themanchestereveningnews--2020-12-02--McTominay hints at Man United fury with PSG players and slams VAR

Scott McTominay suggested the Manchester United players were angry with some of the histrionics of their Paris Saint-Germain counterparts in a bad-tempered Champions League tie at Old Trafford .
United were beaten 3-1 by last season 's runners-up to leave their qualification for the knockout phase hinging on next week 's trip to RB Leipzig , but they had Fred harshly sent-off in the second half .
The Brazilian midfielder was fortunate to only be booked for thrusting his head at Leandro Paredes in the first half , but earned a second yellow despite winning the ball in a challenge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moments after Marquinhos had put PSG back in front against the run of play and cost United any real chance they had of earning the point they needed to secure a spot in the last-16 .
McTominay was not impressed with the behaviour of some of the PSG players , bringing it up three times in a post-match interview with MUTV despite never being directly asked about it .
“ The reaction of their players is [ shakes head ] ...
I ’ ve got nothing to say about that , you get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that and the referee , '' said McTominay .
“ It ’ s a tough pill to swallow when you see how the game pans out , it was a sloppy goal to concede [ to Neymar early on ] then the way we played after that was brilliant , the way we approached the game was total focus .
`` I ’ ve not got a lot to comment on the referee and their players , but that ’ s football , you ’ re going to get when you ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hit out at the continued use of VAR , suggesting United felt Marquinhos goal was offside despite the incident being reviewed .
United may have got lucky when referee Daniele Orsata did n't dismiss Fred in the first half after using the monitor to see a replay of Fred 's clash with Paredes , but McTominay has clearly had enough of the system .
“ I ’ m hearing their goal was partly offside as well .
For us where is the balance in the game with how the referee has approached decisions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re seeing mistakes week in , week out , for us it has to be rectified , get football back to the way it was . ''
United missed some early chances in the second half to take the lead , but McTominay absolved the forwards of responsibility on what proved to be a frustrating night .
“ We ’ ve got so much quality in attack , we ’ ve got such belief in the strikers in general , sometimes the ball just doesn ’ t go in the net , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say , decisions , the referee , their players , it ’ s a tough night .
I said at half-time if we don ’ t get anything from this game then we should be coming in disappointed and angry with each other . ''

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
Scott McTominay suggested the Manchester United players were angry with some of the histrionics of their Paris Saint-Germain counterparts in a bad-tempered Champions League tie at Old Trafford.
United were beaten 3-1 by last season's runners-up to leave their qualification for the knockout phase hinging on next week's trip to RB Leipzig, but they had Fred harshly sent-off in the second half.
The Brazilian midfielder was fortunate to only be booked for thrusting his head at Leandro Paredes in the first half, but earned a second yellow despite winning the ball in a challenge with Ander Herrera.
That came just moments after Marquinhos had put PSG back in front against the run of play and cost United any real chance they had of earning the point they needed to secure a spot in the last-16.
McTominay was not impressed with the behaviour of some of the PSG players, bringing it up three times in a post-match interview with MUTV despite never being directly asked about it.
“The reaction of their players is [shakes head]... I’ve got nothing to say about that, you get in trouble if you start speaking about that and the referee," said McTominay.
“It’s a tough pill to swallow when you see how the game pans out, it was a sloppy goal to concede [to Neymar early on] then the way we played after that was brilliant, the way we approached the game was total focus.
"I’ve not got a lot to comment on the referee and their players, but that’s football, you’re going to get when you’re playing in Europe."
McTominay also hit out at the continued use of VAR, suggesting United felt Marquinhos goal was offside despite the incident being reviewed.
United may have got lucky when referee Daniele Orsata didn't dismiss Fred in the first half after using the monitor to see a replay of Fred's clash with Paredes, but McTominay has clearly had enough of the system.
“I’m hearing their goal was partly offside as well. For us where is the balance in the game with how the referee has approached decisions?" he said. "We’re seeing mistakes week in, week out, for us it has to be rectified, get football back to the way it was."
United missed some early chances in the second half to take the lead, but McTominay absolved the forwards of responsibility on what proved to be a frustrating night.
“We’ve got so much quality in attack, we’ve got such belief in the strikers in general, sometimes the ball just doesn’t go in the net," he said.
“As I say, decisions, the referee, their players, it’s a tough night. I said at half-time if we don’t get anything from this game then we should be coming in disappointed and angry with each other."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-12-02--Googlebox star Sophie Sandiford opens up about losing her job at Debenhams

Gogglebox star Sophie Sandiford has opened up about losing her job at Debenhams in her latest social media post .
The 24-year-old reality star is one of thousands of staff whose jobs were put at risk after Debenhams confirmed it was going into liquidation , the Mirror reports .
Today ( Wednesday ) , Sophie - who appears on the Chanel 4 's Gogglebox alongside her brother Pete - shared a picture of herself and a friend at the entrance of Debenhams .
Addressing her fans on Instagram , she vowed to keep smiling despite the collapse of the retail @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We might be going but we are going with a smile # debenhams , '' Sophie penned alongside the post .
The star 's post has been flooded with messages as fans flocked to show their support for the retail worker .
`` Sorry for all the Debenhams staff , '' wrote one fan .
`` Awe so sad for you but you are fabulous and something bigger and better is waiting for you !
Lots of love , '' penned another .
Sophie 's post came one day after it was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ set to close after final efforts to save the chain failed .
An estimated 12,000 employees are likely to lose their jobs .
At the start of November , Sophie sobbed during an episode of Gogglebox following Boris Johnson 's announcement that there would be a second lockdown .
She became tearful as she reflected about people 's jobs and livelihoods being affected by the latest lockdown measures .
She added that the lockdown was `` s*** for everyone . ''

We have more newsletters
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
We have more newsletters
Thank you for subscribing!
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
Gogglebox star Sophie Sandiford has opened up about losing her job at Debenhams in her latest social media post.
The 24-year-old reality star is one of thousands of staff whose jobs were put at risk after Debenhams confirmed it was going into liquidation, the Mirror reports.
Today (Wednesday), Sophie - who appears on the Chanel 4's Gogglebox alongside her brother Pete - shared a picture of herself and a friend at the entrance of Debenhams.
Addressing her fans on Instagram, she vowed to keep smiling despite the collapse of the retail store that she had worked at.
"We might be going but we are going with a smile #debenhams," Sophie penned alongside the post.
The star's post has been flooded with messages as fans flocked to show their support for the retail worker.
(Image: Channel 4)
"Sorry for all the Debenhams staff," wrote one fan.
"Awe so sad for you but you are fabulous and something bigger and better is waiting for you! Lots of love," penned another.
(Image: Instagram)
Sophie's post came one day after it was confirmed that all 124 Debenhams stores are set to close after final efforts to save the chain failed.
An estimated 12,000 employees are likely to lose their jobs.
At the start of November, Sophie sobbed during an episode of Gogglebox following Boris Johnson's announcement that there would be a second lockdown.
She became tearful as she reflected about people's jobs and livelihoods being affected by the latest lockdown measures.
She added that the lockdown was "s*** for everyone."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-12-02--Solskjaer made a mistake but Man United players have to take the blame

It became Sir Alex Ferguson 's tenet that Manchester United did not make it easy for themselves and that has become an obligation since he headed upstairs .
United dared to believe they could progress to the round-of-16 for the Champions League with two matches to spare and instead they face the daunting prospect of needing to avoid defeat at semi-finalists RB Leipzig next week .
Paris Saint-Germain , piqued by recent humblings by United , became the fourth team to triumph at Old Trafford this season and a testing group will end with a taxing test for Ole Gunnar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fred devil .
PSG represent the zenith of Solskjaer 's United epoch but he will curse not withdrawing the frantic Fred , sent off in the second-half after leading a charmed life in the first .
Fred was expelled straight from the kick-off after Marquinhos ' winner and the irony was he had stretched every sinew to toepoke the ball , though should have known Ander Herrera would exaggerate the challenge .
Harry Maguire railed at the linesman for not noticing Fred 's contact with the ball but there was an inevitability about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Paul Pogba and Donny van de Beek had limbered up though none were called upon to replace Fred .
Solskjaer would likely prefer to lament United 's finishing prior to Fred 's departure and the loss of Marcus Rashford through injury on a night where their performance had shades of the wasteful Europa League semi-final defeat to Sevilla .
United were almost as profligate as they were at Southampton on Sunday - particularly in the first 15 minutes after the restart - and however gettable the PSG defence is it has Marquinhos .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the other , blood wept from the Brazilian 's brow and for all the style at PSG it is the substance of Marquinhos that has drawn them level with United on nine points in Group H. Neymar , absent on PSG 's previous visit to Manchester , ranged from lovable to lamentable .
The last time Scotland rattled Brazil was at the 1982 World Cup and that only succeeded in sparking a pummeling .
Scott McTominay fared better briefly with his momentum-swinging tackle on a riled Neymar , still stewing over it as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at half-time .
Neymar eventually exacted revenge with the clincher .
Neymar is a name punters would pay to see but he mirrors the charmless champions of France .
McTominay 's stirring challenge would have brought supporters off their feet if they were present and the United staff greeted it raucously .
That set the tone for a dominant start to the second-half against a PSG unrecognisable from the fearless side that had grabbed the game by the lapels at its start .
RB Leipzig 's late victory at Istanbul Basaksehir intensified the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and they started and ended like the team that needed to win whereas United resembled one in need of a point until Rashford 's deflected equaliser in the 32nd minute .
Neymar and Kylian Mbappe played with a gravitas that deserved an audience and the former thrashed the ball past David de Gea on six minutes .
The Parisian partnership of McTominay and Fred was reformed and fortunate to last half-an-hour .
Leandro Paredes is the second Argentinian to feign agony at Old Trafford this season but , unlike Erik Lamela , somehow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` He did n't f -- -- -g touch him , '' Harry Maguire wailed .
Fred 's headbutt grazed Paredes and the indignant PSG players swarmed him .
Referee Daniele Orsato had the benefit of rewatching the flashpoint on the pitchside monitor and only carded Fred , perhaps swayed by the classless conduct of the PSG players and the deceit of Paredes .
Paredes later left one on Fred , only to suffer a subtle stamp to prolong the Argentinian-Brazilian animosity .
Bruno Fernandes urged Fred to stop quarreling .
So the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ -- -- -g aggression , '' Maguire clapped .
Neymar attempted to confront McTominay as the players approached the tunnel and then demanded more protection from the unconcerned Orsato .
Nor was the referee fussed about reviewing Fred 's tackle on Herrera .
Anthony Martial showed why he has literally been moved aside for Cavani with a lackadaisical swipe in the 49th minute that left Pogba on his knees in disbelief and Solskjaer disgusted .
Seven is associated with a winger and Martial , after requesting to reclaim the ' 9 ' last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cavani .
Cavani still mimicked Cantona with an imperious 25-yard chip that bounced off the crossbar and Martial hit Marquinhos on the rebound on a night the Frenchman was as culpable as Fred .
Of the array of attackers available to PSG , it was the centre-back Marquinhos who punished Martial , replaced by the redundant Odion Ighalo in the dying embers .
`` Again , again , again , '' De Gea demanded at 2-1 .
The cavalry was summoned ; Pogba fired over and Van de Beek was bright but Neymar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ easy for themselves .

Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
It became Sir Alex Ferguson's tenet that Manchester United did not make it easy for themselves and that has become an obligation since he headed upstairs.
United dared to believe they could progress to the round-of-16 for the Champions League with two matches to spare and instead they face the daunting prospect of needing to avoid defeat at semi-finalists RB Leipzig next week. Paris Saint-Germain, piqued by recent humblings by United, became the fourth team to triumph at Old Trafford this season and a testing group will end with a taxing test for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
From Fred the Red to Fred devil. PSG represent the zenith of Solskjaer's United epoch but he will curse not withdrawing the frantic Fred, sent off in the second-half after leading a charmed life in the first.
Fred was expelled straight from the kick-off after Marquinhos' winner and the irony was he had stretched every sinew to toepoke the ball, though should have known Ander Herrera would exaggerate the challenge. Harry Maguire railed at the linesman for not noticing Fred's contact with the ball but there was an inevitability about his red card.
Nemanja Matic, Paul Pogba and Donny van de Beek had limbered up though none were called upon to replace Fred. Solskjaer would likely prefer to lament United's finishing prior to Fred's departure and the loss of Marcus Rashford through injury on a night where their performance had shades of the wasteful Europa League semi-final defeat to Sevilla.
United were almost as profligate as they were at Southampton on Sunday - particularly in the first 15 minutes after the restart - and however gettable the PSG defence is it has Marquinhos. Goal-blocker at one end and goalscorer at the other, blood wept from the Brazilian's brow and for all the style at PSG it is the substance of Marquinhos that has drawn them level with United on nine points in Group H.
Neymar, absent on PSG's previous visit to Manchester, ranged from lovable to lamentable. The last time Scotland rattled Brazil was at the 1982 World Cup and that only succeeded in sparking a pummeling. Scott McTominay fared better briefly with his momentum-swinging tackle on a riled Neymar, still stewing over it as he stomped back to the dressing room at half-time. Neymar eventually exacted revenge with the clincher.
Neymar is a name punters would pay to see but he mirrors the charmless champions of France. McTominay's stirring challenge would have brought supporters off their feet if they were present and the United staff greeted it raucously. That set the tone for a dominant start to the second-half against a PSG unrecognisable from the fearless side that had grabbed the game by the lapels at its start.
Sign up to our free MUFC email newsletter Get the latest breaking Manchester United transfer news and analysis every day direct to your inbox with our free MUFC newsletter Sign up here - it only takes a few seconds.
RB Leipzig's late victory at Istanbul Basaksehir intensified the need for PSG to take three points and they started and ended like the team that needed to win whereas United resembled one in need of a point until Rashford's deflected equaliser in the 32nd minute. Neymar and Kylian Mbappe played with a gravitas that deserved an audience and the former thrashed the ball past David de Gea on six minutes.
The Parisian partnership of McTominay and Fred was reformed and fortunate to last half-an-hour. Leandro Paredes is the second Argentinian to feign agony at Old Trafford this season but, unlike Erik Lamela, somehow failed in getting his aggressor dismissed.
"He didn't f-----g touch him," Harry Maguire wailed. Fred's headbutt grazed Paredes and the indignant PSG players swarmed him. Referee Daniele Orsato had the benefit of rewatching the flashpoint on the pitchside monitor and only carded Fred, perhaps swayed by the classless conduct of the PSG players and the deceit of Paredes. Paredes later left one on Fred, only to suffer a subtle stamp to prolong the Argentinian-Brazilian animosity. Bruno Fernandes urged Fred to stop quarreling. So the substitute Herrera started one.
"F-----g aggression," Maguire clapped. Neymar attempted to confront McTominay as the players approached the tunnel and then demanded more protection from the unconcerned Orsato. Nor was the referee fussed about reviewing Fred's tackle on Herrera.
Anthony Martial showed why he has literally been moved aside for Cavani with a lackadaisical swipe in the 49th minute that left Pogba on his knees in disbelief and Solskjaer disgusted. Seven is associated with a winger and Martial, after requesting to reclaim the '9' last year, should perhaps swap numbers with Cavani.
Cavani still mimicked Cantona with an imperious 25-yard chip that bounced off the crossbar and Martial hit Marquinhos on the rebound on a night the Frenchman was as culpable as Fred.
Of the array of attackers available to PSG, it was the centre-back Marquinhos who punished Martial, replaced by the redundant Odion Ighalo in the dying embers. "Again, again, again," De Gea demanded at 2-1. The cavalry was summoned; Pogba fired over and Van de Beek was bright but Neymar decisive.
United have not made it easy for themselves.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-12-02--Rio Ferdinand and Paul Scholes agree on Fred's VAR incident

Rio Ferdinand and Paul Scholes agreed that Fred was lucky to only be shown a yellow card in the first half of Manchester United 's Champions League game against PSG .
In a fractious first half , an incident between Fred and PSG 's Leandro Paredes saw referee Daniele Orsato sent to the pitchside monitor on the advice of VAR .
Despite the United midfielder appearing to move his head towards his PSG counterpart , Orsato opted to show a yellow card .
Speaking at half-time on BT Sport , Ferdinand admitted the Brazilian may have seen red on a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He 's a lucky boy , let 's be honest .
There 's been a few occasions in the first half where he could have got at least a yellow card .
There was a coming together of players .
`` There was a bit of a discussion about things and obviously he moved his head and motioned towards the player .
He makes a meal of it , yes , but in today 's game Fred 's lucky to be on that pitch . ''
He added : `` I 'd have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it looked like it was going to go off in there . ''
Paul Scholes agreed but said the incident brought a needle to the game that he enjoyed watching .
Scholes said : `` He 's very lucky and he 's been involved in a couple of challenges .
Ole might have to think about taking him off and bringing Van de Beek on because United have been in control of possession .
It might be worth bringing another creative player on but Fred 's got to be very careful .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ game , there 's been a bit of needle about it and some technical play .
It 's been really good to watch . ''
Fred was sent off in the second half , although while he was a tad fortunate to remain on the pitch in the first half , he was unfortunate to receive a second yellow in the circumstances he did as replays showed he took the ball when challenging Ander Herrera .

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
Rio Ferdinand and Paul Scholes agreed that Fred was lucky to only be shown a yellow card in the first half of Manchester United's Champions League game against PSG.
In a fractious first half, an incident between Fred and PSG's Leandro Paredes saw referee Daniele Orsato sent to the pitchside monitor on the advice of VAR.
Despite the United midfielder appearing to move his head towards his PSG counterpart, Orsato opted to show a yellow card.
Speaking at half-time on BT Sport, Ferdinand admitted the Brazilian may have seen red on a different day.
He said: "He's a lucky boy, let's be honest. There's been a few occasions in the first half where he could have got at least a yellow card. There was a coming together of players.
"There was a bit of a discussion about things and obviously he moved his head and motioned towards the player. He makes a meal of it, yes, but in today's game Fred's lucky to be on that pitch."
He added: "I'd have liked a little camera in the tunnel, it looked like it was going to go off in there."
Paul Scholes agreed but said the incident brought a needle to the game that he enjoyed watching.
Scholes said: "He's very lucky and he's been involved in a couple of challenges. Ole might have to think about taking him off and bringing Van de Beek on because United have been in control of possession. It might be worth bringing another creative player on but Fred's got to be very careful.
"I've enjoyed that about the game, there's been a bit of needle about it and some technical play. It's been really good to watch."
Fred was sent off in the second half, although while he was a tad fortunate to remain on the pitch in the first half, he was unfortunate to receive a second yellow in the circumstances he did as replays showed he took the ball when challenging Ander Herrera.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-12-02--Scholes pinpoints reason for De Gea's improved form at Man United

Paul Scholes says Dean Henderson 's return to Manchester United has played a large part in David de Gea 's upturn in form .
There were some question marks over who would be United 's No.1 this season following Henderson 's return from an impressive two-year loan spell at Sheffield United .
Yet Henderson has found opportunities limited in the Reds ' first-team due to De Gea 's improved form , making just four appearances , one of which came as a half-time substitute for De Gea at Southampton on Sunday .
Speaking on BT Sport , former United midfielder @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has helped to De Gea refocus .
Scholes said : `` He 's been a lot better this season , probably due to the arrival of Henderson .
He has let a couple of dodgy free-kicks in during the last couple of weeks but his performances have really stepped up .
He 'd had a really poor season last year but he 's looking like the player of old now . ''
Scholes ' former United teammate Rio Ferdinand agreed .
Pointing to De Gea 's display in the Champions League victory away @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can still be trusted between the sticks .
Ferdinand said : `` The performance at PSG was excellent .
He 's experienced , he wo n't be fazed at all .
I think he 's a top-class goalkeeper .
Yes , there was a downturn in form in months gone by but he 's someone I 'd definitely count on in a Man United shirt . ''

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
Paul Scholes says Dean Henderson's return to Manchester United has played a large part in David de Gea's upturn in form.
There were some question marks over who would be United's No.1 this season following Henderson's return from an impressive two-year loan spell at Sheffield United.
Yet Henderson has found opportunities limited in the Reds' first-team due to De Gea's improved form, making just four appearances, one of which came as a half-time substitute for De Gea at Southampton on Sunday.
Speaking on BT Sport, former United midfielder Scholes argued that the 23-year-old's presence has helped to De Gea refocus.
Scholes said: "He's been a lot better this season, probably due to the arrival of Henderson. He has let a couple of dodgy free-kicks in during the last couple of weeks but his performances have really stepped up. He'd had a really poor season last year but he's looking like the player of old now."
Scholes' former United teammate Rio Ferdinand agreed. Pointing to De Gea's display in the Champions League victory away at PSG, Ferdinand said the 30-year-old can still be trusted between the sticks.
Ferdinand said: "The performance at PSG was excellent. He's experienced, he won't be fazed at all. I think he's a top-class goalkeeper. Yes, there was a downturn in form in months gone by but he's someone I'd definitely count on in a Man United shirt."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-12-02--Manchester's magical Christmas lights switched on by three very special people

The switch-on celebration was very different year , with only a small , socially-distanced crowd turning out to watch It 's a moment that gets the Christmas countdown underway for Mancunians .
The festive light switch-on in Manchester city centre is usually a huge event .
Last year , thousands of people lined Deansgate as musicians and performers took to a stage before the decorations were turned on .
But this year , things looked very different as the coronavirus pandemic put a stop to crowds and performances .
Instead tonight ( December 2 ) , a small event was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were switched on by three key workers from across the region .
Emma Davies , a clinical scientist in the virology department in the Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust , Kev Esin , a ward clerk at the Manchester Royal Infirmary , and Gilly Lee , neighbourhood lead at Manchester Local Care Organisation , pushed the 'on ' buttons .
A huge Christmas tree was lit up outside the Cathedral and hundreds of twinkling lights lit up Deansgate .
The Manchester Cathedral Choir and Salford Cathedral Choir performed a short medley of songs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out to watch a switch-on that was very different to previous years , but no less magical .

The switch-on celebration was very different year, with only a small, socially-distanced crowd turning out to watch
It's a moment that gets the Christmas countdown underway for Mancunians.
The festive light switch-on in Manchester city centre is usually a huge event.
Last year, thousands of people lined Deansgate as musicians and performers took to a stage before the decorations were turned on.
But this year, things looked very different as the coronavirus pandemic put a stop to crowds and performances.
Instead tonight (December 2), a small event was held outside Manchester Cathedral and the lights were switched on by three key workers from across the region.
Emma Davies, a clinical scientist in the virology department in the Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Kev Esin, a ward clerk at the Manchester Royal Infirmary, and Gilly Lee, neighbourhood lead at Manchester Local Care Organisation, pushed the 'on' buttons.
A huge Christmas tree was lit up outside the Cathedral and hundreds of twinkling lights lit up Deansgate.
The Manchester Cathedral Choir and Salford Cathedral Choir performed a short medley of songs.
A small, socially-distanced crowd turned out to watch a switch-on that was very different to previous years, but no less magical.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-12-02--Lucy Spraggan has had a boob job after losing them during weight loss journey

Singer-songwriter Lucy Spraggan has had a boob job after losing weight during a life overhaul .
The former X Factor finalist went under the knife to get 'boobies back . '
Lucy , 29 , from Stockport , says the op was to 'seal the deal ' with herself after growing in confidence since quitting booze and falling in love with keeping fit .
And she 's clearly pleased with the procedure , saying `` Baywatch here I come '' as she shared photos from her hospital bed on her Instagram .
`` All well gang !
A success !
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ . '
Ahead of the procedure Lucy confessed to feel nervous and reflected on her decision to have the op .
It ’ s just hit me , and I feel very nervous now ...
I ’ m getting my boobies back tomorrow , '' she wrote to her followers .
`` The last 16 months have been a complete revolution for me , not just physically , but mentally and spiritually .
`` I spent my whole life yo-yo dieting , drinking too much , feeling f***ing sad and at a constant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my body .
`` Not just the way it looked , but how I felt in my skin .
My identity .
My abilities .
My ego .
`` It makes me sad when I think about the way I treated myself ; I was so careless and absent minded .
`` I over-worked and I didn ’ t take time to rest , I didn ’ t feel passionate about the things I could do ( again physically or mentally ) , I didn ’ t have any real goals and I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ along the way . ''
Discussing her relationship with alcohol she said : `` The truth is , when I think about how I ’ d get so drunk I ’ d end up waking up somewhere I didn ’ t know , or relying on other people to get me home , getting into such danger I realise what was wrong .
`` I had a blatant and really sad disregard for my life and I didn ’ t honestly care about survival .
`` It just didn ’ t matter what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a lot different . ''
The Tea and Toast singer said she has now shed 'the negative burden ' she was surrounded by daily .
`` Tomorrow I am getting back a physical part of me that I lost , but also sealing the deal with myself , this is it now , '' she said .
`` I ’ m gon na love myself , always .
Not because of the way my new boobs will look , but because of the confidence I have grown . ''
And the star had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the surgery , dressing herself up as a Christmas present and covering her breasts with sticky gift bows .
`` It ’ s not just lockdown that ’ s getting lifted for Christmas guys , '' she wrote , looking jubilant in revealing snaps shared on her Insta .
`` I ’ m having my bauble surgery in two days !
`` As you saw , I shared the effects significant weight-loss has had on my boobs and shared my decision to have surgery , I also want to share my journey with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she 's running a half marathon every week as well as keeping fit with cardiovascular exercise , strength and conditioning training and Crossfit .
`` The only time I ran before was for the ice cream van , '' she joked .
Her single Sober was a raw account of her own life experience .
She says she did n't drink every day and did n't physically depend on alcohol , but realised it was affecting her mental health .
The musician , who shot to fame on the X Factor in 2012 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after splitting from her wife Georgina Gordon .

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
Singer-songwriter Lucy Spraggan has had a boob job after losing weight during a life overhaul.
The former X Factor finalist went under the knife to get 'boobies back.'
Lucy, 29, from Stockport, says the op was to 'seal the deal' with herself after growing in confidence since quitting booze and falling in love with keeping fit.
And she's clearly pleased with the procedure, saying "Baywatch here I come" as she shared photos from her hospital bed on her Instagram.
(Image: Lucy Spraggan)
"All well gang! A success!" she said about her new 'baubles.'
Ahead of the procedure Lucy confessed to feel nervous and reflected on her decision to have the op.
It’s just hit me, and I feel very nervous now... I’m getting my boobies back tomorrow," she wrote to her followers.
"The last 16 months have been a complete revolution for me, not just physically, but mentally and spiritually.
(Image: Lucy Spraggan)
"I spent my whole life yo-yo dieting, drinking too much, feeling f***ing sad and at a constant battle with the way I felt about my body.
"Not just the way it looked, but how I felt in my skin. My identity. My abilities. My ego.
"It makes me sad when I think about the way I treated myself; I was so careless and absent minded.
"I over-worked and I didn’t take time to rest, I didn’t feel passionate about the things I could do (again physically or mentally), I didn’t have any real goals and I had very much lost my enthusiasm somewhere along the way."
(Image: Lucy Spraggan/Instagram)
Discussing her relationship with alcohol she said: "The truth is, when I think about how I’d get so drunk I’d end up waking up somewhere I didn’t know, or relying on other people to get me home, getting into such danger I realise what was wrong.
"I had a blatant and really sad disregard for my life and I didn’t honestly care about survival.
"It just didn’t matter what happened to me. Today I feel a lot different."
The Tea and Toast singer said she has now shed 'the negative burden' she was surrounded by daily.
(Image: FilmMagic)
"Tomorrow I am getting back a physical part of me that I lost, but also sealing the deal with myself, this is it now," she said.
"I’m gonna love myself, always. Not because of the way my new boobs will look, but because of the confidence I have grown."
And the star had fun in the days running up to the surgery, dressing herself up as a Christmas present and covering her breasts with sticky gift bows.
"It’s not just lockdown that’s getting lifted for Christmas guys," she wrote, looking jubilant in revealing snaps shared on her Insta.
"I’m having my bauble surgery in two days!
Sign up to the free MEN email newsletter Get the latest updates from across Greater Manchester direct to your inbox with the free MEN newsletter You can sign up very simply by following the instructions here
"As you saw, I shared the effects significant weight-loss has had on my boobs and shared my decision to have surgery, I also want to share my journey with you."
In July Lucy celebrated one year sober.
She told us that she's running a half marathon every week as well as keeping fit with cardiovascular exercise, strength and conditioning training and Crossfit.
"The only time I ran before was for the ice cream van," she joked.
Her single Sober was a raw account of her own life experience.
She says she didn't drink every day and didn't physically depend on alcohol, but realised it was affecting her mental health.
The musician, who shot to fame on the X Factor in 2012, had her last blowout with alcohol after splitting from her wife Georgina Gordon.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-12-02--Man United player Fred booked following incident involving PSG's Leandro Paredes

Fred was shown a yellow card in confusing circumstances during Manchester United 's Champions League tie with PSG .
The United midfielder was involved in an altercation with Leandro Paredes that saw the PSG star hit the deck after Fred moved his head towards the Argentine .
The incident prompted a VAR check for a possible red card due to serious foul play , with Italian referee Daniele Orsato being sent to the pitchside monitor to watch a replay of the incident .
Yet there was confusion when Orsato opted to show Fred a yellow card rather than a red @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in contrast to UEFA chief refereeing officer Roberto Rosetti 's view on what VAR should be used for .
In a pre-season interview , Rosetti said VAR will only intervene when it believes that a red card could be warranted .
He said : `` The VAR will also intervene when there is evidence of serious foul play , which must be sanctioned with a direct red card in line with the Laws of the Game . ''
Speaking on BT Sport , former Premier League referee Peter Walton said the decision came @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He said : `` I think the referee has looked at it and said it 's not a red card in his view .
He 's looked at it and said it was a yellow for a reckless challenge .
`` However , I 'll stand by my first opinion that Fred walked a very thin line there .
It could have been a red card but the referee has chosen to show a yellow , which I do n't think is a mistake but it 's his opinion . ''

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
Fred was shown a yellow card in confusing circumstances during Manchester United's Champions League tie with PSG.
The United midfielder was involved in an altercation with Leandro Paredes that saw the PSG star hit the deck after Fred moved his head towards the Argentine.
The incident prompted a VAR check for a possible red card due to serious foul play, with Italian referee Daniele Orsato being sent to the pitchside monitor to watch a replay of the incident.
Yet there was confusion when Orsato opted to show Fred a yellow card rather than a red. It was a decision that was in contrast to UEFA chief refereeing officer Roberto Rosetti's view on what VAR should be used for.
In a pre-season interview, Rosetti said VAR will only intervene when it believes that a red card could be warranted.
He said: "The VAR will also intervene when there is evidence of serious foul play, which must be sanctioned with a direct red card in line with the Laws of the Game."
Speaking on BT Sport, former Premier League referee Peter Walton said the decision came down to a matter of opinion.
He said: "I think the referee has looked at it and said it's not a red card in his view. He's looked at it and said it was a yellow for a reckless challenge.
"However, I'll stand by my first opinion that Fred walked a very thin line there. It could have been a red card but the referee has chosen to show a yellow, which I don't think is a mistake but it's his opinion."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-12-02--Man United greats Paul Scholes and Rio Ferdinand agree on Edinson Cavani issue

Manchester United 's young forwards need to learn from Edinson Cavani 's movement if they are to improve as goalscorers , according to Rio Ferdinand and Paul Scholes .
Cavani scored twice as United came from behind to beat Southampton 3-2 on Sunday , showing his predatory instincts with two close-range headers from crosses into the box .
Speaking on BT Sport , Ferdinand argued Cavani 's anticipation in the penalty area is what marks him out from Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood at United .
“ This is why he ’ s got over 400 goals for club and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He could make 10 or 20 of those runs a game but he gets the one chance and the goal at the end of it .
It ’ s gambling , he ’ s a big gambler .
“ Three goals against Southampton came around 12 yards and four of his touches were in that area .
The difference with Rashford and Greenwood , with 60 touches between them , was that none were in that area where you get a lot of goals .
Yes , they score goals , they score @ @ @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t get those ugly goals.
” Ferdinand added : “ It ’ s about keeping on continuing to go , don ’ t lose confidence if the ball doesn ’ t come .
As a defender , I have to wait for where a player ’ s going to put the ball , but , if you ’ re a striker and you run early , I can ’ t defend that .
“ Greenwood is going to develop into the No .
9 here and it ’ s something he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
That ’ s something different , it ’ s something else .
He scores spectacular goals and so does Marcus but they ’ re the tip of goals that win you league titles .
“ Cavani would say himself he ’ s a stopgap , here to support and help those guys .
I think they ’ ve got to be sponges and take on individual elements of his game that they haven ’ t got .
That ’ s what I ’ d love to see.
” Paul Scholes agreed that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Greenwood , Rashford and Anthony Martial to become an out-and-out striker , as he questioned with Rashford and Martial have the natural instincts of a No.9 .
Scholes said : “ The key word is anticipation as a centre-forward .
You know where the mis-kicks are going to go , you know where the ball is going to bounce off the keeper .
Can you teach that ?
I ’ m not 100 per cent sure you can .
The trouble is , do we see that in Martial and Rashford ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ times about United not having a proper No .
9 and Cavani is a proper No .
9 but it might only be for one or two years .
We said it about Zlatan a few years ago ( that United 's younger players would learn from him ) .
Are we any further down the road now than we were then ?
“ Martial and Rashford would like to think they ’ re No.9s but , to me , they ’ re very dangerous wide players .
Did they take anything from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ We hope Mason does take something from Cavani as , out of the three of them , Mason is the best finisher and I think he ’ s got more chance than the other two to develop into a proper No.9 .
”

Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
Manchester United's young forwards need to learn from Edinson Cavani's movement if they are to improve as goalscorers, according to Rio Ferdinand and Paul Scholes.
Cavani scored twice as United came from behind to beat Southampton 3-2 on Sunday, showing his predatory instincts with two close-range headers from crosses into the box.
Speaking on BT Sport, Ferdinand argued Cavani's anticipation in the penalty area is what marks him out from Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood at United.
“This is why he’s got over 400 goals for club and country," Ferdinand said. "He could make 10 or 20 of those runs a game but he gets the one chance and the goal at the end of it. It’s gambling, he’s a big gambler.
“Three goals against Southampton came around 12 yards and four of his touches were in that area. The difference with Rashford and Greenwood, with 60 touches between them, was that none were in that area where you get a lot of goals. Yes, they score goals, they score big goals and bangers, but they don’t get those ugly goals.”
Ferdinand added: “It’s about keeping on continuing to go, don’t lose confidence if the ball doesn’t come. As a defender, I have to wait for where a player’s going to put the ball, but, if you’re a striker and you run early, I can’t defend that.
“Greenwood is going to develop into the No. 9 here and it’s something he will have to add to his game. That’s something different, it’s something else. He scores spectacular goals and so does Marcus but they’re the tip of goals that win you league titles.
“Cavani would say himself he’s a stopgap, here to support and help those guys. I think they’ve got to be sponges and take on individual elements of his game that they haven’t got. That’s what I’d love to see.”
Paul Scholes agreed that Greenwood is the most likely player out of Greenwood, Rashford and Anthony Martial to become an out-and-out striker, as he questioned with Rashford and Martial have the natural instincts of a No.9.
Scholes said: “The key word is anticipation as a centre-forward. You know where the mis-kicks are going to go, you know where the ball is going to bounce off the keeper. Can you teach that? I’m not 100 per cent sure you can. The trouble is, do we see that in Martial and Rashford?
“We’ve spoken so many times about United not having a proper No. 9 and Cavani is a proper No. 9 but it might only be for one or two years.
We said it about Zlatan a few years ago (that United's younger players would learn from him). Are we any further down the road now than we were then?
“Martial and Rashford would like to think they’re No.9s but, to me, they’re very dangerous wide players. Did they take anything from Zlatan? I’m not sure.
“We hope Mason does take something from Cavani as, out of the three of them, Mason is the best finisher and I think he’s got more chance than the other two to develop into a proper No.9.”


themanchestereveningnews--2020-12-02--The latest coronavirus infection rates for every borough in Greater Manchester

Coronavirus infection rates are continuing to fall in every borough in Greater Manchester , the latest figures show .
Four boroughs - Salford , Tameside , Stockport and Trafford - have lower transmission rates than the average for England as a whole .
The infection rate is falling fastest in Tameside , where there was a 44 per cent drop in cases for the week ending on November 28 .
The latest Public Health England figures show the rate in the borough now stands at 145.7 per 100,000 people .
The rate in Salford , now 154.5 , is also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 41 per cent drop in cases week-on-week .
Rochdale and Oldham continue to have the highest rates across the region , though they are falling in both areas .
Oldham saw a 42 per cent drop in cases week-on-week and the rate now stands at 228.6 per 100,000 .
The rate in Rochdale has dropped by 28 per cent .
The infection rate for the region as a whole was 188.0 per 100,000 for the week ending November 28 .
This is down 33 per cent on the rate the week before .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( Wednesday ) across the region - last Wednesday , 1,049 were recorded .
The average rate for England as a whole currently stands at 154.8 .
The latest infection rates for the week ending November 28 for Greater Manchester are : As the national lockdown came to an end today , Greater Manchester was moved into Tier 3 under the toughest set of restrictions .
Every part of the country will be fully assessed before December 16 to see if they meet the criteria to relax restrictions or move down a tier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fast across the region , other factors will need to be taken into consideration when assessing whether Greater Manchester can be moved down to Tier 2 .
The Health Secretary Matt Hancock said earlier this week that experts will also look at case detection rates in the over 60s , the case detection rate in all age groups , positivity in the general population and pressure on the NHS including current and projected capacity , bed occupancy , and staff absences .

The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel
We have more newsletters
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
We have more newsletters
Thank you for subscribing!
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
Coronavirus infection rates are continuing to fall in every borough in Greater Manchester, the latest figures show.
Four boroughs - Salford, Tameside, Stockport and Trafford - have lower transmission rates than the average for England as a whole.
The infection rate is falling fastest in Tameside, where there was a 44 per cent drop in cases for the week ending on November 28.
The latest Public Health England figures show the rate in the borough now stands at 145.7 per 100,000 people.
(Image: M.E.N)
The rate in Salford, now 154.5, is also declining rapidly. The borough saw a 41 per cent drop in cases week-on-week.
Rochdale and Oldham continue to have the highest rates across the region, though they are falling in both areas.
Oldham saw a 42 per cent drop in cases week-on-week and the rate now stands at 228.6 per 100,000.
The rate in Rochdale has dropped by 28 per cent.
The infection rate for the region as a whole was 188.0 per 100,000 for the week ending November 28 .
This is down 33 per cent on the rate the week before.
There were 807 positive cases recorded today (Wednesday) across the region - last Wednesday, 1,049 were recorded.
The average rate for England as a whole currently stands at 154.8.
The latest infection rates for the week ending November 28 for Greater Manchester are:
Rochdale - 264.8, down 28 per cent
Oldham - 228.6, down 42 per cent
Bolton - 220.8, down 28 per cent
Bury - 215.7, down 32 per cent
Wigan - 212.1, down 30 per cent
Manchester - 187.2, down 26 per cent
Salford - 154.5, down 41 per cent
Tameside - 145.7, down 44 per cent
Stockport - 138.4, down 35 per cent
Trafford - 120.5, down 30 per cent
Sign up to the free MEN email newsletter Get the latest updates from across Greater Manchester direct to your inbox with the free MEN newsletter You can sign up very simply by following the instructions here
As the national lockdown came to an end today, Greater Manchester was moved into Tier 3 under the toughest set of restrictions.
Every part of the country will be fully assessed before December 16 to see if they meet the criteria to relax restrictions or move down a tier.
Though the infection rate is falling fast across the region, other factors will need to be taken into consideration when assessing whether Greater Manchester can be moved down to Tier 2.
The Health Secretary Matt Hancock said earlier this week that experts will also look at case detection rates in the over 60s, the case detection rate in all age groups, positivity in the general population and pressure on the NHS including current and projected capacity, bed occupancy, and staff absences.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-12-02--Two men robbed homeless man of everything he owned - he was left 'naked'

Two men robbed a homeless man of everything he owned ... leaving him 'naked and humiliated ' in the street .
The victim was left with nothing but a t-shirt as he desperately walking the streets trying to get help .
Aaron Kenworthy , 29 , and Chris Moyo , 42 , came across the man as he slept in his tent in Piccadilly Gardens .
They dragged the tent along the floor and demanded the victim hand over his possessions , Manchester Crown Court heard .
Kenworthy , of no fixed address , sat on the man as Moyo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and trainers off , leaving him half naked .
The men then robbed him of everything inside the tent including a bank card , a North Face jacket and his mobile phone , which contained pictures of his children .
Following a trial earlier this year , Kenworthy and Moyo were found guilty of robbery .
They have now been jailed for six years and six months ; and six years respectively .
Prosecuting , Neil Fryman said the attack happened at around 1am on May 16 this year at around 1am .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gardens in a tent gifted to him by a homeless team .
“ He was woken up and noticed his tent getting dragged and he heard two voices in a Mancunian accent shouting ' gim me your money , gim me your phone ' , then they stabbed the tent , making a hole in it , ” Mr Fryman said .
“ He was in his sleeping bag trying to get out of it and hanging half out of his tent when Moyo jumped at the complainant ’ s head .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the complainant didn ’ t see , but recognised that other male ’ s voice .
“ After the two defendants dragged the complainant from his tent , Moyo pulled the complainant ’ s sleeping bag from him and took off the complainant ’ s trousers and trainers .
“ Kenworthy was sitting on the victim ’ s saying ' I ’ ll cut your ear off ' .
The court heard the victim grabbed the knife , which was in Kenworthy ’ s hand .
As he grabbed it , it cut @ @ @ @ @ @ @ punching the man in his head and the ribs .
“ About 30 seconds later , the complainant escaped and made his way to the phone box by Primark in Piccadilly Gardens where he dialled 999 , ” Mr Fryman added .
“ He had been robbed of virtually all of his possessions , including the HSBC bank card and the blue/black North Face Jacket .
“ Other items stolen were his black leather bag , a Mountaineer balaclava , some cannabis , a suitcase containing toiletries , a Nike man bag , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trousers and black socks .
“ He suffered cuts to his right ear , a right finger and to his wrist and his chest was tight from where he had been sat on.
” In a statement read to the court , the victim said the incident left him feeling ‘ violated ’ .
“ He felt in shock and was freezing cold where his home had been stolen , leaving him with no roof over his head and fearful for his safety , ” Mr Fryman said .
In mitigation for Kenworthy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Clearly he ’ s a man with many difficulties .
“ He comes from a difficult background where he was pushed from pillar to post .
“ He had a difficult childhood , if you can call it that , and admitted to taking Spice to try and block out the cold reality of moving from doorway to doorway , living a feral life on the streets of Manchester .
“ He is determined to use this time to give himself a better future.
” Mitigating for Moyo , defence lawyer Michael @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this country at age 20 and lived in Coventry with his family and remained there until his release from his last prison sentence in 2016 .
“ He was directed to live in Manchester .
“ His immigration status is not concluded , he is still seeking permission to remain .
“ He is not allowed to work nor is he allowed to seek work and unfortunately he drifts back into this unstable lifestyle.
” Sentencing the pair , Judge Patrick Field QC said : “ That tent contained all that he had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ targeted him and attacked him in a mean and brutal way .
“ You left him naked and humiliated running around the streets of Manchester .
“ Items of high value and personal sentiment were taken - even the smallest things matter greatly and I am sure they mattered greatly to him.
” Kenworthy was sentenced to six years and six months .
Moyo , of Hillside Avenue , was sentenced to six years .

We have more newsletters
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Don't miss out on the big stories from Manchester's courts with our weekly newsletter
We have more newsletters
Thank you for subscribing!
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Don't miss out on the big stories from Manchester's courts with our weekly newsletter
Two men robbed a homeless man of everything he owned... leaving him 'naked and humiliated' in the street.
The victim was left with nothing but a t-shirt as he desperately walking the streets trying to get help.
Aaron Kenworthy, 29, and Chris Moyo, 42, came across the man as he slept in his tent in Piccadilly Gardens.
They dragged the tent along the floor and demanded the victim hand over his possessions, Manchester Crown Court heard.
(Image: GMP)
Kenworthy, of no fixed address, sat on the man as Moyo, from Oldham, took his trousers and trainers off, leaving him half naked.
The men then robbed him of everything inside the tent including a bank card, a North Face jacket and his mobile phone, which contained pictures of his children.
Following a trial earlier this year, Kenworthy and Moyo were found guilty of robbery.
They have now been jailed for six years and six months; and six years respectively.
Prosecuting, Neil Fryman said the attack happened at around 1am on May 16 this year at around 1am.
The victim was sleeping rough in Piccadilly Gardens in a tent gifted to him by a homeless team.
(Image: GMP)
“He was woken up and noticed his tent getting dragged and he heard two voices in a Mancunian accent shouting 'gimme your money, gimme your phone', then they stabbed the tent, making a hole in it,” Mr Fryman said.
“He was in his sleeping bag trying to get out of it and hanging half out of his tent when Moyo jumped at the complainant’s head.
“With Moyo was another male, whom the complainant didn’t see, but recognised that other male’s voice.
“After the two defendants dragged the complainant from his tent, Moyo pulled the complainant’s sleeping bag from him and took off the complainant’s trousers and trainers.
“Kenworthy was sitting on the victim’s saying 'I’ll cut your ear off'.
The court heard the victim grabbed the knife, which was in Kenworthy’s hand.
As he grabbed it, it cut his ear.
Meanwhile, Moyo was punching the man in his head and the ribs.
“About 30 seconds later, the complainant escaped and made his way to the phone box by Primark in Piccadilly Gardens where he dialled 999,” Mr Fryman added.
(Image: MEN Media)
“Approximately 20 minutes later, police arrived on scene.
“He had been robbed of virtually all of his possessions, including the HSBC bank card and the blue/black North Face Jacket.
“Other items stolen were his black leather bag, a Mountaineer balaclava, some cannabis, a suitcase containing toiletries, a Nike man bag, his orange/blue tent, black Hugo Boss trousers and black socks.
“He suffered cuts to his right ear, a right finger and to his wrist and his chest was tight from where he had been sat on.”
In a statement read to the court, the victim said the incident left him feeling ‘violated’.
“He felt in shock and was freezing cold where his home had been stolen, leaving him with no roof over his head and fearful for his safety,” Mr Fryman said.
In mitigation for Kenworthy, defence lawyer Michael Lavery said: “Clearly he’s a man with many difficulties.
“He comes from a difficult background where he was pushed from pillar to post.
“He had a difficult childhood, if you can call it that, and admitted to taking Spice to try and block out the cold reality of moving from doorway to doorway, living a feral life on the streets of Manchester.
“He is determined to use this time to give himself a better future.”
Mitigating for Moyo, defence lawyer Michael Goldwater said: “He came to this country at age 20 and lived in Coventry with his family and remained there until his release from his last prison sentence in 2016.
“He was directed to live in Manchester.
“His immigration status is not concluded, he is still seeking permission to remain.
“He is not allowed to work nor is he allowed to seek work and unfortunately he drifts back into this unstable lifestyle.”
Sentencing the pair, Judge Patrick Field QC said: “That tent contained all that he had in the world.
“You two targeted him and attacked him in a mean and brutal way.
“You left him naked and humiliated running around the streets of Manchester.
“Items of high value and personal sentiment were taken - even the smallest things matter greatly and I am sure they mattered greatly to him.”
Kenworthy was sentenced to six years and six months.
Moyo, of Hillside Avenue, was sentenced to six years.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-12-03--Grievances lodged against health trust over ‘underpayment’ claims

More than 300 grievances have been lodged against a Manchester health trust this week as staff push for better pay .
Health care assistants , nursing assistants and maternity assistants working across Manchester hospitals under Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust ( MFT ) claim they have been ‘ underpaid for years ’ for delivering clinical care .
The trust said it greatly values the hard work of its staff and began the process of reviewing role descriptions last year , working directly with unions , but this was halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic .
It is understood that process @ @ @ @ @ @ @ New Year .
The majority of the health workers , 75pc , are directly employed on Band 2 contracts by MFT , which involve the provision of personal care such as bathing , feeding and toileting patients .
Band 3 staff are expected to perform clinical duties including taking and monitoring bloods ; carrying out electrocardiogram ( ECG ) tests , venepuncture , escorting patients unaccompanied , complex dressings , cannulation and recording patient observations .
A Unison survey of four hundred Band 2 support staff within MFT found ‘ the overwhelming majority @ @ @ @ @ @ @ routinely undertaking clinical duties above their pay grade ’ .
The health workers said they have previously raised the issue of incorrect banding with the trust and have now submitted a collective grievance after becoming frustrated with an alleged ‘ lack of action ’ over the issue .
The staff said the trust ‘ should recognise their years of going over and above to deliver exceptional patient care ’ .
Of the MFT staff surveyed by Unison , 91pc said they felt ‘ patient care would suffer if Band 2 staff did not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A petition supporting the staff has also been signed by more than two thousand patients , staff and politicians .
A member of the maternity assistant team at St Mary ’ s Hospital in Manchester said : “ We have several nursing assistants who often have to deal with upset or angry patients , perform venepuncture and break bad news .
Another part of our daily role requires us to work in surgical theatre where we carry a catheter containing a viable embryo .
You are potentially carrying somebody ’ s chance of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than a Band 2 nursing assistant should have .
“ Some Band 2 staff sacrifice family time and days off to pick up extra shifts just to make ends meet .
Some claim benefits to top up their wages- this has an impact not just on our mental health but also on our families.
” A health care assistant at Wythenshawe Hospital said : “ As Band 2s we do it all and more because we care and want to help .
This has been going on for many years and so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ The managers often think that doing the clinical duties is part of our role .
It would be nice to be rewarded and feel more valued by being on the correct banding and paid correctly.
” Kate Green , Labour MP for Stretford and Urmston , said : “ Healthcare assistants do a vitally important job .
COVID has starkly reminded us all how much we rely on the care , compassion and professionalism of our health key workers “ They deserve proper recognition and reward for the demanding and important @ @ @ @ @ @ @ North West organiser Dan Smith said : “ The trust relies on passionate and hard-working support staff to provide vital care to the people of Manchester .
“ Support staff have gone above and beyond during the COVID-19 crisis .
They are undertaking necessary work , but without appropriate pay , reward and recognition .
“ The trust is getting clinical care on the cheap by taking advantage of the goodwill of staff , but it can ’ t go on any longer .
The trust need to step up and pay what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ University NHS Foundation Trust said : “ We greatly value the hard work and dedication of our health care assistants , nursing assistants and maternity support workers .
A review of the job descriptions for these roles commenced last year and we have been working with our local staff side representatives to progress this ongoing work .
“ We are committed to working in partnership with Unison and meetings with Unison representatives and members of staff have been ongoing .
“ Unfortunately due to the impact of the pandemic we had to pause @ @ @ @ @ @ @ focus all our efforts on dealing with COVID-19 .
We are however fully committed to re-commencing the review in the New Year when hopefully circumstances will have changed .
“ We would like to acknowledge the ongoing , tremendous commitment and dedication shown by our health care assistants , nursing assistants and maternity support workers throughout the pandemic .
”

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
More than 300 grievances have been lodged against a Manchester health trust this week as staff push for better pay.
Health care assistants, nursing assistants and maternity assistants working across Manchester hospitals under Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) claim they have been ‘underpaid for years’ for delivering clinical care.
The trust said it greatly values the hard work of its staff and began the process of reviewing role descriptions last year, working directly with unions, but this was halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
It is understood that process is due to begin again in the New Year.
The majority of the health workers, 75pc, are directly employed on Band 2 contracts by MFT, which involve the provision of personal care such as bathing, feeding and toileting patients.
Band 3 staff are expected to perform clinical duties including taking and monitoring bloods; carrying out electrocardiogram (ECG) tests, venepuncture, escorting patients unaccompanied, complex dressings, cannulation and recording patient observations.
A Unison survey of four hundred Band 2 support staff within MFT found ‘the overwhelming majority of staff’ were ‘regularly and routinely undertaking clinical duties above their pay grade’.
The health workers said they have previously raised the issue of incorrect banding with the trust and have now submitted a collective grievance after becoming frustrated with an alleged ‘lack of action’ over the issue.
The staff said the trust ‘should recognise their years of going over and above to deliver exceptional patient care’.
Of the MFT staff surveyed by Unison, 91pc said they felt ‘patient care would suffer if Band 2 staff did not undertake duties beyond personal care’.
A petition supporting the staff has also been signed by more than two thousand patients, staff and politicians.
A member of the maternity assistant team at St Mary’s Hospital in Manchester said: “We have several nursing assistants who often have to deal with upset or angry patients, perform venepuncture and break bad news. Another part of our daily role requires us to work in surgical theatre where we carry a catheter containing a viable embryo. You are potentially carrying somebody’s chance of a family- this level of responsibility is more than a Band 2 nursing assistant should have.
“Some Band 2 staff sacrifice family time and days off to pick up extra shifts just to make ends meet. Some claim benefits to top up their wages- this has an impact not just on our mental health but also on our families.”
(Image: Getty Images)
A health care assistant at Wythenshawe Hospital said: “As Band 2s we do it all and more because we care and want to help. This has been going on for many years and so it has become part of our job.
“The managers often think that doing the clinical duties is part of our role. It would be nice to be rewarded and feel more valued by being on the correct banding and paid correctly.”
Kate Green, Labour MP for Stretford and Urmston, said: “Healthcare assistants do a vitally important job. COVID has starkly reminded us all how much we rely on the care, compassion and professionalism of our health key workers
“They deserve proper recognition and reward for the demanding and important roles they undertake.”
Unison’s North West organiser Dan Smith said: “The trust relies on passionate and hard-working support staff to provide vital care to the people of Manchester.
“Support staff have gone above and beyond during the COVID-19 crisis. They are undertaking necessary work, but without appropriate pay, reward and recognition.
“The trust is getting clinical care on the cheap by taking advantage of the goodwill of staff, but it can’t go on any longer. The trust need to step up and pay what they deserve.”
A spokesperson for Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust said: “We greatly value the hard work and dedication of our health care assistants, nursing assistants and maternity support workers. A review of the job descriptions for these roles commenced last year and we have been working with our local staff side representatives to progress this ongoing work.
“We are committed to working in partnership with Unison and meetings with Unison representatives and members of staff have been ongoing.
“Unfortunately due to the impact of the pandemic we had to pause these discussions and the role review to focus all our efforts on dealing with COVID-19. We are however fully committed to re-commencing the review in the New Year when hopefully circumstances will have changed.
“We would like to acknowledge the ongoing, tremendous commitment and dedication shown by our health care assistants, nursing assistants and maternity support workers throughout the pandemic.”


themanchestereveningnews--2020-12-03--Violent and dangerous former cage fighter stabbed ex to death after drugs binge

A remorseless killer who murdered his former partner sought to assassinate her character in court , a judge said .
Andrew Wadsworth , 37 , will be in his late 60s before he will be considered for release after he was convicted of the murder of 32-year-old Melissa Belshaw in Wigan .
Wadsworth , a 'violent ' and 'dangerous ' former cage fighter , stabbed Ms Belshaw to death after bingeing on cocaine and alcohol .
Her 13-year-old daughter witnessed some of the brutal attack .
Mrs Justice Yip said his 'character assassination ' of Ms Belshaw during the trial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He said he suffered a 'loss of control ' prior to the murder , claiming she had made a series of revelations which left him 'humiliated ' .
Before passing a life sentence with a minimum of 32 years , the judge told him : `` You had degraded her in life , and you continued to do so after her death . ''
After sending Wadsworth down , one of Ms Belshaw 's supporters in court said 'thank you judge ' .
Ms Belshaw 's mother paid tribute to her daughter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , inside and out ' who had a 'heart of gold ' .
`` On May 20 my world fell apart , '' Jean Mulvaney said in a statement read at Manchester Crown Court .
`` I had to hear my 13-year-old granddaughter tell me on the phone that Melissa had been stabbed and that she had died .
`` I can still hear that call in my head . ''
`` Nothing will ever be normal again , '' she continued .
Despite saying that he wanted 'no more to do ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days prior to the murder at her home taking 'large quantities ' of cocaine .
`` You claimed that you had loved her , but the numerous derogatory words used in your text messages to her suggest otherwise , '' the judge said .
`` By contrast , you appear to have had a very high opinion of yourself .
The judge said that on May 20 , the day of the murder , Wadsworth had been 'badgering her to admit your accusations of misconduct ' .
Wadsworth stabbed Ms Belshaw multiple times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Upholland Road .
The court was told Ms Belshaw 's daughter witnessed 'at least some ' of the attack .
The child called 999 and her grandmother , in heartbreaking calls played to the court .
A brave workman who heard the distressed child from inside the home used a hammer to smash a window and allow her to escape , as the doors were locked .
As Wadsworth emerged from the house , he took exception to a neighbour who had gone to check on people in the house .
Wadsworth began @ @ @ @ @ @ @ knife .
He repeatedly stabbed the man , with the judge saying Wadsworth came 'close to killing him ' .
Prosecutor Tim Storrie QC said the attack represented a 'catastrophe ' for the victim , 'which left him in fear of his life ' .
When the police arrived , he attacked two officers .
Wadsworth delivered a 'roundhouse kick ' to the head of one officer , and when he was taken to the police station he punched another officer .
`` As a former professional mixed martial arts fighter , you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' the judge told him .
The court was told Ms Belshaw was looking forward to her 'dream ' of opening a beauty shop .
`` The opening of her new shop was her dream and a turning point in her life , '' her mother said .
`` Sadly , she never got to open the shop after all her hard work . ''
`` I feel I am going through hell every day .
`` I ca n't sleep , eat , and getting dressed in a morning is hard .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ with what has happened and will never forgive .
`` My heart will never recover as the loss is too great . ''
Before sending him down , the judge told Wadsworth : `` You have displayed no remorse for the death of the woman you professed to have once loved . ''

We have more newsletters
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for the MyWigan newsletter for the biggest stories direct to your inbox
We have more newsletters
Thank you for subscribing!
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for the MyWigan newsletter for the biggest stories direct to your inbox
A remorseless killer who murdered his former partner sought to assassinate her character in court, a judge said.
Andrew Wadsworth, 37, will be in his late 60s before he will be considered for release after he was convicted of the murder of 32-year-old Melissa Belshaw in Wigan.
Wadsworth, a 'violent' and 'dangerous' former cage fighter, stabbed Ms Belshaw to death after bingeing on cocaine and alcohol.
Her 13-year-old daughter witnessed some of the brutal attack.
Mrs Justice Yip said his 'character assassination' of Ms Belshaw during the trial 'went beyond anything that was justified'.
Sign up to the free MEN email newsletter Get the latest updates from across Greater Manchester direct to your inbox with the free MEN newsletter You can sign up very simply by following the instructions here
He said he suffered a 'loss of control' prior to the murder, claiming she had made a series of revelations which left him 'humiliated'.
Before passing a life sentence with a minimum of 32 years, the judge told him: "You had degraded her in life, and you continued to do so after her death."
After sending Wadsworth down, one of Ms Belshaw's supporters in court said 'thank you judge'.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
Ms Belshaw's mother paid tribute to her daughter, describing her as a 'beautiful soul, inside and out' who had a 'heart of gold'.
"On May 20 my world fell apart," Jean Mulvaney said in a statement read at Manchester Crown Court.
(Image: GMP)
"Nothing will ever be normal again."
A jury found Wadsworth guilty of murder and attempted murder.
Despite saying that he wanted 'no more to do' with Ms Belshaw, he spent the days prior to the murder at her home taking 'large quantities' of cocaine.
(Image: GMP)
"You claimed that you had loved her, but the numerous derogatory words used in your text messages to her suggest otherwise," the judge said.
"By contrast, you appear to have had a very high opinion of yourself.
"Your messages display a wholly unwarranted air of moral superiority."
The judge said that on May 20, the day of the murder, Wadsworth had been 'badgering her to admit your accusations of misconduct'.
Wadsworth stabbed Ms Belshaw multiple times in the bedroom of her home in Upholland Road.
(Image: M.E.N.)
The court was told Ms Belshaw's daughter witnessed 'at least some' of the attack.
The child called 999 in heartbreaking calls played to the court.
A brave workman who heard the distressed child from inside the home used a hammer to smash a window and allow her to escape, as the doors were locked.
As Wadsworth emerged from the house, he took exception to a neighbour who had gone to check on people in the house.
Wadsworth began to pursue him, armed with a knife.
He repeatedly stabbed the man, with the judge saying Wadsworth came 'close to killing him'.
Prosecutor Tim Storrie QC said the attack represented a 'catastrophe' for the victim, 'which left him in fear of his life'.
When the police arrived, he attacked two officers.
Wadsworth delivered a 'roundhouse kick' to the head of one officer, and when he was taken to the police station he punched another officer.
(Image: Liverpool Echo)
"As a former professional mixed martial arts fighter, you knew exactly what you were doing," the judge told him.
The court was told Ms Belshaw was looking forward to her 'dream' of opening a beauty shop.
"The opening of her new shop was her dream and a turning point in her life," her mother said.
"Sadly, she never got to open the shop after all her hard work."
Ms Mulvaney continued: "Our family is broken.
"Even happy events now bring sadness.
"I feel I am going through hell every day.
"I can't sleep, eat, and getting dressed in a morning is hard.
"I will never come to terms with what has happened and will never forgive.
"My heart will never recover as the loss is too great."
Before sending him down, the judge told Wadsworth: "You have displayed no remorse for the death of the woman you professed to have once loved."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-12-03--Three more arrests as police crackdown on criminal gangs' encryption system

A ‘ mammoth ’ operation to crack a sophisticated encrypted phone system , used by gangs , has resulted in three more arrests .
Early morning raids took place at addresses across Heywood , Chadderton , Miles Platting and Blackley on Thursday ( December 3 ) .
Three men , aged 31 , 34 and 36 , are being held in custody on suspicion of firearm and drug offences .
Officers seized electronic devices , cash and a quantity of drugs , which will be examined and used in evidence .
Police say the action forms part of an ongoing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an encrypted communication system .
Led by the National Crime Agency , Venetic has seen law enforcement agencies across the UK join together in order to break through the “ highly sophisticated ” encrypted global communication service , which was being used by organised crime groups .
Detective Inspector Ian McNabb , of GMP ’ s Challenger Team , said : “ Operation Foam is GMP ’ s dedicated strand of Operation Venetic , and it ’ s a mammoth operation that has required hours of complex and sophisticated investigative work .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which serves as testament to the hard work and dedication of the officers involved in the operation .
“ GMP is dedicated to ensuring our communities are kept safe and today ’ s result is another step forward in this mission .
“ Organised criminal activity can not only have a devastating impact on individual lives but it can blight communities and GMP , alongside specialist agencies , will continue to disrupt and dismantle this activity.
” Venetic is the UK ’ s biggest ever law enforcement operation , infiltrating thousands of messages @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crime groups dismantled as a result of covert analysis with hundreds of arrests , tonnes of drugs and tens of thousands of pounds seized .
Anyone with information should contact Challenger Manchester on 0161 856 3933 .
Alternatively , details can be passed on anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 .
Get breaking news first on the free Manchester Evening News app - download it here for your Apple or Android device .
You can also get a round-up of the biggest stories sent direct to your inbox every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ subscribe here .
And you can follow us on Facebook here .

We have more newsletters
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
We have more newsletters
Thank you for subscribing!
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
A ‘mammoth’ operation to crack a sophisticated encrypted phone system, used by gangs, has resulted in three more arrests.
Early morning raids took place at addresses across Heywood, Chadderton, Miles Platting and Blackley on Thursday (December 3).
Three men, aged 31, 34 and 36, are being held in custody on suspicion of firearm and drug offences.
(Image: GMP)
Officers seized electronic devices, cash and a quantity of drugs, which will be examined and used in evidence.
Police say the action forms part of an ongoing operation - codenamed Foam - to infiltrate an encrypted communication system.
Operation Foam is Greater Manchester Police’s (GMP) arm of a national crackdown - Operation Venetic.
Led by the National Crime Agency, Venetic has seen law enforcement agencies across the UK join together in order to break through the “highly sophisticated” encrypted global communication service, which was being used by organised crime groups.
Detective Inspector Ian McNabb, of GMP’s Challenger Team, said: “Operation Foam is GMP’s dedicated strand of Operation Venetic, and it’s a mammoth operation that has required hours of complex and sophisticated investigative work.
“We currently have three men in custody which serves as testament to the hard work and dedication of the officers involved in the operation.
(Image: GMP)
“GMP is dedicated to ensuring our communities are kept safe and today’s result is another step forward in this mission.
“Organised criminal activity can not only have a devastating impact on individual lives but it can blight communities and GMP, alongside specialist agencies, will continue to disrupt and dismantle this activity.”
(Image: GMP)
Venetic is the UK’s biggest ever law enforcement operation, infiltrating thousands of messages.
Nationally it has seen entire organised crime groups dismantled as a result of covert analysis with hundreds of arrests, tonnes of drugs and tens of thousands of pounds seized.
Anyone with information should contact Challenger Manchester on 0161 856 3933.
Alternatively, details can be passed on anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Get breaking news first on the free Manchester Evening News app - download it here for your Apple or Android device.
You can also get a round-up of the biggest stories sent direct to your inbox every day with the MEN email newsletter - subscribe here.
And you can follow us on Facebook here.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-12-03--'Father Christmas at top of vaccine priority list', promises Prof Van-Tam

Professor Jonathan Van-Tam has promised children that Father Christmas is first in line for the coronavirus vaccine .
The UK government has approved the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine for use following a recommendation from the medical regulator , with a rollout to start next week .
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation ( JCVI ) has confirmed a priority list , which starts with elderly people in care homes .
But the deputy chief medical officer playfully said on Thursday that they 've made a 'special case ' for Santa Claus .
Asked about it by a BBC Radio 5 Live @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Oh , absolutely .
The JCVI made a very special case for Father Christmas and he is going to be absolutely at the top of our list.
” Listeners took to Twitter shortly afterwards to share their delight over the comment , with one posting : `` Great to hear from Johnathan Van-Tam that Father Christmas is amongst first in line for COVID vaccine .
News is much needed '' .
Another shared : `` Reassuring to hear Professor Van-Tam confirm on @ bbc5live that Father Christmas will be first in the queue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also spoke to the BBC about his fondness for metaphors after gaining a reputation for using them in recent press conferences .
After speaking at a Downing Street briefing on Wednesday evening , many viewers commended him for making situations easy to understand .
One Twitter user wrote : `` Who does n't love a bit of # JVT ?
No drama .
Clear relatable messaging .
Good egg . ''
Prof Van-Tam told BBC Breakfast on Thursday : “ I love metaphors .
I think they bring complex stories to life for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Referring to his metaphors , the BBC asked at what stage of the penalty shoot-out the UK is at with coronavirus .
Prof Van-Tam responded : “ If you want me to do a football analogy , then I have thought about this , I would say that , you know , it ’ s clear in the first half , the away team gave us an absolute battering , and what we ’ ve done now is it ’ s the 70th minute , they got a goal , and in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an equaliser .
“ Okay , we ’ ve got to hold our nerve now , see if we can get another goal and nick it .
“ But the key thing is not to lose it , not to throw it away at this point because we ’ ve got a point on the board , and we ’ ve got the draw .
“ So , from that perspective , what I ’ m saying is that we need more vaccines , but we also need people to realise that these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anywhere at the moment .
“ We are in for some hard winter months where people must continue to follow the guidance , they must continue to follow the guidance whether or not they ’ ve had the vaccine .
“ And , you know , let the scientists see how this vaccine programme is unfolding , see how it ’ s taking us into a different world , and we will , absolutely , give the signal to our politicians and decision-makers of what the future is beginning to look like .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ may have to be patient until maybe late spring on this one .
”

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Join the Secret Elves to get first access to our exclusive reviews of the must-have products this year.
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Join the Secret Elves to get first access to our exclusive reviews of the must-have products this year.
Professor Jonathan Van-Tam has promised children that Father Christmas is first in line for the coronavirus vaccine.
The UK government has approved the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine for use following a recommendation from the medical regulator, with a rollout to start next week.
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has confirmed a priority list, which starts with elderly people in care homes.
But the deputy chief medical officer playfully said on Thursday that they've made a 'special case' for Santa Claus.
Asked about it by a BBC Radio 5 Live listener, Prof Van-Tam responded: “Oh, absolutely. The JCVI made a very special case for Father Christmas and he is going to be absolutely at the top of our list.”
Listeners took to Twitter shortly afterwards to share their delight over the comment, with one posting: "Great to hear from Johnathan Van-Tam that Father Christmas is amongst first in line for COVID vaccine. News is much needed".
Another shared: "Reassuring to hear Professor Van-Tam confirm on @bbc5live that Father Christmas will be first in the queue for COVID-19 vaccine."
The Professor also spoke to the BBC about his fondness for metaphors after gaining a reputation for using them in recent press conferences.
After speaking at a Downing Street briefing on Wednesday evening, many viewers commended him for making situations easy to understand.
One Twitter user wrote: "Who doesn't love a bit of #JVT? No drama. Clear relatable messaging. Good egg."
Prof Van-Tam told BBC Breakfast on Thursday: “I love metaphors. I think they bring complex stories to life for people. It’s great.”
(Image: BBC)
Referring to his metaphors, the BBC asked at what stage of the penalty shoot-out the UK is at with coronavirus.
Prof Van-Tam responded: “If you want me to do a football analogy, then I have thought about this, I would say that, you know, it’s clear in the first half, the away team gave us an absolute battering, and what we’ve done now is it’s the 70th minute, they got a goal, and in the 70th minute we’ve now got an equaliser.
“Okay, we’ve got to hold our nerve now, see if we can get another goal and nick it.
“But the key thing is not to lose it, not to throw it away at this point because we’ve got a point on the board, and we’ve got the draw.
“So, from that perspective, what I’m saying is that we need more vaccines, but we also need people to realise that these are not an instant ticket out of anywhere at the moment.
“We are in for some hard winter months where people must continue to follow the guidance, they must continue to follow the guidance whether or not they’ve had the vaccine.
“And, you know, let the scientists see how this vaccine programme is unfolding, see how it’s taking us into a different world, and we will, absolutely, give the signal to our politicians and decision-makers of what the future is beginning to look like.
“Hopefully much brighter, but you may have to be patient until maybe late spring on this one.”


themanchestereveningnews--2020-12-03--Michael Owen hammers 'pathetic' Manchester United after loss to PSG

Former Manchester United striker Michael Owen has offered his verdict on the Reds ' 3-1 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League on Wednesday night .
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer 's men endured a frustrating evening for many reasons as Fred was sent off allowing the French side to pull away late in the game .
Neymar opened the scoring after six minutes only for Marcus Rashford to equalise before the break .
Marquinhos put the visitors back in front before Fred was sent off for a second yellow card , with Neymar securing the win for PSG in injury @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Champions League campaign in the balance as they now sit top of Group H ahead of PSG and RB Leipzig on only goals difference , with Solskjaer 's side needing a draw at Leipzig next week to qualify for the knockout stages of the competition .
Owen has provided his view on the defeat at Old Trafford , with the former England star discussing Fred 's sending off and Solskjaer 's decision not to substitute the midfielder after he picked up a debatable yellow card for pushing his head into Leandro Paredes .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ all around really .
It [ the clash with Paredes ] was a red card .
You ’ re a grown man , you don ’ t need to do a petulant thing like that to put your team at risk .
“ If I was a manager , and one of my players did that , he would never play for me again .
It ’ s pathetic .
Overall you have to blame Fred but also Solskjaer .
The manager has to protect him and the team in that situation so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Manchester United secured a dramatic comeback victory at Southampton on Sunday , largely thanks to Edinson Cavani 's two goals off the bench .
Bruno Fernandes ' goal set Ole Gunnar Solskjaer 's side on course to battle back from 2-0 down at St Mary 's , giving United a third successive Premier League win .
MEN Sport will bring you all the reaction and analysis from United 's win at Southampton and build-up to their Champions League clash with PSG in midweek .
You can have it all delivered straight to your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ newsletter .
Just put your email address in the sign-up box at the top of this article , or simply follow this link .
It 's free and only takes a few seconds .
On United 's chances of picking up a draw against RB Leipzig next week , Owen added : “ PSG are going to go through so basically it ’ s a shootout between Manchester United and RB Leipzig .
Both teams can score but both teams look vulnerable .
United should not go there with any fear .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Germany so I still fancy Manchester United to get a draw or a win but they ’ ve made it dangerous for themselves .
”

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
Former Manchester United striker Michael Owen has offered his verdict on the Reds' 3-1 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League on Wednesday night.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men endured a frustrating evening for many reasons as Fred was sent off allowing the French side to pull away late in the game.
Neymar opened the scoring after six minutes only for Marcus Rashford to equalise before the break. Marquinhos put the visitors back in front before Fred was sent off for a second yellow card, with Neymar securing the win for PSG in injury time.
The result leaves United's Champions League campaign in the balance as they now sit top of Group H ahead of PSG and RB Leipzig on only goals difference, with Solskjaer's side needing a draw at Leipzig next week to qualify for the knockout stages of the competition.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
Owen has provided his view on the defeat at Old Trafford, with the former England star discussing Fred's sending off and Solskjaer's decision not to substitute the midfielder after he picked up a debatable yellow card for pushing his head into Leandro Paredes.
Owen told BT Sport: “Mistakes all around really. It [the clash with Paredes] was a red card. You’re a grown man, you don’t need to do a petulant thing like that to put your team at risk.
“If I was a manager, and one of my players did that, he would never play for me again. It’s pathetic. Overall you have to blame Fred but also Solskjaer. The manager has to protect him and the team in that situation so they’re both to blame.”
On United's chances of picking up a draw against RB Leipzig next week, Owen added: “PSG are going to go through so basically it’s a shootout between Manchester United and RB Leipzig. Both teams can score but both teams look vulnerable. United should not go there with any fear.
“I think they will score goals in Germany so I still fancy Manchester United to get a draw or a win but they’ve made it dangerous for themselves.”


themanchestereveningnews--2020-12-03--'Multiple casualties' after explosion at warehouse near Bristol

Emergency services are responding to a large explosion at a warehouse near Bristol .
Medics are treating “ multiple casualties @ @ @ @ @ Avonmouth , Avon Fire and Rescue Service said .
“ We have been called to @ @ @ @ @ in a warehouse in Avonmouth on Kings Weston Lane , '' a statement reads .
@ @ @ @ @ Southmead , Yate , Patchway , Kingswood and Temple are currently attending .
We can @ @ @ @ @ on site .
“ We are joined by Avon and Somerset Police and the ambulance @ @ @ @ @ is a breaking news story and updates will appear below as we get them .

Four people have died following an explosion at a waste water treatment works near Bristol.
Emergency services were called to reports of “multiple casualties” at the scene in Avonmouth earlier today, Avon Fire and Rescue Service said.
“We have been called to a large explosion at 11.22am in a warehouse in Avonmouth on Kings Weston Lane," a statement reads.
“Crews from Avonmouth, Southmead, Yate, Patchway, Kingswood and Temple are currently attending. We can confirm there are multiple casualties on site.
“We are joined by Avon and Somerset Police and the ambulance service on site.
“The incident is ongoing.”
Chief Inspector Mark Runacres of Avon and Somerset Police has confirmed four people have died.
This is a breaking news story and updates will appear below as we get them.