themanchestereveningnews--2020-03-15--Eric Bailly names Manchester United advantage Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has over Jose Mourinho

Eric Bailly says Ole Gunnar Solskjaer 's experience as a former top-flight player has made a massive difference to life at Manchester United .
The manager is a club legend at Old Trafford and remains popular among match-going fans since replacing Jose Mourinho in December 2018 .
Mourinho saw his time at United tainted by fractured relationships with members of his squad as well as public fall-outs with some of his star players .
His style of management is very different to that of Solskjaer , and Bailly believes this is down to the Norwegian 's own experiences as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also important being able to work with someone who is a former player , '' Bailly told ESPN FC .
`` Someone who understands the players ' situations , understands all the things that can happen from time to time .
`` Because football is not just played on the pitch , it 's also about all the things that go on around the game , the things that people do n't see ... and he is someone that gets that and it helps the team a lot .
Besides being a coach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you know ?
`` Yeah , I would say like an uncle ... and having someone like that in the club gives the players more strength .
`` The truth is , he 's someone that will always talk to you .
He always communicates well .
He gives you so much confidence ... because as a footballer , you go through moments where you feel low and he can read that and when he sees that he immediately comes over to you and talks to you .
`` He offers advice so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me , that 's so important because like I said , we have a very young team an if we have a coach like that then the team will go from strength to strength . ''

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
Eric Bailly says Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's experience as a former top-flight player has made a massive difference to life at Manchester United.
The manager is a club legend at Old Trafford and remains popular among match-going fans since replacing Jose Mourinho in December 2018.
Mourinho saw his time at United tainted by fractured relationships with members of his squad as well as public fall-outs with some of his star players.
His style of management is very different to that of Solskjaer, and Bailly believes this is down to the Norwegian's own experiences as a player.
"Yeah, it's also important being able to work with someone who is a former player," Bailly told ESPN FC.
"Someone who understands the players' situations, understands all the things that can happen from time to time.
"Because football is not just played on the pitch, it's also about all the things that go on around the game, the things that people don't see... and he is someone that gets that and it helps the team a lot. Besides being a coach, he's just a normal person you know?
"Yeah, I would say like an uncle... and having someone like that in the club gives the players more strength.
"The truth is, he's someone that will always talk to you. He always communicates well. He gives you so much confidence... because as a footballer, you go through moments where you feel low and he can read that and when he sees that he immediately comes over to you and talks to you.
"He offers advice so that you can regain confidence and for me, that's so important because like I said, we have a very young team an if we have a coach like that then the team will go from strength to strength."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-03-15--Hundreds line the streets for Manchester's Irish Parade

Hundreds of people turned out for the Manchester Irish Parade today , despite being met with concern over coronavirus .
Avoiding the rain , dance troupes , bands and Irish wolfhounds Finn and Oisin led the green and gold coloured parade along Deansgate .
The streets were lined with Irish flags and Guinness hats as the procession made its way from Queens Road near to the Irish World Heritage Center .
Organisers of the St Patrick ’ s Day Parade have faced some criticism from people concerned about the spread of coronavirus .
Similar parades in London , Dublin , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the pandemic .
But that didn ’ t stop some fans of the event joining in with the celebrations , which have been held in Manchester city centre for over three decades .
Starting at midday , the procession finished at Deansgate and Liverpool Rd at around 2pm .
Chair of the Irish festival , Coun John Flanagan said : `` It was all great fun and cheered us all up .
`` The tractors and donkeys made it a unique Manchester parade .
`` In regards to medical safety , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and there was no prohibition in regards to the parade .
`` My own family were in the parade and we took no risks with public safety or medical issues .
`` It 's very important that we do n't over panic and listen to the Chief medical officer , otherwise it will turn Manchester into a medieval town .
`` Advice was given to everyone who came to the parade about health and safety issues . ''

We have more newsletters
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Subscribe to our daily What's On newsletter to keep up with what's happening around Greater Manchester
We have more newsletters
Thank you for subscribing!
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Subscribe to our daily What's On newsletter to keep up with what's happening around Greater Manchester
Hundreds of people turned out for the Manchester Irish Parade today, despite being met with concern over coronavirus.
Avoiding the rain, dance troupes, bands and Irish wolfhounds Finn and Oisin led the green and gold coloured parade along Deansgate.
The streets were lined with Irish flags and Guinness hats as the procession made its way from Queens Road near to the Irish World Heritage Center.
Organisers of the St Patrick’s Day Parade have faced some criticism from people concerned about the spread of coronavirus .
Similar parades in London, Dublin, Liverpool and New York were cancelled because of the pandemic.
But that didn’t stop some fans of the event joining in with the celebrations, which have been held in Manchester city centre for over three decades.
Starting at midday, the procession finished at Deansgate and Liverpool Rd at around 2pm.
Chair of the Irish festival, Coun John Flanagan said: "It was all great fun and cheered us all up.
"The tractors and donkeys made it a unique Manchester parade.
"In regards to medical safety, we checked with the Department of Health, and there was no prohibition in regards to the parade.
"My own family were in the parade and we took no risks with public safety or medical issues.
"It's very important that we don't over panic and listen to the Chief medical officer, otherwise it will turn Manchester into a medieval town.
"Advice was given to everyone who came to the parade about health and safety issues."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-03-15--The Mark Hughes instruction that led to iconic Sergio Aguero and Man City moment

The sight of Sergio Aguero lashing the ball past Paddy Kenny before wheeling away to celebrate inside a joyous Etihad Stadium is a memory etched into the brain of Manchester City fans .
One goal completed an unbelievable comeback for Roberto Mancini 's side against QPR having trailed going into injury time and saw them claim their first Premier League title on goal difference at the expense of their main rivals United , whose game with Sunderland had finished minutes earlier .
City 's famous victory would not have been possible , however , without the contribution of QPR and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they kicked off to restart the game at 2-2 , the players turned to Hughes to see what he wanted them to do .
With the relegation battle also going down to the final day , the whistle had already gone to call time on Bolton 's stay in the Premier League .
The QPR players knew before they had finished in Manchester that they would be staying in the division for the following season .
That was in Hughes 's mind as he told Jay Bothroyd to whack it into City territory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` They got back on level terms and I always remember at that point we knew we were safe because the other result had come in , '' Hughes told The Coaches Voice .
`` At that point I wanted to make sure , because United were up the road obviously waiting on the result .
I 'm thinking ' I would n't mind United winning , if I 'm honest ' .
So I 'm thinking we 've just conceded the second goal , it 's 2-2 .
I think it was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'What do you want us to do ? '
`` Because the players had obviously understood that the game was over and we 'd stayed up .
We just said : 'Just kick it as far as you can , right in the corner , the game 's over ' .
The ball was indeed punted out of play near City 's corner flag but was picked up by Joe Hart , who had sprinted from goal as soon as he saw where the ball was heading and threw it back into play @ @ @ @ @ @ @ QPR third and laid the ball left to Samir Nasri .
The ball was half-cleared but Nasri recovered possession and curled it into the box .
This time it was cleared and Shaun Wright-Phillips carried the ball to the halfway line and won a throw .
From it , Joleon Lescott won the header , Nigel de Jong moved forward and found Aguero who exchanged passes with Mario Balotelli and fired the ball into the net .
`` I have to say , of all the games I 've been involved in , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ goal went in is different to anything I 've heard before or since , '' said Hughes .
`` It was just unbelievable sound - different sound to a football crowd .
It was a mixture of screaming and noise and it was just an unbelievable moment . ''

The sight of Sergio Aguero lashing the ball past Paddy Kenny before wheeling away to celebrate inside a joyous Etihad Stadium is a memory etched into the brain of Manchester City fans.
One goal completed an unbelievable comeback for Roberto Mancini's side against QPR having trailed going into injury time and saw them claim their first Premier League title on goal difference at the expense of their main rivals United, whose game with Sunderland had finished minutes earlier.
City's famous victory would not have been possible, however, without the contribution of QPR and former Blues boss Mark Hughes. Before they kicked off to restart the game at 2-2, the players turned to Hughes to see what he wanted them to do.
With the relegation battle also going down to the final day, the whistle had already gone to call time on Bolton's stay in the Premier League. The QPR players knew before they had finished in Manchester that they would be staying in the division for the following season.
That was in Hughes's mind as he told Jay Bothroyd to whack it into City territory rather than attempt to keep possession.
"They got back on level terms and I always remember at that point we knew we were safe because the other result had come in," Hughes told The Coaches Voice.
"At that point I wanted to make sure, because United were up the road obviously waiting on the result. I'm thinking 'I wouldn't mind United winning, if I'm honest'. So I'm thinking we've just conceded the second goal, it's 2-2. I think it was Jay Bothroyd who looked over and said 'What do you want us to do?'
"Because the players had obviously understood that the game was over and we'd stayed up. We just said: 'Just kick it as far as you can, right in the corner, the game's over'.
(Image: Getty)
The ball was indeed punted out of play near City's corner flag but was picked up by Joe Hart, who had sprinted from goal as soon as he saw where the ball was heading and threw it back into play. Gael Clichy ran unopposed into the QPR third and laid the ball left to Samir Nasri. The ball was half-cleared but Nasri recovered possession and curled it into the box.
This time it was cleared and Shaun Wright-Phillips carried the ball to the halfway line and won a throw. From it, Joleon Lescott won the header, Nigel de Jong moved forward and found Aguero who exchanged passes with Mario Balotelli and fired the ball into the net.
"I have to say, of all the games I've been involved in, the noise at the moment when that goal went in is different to anything I've heard before or since," said Hughes. "It was just unbelievable sound - different sound to a football crowd. It was a mixture of screaming and noise and it was just an unbelievable moment."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-03-15--Wife pays tribute to 'soulmate' husband who is believed to be Britain's youngest coronavirus victim

The wife of a the youngest victim of coronavirus in Britain has paid tribute to her 'soulmate ' .
Nick Matthews , 59 , was rushed to hospital having suffered breathing difficulties on Thursday ( March 12 ) .
The former police officer , who retired from the force 10 years ago after suffering a heart attack , had recently returned from a holiday in Fuerteventura with his wife Mary .
After being dashed to Bristol Royal Infirmary , Nick was diagnosed with pneumonia and his other symptoms `` ticked all the boxes '' for the virus .
Mary , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nick , said she 'did not realise how serious it was ' , Bristol Live reports .
She said : `` Today at 3am I lost my life partner and soul mate but most of all my best friend .
`` At no point did I realise how serious it was , even when we all had to gown up in the hospital , I just thought it was overcaution – as far as we were concerned we hadn ’ t been in contact with anyone with coronavirus and no-one in this area @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the age of 59 , Nick is thought to be the UK 's youngest fatal victim of the coronavirus pandemic .
Mary and the rest of her family , from Nailsea , in North Somerset , are now isolating .
Paying tribute to her husband and speaking to Nailsea People , Mary added : `` Together with our children Charlotte and Ben we are beyond proud to have had such a big character in our lives .
`` It is a time when you want a hug but can ’ t have one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust said : `` Sadly , we can confirm that a man who was being cared for at the Bristol Royal Infirmary , and had tested positive for Covid-19 , has died .
`` The patient who died was in his late-fifties and had underlying health conditions .
`` The family has been informed and our thoughts are with them at this difficult time .
`` We will not be commenting further and ask that everybody respects the family 's privacy . ''
No one in their 50s or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK from COVID-19 so far .
The fatal victims have been people in their 60s , 70s and 80s with underlying health conditions .
As of 3pm on Sunday , March 15 , the UK death toll has now risen to 35 .
This is an increase of more than 50 percent in 24 hours .
Plans are under way to ban mass gatherings from next week as the Government looks to implement more extreme measures in the fight against Covid-19 .
Boris Johnson had faced criticism for not taking such actions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other European countries as the pandemic worsens .
Emergency legislation bringing in beefed-up powers will be published next week and there could also be a move towards more people working from home , a Whitehall source said .

newsdesk@men-news.co.uk (Ashlie Blakey, Emma Flanagan)

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
The wife of a the youngest victim of coronavirus in Britain has paid tribute to her 'soulmate'.
Nick Matthews, 59, was rushed to hospital having suffered breathing difficulties on Thursday (March 12).
The former police officer, who retired from the force 10 years ago after suffering a heart attack, had recently returned from a holiday in Fuerteventura with his wife Mary.
After being dashed to Bristol Royal Infirmary, Nick was diagnosed with pneumonia and his other symptoms "ticked all the boxes" for the virus.
Mary, 55, who had two children with Nick, said she 'did not realise how serious it was', Bristol Live reports.
She said: "Today at 3am I lost my life partner and soul mate but most of all my best friend.
(Image: Matthews Family/Nailsea People)
"At no point did I realise how serious it was, even when we all had to gown up in the hospital, I just thought it was overcaution – as far as we were concerned we hadn’t been in contact with anyone with coronavirus and no-one in this area had contracted the disease."
At the age of 59, Nick is thought to be the UK's youngest fatal victim of the coronavirus pandemic.
Mary and the rest of her family, from Nailsea, in North Somerset, are now isolating.
Paying tribute to her husband and speaking to Nailsea People , Mary added: "Together with our children Charlotte and Ben we are beyond proud to have had such a big character in our lives.
"It is a time when you want a hug but can’t have one."
In a statement, University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust said: "Sadly, we can confirm that a man who was being cared for at the Bristol Royal Infirmary, and had tested positive for Covid-19, has died.
"The patient who died was in his late-fifties and had underlying health conditions.
"The family has been informed and our thoughts are with them at this difficult time.
"We will not be commenting further and ask that everybody respects the family's privacy."
(Image: Copyright Unknown)
No one in their 50s or younger is thought to have died in the UK from COVID-19 so far.
The fatal victims have been people in their 60s, 70s and 80s with underlying health conditions.
As of 3pm on Sunday, March 15, the UK death toll has now risen to 35.
This is an increase of more than 50 percent in 24 hours.
Plans are under way to ban mass gatherings from next week as the Government looks to implement more extreme measures in the fight against Covid-19.
Boris Johnson had faced criticism for not taking such actions, despite similar steps being taken by other European countries as the pandemic worsens.
Emergency legislation bringing in beefed-up powers will be published next week and there could also be a move towards more people working from home, a Whitehall source said.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-03-15--Paddy McGuinness marvels as wife Christine exercises while giving the kids a bath

Top Gear presenter Paddy McGuinness marvelled at the sight of his wife pedalling away on a spin bike while supervising their children during their bathtime .
The former Phoenix Night star was impressed by Christine 's multitasking as she got in a quick workout on the landing as she kept an eye on her children in the bathroom .
The TV presenter , 46 , and his reality TV star wife , 31 , both shared the scenes with their Instagram followers .
A video clip shows Christine McGuinness working hard on the bike as Paddy asks : `` Erm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be having a bath , love ? ''
And Christine replies : `` Yep , the kids are in the bath .
I 'm keeping an eye on the kids .
Safety first . ''
“ Nearly there , ” the doting mum tells her children , as she lets them know she ’ s almost finished her workout .
On her Instagram the Real Housewives of Cheshire star said : `` Multitasking .
`` Kids are spotless and I just smashed a little solo spin .
Moved my bike to the bathroom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ start there was only a little bit of water in the bath , they don ’ t like too much .
And I was about 3 foot away so chill out huns # MumLife # bathtime # biketime # multitasking . ''
And Paddy exclaimed over on his page : `` Ladies !
Is this the famous female multitasking that us blokes constantly get reminded of ?
# weekend # saturday # bathtime # biketime # multitasking . ''
One impressed fan commented : `` Fab multitasking and genius mum skills .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' '' Multitasking at its best , '' said another .
The couple , who tied the knot in 2011 , are parents to six-year-old twins Leo and Penelope and three-year-old Felicity who all have autism .
Earlier this month she opened up about the reality of raising three autistic children , breaking down in tears as she told fans she was having a `` b****y hard day . ''
`` Hello I do n't want to bring anyone 's mood down , but I just want to show the reality of being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she explained .
`` Sometimes it 's not fun , today was just a really bad morning , I know it will be fine later but this is what you do n't see .
`` I am fine and I 'm upset for my children , this was just a bad morning , and I 'll have a good day , it 's just sometimes it 's not always fun .
`` I do n't want to bring anyone down , I just think it 's important to show it 's not always @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doing great and they are , they 're all doing brilliant , but it 's hard , it 's bloody hard . ''
Christine announced last month that Felicity had been diagnosed with the developmental disorder .
Speaking about the diagnosis on Loose Women last month , Christine said it was a 'relief ' to finally have confirmation and explained why it had been easier to take the second time round .
She said : `` I think because I understand it more now .
With the twins it was quite a shock @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know anything about autism .
Just our children had a life long condition with no cure .
`` Now with the experience with the twins and knowledge it prepared us for the third one .
`` Felicity has been diagnosed .
We knew it was coming .
We spotted the signs .
We were more prepared this time . ''

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Love a bit of cheeky celeb goss? Share your email to get showbiz news, gossip and rumours from the MEN
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Love a bit of cheeky celeb goss? Share your email to get showbiz news, gossip and rumours from the MEN
Top Gear presenter Paddy McGuinness marvelled at the sight of his wife pedalling away on a spin bike while supervising their children during their bathtime.
The former Phoenix Night star was impressed by Christine's multitasking as she got in a quick workout on the landing as she kept an eye on her children in the bathroom.
The TV presenter, 46, and his reality TV star wife, 31, both shared the scenes with their Instagram followers.
A video clip shows Christine McGuinness working hard on the bike as Paddy asks: "Erm, aren't the kids supposed to be having a bath, love?"
And Christine replies: "Yep, the kids are in the bath. I'm keeping an eye on the kids. Safety first."
“Nearly there,” the doting mum tells her children, as she lets them know she’s almost finished her workout.
On her Instagram the Real Housewives of Cheshire star said: "Multitasking.
"Kids are spotless and I just smashed a little solo spin. Moved my bike to the bathroom!
"And before the mum police start there was only a little bit of water in the bath, they don’t like too much. And I was about 3 foot away so chill out huns #MumLife #bathtime #biketime #multitasking."
(Image: Getty Images)
And Paddy exclaimed over on his page: "Ladies! Is this the famous female multitasking that us blokes constantly get reminded of? #weekend #saturday #bathtime #biketime #multitasking."
One impressed fan commented: "Fab multitasking and genius mum skills. I’m impressed. Love it x"
"Multitasking at its best," said another.
The couple, who tied the knot in 2011, are parents to six-year-old twins Leo and Penelope and three-year-old Felicity who all have autism.
(Image: Christine McGuinness/Instagram)
Earlier this month she opened up about the reality of raising three autistic children, breaking down in tears as she told fans she was having a "b****y hard day."
"Hello I don't want to bring anyone's mood down, but I just want to show the reality of being a mum of autistic children," she explained.
"Sometimes it's not fun, today was just a really bad morning, I know it will be fine later but this is what you don't see.
"I am fine and I'm upset for my children, this was just a bad morning, and I'll have a good day, it's just sometimes it's not always fun.
"I don't want to bring anyone down, I just think it's important to show it's not always fine and lovely and they're all doing great and they are, they're all doing brilliant, but it's hard, it's bloody hard."
Christine announced last month that Felicity had been diagnosed with the developmental disorder.
Speaking about the diagnosis on Loose Women last month, Christine said it was a 'relief' to finally have confirmation and explained why it had been easier to take the second time round.
She said: "I think because I understand it more now. With the twins it was quite a shock and heartbreak.
"We didn't know anything about autism. Just our children had a life long condition with no cure.
"Now with the experience with the twins and knowledge it prepared us for the third one.
"Felicity has been diagnosed. We knew it was coming. We spotted the signs. We were more prepared this time."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-03-15--Man arrested after he was found carrying this military-style knife in the Gay Village

A man has been arrested after he was caught carrying this military-style knife in the Gay Village .
Police made the discovery in Manchester city centre on Saturday night ( March 14 ) .
An adult male was arrested for possession of a bladed article .
Officers posted a picture of the knife on the GMP city centre Twitter page showing the military-style , black knife against a ruler .
The blade measures at around 8cm long .
The knife also has a partially-serrated edge .
The tweet said : `` This Dangerous Knife was taken off the street in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` An adult male was arrested for possession of a bladed article . ''
In May last year , Greater Manchester Police set up a special 'task force ' to tackle violent crime in the region , including the use of knives .
In February , police launched a forever amnesty following the success of Operation Sceptre ’ s week-long knife amnesty last year .
The campaign which ran in September 2019 , saw over 600 knives deposited in amnesty bins across the Greater Manchester region .
Bins have now been placed at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Over the course of just five months , almost 1,000 knives and other bladed weapons were handed in .

We have more newsletters
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
The weekly email brings you all the latest news from the LGBTQ+ community plus exclusive interviews direct to your inbox
See Our
See Our
We have more newsletters
Thank you for subscribing!
Something went wrong, please try again later.
The weekly email brings you all the latest news from the LGBTQ+ community plus exclusive interviews direct to your inbox
A man has been arrested after he was caught carrying this military-style knife in the Gay Village.
Police made the discovery in Manchester city centre on Saturday night (March 14).
An adult male was arrested for possession of a bladed article.
Officers posted a picture of the knife on the GMP city centre Twitter page showing the military-style, black knife against a ruler.
The blade measures at around 8cm long.
The knife also has a partially-serrated edge.
The tweet said: "This Dangerous Knife was taken off the street in the Village City Centre last night.
"An adult male was arrested for possession of a bladed article."
(Image: GMP)
In May last year, Greater Manchester Police set up a special 'task force' to tackle violent crime in the region, including the use of knives.
In February, police launched a forever amnesty following the success of Operation Sceptre’s week-long knife amnesty last year.
The campaign which ran in September 2019, saw over 600 knives deposited in amnesty bins across the Greater Manchester region.
Bins have now been placed at stations within all 10 Greater Manchester districts.
Over the course of just five months, almost 1,000 knives and other bladed weapons were handed in.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-03-15--Odion Ighalo reveals his two Manchester United idols

Odion Ighalo named Andy Cole and Dwight Yorke when asked who his favourite Manchester United player was when he was growing up .
Cole and Yorke formed a formidable partnership during the 1998-99 season as United won the Treble .
The pair were also influential in United 's 2000 and 2001 title wins .
`` I watched Andy Cole growing up , '' Ighalo told beIN Sports .
`` Andy Cole and Dwight Yorke , they were two strikers at United who used to score goals .
They were very strong and scored a lot of goals . ''
Ighalo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when he joined United on loan until the end of the season in January .
The Nigerian has started his Reds career in fine form , scoring four goals in eight appearances in all competitions , leading to suggestions a permanent deal could be on the horizon .
Ighalo previously played in the Premier League with Watford but he said he never envisaged he would get the chance to play for his boyhood club .
`` When you say those kind of things ( about playing for United when he was a child @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ? '
because back then you do n't even know what the future holds , '' Ighalo said .
`` First you just want to go outside the country to start playing - even for a small team , not even to talk of going to United .
`` But my support for the team was great .
I never imagined it was going to turn out this way .
Even when I played in the Premier League for Watford , I never thought this was going to happen . ''

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
Odion Ighalo named Andy Cole and Dwight Yorke when asked who his favourite Manchester United player was when he was growing up.
Cole and Yorke formed a formidable partnership during the 1998-99 season as United won the Treble. The pair were also influential in United's 2000 and 2001 title wins.
"I watched Andy Cole growing up," Ighalo told beIN Sports. "Andy Cole and Dwight Yorke, they were two strikers at United who used to score goals. They were very strong and scored a lot of goals."
Ighalo followed in the footsteps of his idols when he joined United on loan until the end of the season in January.
The Nigerian has started his Reds career in fine form, scoring four goals in eight appearances in all competitions, leading to suggestions a permanent deal could be on the horizon.
Ighalo previously played in the Premier League with Watford but he said he never envisaged he would get the chance to play for his boyhood club.
"When you say those kind of things (about playing for United when he was a child), people say 'are you crazy?' because back then you don't even know what the future holds," Ighalo said.
"First you just want to go outside the country to start playing - even for a small team, not even to talk of going to United.
"But my support for the team was great. I never imagined it was going to turn out this way. Even when I played in the Premier League for Watford, I never thought this was going to happen."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-03-16--This is Manchester's first 'world class' smart hospital

A new ‘ smart hospital ’ complete with affordable housing for nurses and an ‘ aparthotel ’ for patients will be built in south Manchester .
Proposals to transform Wythenshawe Hospital into a 5G-enabled ‘ health village ’ focusing on cardiac and respiratory illnesses have been signed off by city leaders .
The current hospital , which opened in 2001 , will be completely rebuilt over the next 10 to 15 years to create the state-of-the-art centre .
Bosses say the new facility will foster ‘ world class ’ research and development , while also combining medical care with social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It will also include housing and temporary accommodation for people with health problems who don ’ t necessarily need to be in hospital .
But city leader Sir Richard Leese quashed rumours that the development was a ‘ secret plan ’ for nearby Newall Green High School , which will fully close in August next year .
Coun Leese hailed Manchester Foundation Trust ’ s plans as a ‘ very exciting opportunity ’ to redevelop a hospital with a ‘ nightmare ’ layout .
“ It ’ s really incredibly badly laid out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his executive on Wednesday .
“ What we ’ re going to end up with at the end of the process is a coherent hospital there with a single entrance so it will be really easy to get in .
“ Something we ’ ve talked about for a long time is how we lever the strength of expertise in the hospital and add to the critical mass of our life science sector in the city .
A new tram extension known as the Western Loop could also support the new centre alongside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bus station , under plans being developed by Transport for Greater Manchester .
But the new hospital will have no links to the future of Newall Green High School , according to Coun Leese .
Prospere Learning Trust , which runs the school , said the controversial closure was down to a ‘ signiciant ’ drop in pupil numbers .
Coun Leese added : “ Just to scotch one rumour that has apparently started to circulate , is this the secret plan for Newall Green high school – no it is not , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ got absolutely nothing to do with Newall Geren High School or its site.
” Local ward member Coun Paul Andrews welcomed the regeneration of the hospital but urged council and health bosses to keep an eye on traffic problems around the site during the construction phase .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for political news and analysis from outside the Westminster bubble
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for political news and analysis from outside the Westminster bubble
A new ‘smart hospital’ complete with affordable housing for nurses and an ‘aparthotel’ for patients will be built in south Manchester.
Proposals to transform Wythenshawe Hospital into a 5G-enabled ‘health village’ focusing on cardiac and respiratory illnesses have been signed off by city leaders.
The current hospital, which opened in 2001, will be completely rebuilt over the next 10 to 15 years to create the state-of-the-art centre.
Bosses say the new facility will foster ‘world class’ research and development, while also combining medical care with social support such as libraries and sport.
It will also include housing and temporary accommodation for people with health problems who don’t necessarily need to be in hospital.
But city leader Sir Richard Leese quashed rumours that the development was a ‘secret plan’ for nearby Newall Green High School, which will fully close in August next year.
Coun Leese hailed Manchester Foundation Trust’s plans as a ‘very exciting opportunity’ to redevelop a hospital with a ‘nightmare’ layout.
“It’s really incredibly badly laid out,” he told a meeting of his executive on Wednesday.
“What we’re going to end up with at the end of the process is a coherent hospital there with a single entrance so it will be really easy to get in.
Have you been affected by the coronavirus outbreak? If you have any questions or information you think should be made public, you can get in touch with our journalists by filling in this form.
“Something we’ve talked about for a long time is how we lever the strength of expertise in the hospital and add to the critical mass of our life science sector in the city.
“This is a really exciting opportunity.”
A new tram extension known as the Western Loop could also support the new centre alongside a new M56 link road and a bus station, under plans being developed by Transport for Greater Manchester.
But the new hospital will have no links to the future of Newall Green High School, according to Coun Leese.
Prospere Learning Trust, which runs the school, said the controversial closure was down to a ‘signiciant’ drop in pupil numbers.
Coun Leese added: “Just to scotch one rumour that has apparently started to circulate, is this the secret plan for Newall Green high school – no it is not,” he said.
“It has got absolutely nothing to do with Newall Geren High School or its site.”
Local ward member Coun Paul Andrews welcomed the regeneration of the hospital but urged council and health bosses to keep an eye on traffic problems around the site during the construction phase.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-03-16--The two games that proved Man City are best Premier League team ever

Manchester City legend Francis Lee has identified two recent performances that shows Pep Guardiola has his side playing the best football the Premier League has ever seen .
City are second in the Premier League this season , and will lose the title when the season resumes to Liverpool .
But while results have not been maintained to the high standards of the previous two seasons , Guardiola has overseen some brilliant performances this season on a par with any City have produced under his management .
And former striker Lee says the wins against Aston Villa in the Premier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final are evidence that no side has ever played football like this City side .
Against Villa , City raced into a 4-0 half time lead through Riyad Mahrez ( 2 ) , Sergio Aguero and Gabriel Jesus .
Aguero would complete his hat-trick after half time in a devastating attacking display .
While the demolition at Villa Park saw Aguero and Jesus both start together , the 3-1 win at Old Trafford saw Guardiola line up with no recognised striker .
Instead , Bernardo Silva dismantled United @ @ @ @ @ @ @ effectively won the semi-final in the first half of the first leg .
Those two games , Lee says , show just how brilliant Guardiola is .
“ I think that Pep is definitely the best coach I have ever seen .
I rate the team so highly and I do think that Pep has transformed the game .
Pep has thought it through and has really engaged the players .
“ For example , if you look at the performances we produced at Old Trafford in the Carabao Cup and at Aston @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I think it showed this team is playing as well as any team we ’ ve ever seen in the UK.
” “ He has also got an amazing talent of 1 : analysing the opposition and 2 : the way he trains and keeps his players fit and competitive for places .
“ The manager has 22 top quality players fighting for 11 places and it ’ s a happy squad .
That ’ s not an easy thing to be able to balance but he has done it .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and long may it continue .
”

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Manchester City legend Francis Lee has identified two recent performances that shows Pep Guardiola has his side playing the best football the Premier League has ever seen.
City are second in the Premier League this season, and will lose the title when the season resumes to Liverpool. But while results have not been maintained to the high standards of the previous two seasons, Guardiola has overseen some brilliant performances this season on a par with any City have produced under his management.
And former striker Lee says the wins against Aston Villa in the Premier League and Manchester United in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final are evidence that no side has ever played football like this City side.
Against Villa, City raced into a 4-0 half time lead through Riyad Mahrez (2), Sergio Aguero and Gabriel Jesus. Aguero would complete his hat-trick after half time in a devastating attacking display.
While the demolition at Villa Park saw Aguero and Jesus both start together, the 3-1 win at Old Trafford saw Guardiola line up with no recognised striker. Instead, Bernardo Silva dismantled United's defence as a false-nine as City effectively won the semi-final in the first half of the first leg.
Those two games, Lee says, show just how brilliant Guardiola is.
He told City’s official website:
“I think that Pep is definitely the best coach I have ever seen. I rate the team so highly and I do think that Pep has transformed the game. Pep has thought it through and has really engaged the players.
“For example, if you look at the performances we produced at Old Trafford in the Carabao Cup and at Aston Villa in the league earlier this year, I think it showed this team is playing as well as any team we’ve ever seen in the UK.”
“He has also got an amazing talent of 1: analysing the opposition and 2: the way he trains and keeps his players fit and competitive for places.
“The manager has 22 top quality players fighting for 11 places and it’s a happy squad. That’s not an easy thing to be able to balance but he has done it.
“They are just a joy to watch and long may it continue.”


themanchestereveningnews--2020-03-16--The Manchester Cleaning Show at EventCity postponed due to coronavirus

The Manchester Cleaning Show , a showpiece industry gathering for suppliers and companies , has been postponed due to coronavirus .
The trade-only show , described as the north of England 's premier cleaning and hygiene event , was due to take place on March 25 and 26 at EventCity in Trafford Park .
The British Cleaning Council ( BCC ) said it would now be held on September 15 and 16 at the same venue .
Organisers Quartz Business Media and the British Cleaning Council have started contacting exhibitors , visitors and speakers to inform them .
Paul Thrupp @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` It is regrettable that we have had to postpone the Manchester Cleaning Show but , in the circumstances , it is clearly the right decision .
`` Like the organisers of the many other major events in the UK and around the world which have been postponed , we felt we could not go-ahead when the coronavirus crisis is likely to get worse in the immediate future .
`` We hope that visitors and exhibitors will be able to understand this decision . ''
This year ’ s show is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all existing bookings , content and visitor registrations would remain in place and transfer automatically to the new dates .
Steve Diprose , CEO of Quartz Business Media , said : `` In light of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and the severe uncertainty it is causing , we have taken the correct decision to postpone the Manchester Cleaning Show .
`` We remain committed to delivering a powerful and timely event that delivers exciting content and business solutions to our visitors and new commercial opportunities for our exhibitors , but that will now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We will be in touch individually with exhibitors , visitors and speakers over the coming days to ensure there is a smooth transition .
`` We would like to thank everyone connected with the show for their continued support and patience during this challenging time . ''
The biannual event is free to attend .
It features a wide range of national and international exhibitors as well as a conference programme of talks by leading industry figures and experts .
The last Manchester Cleaning Show , in 2018 , attracted more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its website said : `` It is the region 's largest cleaning and hygiene event offering an invaluable opportunity to meet with suppliers , make new connections and gain knowledge about the key challenges affecting the industry . ''
Latest figures state there have been 1,391 coronavirus diagnoses nationally , with 35 deaths , including five in Greater Manchester .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
To keep up with Trafford news sign up to the MyTrafford newsletter here
Something went wrong, please try again later.
To keep up with Trafford news sign up to the MyTrafford newsletter here
The Manchester Cleaning Show, a showpiece industry gathering for suppliers and companies, has been postponed due to coronavirus.
The trade-only show, described as the north of England's premier cleaning and hygiene event, was due to take place on March 25 and 26 at EventCity in Trafford Park.
The British Cleaning Council (BCC) said it would now be held on September 15 and 16 at the same venue.
Organisers Quartz Business Media and the British Cleaning Council have started contacting exhibitors, visitors and speakers to inform them.
Paul Thrupp, chairman of the BCC, said: "It is regrettable that we have had to postpone the Manchester Cleaning Show but, in the circumstances, it is clearly the right decision.
(Image: BCC)
"Like the organisers of the many other major events in the UK and around the world which have been postponed, we felt we could not go-ahead when the coronavirus crisis is likely to get worse in the immediate future.
"We hope that visitors and exhibitors will be able to understand this decision."
This year’s show is the third to be held.
Organisers pointed to 'severe uncertainty' over coronavirus.
They said all existing bookings, content and visitor registrations would remain in place and transfer automatically to the new dates.
Steve Diprose, CEO of Quartz Business Media, said: "In light of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and the severe uncertainty it is causing, we have taken the correct decision to postpone the Manchester Cleaning Show.
"We remain committed to delivering a powerful and timely event that delivers exciting content and business solutions to our visitors and new commercial opportunities for our exhibitors, but that will now be happening from 15 to 16 September.
Trafford news We have a dedicated Facebook page bringing you all the latest news, events and community news in Trafford. To keep up to date with all that is happening in Trafford - and to join in the discussion - follow the page here. And you can also follow us on Twitter.
"We will be in touch individually with exhibitors, visitors and speakers over the coming days to ensure there is a smooth transition.
"We would like to thank everyone connected with the show for their continued support and patience during this challenging time."
The biannual event is free to attend.
It features a wide range of national and international exhibitors as well as a conference programme of talks by leading industry figures and experts.
The last Manchester Cleaning Show, in 2018, attracted more than 2,000 visitors.
A blurb on its website said: "It is the region's largest cleaning and hygiene event offering an invaluable opportunity to meet with suppliers, make new connections and gain knowledge about the key challenges affecting the industry."
Latest figures state there have been 1,391 coronavirus diagnoses nationally, with 35 deaths, including five in Greater Manchester.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-03-16--Executive says Northern franchise was 'set up to fail' in Dispatches documentary

An investigation into the UK ’ s dysfunctional railways is set to air tonight on Channel 4 .
In the Dispatches documentary , a Senior Executive for Northern said the company was “ set up to fail ” by the government .
They claim vital upgrades promised across the North were not kept and shortly after the franchise agreement was signed in 2015 , it was made clear the upgrades would never happen .
The documentary also identified at least 20 miles worth of usable rail carriages sitting idle in storage across the country .
Believed to be worth around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of over 110,000 extra seats .
It ’ s estimated that passengers in the North are spending an additional 40 minutes per day , around 165 million hours per year , on trains due to a lack of electrification .
“ Many of the carriages are electric and could be used on electrified lines if the government hadn ’ t delayed and cancelled electrification projects in 2017 , ” a Channel 4 press release states .
“ Some of the carriages are ready to be used tomorrow , while others would need minor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Meanwhile many commuters across the country struggle to get on trains or fail to get a seat because services don ’ t have enough carriages.
” In the documentary , a rail engineer is asked to identify ten infrastructure schemes to free up Britain ’ s worst rail bottlenecks across the UK .
Their proposals could be implemented quickly and would cost around £7.9 billion , a fraction of the £106bn cost of HS2 .
According to rail passenger numbers released by the Department for Transport ( DfT ) in 2019 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over the past 20 years .
A survey conducted as part of the documentary found that nearly two thirds of rail passengers in the North think that train services are more crowded than a year ago .
Meanwhile , 60pc of passengers across the region think train services also offer worse value for money than a year ago .
51pc of Brits said they felt the Government had neglected rail infrastructure in the area .
Only 28pc of adults said they trusted Boris Johnson to ‘ level up ’ the country through £100 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Midlands .
The budget on Wednesday ( March 12 ) unveiled £175bn of capital investment aimed at ‘ getting things done ’ , including cash for housing , colleges , road and rail .
Since the budget , the Chancellor ’ s infrastructure has been criticised for being vague with many unsure on what the ‘ levelling up ’ of the UK exactly means .
Mayor Andy Burnham said the budget was ‘ only a start and it ’ s a pretty modest one at that ’ .
On the budget , Senior @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Transport Select Committee , told Dispatches : “ I was expecting a little more detail .
“ The mantra of this government is about getting into parts of the communities that have not properly had the investment , the infrastructure , and really turning it around for them and making a notable difference by the time we come back knocking on the door for votes again.
” Northern , who were not interviewed for the documentary , told the Manchester Evening News that , despite challenges , they remain invested in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ services each weekday on a complex network shared with several other operators and freight carriers , '' a Northern spokesperson said .
`` This shared network in the north is congested and with more trains than ever before operating on ageing Victorian infrastructure – there will be times when our customers experience delays and cancellations .
`` We work closely with colleagues from Network Rail , and the other operators , to keep this disruption to a minimum and our customers on the move .
“ Despite the challenges , Northern has introduced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ onto the network – the first new trains for the North in a generation , introduced more than 2,000 extra services per week , refurbished trains and stations , and created hundreds of new on-board jobs as part of a £600 million investment programme for the north .
”

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
An investigation into the UK’s dysfunctional railways is set to air tonight on Channel 4.
In the Dispatches documentary, a Senior Executive for Northern said the company was “set up to fail” by the government.
They claim vital upgrades promised across the North were not kept and shortly after the franchise agreement was signed in 2015, it was made clear the upgrades would never happen.
The documentary also identified at least 20 miles worth of usable rail carriages sitting idle in storage across the country.
Believed to be worth around £3bn, the carriages represent the equivalent of over 110,000 extra seats.
It’s estimated that passengers in the North are spending an additional 40 minutes per day, around 165 million hours per year, on trains due to a lack of electrification.
“Many of the carriages are electric and could be used on electrified lines if the government hadn’t delayed and cancelled electrification projects in 2017,” a Channel 4 press release states.
“Some of the carriages are ready to be used tomorrow, while others would need minor adjustments to meet recent accessibility regulations.
“Meanwhile many commuters across the country struggle to get on trains or fail to get a seat because services don’t have enough carriages.”
In the documentary, a rail engineer is asked to identify ten infrastructure schemes to free up Britain’s worst rail bottlenecks across the UK.
Their proposals could be implemented quickly and would cost around £7.9 billion, a fraction of the £106bn cost of HS2.
According to rail passenger numbers released by the Department for Transport (DfT) in 2019, rail use in the UK has doubled over the past 20 years.
A survey conducted as part of the documentary found that nearly two thirds of rail passengers in the North think that train services are more crowded than a year ago.
Meanwhile, 60pc of passengers across the region think train services also offer worse value for money than a year ago.
Follow reporter Adam Maidment on social media To follow Adam on Twitter click here. Or to like his Facebook page click here. Here's a link to the M.E.N.'s main Facebook page where we share our latest stories.
51pc of Brits said they felt the Government had neglected rail infrastructure in the area.
Only 28pc of adults said they trusted Boris Johnson to ‘level up’ the country through £100 billion infrastructure spending in the North and Midlands.
The budget on Wednesday (March 12) unveiled £175bn of capital investment aimed at ‘getting things done’, including cash for housing, colleges, road and rail.
Since the budget, the Chancellor’s infrastructure has been criticised for being vague with many unsure on what the ‘levelling up’ of the UK exactly means.
Mayor Andy Burnham said the budget was ‘only a start and it’s a pretty modest one at that’.
On the budget, Senior Conservative MP Huw Merriman, Chair of the Transport Select Committee, told Dispatches: “I was expecting a little more detail.
“The mantra of this government is about getting into parts of the communities that have not properly had the investment, the infrastructure, and really turning it around for them and making a notable difference by the time we come back knocking on the door for votes again.”
Northern, who were not interviewed for the documentary, told the Manchester Evening News that, despite challenges, they remain invested in the north.
“We operate almost 3,000 services each weekday on a complex network shared with several other operators and freight carriers," a Northern spokesperson said.
"This shared network in the north is congested and with more trains than ever before operating on ageing Victorian infrastructure – there will be times when our customers experience delays and cancellations.
"We work closely with colleagues from Network Rail, and the other operators, to keep this disruption to a minimum and our customers on the move.
“Despite the challenges, Northern has introduced 75 of the 101 brand new trains onto the network – the first new trains for the North in a generation, introduced more than 2,000 extra services per week, refurbished trains and stations, and created hundreds of new on-board jobs as part of a £600 million investment programme for the north.”
Dispatches: Britain's Train Hell airs on Channel 4 at 8pm tonight (March 16).


themanchestereveningnews--2020-03-16--Manchester's huge hospitality event NRB has been postponed

The enormous Northern Restaurant and Bar exhibition , which was due to take place at Manchester Central this week , has been postponed .
NRB20 was due to welcome thousands of hospitality professionals at the annual two-day event on March 17 and 18 .
The site build at the event space was already underway , and the news of the cancellation comes just hours after event organisers assured the public that the event would go ahead as planned .
A statement sent to exhibitors and later posted on their website said the decision had been taken in light of 'the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement , from Holden Media CEO Thom Hetherington , read : `` Understandably anticipated government updates change everything , and we must react immediately and decisively .
The welfare of all remains our utmost priority .
`` These are incredibly challenging times for the region 's hospitality industry , and NRB has been a part of it , through good times and bad , for twenty years .
`` We exist to inform , support and inspire the North 's leading operators , so feel a responsibility that our next edition of NRB @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We will not let the industry down .
`` Right now , our thoughts are with you and your teams , and all of those working within the hospitality industry .
We all stand together in these incredibly uncertain and challenging times . ''
Discussions are underway with Manchester Central to arrange a new date for the massive event .
Kuro Gin , which was due to exhibit this week , posted on Twitter to say : `` Really sad about this , it 's a fantastic show and look forward to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NRBManchester thoughts to all involved and in particular the team that have been working tirelessly to keep this event on the cards until today ''

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Subscribe to our daily What's On newsletter to keep up with what's happening around Greater Manchester
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Subscribe to our daily What's On newsletter to keep up with what's happening around Greater Manchester
The enormous Northern Restaurant and Bar exhibition, which was due to take place at Manchester Central this week, has been postponed.
NRB20 was due to welcome thousands of hospitality professionals at the annual two-day event on March 17 and 18.
The site build at the event space was already underway, and the news of the cancellation comes just hours after event organisers assured the public that the event would go ahead as planned.
A statement sent to exhibitors and later posted on their website said the decision had been taken in light of 'the escalating situation regarding COVID-19'.
The statement, from Holden Media CEO Thom Hetherington, read: "Understandably anticipated government updates change everything, and we must react immediately and decisively. The welfare of all remains our utmost priority.
"These are incredibly challenging times for the region's hospitality industry, and NRB has been a part of it, through good times and bad, for twenty years.
"We exist to inform, support and inspire the North's leading operators, so feel a responsibility that our next edition of NRB will be our most vital yet.
"We will not let the industry down.
"Right now, our thoughts are with you and your teams, and all of those working within the hospitality industry. We all stand together in these incredibly uncertain and challenging times."
Discussions are underway with Manchester Central to arrange a new date for the massive event.
Kuro Gin, which was due to exhibit this week, posted on Twitter to say: "Really sad about this, it's a fantastic show and look forward to the next time we get to show @NRBManchester thoughts to all involved and in particular the team that have been working tirelessly to keep this event on the cards until today"


themanchestereveningnews--2020-03-16--Comedian and Corrie actor Roy Hudd has died aged 83

Comedian and actor Roy Hudd , who played undertaker Archie Shuttleworth in TV soap Coronation Street , has died aged 83 .
His agent confirmed the news in a statement on Monday .
Hudd , who was awarded an OBE in 2004 for services to entertainment , passed away peacefully on Sunday after a short illness .
He was called much-loved and 'amazingly talented ' .
A statement from his agent said : `` We are sad to announce the passing of the much-loved and amazingly talented Roy Hudd OBE .
`` After a short illness , Roy passed away @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 15th of March , with his wife Debbie at his side .
`` The family would ask you to respect their privacy at this very sad time . ''
He played Archie Shuttleworth in Corrie on and off from 2002 .
Writers and producers have paid tribute on Twitter to a 'source of inspiration ' to them and others praised a 'brilliant comic actor ' .
Comedy writer and producer Simon Blackwell , who worked on The Thick of It , posted : `` Very sad indeed to hear that Roy Hudd has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a great comedian , excellent straight actor .
And a comedy historian too .
`` I got my start in comedy writing via his Radio 2 show The News Huddlines .
He was a total joy to write for .
`` All good wishes to his family . ''
The Yvonne Arnaud Theatre paid tribute to Hudd with a message on Twitter saying : `` We are all saddened to hear of the passing of Roy Hudd .
`` Roy appeared on our stage several times , with his most recent role @ @ @ @ @ @ @ October/ November .
`` Our thoughts are with his loved ones at this difficult time '' .
Born in Croydon in south London , Hudd was an authority on the history of music hall entertainment .
He made his professional debut as a comedian in 1957 at the Streatham Hill Theatre .
In 1958 , he joined the Redcoats at Butlin 's in Clacton and worked alongside Sir Cliff Richard and Dave Allen .
Across a varied career he appeared in Call The Midwife , Midsomer Murders and Holby City .
In 2017 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2019 made an appearance as a patient in the BBC 's Casualty .
Hudd wrote several books on music hall , re-recorded and restored old music hall records , and appeared in a revival show called The Good Old Days .
He was the longstanding president of the British Music Hall Society , and chose the genre as his specialist subject when he appeared on Celebrity Mastermind in 2014 .

We have more newsletters
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
For the latest Weatherfield news and spoilers - sign up here
We have more newsletters
Thank you for subscribing!
Something went wrong, please try again later.
For the latest Weatherfield news and spoilers - sign up here
Comedian and actor Roy Hudd, who played undertaker Archie Shuttleworth in TV soap Coronation Street, has died aged 83.
His agent confirmed the news in a statement on Monday.
Hudd, who was awarded an OBE in 2004 for services to entertainment, passed away peacefully on Sunday after a short illness.
He was called much-loved and 'amazingly talented'.
A statement from his agent said: "We are sad to announce the passing of the much-loved and amazingly talented Roy Hudd OBE.
(Image: Granada Television)
"After a short illness, Roy passed away peacefully on the afternoon of Sunday the 15th of March, with his wife Debbie at his side.
"The family would ask you to respect their privacy at this very sad time."
Hudd hosted BBC Radio 2's The News Huddlines for 26 years.
(Image: Western Daily press)
He played Archie Shuttleworth in Corrie on and off from 2002.
Writers and producers have paid tribute on Twitter to a 'source of inspiration' to them and others praised a 'brilliant comic actor'.
Comedy writer and producer Simon Blackwell, who worked on The Thick of It, posted: "Very sad indeed to hear that Roy Hudd has died.
"A really lovely bloke, a great comedian, excellent straight actor. And a comedy historian too.
"I got my start in comedy writing via his Radio 2 show The News Huddlines. He was a total joy to write for.
"All good wishes to his family."
The Yvonne Arnaud Theatre paid tribute to Hudd with a message on Twitter saying: "We are all saddened to hear of the passing of Roy Hudd.
(Image: Alan Hamer)
"Roy appeared on our stage several times, with his most recent role in A Woman of No Importance last October/ November.
"Our thoughts are with his loved ones at this difficult time".
Born in Croydon in south London, Hudd was an authority on the history of music hall entertainment.
He made his professional debut as a comedian in 1957 at the Streatham Hill Theatre.
In 1958, he joined the Redcoats at Butlin's in Clacton and worked alongside Sir Cliff Richard and Dave Allen.
Across a varied career he appeared in Call The Midwife, Midsomer Murders and Holby City.
In 2017 he appeared in ITV's Broadchurch and in 2019 made an appearance as a patient in the BBC's Casualty.
Hudd wrote several books on music hall, re-recorded and restored old music hall records, and appeared in a revival show called The Good Old Days.
He was the longstanding president of the British Music Hall Society, and chose the genre as his specialist subject when he appeared on Celebrity Mastermind in 2014.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-03-16--How Bruno Fernandes has surpassed Zlatan Ibrahimovic at Man United

There can be absolutely no doubting Bruno Fernandes ' impact at Manchester United .
His January arrival from Sporting Lisbon coincided with United 's best run of form this season .
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has regularly lauded his impact , with United 's output in terms of goals and assists boosted hugely by the Portuguese playmaker and the side going 11 games unbeaten before the coronavirus spread forced English football to halt for at least three weeks .
Fernandes has spoken about how Solskjaer asks for `` perfection in training '' .
And the stats from his first nine games @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been involved in seven goals ( three goals and four assists ) , mean the Norwegian is almost getting that perfection .
Those numbers put Fernandes level with Robin van Persie 's first nine games for United , as a measure of the success he 's been as a signing .
It 's also more goal contributions than Zlatan Ibrahimovic — another instant attacking hit at Old Trafford — could manage .
When you factor in how Fernandes has boosted United 's overall play , not just their goal numbers , they are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fernandes ' challenge , if and when the league resumes , will be to keep his level up .
`` I think the coach is always important for a new player when you come in , '' he said on working with Solskjaer .
`` With me , it was really important because you need to feel confidence from the other side .
When you need to change , and it 's a big change coming from another country to a big club with big players , you need to be ready .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the coach was really important but more than the coach was my team-mates because when you have the confidence of your team-mates , it 's much better and easier for you . ''

There can be absolutely no doubting Bruno Fernandes' impact at Manchester United.
His January arrival from Sporting Lisbon coincided with United's best run of form this season. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has regularly lauded his impact, with United's output in terms of goals and assists boosted hugely by the Portuguese playmaker and the side going 11 games unbeaten before the coronavirus spread forced English football to halt for at least three weeks.
Fernandes has spoken about how Solskjaer asks for "perfection in training". And the stats from his first nine games at United, in which he has been involved in seven goals (three goals and four assists), mean the Norwegian is almost getting that perfection.
Those numbers put Fernandes level with Robin van Persie's first nine games for United, as a measure of the success he's been as a signing. It's also more goal contributions than Zlatan Ibrahimovic — another instant attacking hit at Old Trafford — could manage.
When you factor in how Fernandes has boosted United's overall play, not just their goal numbers, they are impressive figures for the attacking midfielder.
Fernandes' challenge, if and when the league resumes, will be to keep his level up.
"I think the coach is always important for a new player when you come in," he said on working with Solskjaer.
"With me, it was really important because you need to feel confidence from the other side. When you need to change, and it's a big change coming from another country to a big club with big players, you need to be ready.
"I think when I arrived here, the coach was really important but more than the coach was my team-mates because when you have the confidence of your team-mates, it's much better and easier for you."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-03-16--Primark has closed stores across Europe due to coronavirus fears

The owner of Primark , Associated British Food , has confirmed that one in five stores are now closed after coronavirus hit operations .
The Mirror reports that the fast-fashion retailer has now shut 20 per cent of stores across Europe .
In a statement released on Monday morning , Primark said : `` With developments over the last week in Italy and , more materially , over the weekend in France , Spain and Austria , stores accounting for 20 % of Primark 's selling space are now closed until the respective governments permit them to re-open , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The statement said : `` The remainder of the estate , including the UK which represents 41 % of sales , has seen like-for-like sales declines over the last two weeks and these have accelerated over the past few days as a result of reduced footfall . ''
Primark continued : `` Our priority continues to be the health and safety of our colleagues , customers and partners .
Each of our businesses are closely monitoring the current and potential effects of the outbreak on their operations . ''
However , there is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as shelves will remain full .
Primark had been worried that the coronavirus outbreak would mean supplies from factories in places like China would be interrupted , but with things now calming down there it looks like that wo n't be the case .
`` In our February trading statement we described the risk to supply of goods from our suppliers in China .
Since then , the situation in China has improved , with most factories supplying Primark having re-opened , '' the chain 's owner said .
`` As a result @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now expected to be minimal . ''
On top of that , Primark was keen to add that it 's in a strong position to survive the current troubles .
`` The group has a strong balance sheet , substantial cash liquidity with some £800million of net cash at the half year and significant undrawn bank facilities , '' it explained .

newsdesk@men-news.co.uk (James Andrews, Rachel Pugh)

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
The owner of Primark, Associated British Food, has confirmed that one in five stores are now closed after coronavirus hit operations.
The Mirror reports that the fast-fashion retailer has now shut 20 per cent of stores across Europe.
In a statement released on Monday morning, Primark said: "With developments over the last week in Italy and, more materially, over the weekend in France, Spain and Austria, stores accounting for 20% of Primark's selling space are now closed until the respective governments permit them to re-open," the firm said on Monday morning.
UK stores remain open, but footfall has decreased.
The statement said: "The remainder of the estate, including the UK which represents 41% of sales, has seen like-for-like sales declines over the last two weeks and these have accelerated over the past few days as a result of reduced footfall."
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
Primark continued: "Our priority continues to be the health and safety of our colleagues, customers and partners. Each of our businesses are closely monitoring the current and potential effects of the outbreak on their operations."
However, there is some good news for shoppers visiting - as shelves will remain full.
Primark had been worried that the coronavirus outbreak would mean supplies from factories in places like China would be interrupted, but with things now calming down there it looks like that won't be the case.
Follow Money-Saving and Shopping Editor Rachel Pugh on social media To follow Rachel on Twitter click here. Or to like her Facebook page click here . Here's a link to the M.E.N.'s main Facebook page where we share our latest stories.
"In our February trading statement we described the risk to supply of goods from our suppliers in China. Since then, the situation in China has improved, with most factories supplying Primark having re-opened," the chain's owner said.
"As a result, supply shortages from that country are now expected to be minimal."
On top of that, Primark was keen to add that it's in a strong position to survive the current troubles.
"The group has a strong balance sheet, substantial cash liquidity with some £800million of net cash at the half year and significant undrawn bank facilities," it explained.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-03-16--The tipper from a lorry has detached under a railway bridge causing delays

The tipper from a lorry has detached under a railway bridge causing traffic delays in Stockport .
Ashton Road , @ @ @ @ @ in both directions while recovery of the vehicle takes place .
The incident is causing @ @ @ @ @ the M60 and Lingard lane .
Read more of today 's top stories here Drivers @ @ @ @ @ alternative routes .
Images shared at the scene show the tipper blocking the road .
@ @ @ @ @ Greater Manchester said : `` Travel Update : Ashton Road , Bredbury is closed in @ @ @ @ @ and Lingard Lane due to a police incident .
Seek alternative route . ''

We have more newsletters
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up to the MyStockport newsletter to keep up with all the top stories
See Our
See Our
We have more newsletters
Thank you for subscribing!
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up to the MyStockport newsletter to keep up with all the top stories
The tipper from a lorry has detached under a railway bridge causing traffic delays in Stockport.
Ashton Road, in Bredbury, is closed in both directions while recovery of the vehicle takes place.
The incident is causing delays between junction 25 of the M60 and Lingard lane.
Drivers are being advised to find alternative routes.
Images shared at the scene show the tipper blocking the road.
A tweet from Transport for Greater Manchester said: "Travel Update: Ashton Road, Bredbury is closed in both directions between A560 roundabout and Lingard Lane due to a police incident. Seek alternative route."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-03-16--Coronavirus emergency Cobra meeting to take place - LIVE updates

A meeting of the government 's emergency Cobra committee is taking place today to discuss the coronavirus outbreak .
It will be chaired by Prime Minister Boris Johnson this afternoon .
A press conference to update the public will follow .
Mr Johnson had come under pressure to improve communication with the public over coronavirus .
Among plans on the table are handing police the power to arrest and detain people with the virus who are not following official advice .
He will then address the nation on the coronavirus threat after meeting ministers and officials to consider measures , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lengthy household isolation for the elderly .
It comes as the Guardian reported on a Public Health England briefing which warned health chiefs the epidemic in the UK could last into spring 2021 and lead to up to 7.9 million people being admitted to hospital .
As the death toll rose to 35 on Sunday , Health Secretary Matt Hancock said over-70s could be told to stay at home for up to four months in the coming weeks .
The meeting is taking place as it was announced a total of 1,391 people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK and 35 people have died .
Scroll down for the latest updates on on the Cobra meeting .

newsdesk@men-news.co.uk (Jennifer Williams, Helen Carter)

18:17 Jennifer Williams
In full: PM's statement on coronavirus
Good afternoon everybody, thank you very much for coming.
I wanted to bring everyone up to date with the national fight back against the new coronavirus and the decisions that we’ve just taken in COBR for the whole of the UK.
As we said last week, our objective is to delay and flatten the peak of the epidemic by bringing forward the right measures at the right time, so that we minimise suffering and save lives.
And everything we do is based scrupulously on the best scientific advice. Last week we asked everyone to stay at home if you had one of two key symptoms: a high temperature or a new and continuous cough.
Today, we need to go further, because according to SAGE [the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies] it looks as though we’re now approaching the fast growth part of the upward curve. And without drastic action, cases could double every 5 or 6 days.
So, first, we need to ask you to ensure that if you or anyone in your household has one of those two symptoms, then you should stay at home for fourteen days. That means that if possible you should not go out even to buy food or essentials, other than for exercise, and in that case at a safe distance from others.
If necessary, you should ask for help from others for your daily necessities.
And if that is not possible, then you should do what you can to limit your social contact when you leave the house to get supplies.
And even if you don’t have symptoms and if no one in your household has symptoms, there is more that we need you to do now.
So, second, now is the time for everyone to stop non-essential contact with others and to stop all unnecessary travel.
We need people to start working from home where they possibly can.
And you should avoid pubs, clubs, theatres and other such social venues. It goes without saying, we should all only use the NHS when we really need to.
And please go online rather than ringing NHS 111.Now, this advice about avoiding all unnecessary social contact, is particularly important for people over 70, for pregnant women and for those with some health conditions.
And if you ask, why are we doing this now, why now, why not earlier, or later? Why bring in this very draconian measure?
The answer is that we are asking people to do something that is difficult and disruptive of their lives.
And the right moment, as we’ve always said, is to do it when it is most effective, when we think it can make the biggest difference to slowing the spread of the disease, reducing the number of victims, reducing the number of fatalities.
And as we take these steps we should be focusing on the most vulnerable.So third, in a few days’ time – by this coming weekend – it will be necessary to go further and to ensure that those with the most serious health conditions are largely shielded from social contact for around 12 weeks.
And again the reason for doing this in the next few days, rather than earlier or later, is that this is going to be very disruptive for people who have such conditions, and difficult for them, but, I believe, it’s now necessary.
And we want to ensure that this period of shielding, this period of maximum protection coincides with the peak of the disease.
And it’s now clear that the peak of the epidemic is coming faster in some parts of the country than in others. And it looks as though London is now a few weeks ahead.
So, to relieve the pressure on the London health system and to slow the spread in London, it’s important that Londoners now pay special attention to what we are saying about avoiding non-essential contact, and to take particularly seriously the advice about working from home, and avoiding confined spaces such as pubs and restaurants.
Lastly, it remains true as we have said in the last few weeks that risks of transmission of the disease at mass gatherings such as sporting events are relatively low.
But obviously, logically as we advise against unnecessary social contact of all kinds, it is right that we should extend this advice to mass gatherings as well.
And so we’ve also got to ensure that we have the critical workers we need, that might otherwise be deployed at those gatherings, to deal with this emergency.
So from tomorrow, we will no longer be supporting mass gatherings with emergency workers in the way that we normally do.
So mass gatherings, we are now moving emphatically away from. And I know that many people – including millions of fit and active people over 70 – may feel, listening to what I have just said, that there is something excessive about these measures.
But I have to say, I believe that they are overwhelmingly worth it to slow the spread of the disease, to reduce the peak, to save life, minimise suffering and to give our NHS the chance to cope.
Over the last few days, I have been comparing notes and talking to leaders around the world and I can tell you that the UK is now leading a growing global campaign amongst all our friends and allies, whether in the G7, the G20, the UN, the IMF - all those bodies in which we play a significant role. We’re leading a campaign to fight back against this disease.
To keep the economy growing, to make sure that humanity has access to the drugs and the treatments that we all need, and the UK is also at the front of the effort to back business, to back our economy, to make sure that we get through it. I know that today we are asking a lot of everybody. It is far more now than just washing your hands - though clearly washing your hands remains important.
But I can tell you that across this country, people and businesses in my experience are responding with amazing energy and creativity to the challenge that we face, and I want to thank everybody for the part that you are playing and are going to play.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-03-16--GMB's Charlotte Hawkins has a scathing message for stockpiling shoppers

Charlotte Hawkins had a scathing message today for panic buyers stockpiling amid the coronavirus crisis .
The Good Morning Britain host was visibly annoyed with ‘ selfish ’ people who have been buying large amounts of items including pasta and toilet paper .
ITV viewers are used to her co-host Piers Morgan having a rant - but today it was Charlotte who had a few things to get off her chest .
During a discussion about COVID-19 , which was declared a pandemic last week , Charlotte said we need to be ‘ responsible ’ with our buying in order @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told Piers and Susanna Reid : “ We need to be responsible about it .
Don ’ t just sit there and think that because everyone else is buying toilet rolls and pasta I need to have it .
“ You don ’ t need 400 bags of pasta or 400 toilet rolls… ” When Piers pointed out that people are stockpiling because they are facing weeks or months in quarantine , Charlotte pointed out that it leaves vulnerable people at risk .
“ Those people who are worried , the elderly , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and get those supplies , ” she said .
“ And by everybody else being selfish about it , it means an elderly person might go to the shops genuinely thinking , I am scared of going out , and they can ’ t get what they need because everyone else is being selfish .
Viewers backed Charlotte ’ s message - with many criticising Piers for 'scaremongering ' with his comments and tweets .
One said : “ Maybe if Piers wasn ’ t going out of his way into scaring people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be panicking.
” A second agreed : “ Well said Charlotte .
Doesn ’ t help with @ piersmorgan scaremongering and causing hysteria.
” A third posted : “ Agree Charlotte and it ’ s good to see someone passionate about this .
Many of us are fuming .
I note your colleague stuck up for shelf stripping .
He ’ s a disgrace - doing nothing with his platform other than acting like a demented tabloid.
” Another added : “ Congrats @ CharlotteHawkns .
You made the most sense on @ @ @ @ @ @

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
Charlotte Hawkins had a scathing message today for panic buyers stockpiling amid the coronavirus crisis.
The Good Morning Britain host was visibly annoyed with ‘selfish’ people who have been buying large amounts of items including pasta and toilet paper.
ITV viewers are used to her co-host Piers Morgan having a rant - but today it was Charlotte who had a few things to get off her chest.
During a discussion about COVID-19, which was declared a pandemic last week, Charlotte said we need to be ‘responsible’ with our buying in order to protect the most vulnerable.
She told Piers and Susanna Reid: “We need to be responsible about it. Don’t just sit there and think that because everyone else is buying toilet rolls and pasta I need to have it.
(Image: ITV)
“You don’t need 400 bags of pasta or 400 toilet rolls…”
When Piers pointed out that people are stockpiling because they are facing weeks or months in quarantine, Charlotte pointed out that it leaves vulnerable people at risk.
“Those people who are worried, the elderly, need to be able to go out and get those supplies,” she said.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
“And by everybody else being selfish about it, it means an elderly person might go to the shops genuinely thinking, I am scared of going out, and they can’t get what they need because everyone else is being selfish.
“Be responsible.”
Viewers backed Charlotte’s message - with many criticising Piers for 'scaremongering' with his comments and tweets.
One said: “Maybe if Piers wasn’t going out of his way into scaring people to death, people wouldn’t be panicking.”
(Image: ITV)
A second agreed: “Well said Charlotte. Doesn’t help with @piersmorgan scaremongering and causing hysteria.”
A third posted: “Agree Charlotte and it’s good to see someone passionate about this. Many of us are fuming. I note your colleague stuck up for shelf stripping. He’s a disgrace - doing nothing with his platform other than acting like a demented tabloid.”
Another added: “Congrats @CharlotteHawkns . You made the most sense on @GMB this am.”
GMB airs weekdays from 6am on ITV.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-03-16--Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's five Manchester United signings ranked

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer 's record of signing players since he took over as Manchester United manager is excellent .
In just two transfer windows , the Norwegian has bought and sold well , with the latest examples being Bruno Fernandes and Odion Ighalo — who have both hit the ground running after arriving in January .
Solskjaer also deserves credit for offloading unwanted players and reducing the average age of the United squad .
But which of his five incoming transfers in the past year have been the best ?
And which could , perhaps , be doing more to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ services ?
Here , we ranked the five signings from worst to best ( though in truth , none have been particularly bad ) : It 's probably unfair on James — a player who was 21 when United signed him from mid-table Championship side Swansea — to rank him as the worst of Solskjaer 's signings .
But that in itself indicates how successful the Norwegian has been in his transfer dealings , with James still a very promising yet raw addition .
At first it seemed United had struck gold when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Stadium for an initial £15million .
James netted three goals in his first four games , but has found the Premier League a little tougher in the months since .
He finally broke his goal drought in the recent 5-0 victory over LASK , though has remained an important figure in Solskjaer 's squad thanks to his blistering pace and eye for an assist .
Maguire would be higher on this list if United had n't splashed a world-record fee on him .
Ultimately Leicester demanded the £80million was paid to let the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ summer as they wanted a higher figure than the one Liverpool paid for Virgil van Dijk .
Maguire has n't been a failure at United .
Quite the opposite , in fact , he has instilled a calmness and composure in the United back line and has shown enough leadership credentials to be trusted with the captaincy full-time .
But the inflated transfer figure means fans will expect a lot of the 26-year-old .
He 's been virtually ever-present and his partnership with Victor Lindelof is getting better with every game .
Again @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has some way to go before he completely justifies the money United paid for him .
Ighalo was a complete unknown quantity , to fans at least , when he signed for United on loan from Shanghai Shenhua on January deadline day .
Many were willing to write him off before he 'd played a single game .
The perceived weakness of the Chinese Super League , the fact Ighalo had not played in the Premier League since 2017 and his middling record with Watford were all used against him .
What United @ @ @ @ @ @ @ perfect for what they needed amid Marcus Rashford 's injury absence : a seasoned No.9 who has brought goals and nous to Solskjaer 's front line .
Ighalo has bedded in quickly and already has four goals to his name , amid talk that the Old Trafford club could now seek a permanent deal for the Nigerian .
Not quite a masterstroke from Solskjaer but not far off .
Ighalo has been a huge bonus .
Whereas the additions of James and Ighalo had an element of risk to them , you felt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when they rubber-stamped a £45million deal for Wan-Bissaka from Crystal Palace .
And so it has proved .
It says plenty about the 22-year-old that he instantly looked at home in the side and will surely be among the contenders for the club 's player of the season awards .
His tackling defies belief at times , his commitment is unwavering and his attacking game seems to be improving with every performance .
He 's almost the complete right-back .
There were murmurs from some about the amount of money United paid for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have even mentioned the fee since , as it has become clear it was a very good deal for a very good player .
Many onlookers were ready for Fernandes to flop at United .
It would have been typical of the club 's hitherto transfer mishaps to be linked with a player for months upon months , to then see him fail after a deal was completed .
It 's credit to both the player and Solskjaer that Fernandes has adjusted and performed from the off .
He 's notched three goals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ games , but aside from that has revolutionised United 's attacking game .
Solskjaer 's squad was crying out for a creative linchpin to link midfield and attack and Fernandes has been that catalyst .
The fact United were able to negotiate Sporting down to an initial fee of just £45million adds to the feeling that this is a superb signing .
A decent price for an excellent footballer who suits Solskjaer 's transfer strategy and will play a major role for United .

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's record of signing players since he took over as Manchester United manager is excellent.
In just two transfer windows, the Norwegian has bought and sold well, with the latest examples being Bruno Fernandes and Odion Ighalo — who have both hit the ground running after arriving in January.
Solskjaer also deserves credit for offloading unwanted players and reducing the average age of the United squad. But which of his five incoming transfers in the past year have been the best? And which could, perhaps, be doing more to justify the money United paid for their services?
Here, we ranked the five signings from worst to best (though in truth, none have been particularly bad):
5. Daniel James
It's probably unfair on James — a player who was 21 when United signed him from mid-table Championship side Swansea — to rank him as the worst of Solskjaer's signings. But that in itself indicates how successful the Norwegian has been in his transfer dealings, with James still a very promising yet raw addition.
At first it seemed United had struck gold when plucking the Wales international from the Liberty Stadium for an initial £15million. James netted three goals in his first four games, but has found the Premier League a little tougher in the months since.
He finally broke his goal drought in the recent 5-0 victory over LASK, though has remained an important figure in Solskjaer's squad thanks to his blistering pace and eye for an assist.
Certainly not a bad signing.
4. Harry Maguire
Maguire would be higher on this list if United hadn't splashed a world-record fee on him. Ultimately Leicester demanded the £80million was paid to let the England international move to Old Trafford last summer as they wanted a higher figure than the one Liverpool paid for Virgil van Dijk.
Maguire hasn't been a failure at United. Quite the opposite, in fact, he has instilled a calmness and composure in the United back line and has shown enough leadership credentials to be trusted with the captaincy full-time.
But the inflated transfer figure means fans will expect a lot of the 26-year-old. He's been virtually ever-present and his partnership with Victor Lindelof is getting better with every game.
Again, a good signing, but Maguire has some way to go before he completely justifies the money United paid for him.
3. Odion Ighalo
Ighalo was a complete unknown quantity, to fans at least, when he signed for United on loan from Shanghai Shenhua on January deadline day.
Many were willing to write him off before he'd played a single game. The perceived weakness of the Chinese Super League, the fact Ighalo had not played in the Premier League since 2017 and his middling record with Watford were all used against him.
What United signed, in fact, was almost perfect for what they needed amid Marcus Rashford's injury absence: a seasoned No.9 who has brought goals and nous to Solskjaer's front line. Ighalo has bedded in quickly and already has four goals to his name, amid talk that the Old Trafford club could now seek a permanent deal for the Nigerian.
Not quite a masterstroke from Solskjaer but not far off. Ighalo has been a huge bonus.
2. Aaron Wan-Bissaka
Whereas the additions of James and Ighalo had an element of risk to them, you felt confident that United had signed a gem when they rubber-stamped a £45million deal for Wan-Bissaka from Crystal Palace. And so it has proved.
It says plenty about the 22-year-old that he instantly looked at home in the side and will surely be among the contenders for the club's player of the season awards. His tackling defies belief at times, his commitment is unwavering and his attacking game seems to be improving with every performance. He's almost the complete right-back.
There were murmurs from some about the amount of money United paid for Wan-Bissaka back in the summer. Few have even mentioned the fee since, as it has become clear it was a very good deal for a very good player.
1. Bruno Fernandes
Many onlookers were ready for Fernandes to flop at United. It would have been typical of the club's hitherto transfer mishaps to be linked with a player for months upon months, to then see him fail after a deal was completed.
It's credit to both the player and Solskjaer that Fernandes has adjusted and performed from the off. He's notched three goals and four assists in his first nine games, but aside from that has revolutionised United's attacking game.
Solskjaer's squad was crying out for a creative linchpin to link midfield and attack and Fernandes has been that catalyst. The fact United were able to negotiate Sporting down to an initial fee of just £45million adds to the feeling that this is a superb signing.
A decent price for an excellent footballer who suits Solskjaer's transfer strategy and will play a major role for United.