themanchestereveningnews--2020-07-02--Pep Guardiola gives Phil Foden the ultimate Man City accolade

Pep Guardiola said Phil Foden can be an “ incredible player for the next ten years ” at Manchester City .
The Blues boss has been criticised for holding back the 20-year-old midfield prodigy , but Foden is now showing that approach was right by playing brilliantly at the highest level .
He scored a superb goal and played a part in two other as City thrashed champions Liverpool 4-0 at the Etihad Stadium .
Guardiola has often been guarded in his praise for Foden , concerned that he might get carried away .
But he was fulsome this time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a dream to work with .
“ What we have done with him is try to protect him so that he does n't play every game , ” said Guardiola .
“ In this period , you have to be careful in the first steps .
“ Always there is time but he has an incredible thing that makes me have no doubt he can be an incredible player for the next 10 years .
“ There was not one single day since we met each other he had a bad face @ @ @ @ @ @ @ play .
“ Every action is positive in training sessions - look forward , next one , do n't regret .
“ He 's a huge competitor , he scores incredible goals , he is so fast , defensively so strong and he is a reality .
“ He played in Old Trafford , He played today here , and against incredible top teams and he was there playing at high level but everything needs his process and his spirit.
” Foden has bided his time , but an England call-up now seems @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the top level and arguably being City ’ s best player since the resumption after the lockdown .
“ What is important is he trusts us and he wants to stay here and play with us , ” said Guardiola .
“ He is a Man City fan and you know how we take care of the academy .
Look at Eric Garcia , he plays against Salah , Firmino , Mane .
“ He 's just 18 , 19 , he took an incredible kick against Arsenal trains just three or four @ @ @ @ @ @ @ awesome .
“ He does n't make any mistakes , he is always focused , he guards the line he knows exactly what he has to do , his decision making is always right .
“ That is why we are so proud as a club to be able to count on Eric and Phil for the academy .
“ We can count on them without a doubt because we know exactly the difference is the mentality , how they train , how they listen , how they want to improve and become @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it is the best present a club and a manager can get .
Both played incredible and are a reality for our club in the next years .
”

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Pep Guardiola said Phil Foden can be an “incredible player for the next ten years” at Manchester City.
The Blues boss has been criticised for holding back the 20-year-old midfield prodigy, but Foden is now showing that approach was right by playing brilliantly at the highest level.
He scored a superb goal and played a part in two other as City thrashed champions Liverpool 4-0 at the Etihad Stadium.
Guardiola has often been guarded in his praise for Foden, concerned that he might get carried away.
But he was fulsome this time, and explained how the Stockport lad is a dream to work with.
“What we have done with him is try to protect him so that he doesn't play every game,” said Guardiola. “In this period, you have to be careful in the first steps.
“Always there is time but he has an incredible thing that makes me have no doubt he can be an incredible player for the next 10 years.
“There was not one single day since we met each other he had a bad face or bad behaviour because he didn't play.
“Every action is positive in training sessions - look forward, next one, don't regret.
“He's a huge competitor, he scores incredible goals, he is so fast, defensively so strong and he is a reality.
“He played in Old Trafford, He played today here, and against incredible top teams and he was there playing at high level but everything needs his process and his spirit.”
Foden has bided his time, but an England call-up now seems an inevitability, with him operating at the top level and arguably being City’s best player since the resumption after the lockdown.
“What is important is he trusts us and he wants to stay here and play with us,” said Guardiola.
“He is a Man City fan and you know how we take care of the academy. Look at Eric Garcia, he plays against Salah, Firmino, Mane.
“He's just 18, 19, he took an incredible kick against Arsenal trains just three or four days after ten days out and plays awesome.
“He doesn't make any mistakes, he is always focused, he guards the line he knows exactly what he has to do, his decision making is always right.
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“That is why we are so proud as a club to be able to count on Eric and Phil for the academy.
“We can count on them without a doubt because we know exactly the difference is the mentality, how they train, how they listen, how they want to improve and become better players.
“When that happens, it is the best present a club and a manager can get. Both played incredible and are a reality for our club in the next years.”


themanchestereveningnews--2020-07-02--Klopp admits Man City did something to Liverpool no other club could

Jurgen Klopp says only Manchester City could pull off a performance against his Liverpool side like they displayed on Thursday night .
Klopp 's newly-crowned Premier League champions were welcomed onto the pitch by a Guard of Honour by City players and staff , but were not a match for the Blues , who romped to a 4-0 victory .
It was only Liverpool 's second defeat of the season , and their fourth game without winning , but Klopp insisted his side were fighting for the win after celebrating their title over the weekend .
But Klopp admitted that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first half , their ability to press on and make it three before the break was something no other club could do to Liverpool .
Explaining how City punished Liverpool 's mistakes in a ruthless performance , Klopp told BBC Radio 5Live : `` The game had a lot of key moments and City used them .
That is how it is .
`` We had our moments where we were really close to make something but City were really there .
They used our mistakes , we did n't use their mistakes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it clicked more for City than for us .
But I wanted to see a brilliant attitude and I saw that , the boys were really fighting .
Nobody was like 'hey I am coming here , we do n't care ' .
We care a lot .
That is how it feels , it feels not good and it should not feel like it is .
`` If there is a team in the world that can smash us like this it is probably City but we will come again .
Make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ look differently but for tonight that is it .
`` If City are clicking it is uncomfortable to play them .
It is very uncomfortable to play us .
We had good moments but it is difficult to mention them because we lost 4-0 .
The boys showed we are ready to fight again . ''

Jurgen Klopp says only Manchester City could pull off a performance against his Liverpool side like they displayed on Thursday night.
Klopp's newly-crowned Premier League champions were welcomed onto the pitch by a Guard of Honour by City players and staff, but were not a match for the Blues, who romped to a 4-0 victory.
It was only Liverpool's second defeat of the season, and their fourth game without winning, but Klopp insisted his side were fighting for the win after celebrating their title over the weekend.
But Klopp admitted that once City had scored midway through the first half, their ability to press on and make it three before the break was something no other club could do to Liverpool.
Explaining how City punished Liverpool's mistakes in a ruthless performance, Klopp told BBC Radio 5Live: "The game had a lot of key moments and City used them. That is how it is.
"We had our moments where we were really close to make something but City were really there. They used our mistakes, we didn't use their mistakes.
"The game was open but it clicked more for City than for us. But I wanted to see a brilliant attitude and I saw that, the boys were really fighting. Nobody was like 'hey I am coming here, we don't care'. We care a lot. That is how it feels, it feels not good and it should not feel like it is.
"If there is a team in the world that can smash us like this it is probably City but we will come again. Make a few things better and it could look differently but for tonight that is it.
"If City are clicking it is uncomfortable to play them. It is very uncomfortable to play us. We had good moments but it is difficult to mention them because we lost 4-0. The boys showed we are ready to fight again."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-07-02--UK death toll rises by 89 in the last 24 hours

A further 89 deaths involving coronavirus have been recorded by the Department of Health in the last 24 hours .
The death toll now stands at 43,995 - up from 43,906 the previous day .
The Government figures do not include all deaths involving Covid-19 across the UK , which are thought to have passed 54,000 .
The Department of Health and Social Care also said in the 24-hour period up to 9am on Thursday , 252,084 tests were carried out or dispatched , with 576 positive results .
Overall , a total of 9,914,663 tests have been carried out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The figures included deaths of people who tested positive for coronavirus in hospitals , care homes and the wider community - but not suspected cases .
NHS England announced a further 35 people who tested positive for coronavirus have died in hospital in England , bringing the total number of confirmed reported deaths in hospitals in England to 28,794 .
Patients were aged between 54 and 92 years old .
Two patients , aged 54 and 84 , had no known underlying health conditions .
Public Health Wales said a further eight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Covid-19 , taking the total number of deaths to 1,524 , while the total number of cases in Wales increased by 41 to 15,815 .
In Scotland , a total of 2,487 patients have died after testing positive for coronavirus , up by one from 2,486 on Wednesday , Nicola Sturgeon said .
Speaking during the Scottish Government ’ s daily coronavirus briefing , Ms Sturgeon said 18,264 people have tested positive for the virus in Scotland , up by five from 18,259 the previous day .
There has been one further coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the total recorded by the Department of Health now at 552 .
The latest update on testing in the UK comes as new figures show that around three-quarters of people who have taken a home test for Covid-19 have waited longer than 48 hours for the result .
Data since the start of the NHS Test and Trace programme began in England shows that 74 per cent of people taking a home test waited more than 48 hours for a result , of which 21 per cent waited more than 72 hours @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( 7 per cent ) got a result within 24 hours of taking a home test , while 15 per cent got a result within 24 to 48 hours .
Scientists advising the government have said all test results should come back within 24 hours to make NHS Test and Trace effective at tracing contacts of infected people .
The new data released for the NHS Test and Trace programme also shows that for tests taken at regional test sites , which includes drive-through and walk-through testing centres , 36 per cent of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ within 24 hours .

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A further 89 deaths involving coronavirus have been recorded by the Department of Health in the last 24 hours.
The death toll now stands at 43,995 - up from 43,906 the previous day.
The Government figures do not include all deaths involving Covid-19 across the UK, which are thought to have passed 54,000.
The Department of Health and Social Care also said in the 24-hour period up to 9am on Thursday, 252,084 tests were carried out or dispatched, with 576 positive results.
Overall, a total of 9,914,663 tests have been carried out and 283,757 cases have been confirmed positive.
The figures included deaths of people who tested positive for coronavirus in hospitals, care homes and the wider community - but not suspected cases.
NHS England announced a further 35 people who tested positive for coronavirus have died in hospital in England, bringing the total number of confirmed reported deaths in hospitals in England to 28,794.
Patients were aged between 54 and 92 years old. Two patients, aged 54 and 84, had no known underlying health conditions.
Public Health Wales said a further eight people had died after testing positive for Covid-19, taking the total number of deaths to 1,524, while the total number of cases in Wales increased by 41 to 15,815.
In Scotland, a total of 2,487 patients have died after testing positive for coronavirus, up by one from 2,486 on Wednesday, Nicola Sturgeon said.
Speaking during the Scottish Government’s daily coronavirus briefing, Ms Sturgeon said 18,264 people have tested positive for the virus in Scotland, up by five from 18,259 the previous day.
There has been one further coronavirus linked death reported in Northern Ireland, with the total recorded by the Department of Health now at 552.
The latest update on testing in the UK comes as new figures show that around three-quarters of people who have taken a home test for Covid-19 have waited longer than 48 hours for the result.
Data since the start of the NHS Test and Trace programme began in England shows that 74 per cent of people taking a home test waited more than 48 hours for a result, of which 21 per cent waited more than 72 hours.
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Fewer than one in 10 people (7 per cent) got a result within 24 hours of taking a home test, while 15 per cent got a result within 24 to 48 hours.
Scientists advising the government have said all test results should come back within 24 hours to make NHS Test and Trace effective at tracing contacts of infected people.
The new data released for the NHS Test and Trace programme also shows that for tests taken at regional test sites, which includes drive-through and walk-through testing centres, 36 per cent of people across the four-week period received results within 24 hours.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-07-02--Sterling says next season starts now for Man City after Liverpool win

Raheem Sterling says next season 's title assault began with Manchester City 's 4-0 demolition of Liverpool on Thursday night .
City bettered the newly-crowned champions at the Etihad thanks to goals from Kevin de Bruyne , Sterling , Phil Foden and an Alex-Oxlade-Chamberlain own-goal .
The result wo n't change the destination of the title , but City will view the win as a morale-booster over the champions ahead of what will be a fierce title battle next season .
Speaking after the game , Sterling told Sky Sports that City had next season in mind as they approached @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for their performances season .
`` They 've been brilliant all year , we knew we had to come out strong , '' Sterling said .
`` We wanted to have a good game , we started really well and credit to the boys today .
`` We knew we were behind [ in the league ] , we were disappointed at times this season , lost some games we should n't .
It was a test against the current champions to make a point .
We did brilliantly today .
`` It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ season we go out and try to do our best .
Next season starts today and we done well . ''
Sterling saw teammate Foden impress once again , and he backed the young players coming through the ranks to continue to make an impression in the first team .
He explained : `` It 's a team that 's evolving , a team that 's changing all the time .
The players coming through like Phil , you can see the maturity he 's playing with .
He 's 20 , playing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ team for nearly eight years .
`` He 's credit to himself , every opportunity he starts , he does brilliantly .
We 've got some great players coming through . ''
And looking ahead to the rest of the season , Sterling reiterated his manager 's point that the cups are the priority going forward .
He said : `` We know we 've got the FA Cup and Champions League .
These Premier League games are leading to that , we 've got to finish strong and that will only help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Madrid in the Champions League . ''

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Raheem Sterling says next season's title assault began with Manchester City's 4-0 demolition of Liverpool on Thursday night.
City bettered the newly-crowned champions at the Etihad thanks to goals from Kevin de Bruyne, Sterling, Phil Foden and an Alex-Oxlade-Chamberlain own-goal.
The result won't change the destination of the title, but City will view the win as a morale-booster over the champions ahead of what will be a fierce title battle next season.
Speaking after the game, Sterling told Sky Sports that City had next season in mind as they approached the game, as he praised Liverpool for their performances season.
"They've been brilliant all year, we knew we had to come out strong," Sterling said.
"We wanted to have a good game, we started really well and credit to the boys today.
"We knew we were behind [in the league], we were disappointed at times this season, lost some games we shouldn't. It was a test against the current champions to make a point. We did brilliantly today.
"It's one of those ones, next season we go out and try to do our best. Next season starts today and we done well."
Sterling saw teammate Foden impress once again, and he backed the young players coming through the ranks to continue to make an impression in the first team.
He explained: "It's a team that's evolving, a team that's changing all the time. The players coming through like Phil, you can see the maturity he's playing with. He's 20, playing like he's been in the first team for nearly eight years.
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"He's credit to himself, every opportunity he starts, he does brilliantly. We've got some great players coming through."
And looking ahead to the rest of the season, Sterling reiterated his manager's point that the cups are the priority going forward.
He said: "We know we've got the FA Cup and Champions League. These Premier League games are leading to that, we've got to finish strong and that will only help in the semi's and against Real Madrid in the Champions League."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-07-02--Bayern Munich apologise to Man City as Sane deal nears completion

Manchester City have accepted an apology from an embarrassed Bayern Munich after images circulated of Leroy Sane wearing the shirt of his new team before a transfer has been confirmed .
The two clubs agreed a fee of £55m this week to allow the player to seal a switch to the Bundesliga champions , and the decision was made for Sane to prematurely end his season as well as his City career .
As the Blues were thrashing Liverpool 4-0 , the 24-year-old winger was in Munich having spent the day sorting out the final details that will allow him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ However , a deal has not yet been confirmed and the transfer window remains shut so it came as some surprise to see photographs of Sane wearing a Bayern shirt emerge online .
That prompted the German club to dash to the phone and give their Blues counterparts a call to say sorry ; City have accepted the apology .
Bayern were also forced to say sorry to City last season when their coach at the time Niko Kovac publicly stated he was confident Sane would join the club despite no offer being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Community Shield , where Sane started and suffered a cruciate ligament injury that saw him miss the majority of the season .
His only league minutes for the Blues this season came off the bench against Burnley on June 22 in what has turned out to be his final appearance for the club .

Manchester City have accepted an apology from an embarrassed Bayern Munich after images circulated of Leroy Sane wearing the shirt of his new team before a transfer has been confirmed.
The two clubs agreed a fee of £55m this week to allow the player to seal a switch to the Bundesliga champions, and the decision was made for Sane to prematurely end his season as well as his City career. As the Blues were thrashing Liverpool 4-0, the 24-year-old winger was in Munich having spent the day sorting out the final details that will allow him to sign for his new team.
However, a deal has not yet been confirmed and the transfer window remains shut so it came as some surprise to see photographs of Sane wearing a Bayern shirt emerge online. That prompted the German club to dash to the phone and give their Blues counterparts a call to say sorry; City have accepted the apology.
Bayern were also forced to say sorry to City last season when their coach at the time Niko Kovac publicly stated he was confident Sane would join the club despite no offer being forthcoming. No terms were agreed before the Community Shield, where Sane started and suffered a cruciate ligament injury that saw him miss the majority of the season.
His only league minutes for the Blues this season came off the bench against Burnley on June 22 in what has turned out to be his final appearance for the club.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-07-02--Boris Johnson's warning to anyone thinking of going down the pub this weekend

Boris Johnson will issue a warning to the public ahead of the biggest easing of lockdown measures yet .
Hospitality venues such as pubs , bars , cafés and restaurants have been given the green light to re-open from Saturday .
At Friday 's Downing Street press conference , the Prime Minister is expected to address the country , and urge people to act safely .
From Saturday , people in England will be allowed to meet those in their household and social bubble and one other household indoors or outdoors , including pubs and restaurants .
A minimum of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place .
Mr Johnson will warn the public that the country is 'not out of the woods ' and that a local lockdown in Leicester is proof that coronavirus is 'still with us . '
The hospitality industry in Leicester will not be able to re-open this weekend , after the city saw a spike in Covid-19 cases .
In an address the nation , the Prime Minister is expected to say : `` Saturday is about supporting the livelihoods of business owners and their employees up and down the country .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , libraries , museums , cinemas , and yes , pubs .
They are also hotels , B & Bs , indeed much of our tourism industry .
`` All these businesses and their workers have put in a heroic effort to prepare their venues for this reopening , to work out a way to trade in a way that keeps their customers safe .
`` But the success of these businesses , the livelihoods of those who rely on them , and ultimately the economic health of the whole country is dependent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ responsibly .
`` We must not let them down . ''
The government has issued strict guidance on measures venues must take to become 'COVID secure ' before they are able to re-open .
Venues will have to monitor and limit numbers with many taking out tables , insisting on reserving a table beforehand and asking for payment via a mobile app .
Weatherspoons have already announced that screens will be installed , one-way systems in place .
socially distanced tables , and hand sanitiser dispensers will be installed throughout pubs .
There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taking on two new staff at every pub just to regularly clean all key surfaces .
Boris Johnson is expected to add : `` Just as when we first locked down , we will only succeed in reopening if everyone works together , because we are not out of the woods yet .
`` The virus is still with us and the spike in Leicester has shown that .
If it starts running out of control again the Government will not hesitate in putting on the brakes and re-imposing restrictions .
`` Anyone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is not only putting us all at risk but letting down those businesses and workers who have done so much to prepare for this new normal .
`` So as we take this next step , our biggest step yet , on the road to recovery , I urge the British public to do so safely . ''

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Boris Johnson will issue a warning to the public ahead of the biggest easing of lockdown measures yet.
Hospitality venues such as pubs, bars, cafés and restaurants have been given the green light to re-open from Saturday.
At Friday's Downing Street press conference, the Prime Minister is expected to address the country, and urge people to act safely.
From Saturday, people in England will be allowed to meet those in their household and social bubble and one other household indoors or outdoors, including pubs and restaurants.
A minimum of one metre social distancing must remain in place.
Mr Johnson will warn the public that the country is 'not out of the woods' and that a local lockdown in Leicester is proof that coronavirus is 'still with us.'
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The hospitality industry in Leicester will not be able to re-open this weekend, after the city saw a spike in Covid-19 cases.
In an address the nation, the Prime Minister is expected to say: "Saturday is about supporting the livelihoods of business owners and their employees up and down the country.
"They are our local restaurants, hairdressers, libraries, museums, cinemas, and yes, pubs. They are also hotels, B&Bs, indeed much of our tourism industry.
"All these businesses and their workers have put in a heroic effort to prepare their venues for this reopening, to work out a way to trade in a way that keeps their customers safe.
"But the success of these businesses, the livelihoods of those who rely on them, and ultimately the economic health of the whole country is dependent on every single one of us acting responsibly.
"We must not let them down."
The government has issued strict guidance on measures venues must take to become 'COVID secure' before they are able to re-open.
Venues will have to monitor and limit numbers with many taking out tables, insisting on reserving a table beforehand and asking for payment via a mobile app.
(Image: PA)
Weatherspoons have already announced that screens will be installed, one-way systems in place. socially distanced tables, and hand sanitiser dispensers will be installed throughout pubs.
There will also be increased cleaning with them taking on two new staff at every pub just to regularly clean all key surfaces.
Boris Johnson is expected to add: "Just as when we first locked down, we will only succeed in reopening if everyone works together, because we are not out of the woods yet.
"The virus is still with us and the spike in Leicester has shown that. If it starts running out of control again the Government will not hesitate in putting on the brakes and re-imposing restrictions.
"Anyone who flouts social distancing and COVID-Secure rules is not only putting us all at risk but letting down those businesses and workers who have done so much to prepare for this new normal.
"So as we take this next step, our biggest step yet, on the road to recovery, I urge the British public to do so safely."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-07-02--Odion Ighalo lifts lid on mood in Manchester United dressing room

Odion Ighalo is happy to play the role of mentor to some of Manchester United 's youngsters , but insists the current dressing room is a `` privilege '' to be a part of .
Ighalo 's impact on the squad dynamic was praised by Ole Gunnar Solskaer at the weekend after the striker continued his perfect record in front of goal when starting for United , netting again in his fourth start for the club in the FA Cup quarter-final victory at Norwich .
The feel-good factor in the squad has been boosted by a 15-game unbeaten run but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ season , when the spirit in the United dressing room looked to have sunk to a new low .
Now Ighalo paints a picture of a squad that is having fun with its football and the results have been evident on the pitch .
And while the 31-year-old might only be on the fringes of the first-team picture , he 's happy to play the role of experienced professional in what is a young squad .
`` We have a good squad with good lads and good players , who are ready to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the team .
So it ’ s a privilege for me to join them , to play with these great lads – the young ones , the mature ones , '' Ighalo told United Review , which will be available online before United 's game with Bournemouth at Old Trafford this weekend .
`` They are good people and you see the atmosphere is always great ; people are happy coming to work to do their job , smiling and all that .
Me , I ’ m a happy guy , you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there and sharing with everyone – who is playing , who is not playing , who is down .
We just laugh and talk about everything .
I ’ m happy if the manager thinks I ’ m a great addition to the team but the squad is fantastic .
`` I am happy to always encourage the young ones as well , to push them to achieve their dream and work hard . ''
Ighalo has turned out be an ultra-reliable striking option for Solskjaer , despite the raised eyebrows that accompanied @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the end of January .
The striker has been so valuable within the squad that his loan has now been extended until the end of January next year .
His performances in cup competitions have allowed Solskjaer to rest Anthony Martial , while Marcus Rashford is now back fit to complement an impressive strike force .
Ighalo believes all three are having success because of the contrast in their styles that works well in the squad .
`` Martial is very skilful , he ’ s a direct striker .
He likes to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Rashy likes to run in behind , '' Ighalo explained of United 's joint top scorers this season .
`` I think I bring different things to the strikers we have .
I can play with my back to goal , I can keep the ball .
I ’ m strong so it ’ s different , you know , and for the different games , we play different patterns and with different strategies .
So it ’ s good to have different types of striker in order to accomplish what you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a stronger player than he was in his last Premier League stint with Watford and is more capable of pushing himself now .
The boyhood United fan has relished every minute of his unexpected chance to shine at Old Trafford and he was as impressive at Carrow Road with his work off the ball as well as on it .
`` If you can ’ t touch the ball or you can ’ t do anything with the ball , you have to unsettle the defenders so your other team-mates can move and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the striker explained .
`` It ’ s what I was trying to do in the first half ( against Norwich ) when I wasn ’ t getting too many balls .
Just keep running , keep putting pressure on them and making them make mistakes so you can have other channels for the players to go into . ''

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Odion Ighalo is happy to play the role of mentor to some of Manchester United's youngsters, but insists the current dressing room is a "privilege" to be a part of.
Ighalo's impact on the squad dynamic was praised by Ole Gunnar Solskaer at the weekend after the striker continued his perfect record in front of goal when starting for United, netting again in his fourth start for the club in the FA Cup quarter-final victory at Norwich.
The feel-good factor in the squad has been boosted by a 15-game unbeaten run but it's also a transformation from last season, when the spirit in the United dressing room looked to have sunk to a new low.
Now Ighalo paints a picture of a squad that is having fun with its football and the results have been evident on the pitch. And while the 31-year-old might only be on the fringes of the first-team picture, he's happy to play the role of experienced professional in what is a young squad.
"We have a good squad with good lads and good players, who are ready to work to give everything they have for the team. So it’s a privilege for me to join them, to play with these great lads – the young ones, the mature ones," Ighalo told United Review, which will be available online before United's game with Bournemouth at Old Trafford this weekend.
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"They are good people and you see the atmosphere is always great; people are happy coming to work to do their job, smiling and all that. Me, I’m a happy guy, you know, I’m always around there and sharing with everyone – who is playing, who is not playing, who is down. We just laugh and talk about everything. I’m happy if the manager thinks I’m a great addition to the team but the squad is fantastic.
"I am happy to always encourage the young ones as well, to push them to achieve their dream and work hard."
Ighalo has turned out be an ultra-reliable striking option for Solskjaer, despite the raised eyebrows that accompanied his loan move from Shanghai Shenhua at the end of January.
The striker has been so valuable within the squad that his loan has now been extended until the end of January next year. His performances in cup competitions have allowed Solskjaer to rest Anthony Martial, while Marcus Rashford is now back fit to complement an impressive strike force.
Ighalo believes all three are having success because of the contrast in their styles that works well in the squad.
"Martial is very skilful, he’s a direct striker. He likes to play with the ball at his feet. Rashy likes to run in behind," Ighalo explained of United's joint top scorers this season.
"I think I bring different things to the strikers we have. I can play with my back to goal, I can keep the ball. I’m strong so it’s different, you know, and for the different games, we play different patterns and with different strategies. So it’s good to have different types of striker in order to accomplish what you want."
Ighalo believes he is a stronger player than he was in his last Premier League stint with Watford and is more capable of pushing himself now.
The boyhood United fan has relished every minute of his unexpected chance to shine at Old Trafford and he was as impressive at Carrow Road with his work off the ball as well as on it.
"If you can’t touch the ball or you can’t do anything with the ball, you have to unsettle the defenders so your other team-mates can move and do something with the ball," the striker explained.
"It’s what I was trying to do in the first half (against Norwich) when I wasn’t getting too many balls. Just keep running, keep putting pressure on them and making them make mistakes so you can have other channels for the players to go into."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-07-02--Man City ruthlessly dismantle Liverpool FC to prove Guardiola right

This could be dressed up as a statement performance from Manchester City , the 2018 and 2019 Premier League champions reacting to their guard of honour to embarrass the 2020 winners and ridicule suggestions that Liverpool could be unstoppable for years .
And it was .
Goals from Kevin De Bruyne , Raheem Sterling , and Phil Foden had the Blues 3-0 up at the break against a full-strength Liverpool XI , with a fourth meaning Alisson conceded as many goals in this game as he had in the previous 17 league matches .
For Pep Guardiola though , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been saying for some time : his team are really not that far away from Liverpool , despite what the yawning points gap in the table would suggest .
The match itself was far closer than the scoreline indicated .
A high level from both teams was on display from the off , with Gabriel Jesus finding the net from an offside position in the third minute before Mo Salah forced Ederson into his first save seconds later .
Salah soon went even closer , striking the post as Liverpool pressed high @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been evident in far too many games across the Blues backline .
If defensive errors have been one reason for City 's failed title defence , wastefulness in front of goal has been another .
The sight of Tottenham battered by Sheffield United in the early kick-off brought back unpleasant memories of both meetings with the North London side this season where the Blues completely outclassed them and yet managed to drop five points .
Here , everything came together perfectly as Guardiola 's side scored three goals from their first three shots @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has n't enjoyed many of these meetings since moving down the M62 in 2015 , earned the first with a turn in the box that was too clever for Joe Gomez to handle , the defender forced to grapple the player to try and stop him and only succeeding in conceding a penalty .
Kevin De Bruyne , the best player at the club and in the league , showcased his talent for penalties with a fearless finish past Alisson for his fourth consecutive success from the spot .
Within ten minutes , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ involved Benjamin Mendy , Ilkay Gundogan , and Gabriel Jesus before Phil Foden picked out Sterling to cut inside Gomez and nutmeg the defender as the ball nestled into the net .
Then it was Foden 's turn to star .
The 20-year-old came close to starting the reverse fixture but eventually had to settle for a place on the bench and another chorus of questions around his future .
This performance , his latest outstanding display , gave the strongest suggestion yet that his long wait is over and his goal was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ De Bruyne before a flawless right-footed finish from the edge of the box .
Foden is worth lingering on because of how important he is to City 's future .
It was a significant call from Guardiola to pick him ahead of Riyad Mahrez , David Silva , and Bernardo Silva and even more so because it was in a right-wing position that he has so rarely featured .
Similarly in defence , the youth of Eric Garcia was chosen ahead of the experience of John Stones or Nicolas Otamendi .
City may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alluded to this week , but these two players look central to their plans for years to come and showed on Thursday that they can deliver against a team that has already been lauded as one of the best ever seen in English football .
The average age of 25.09 that started this game was considerably down on their season average in the league ( 25.59 ) , signalling there is plenty of life left in this team .
Having blasted Liverpool away in the first 45 minutes , after the break City @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and controlled the football .
It was a terrific effort collectively in defence , with Rodri in particular helping to shield the backline whenever they were threatened .
De Bruyne helped ensure the home team still regularly threatened and it was another delicious pass from him , rolled along the floor with the accuracy of a crown-green bowler , that put it on a plate for Sterling to add a fourth , via Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain 's deflection .
A clean sheet was the icing on the cake , and an apology from Bayern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ securing his move to the Bundesliga champions made the evening even sweeter .
If Liverpool fans can brush off the result after a week of celebrating , it at least gets a monkey off City 's back for the next time these teams meet .
The Anfield hoodoo has not yet been ended but this was a victory on home soil for the second successive year and a second victory in three meetings this season if the Community Shield is included .
That , contradicting the table , points towards the teams beginning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jurgen Klopp showed with his selection at the Etihad that his team are determined to take as many records as possible from City 's Centurions , making a point of talking up their professionalism before the game .
Those milestones are still there to be gone for , but such a stinging defeat not only narrows the margin for error but also chips away at that invincible feeling .
City , meanwhile , can be buoyed for the big targets that they have lined up for the rest of the season .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for their league campaign but this level of ruthless , clinical attacking will encourage Guardiola for the FA Cup and Champions League - and for next season .
Those trophies were always seen as more important for how the Blues react to losing their Premier League title , and still will be , but this performance and results can only help City to close a gap that looks a lot smaller now .

This could be dressed up as a statement performance from Manchester City, the 2018 and 2019 Premier League champions reacting to their guard of honour to embarrass the 2020 winners and ridicule suggestions that Liverpool could be unstoppable for years.
And it was. Goals from Kevin De Bruyne, Raheem Sterling, and Phil Foden had the Blues 3-0 up at the break against a full-strength Liverpool XI, with a fourth meaning Alisson conceded as many goals in this game as he had in the previous 17 league matches.
For Pep Guardiola though, it was also a vindication of what he has been saying for some time: his team are really not that far away from Liverpool, despite what the yawning points gap in the table would suggest.
The match itself was far closer than the scoreline indicated. A high level from both teams was on display from the off, with Gabriel Jesus finding the net from an offside position in the third minute before Mo Salah forced Ederson into his first save seconds later. Salah soon went even closer, striking the post as Liverpool pressed high and hunted for the faults that have been evident in far too many games across the Blues backline.
If defensive errors have been one reason for City's failed title defence, wastefulness in front of goal has been another. The sight of Tottenham battered by Sheffield United in the early kick-off brought back unpleasant memories of both meetings with the North London side this season where the Blues completely outclassed them and yet managed to drop five points.
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Here, everything came together perfectly as Guardiola's side scored three goals from their first three shots on target.
Raheem Sterling, who hasn't enjoyed many of these meetings since moving down the M62 in 2015, earned the first with a turn in the box that was too clever for Joe Gomez to handle, the defender forced to grapple the player to try and stop him and only succeeding in conceding a penalty.
Kevin De Bruyne, the best player at the club and in the league, showcased his talent for penalties with a fearless finish past Alisson for his fourth consecutive success from the spot.
Within ten minutes, it was 2-0. A lightning break involved Benjamin Mendy, Ilkay Gundogan, and Gabriel Jesus before Phil Foden picked out Sterling to cut inside Gomez and nutmeg the defender as the ball nestled into the net.
Then it was Foden's turn to star. The 20-year-old came close to starting the reverse fixture but eventually had to settle for a place on the bench and another chorus of questions around his future. This performance, his latest outstanding display, gave the strongest suggestion yet that his long wait is over and his goal was superb, a crisp one-two exchanged with De Bruyne before a flawless right-footed finish from the edge of the box.
Foden is worth lingering on because of how important he is to City's future.
It was a significant call from Guardiola to pick him ahead of Riyad Mahrez, David Silva, and Bernardo Silva and even more so because it was in a right-wing position that he has so rarely featured. Similarly in defence, the youth of Eric Garcia was chosen ahead of the experience of John Stones or Nicolas Otamendi.
City may need a rebuild, as the manager alluded to this week, but these two players look central to their plans for years to come and showed on Thursday that they can deliver against a team that has already been lauded as one of the best ever seen in English football.
The average age of 25.09 that started this game was considerably down on their season average in the league (25.59), signalling there is plenty of life left in this team.
Having blasted Liverpool away in the first 45 minutes, after the break City then did what they do so well and controlled the football. It was a terrific effort collectively in defence, with Rodri in particular helping to shield the backline whenever they were threatened.
De Bruyne helped ensure the home team still regularly threatened and it was another delicious pass from him, rolled along the floor with the accuracy of a crown-green bowler, that put it on a plate for Sterling to add a fourth, via Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's deflection.
A clean sheet was the icing on the cake, and an apology from Bayern Munich following leaked pictures of Leroy Sane securing his move to the Bundesliga champions made the evening even sweeter.
If Liverpool fans can brush off the result after a week of celebrating, it at least gets a monkey off City's back for the next time these teams meet. The Anfield hoodoo has not yet been ended but this was a victory on home soil for the second successive year and a second victory in three meetings this season if the Community Shield is included. That, contradicting the table, points towards the teams beginning next season as equals and rivals.
Jurgen Klopp showed with his selection at the Etihad that his team are determined to take as many records as possible from City's Centurions, making a point of talking up their professionalism before the game. Those milestones are still there to be gone for, but such a stinging defeat not only narrows the margin for error but also chips away at that invincible feeling.
City, meanwhile, can be buoyed for the big targets that they have lined up for the rest of the season. It may be too little, too late for their league campaign but this level of ruthless, clinical attacking will encourage Guardiola for the FA Cup and Champions League - and for next season.
Those trophies were always seen as more important for how the Blues react to losing their Premier League title, and still will be, but this performance and results can only help City to close a gap that looks a lot smaller now.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-07-02--Manchester City vs Liverpool LIVE highlights

Manchester City will give Liverpool a guard of honour before tonight 's Premier League clash between the two at the @ @ @ @ @ at Chelsea last time out in the league confirmed Liverpool as champions , and manager @ @ @ @ @ the Blues will honour their visitors with the gesture before kick off .
After winning @ @ @ @ @ two seasons , City face the new champions looking to reclaim some pride - and @ @ @ @ @ search to beat City 's 2017/18 total of 100 points .
Pep Guardiola will once @ @ @ @ @ as he continues to recover from knee surgery , which Fernandinho serves the second match @ @ @ @ @ Eric Garcia could feature after returning to training following his concussion injury against Arsenal a @ @ @ @ @ will not feature as he finalises a move to Bayern Munich in Germany .
Follow @ @ @ @ @ , live match updates and post-match reaction from the Etihad throughout the night .

newsdesk@men-news.co.uk (Stuart Brennan, Simon Bajkowski, Joe Bray)

Manchester City will give Liverpool a guard of honour before tonight's Premier League clash between the two at the Etihad.
City's defeat at Chelsea last time out in the league confirmed Liverpool as champions, and manager Pep Guardiola has since said the Blues will honour their visitors with the gesture before kick off.
After winning the title for the last two seasons, City face the new champions looking to reclaim some pride - and slow Liverpool down in their search to beat City's 2017/18 total of 100 points.
Pep Guardiola will once again be without Sergio Aguero as he continues to recover from knee surgery, which Fernandinho serves the second match of a two-game suspension.
Eric Garcia could feature after returning to training following his concussion injury against Arsenal a fortnight ago. Leroy Sane will not feature as he finalises a move to Bayern Munich in Germany.
Follow below for all the build-up, live match updates and post-match reaction from the Etihad throughout the night.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-07-02--Man City player ratings as Foden leads Blues demolition

One save from Salah , but his possession football with the back four was spot-on .
7 Great cross-field ball , silly header , but his aggression in defence was key to containing Liverpool 7 Never looked fazed by a dangerous attack , playing football out of defence like a veteran .
8 Strong and decisive when needed , after seeing Salah skate past him and hit the post .
8 Switched off a couple of times early on but he improved enormously at both ends .
8 Matched that Liverpool physicality in midfield and linked up beautifully with Gundogan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but some of his passing and link-up work were of the highest quality .
8 Scored from the spot , and played a key role in the second and third , and was all-round excellent !
9 Mture performance n many ways , but brimming with youthful vim , technical quality and goal threat .
Superb .
9 Had a tough time against van Dijk , but fluffed a great chance he created for himself and was instantly hauled off .
6 His first two league goals against his old club were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to win the penalty 8 ( for Jesus 58 ) joined in the fun 7 ( for Walker 73 ) no time to mark

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Ederson
One save from Salah, but his possession football with the back four was spot-on. 7
Kyle Walker
Great cross-field ball, silly header, but his aggression in defence was key to containing Liverpool. 7
Eric Garcia
Never looked fazed by a dangerous attack, playing football out of defence like a veteran. 8
Aymeric Laporte
Strong and decisive when needed, after seeing Salah skate past him and hit the post. 8
Benjamin Mendy
Switched off a couple of times early on but he improved enormously at both ends. 8
Rodri
Matched that Liverpool physicality in midfield and linked up beautifully with Gundogan. 8
Ilkay Gundogan
Couple of nervy moments early, but some of his passing and link-up work were of the highest quality. 8
Kevin De Bruyne
Scored from the spot, and played a key role in the second and third, and was all-round excellent! 9
Phil Foden
Mture performance n many ways, but brimming with youthful vim, technical quality and goal threat. Superb. 9
Gabriel Jesus
Had a tough time against van Dijk, but fluffed a great chance he created for himself and was instantly hauled off. 6
Raheem Sterling
His first two league goals against his old club were well deserved - and he did superbly to win the penalty. 8
Subs
Riyad Mahrez
(for Jesus 58) joined in the fun. 7
Joao Cancelo
(for Walker 73) no time to mark.
Nicolas Otamendi
(for Laporte 78) no time.
Bernardo Silva
(for Sterling 78) no time.
Not used: Bravo, Stones, Zinchenko, D. Silva, Doyle


themanchestereveningnews--2020-07-02--Police appeal for help to trace man, 34, wanted on recall to prison

Police are hunting a man from Gorton who is wanted on recall to prison .
James Keighron was released from @ @ @ @ @ being sentenced in July 2019 , for making threats to kill .
The 34-year-old was @ @ @ @ @ he abided by certain terms .
He is now wanted by police in connection with @ @ @ @ @ licence .
Keighron is thought to have links to the Gorton , Openshaw and Droylsden @ @ @ @ @ In a statement , GMP said : `` Police are appealing for the public ’ @ @ @ @ @ wanted man from the Gorton area of Manchester .
`` James Keighron was released from @ @ @ @ @ being jailed in July 2019 for threats to kill .
`` He is wanted on @ @ @ @ @ the conditions of his licence .
`` He has connections to the Gorton , Openshaw @ @ @ @ @ Manchester . ''
Anybody with information regarding the whereabouts of Keighron should contact police on @ @ @ @ @ the independent charity Crimestoppers , anonymously , on 0800 555 111 .

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Police are hunting a man from Gorton who is wanted on recall to prison.
James Keighron was released from jail in May 2020 after being sentenced in July 2019, for making threats to kill.
The 34-year-old was let out on the condition he abided by certain terms.
He is now wanted by police in connection with breaching the conditions of his licence.
Keighron is thought to have links to the Gorton, Openshaw and Droylsden areas of Greater Manchester.
In a statement, GMP said: "Police are appealing for the public’s help in tracing a wanted man from the Gorton area of Manchester.
"James Keighron was released from prison in May 2020 after being jailed in July 2019 for threats to kill.
"He is wanted on recall to prison after breaching the conditions of his licence.
"He has connections to the Gorton, Openshaw and Droylsden areas of Greater Manchester."
Anybody with information regarding the whereabouts of Keighron should contact police on 0161 856 3508 or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-07-02--Police incident in Chorlton as officers seal off street

Police have sealed off a street in Chorlton as officers deal with an ongoing incident .
A cordon is currently @ @ @ @ @ , at the junction of Brannocks Road .
Local residents have reported seeing four police @ @ @ @ @ detectives at the scene .
The nature of the incident has not been confirmed by @ @ @ @ @ scene show a police cordon stretching along a number of residential properties .
A police @ @ @ @ @ end of the road , with officers guarding the cordon .
Greater Manchester Police have @ @ @ @ @ on the incident .

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Police have sealed off a street in Chorlton as officers deal with an ongoing incident.
A cordon is currently in place on Badminton Road, at the junction of Brannocks Road.
Local residents have reported seeing four police cars, an ambulance and detectives at the scene.
The nature of the incident has not been confirmed by GMP.
(Image: MEN Media)
Pictures from the scene show a police cordon stretching along a number of residential properties.
A police car is parked at either end of the road, with officers guarding the cordon.
Greater Manchester Police have been contacted for more details on the incident.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-07-02--Griezmann 'open to Manchester United switch' and more transfer rumours

Antoine Griezmann would be open to a move to Manchester United this summer if he has to leave Barcelona , according to reports .
The World Cup winner made waves with his massive £108million move from Atletico Madrid to Barcelona in the summer but things have n't gone to plan since arriving at the Camp Nou .
Griezmann has managed just eight goals in La Liga so far , with his last strike coming eight matches ago , and the Catalans now look destined to lose out on the league title to bitter rivals Real Madrid after dropping points in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did n't start in either of those matches and it appears that a rift has formed with manager Quique Setien .
As a result , reports in Spain from Mundo Deportivo suggest that he could leave Barcelona after just a season .
It 's reported that should Barca look to move on Griezmann , then he would be willing to making the switch to the Premier League with either United or neighbours Manchester City .
However , it 's later claimed that Setien is more likely to have a swift exit from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chance to start over with whoever his replacement is .
While United are hoping to add to their attacking ranks this summer , MEN Sport do not understand Griezmann to be a current target for the club .
Griezmann is now 29 , out of United 's ideal age range for signings , and the club would prefer to recruit top homegrown talent in the summer transfer window .
That would include players such as Borussia Dortmund star Jadon Sancho , for example , though United reportedly have until the start of September @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The 20-year-old is Ole Gunnar Solskjaer 's top target but it 's reported by German publication WAZ that Dortmund will hold onto the England international if a deal isn ’ t completed before the start of the new league season in September .
The summer transfer window will remain open until October 5 , but it is suggested Dortmund won ’ t entertain any player sales once the Bundesliga returns a month earlier .

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Antoine Griezmann would be open to a move to Manchester United this summer if he has to leave Barcelona, according to reports.
The World Cup winner made waves with his massive £108million move from Atletico Madrid to Barcelona in the summer but things haven't gone to plan since arriving at the Camp Nou.
Griezmann has managed just eight goals in La Liga so far, with his last strike coming eight matches ago, and the Catalans now look destined to lose out on the league title to bitter rivals Real Madrid after dropping points in two games in succession.
The Frenchman didn't start in either of those matches and it appears that a rift has formed with manager Quique Setien. As a result, reports in Spain from Mundo Deportivo suggest that he could leave Barcelona after just a season.
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It's reported that should Barca look to move on Griezmann, then he would be willing to making the switch to the Premier League with either United or neighbours Manchester City. However, it's later claimed that Setien is more likely to have a swift exit from the club and Griezmann will be given a chance to start over with whoever his replacement is.
While United are hoping to add to their attacking ranks this summer, MEN Sport do not understand Griezmann to be a current target for the club.
Griezmann is now 29, out of United's ideal age range for signings, and the club would prefer to recruit top homegrown talent in the summer transfer window.
That would include players such as Borussia Dortmund star Jadon Sancho, for example, though United reportedly have until the start of September to complete a deal for the winger.
The 20-year-old is Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's top target but it's reported by German publication WAZ that Dortmund will hold onto the England international if a deal isn’t completed before the start of the new league season in September.
The summer transfer window will remain open until October 5, but it is suggested Dortmund won’t entertain any player sales once the Bundesliga returns a month earlier.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-07-02--Liverpool FC fans fume after Man City's guard of honour

Liverpool fans have been left furious with Manchester City 's 'disrespectful ' guard of honour before their match on Thursday night .
Liverpool were crowned Premier League champions for the first time in their history last week as City lost 2-1 at Chelsea sparking wild celebrations on Merseyside .
While it meant Jurgen Klopp 's side could n't get the satisfaction of winning the title at their great rival 's own stadium , it did mean that they would be given the traditional guard of honour for champions before the match kicked off .
Pep Guardiola confirmed before the game @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and did line up outside the tunnel to applaud their opponents on to the field .
However , some City players stopped clapping before every Liverpool player had even left the tunnel and then left the lines before the entire team had walked through .
This has caused anger amongst some Liverpool supporters who believe their team has n't been shown the respect they deserve .
You can see a selection of their reactions below : Guardiola is hoping to use the game against the champions as a way to see how ready @ @ @ @ @ @ @ games against Arsenal in the FA Cup and Real Madrid in the Champions League - though he does n't believe the result will have any bearing on next season 's title fight .
`` We 're playing against the champions so we need two victories and one draw to qualify for the Champions League next season and a real game against a real good opponent to see how is our moment for the semi-finals against Arsenal and game against Madrid , '' he told Sky Sports .
`` I think football life changes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want to do a good performance against this team but next season will be a new season , new targets in the Premier League we have a champion .
There are five , six teams to qualify for the Champions League next season . ''

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Liverpool fans have been left furious with Manchester City's 'disrespectful' guard of honour before their match on Thursday night.
Liverpool were crowned Premier League champions for the first time in their history last week as City lost 2-1 at Chelsea sparking wild celebrations on Merseyside.
While it meant Jurgen Klopp's side couldn't get the satisfaction of winning the title at their great rival's own stadium, it did mean that they would be given the traditional guard of honour for champions before the match kicked off.
Pep Guardiola confirmed before the game that City would be upholding the tradition and did line up outside the tunnel to applaud their opponents on to the field.
However, some City players stopped clapping before every Liverpool player had even left the tunnel and then left the lines before the entire team had walked through.
This has caused anger amongst some Liverpool supporters who believe their team hasn't been shown the respect they deserve.
You can see a selection of their reactions below:
Guardiola is hoping to use the game against the champions as a way to see how ready his side is for the crucial upcoming games against Arsenal in the FA Cup and Real Madrid in the Champions League - though he doesn't believe the result will have any bearing on next season's title fight.
"We're playing against the champions so we need two victories and one draw to qualify for the Champions League next season and a real game against a real good opponent to see how is our moment for the semi-finals against Arsenal and game against Madrid," he told Sky Sports.
"I think football life changes week by week so of course we want to do a good performance against this team but next season will be a new season, new targets in the Premier League we have a champion. There are five, six teams to qualify for the Champions League next season."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-07-02--Man City vs Liverpool FC disrupted by barrage of fireworks

Manchester City 's match against Liverpool has been disrupted by fireworks in the opening stages in the Premier League encounter @ @ @ @ @ played behind closed doors there is n't much of an atmosphere at games at the @ @ @ @ @ in making quite a bit of noise by setting off fireworks for near a full @ @ @ @ @ minutes of the match , somewhere beyond the south stand at the Etihad Stadium .
@ @ @ @ @ having been crowned champions of England for the first time in 30 years after finally @ @ @ @ @ The long-awaited triumph sparked wild protests across the weekend in the city and led to @ @ @ @ @ was fired at the Liver building .
City 's official Twitter account took the incident @ @ @ @ @ : `` Lots of fireworks can be heard from outside the Etihad - nice to @ @ @ @ @ victory hasn ’ t been forgotten just yet ! ''

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Manchester City's match against Liverpool has been disrupted by fireworks in the opening stages in the Premier League encounter.
With matches now being played behind closed doors there isn't much of an atmosphere at games at the moment but some fans succeeded in making quite a bit of noise by setting off fireworks for near a full minute in the opening 10 minutes of the match, somewhere beyond the south stand at the Etihad Stadium.
Liverpool came into the match having been crowned champions of England for the first time in 30 years after finally winning the Premier League.
The long-awaited triumph sparked wild protests across the weekend in the city and led to an incident when a firework was fired at the Liver building.
City's official Twitter account took the incident in good humour and Tweeted: "Lots of fireworks can be heard from outside the Etihad - nice to hear March's Carabao Cup victory hasn’t been forgotten just yet!"


themanchestereveningnews--2020-07-02--Pictures: Man City vs Liverpool FC in Premier League match

Manchester City host the new Premier League champions Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium Manchester City are playing host to Liverpool @ @ @ @ @ The Blues will form a guard of honour for the newly-crowned Premier League champions before @ @ @ @ @ be looking to prove a point against the Merseysiders , who have deposed them as @ @ @ @ @ same time going a long way to confirming the runners-up spot and a place in @ @ @ @ @ , meanwhile , have stated that they 're not planning to take their foot off @ @ @ @ @ to break several Premier League records by maintaining their outstanding form this season .
See @ @ @ @ @ the Etihad Stadium through the evening below .

Manchester City host the new Premier League champions Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium
Manchester City are playing host to Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium.
The Blues will form a guard of honour for the newly-crowned Premier League champions before the kick-off.
City will be looking to prove a point against the Merseysiders, who have deposed them as champions, while at the same time going a long way to confirming the runners-up spot and a place in the top four.
Liverpool, meanwhile, have stated that they're not planning to take their foot off the pedal and are aiming to break several Premier League records by maintaining their outstanding form this season.
See all the best images from the Etihad Stadium through the evening below.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-07-02--Manchester United evening headlines as Gomes makes plans

Here are your Manchester United evening headlines for Thursday July 2 .
Following his release by Manchester United , Angel Gomes , who was offered a contract earlier this year , is targeting a move abroad as he seeks regular first-team football .
Sources close to the 19-year-old confirmed to MEN that he is yet to settle on his new club after rejecting United ’ s contract offer , but clubs in Spain , Germany , France , and Portugal have made known their interest as the England youth international considers his options .
In an official statement , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ summer after joining the academy aged six .
“ Manchester United can confirm that Angel Gomes has not taken up the offer of a new contract and has , therefore , left the club , ” a statement read .
“ Everybody at Manchester United would like to wish Angel the very best of luck for the future and thank him for his efforts for the club.
” Gomes was frustrated with the lack of first-team opportunities , especially due to having not played since January 11 and missing out on the matchday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Laird explains what he wanted to show After making his debut for the United first-team earlier this year , young defender Ethan Laird discussed his feelings on the night and what he wanted to show Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as he looked to establish himself in the senior set-up .
“ There was a little bit of rumour , ” Laird told when asked about the news breaking that he would get to make his first-team debut .
“ Then we got told the day before , and it was just a great experience @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 'Right , I 'm just happy to be here and if I play then wow . '
” Laird made two appearances for United earlier in the season , both in the Europa League .
He played the full 90 minutes in a 2-1 defeat to FC Astana before then playing the final 22 minutes of a 4-0 victory over AZ Alkmaar .
“ Then you hear that you are playing and you start feeling the nerves , I start feeling excited because I can now show what I am about to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ explained .
“ I wanted to let Ole know that I 'm ready for this , that I can hack this level of football .
So yeah , it was exciting finding out .
“ Making my debut in itself I just remember walking around the pitch .
When I get on the pitch I do n't get any nerves because I know like I am focused and locked in .
“ But when I walked out onto the pitch because the stadium was closed in the noise just bounced from wall to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ obviously you 're hearing the music you hear on TV .
I was buzzing , but when you 're playing you notice the crowd , but you do n't tap into the crowd unless the ball is out of play.
” Jack Grealish ’ s former head coach at Aston Villa believes that a transfer to Manchester United is already done .
United are the frontrunners to sign Grealish this summer , who is expected to leave Villa whether they are relegated or not .
Villa currently sit 18th in the Premier League @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tim Sherwood believes that the deal has already been done .
“ I think Jack Grealish is a deal which is already done , ” Sherwood told Premier League Productions .
“ He ’ s a player that they [ Manchester United ] need .
I honestly believe there ’ s only one club for Jack Grealish .
“ I don ’ t think he can stay at Aston Villa , he needs to progress his career .
I think he signs for Manchester United .
”

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Here are your Manchester United evening headlines for Thursday July 2.
Angel Gomes' plans after United exit
Following his release by Manchester United, Angel Gomes, who was offered a contract earlier this year, is targeting a move abroad as he seeks regular first-team football.
Sources close to the 19-year-old confirmed to MEN that he is yet to settle on his new club after rejecting United’s contract offer, but clubs in Spain, Germany, France, and Portugal have made known their interest as the England youth international considers his options.
In an official statement, the club confirmed that Gomes will depart this summer after joining the academy aged six.
“Manchester United can confirm that Angel Gomes has not taken up the offer of a new contract and has, therefore, left the club,” a statement read. “Everybody at Manchester United would like to wish Angel the very best of luck for the future and thank him for his efforts for the club.”
Gomes was frustrated with the lack of first-team opportunities, especially due to having not played since January 11 and missing out on the matchday squad entirely on several occasions.
Ethan Laird explains what he wanted to show
After making his debut for the United first-team earlier this year, young defender Ethan Laird discussed his feelings on the night and what he wanted to show Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as he looked to establish himself in the senior set-up.
“There was a little bit of rumour,” Laird told Three Point Start when asked about the news breaking that he would get to make his first-team debut. “Then we got told the day before, and it was just a great experience in itself. I was just like, 'Right, I'm just happy to be here and if I play then wow.'”
Laird made two appearances for United earlier in the season, both in the Europa League. He played the full 90 minutes in a 2-1 defeat to FC Astana before then playing the final 22 minutes of a 4-0 victory over AZ Alkmaar.
“Then you hear that you are playing and you start feeling the nerves, I start feeling excited because I can now show what I am about to everyone who is watching,” he explained. “I wanted to let Ole know that I'm ready for this, that I can hack this level of football. So yeah, it was exciting finding out.
“Making my debut in itself I just remember walking around the pitch. When I get on the pitch I don't get any nerves because I know like I am focused and locked in.
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.
“But when I walked out onto the pitch because the stadium was closed in the noise just bounced from wall to wall and it was loud, and obviously you're hearing the music you hear on TV. I was buzzing, but when you're playing you notice the crowd, but you don't tap into the crowd unless the ball is out of play.”
Grealish coach says United transfer done
Jack Grealish’s former head coach at Aston Villa believes that a transfer to Manchester United is already done.
United are the frontrunners to sign Grealish this summer, who is expected to leave Villa whether they are relegated or not. Villa currently sit 18th in the Premier League, one point from safety, and Tim Sherwood believes that the deal has already been done.
“I think Jack Grealish is a deal which is already done,” Sherwood told Premier League Productions. “He’s a player that they [Manchester United] need. I honestly believe there’s only one club for Jack Grealish.
“I don’t think he can stay at Aston Villa, he needs to progress his career. I think he signs for Manchester United.”


themanchestereveningnews--2020-07-02--Man City boss Pep Guardiola explains Eric Garcia inclusion against Liverpool FC

Pep Guardiola says that Eric Garcia is more than ready to return to the Manchester City starting XI for tonight 's match against Liverpool .
Garcia started City 's first game back in action after the coronavirus-induced break against Arsenal on June 17 and played well but had to be substituted late on after a sickening collision with his own goalkeeper Ederson .
The Spaniard received 10 minutes of treatment before being stretchered off and taken to hospital , where he spent the night before being discharged the following morning .
Garcia then had to spend 10 days recovering due @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and has missed the last thee games but Guardiola has revealed that he would have been fine to return after just four or five days and has no concerns at all about him starting against the champions .
`` No , he was okay after four or five days , '' Guardiola told Sky Sports when asked if Garcia had come back to action quicker than he expected .
`` But the protocol said it had to be 10 days off and he was training the last four or five days good , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' When the fixture list was released last year many expected tonight 's game to be a title decider but things have n't gone as City would have liked and Liverpool have already been crowned as Premier League champions .
Although the match is now a dead rubber , Guardiola wants his team to use it as a way to prepare for their vital upcoming games in the FA Cup and Champions League - but does n't think the result will have any impact on next season 's title race .
`` No @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thing still , '' the Blues boss added when asked if the circumstances of the match were strange .
`` We 're playing against the champions so we need two victories and one draw to qualify for the Champions League next season and a real game against a real good opponent to see how is our moment for the semi-finals against Arsenal and game against Madrid .
`` I think football life changes week by week so of course we want to do a good performance against this team but next season will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the Premier League , we have a champion .
There are five , six teams [ who can ] qualify for the Champions League next season . ''

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Pep Guardiola says that Eric Garcia is more than ready to return to the Manchester City starting XI for tonight's match against Liverpool.
Garcia started City's first game back in action after the coronavirus-induced break against Arsenal on June 17 and played well but had to be substituted late on after a sickening collision with his own goalkeeper Ederson.
The Spaniard received 10 minutes of treatment before being stretchered off and taken to hospital, where he spent the night before being discharged the following morning.
Garcia then had to spend 10 days recovering due to the Premier League's concussion protocols and has missed the last thee games but Guardiola has revealed that he would have been fine to return after just four or five days and has no concerns at all about him starting against the champions.
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"No, he was okay after four or five days," Guardiola told Sky Sports when asked if Garcia had come back to action quicker than he expected. "But the protocol said it had to be 10 days off and he was training the last four or five days good, so we decide to play him."
When the fixture list was released last year many expected tonight's game to be a title decider but things haven't gone as City would have liked and Liverpool have already been crowned as Premier League champions.
Although the match is now a dead rubber, Guardiola wants his team to use it as a way to prepare for their vital upcoming games in the FA Cup and Champions League - but doesn't think the result will have any impact on next season's title race.
"No spectators, that is the most special thing still," the Blues boss added when asked if the circumstances of the match were strange.
"We're playing against the champions so we need two victories and one draw to qualify for the Champions League next season and a real game against a real good opponent to see how is our moment for the semi-finals against Arsenal and game against Madrid.
"I think football life changes week by week so of course we want to do a good performance against this team but next season will be a new season, new targets in the Premier League, we have a champion. There are five, six teams [who can] qualify for the Champions League next season."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-07-02--When Manchester United and Man City fans could be allowed back into stadiums

Test events are set to be held as early as this month in preparation for certain sports to potentially open their doors to fans in August .
report that the events will be held under an observation programme with plans in place to open doors to fans for the first time in August should everything go to plan .
Certain sports , which could well include the Premier League and the EFL , will be allowed to let fans into games for the first time in August .
It is anticipated that all sports would then be allowed to welcome @ @ @ @ @ @ @ early September , with strict social distancing restrictions in place .
That means that stadiums would not be allowed to open at full capacity at the start of next season - which would obviously impact the level of crowds allowed at a Premier League and Championship level .
It could well see both Manchester United and Manchester City open their grounds at a reduced capacity at the start of next season .
How this will realistically look is currently unknown but it will likely mean empty seats between fans in a similar way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at behind-closed-doors matches since football 's resumption .
It is news that will also come as a boost to lower-league clubs , who are more dependent on gate receipts for their income .
The start date for next season has not been revealed as of yet but it is anticipated that there will be a quick turnaround after the end of this campaign in order to lessen the impact the three-month break for the coronavirus will have had on the football calendar .
With this current campaign set to finish at the end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in August , it is expected that next season will start in early September .
That will give the majority of clubs a month off from competitive matches .

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Test events are set to be held as early as this month in preparation for certain sports to potentially open their doors to fans in August.
Football.London report that the events will be held under an observation programme with plans in place to open doors to fans for the first time in August should everything go to plan.
Certain sports, which could well include the Premier League and the EFL, will be allowed to let fans into games for the first time in August.
It is anticipated that all sports would then be allowed to welcome fans into stadiums in late August and early September, with strict social distancing restrictions in place.
That means that stadiums would not be allowed to open at full capacity at the start of next season - which would obviously impact the level of crowds allowed at a Premier League and Championship level.
It could well see both Manchester United and Manchester City open their grounds at a reduced capacity at the start of next season.
How this will realistically look is currently unknown but it will likely mean empty seats between fans in a similar way to how substitutes have been spaced out at behind-closed-doors matches since football's resumption.
It is news that will also come as a boost to lower-league clubs, who are more dependent on gate receipts for their income.
The start date for next season has not been revealed as of yet but it is anticipated that there will be a quick turnaround after the end of this campaign in order to lessen the impact the three-month break for the coronavirus will have had on the football calendar.
With this current campaign set to finish at the end of July and the Champions League held in August, it is expected that next season will start in early September.
That will give the majority of clubs a month off from competitive matches.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-07-02--Man City starting XI vs Liverpool FC includes Garcia and Foden

Pep Guardiola has named Eric Garcia and Phil Foden in his Manchester City starting XI to face Liverpool in the Premier League tonight .
City host the newly-crowned champions looking to avenge their defeat at Anfield earlier in the season , and Guardiola has turned to the young duo to try and get the win .
Garcia had missed the last three games since suffering concussion against Arsenal two weeks ago , while Foden came off the bench at Newcastle after missing the trip to Chelsea .
In goal , Ederson returns to the starting line-up after being rested for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the weekend .
The stopper is one of four changes from the side that won at St James ' Park , with Garcia coming in in defence to replace Nicolas Otamendi .
In midfield , Rodri and Ilkay Gundogan get the nod as David Silva drops out .
Kevin de Bruyne starts again .
Up front , Phil Foden replaces the in-form Riyad Mahrez , with Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Jesus keeping their places .
Fernandinho is suspended and Sergio Aguero is injured , while Leroy Sane has played his last game for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , City 's bench includes Bernardo Silva , John Stones , Joao Cancelo and young midfielder Tommy Doyle .

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Pep Guardiola has named Eric Garcia and Phil Foden in his Manchester City starting XI to face Liverpool in the Premier League tonight.
City host the newly-crowned champions looking to avenge their defeat at Anfield earlier in the season, and Guardiola has turned to the young duo to try and get the win.
Garcia had missed the last three games since suffering concussion against Arsenal two weeks ago, while Foden came off the bench at Newcastle after missing the trip to Chelsea.
In goal, Ederson returns to the starting line-up after being rested for the FA Cup win at Newcastle at the weekend.
The stopper is one of four changes from the side that won at St James' Park, with Garcia coming in in defence to replace Nicolas Otamendi.
In midfield, Rodri and Ilkay Gundogan get the nod as David Silva drops out. Kevin de Bruyne starts again.
Up front, Phil Foden replaces the in-form Riyad Mahrez, with Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Jesus keeping their places.
Fernandinho is suspended and Sergio Aguero is injured, while Leroy Sane has played his last game for the club. With that in mind, City's bench includes Bernardo Silva, John Stones, Joao Cancelo and young midfielder Tommy Doyle.
City starting XI vs Liverpool: Ederson, Walker, Garcia, Laporte, Mendy, Rodrigo, Gundogan, De Bruyne (C), Foden, Jesus, Sterling.
Substitutes: Bravo, Stones, Zinchenko, Bernardo, D.Silva, Mahrez, Cancelo, Otamendi, Doyle.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-07-02--Covid's 'catastrophic' impact on Manchester Airport has been laid bare

The coronavirus pandemic 's 'catastrophic ' impact on Manchester Airport has been laid bare in the House of Commons .
Stockport MP Navendu Mishra has revealed how 1,500 redundancies have been proposed after 'passenger levels and revenue dropped to historic lows ' .
Thousands more jobs are at risk and one in four senior managers are to be laid off , Mr Mishra told MPs , as he called on the Government to 'act now ' and offer more support for the industry .
Describing the airport as 'central to everything we do in the North West ' , Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people directly , supports another 76,000 jobs in related industries and contributes £4.5bn to the local economy .
But , the MP said , at the height of the crisis the airport 's revenue and passenger numbers dropped by up to 99 per cent , when compared to the same time last year .
And he warned that 'thousands of workers face redundancy ' if the Government does not 'intervene to save the airport , its airlines and the businesses that rely on it ' .
Mr Mishra said : `` While the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the money is little more than a drop in the ocean , accounting for just five per cent of the airport 's fixed costs .
`` The situation will not simply end with the resumption of air travel .
`` Even with an increased number of air bridges and an end to quarantine , the aviation industry has warned that there may not be a return to anything like normality until the second half of 2021 .
`` And even then the numbers are only expected to be about 90 per cent of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ must therefore offer a sectoral support package that ensures the industry has the backing and confidence it needs to recover as quickly as possible and mitigate job losses and protect skilled jobs .
`` If the Government does n't step in businesses will continue to collapse and tens of thousands of workers will lose their jobs . ''
Mr Mishra called on the Government to offer a 'sector specific ' extension to the furlough scheme after it expires in October , provide business rates relief to airports , priortise loans or take stakes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ air passenger duty , among a number of other measures .
In reply Kelly Tolhurst , Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Transport , said the Government had put in place an 'unprecedented package of measures to protect the economy and jobs ' , which had 'enabled airlines , airports and ground handlers to benefit from significant amounts of tax-payer support ' .
Ms Tolhurst said businesses that needed more help could 'talk to us for further support ' .
She added : `` We are all aware of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sector as a result of Covid-19 '' The efforts we are making in partnership with the sector are to ensure that UK aviation can recover and airports such as Manchester and the communities they serve can recovery and prosper just as they have in the past . ''

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The coronavirus pandemic's 'catastrophic' impact on Manchester Airport has been laid bare in the House of Commons.
Stockport MP Navendu Mishra has revealed how 1,500 redundancies have been proposed at airlines and other businesses based at the Airport after 'passenger levels and revenue dropped to historic lows'.
Thousands more jobs are at risk and one in four senior managers at Manchester Airport Group, which also runs Stanstead and East Midlands airports, are to be laid off, Mr Mishra told MPs, as he called on the Government to 'act now' and offer more support for the industry.
Describing the airport as 'central to everything we do in the North West', Mr Mishra told the Commons it employs 25,000 people directly, supports another 76,000 jobs in related industries and contributes £4.5bn to the local economy.
But, the MP said, at the height of the crisis the airport's revenue and passenger numbers dropped by up to 99 per cent, when compared to the same time last year.
And he warned that 'thousands of workers face redundancy' if the Government does not 'intervene to save the airport, its airlines and the businesses that rely on it'.
Mr Mishra said: "The fallout from covid-19 has been catastrophic, with passenger levels and revenue dropping to historic lows of between one per cent and four per cent of those seen in the same period last year.
"Thousands of workers face redundancy if the Government do not intervene to save the airport, its airlines and the businesses that rely on it as a key hub.
"More than 1,500 redundancies have been proposed to date, with well over half of them at Swissport. Widespread losses have already been reported for airlines including Virgin, Ryanair, Jet2, TUI and—just this week—easyJet, with more to follow in the coming weeks.
"Manchester Airports Group faces a difficult restructuring programme with 25 per cent of its leadership and management positions being cut and the remaining 75 per cent subject to restructuring. All of that will take place before the end of the furlough scheme, when further redundancies are almost certain to follow.
"While the furlough scheme has been of some help the money is little more than a drop in the ocean, accounting for just five per cent of the airport's fixed costs.
"The situation will not simply end with the resumption of air travel.
(Image: Stockport Express)
"Even with an increased number of air bridges and an end to quarantine, the aviation industry has warned that there may not be a return to anything like normality until the second half of 2021.
"And even then the numbers are only expected to be about 90 per cent of the pre-crisis levels.
"The Government must therefore offer a sectoral support package that ensures the industry has the backing and confidence it needs to recover as quickly as possible and mitigate job losses and protect skilled jobs.
"If the Government doesn't step in businesses will continue to collapse and tens of thousands of workers will lose their jobs."
Mr Mishra called on the Government to offer a 'sector specific' extension to the furlough scheme after it expires in October, provide business rates relief to airports, priortise loans or take stakes in struggling avaiation companies, and reduce air passenger duty, among a number of other measures.
In reply Kelly Tolhurst, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Transport, said the Government had put in place an 'unprecedented package of measures to protect the economy and jobs', which had 'enabled airlines, airports and ground handlers to benefit from significant amounts of tax-payer support'.
Ms Tolhurst said businesses that needed more help could 'talk to us for further support'.
She added: "We are all aware of the scale of the challenge in the aviation sector as a result of Covid-19
"The efforts we are making in partnership with the sector are to ensure that UK aviation can recover and airports such as Manchester and the communities they serve can recovery and prosper just as they have in the past."