themanchestereveningnews--2020-12-27--What happened when we 'signed' Dybala for Man United in January

Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba is at the centre of intense speculation ahead of the January transfer window , following comments made by his agent Mino Raiola .
According to a report from Tuttosport .
Juventus manager Andrea Pirlo could offer forward Paulo Dybala to United this summer in an attempt to re-sign the French midfielder , who enjoyed a trophy-laden spell in Turin , but what if it happened in January instead ?
Dybala , who very nearly joined United in the final days of the 2019 summer transfer window , is an exciting attacking player who is capable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a number ten or even as a central striker , with the Argentine able to both score and create goals .
The left-footed wide man has scored 69 goals and registered 32 assists in 169 Serie A appearances for the Old Lady , since joining from Palermo in June 2015 .
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The Esports and Gaming Show on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , Google Podcasts and Spreaker .
* So if the swap with Juventus was to happen in January , how much of an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the second-half of the 2020/21 campaign ?
To find out , and have a bit of fun , we used Football Manager 2021 to simulate the future and see what could happen .
We 'signed ' Paulo Dybala for Man United in January To set up this simulation , we used the Football Manager 2021 editor to arrange for United midfielder Pogba to join Juventus , and Juventus forward Paulo Dybala to join United in the January 2021 transfer window , using the newly-released FM21 to run our simulation .
The Football @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 800,000 individuals and 45,000 active clubs , with data sourced from their international on the ground scouting network which numbers roughly 1,000 people , among their ranks are some who are involved in football in professional capacities , including scouts and coaches .
In addition , each annual iteration of Football Manager has built-in algorithms which check for outliers and data discrepancies .
Data accuracy is further ensured by input from contributors who are active within the professional game ( players , agents etc . )
who provide regular feedback .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ FM21 , with the 27-year-old possessing extraordinary technical ability .
We then simulated the entire 2020/21 season on the game , to see what kind of impact Dybala had at United .
This is what happened .
As expected , Dybala came straight into United 's strongest lineup , with the Argentine often deployed at right wing , where he was able to cut inside to create and score goals .
And , he did just that , at an impressive rate .
The Juventus forward scored 14 goals and registered 13 assists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all competitions .
In the screenshot below , the appearances in the Champions League were for Juventus in the first-half of the campaign .
Let 's talk about Dybala 's creativity first of all , because along with Bruno Fernandes , the former Palermo player was the side 's prime creator .
In just 33 appearances , Dybala registered 34 key passes for United , which is a pass that leads directly to a clear goal scoring chance .
Despite only arriving in January , only two United players made more key passes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) and Bruno Fernandes ( 50 ) .
Incredibly , Dybala finished the season as the United player with the most assists in all competitions !
But the Argentine was also a regular goal scorer too , with only Bruno Fernandes ( 23 ) , Marcus Rashford ( 18 ) and Anthony Martial ( 17 ) scoring more than Dybala ( 14 ) in our simulation .
You 'll notice that Greenwood is n't featured amongst United top goal scorers , as the youngster 's game time was restricted somewhat from Dybala 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ featured in the United best XI in 2020/21 , the team which FM21 calculates was the best team statistically throughout the season .
Pogba was included in the best XI due to his performances in the first-half of the season in our simulated FM21 season .
So , with how did United perform in all competitions in our simulated season ?
Here is how the final 2020/21 PL table looked once our simulation finished at the end of May .
United went on an incredible run of form on Dybala 's arrival , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place in the Premier League , just four points behind second place Liverpool and five points behind eventual champions Man City .
United won 85 points , which is a huge improvement on their 2019/20 real-life points tally of 66 .
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer 's side were in the title race all season , but were pipped by both City and Liverpool in the table .
Only City scored more goals than United in the simulated season , with the Reds scoring 72 goals in 38 games , which is six goals more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nearly won a major trophy , as they breezed through the Europa League knockout stages , but came unstuck in the final against Tottenham , with Dybala scoring scoring the opening goal .
Football Manager 2021 predicts that Paulo Dybala is a player who would instantly improve Manchester United , with the Reds having a top class forward who can play off the right , and is able to both score and create goals at an impressive rate .
FM21 predicts that even if Pogba left , Dybala 's arrival would trigger a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with United finishing just a handful of points behind the eventual winners .
As always these simulations are just one way of predicting a player 's prospective impact , but it 's interesting to see how FM21 predicts the future could play out for Dybala at United , should he join United in January 2021 .
Football Manager ( FM ) is the world ’ s leading football management simulation title .
The latest edition of the game , FM21 , is out now on PC , Mac , Mobile , Touch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ currently contains data on more than 800,000 individuals and 45,000 active clubs , with data sourced from their international on the ground scouting network which numbers roughly 1,000 people , among their ranks are some who are involved in football in professional capacities , including scouts and coaches .

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Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba is at the centre of intense speculation ahead of the January transfer window, following comments made by his agent Mino Raiola.
According to a report from Tuttosport. Juventus manager Andrea Pirlo could offer forward Paulo Dybala to United this summer in an attempt to re-sign the French midfielder, who enjoyed a trophy-laden spell in Turin, but what if it happened in January instead?
Dybala, who very nearly joined United in the final days of the 2019 summer transfer window, is an exciting attacking player who is capable of playing from the right, as a number ten or even as a central striker, with the Argentine able to both score and create goals.
The left-footed wide man has scored 69 goals and registered 32 assists in 169 Serie A appearances for the Old Lady, since joining from Palermo in June 2015.
* Click here to subscribe to Level up! The Esports and Gaming Show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and Spreaker.*
So if the swap with Juventus was to happen in January, how much of an impact would Dybala have at Old Trafford in the second-half of the 2020/21 campaign?
To find out, and have a bit of fun, we used Football Manager 2021 to simulate the future and see what could happen.
We 'signed' Paulo Dybala for Man United in January
To set up this simulation, we used the Football Manager 2021 editor to arrange for United midfielder Pogba to join Juventus, and Juventus forward Paulo Dybala to join United in the January 2021 transfer window, using the newly-released FM21 to run our simulation.
The Football Manager database currently contains data on more than 800,000 individuals and 45,000 active clubs, with data sourced from their international on the ground scouting network which numbers roughly 1,000 people, among their ranks are some who are involved in football in professional capacities, including scouts and coaches.
In addition, each annual iteration of Football Manager has built-in algorithms which check for outliers and data discrepancies. Data accuracy is further ensured by input from contributors who are active within the professional game (players, agents etc.) who provide regular feedback.
This is how Dybala's profile looks in FM21, with the 27-year-old possessing extraordinary technical ability.
We then simulated the entire 2020/21 season on the game, to see what kind of impact Dybala had at United.
This is what happened.
Paulo Dyabla's 2020/21 season for United
As expected, Dybala came straight into United's strongest lineup, with the Argentine often deployed at right wing, where he was able to cut inside to create and score goals. And, he did just that, at an impressive rate.
The Juventus forward scored 14 goals and registered 13 assists for United in just 33 appearances in all competitions. In the screenshot below, the appearances in the Champions League were for Juventus in the first-half of the campaign.
Let's talk about Dybala's creativity first of all, because along with Bruno Fernandes, the former Palermo player was the side's prime creator.
In just 33 appearances, Dybala registered 34 key passes for United, which is a pass that leads directly to a clear goal scoring chance. Despite only arriving in January, only two United players made more key passes, Donny van de Beek (35) and Bruno Fernandes (50).
Incredibly, Dybala finished the season as the United player with the most assists in all competitions!
But the Argentine was also a regular goal scorer too, with only Bruno Fernandes (23), Marcus Rashford (18) and Anthony Martial (17) scoring more than Dybala (14) in our simulation.
You'll notice that Greenwood isn't featured amongst United top goal scorers, as the youngster's game time was restricted somewhat from Dybala's arrival.
As a result, Dybala featured in the United best XI in 2020/21, the team which FM21 calculates was the best team statistically throughout the season.
Full United best XI: David De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Maguire, Telles; Van de Beek, Pogba; Dybala, Fernandes, Rashford; Martial.
Pogba was included in the best XI due to his performances in the first-half of the season in our simulated FM21 season.
So, with how did United perform in all competitions in our simulated season?
United's 2020/21 season with Dybala joining in January
Here is how the final 2020/21 PL table looked once our simulation finished at the end of May.
United went on an incredible run of form on Dybala's arrival, with the club eventually finishing in third place in the Premier League, just four points behind second place Liverpool and five points behind eventual champions Man City.
United won 85 points, which is a huge improvement on their 2019/20 real-life points tally of 66. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side were in the title race all season, but were pipped by both City and Liverpool in the table.
Only City scored more goals than United in the simulated season, with the Reds scoring 72 goals in 38 games, which is six goals more than last season.
And United very nearly won a major trophy, as they breezed through the Europa League knockout stages, but came unstuck in the final against Tottenham, with Dybala scoring scoring the opening goal.
Football Manager 2021 predicts that Paulo Dybala is a player who would instantly improve Manchester United, with the Reds having a top class forward who can play off the right, and is able to both score and create goals at an impressive rate.
FM21 predicts that even if Pogba left, Dybala's arrival would trigger a sensational run of form in the league, with United finishing just a handful of points behind the eventual winners.
As always these simulations are just one way of predicting a player's prospective impact, but it's interesting to see how FM21 predicts the future could play out for Dybala at United, should he join United in January 2021.
Football Manager (FM) is the world’s leading football management simulation title. The latest edition of the game, FM21, is out now on PC, Mac, Mobile, Touch and Xbox.
The Football Manager database currently contains data on more than 800,000 individuals and 45,000 active clubs, with data sourced from their international on the ground scouting network which numbers roughly 1,000 people, among their ranks are some who are involved in football in professional capacities, including scouts and coaches.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-12-27--Man City encouraged by Aguero reaction after Guardiola decision

Pep Guardiola was encouraged by Sergio Aguero 's latest cameo as the Manchester City striker fights his way back from injury .
The last of Aguero 's three starts this season came in October at West Ham when he was forced off with a hamstring issue , while the knee problem that kept him out before that has continued to sideline him since .
The absence of Gabriel Jesus after testing positive for Covid-19 has put more pressure on Aguero 's fitness , and City 's manager spoke with his assistants about whether they could start the Argentine striker against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not in a good enough condition to play from the off .
However , it was a lively appearance off the bench as he ghosted into space in the box twice in the closing moments linking up with first Joao Cancelo and then Kevin De Bruyne .
Even if the safety-first approach to getting Aguero fit will continue , Guardiola was very happy with what he saw on Saturday night .
Manchester City brought some Christmas cheer with three points against Newcastle on Boxing Day .
Goals from Ilkay Gundogan and Ferran Torres @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cruised to victory and moved up to fifth in the Premier League table We 'll bring you all the reaction and analysis to both matches with our daily City newsletter .
You can get it all delivered straight to your inbox by signing up to our daily newsletter - just submit your email address in the sign-up box above or follow this link - it 's free and it only takes a few seconds '' We discussed with Juanma [ Lillo ] and Rodo [ Borrell ] whether to start with Sergio .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Today was very good news in general is that in the 20 minutes Sergio played , we saw him sharp and dynamic .
This is incredible news for us .
We need him , absolutely .
We have to be careful .
We can not do what we did in the past , when he comes back and then gets injured .
I still want to handle the minutes but I saw him well .
I love this guy .
`` Saying that , Ferran [ Torres ] did an incredible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ usual position for him .
He ’ s a winger .
It ’ s not normal to play .
He ’ s helping a lot with his movements . ''

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Pep Guardiola was encouraged by Sergio Aguero's latest cameo as the Manchester City striker fights his way back from injury.
The last of Aguero's three starts this season came in October at West Ham when he was forced off with a hamstring issue, while the knee problem that kept him out before that has continued to sideline him since.
The absence of Gabriel Jesus after testing positive for Covid-19 has put more pressure on Aguero's fitness, and City's manager spoke with his assistants about whether they could start the Argentine striker against Newcastle before ultimately deciding that he was not in a good enough condition to play from the off.
However, it was a lively appearance off the bench as he ghosted into space in the box twice in the closing moments linking up with first Joao Cancelo and then Kevin De Bruyne.
Even if the safety-first approach to getting Aguero fit will continue, Guardiola was very happy with what he saw on Saturday night.
"We discussed with Juanma [Lillo] and Rodo [Borrell] whether to start with Sergio. I need him," said Guardiola.
"Today was very good news in general is that in the 20 minutes Sergio played, we saw him sharp and dynamic. This is incredible news for us. We need him, absolutely. We have to be careful. We cannot do what we did in the past, when he comes back and then gets injured. I still want to handle the minutes but I saw him well. I love this guy.
"Saying that, Ferran [Torres] did an incredible job. It’s not a usual position for him. He’s a winger. It’s not normal to play. He’s helping a lot with his movements."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-12-27--Lidl obsessed shopper had to be talked out of tattoo by 'embarrassed' girlfriend

We all know someone who loves a trip to Lidl .
But we doubt they beat the love Josh Smith has for the bargain supermarket .
The 24-year-old is so obsessed with the supermarket he has an entire wardrobe of store-branded clothes he wears in public - much to the embarrassment of his girlfriend .
Josh is a big fan of the supermarket 's versatile products and owns branded clothes including a festive jumper , socks , two pairs of trainers and two pairs of sliders .
He bought Christmas presents for relatives from the store , including nerf guns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ picked up a jet wash when he went in to buy chicken .
Josh has also managed to convert girlfriend Becky Haigh , 24 - who previously shopped at arch rivals Aldi - to become a Lidl loyalist and they spend around £120 per week in the store .
`` I just love the shop , it 's the best supermarket around , '' Josh said .
`` You can pick up a bargain quite easily .
I think it 's just a great all round shop , it has everything under one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there whatever the occasion .
All our food shopping is done there and I even bought my nephew two nerf guns for Christmas .
`` My favourite thing about it is the middle aisle .
You can go in for a few bits of shopping and come out with something totally random like a chainsaw .
`` The most unusual thing I have ever picked up was the time I went in for some chicken and came out with a jet wash .
I did n't even know I needed one until I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the store ’ s clothing range when he came across a pair of trainers while he was doing a food shop working away in Germany for four weeks in April .
The engineer posted a picture of the trainers on social media and said his friends went wild for them as they are yet to be sold in the UK .
He added : `` I was working away for four weeks in Germany and needed to get some food in , so obviously I went to Lidl , which was exciting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Everyone was raving about the trainers , people were just wearing them like fashion in Germany .
I jumped on the bandwagon and brought it over here .
`` They sold out and people were reselling them for £100 or more .
I put a picture of them on social media and it blew up , everyone was asking me for a pair . ''
Since then , Josh has added to his collection of branded clothes and has even bought a fake personalised number plate which he uses as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lidl ' by locals in his hometown of Mirfield , West Yorkshire , Josh often wears his blue and yellow trainers when doing his weekly shop at the discount store .
He has even been known to wear them - and the jumper - down the pub , much to the amusement to his mates .
He added : `` I like the clothes as they are unique and quirky and a bit of a laugh .
`` It started as a bit of fun , I bought the trainers because they looked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the jumper and trainers to the pub before the last lockdown - my mates thought it was hilarious .
`` I have worn the trainers to Lidl to do my shopping and people have commented and recognise me as Mr Lidl .
Everyone started calling me Mr Lidl .
People know me as that now . ''
Becky even had to talk her partner out of going one step further with his love of Lidl .
She had to convince Josh NOT to get a tattoo of the store 's logo .
Josh @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on December 23 and had planned to have the store ’ s logo tattooed on his leg .
But Becky managed to talk him out of it before he could go ahead with it .
He added : `` My girlfriend thinks it 's a bit embarrassing .
She gets a bit embarrassed when I wear my Lidl gear when I go out .
`` I bought her some matching Lidl sliders and a matching face mask , but she won ’ t wear her mask .
`` I 'm covered in tattoos @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more ?
I 'm already a bit of a weirdo as it is , so why not top it off with a tattoo ?
`` But Becky was n't happy and she did n't want me to get it so I did n't get it done in the end . ''

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We all know someone who loves a trip to Lidl.
But we doubt they beat the love Josh Smith has for the bargain supermarket.
The 24-year-old is so obsessed with the supermarket he has an entire wardrobe of store-branded clothes he wears in public - much to the embarrassment of his girlfriend.
Josh is a big fan of the supermarket's versatile products and owns branded clothes including a festive jumper, socks, two pairs of trainers and two pairs of sliders.
He bought Christmas presents for relatives from the store, including nerf guns for his nephew, and even once picked up a jet wash when he went in to buy chicken.
Josh has also managed to convert girlfriend Becky Haigh, 24 - who previously shopped at arch rivals Aldi - to become a Lidl loyalist and they spend around £120 per week in the store.
"I just love the shop, it's the best supermarket around," Josh said.
"You can pick up a bargain quite easily. I think it's just a great all round shop, it has everything under one roof.
"We get everything from there whatever the occasion. All our food shopping is done there and I even bought my nephew two nerf guns for Christmas.
"My favourite thing about it is the middle aisle. You can go in for a few bits of shopping and come out with something totally random like a chainsaw.
(Image: Tom Maddick / SWNS)
"The most unusual thing I have ever picked up was the time I went in for some chicken and came out with a jet wash. I didn't even know I needed one until I saw it."
Josh became fascinated with the store’s clothing range when he came across a pair of trainers while he was doing a food shop working away in Germany for four weeks in April.
The engineer posted a picture of the trainers on social media and said his friends went wild for them as they are yet to be sold in the UK.
He added: "I was working away for four weeks in Germany and needed to get some food in, so obviously I went to Lidl, which was exciting because that's the home of Lidl.
(Image: Tom Maddick / SWNS)
"Everyone was raving about the trainers, people were just wearing them like fashion in Germany. I jumped on the bandwagon and brought it over here.
"They sold out and people were reselling them for £100 or more. I put a picture of them on social media and it blew up, everyone was asking me for a pair."
Since then, Josh has added to his collection of branded clothes and has even bought a fake personalised number plate which he uses as a decoration in his house.
Dubbed 'Mr Lidl' by locals in his hometown of Mirfield, West Yorkshire, Josh often wears his blue and yellow trainers when doing his weekly shop at the discount store.
He has even been known to wear them - and the jumper - down the pub, much to the amusement to his mates.
He added: "I like the clothes as they are unique and quirky and a bit of a laugh.
"It started as a bit of fun, I bought the trainers because they looked quite cool.
"I have worn the jumper and trainers to the pub before the last lockdown - my mates thought it was hilarious.
"I have worn the trainers to Lidl to do my shopping and people have commented and recognise me as Mr Lidl. Everyone started calling me Mr Lidl. People know me as that now."
Becky even had to talk her partner out of going one step further with his love of Lidl.
She had to convince Josh NOT to get a tattoo of the store's logo.
Josh had booked himself for some ink work on December 23 and had planned to have the store’s logo tattooed on his leg.
But Becky managed to talk him out of it before he could go ahead with it.
(Image: Tom Maddick / SWNS)
He added: "My girlfriend thinks it's a bit embarrassing. She gets a bit embarrassed when I wear my Lidl gear when I go out.
"I bought her some matching Lidl sliders and a matching face mask, but she won’t wear her mask.
"I'm covered in tattoos already so I thought why not one more? I'm already a bit of a weirdo as it is, so why not top it off with a tattoo?
"But Becky wasn't happy and she didn't want me to get it so I didn't get it done in the end."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-12-27--When it could snow where you live in Greater Manchester today

It was n't quite the white Christmas we see in all those festive movies .
But there was a dusting of snow across Greater Manchester on Christmas Day .
However , things quickly turned to strong winds and heavy rain as Storm Bella began its approach on Boxing Day .
The Met Office has since issued a yellow weather warning for snow and ice beginning at 6pm tonight ( Sunday ) into Monday morning .
Therefore sleet , snow and flooding is all expected in parts of Greater Manchester as the extreme weather front kicks in .
But what is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are ?
Here 's a look at the Met Office forecast borough-by-borough .
After a bout of heavy rain at around 4pm , Rochdale residents can expect sleet for a few hours from 5pm before heavy snow is predicted from 6pm before turning lighter at around 8pm .
Oldham is seeing a similar pattern of weather with heavy snow showers forecast from around 5pm - turning to sleet later in the evening .
Over in Tameside , residents should probably not be digging out their sledge as the Met Office forecasts snow from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rain and sleet .
Bury and Bolton residents may see some snow tonight with heavy showers predicted from 7pm - but this is after a bout of heavy rain in the early evening .
It will turn to sleet from around 9pm .
Those in Salford , Stockport and Manchester itself should also forget about building a snowman as only heavy rain and sleet is predicted for the area before an overcast evening .
Anyone in Trafford should also expect a rainy afternoon and evening with the Met Office not predicting any snow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ looks set to be a washout with rain getting heavier from 2pm with chances of hail thrown in .

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It wasn't quite the white Christmas we see in all those festive movies.
But there was a dusting of snow across Greater Manchester on Christmas Day.
However, things quickly turned to strong winds and heavy rain as Storm Bella began its approach on Boxing Day.
The Met Office has since issued a yellow weather warning for snow and ice beginning at 6pm tonight (Sunday) into Monday morning.
Therefore sleet, snow and flooding is all expected in parts of Greater Manchester as the extreme weather front kicks in.
But what is it going to be like where you are? Here's a look at the Met Office forecast borough-by-borough.
Rochdale
After a bout of heavy rain at around 4pm, Rochdale residents can expect sleet for a few hours from 5pm before heavy snow is predicted from 6pm before turning lighter at around 8pm.
Oldham
Oldham is seeing a similar pattern of weather with heavy snow showers forecast from around 5pm - turning to sleet later in the evening.
Tameside
Over in Tameside, residents should probably not be digging out their sledge as the Met Office forecasts snow from around 7pm after an afternoon of heavy rain and sleet.
Bury and Bolton
Bury and Bolton residents may see some snow tonight with heavy showers predicted from 7pm - but this is after a bout of heavy rain in the early evening. It will turn to sleet from around 9pm.
Salford, Stockport, Manchester, Trafford and Wigan
Those in Salford, Stockport and Manchester itself should also forget about building a snowman as only heavy rain and sleet is predicted for the area before an overcast evening.
Anyone in Trafford should also expect a rainy afternoon and evening with the Met Office not predicting any snow.
And over in Wigan, it looks set to be a washout with rain getting heavier from 2pm with chances of hail thrown in.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-12-27--Christmas Day shooting attack on family home 'not believed to be random'

A shooting attack on a family home on Christmas Day is 'not believed to be random ' , police have said .
The property on Chelston Avenue , Moston , was twice blasted through the window , once while the occupants were eating Christmas dinner .
During the first shooting , two adults aged in their 50s and two teenagers aged 17 and 14 were inside , police said .
At the time of the second shooting , there were two more adults also present - aged 40 and 35 - and a young child .
No one was injured @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an 'isolated incident with no further risk to the public ' .
The M.E.N revealed last nigh t how a girl of 17 was lucky to escape unharmed when a gunman fired into the living room as she was trying out new headphones .
The shocking gun attacks happened at 1am and 5pm on December 25 .
Some residents in the small cul-de-sac described the targeted family as 'nice people ' who may have been the victim of mistaken identity .
In a statement issued this morning , Greater Manchester Police said inquiries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'open mind ' about motive .
They added : `` This is not believed to be a random attack and there is no wider threat to the public . ''
No arrests have been made .
Inspector Stuart Woodhead , of GMP 's City of Manchester division , said : `` This was an extremely frightening and shocking incident for all involved , who at the time of the second discharge , were trying to enjoy a Christmas dinner together .
`` I would like to reassure the community that we are treating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all that we can to protect residents and investigate this incident .
`` Additional high-visibility police patrols will be present in the coming days to ensure the safety of those in the area .
`` We are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed either of these firearms discharges or has any information at all to please come forward and speak to police as a matter of urgency .
`` Any information , no matter how small it may be , could prove vital in helping us to complete our enquiries . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ contact police on 0161 856 1146 , quoting incident number 1462 of 25/12/2020 .
Reports can also be made anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 .
Get breaking news first on the free Manchester Evening News app - download it here for your Apple or Android device .
You can also get a round-up of the biggest stories sent direct to your inbox every day with the MEN email newsletter - subscribe here .
And you can follow us on Facebook here .

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A shooting attack on a family home on Christmas Day is 'not believed to be random', police have said.
The property on Chelston Avenue, Moston, was twice blasted through the window, once while the occupants were eating Christmas dinner.
During the first shooting, two adults aged in their 50s and two teenagers aged 17 and 14 were inside, police said.
At the time of the second shooting, there were two more adults also present - aged 40 and 35 - and a young child.
No one was injured and detectives are describing the shooting as an 'isolated incident with no further risk to the public'.
The M.E.N revealed last night how a girl of 17 was lucky to escape unharmed when a gunman fired into the living room as she was trying out new headphones.
The shocking gun attacks happened at 1am and 5pm on December 25.
(Image: Adam Vaughan)
Some residents in the small cul-de-sac described the targeted family as 'nice people' who may have been the victim of mistaken identity.
In a statement issued this morning, Greater Manchester Police said inquiries remain ongoing and detectives are keeping an 'open mind' about motive.
They added: "This is not believed to be a random attack and there is no wider threat to the public."
No arrests have been made.
(Image: Adam Vaughan)
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
Inspector Stuart Woodhead, of GMP's City of Manchester division, said: "This was an extremely frightening and shocking incident for all involved, who at the time of the second discharge, were trying to enjoy a Christmas dinner together.
"I would like to reassure the community that we are treating these discharges very seriously and are doing all that we can to protect residents and investigate this incident.
"Additional high-visibility police patrols will be present in the coming days to ensure the safety of those in the area.
"We are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed either of these firearms discharges or has any information at all to please come forward and speak to police as a matter of urgency.
"Any information, no matter how small it may be, could prove vital in helping us to complete our enquiries."
Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 0161 856 1146, quoting incident number 1462 of 25/12/2020.
Reports can also be made anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Get breaking news first on the free Manchester Evening News app - download it here for your Apple or Android device. You can also get a round-up of the biggest stories sent direct to your inbox every day with the MEN email newsletter - subscribe here. And you can follow us on Facebook here.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-12-27--Man rescued from car and rushed to hospital after late night smash

A man had to be rushed to hospital with serious injuries when the car he was driving crashed into a building - just after being spotted by police ‘ travelling at speed ’ .
At around 10.30pm on Boxing Day , December 26 , a police patrol vehicle spotted a car ‘ travelling at speed ’ on Plodder Lane , Bolton , says Greater Manchester Police .
The car , a BMW 334d , was seen travelling in the direction of Farnworth .
Shortly after , the car was discovered to have crashed into a building , officers have confirmed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ called to the scene .
Emergency services had to rescue the man from the car before rushing him to hospital , where he remains being treated for his injuries .
No arrests have been made , but enquiries are ongoing , says the force .
A spokesperson for GMP told the Manchester Evening News : “ At around 10.30pm on Saturday 26 December a police patrol vehicle observed a car travelling at speed on Plodder Lane in the direction of Farnworth .
`` A short time later , the car – a BMW @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a building .
`` The driver was taken to hospital with serious injuries , where he remains .
`` No arrests have been made and enquiries are ongoing.
” The road was closed in both directions throughout the early hours , with firefighters remained at the crash site for around three hours to 'make the scene safe ' .
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service ( GMFRS ) said : “ At around 10.30pm on Saturday 26 December , two fire engines from Farnworth fire station and the Technical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a report of a road traffic collision on Plodder lane , Farnworth .
“ Crews arrived quickly and firefighters rescued one man from a car who was then conveyed to hospital by colleagues from North West Ambulance Service .

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A man had to be rushed to hospital with serious injuries when the car he was driving crashed into a building - just after being spotted by police ‘travelling at speed’.
At around 10.30pm on Boxing Day, December 26, a police patrol vehicle spotted a car ‘travelling at speed’ on Plodder Lane, Bolton, says Greater Manchester Police.
The car, a BMW 334d, was seen travelling in the direction of Farnworth.
Shortly after, the car was discovered to have crashed into a building, officers have confirmed.
Police, firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene.
Emergency services had to rescue the man from the car before rushing him to hospital, where he remains being treated for his injuries.
No arrests have been made, but enquiries are ongoing, says the force.
A spokesperson for GMP told the Manchester Evening News: “At around 10.30pm on Saturday 26 December a police patrol vehicle observed a car travelling at speed on Plodder Lane in the direction of Farnworth.
"A short time later, the car – a BMW 335d – was found to have collided with a building.
"The driver was taken to hospital with serious injuries, where he remains.
"No arrests have been made and enquiries are ongoing.”
The road was closed in both directions throughout the early hours, with firefighters remained at the crash site for around three hours to 'make the scene safe'.
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: “At around 10.30pm on Saturday 26 December, two fire engines from Farnworth fire station and the Technical Response Unit from Leigh were called to a report of a road traffic collision on Plodder lane, Farnworth.
“Crews arrived quickly and firefighters rescued one man from a car who was then conveyed to hospital by colleagues from North West Ambulance Service.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-12-27--Bruno Fernandes has given Man United something money can't buy

There has been a common theme at Manchester United under the guidance of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in that every positive seems to have a negative to counter balance it .
Just as the club have witnessed historic wins under the Norwegian manager they have also experienced some of the most humiliating defeats in recent times .
While the optimists will point towards reaching four separate semi-finals under Solskjaer the pessimists will rightfully point out they have lost all three which they have played so far , with a Carabao Cup meeting against Manchester City looming on the horizon .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so hard to properly analyse just how good United are at the moment .
This season we have already seen the humiliation of a thrashing by Tottenham and a devastating loss in Istanbul which propelled Solskjaer 's side back into the Europa League .
Yet after the Boxing Day draw away at Leicester City this inconsistent United side are back to fourth in the Premier League table and still within touching distance of the highly-acclaimed Liverpool side .
A productive festive period should ultimately tell us if United are title contenders or pretenders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ matter what you think of the Norwegian coach there can be no disputing the massive change in mentality which he has already instilled .
Two years ago United were hapless and low on confidence following Jose Mourinho 's sacking from Old Trafford , but 24 months on and they have recaptured the arrogance and self-belief required to become title challengers again .
`` It ’ s good to be disappointed , '' the catalyst Bruno Fernandes stated over the weekend .
`` I was really happy when I got in the dressing room @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the things we had to do better .
You are creating a winning mentality and we are not happy with this point . ''
United officials noticed a shift in mentality as soon as Fernandes ' first training session back in January , but few expected the bounce of his signing to turn into a true landmark moment in the recent history of the club .
With 26 goals and 16 assists in his first calendar year with the club it is clear to see why the United squad have been so galvanised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Yet despite his love affair with goal contributions perhaps the most glowing review of Fernandes ' impact is within his winning mentality that has spread throughout the first-team squad .
Drawing away against Leicester , a team who have already defeated both Man City and Tottenham this season , is hardly the sign of a crisis .
Yet the expectations of United are now so high that it feels like a real missed opportunity .
“ It feels like a loss in the changing room , '' Marcus Rashford told club media @ @ @ @ @ @ @ win the game and we had the chances to win the game , but we did n't quite get over the line .
Now we just need to recover and go again in the next one.
” It is true that United might feel they should have won the match given the fact they twice led in the meeting at the King Power Stadium , but for this United team to be within touching distance of the top of the table this early on can only be seen as a positive .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ working , '' David de Gea stated on social media over the weekend .
Even the quieter members of the first-team dressing room are convinced by their new identity since Fernandes arrived .
In a months ' time we will have a far better idea of just how good this current United side really are , but crucially they appear to finally believe they can genuinely win a major trophy this season .

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There has been a common theme at Manchester United under the guidance of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in that every positive seems to have a negative to counter balance it.
Just as the club have witnessed historic wins under the Norwegian manager they have also experienced some of the most humiliating defeats in recent times.
While the optimists will point towards reaching four separate semi-finals under Solskjaer the pessimists will rightfully point out they have lost all three which they have played so far, with a Carabao Cup meeting against Manchester City looming on the horizon.
It's this erratic form which makes it so hard to properly analyse just how good United are at the moment. This season we have already seen the humiliation of a thrashing by Tottenham and a devastating loss in Istanbul which propelled Solskjaer's side back into the Europa League.
Yet after the Boxing Day draw away at Leicester City this inconsistent United side are back to fourth in the Premier League table and still within touching distance of the highly-acclaimed Liverpool side.
A productive festive period should ultimately tell us if United are title contenders or pretenders under Solskjaer this season, but no matter what you think of the Norwegian coach there can be no disputing the massive change in mentality which he has already instilled.
Two years ago United were hapless and low on confidence following Jose Mourinho's sacking from Old Trafford, but 24 months on and they have recaptured the arrogance and self-belief required to become title challengers again.
"It’s good to be disappointed," the catalyst Bruno Fernandes stated over the weekend. "I was really happy when I got in the dressing room and I saw everyone disappointed and saying the things we had to do better. You are creating a winning mentality and we are not happy with this point."
United officials noticed a shift in mentality as soon as Fernandes' first training session back in January, but few expected the bounce of his signing to turn into a true landmark moment in the recent history of the club.
With 26 goals and 16 assists in his first calendar year with the club it is clear to see why the United squad have been so galvanised by a signing who leads by example.
Yet despite his love affair with goal contributions perhaps the most glowing review of Fernandes' impact is within his winning mentality that has spread throughout the first-team squad.
Drawing away against Leicester, a team who have already defeated both Man City and Tottenham this season, is hardly the sign of a crisis. Yet the expectations of United are now so high that it feels like a real missed opportunity.
“It feels like a loss in the changing room," Marcus Rashford told club media. "I think we deserved to win the game and we had the chances to win the game, but we didn't quite get over the line. Now we just need to recover and go again in the next one.”
It is true that United might feel they should have won the match given the fact they twice led in the meeting at the King Power Stadium, but for this United team to be within touching distance of the top of the table this early on can only be seen as a positive.
"We deserved more. We must continue working," David de Gea stated on social media over the weekend. Even the quieter members of the first-team dressing room are convinced by their new identity since Fernandes arrived.
In a months' time we will have a far better idea of just how good this current United side really are, but crucially they appear to finally believe they can genuinely win a major trophy this season.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-12-27--How Bolton's hospitality industry has been decimated in 2020

Bolton ’ s town motto of Supera Moras translates to ‘ overcome difficulties ’ and that ’ s exactly what the borough 's pubs and bars have been forced to do in 2020 .
When the year started , no one could have predicted that less than three months later pubs up and down the country would be forced to close , as the UK was plunged into a lockdown , due to the coronavirus pandemic .
On July 4 , hospitality venues were allowed to reopen but it 's rarely been plain sailing for the industry since then - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ later on September 8 , Bolton became the only place in the country to have pubs , bars , restaurants , and cafes closed for a second time .
Then , just a mere three weeks after being allowed to open their doors once again , the government announced that Greater Manchester would be placed in Tier 3 , meaning that pubs and bars in Bolton were forced to close for a third time .
Initially , pubs serving 'substantial meals ' were allowed to remain open in Tier 3 - meaning that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bars had to adapt and 'overcome difficulties ' once again .
Ye Olde Man and Scythe has been a cornerstone of the town centre for at least 769 years .
Upon being forced to close in September , manager Sonya Couperthwaite told the Manchester Evening News that we would 'not be able to publish ' what her first reaction to the news was .
For a long time , customers have been able to order a Carrs pasty alongside their drink , but a pasty alone is not deemed to be a substantial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a side order to make it substantial , the pub teamed up with another independent business - A Taste of Greece .
Situated opposite Ye Olde Man and Scythe , the Greek cafe started providing meals for pub-goers as well as serving takeaways .
At the time , Sonya said of the partnership : `` We were friends with Taste of Greece anyhow , people used to bring their food in with them anyway .
Their trade has fallen and it just seems to make sense .
People do n't always want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We 've had a week of it and people have been really good .
There 's been no silly drinking happening and it 's working better for us than we thought .
`` The boss has said he does n't know how we 'll recover from closing again so this is like a Band-Aid , we do n't know how long it will last but at the minute it allows people to have a little bit of normality .
`` We 've just got to keep smiling . ''
On the other end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bar to Bolton 's town centre has been forced to deal with setback after setback in 2020 , having opened just a month before the first lockdown .
The Oasis-inspired Definitely Maybe Bar opened in February with a promise of live music and generally offering something little a bit different to Bolton 's nightlife scene .
When the bar reopened in July , musicians were only allowed to perform outside and owners Paul and Mark Gallagher invested in a marquee .
Shortly after this , they were told this was not allowed under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had to wait patiently for indoor performances to be allowed once again .
Then a hammer blow of a Bolton hospitality lockdown left Paul Gallagher feeling , in his own words , `` pig sick '' .
As the initial Tier 3 approached , the bar struck a deal with nearby Italian restaurant Ciao Napoli , to provide pizzas for customers .
The bar then started cooking its own food , but Mark Gallagher admitted it had not proved a financial success .
He said : `` We tried to keep ahead of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coming and we 've sort of had our hand forced .
`` We 've kept the menu as simple as possible and we 've put all our staff on a food hygiene course .
We were going to do our own pizzas but Ciao Napoli is an Italian pizzeria and the pizzas are spot on so we could n't compete with that , so we teamed up with them .
`` We were hoping that it would boost sales and that we 'd get a bit of money out of it but with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a restaurant , people are n't drinking as much and we 're about 40pc down from where we were .
`` There 's been a few times where we 've wanted to give up but we 've put so much into it and people love it , they keep coming .
`` We could have rolled over but we want to keep people employed and we do n't want people sat at home doing nothing because mental health is important . ''
The interviews with Sonya and Mark were conducted on October 30 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the future but due to the ever-changing nature of the pandemic , both pubs were forced to close again just a day later as another national lockdown was enforced .
A slightly but significantly changed tier system returned at the start of December , in which restaurants and pubs serving meals can now only open in Tier 2 .
Greater Manchester was placed in Tier 3 once again and despite an encouraging decline in infection rates , it remained there following a Government review on December 16 .
Speaking to Manchester Evening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Mark Gallagher summed up the situation quite simply .
`` It 's a big kick in the gums really because all of our teeth have been knocked out already , '' he said .
Hopefully 2021 eventually brings with it a return to Bolton nightlife as people in the town know and ( often ) love it ; karaoke in Barristers , live music in Definitely Maybe , football on the big screen in Hogarths , pints of ludicrously strong perry in Man & Scythe , and finishing the night off in @ @ @

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Bolton’s town motto of Supera Moras translates to ‘overcome difficulties’ and that’s exactly what the borough's pubs and bars have been forced to do in 2020.
When the year started, no one could have predicted that less than three months later pubs up and down the country would be forced to close, as the UK was plunged into a lockdown, due to the coronavirus pandemic.
On July 4, hospitality venues were allowed to reopen but it's rarely been plain sailing for the industry since then - especially in Bolton.
Just two months later on September 8, Bolton became the only place in the country to have pubs, bars, restaurants, and cafes closed for a second time.
Then, just a mere three weeks after being allowed to open their doors once again, the government announced that Greater Manchester would be placed in Tier 3, meaning that pubs and bars in Bolton were forced to close for a third time.
Initially, pubs serving 'substantial meals' were allowed to remain open in Tier 3 - meaning that a number of Bolton's most popular bars had to adapt and 'overcome difficulties' once again.
Ye Olde Man and Scythe has been a cornerstone of the town centre for at least 769 years.
Upon being forced to close in September, manager Sonya Couperthwaite told the Manchester Evening News that we would 'not be able to publish' what her first reaction to the news was.
For a long time, customers have been able to order a Carrs pasty alongside their drink, but a pasty alone is not deemed to be a substantial meal.
As well as serving pasties with a side order to make it substantial, the pub teamed up with another independent business - A Taste of Greece. Situated opposite Ye Olde Man and Scythe, the Greek cafe started providing meals for pub-goers as well as serving takeaways.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
At the time, Sonya said of the partnership: "We were friends with Taste of Greece anyhow, people used to bring their food in with them anyway. Their trade has fallen and it just seems to make sense. People don't always want a pastie so why not?
"We've had a week of it and people have been really good. There's been no silly drinking happening and it's working better for us than we thought.
"The boss has said he doesn't know how we'll recover from closing again so this is like a Band-Aid, we don't know how long it will last but at the minute it allows people to have a little bit of normality.
"We've just got to keep smiling."
On the other end of the scale, a relatively new bar to Bolton's town centre has been forced to deal with setback after setback in 2020, having opened just a month before the first lockdown.
The Oasis-inspired Definitely Maybe Bar opened in February with a promise of live music and generally offering something little a bit different to Bolton's nightlife scene.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
When the bar reopened in July, musicians were only allowed to perform outside and owners Paul and Mark Gallagher invested in a marquee. Shortly after this, they were told this was not allowed under the terms of their licence and they had to wait patiently for indoor performances to be allowed once again.
Then a hammer blow of a Bolton hospitality lockdown left Paul Gallagher feeling, in his own words, "pig sick".
As the initial Tier 3 approached, the bar struck a deal with nearby Italian restaurant Ciao Napoli, to provide pizzas for customers. The bar then started cooking its own food, but Mark Gallagher admitted it had not proved a financial success.
He said: "We tried to keep ahead of the curve because we knew it was coming and we've sort of had our hand forced.
"We've kept the menu as simple as possible and we've put all our staff on a food hygiene course. We were going to do our own pizzas but Ciao Napoli is an Italian pizzeria and the pizzas are spot on so we couldn't compete with that, so we teamed up with them.
"We were hoping that it would boost sales and that we'd get a bit of money out of it but with the 10pm thing and running it as a restaurant, people aren't drinking as much and we're about 40pc down from where we were.
(Image: Mark Gallagher)
"There's been a few times where we've wanted to give up but we've put so much into it and people love it, they keep coming.
"We could have rolled over but we want to keep people employed and we don't want people sat at home doing nothing because mental health is important."
The interviews with Sonya and Mark were conducted on October 30 when there was still some cautious optimism about the future but due to the ever-changing nature of the pandemic, both pubs were forced to close again just a day later as another national lockdown was enforced.
(Image: Adam Vaughan)
A slightly but significantly changed tier system returned at the start of December, in which restaurants and pubs serving meals can now only open in Tier 2.
Greater Manchester was placed in Tier 3 once again and despite an encouraging decline in infection rates, it remained there following a Government review on December 16.
Speaking to Manchester Evening News following the most recent tier decision, Mark Gallagher summed up the situation quite simply.
"It's a big kick in the gums really because all of our teeth have been knocked out already," he said.
Hopefully 2021 eventually brings with it a return to Bolton nightlife as people in the town know and (often) love it; karaoke in Barristers, live music in Definitely Maybe, football on the big screen in Hogarths, pints of ludicrously strong perry in Man & Scythe, and finishing the night off in Food Factory.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-12-27--Lampard slams Premier League over Man United fixture advantage

Chelsea boss Frank Lampard has voiced his frustration at the Premier League fixture schedule by claiming it has handed the likes of Manchester United and Liverpool an unfair advantage in the title race .
Lampard 's side were in post-Christmas action against London rivals Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Boxing Day , having beaten West Ham United 3-0 on Monday .
The Blues then have only one full day of rest before their next match at home to Aston Villa next Monday .
Leaders Liverpool have not played since last Saturday , when they thrashed Crystal Palace 7-0 at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ face West Bromwich Albion at Anfield tomorrow ( Sunday , December 27 ) in their first game after Christmas .
The Reds will then get an additional day to recover before facing Newcastle United as St. James ' Park on Wednesday , December 30 .
United - along with fellow title hopefuls Tottenham - will also get an extra day between their matches , unlike Chelsea 's turnaround within the space of 48 hours .
United thumped Leeds United in their final league game before Christmas last Sunday , though were in Carabao @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2-0 at Goodison Park .
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer 's side then drew 2-2 with Leicester City in the early kick-off on Boxing Day .
But they at least now have until Tuesday night before their next match , at home to Wolverhampton Wanders .
“ The fact it ’ s two games in 48 hours is an important point for us because there are other teams who are challenging at the top of the League that play two games in three days , '' said Lampard .
`` Manchester United , Tottenham , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` It ’ s counter-productive for the quality of the Premier League , it ’ s a risk for players if they are going to play both games at the top-end elite sport , everybody knows that .
Manchester United were frustrated after a late equaliser denied them a win at Leicester in the early kick-off on Boxing Day .
United twice took the lead with goals from Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes , but a late Jamie Vardy strike meant the match ended 2-2 , meaning the Reds missed an opportunity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spot in the Premier League table .
United do n't have too long to wait to get back to winning ways , as they host Wolves on Tuesday night .
MEN Sport will bring you all the reaction and analysis to the match .
You can have it all delivered straight to your inbox by signing up to our daily newsletter .
Just put your email address in the sign-up box at the top of this article , or simply follow this link .
It 's free and only takes a few seconds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can be put on the broadcasters and I know that in conjunction with each other , and this was bounced around , it got decided that we play twice in 48 hours when other teams that are challenging at the top of the league play twice in three days , an extra 24 hours recovery .
`` I don ’ t see how it ’ s a fair playing field , I think it ’ s wrong and it ’ s not going to be the best for the players to play at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t get me wrong , Aston Villa have the same problem but I ’ m just saying we are not getting the rest period that other teams are getting.
” Manchester City are in a similar boat to Chelsea , with their Boxing Day clash with Newcastle followed by a trip to Everton on Monday evening .

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Chelsea boss Frank Lampard has voiced his frustration at the Premier League fixture schedule by claiming it has handed the likes of Manchester United and Liverpool an unfair advantage in the title race.
Lampard's side were in post-Christmas action against London rivals Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Boxing Day, having beaten West Ham United 3-0 on Monday.
The Blues then have only one full day of rest before their next match at home to Aston Villa next Monday.
Leaders Liverpool have not played since last Saturday, when they thrashed Crystal Palace 7-0 at Selhurst Park.
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Jurgen Klopp's men face West Bromwich Albion at Anfield tomorrow (Sunday, December 27) in their first game after Christmas.
The Reds will then get an additional day to recover before facing Newcastle United as St. James' Park on Wednesday, December 30.
United - along with fellow title hopefuls Tottenham - will also get an extra day between their matches, unlike Chelsea's turnaround within the space of 48 hours.
United thumped Leeds United in their final league game before Christmas last Sunday, though were in Carabao Cap quarter-final action on Wednesday beating Everton 2-0 at Goodison Park.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side then drew 2-2 with Leicester City in the early kick-off on Boxing Day.
But they at least now have until Tuesday night before their next match, at home to Wolverhampton Wanders.
“The fact it’s two games in 48 hours is an important point for us because there are other teams who are challenging at the top of the League that play two games in three days," said Lampard.
"Manchester United, Tottenham, Liverpool play two games in three days.
"It’s counter-productive for the quality of the Premier League, it’s a risk for players if they are going to play both games at the top-end elite sport, everybody knows that.
"I know sometimes the blame can be put on the broadcasters and I know that in conjunction with each other, and this was bounced around, it got decided that we play twice in 48 hours when other teams that are challenging at the top of the league play twice in three days, an extra 24 hours recovery.
"I don’t see how it’s a fair playing field, I think it’s wrong and it’s not going to be the best for the players to play at their top level.
"Don’t get me wrong, Aston Villa have the same problem but I’m just saying we are not getting the rest period that other teams are getting.”
Manchester City are in a similar boat to Chelsea, with their Boxing Day clash with Newcastle followed by a trip to Everton on Monday evening.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-12-27--The street where pensioners live in fear of thugs laying siege to their homes

Pensioners living in a Salford suburb say they have had lit fireworks posted through their letterbox , gateposts doused in arson attempts and 'missiles ' thrown at their windows by 'aggressive destructive youths ' for decades .
Residents say the young people , who 'think nothing of urinating in front of us ' , gather behind an old off licence which has recently reopened in Boothstown .
They described the convenience store in Chaddock Lane , which has recently reopened as Go Local Taylors , as a 'magnet ' for menace underage drinkers .
The street behind the shop is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by pensioners , mostly in their seventies and some over-80s .
Vivienne Goulbourne , who lives in Linden Road , told a Salford Council licensing panel of the 'aggravation ' and damage to property the street has suffered for 20 years .
`` They think nothing of urinating in front of us , damaging fences , garden ornaments and throwing missiles at our windows , '' she said .
`` They even destroyed the snowman three young boys had built in their front garden .
The rubbish they leave is disgusting .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we 're on first name terms even with them now .
`` One particularly nasty youth poured liquid on our gatepost and tried to ignite it in front of us .
Later in the evening , we heard the letterbox , I looked out and he was running down our drive with a bottle in his hand , laughing and waving at me .
We ran to the front door and the carpet was wet through .
`` We dialled 999 and when the police arrived , we found that thankfully , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were called and they fitted extra smoke alarms in our house and a metal plate on the letter box .
We were terrified and we could not sleep for weeks afterwards . ''
Mrs Goulbourne told the panel last month that residents in Linden Road were opposed to the convenience store , which closed last year but opened again under new management in the summer , being granted an alcohol licence .
Her neighbour , Joan Stanway , claimed that although those who purchase alcohol from the shop may be over 18 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
She said : `` The older ones who are 18 presumably and have identification are served in the shop – which is correct – but then they come outside the shop into Linden Mews and sell the alcohol to younger children .
`` Many of the residents have witnessed this happening in the past . ''
Speaking after the meeting , Mrs Goulbourne said the problem stopped since the shop closed in December and has not resurfaced during the pandemic .
She added : `` Our lives are frightening enough living with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it and we strongly object to having an alcohol licence . ''
Lisa Katongo , who took over the lease of the shop in July , started out by selling Carrs Pasties in her 'general food store ' , but later wanted to sell alcohol as well .
There has been a sign outside her shop saying 'off licence ' since she moved in – and she said there have been no youths hanging around the area in that time .
She told the panel she takes 'full responsibility ' of day-to-day management @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recognise the issues that have happened previously and problems that arise with the sale of alcohol .
So I do understand the concerns .
`` I do n't want it to have a detrimental effect on the community , but I have met a lot of the people that live down Linden and they 've all been in and everyone 's been really supportive and absolutely amazing with me .
`` I really do feel a sense of community and I do n't want any harm to come to anyone in this community @ @ @ @ @ @ @ approved the application for a licence for the sale of alcohol at the premises from 10am to 9pm every day of the week .

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Pensioners living in a Salford suburb say they have had lit fireworks posted through their letterbox, gateposts doused in arson attempts and 'missiles' thrown at their windows by 'aggressive destructive youths' for decades.
Residents say the young people, who 'think nothing of urinating in front of us', gather behind an old off licence which has recently reopened in Boothstown.
They described the convenience store in Chaddock Lane, which has recently reopened as Go Local Taylors, as a 'magnet' for menace underage drinkers.
The street behind the shop is lined with 21 bungalows, predominantly occupied by pensioners, mostly in their seventies and some over-80s.
Vivienne Goulbourne, who lives in Linden Road, told a Salford Council licensing panel of the 'aggravation' and damage to property the street has suffered for 20 years.
"They think nothing of urinating in front of us, damaging fences, garden ornaments and throwing missiles at our windows," she said.
"They even destroyed the snowman three young boys had built in their front garden. The rubbish they leave is disgusting. The community police were here that often that we're on first name terms even with them now.
"One particularly nasty youth poured liquid on our gatepost and tried to ignite it in front of us. Later in the evening, we heard the letterbox, I looked out and he was running down our drive with a bottle in his hand, laughing and waving at me. We ran to the front door and the carpet was wet through.
"We dialled 999 and when the police arrived, we found that thankfully, the liquid was non-flammable. The fire brigade were called and they fitted extra smoke alarms in our house and a metal plate on the letter box. We were terrified and we could not sleep for weeks afterwards."
Mrs Goulbourne told the panel last month that residents in Linden Road were opposed to the convenience store, which closed last year but opened again under new management in the summer, being granted an alcohol licence.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Her neighbour, Joan Stanway, claimed that although those who purchase alcohol from the shop may be over 18, they sell it on to younger children.
She said: "The older ones who are 18 presumably and have identification are served in the shop – which is correct – but then they come outside the shop into Linden Mews and sell the alcohol to younger children.
"Many of the residents have witnessed this happening in the past."
Speaking after the meeting, Mrs Goulbourne said the problem stopped since the shop closed in December and has not resurfaced during the pandemic.
She added: "Our lives are frightening enough living with the threat of Covid without adding to it and we strongly object to having an alcohol licence."
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Lisa Katongo, who took over the lease of the shop in July, started out by selling Carrs Pasties in her 'general food store', but later wanted to sell alcohol as well.
There has been a sign outside her shop saying 'off licence' since she moved in – and she said there have been no youths hanging around the area in that time.
She told the panel she takes 'full responsibility' of day-to-day management.
She said: "I do recognise the issues that have happened previously and problems that arise with the sale of alcohol. So I do understand the concerns.
"I don't want it to have a detrimental effect on the community, but I have met a lot of the people that live down Linden and they've all been in and everyone's been really supportive and absolutely amazing with me.
"I really do feel a sense of community and I don't want any harm to come to anyone in this community."
Salford Council's licensing panel approved the application for a licence for the sale of alcohol at the premises from 10am to 9pm every day of the week.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-12-27--Holly Willoughby almost took time away from This Morning

Holly Willoughby almost took time away from This Morning over coronavirus fears .
The ITV presenter is a regular on-screen with co-host Phillip Schofield .
But viewers may have been tuning into a different This Morning each week if Holly decided to step back which she considered at the start of the pandemic .
In an interview with the Mirror looking back over the year , Holly said she was delighted the daytime hit series had helped fans through a tough year .
`` Obviously when you hear people say you 've kept them going it makes it all worth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' the 39-year-old said .
`` To be honest , I think we 've kept each other going .
We 've always , always had that relationship with our viewers where we make the show for them . ''
Asked if she has felt pressure presenting a live show during a pandemic , 39-year-old Holly admitted she was `` scared '' and did consider staying home at one stage with her family which includes two sons Harry and Chester , as well as daughter Belle .
She said : `` Right at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that much about it , and the schools were closed and there was about two or three weeks where I think there was a real pull for me to stay at home .
`` I was scared like everybody else , you did n't really know or understand what this virus was , how you were going to get it , how it was actually passed , how long it lived on a surface for . ''
Holly added : `` I think that there was a lot of fear there and that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you 've got to keep going on and there 's daily information out there that needs to be said and discussed and This Morning is the perfect way to get the right information , in the right way , for the right amount of time and have a giggle as well . ''
`` It was obviously really informative , but at the same time we were still able to have a laugh and try and keep people 's spirits up . ''

newsdesk@men-news.co.uk (Mark Jefferies, Jessica Sansome)

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Holly Willoughby almost took time away from This Morning over coronavirus fears.
The ITV presenter is a regular on-screen with co-host Phillip Schofield.
But viewers may have been tuning into a different This Morning each week if Holly decided to step back which she considered at the start of the pandemic.
In an interview with the Mirror looking back over the year, Holly said she was delighted the daytime hit series had helped fans through a tough year.
"Obviously when you hear people say you've kept them going it makes it all worth it and it's a lovely thing," the 39-year-old said.
"To be honest, I think we've kept each other going. We've always, always had that relationship with our viewers where we make the show for them."
Asked if she has felt pressure presenting a live show during a pandemic, 39-year-old Holly admitted she was "scared" and did consider staying home at one stage with her family which includes two sons Harry and Chester, as well as daughter Belle.
(Image: ITV)
She said: "Right at the beginning when we didn't know that much about it, and the schools were closed and there was about two or three weeks where I think there was a real pull for me to stay at home.
"I was scared like everybody else, you didn't really know or understand what this virus was, how you were going to get it, how it was actually passed, how long it lived on a surface for."
Holly added: "I think that there was a lot of fear there and that didn't pass me by, but you've got to keep going on and there's daily information out there that needs to be said and discussed and This Morning is the perfect way to get the right information, in the right way, for the right amount of time and have a giggle as well."
"It was obviously really informative, but at the same time we were still able to have a laugh and try and keep people's spirits up."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-12-27--Ferran Torres issues challenge to Man City teammates

Ferran Torres has challenged his Manchester City teammates to continue their momentum after the 2-0 victory over Newcastle United on Boxing Day .
The win marks only the second time this season that City have won three times in succession , after edging out Southampton and thrashing Arsenal earlier this week , and they move above Chelsea and Tottenham in the table .
There wo n't be much time to celebrate , however , as the Blues will be back in action on Monday when they travel to face Everton before then facing Chelsea in London at the weekend .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ mount a title challenge then maximum points may well be needed and Torres has told his teammates the run of good form has to continue .
“ They were very well set up and they tried to defend deep and we just needed to do the job and we did it , '' the Spaniard told City 's official site of the Newcastle win .
“ City are a big team , so we always have to win and that is something that is happening now and we just need to keep the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ goal against the Magpies to take his tally for the season up to seven , joint top with Raheem Sterling .
Though a natural winger , the 20-year-old has impressed when playing through the middle in Gabriel Jesus and Sergio Aguero 's absences and he has discussed playing in the position .
`` I 'm comfortable [ playing at striker ] and happy with the goal today , '' he added .
`` I just have to keep on working to keep scoring more goals !
`` The manager [ at half-time ] @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jobs , find the spaces , and make the most of them .
`` It 's important for us to score goals , and to play well up front , but it 's just as important to not concede and to have good performances offensively and that 's what we 're doing .
`` I 'm comfortable [ playing at striker ] and happy with the goal today .
I just have to keep on working to keep scoring more goals ! ''

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Ferran Torres has challenged his Manchester City teammates to continue their momentum after the 2-0 victory over Newcastle United on Boxing Day.
The win marks only the second time this season that City have won three times in succession, after edging out Southampton and thrashing Arsenal earlier this week, and they move above Chelsea and Tottenham in the table.
There won't be much time to celebrate, however, as the Blues will be back in action on Monday when they travel to face Everton before then facing Chelsea in London at the weekend.
If Pep Guardiola's side are to mount a title challenge then maximum points may well be needed and Torres has told his teammates the run of good form has to continue.
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“They were very well set up and they tried to defend deep and we just needed to do the job and we did it," the Spaniard told City's official site of the Newcastle win.
“City are a big team, so we always have to win and that is something that is happening now and we just need to keep the momentum now.”
Torres grabbed the second goal against the Magpies to take his tally for the season up to seven, joint top with Raheem Sterling.
Though a natural winger, the 20-year-old has impressed when playing through the middle in Gabriel Jesus and Sergio Aguero's absences and he has discussed playing in the position.
"I'm comfortable [playing at striker] and happy with the goal today," he added. "I just have to keep on working to keep scoring more goals!
"The manager [at half-time] just wanted us to keep doing our jobs, find the spaces, and make the most of them.
"It's important for us to score goals, and to play well up front, but it's just as important to not concede and to have good performances offensively and that's what we're doing.
"I'm comfortable [playing at striker] and happy with the goal today. I just have to keep on working to keep scoring more goals!"


themanchestereveningnews--2020-12-27--National media react to Man United's draw with Leicester City

Manchester United were unable to extend their winning streak away from home on Saturday as they drew 2-2 with Leicester City .
The Reds twice led through Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes but were pegged back by the Foxes both times .
Here is what the national media made of the entertaining encounter .
`` The day after Christmas is renowned for turkey sandwiches and Premier League football , and the opening match of the festive schedule served up a treat , '' wrote the BBC 's Mantej Mann .
`` Both managers acknowledged their opponents ' counter-attacking threat pre-match @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the first chance to come .
`` Rashford should have given Ole Gunnar Solskjaer 's United side the lead in the second minute when Fernandes clipped the ball towards the back post , but the unmarked England forward headed wastefully over the bar .
`` Just a minute later , the Foxes surged down the other end and the impressive James Justin fired in a fierce cross for Vardy , but Victor Lindelof was able to clear the danger .
`` That theme continued for the rest of the contest as the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ third in the table ultimately cancelled each other out .
`` Brendan Rodgers ' hosts had slightly more possession but United , who have the best away record in the division , managed to produce one more shot . ''
The Guardian 's Paul Doyle wrote : `` Manchester United led twice but ultimately failed to win an away league match for the first time this season , as the unfortunate Axel Tuanzebe deflected a shot by Jamie Vardy into his own goal five minutes from time .
`` Leicester deserved that bit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ entertaining game in which both sides demonstrated the qualities , and shortcomings , that account for their positions .
The teams who began the day in second and third place in the Premier League produced a result and performances to satisfy the leaders , Liverpool .
`` Marcus Rashford had put United on course for an 11th successive away league win but Harvey Barnes quickly equalised for the hosts before United ’ s outstanding player , Bruno Fernandes , put his side 2-1 up , a lead they did not hold for long @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stationed in front of the back four , United left little room for James Maddison to pull strings for Leicester without defending as deeply as visitors such as West Ham and Everton had when winning at the King Power earlier in the season .
United were more enterprising than those teams had been but were not particularly ingenious in possession , with Fernandes an exception as usual .
`` United ’ s opening goal in the 23rd minute was a microcosm of the Portuguese ’ s career so far at the club where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ above the mediocrity around him .
A shoddy pass by Dan James forced Fernandes to stretch just to get a touch to the ball at the edge of the area , and his improvisation wrongfooted the home defence and turned into an ideal assist for Rashford , who swept the ball into the bottom corner from 10 yards .
`` Fernandes was at fault , however , when Leicester equalised eight minutes later .
Wilfred Ndidi ambushed him midway inside the United half and offloaded to Maddison , who helped the ball on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the net from the edge of the area .
David de Gea in his prime would probably have pawed the shot out but the goalkeeper , who had needed Eric Bailly to rescue earlier after a bungled attempt to play his way out from the back , showed no sign of world-class reflexes as Barnes ’ s shot whizzed a few yards to his right and into the net .
`` With 15 minutes to go , Solskjær used his bench to decisive effect , replacing Anthony Martial with Edinson Cavani .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deep to accept a pass from Bailly before turning and slipping the ball through to Fernandes , who burst into the space vacated by the striker and finished emphatically .
`` Brendan Rodgers replied by making his first substitution of the match and that , too , paid off swiftly , as the newcomer , Ayoze Pérez , exchanged passes with James Justin down the right before crossing for Vardy , who had made a canny run to find space in the box and then enjoyed a slice of good fortune as his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , took a nick off Tuanzebe to get rerouted into the net . ''
`` In the end , it was the old-fashioned centre forwards , players with miles on the clock , who would prove decisive , . ''
wrote the Daily Mail 's Rob Draper .
`` Edinson Cavani and Jamie Vardy are both 33-years-old .
They 've been down this track a few times before .
Their intelligent physicality , their runs off the ball and their instinct tell of old heads , which are not easily phased .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ League equals , both would make their mark .
`` For Vardy it would be in the way he ghosted away from Eric Bailly in the 85th minute to ensure Leicester would get that point they deserved .
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer , who knows a thing or two about late interventions in crucial matches , was moved to praise his movement as he drifted to find himself on the end of an Ayore Perez cross as the clock ticked down .
`` Solskjaer also knows what it 's like to come off the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
That was precisely what Cavani managed .
After 75 minutes in which Anthony Martial had lacked authority as a centre forward , Cavani came on to demonstrate how to dominate from that position .
`` On the back of his match-winning performance against Everton on Wednesday , Cavani is beginning to find his feet after a settling in period and injury .
`` It was n't all about the old heads , however .
Marcus Rashford , 23 , might have had a hat-trick , his header over inside the opening two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But he did redeem himself on 23 minutes , with a clinical finish to score his 50th Premier League goal for the club .
`` Then there was Harvey Barnes , also 23 , and surely poised to team-up with Rashford more frequently on international duty , with probably the pick of the goals , a stunning strike from 20 yards out after Fernandes had lost the ball to Wilfred Ndidi .
`` It would be churlish to dwell on that for Fernandes though , his record since joining the club last January @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United 's best player with his goal , assist and all-round authority .
He must rank as one of the best ever United signings .
`` Paul Pogba made his entrance on 53 minutes and generally improved the tempo without being outstanding .
`` Steadily United are plotting their way to the top of the table but without convincing that they win the league .
Defensively they remain too open ; and they still play in bursts rather than dominating opponents .
Playing Victor Lindelof as a stand-in right-back allowed Barnes to thrive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ frequent incursions from the opposite flank .
`` Indeed , Leicester gave as good as they got , as befitted their Premier League position .
`` Perhaps it is a sign of how far Leicester have risen in the past ten years that these sides meet as equals .
Of course , it could equally be an indication of United 's decline .
Be that as it may , there is little to split them . ''

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Manchester United were unable to extend their winning streak away from home on Saturday as they drew 2-2 with Leicester City.
The Reds twice led through Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes but were pegged back by the Foxes both times.
Here is what the national media made of the entertaining encounter.
'Served up a treat'
"The day after Christmas is renowned for turkey sandwiches and Premier League football, and the opening match of the festive schedule served up a treat," wrote the BBC's Mantej Mann.
"Both managers acknowledged their opponents' counter-attacking threat pre-match, and it did not take long for the first chance to come.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
"Rashford should have given Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's United side the lead in the second minute when Fernandes clipped the ball towards the back post, but the unmarked England forward headed wastefully over the bar.
"Just a minute later, the Foxes surged down the other end and the impressive James Justin fired in a fierce cross for Vardy, but Victor Lindelof was able to clear the danger.
"That theme continued for the rest of the contest as the teams who started the day second and third in the table ultimately cancelled each other out.
"Brendan Rodgers' hosts had slightly more possession but United, who have the best away record in the division, managed to produce one more shot."
'Leicester deserved the luck'
The Guardian's Paul Doyle wrote: "Manchester United led twice but ultimately failed to win an away league match for the first time this season, as the unfortunate Axel Tuanzebe deflected a shot by Jamie Vardy into his own goal five minutes from time.
"Leicester deserved that bit of luck and a point from an entertaining game in which both sides demonstrated the qualities, and shortcomings, that account for their positions. The teams who began the day in second and third place in the Premier League produced a result and performances to satisfy the leaders, Liverpool.
"Marcus Rashford had put United on course for an 11th successive away league win but Harvey Barnes quickly equalised for the hosts before United’s outstanding player, Bruno Fernandes, put his side 2-1 up, a lead they did not hold for long.
"With Scott McTominay and Fred stationed in front of the back four, United left little room for James Maddison to pull strings for Leicester without defending as deeply as visitors such as West Ham and Everton had when winning at the King Power earlier in the season. United were more enterprising than those teams had been but were not particularly ingenious in possession, with Fernandes an exception as usual.
"United’s opening goal in the 23rd minute was a microcosm of the Portuguese’s career so far at the club where he often has to excel to rise above the mediocrity around him. A shoddy pass by Dan James forced Fernandes to stretch just to get a touch to the ball at the edge of the area, and his improvisation wrongfooted the home defence and turned into an ideal assist for Rashford, who swept the ball into the bottom corner from 10 yards.
"Fernandes was at fault, however, when Leicester equalised eight minutes later. Wilfred Ndidi ambushed him midway inside the United half and offloaded to Maddison, who helped the ball on to Barnes, who lashed it into the net from the edge of the area. David de Gea in his prime would probably have pawed the shot out but the goalkeeper, who had needed Eric Bailly to rescue earlier after a bungled attempt to play his way out from the back, showed no sign of world-class reflexes as Barnes’s shot whizzed a few yards to his right and into the net.
(Image: Getty)
"With 15 minutes to go, Solskjær used his bench to decisive effect, replacing Anthony Martial with Edinson Cavani. The Uruguayan soon showed his cleverness, dropping deep to accept a pass from Bailly before turning and slipping the ball through to Fernandes, who burst into the space vacated by the striker and finished emphatically.
"Brendan Rodgers replied by making his first substitution of the match and that, too, paid off swiftly, as the newcomer, Ayoze Pérez, exchanged passes with James Justin down the right before crossing for Vardy, who had made a canny run to find space in the box and then enjoyed a slice of good fortune as his shot, which had been heading wide, took a nick off Tuanzebe to get rerouted into the net."
'Centre-forwards prove decisive'
"In the end, it was the old-fashioned centre forwards, players with miles on the clock, who would prove decisive,." wrote the Daily Mail's Rob Draper.
"Edinson Cavani and Jamie Vardy are both 33-years-old. They've been down this track a few times before. Their intelligent physicality, their runs off the ball and their instinct tell of old heads, which are not easily phased. And in a thoroughly-entertaining match up of Premier League equals, both would make their mark.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
"For Vardy it would be in the way he ghosted away from Eric Bailly in the 85th minute to ensure Leicester would get that point they deserved. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who knows a thing or two about late interventions in crucial matches, was moved to praise his movement as he drifted to find himself on the end of an Ayore Perez cross as the clock ticked down.
"Solskjaer also knows what it's like to come off the bench and make an impact for United. That was precisely what Cavani managed. After 75 minutes in which Anthony Martial had lacked authority as a centre forward, Cavani came on to demonstrate how to dominate from that position.
"On the back of his match-winning performance against Everton on Wednesday, Cavani is beginning to find his feet after a settling in period and injury.
"It wasn't all about the old heads, however. Marcus Rashford, 23, might have had a hat-trick, his header over inside the opening two minutes being a particularly glaring miss. But he did redeem himself on 23 minutes, with a clinical finish to score his 50th Premier League goal for the club.
"Then there was Harvey Barnes, also 23, and surely poised to team-up with Rashford more frequently on international duty, with probably the pick of the goals, a stunning strike from 20 yards out after Fernandes had lost the ball to Wilfred Ndidi.
"It would be churlish to dwell on that for Fernandes though, his record since joining the club last January is phenomenal. Again here he was United's best player with his goal, assist and all-round authority. He must rank as one of the best ever United signings.
"Paul Pogba made his entrance on 53 minutes and generally improved the tempo without being outstanding.
"Steadily United are plotting their way to the top of the table but without convincing that they win the league. Defensively they remain too open; and they still play in bursts rather than dominating opponents. Playing Victor Lindelof as a stand-in right-back allowed Barnes to thrive while James Justin and Marc Albrighton made frequent incursions from the opposite flank.
"Indeed, Leicester gave as good as they got, as befitted their Premier League position.
"Perhaps it is a sign of how far Leicester have risen in the past ten years that these sides meet as equals. Of course, it could equally be an indication of United's decline. Be that as it may, there is little to split them."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-12-27--Evatt at a loss to explain booking vs Carlisle after 'stonewall' Bolton penalty

Ian Evatt was at a loss to explain why he was shown a yellow card in the draw against Carlisle United after appealing a 'stonewall ' penalty for his Bolton Wanderers side .
The Trotters came from three goals down on the road at Brunton Park to claim a share of the spoils against the Cumbrians .
Carlisle went 2-0 up inside seven minutes thanks to goals from Aaron Hayden and Lewis Alessandra .
The Cumbrians scored a third through Omari Patrick before George Thomason grabbed one back for Bolton before half-time .
After the break , Nathan Delfouneso reduced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's header levelled the match as full-time approached .
Kioso was later shown a second yellow card before the end , with seven players going into referee Ross Joyce 's book during the match .
Evatt was booked during the game too , moments before Carlisle scored their third goal .
It came after appealing for a penalty when Kioso went down in the box under Jack Armer 's challenge , but Joyce did not entertain the appeal - and instead booked the Bolton boss shortly afterwards .
And the Wanderers manager could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yellow card for appealing for a spot kick on that occasion .
He also felt there was a lack of consistency in the game with the decisions made .
“ I just don ’ t understand how I can be yellow carded for appealing for what looked as stonewall ( a ) penalty that I ’ ve ever seen , '' he said .
`` Especially when you look at some of the free kicks that he was giving to the opposition , there has to be some sort of consistency .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and it was a penalty .
I think we all saw that . ''

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Ian Evatt was at a loss to explain why he was shown a yellow card in the draw against Carlisle United after appealing a 'stonewall' penalty for his Bolton Wanderers side.
The Trotters came from three goals down on the road at Brunton Park to claim a share of the spoils against the Cumbrians.
Carlisle went 2-0 up inside seven minutes thanks to goals from Aaron Hayden and Lewis Alessandra.
The Cumbrians scored a third through Omari Patrick before George Thomason grabbed one back for Bolton before half-time.
After the break, Nathan Delfouneso reduced the deficit even further before Peter Kioso's header levelled the match as full-time approached.
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Kioso was later shown a second yellow card before the end, with seven players going into referee Ross Joyce's book during the match.
Evatt was booked during the game too, moments before Carlisle scored their third goal.
It came after appealing for a penalty when Kioso went down in the box under Jack Armer's challenge, but Joyce did not entertain the appeal - and instead booked the Bolton boss shortly afterwards.
And the Wanderers manager could not explain how he was shown a yellow card for appealing for a spot kick on that occasion.
He also felt there was a lack of consistency in the game with the decisions made.
“I just don’t understand how I can be yellow carded for appealing for what looked as stonewall (a) penalty that I’ve ever seen," he said.
"Especially when you look at some of the free kicks that he was giving to the opposition, there has to be some sort of consistency.
"We didn’t get that today and it was a penalty. I think we all saw that."