shepherd, 31, laying in wait outside Lloyds Bank in Moston where he would take care to leave the male customers and then pounce when he saw a woman.
Among his victims was an NHS worker and a church trustee, the latter fighting him off after a 'tug of war' for her bag which contained the cash from the church collection.
Now Shepherd has been jailed for his crimes, sobbing to the judge who caged him: "I'm absolutely ashamed of my actions."
Nathan Shepherd, 31, went on a 13-day crime spree from January 27 this year, targeting lone women aged between 30 and 50 at a Lloyds Bank cash point on Moston Lane in Moston, north Manchester.
(Image: GMP)
"It's apparent from the footage that the defendant was waiting by the machine looking for appropriate victims," prosecutor Brian Williams told Manchester Crown Court.
During the first attack at 3pm on January 27, Shepherd's victim, an NHS worker, was on the phone to her friend whilst she was at the cash machine.
He was at the adjacent machine, pretending to use the ATM but actually waiting for a moment to pounce.
The woman withdrew £50 cash and then felt the defendant push against her right arm before he snatched the money and ran away.
Her Samsung phone was damaged when it fell to the ground and her coat was ripped.
The court heard she was unable to return to work for the NHS because of an ache to her left arm and was worried about looking after her three children.
(Image: GMP)
Shepherd struck again a week later, on February 5, when he shoved his second victim moments after she had withdrawn £60 from the cash machine.
The court heard there was a struggle as the woman tried and failed to stop him and he ran away with her money. As he fled, he dropped £40 of the cash which she retrieved.
The woman was said to have suffered minor injuries.
Two days later Shepherd struck again, this time snatching a bag from a woman as she was standing outside her home at nearby Marshall Street in Blackley looking for the door keys.
"She shouted for help but there was nobody around," said Mr Williams.
(Image: GMP)
Moments later she received a text from her bank to alert her that her bank card had been used to obtain goods worth £70 at a nearby shop.
The court heard the attack left the woman 'shaking' and that she now felt afraid to leave the house. She paid £150 to have the lock changed on her front door.
Shepherd was at it again at 7.45am the next day, this time back at the cash machine on Moston Lane when he stood beside the woman and then grabbed her cash.
"She told him to let go of her money but but he didn't and ran off," said Mr Williams.
(Image: GMP)
The victim later told police the crime had left her 'upset and depressed' particularly as she had grown up in Moston and had always felt safe.
"What happened to her dented her faith in humanity," said the prosecutor.
The defendant struck again a few hours later when CCTV captured him waiting for his next victim, the trustee of a local church who had come to bank the church collection money.
The court heard Shepherd smiled at her and there was a brief conversation between them but then he grabbed at her bag from behind.
CCTV showed a violent struggle as the woman resisted his attempts to take her bag.
Sign up to the free MEN email newsletter Get the latest updates from across Greater Manchester direct to your inbox with the free MEN newsletter You can sign up very simply by following the instructions here
"She fell to the ground and what followed was a tug of war with the defendant trying to pull it off her and her very gamely trying to stop him," said Mr Williams.
The bag broke during the incident, others intervened and Shepherd ran away empty-handed.
The incident left the woman with a sore back and a cut to her ear.
A PCSO was called to the scene and Shepherd tried to run away but he was arrested nearby. He was said to be under the influence of drugs and had to be taken to hospital before being taken to a police station to be interviewed.
Judge Anthony Cross QC noted that it was 'rather sad' one man inside the bank had failed to help at all when the woman was on the ground wrestling with Shepherd and it was a man who came running across the road to help her.
Shepherd had a large number of previous convictions but none for robbery.
David Morton, defending, told the court his client 'utterly apologises for his behaviour'.
(Image: GMP)
He said his client was now drugs free and 'was proud of that'.
The court heard his wife, with whom he has three children, had told him he was no longer welcome at the family home because of the 'negative influence' he was having on their kids.
Mr Morton said Shepherd had 'relapsed' when he had fallen back in with 'old associates' who had a common interest in drugs before Christmas.
It had left him homeless, the court heard.
Shepherd himself, appearing in court from Forest Bank prison via videolink, made a tearful apology direct to the the judge.
"I sincerely apologise for my behaviour," he said, adding that he had been addicted to 'crack and heroin' and that it meant he had lost his wife and children.
He admitted he had committed 'awful crimes under the influence of drugs'.
"I'm absolutely ashamed of my actions. I want nothing more than to stop using (drugs)," he continued.
"I never planned to commit these crimes. It was impulsive behaviour. I know I can't change what I've done but I can change my future," he said.
He said he would accept all the help he can to stay off drugs and explained he had suffered 'mental health issues and thought self-medication was the easiest way to cope'.
Shepherd, formerly of Benchill Road in Wythenshawe, was jailed for four years and six months after he admitted four counts of robbery, one attempted robbery and fraud.
Jailing the sobbing the defendant, Judge Cross told him: "Over the course of 13 days you, in the grips of addiction with heroin and crack cocaine, sought to feed your habit by robbing from the weak and vulnerable. You targeted women because you decided that they would offer less resistance."
Following the hearing, Police Constable Clare Smith said: “Nathan Shepherd committed a series of despicable acts targeting innocent woman going about their daily lives and I hope this verdict offers comfort to the five victims at the hands of this man.
"Not only have these women suffered financially, psychologically and sometimes physically as a result of his actions, but the community as a whole were becoming increasingly anxious about the nature and frequency of these offences by Shepherd.
“I hope they can take reassurance that we will do everything within our power to ensure that such offenders will be put behind bars for their attacks on members of our community.
“I would like to pay tribute to the courage shown by the victims during this case and also to members of the public who helped ultimately detain this man and demonstrate how solidarity in society can overcome the minority who seek to do others harm.”


themanchestereveningnews--2020-06-09--Two metre social distancing rule is being kept 'under review'

The Business Secretary , Alok Sharma , confirmed that non-essential shops in England can reopen from Monday if they comply with social distancing rules - but said the two-metre rule will remain in place .
He told the daily Downing Street press conference : “ I can confirm today that retail outlets which have been required to be closed will be able to open their doors again from Monday June 15 so long as they comply with the Covid-secure guidelines we published on May 25 .
“ This is the latest step in the careful restarting of our economy and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country to spring back to life.
” Enforcement notices can be issued if shops reopen without following the guidance , he explained .
He said the government is keeping the two-metre social distancing rule under review .
“ When it is safe to do so , we will see whether you can move to a shorter distance but ultimately we keep all of these things under review , ” he said .
“ There are other countries in the world that have moved from two metres to closer distances .
`` Of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ terms of their road map , in terms of opening up businesses .
“ We are taking a cautious view on this .
I completely understand why for economic reasons businesses will want to have a look at this two-metre rule.
” He said : `` We are at two metres .
The two metres stays in place for the moment .
We keep all of these things under review.
” Health and Safety Executive chief executive Sarah Albon said reducing the number of infections as well as the rate of transmission is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She told the press conference : “ It requires a view both of the chance of the infection being passed on but also the prevalence in society , because that mix of how many people in the population have got this illness combined with what ’ s a safe distance gives you the probability of something being passed on.
” Mr Sharma said : “ I do get why businesses in a whole range of sectors make the economic case why you would want to move closer than two metres .
“ But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is safe .
We will keep this under review .
We will only make changes when it is safe to do so.
” Read more of today 's top stories here Mr Sharma said pubs , bars , restaurants and hairdressers will not be able to reopen until July 4 “ at the earliest ” .
“ Of course , there are businesses which still remain closed .
As soon as we can we will publish further safer working guidance for restaurants , pubs and bars , as well as hairdressers , barbers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' he added .
“ I know there ’ s been a lot of speculation about when we might be able to reopen these parts of the economy and I completely understand why we ’ re all so keen to get them back up and running , and I absolutely share that enthusiasm .
“ But we continue to follow the road map which set out our ambition to reopen these sectors from July 4 at the earliest .
”

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The Business Secretary, Alok Sharma, confirmed that non-essential shops in England can reopen from Monday if they comply with social distancing rules - but said the two-metre rule will remain in place.
He told the daily Downing Street press conference: “I can confirm today that retail outlets which have been required to be closed will be able to open their doors again from Monday June 15 so long as they comply with the Covid-secure guidelines we published on May 25.
“This is the latest step in the careful restarting of our economy and will enable high streets up and down the country to spring back to life.”
Enforcement notices can be issued if shops reopen without following the guidance, he explained.
He said the government is keeping the two-metre social distancing rule under review.
“When it is safe to do so, we will see whether you can move to a shorter distance but ultimately we keep all of these things under review,” he said.
“There are other countries in the world that have moved from two metres to closer distances.
"Of course, they are further along in terms of their road map, in terms of opening up businesses.
“We are taking a cautious view on this. I completely understand why for economic reasons businesses will want to have a look at this two-metre rule.”
He said: "We are at two metres. The two metres stays in place for the moment. We keep all of these things under review.”
Health and Safety Executive chief executive Sarah Albon said reducing the number of infections as well as the rate of transmission is key to altering the two-metre rule.
She told the press conference: “It requires a view both of the chance of the infection being passed on but also the prevalence in society, because that mix of how many people in the population have got this illness combined with what’s a safe distance gives you the probability of something being passed on.”
Mr Sharma said: “I do get why businesses in a whole range of sectors make the economic case why you would want to move closer than two metres.
“But, ultimately, this is about what is safe. We will keep this under review. We will only make changes when it is safe to do so.”
Mr Sharma said pubs, bars, restaurants and hairdressers will not be able to reopen until July 4 “at the earliest”.
“Of course, there are businesses which still remain closed. As soon as we can we will publish further safer working guidance for restaurants, pubs and bars, as well as hairdressers, barbers, nail bars and related services," he added.
“I know there’s been a lot of speculation about when we might be able to reopen these parts of the economy and I completely understand why we’re all so keen to get them back up and running, and I absolutely share that enthusiasm.
“But we continue to follow the road map which set out our ambition to reopen these sectors from July 4 at the earliest.”


themanchestereveningnews--2020-06-09--Army-run coronavirus testing centre opening in Salford

An army-run coronavirus testing centre is being opened in Salford on Wednesday .
The mobile , pop-up testing centre will be opened at Salford Civic Centre until June 14 , say council bosses .
Tests will be available by appointment only through the government 's testing website and will be strictly limited to essential workers .
The test involves taking a swab of the nose and the back of the throat , which can be done by the person themselves ( self-administered ) or by someone else ( assisted ) .
Mobile testing units travel around the UK to increase @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to need , travelling to test essential workers at sites including care homes , police stations and prisons , according to the testing website .
These groups of people can access the mobile centre testing through GOV.UK : • anyone in England , Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland over 5 years old who has symptoms of coronavirus and lives with an essential worker • children under 5 years old in England and Wales who have symptoms of coronavirus and live with an essential worker ( this test must be performed by a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ either self-refer for a coronavirus test or be referred by their employer if they have symptoms or live with someone who does .
A spokesperson for Salford City Council said : `` An army mobile pop-up # COVID19 testing centre is being held at Salford Civic Centre from tomorrow until 14 June .
`` Testing is only by appointment for essential workers and others eligible through the government testing website . ''
Go to the government website for a list of essential workers and instructions on how to apply for a test .

newsdesk@men-news.co.uk (Helena Vesty, Paige Oldfield)

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An army-run coronavirus testing centre is being opened in Salford on Wednesday.
The mobile, pop-up testing centre will be opened at Salford Civic Centre until June 14, say council bosses.
Tests will be available by appointment only through the government's testing website and will be strictly limited to essential workers.
(Image: Google Street View)
The test involves taking a swab of the nose and the back of the throat, which can be done by the person themselves (self-administered) or by someone else (assisted).
Mobile testing units travel around the UK to increase access to coronavirus testing. They respond to need, travelling to test essential workers at sites including care homes, police stations and prisons, according to the testing website.
These groups of people can access the mobile centre testing through GOV.UK:
essential workers in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
anyone in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland over 5 years old who has symptoms of coronavirus and lives with an essential worker
children under 5 years old in England and Wales who have symptoms of coronavirus and live with an essential worker (this test must be performed by a parent or guardian)
Essential workers can either self-refer for a coronavirus test or be referred by their employer if they have symptoms or live with someone who does.
A spokesperson for Salford City Council said: "An army mobile pop-up #COVID19 testing centre is being held at Salford Civic Centre from tomorrow until 14 June.
"Testing is only by appointment for essential workers and others eligible through the government testing website."
Go to the government website for a list of essential workers and instructions on how to apply for a test.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-06-09--Salford teaching assistant to run 1,204 miles in bid to help save Chester Zoo

A Salford teaching assistant has pledged to run a marathon every day for two months to help save Chester Zoo .
Brendan Rendall will run every day until August 1 – starting with half marathons in June and full marathons in July .
The mammoth challenge will see him rack up an eye-watering 1,204 miles in total .
The 42-year-old aims to finish his fund-raiser by running 35 miles from Media City to Chester Zoo in fancy dress on August 1 .
So far , he has raised £769 of his £10,000 target .
Brendan , who works at Ladywood @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ I live in Salford Quays and during lockdown I was waiting for a challenge because I ’ ve done several challenges over the years and I was waiting for something to inspire me .
“ I saw a campaign for Chester Zoo and it really struck a chord with me as I work with kids with special needs and I ’ ve taken them over the years .
“ I think it ’ s an incredible attraction , it ’ s the biggest zoo in the UK and I think it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Brendan started his challenge on June 4 and has so far run six half marathons consecutively .
His routes include canal paths around Salford Quays , Media City , Eccles , Trafford Park and more .
He said : “ I love doing these challenges to inspire people that we can do so much more .
“ Your legs feel more tired some days but it ’ s the donating from people following that keeps you going .
I ’ m doing it for such a good cause and that ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thinking about.
” Anyone interested in donating to the Chester Zoo fund-raiser is encouraged to follow the link by clicking here https : //www.justgiving.com/fundraising/brendan-rendall3 .
Brendan will also be blogging the his journey on his social media channels , including Twitter , Facebook and Instagram .

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A Salford teaching assistant has pledged to run a marathon every day for two months to help raise cash for Chester Zoo.
Brendan Rendall will run every day until August 1 – starting with half marathons in June and full marathons in July.
The mammoth challenge will see him rack up an eye-watering 1,204 miles in total.
The 42-year-old aims to finish his fund-raiser by running 35 miles from Media City to Chester Zoo in fancy dress on August 1.
So far, he has raised £769 of his £10,000 target.
Brendan, who works at Ladywood School, in Bolton, said: “I live in Salford Quays and during lockdown I was waiting for a challenge because I’ve done several challenges over the years and I was waiting for something to inspire me.
“I saw a campaign for Chester Zoo and it really struck a chord with me as I work with kids with special needs and I’ve taken them over the years.
(Image: Brendan Rendall)
“I think it’s an incredible attraction, it’s the biggest zoo in the UK and I think it’s a landmark in the North West.
Brendan started his challenge on June 4 and has so far run six half marathons consecutively.
His routes include canal paths around Salford Quays, Media City, Eccles, Trafford Park and more.
He said: “I love doing these challenges to inspire people that we can do so much more.
“Your legs feel more tired some days but it’s the donating from people following that keeps you going. I’m doing it for such a good cause and that’s what I’m going to keep thinking about.”
Anyone interested in donating to the Chester Zoo fund-raiser is encouraged to follow the link by clicking here https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/brendan-rendall3.
Brendan will also be blogging the his journey on his social media channels, including Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-06-09--Shops WILL reopen on Monday as long as they comply with certain rules

Non-essential shops will be allowed to reopen from next Monday if they comply with social distancing rules , the Business Secretary has confirmed .
Speaking at the Downing Street press conference , Alok Sharma said retail outlets will be able to open from June 15 .
He told the briefing : `` I can confirm today that retail outlets which have been required to be closed will be able to open their doors again from Monday June 15 so long as they comply with the Covid-secure guidelines we published on May 25 .
`` This is the latest step in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will enable high streets up and down the country to spring back to life . ''
Mr Sharma warned that enforcement notices can be issued if shops reopen without following the necessary guidance .
Non-essential retail shops which can open from Monday include ( but are not limited to ) : The Business Secretary said that pubs , bars , restaurants and hairdressers will not be able to reopen until July 3 `` at the earliest . ''
He told the press conference : `` Of course , there are businesses which still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can we will publish further safer working guidance for restaurants , pubs and bars , as well as hairdressers , barbers , nail bars and related services .
`` I know there ’ s been a lot of speculation about when we might be able to reopen these parts of the economy and I completely understand why we ’ re all so keen to get them back up and running , and I absolutely share that enthusiasm .
`` But we continue to follow the road map which set out our ambition to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the earliest . ''
The Department of Health and Social Care ( DHSC ) said 40,883 people had died in hospitals , care homes and the wider community after testing positive for coronavirus in the UK as of 5pm on Monday , up by 286 from 40,597 the day before .

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Non-essential shops will be allowed to reopen from next Monday if they comply with social distancing rules, the Business Secretary has confirmed.
Speaking at the Downing Street press conference, Alok Sharma said retail outlets will be able to open from June 15.
He told the briefing: "I can confirm today that retail outlets which have been required to be closed will be able to open their doors again from Monday June 15 so long as they comply with the Covid-secure guidelines we published on May 25.
"This is the latest step in the careful restarting of our economy and will enable high streets up and down the country to spring back to life."
Mr Sharma warned that enforcement notices can be issued if shops reopen without following the necessary guidance.
Non-essential retail shops which can open from Monday include (but are not limited to):
Clothes shops
Shoe shops
Toy shops
Furniture shops
Bookshops
Electronics
Tailors
Auction houses
Photography studios
Indoor markets
The Business Secretary said that pubs, bars, restaurants and hairdressers will not be able to reopen until July 3 "at the earliest."
He told the press conference: "Of course, there are businesses which still remain closed. As soon as we can we will publish further safer working guidance for restaurants, pubs and bars, as well as hairdressers, barbers, nail bars and related services.
"I know there’s been a lot of speculation about when we might be able to reopen these parts of the economy and I completely understand why we’re all so keen to get them back up and running, and I absolutely share that enthusiasm.
"But we continue to follow the road map which set out our ambition to reopen these sectors from July 4 at the earliest."
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) said 40,883 people had died in hospitals, care homes and the wider community after testing positive for coronavirus in the UK as of 5pm on Monday, up by 286 from 40,597 the day before.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-06-09--Five things spotted in Manchester United training

Manchester United are back at Carrington after a weekend away from the club 's training complex as they continue their preparations for their season-resuming fixture against Tottenham next Friday .
United 's players contested a practice match against each other at Old Trafford on Saturday before a day off on Sunday , but were back to the daily grind at the Aon Training Complex at the beginning of the week .
United released a short highlights package from Monday 's session and there was plenty to glean from it .
Here are five things we spotted ... Bruno can do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nine games for United but he is already a fans ' favourite due to his performances .
A record of three goals and four assists speaks for itself , but the Portuguese has also brought a new lease of life to the side , a drive and invention they were previously lacking .
It also turns out he can do more than just the creative stuff and he did n't hesitate to get stuck in during a practice drill .
On multiple occasions Fernandes could be seeing rushing and harrying his opponents and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Aaron Wan-Bissaka .
James Garner and Angel Gomes operated as the floaters in the drill .
For those that do n't know , floaters are players who only play for the team that is in possession .
Gomes showed off a clever turn to avoid a tackle and showed some nice touches whereas Garner 's ball retention was immaculate .
There is a lot of intrigue surrounding both players as we head towards the season 's resumption , with Gomes ' contract situation and Garner 's lack of game in 2020 prompting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Gomes could leave this summer while United are considering a loan deal for Garner next term .
With the Premier League increasing the amount of substitutes permitted for the restart , the pair could be set for chances in the run-in .
It feels like an absolute age since Paul Pogba was lining up in the United side but he provided a reminder in training of just how talented he is .
The midfielder has been limited to just eight appearances this season due to ankle issues but , after undergoing surgery @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ready to return .
Although he has n't played since Boxing Day , Pogba has n't lost his touch and displayed a wonderful piece of skill in the match , as he exchanged a lovely one-two with Angel Gomes with a flicked pass behind his leg .
The footage may have only shown a brief snippet of them passing the ball to each other , but seeing Fernandes and Marcus Rashford on the same side in training will be enough to get United fans excited .
Rashford suffered a back injury in January @ @ @ @ @ @ @ months prior to Fernandes ' arrival , meaning the pair are yet to play together .
Along with the usual faces of David de Gea , Sergio Romero , Lee Grant and Nathan Bishop in goalkeeper training , there was Joel Pereira .
The 23-year-old took part in his first session since returning from a disappointing loan spell at Scottish side Hearts last month after the Scottish Premiership was ended early .

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Manchester United are back at Carrington after a weekend away from the club's training complex as they continue their preparations for their season-resuming fixture against Tottenham next Friday.
United's players contested a practice match against each other at Old Trafford on Saturday before a day off on Sunday, but were back to the daily grind at the Aon Training Complex at the beginning of the week.
United released a short highlights package from Monday's session and there was plenty to glean from it. Here are five things we spotted...
Bruno can do the lot
Bruno Fernandes has only played nine games for United but he is already a fans' favourite due to his performances.
A record of three goals and four assists speaks for itself, but the Portuguese has also brought a new lease of life to the side, a drive and invention they were previously lacking.
It also turns out he can do more than just the creative stuff and he didn't hesitate to get stuck in during a practice drill. On multiple occasions Fernandes could be seeing rushing and harrying his opponents and he put a nice sliding tackle in on Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
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.
Gomes and Garner the floaters
James Garner and Angel Gomes operated as the floaters in the drill. For those that don't know, floaters are players who only play for the team that is in possession.
Gomes showed off a clever turn to avoid a tackle and showed some nice touches whereas Garner's ball retention was immaculate.
There is a lot of intrigue surrounding both players as we head towards the season's resumption, with Gomes' contract situation and Garner's lack of game in 2020 prompting uncertainty over their futures at the club. Gomes could leave this summer while United are considering a loan deal for Garner next term.
With the Premier League increasing the amount of substitutes permitted for the restart, the pair could be set for chances in the run-in.
Great piece of Pogba skill
It feels like an absolute age since Paul Pogba was lining up in the United side but he provided a reminder in training of just how talented he is.
The midfielder has been limited to just eight appearances this season due to ankle issues but, after undergoing surgery in January, he is fit and ready to return.
Although he hasn't played since Boxing Day, Pogba hasn't lost his touch and displayed a wonderful piece of skill in the match, as he exchanged a lovely one-two with Angel Gomes with a flicked pass behind his leg.
(Image: Manchester United)
Rashford and Bruno link-up
The footage may have only shown a brief snippet of them passing the ball to each other, but seeing Fernandes and Marcus Rashford on the same side in training will be enough to get United fans excited.
Rashford suffered a back injury in January which ruled him out of action for months prior to Fernandes' arrival, meaning the pair are yet to play together.
Joel Pereira's return
Along with the usual faces of David de Gea, Sergio Romero, Lee Grant and Nathan Bishop in goalkeeper training, there was Joel Pereira.
The 23-year-old took part in his first session since returning from a disappointing loan spell at Scottish side Hearts last month after the Scottish Premiership was ended early.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-06-09--Schools are to be given 'priority lists' of what children to offer places to

Schools are to be given 'priority lists ' of what children to offer places to if they have space , says the government .
Announcing that primaries will now not be opening to more year groups before the summer , Education Secretary Gavin Williamson was quizzed about what support exists for working parents .
With many companies bringing furlough schemes to an end , some parents have been told that future leave will be unpaid - an option that 's not viable for most families .
Questioning Mr Williamson in the Commons today , MP Ben Bradley said : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the parents of those children who now wo n't be going back until September , exactly what their childcare options currently are to enable them to get back to work ? ''
The Education Secretary said : `` We are working to devise a priority list so that schools are able to - where they do have extra capacity - to be able to welcome back more children into those schools so that they 're able to support their learning but also their communities and including their parents who of course do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as well . ''
He did not provide any further detail on what would be included on the 'priority list ' and whether or not it will specify particular occupations .
At the beginning of lockdown back in March , schools closed to all but vulnerable children and the children of key workers .
Only one parent in a household needs to be a key worker in order for the child to be offered a school place .
The list is already pretty extensive and includes the likes of health and social care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ childcare , utilities , transport and the sale and production of food .
Schools were given the green light to open to more children - in Nursery , Reception , Year 1 and Year 6 - from June 1 , but few have done so .
Some are still on half term , while others - backed by their local authorities - have objected to the move .
In the schools where they have welcomed more pupils back , few have opened to all four priority year groups .
But the government is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they are able to do so safely .
He said : `` While we are not able to welcome all primary children back for a full month before the summer , we continue to work with the sector on the next steps .
“ Where we ’ d like to see schools who have the capacity to bring back more children in those smaller class sizes , to do so if they are able to do before the summer holidays .
We will be working to bring all children back to school in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prepared to shut 'clusters ' of schools if new Covid-19 cases develop .
He told MPs : “ If the evidence starts to point to the fact that we have to close schools down in small clusters as a result of this , then obviously that is the action that we will take but only on the best advice through PHE ( Public Health England ) .
“ But at the moment the advice from PHE and Sage is that all schools can open and they should open .
”

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Schools are to be given 'priority lists' of what children to offer places to if they have space, says the government.
Announcing that primaries will now not be opening to more year groups before the summer, Education Secretary Gavin Williamson was quizzed about what support exists for working parents.
With many companies bringing furlough schemes to an end, some parents have been told that future leave will be unpaid - an option that's not viable for most families.
Questioning Mr Williamson in the Commons today, MP Ben Bradley said: "Could I just ask him to layout for the parents of those children who now won't be going back until September, exactly what their childcare options currently are to enable them to get back to work?"
(Image: PA)
The Education Secretary said: "We are working to devise a priority list so that schools are able to - where they do have extra capacity - to be able to welcome back more children into those schools so that they're able to support their learning but also their communities and including their parents who of course do need to be going out to work as well."
He did not provide any further detail on what would be included on the 'priority list' and whether or not it will specify particular occupations.
The Department for Education has since told the M.E.N that further details 'will be available in due course'.
At the beginning of lockdown back in March, schools closed to all but vulnerable children and the children of key workers.
Only one parent in a household needs to be a key worker in order for the child to be offered a school place.
The list is already pretty extensive and includes the likes of health and social care workers, those working in education and childcare, utilities, transport and the sale and production of food.
(Image: Getty Images)
Schools were given the green light to open to more children - in Nursery, Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 - from June 1, but few have done so.
Some are still on half term, while others - backed by their local authorities - have objected to the move.
In the schools where they have welcomed more pupils back, few have opened to all four priority year groups.
But the government is stressing that schools should still open if they are able to do so safely.
He said: "While we are not able to welcome all primary children back for a full month before the summer, we continue to work with the sector on the next steps.
“Where we’d like to see schools who have the capacity to bring back more children in those smaller class sizes, to do so if they are able to do before the summer holidays. We will be working to bring all children back to school in September.”
He said the government is prepared to shut 'clusters' of schools if new Covid-19 cases develop.
He told MPs: “If the evidence starts to point to the fact that we have to close schools down in small clusters as a result of this, then obviously that is the action that we will take but only on the best advice through PHE (Public Health England).
“But at the moment the advice from PHE and Sage is that all schools can open and they should open.”


themanchestereveningnews--2020-06-09--Ilkay Gundogan has told Pep Guardiola who Man City should sign next

Manchester City ’ s Ilkay Gundogan was full of praise this week for Leicester City defender Caglar Soyuncu .
Speaking to Turkish outlet Fanatik , Gundogan praised Soyuncu 's form this season , describing him as the Premier League 's best centre-back 's behind Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool .
“ I agree with the general opinion of the football public .
In this season , Caglar Soyuncu had the best performance in the Premier League after Van Dijk , '' Gundogan said .
`` I did n't know him before .
We met when we met in matches .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ two seasons ago , we also matched with Leicester City in a cup .
We became competitors in many matches .
We always saw and talked to each other .
`` We started getting to know each other .
His football understanding and character are also very good .
His performances for both Leicester and the national team have been good .
Gundogan was then prompted to name the Turkish player he would want City to sign , and he returned to Soyuncu .
“ The first thing that comes to my mind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see in Manchester City is Caglar . ''
The midfielder 's favourable words about the defender have naturally caused some speculation as to whether his manager , Pep Guardiola , shares the same sentiment .
City ’ s defence has been a huge talking point this season and has even been singled out as the key contributing factor as to why Guardiola ’ s side find themselves so far behind Premier League leaders Liverpool .
Last summer following City ’ s historic domestic treble , club legend Vincent Kompany departed whilst injuries sustained @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nicolas Otamendi at varying points through this season have left the Blues short of options .
To try and combat the issue , Guardiola modified defensive midfielders Rodri and Fernandinho to centre-backs , with the latter accumulating 2,859 minutes in the role across all competitions this season , and the Catalan coach was also forced to give more regular game time to teenagers Eric Garcia and Taylor Harwood-Bellis .
However , none of the above could combine to truly create solid a defensive foundation and as a result , City have faltered .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ league goals this season than they did in the whole of last season , despite there still being nine games to play .
They ’ re also conceding more shots on a per 90 basis at 6.47 this season compared to 5.32 last season .
That average is still the lowest in the Premier League , which indicates that City still do a good job of restricting opportunities for opponents , yet a lot of this is down to their impressive pressing capabilities ahead of the defence .
As a unit , City @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sides when they ’ re without the ball and forcing possession turnovers in good areas of the pitch .
Yet , when teams manage to bypass that press , City ’ s makeshift defence hasn ’ t done a great job of protecting their goal .
The below graphic taken from some analysis of City 's defence earlier in the year captures this problem best .
As highlighted in the above , City face very few shots and allow very few passes to be completed near their goal , yet , opposition attackers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ terms of getting any shots that they do create on target .
As a result , City have the highest percentage of shots faced hitting the target in the Premier League this season .
To combat this fragility in their defensive third , a more robust and commanding figure within the defence will be crucial in order to dominate in more defensive duels and apply better pressure on attackers in goal scoring opportunities .
With this in mind , Soyuncu is clearly someone who fits the bill .
It can be difficult to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yet , if we focus on two of the more standard metrics out there , success rate in both defensive duels and aerial duels , we can see that this season , the 24-year-old is ranking amongst the division 's best .
He dominates most players he faces both in the air and on the floor making him extremely hard to overcome in 1v1 battles .
But beyond the above , he also possesses skills not as easily measured in numbers , these are things such as good positional awareness and a great @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not only match most attackers he faces in a leg race , but also make excellent recovering runs , like the one we see below .
Irrespective of the above , we know that at City under Guardiola , defenders need to be more than just capable defenders , they also need to be extremely good technical players who are comfortable in possession .
Yet this is another area in which Soyuncu has shone in this season .
So far this campaign , the 24-year-old can boast a pass success rate of just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of around 57 passes per 90 .
For comparison , Laporte was averaging just over 80 passes per 90 last season but with a not too dissimilar success rate of nearly 93 per cent .
This indicates that Soyuncu possesses the credentials to potentially excel within a possession-based game like the one deployed at City .
Other factors in his favour are of course his age , he is still just 24 , a strong physical presence , standing a 6ft1in and experience performing at a high standard already in the Premier League @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in that he has spent the bulk of the season as a left-sided centre-back which is obviously the position held by Laporte when he is fit .
However , Soyuncu is right-footed and has featured on that side of the defence for Leicester at various points this season , suggesting it ’ s a position he may be able to adjust too should City make a move .
Overall though , his appeal is clear and it would be no great surprise if City ’ s hierarchy made a move for the defender @ @ @ @ @

newsdesk@men-news.co.uk (David Alexander Hughes)

Manchester City’s Ilkay Gundogan was full of praise this week for Leicester City defender Caglar Soyuncu.
Speaking to Turkish outlet Fanatik, Gundogan praised Soyuncu's form this season, describing him as the Premier League's best centre-back's behind Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool.
“I agree with the general opinion of the football public. In this season, Caglar Soyuncu had the best performance in the Premier League after Van Dijk," Gundogan said.
"I didn't know him before. We met when we met in matches. In addition to the Premier League games two seasons ago, we also matched with Leicester City in a cup. We became competitors in many matches. We always saw and talked to each other.
"We started getting to know each other. His football understanding and character are also very good. His performances for both Leicester and the national team have been good.
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.
Gundogan was then prompted to name the Turkish player he would want City to sign, and he returned to Soyuncu. “The first thing that comes to my mind about the Turkish player I want to see in Manchester City is Caglar."
The midfielder's favourable words about the defender have naturally caused some speculation as to whether his manager, Pep Guardiola, shares the same sentiment.
City’s defence has been a huge talking point this season and has even been singled out as the key contributing factor as to why Guardiola’s side find themselves so far behind Premier League leaders Liverpool.
Last summer following City’s historic domestic treble, club legend Vincent Kompany departed whilst injuries sustained to Aymeric Laporte, John Stones and Nicolas Otamendi at varying points through this season have left the Blues short of options.
To try and combat the issue, Guardiola modified defensive midfielders Rodri and Fernandinho to centre-backs, with the latter accumulating 2,859 minutes in the role across all competitions this season, and the Catalan coach was also forced to give more regular game time to teenagers Eric Garcia and Taylor Harwood-Bellis.
However, none of the above could combine to truly create solid a defensive foundation and as a result, City have faltered. They’ve already conceded eight more league goals this season than they did in the whole of last season, despite there still being nine games to play.
They’re also conceding more shots on a per 90 basis at 6.47 this season compared to 5.32 last season. That average is still the lowest in the Premier League, which indicates that City still do a good job of restricting opportunities for opponents, yet a lot of this is down to their impressive pressing capabilities ahead of the defence.
As a unit, City are one of the best in pressuring sides when they’re without the ball and forcing possession turnovers in good areas of the pitch.
Yet, when teams manage to bypass that press, City’s makeshift defence hasn’t done a great job of protecting their goal. The below graphic taken from some analysis of City's defence earlier in the year captures this problem best.
(Image: @DAHughes_)
(You can see the above in high-definition here)
As highlighted in the above, City face very few shots and allow very few passes to be completed near their goal, yet, opposition attackers will often find plenty of success in terms of getting any shots that they do create on target. As a result, City have the highest percentage of shots faced hitting the target in the Premier League this season.
To combat this fragility in their defensive third, a more robust and commanding figure within the defence will be crucial in order to dominate in more defensive duels and apply better pressure on attackers in goal scoring opportunities.
With this in mind, Soyuncu is clearly someone who fits the bill. It can be difficult to truly quantify the abilities of defenders, yet, if we focus on two of the more standard metrics out there, success rate in both defensive duels and aerial duels, we can see that this season, the 24-year-old is ranking amongst the division's best.
(Image: @DAHughes_)
He dominates most players he faces both in the air and on the floor making him extremely hard to overcome in 1v1 battles. But beyond the above, he also possesses skills not as easily measured in numbers, these are things such as good positional awareness and a great turn of pace that will see him not only match most attackers he faces in a leg race, but also make excellent recovering runs, like the one we see below.
Irrespective of the above, we know that at City under Guardiola, defenders need to be more than just capable defenders, they also need to be extremely good technical players who are comfortable in possession. Yet this is another area in which Soyuncu has shone in this season.
So far this campaign, the 24-year-old can boast a pass success rate of just under 92 per cent from an average of around 57 passes per 90. For comparison, Laporte was averaging just over 80 passes per 90 last season but with a not too dissimilar success rate of nearly 93 per cent.
This indicates that Soyuncu possesses the credentials to potentially excel within a possession-based game like the one deployed at City. Other factors in his favour are of course his age, he is still just 24, a strong physical presence, standing a 6ft1in and experience performing at a high standard already in the Premier League.
One potential stumbling block could come in that he has spent the bulk of the season as a left-sided centre-back which is obviously the position held by Laporte when he is fit. However, Soyuncu is right-footed and has featured on that side of the defence for Leicester at various points this season, suggesting it’s a position he may be able to adjust too should City make a move.
Overall though, his appeal is clear and it would be no great surprise if City’s hierarchy made a move for the defender in the next window.