themanchestereveningnews--2020-05-16--Germany legend questions Pep Guardiola's Jadon Sancho decision

Germany legend Lothar Matthaus has questioned Pep Guardiola for allowing Jadon Sancho to leave Manchester City for Borussia Dortmund .
The 20-year-old England international has become a star for club and country in recent seasons , attracting the interest of Manchester United , among others .
With his valuation soaring following his performances in the Bundesliga , Matthaus has questioned Guardiola allowing Sancho to leave the club .
`` I was watching in the gym and I stopped the training session to call a friend of mine who works in sport to ask , 'Who is the English guy on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` My friend told me , 'His name is Sancho and he plays for Manchester City . '
I thought , wow !
He is a great player and he will have a great career .
`` Then , he signed for Dortmund six months later and I was like , how could Pep Guardiola let this great player go ?
`` I did n't understand it at the time , as I knew Guardiola had a good eye for young talent .
And Sancho had speed , made assists , scored @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he was n't working defensively back then but he did n't need to ; a young player is never perfect .
`` But I saw the talent in him , so I was happy he went to Dortmund .
It has helped him develop .
Maybe he will go back to England but I know Dortmund will ask for a lot of money for this diamond . ''
Sancho will have plenty of focus cast upon him on Saturday as Germany 's Bundesliga becomes the first of Europe 's top leagues to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go head-to-head with rivals Schalke in the Revierderby , where Sancho will clash with fellow United target Rabbi Matondo .

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Germany legend Lothar Matthaus has questioned Pep Guardiola for allowing Jadon Sancho to leave Manchester City for Borussia Dortmund.
The 20-year-old England international has become a star for club and country in recent seasons, attracting the interest of Manchester United, among others.
With his valuation soaring following his performances in the Bundesliga, Matthaus has questioned Guardiola allowing Sancho to leave the club.
"I was watching in the gym and I stopped the training session to call a friend of mine who works in sport to ask, 'Who is the English guy on the left-wing?" he told Goal.
"My friend told me, 'His name is Sancho and he plays for Manchester City.' I thought, wow! He is a great player and he will have a great career.
"Then, he signed for Dortmund six months later and I was like, how could Pep Guardiola let this great player go?
"I didn't understand it at the time, as I knew Guardiola had a good eye for young talent. And Sancho had speed, made assists, scored goals and was always running. Sure, he wasn't working defensively back then but he didn't need to; a young player is never perfect.
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"But I saw the talent in him, so I was happy he went to Dortmund. It has helped him develop. Maybe he will go back to England but I know Dortmund will ask for a lot of money for this diamond."
Sancho will have plenty of focus cast upon him on Saturday as Germany's Bundesliga becomes the first of Europe's top leagues to return amid the coronavirus crisis.
Dortmund go head-to-head with rivals Schalke in the Revierderby, where Sancho will clash with fellow United target Rabbi Matondo.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-05-16--FM2020 predicts the Premier League final day and Leicester City vs Man United

This weekend should have seen all 20 Premier League teams play out the final day of the 2019/20 league campaign , with Manchester United facing Leicester City at the King Power Stadium , in what could have been a crucial game in their top four ambitions .
But of course , due to the unprecedented coronavirus pandemic , no Premier League games have taken place for over two months now , with no definite restart date confirmed yet , so the fixture will quite rightly not go ahead as planned .
However , we decided to play out the final @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could have happened this weekend , using Football Manager 2020 .
This is what happened .
Manchester United 's results up until May 17 , 2020 To set up this simulation , Football Manager kindly supplied us with a save game with an updated database featuring all the latest signings , manager changes and crucially , updated fixtures , results and league table , as of March 13 , 2020 .
We then simulated the rest of the 2019/20 Premier League season ourselves , to see how the final day of the 2019/20 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Here is how Football Manager 2020 sees the rest of the Premier League season playing out , up until the final day .
The game predicts that United would have shown some strong form in the final few games of the league season , winning five games , drawing once and losing twice .
So , how would the Reds get on in the final game of the 2019/20 season ?
All eyes were on the game , as the winner would secure a top four place .
United sealed their top four @ @ @ @ @ @ @ King Power Stadium , with goals from Anthony Martial and Odion Ighalo .
However , United 's Man of the Match was David de Gea , who kept his side in the game with a series of incredible saves .
But , what would the final PL table have looked like ?
According to Football Manager 2020 , this is how the final 2019/20 Premier League table would have looked .
Football Manager 2020 predicts that United would have secured a top four place on the final day of the 2019/20 Premier League @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Leicester City in third and three points above Chelsea in fifth .
The final top four places , and therefore Champions League spots , would go to Liverpool , Man City , Leicester City and United , with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer 's side showing some superb form during the final few games .
Chelsea and Sheffield United would complete the top six , earning Europa League places .
Further down the table , Norwich would be so close to retaining their Premier League status after a strong run of form , but eventually @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would have been relegated , according to the simulation .
What do you make of our final day simulation ?

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This weekend should have seen all 20 Premier League teams play out the final day of the 2019/20 league campaign, with Manchester United facing Leicester City at the King Power Stadium, in what could have been a crucial game in their top four ambitions.
But of course, due to the unprecedented coronavirus pandemic, no Premier League games have taken place for over two months now, with no definite restart date confirmed yet, so the fixture will quite rightly not go ahead as planned.
However, we decided to play out the final day fixture virtually, to see what could have happened this weekend, using Football Manager 2020.
This is what happened.
Manchester United's results up until May 17, 2020
Here is how Football Manager 2020 sees the rest of the Premier League season playing out, up until the final day.
The game predicts that United would have shown some strong form in the final few games of the league season, winning five games, drawing once and losing twice.
So, how would the Reds get on in the final game of the 2019/20 season?
All eyes were on the game, as the winner would secure a top four place.
Leicester City vs Man United - 17/05/2020
United sealed their top four place with a 2-0 win at the King Power Stadium, with goals from Anthony Martial and Odion Ighalo.
However, United's Man of the Match was David de Gea, who kept his side in the game with a series of incredible saves.
But, what would the final PL table have looked like?
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Final Premier League table 2019/20
According to Football Manager 2020, this is how the final 2019/20 Premier League table would have looked.
Football Manager 2020 predicts that United would have secured a top four place on the final day of the 2019/20 Premier League season, finishing level on points with Leicester City in third and three points above Chelsea in fifth.
The final top four places, and therefore Champions League spots, would go to Liverpool, Man City, Leicester City and United, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side showing some superb form during the final few games. Chelsea and Sheffield United would complete the top six, earning Europa League places.
Further down the table, Norwich would be so close to retaining their Premier League status after a strong run of form, but eventually the Canaries, Aston Villa and Watford would have been relegated, according to the simulation.
What do you make of our final day simulation?


themanchestereveningnews--2020-05-16--Bundesliga change that Premier League could adopt to finish season

The Deutsche Football Liga have given Bundesliga and 2.Bundesliga permission to finish the season after July 30 .
The top two tiers of German football are set to resume this weekend following a delay of around two months due to coronavirus .
But should complications arise , Bundesliga and 2.Bundesliga bosses wo n't need to worry about having to finish the season by the usual deadline of July 30 .
The DFL have confirmed the current season can now run beyond that date if necessary despite the new season being scheduled to kick off on August 21 as things stand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which is in place across the continent , has been a source of concern for organisers when planning a return to action .
The Premier League , for example , may struggle to complete the remaining games by that date should action not resume until mid-June .
Without midweek games - which could be a big ask for players after so long away from the game - the league would n't finish until at least mid-August if action was to resume in mid-June as planned .
It could see the FA follow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deadline to finish the season flexible while considering plans to start next season at a later date .
The DFL have also confirmed that the new five-substitution rule - as approved by FIFA - will also be adopted across the top two divisions in Germany .
It 's hoped the rule will help players adapt to the return to action after around two months without games .

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The Deutsche Football Liga have given Bundesliga and 2.Bundesliga permission to finish the season after July 30.
The top two tiers of German football are set to resume this weekend following a delay of around two months due to coronavirus.
But should complications arise, Bundesliga and 2.Bundesliga bosses won't need to worry about having to finish the season by the usual deadline of July 30.
The DFL have confirmed the current season can now run beyond that date if necessary despite the new season being scheduled to kick off on August 21 as things stand.
The deadline to finish the season, which is in place across the continent, has been a source of concern for organisers when planning a return to action.
The Premier League, for example, may struggle to complete the remaining games by that date should action not resume until mid-June.
Without midweek games - which could be a big ask for players after so long away from the game - the league wouldn't finish until at least mid-August if action was to resume in mid-June as planned.
It could see the FA follow the DFL's lead in making that deadline to finish the season flexible while considering plans to start next season at a later date.
The DFL have also confirmed that the new five-substitution rule - as approved by FIFA - will also be adopted across the top two divisions in Germany.
It's hoped the rule will help players adapt to the return to action after around two months without games.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-05-16--Sancho, Matondo and the British players playing in the Bundesliga

The Bundesliga is the first of Europe ’ s top leagues to return amid the coronavirus crisis this weekend and plenty of football fans will be tuning in .
From title-rivals Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund to relegation strugglers Fortuna Dusseldorf , there is plenty to keep tabs on when the league resumes - and British players are one to keep an eye for .
Germany has become a hotbed for British players in recent years , with a number of youngsters spending time on loan with Bundesliga clubs and that has since led to a number making a permanent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ players are currently tied down to Bundesliga sides ?
You can find them all below .
The 19-year-old is already capped 13 times for Wales and moved to RB Leipzig on loan from Chelsea for the 2019/20 campaign , though he has only made three Bundesliga appearances during his spell with the title-chasing side .
He last featured for Leipzig in the victory over Schalke at the end of February , missing the next two games before the league was suspended through injury .
On loan from Everton , Jonjoe Kenny moved to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opportunities and has found them , featuring in 23 matches in the Bundesliga so far this season .
The 23-year-old secured an assist in his last match prior to the suspension of the league against Hoffenheim and also scored for the European chasers against Hertha Berlin back in August .
Another player with links with Everton , Ademola Lookman moved to RB Leipzig permanently from Goodison Park last summer following an initial loan spell with the German side .
During his loan spell , he scored five goals in 11 league appearances but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this season , is yet to find the net since moving to the Champions League side permanently .
Wales international Rabbi Matondo made history in January 2019 when he moved to Schalke from Manchester City for a fee of £10.5m despite never featuring for the first-team during his spell at the club .
The 19-year-old has played 12 times for Schalke so far this season and is being monitored by Manchester United , who could look to bring him back to the Premier League .
The former West Ham youngster caught the eye @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then found it difficult to secure regular first-team opportunities with the Hammers , which led to a change in his career .
The 21-year-old initially had two loan spells with Borussia Monchengladbach before then moving to Ausgbury on loan , then making the move permanent last summer and featuring eight times for the relegation-threatened side in the 2019/20 campaign .
Widely regarded as one of the brightest prospects with Bundesliga football , Giovanni Reyna is already being touted as the next Christian Pulisic due to his current club and the fact he is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United States .
However , Reyna was born in Durham and , despite making it clear his international allegiances lie across the pond with a nation he has featured regularly for at youth level , his ties to England are clear - even if he won ’ t feature for the Three Lions .
One of the hottest properties in world football and a regular for Gareth Southgate ’ s England squad at the age of 20 , Jadon Sancho paved the way for Brits to excel in the Bundesliga after his breakthrough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ books at Manchester City , Sancho has been linked to an abundance of Premier League clubs with Manchester United in particularly targeting him and the fee to secure his services is likely to be high , potentially in excess of £100m .

newsdesk@men-news.co.uk (Josh Challies, Elliott Jackson)

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The Bundesliga is the first of Europe’s top leagues to return amid the coronavirus crisis this weekend and plenty of football fans will be tuning in.
From title-rivals Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund to relegation strugglers Fortuna Dusseldorf, there is plenty to keep tabs on when the league resumes - and British players are one to keep an eye for.
Germany has become a hotbed for British players in recent years, with a number of youngsters spending time on loan with Bundesliga clubs and that has since led to a number making a permanent move to Europe.
But which British players are currently tied down to Bundesliga sides? You can find them all below.
Ethan Ampadu - RB Leipzig
The 19-year-old is already capped 13 times for Wales and moved to RB Leipzig on loan from Chelsea for the 2019/20 campaign, though he has only made three Bundesliga appearances during his spell with the title-chasing side.
He last featured for Leipzig in the victory over Schalke at the end of February, missing the next two games before the league was suspended through injury.
Jonjoe Kenny - Schalke
On loan from Everton, Jonjoe Kenny moved to Schalke in search of more regular first-team opportunities and has found them, featuring in 23 matches in the Bundesliga so far this season.
The 23-year-old secured an assist in his last match prior to the suspension of the league against Hoffenheim and also scored for the European chasers against Hertha Berlin back in August.
Ademola Lookman - RB Leipzig
Another player with links with Everton, Ademola Lookman moved to RB Leipzig permanently from Goodison Park last summer following an initial loan spell with the German side.
During his loan spell, he scored five goals in 11 league appearances but, with six matches under his belt this season, is yet to find the net since moving to the Champions League side permanently.
Rabbi Matondo - Schalke
Wales international Rabbi Matondo made history in January 2019 when he moved to Schalke from Manchester City for a fee of £10.5m despite never featuring for the first-team during his spell at the club.
The 19-year-old has played 12 times for Schalke so far this season and is being monitored by Manchester United, who could look to bring him back to the Premier League.
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Reece Oxford - Augsburg
The former West Ham youngster caught the eye during his spell in East London but then found it difficult to secure regular first-team opportunities with the Hammers, which led to a change in his career.
The 21-year-old initially had two loan spells with Borussia Monchengladbach before then moving to Ausgbury on loan, then making the move permanent last summer and featuring eight times for the relegation-threatened side in the 2019/20 campaign.
Giovanni Reyna - Borussia Dortmund
Widely regarded as one of the brightest prospects with Bundesliga football, Giovanni Reyna is already being touted as the next Christian Pulisic due to his current club and the fact he is expected to become a star for the United States.
However, Reyna was born in Durham and, despite making it clear his international allegiances lie across the pond with a nation he has featured regularly for at youth level, his ties to England are clear - even if he won’t feature for the Three Lions.
Jadon Sancho - Borussia Dortmund
One of the hottest properties in world football and a regular for Gareth Southgate’s England squad at the age of 20, Jadon Sancho paved the way for Brits to excel in the Bundesliga after his breakthrough with Borussia Dortmund.
Formerly on the books at Manchester City, Sancho has been linked to an abundance of Premier League clubs with Manchester United in particularly targeting him and the fee to secure his services is likely to be high, potentially in excess of £100m.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-05-16--Bundesliga players with Man City connections as season resumes

All eyes will be on Germany this weekend when the Bundesliga becomes the first major European league to return to action following the suspension of football .
For Manchester City fans , there will be an added sense of intrigue as several former players now ply their trade in the German league .
They will no doubt be watching to see whether the club were right to part with certain players , as well as keeping an eye on some loanees still on City ’ s books to see how they are progressing .
These are the Bundesliga stars with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2010 , Boateng spent one largely forgettable season at the Etihad before returning to Germany and Bayern Munich in 2011 .
The defender became a mainstay for the Bavarians , playing in seven Bundesliga-winning sides as well as lifting the Champions League trophy in 2013 .
Boateng would also excel at international level , winning the 2014 World Cup with Germany .
The Spaniard has been an ever-present for Leipzig after joining them on loan in the January transfer window .
Angelino scored in a 5-0 hammering of Schalke and also impressed in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Spurs in the Champions League last 16 .
Won City ’ s young player of the year award in 2013 , his first season at the club , but the Serbian defender was little more than a bit-part player at the Etihad .
Nastasic did feature in the title-winning side of 2014 , but ultimately left , initially on loan , for Schalke and more first team opportunities .
Disaster struck after the move was made permanent when Nastasic missed the entire 2015/16 campaign through injury , but he battled back and has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Made a return to City with his current club in a last 16 Champions League defeat in 2019 .
After coming through the City academy , Belgian Boyata struggled to nail down a first team place , leading to loan spells at Bolton and Twente before a permanent move to Celtic in 2015 .
He played a key role in defence as the club achieved a historic “ treble treble ” last season before moving to Berlin , where he has been an ever-present this term .
The Swedish striker had five loan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with the most successful coming at Feyenoord in 2011/12 when his 20 goals helped the club to second place in the Eredivisie .
However , just as he seemed to have discovered his goalscoring touch , a nerve injury saw him struggling for form and fitness over the next year .
A successful loan at Celtic followed and he helped the club win the SPL , and then came moves to Celta Viga and Alaves in Spain .
Guidetti is currently on loan to Bundesliga 2 Hannover .
The Dutch defender would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ City , as a late sub in a win over Reading in 2012 .
There then followed loan spells at Portsmouth , Blackburn and Feyenoord before Rekik joined Marseille in 2015 .
Two years later , he moved to Hertha , where he has been ever since .
The American goalkeeper joined City last summer from Columbus Crew before immediately being loaned out to Fortuna .
Steffen was number one for the Bundesliga strugglers before suffering a knee injury .
Fernandes who played for City between 2007 and 2009 would move to St @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mark Hughes .
Loans to Chievo , Liecester and Udinese followed before a move to Sporting in Portugal .
The Swiss international made his first move to the Bundesliga with Freiburg in 2013 before moving to Rennes in France .
However , he was back to Germany from 2017 with Frankfurt .

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All eyes will be on Germany this weekend when the Bundesliga becomes the first major European league to return to action following the suspension of football.
For Manchester City fans, there will be an added sense of intrigue as several former players now ply their trade in the German league.
They will no doubt be watching to see whether the club were right to part with certain players, as well as keeping an eye on some loanees still on City’s books to see how they are progressing.
These are the Bundesliga stars with City connections...
Jerome Boateng - Bayern Munich
Signed from Hamburg in 2010, Boateng spent one largely forgettable season at the Etihad before returning to Germany and Bayern Munich in 2011.
The defender became a mainstay for the Bavarians, playing in seven Bundesliga-winning sides as well as lifting the Champions League trophy in 2013. Boateng would also excel at international level, winning the 2014 World Cup with Germany.
Angelino - RB Leipzig
The Spaniard has been an ever-present for Leipzig after joining them on loan in the January transfer window. Angelino scored in a 5-0 hammering of Schalke and also impressed in both legs as his new side thrashed Spurs in the Champions League last 16.
Matija Nastasic - Schalke
Won City’s young player of the year award in 2013, his first season at the club, but the Serbian defender was little more than a bit-part player at the Etihad.
Nastasic did feature in the title-winning side of 2014, but ultimately left, initially on loan, for Schalke and more first team opportunities.
Disaster struck after the move was made permanent when Nastasic missed the entire 2015/16 campaign through injury, but he battled back and has been a first-choice defender ever since.
Made a return to City with his current club in a last 16 Champions League defeat in 2019.
Dedryck Boyata - Hertha
After coming through the City academy, Belgian Boyata struggled to nail down a first team place, leading to loan spells at Bolton and Twente before a permanent move to Celtic in 2015.
He played a key role in defence as the club achieved a historic “treble treble” last season before moving to Berlin, where he has been an ever-present this term.
(Image: Getty Images)
John Guidetti - Hannover 96
The Swedish striker had five loan spells while on City’s books, with the most successful coming at Feyenoord in 2011/12 when his 20 goals helped the club to second place in the Eredivisie.
However, just as he seemed to have discovered his goalscoring touch, a nerve injury saw him struggling for form and fitness over the next year.
A successful loan at Celtic followed and he helped the club win the SPL, and then came moves to Celta Viga and Alaves in Spain. Guidetti is currently on loan to Bundesliga 2 Hannover.
Karim Rekik - Hertha
The Dutch defender would feature just once in the league for City, as a late sub in a win over Reading in 2012. There then followed loan spells at Portsmouth, Blackburn and Feyenoord before Rekik joined Marseille in 2015.
Two years later, he moved to Hertha, where he has been ever since.
Zack Steffen - Fortuna Düsseldorf
The American goalkeeper joined City last summer from Columbus Crew before immediately being loaned out to Fortuna. Steffen was number one for the Bundesliga strugglers before suffering a knee injury.
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Gelson Fernandes - Eintracht Frankfurt
Fernandes who played for City between 2007 and 2009 would move to St Etienne after falling out of favour under Mark Hughes.
Loans to Chievo, Liecester and Udinese followed before a move to Sporting in Portugal.
The Swiss international made his first move to the Bundesliga with Freiburg in 2013 before moving to Rennes in France. However, he was back to Germany from 2017 with Frankfurt.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-05-16--Manchester United news and transfers LIVE

German football writer Raphael Honigstein believes Dortmund wo n't be pressured into selling Jadon Sancho to Manchester United .
`` There ’ s a view that I ’ ve seen reflected in some of the media coverage that Dortmund are desperate for cash and will sell , and the prices will come down , and United will be in a position to swoop – but I ’ m not sure that ’ s 100 per cent accurate.
’ '' There ’ s a bigger chance that Dortmund will say : ‘ You know what , the market is depressed.
’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sell and you can ’ t sell it this summer , why would you ?
’ '' The only thing working in United ’ s favour is that his contract is running down and they could make the argument that… there ’ s a discount to be had.
’ '' But I would expect Dortmund , as they have often done , to find some kind of agreement with the player if that is the case , that they would maybe extend the contract by another year just to protect the value , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ] Pulisic as well .
`` Eventually it ’ s down to United ; if United feel that they can get through this crisis relatively unscathed – and everyone expects the transfer window to be much later than usual – they might be in a position in August or September to say : ‘ You know what , yes we are in the Champions League , football is coming back , we can do this now , or maybe we can only do it in January .
`` But I don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ somehow rushing this because they need the cash – they are not in that position . ''

newsdesk@men-news.co.uk (Richard Fay, Marcus Banks)

Charlie Wellens has signed a professional contract with Manchester United.
Wellens, 17, has signed a two-year deal with the club after a fulfilling season with the Under-18s before the league season was cancelled. Wellens started in all four of United's FA Youth Cup ties and the academy could yet play their semi-final with Chelsea if the season successfully restarts next month.
Wellens's father, Richie, came through the United academy, making one appearance for the first-team in 1999, and the Swindon Town manager expressed his pride at his son's commitment to the club.
"Twenty-three years ago I signed my first professional contract at the biggest club in the world," Wellens tweeted. "To say I’m proud to see Charlie sign his is an understatement. Well done mate it’s only the start but you deserve it."
Meanwhile, United continue to be linked with Kalidou Koulibaly and Adrien Rabiot.
Recap the latest United news throughout the day.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-05-16--How to watch the Bundesliga on TV and online in the UK

Live European football is set to return to TV screens on May 16 as the Bundesliga restarts behind-closed-doors .
Germany 's top-flight football season will return under strict health and safety rules and with no fans attending games , a move that the Premier League are likely to follow in the coming weeks .
Like the Premier League , the Bundesliga has been suspended since March due to the Coronavirus outbreak , but unlike in England , professional sides in Germany have been training since mid-April .
Divided into small groups and under strict conditions , including extensive Covid-19 testing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ players have been allowed to continue to train and prepare for a restart .
The Ruhr Valley derby between Borussia Dortmund and Schalke is the big fixture to watch out for when action resumes on May 16 and below is how fans in the UK can watch the action live .
How can you watch the matches ?
BT Sport holds the rights to games in the UK and Ireland and will be showing fixtures across its range of channels .
The broadcaster normally shows four fixtures a week , but this weekend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their network of channels live .
You can browse the available BT Sport packages here or , alternatively , if you do n't want to be tied down to a fixed contract , you can browse their Monthly Passes here .
Existing BT Sport customers will be able to stream the action via the BT Sport app , while additional streaming is available on the BT Sport website .
EE mobile customers can also watch BT Sport coverage at no cost , thanks to a subscription plan announced by the network .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , here 's a special sporting treat for our monthly mobile and tablet customers : three months ’ free BT Sport on your EE phone and connected tablet , ” the company said .
“ Just text SPORT to 150 , register for a BT ID then download the BT Sport app and get watching ! ''
Bayern Munich currently hold a four-point lead over Borussia Dortmund at the top of the table .
While RB Leipzig are only a point further back in third , with Borussia Monchengladbach rounding out the top @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dusseldorf , Werder Bremen and Paderborn occupy the relegation places .

newsdesk@men-news.co.uk (Connor O'Neill, Elliott Jackson)

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Live European football is set to return to TV screens on May 16 as the Bundesliga restarts behind-closed-doors.
Germany's top-flight football season will return under strict health and safety rules and with no fans attending games, a move that the Premier League are likely to follow in the coming weeks.
Like the Premier League, the Bundesliga has been suspended since March due to the Coronavirus outbreak, but unlike in England, professional sides in Germany have been training since mid-April.
Divided into small groups and under strict conditions, including extensive Covid-19 testing of all players and coaching staff, players have been allowed to continue to train and prepare for a restart.
The Ruhr Valley derby between Borussia Dortmund and Schalke is the big fixture to watch out for when action resumes on May 16 and below is how fans in the UK can watch the action live.
How can you watch the matches?
BT Sport holds the rights to games in the UK and Ireland and will be showing fixtures across its range of channels.
The broadcaster normally shows four fixtures a week, but this weekend they are showing all nine matches across their network of channels live.
You can browse the available BT Sport packages here or, alternatively, if you don't want to be tied down to a fixed contract, you can browse their Monthly Passes here.
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Can I stream Bundesliga matches?
Existing BT Sport customers will be able to stream the action via the BT Sport app, while additional streaming is available on the BT Sport website.
EE mobile customers can also watch BT Sport coverage at no cost, thanks to a subscription plan announced by the network.
"To say thanks for being with us, here's a special sporting treat for our monthly mobile and tablet customers: three months’ free BT Sport on your EE phone and connected tablet,” the company said.
“Just text SPORT to 150, register for a BT ID then download the BT Sport app and get watching!"
Bundesliga table at the moment
Bayern Munich currently hold a four-point lead over Borussia Dortmund at the top of the table.
While RB Leipzig are only a point further back in third, with Borussia Monchengladbach rounding out the top four.
At the bottom, Fortuna Dusseldorf, Werder Bremen and Paderborn occupy the relegation places.
The weekend’s Bundesliga fixtures
Augsburg v Wolfsburg
Borussia Dortmund v Schalke
Eintracht Frankfurt v Borussia Monchengladbach
Fortuna Dusseldorf v Paderborn
Hoffenheim v Hertha Berlin
RB Leipzig v Freiburg
Cologne v Mainz
Union Berlin v Bayern Munich
Werder Bremen v Bayer Leverkusen


themanchestereveningnews--2020-05-16--Ryanair tell customer 'we are not forcing you to travel' after refusing refund

A mum who has had to cancel her travel plans because of the pandemic has been told by Ryanair officials `` we are not forcing you to travel , but we can not offer a refund ” .
Nikkie Riley had planned to travel to Barcelona with two teenagers for a holiday on June 26 .
But the UK government has warned against all but essential travel as countries grapple with Covid-19 .
In addition , all new international arrivals entering Spain are now required to self-isolate in their residence or a hotel for 14 days .
As such , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Beach to ask if her flights and accommodation could be refunded or rescheduled to a later date next year .
But she was told that no vouchers or refunds could be given and changes could be made to her travel plans .
And when she asked Ryanair about the travel restrictions she says she was told : “ We are not forcing you to travel , but we can not offer a refund , a voucher nor a free change in this case.
” Meanwhile , On The Beach - which holds Nikkie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a refund or rescheduling of the stay wo n't be possible because the hotel is still open and the booking is n't ATOL protected .
Nikkie , 49 , says she phoned the Villa Marina hotel , in Barcelona , where she was due to stay , and a staff member told her the accommodation is only open to key workers .
“ We were supposed to be going to Barcelona on June 26 for a week , '' Nikkie says .
“ On The Beach say it can ’ t be cancelled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so I won ’ t be able to get my money back .
“ And Ryanair says the flight is going ahead as usual .
“ I can ’ t even have a voucher or a free change of date or a refund .
Surely the flight won ’ t be going ahead ?
” Nikkie , from Miles Platting , has paid a total of £700 for a week-long stay and flights for herself and two teenagers , aged 12 and 15 .
The sales executive said she and the two youngsters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but fully understand it can no longer go ahead in light of the coronavirus pandemic .
So she was shocked when Ryanair said her flight was scheduled to go ahead .
“ If we had a refund we could use the money to rearrange a holiday next year depending on the circumstances , '' she says .
“ But I ’ ve just been told flat out that flights are still going ahead and you can ’ t have your money back - even though we ’ re not allowed to travel .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ currently advising British nationals against all but essential international travel .
“ From 15 May , all new international arrivals entering Spain , including Spanish nationals and residents , will be required to self-isolate in their residence or hotel for a period of 14 days , ” the government website states .
“ Only Spanish citizens , those who are legally resident in Spain , frontier workers or those who can prove they need to enter Spain for essential reasons will be allowed to enter the country .
“ Only green residency certificates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Spain and British travellers who are not resident and/or not in possession of this certificate should not attempt to enter the country.
” The M.E.N has contacted both Ryanair and On The Beach for comment .

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A mum who has had to cancel her travel plans because of the pandemic has been told by Ryanair officials "we are not forcing you to travel, but we cannot offer a refund”.
Nikkie Riley had planned to travel to Barcelona with two teenagers for a holiday on June 26.
But the UK government has warned against all but essential travel as countries grapple with Covid-19.
In addition, all new international arrivals entering Spain are now required to self-isolate in their residence or a hotel for 14 days.
(Image: AP)
As such, Nikkie contacted both Ryanair and On The Beach to ask if her flights and accommodation could be refunded or rescheduled to a later date next year.
But she was told that no vouchers or refunds could be given and changes could be made to her travel plans.
And when she asked Ryanair about the travel restrictions she says she was told: “We are not forcing you to travel, but we cannot offer a refund, a voucher nor a free change in this case.”
Meanwhile, On The Beach - which holds Nikkie’s accommodation booking - also said a refund or rescheduling of the stay won't be possible because the hotel is still open and the booking isn't ATOL protected.
Nikkie, 49, says she phoned the Villa Marina hotel, in Barcelona, where she was due to stay, and a staff member told her the accommodation is only open to key workers.
“We were supposed to be going to Barcelona on June 26 for a week," Nikkie says.
“On The Beach say it can’t be cancelled because the hotel is still open, so I won’t be able to get my money back.
“And Ryanair says the flight is going ahead as usual.
“I can’t even have a voucher or a free change of date or a refund. Surely the flight won’t be going ahead?”
Nikkie, from Miles Platting, has paid a total of £700 for a week-long stay and flights for herself and two teenagers, aged 12 and 15.
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
The sales executive said she and the two youngsters had been looking forward to the trip but fully understand it can no longer go ahead in light of the coronavirus pandemic.
So she was shocked when Ryanair said her flight was scheduled to go ahead.
(Image: AP)
“If we had a refund we could use the money to rearrange a holiday next year depending on the circumstances," she says.
“But I’ve just been told flat out that flights are still going ahead and you can’t have your money back - even though we’re not allowed to travel."
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office is currently advising British nationals against all but essential international travel.
“From 15 May, all new international arrivals entering Spain, including Spanish nationals and residents, will be required to self-isolate in their residence or hotel for a period of 14 days,” the government website states.
“Only Spanish citizens, those who are legally resident in Spain, frontier workers or those who can prove they need to enter Spain for essential reasons will be allowed to enter the country.
“Only green residency certificates will be accepted as proof of residency in Spain and British travellers who are not resident and/or not in possession of this certificate should not attempt to enter the country.”
The M.E.N has contacted both Ryanair and On The Beach for comment.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-05-16--Solskjaer may encourage a new Manchester United rivalry next season

The past two months have taught football fans two things : to appreciate every kick of every game , and to expect the unexpected .
Uncertainty is everywhere and it shows no sign of relenting ; nobody quite knows what 's in store over the next two months in the world of football .
Despite the ongoing discussions about restarting the Premier League , the shifting of the summer transfer window and implementing emergency contract extensions for some players , not even a global behemoth like Manchester United can reassure their supporters of anything right now .
Ed Woodward has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ business as usual '' and on this issue it 's hard to disagree with him .
In fact , the gravity of the coronavirus pandemic makes the usual summer gripes about transfers appear rather trivial - if they did n't seem that way in the first place .
Rewind 12 months and many United fans were voicing furious frustrations about the departure of Ander Herrera , not signing a midfield replacement and perceived shortcomings in the club 's transfer search .
Such complaints will still have their place in the future , you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into perspective .
Suddenly fans are n't so worried about Paul Pogba 's future , for example .
They 're not so desperate for Jack Grealish or James Maddison to sign for United .
The vast majority can see that football - while an integral part of many people 's lives - is just a game .
So the pressure may be off Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and his United staff for a time and it 's likely that the transfer window , whenever it comes , will be a quiet one .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clubs harder than United .
But even the Old Trafford club may be settled to stick with the status quo .
Any hopes from supporters that Solskjaer would oversee a summer overhaul now look unlikely .
The Pogba situation will be an interesting one , with it now looking increasingly likely that the Frenchman will stay at United for at least another year .
As well as putting into doubt any moves for Grealish and Maddison , it begs an obvious question : can Pogba play in the same team as Bruno Fernandes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supporters for their favoured midfield trio if Pogba remained at the club and the options that included both the France World Cup winner and his Portuguese colleague were the overwhelming choices .
Solskjaer 's biggest decision in midfield , therefore , may not be over a transfer but selecting the player to complement Pogba and Fernandes in the side .
The Norwegian has favoured a 4-2-3-1 ( or 4-3-3 ) for much of his United reign and the choice - if he wants to play his two big guns in midfield - will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Both players may justifiably argue that to drop them to the bench would be extremely harsh .
Fred has enjoyed a stunning second season at Old Trafford , developing into the linchpin of the side and an ultra-reliable performer in midfield .
He seems suited to a box-to-box role where his energy and dynamism can be utilised in both attacking and defensive phases .
The 4-2-3-1 , with Fred playing alongside McTominay , who thrives on responsibility and has an extra bite in the tackle , has been a balanced system .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ground since his January arrival , playing with freedom as the No.10 .
Pogba does n't have the same defensive discipline as Fred or McTominay , but perhaps Solskjaer will want some more attacking guile to beat the mid-ranking or relegation threatened sides , which has been a United weakness this season .
It may become a 4-1-4-1 with two more forward-thinking midfielders .
Solskjaer may therefore encourage Fred and McTominay to battle it out for the one place in the side , in the hope that the two players could raise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 've done in the past year .
McTominay is a fan favourite , a hard-working passionate player .
Fred too has gained cult hero status among supporters , thanks to his influential displays this season .
Does one of them really have to sit out ?
If Pogba stays at United and hits top form , then the answer is probably yes .
But as with other positions - such as goalkeeper , left-back and centre-back - a little competition is healthy and can only benefit Solskjaer 's United in the future .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ but United 's current squad can generate genuine excitement without the usual glut of summer arrivals .

The past two months have taught football fans two things: to appreciate every kick of every game, and to expect the unexpected.
Uncertainty is everywhere and it shows no sign of relenting; nobody quite knows what's in store over the next two months in the world of football. Despite the ongoing discussions about restarting the Premier League, the shifting of the summer transfer window and implementing emergency contract extensions for some players, not even a global behemoth like Manchester United can reassure their supporters of anything right now.
Ed Woodward has said this summer will not be "business as usual" and on this issue it's hard to disagree with him.
In fact, the gravity of the coronavirus pandemic makes the usual summer gripes about transfers appear rather trivial - if they didn't seem that way in the first place. Rewind 12 months and many United fans were voicing furious frustrations about the departure of Ander Herrera, not signing a midfield replacement and perceived shortcomings in the club's transfer search.
Such complaints will still have their place in the future, you suspect, but everything has been put into perspective. Suddenly fans aren't so worried about Paul Pogba's future, for example. They're not so desperate for Jack Grealish or James Maddison to sign for United. The vast majority can see that football - while an integral part of many people's lives - is just a game.
So the pressure may be off Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and his United staff for a time and it's likely that the transfer window, whenever it comes, will be a quiet one. The financial impact of coronavirus will hit smaller clubs harder than United. But even the Old Trafford club may be settled to stick with the status quo. Any hopes from supporters that Solskjaer would oversee a summer overhaul now look unlikely.
The Pogba situation will be an interesting one, with it now looking increasingly likely that the Frenchman will stay at United for at least another year. As well as putting into doubt any moves for Grealish and Maddison, it begs an obvious question: can Pogba play in the same team as Bruno Fernandes?
An MEN Sport poll recently asked supporters for their favoured midfield trio if Pogba remained at the club and the options that included both the France World Cup winner and his Portuguese colleague were the overwhelming choices.
Solskjaer's biggest decision in midfield, therefore, may not be over a transfer but selecting the player to complement Pogba and Fernandes in the side.
The Norwegian has favoured a 4-2-3-1 (or 4-3-3) for much of his United reign and the choice - if he wants to play his two big guns in midfield - will boil down to Fred or Scott McTominay.
Both players may justifiably argue that to drop them to the bench would be extremely harsh.
Fred has enjoyed a stunning second season at Old Trafford, developing into the linchpin of the side and an ultra-reliable performer in midfield. He seems suited to a box-to-box role where his energy and dynamism can be utilised in both attacking and defensive phases.
The 4-2-3-1, with Fred playing alongside McTominay, who thrives on responsibility and has an extra bite in the tackle, has been a balanced system. It's also suited Fernandes down to the ground since his January arrival, playing with freedom as the No.10.
Pogba doesn't have the same defensive discipline as Fred or McTominay, but perhaps Solskjaer will want some more attacking guile to beat the mid-ranking or relegation threatened sides, which has been a United weakness this season. It may become a 4-1-4-1 with two more forward-thinking midfielders.
Solskjaer may therefore encourage Fred and McTominay to battle it out for the one place in the side, in the hope that the two players could raise their performance levels even further than they've done in the past year. McTominay is a fan favourite, a hard-working passionate player. Fred too has gained cult hero status among supporters, thanks to his influential displays this season.
Does one of them really have to sit out? If Pogba stays at United and hits top form, then the answer is probably yes.
But as with other positions - such as goalkeeper, left-back and centre-back - a little competition is healthy and can only benefit Solskjaer's United in the future. Transfers may be difficult these days, but United's current squad can generate genuine excitement without the usual glut of summer arrivals.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-05-16--Burnham accuses government of being 'London-centric' over lockdown easing

Andy Burnham has accused the government of giving Greater Manchester 'no real notice ' of last Sunday 's announcement which saw lockdown measures eased and a return to work in certain industries encouraged .
The mayor of Greater Manchester said it was 'far from a planned , safety-led approach ' and the announcement 'felt more suited to the south than to the north ' .
In a hard-hitting comment piece , Mr Burnham derided what he called the government 's now 'London-centric mode ' and called for regional mayors like him to sit on the Cobra emergency council .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rescue funding for Manchester 's transport system and said fresh financial cuts would hit town halls in the north .
Writing for the Observer on Sunday , Mr Burnham reveals he spoke to the Prime Minister Boris Johnson a fortnight ago alongside other regional mayors .
It was , he said , a ' a friendly discussion about the release from lockdown and the need for the regions to be empowered to lead recovery within a national framework ' .
Mr Burnham said he impressed on the PM the crucial need for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lockdown and the retention of a 'sense of national unity ' .
But he wrote : `` We wanted to continue work in that way , but given the complexity of what lay ahead , that would mean being properly involved in what comes next .
`` When I listened to the PM make his announcement last Sunday - and observing the government 's behaviour this week – it has felt as though it had decided to do the polar opposite of what I was asking .
`` Life has changed and , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` In Greater Manchester , we had no real notice of the measures .
`` On the eve of a new working week , the PM was on TV 'actively encouraging ' a return to work .
Even though that would clearly put more cars on roads and people on trams , no one in government thought it important to tell the cities that would have to cope with that . ''
Mr Burnham said his 'gut feeling ' told him it 'felt premature ' of the government to drop the 'stay at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alert ' and others .
`` If the government had taken us through their reasoning , perhaps we could have been reassured , '' he said .
`` But this brings me to a recurrent problem throughout the crisis .
The mayor of London is on Cobra , and rightly so .
`` But there is no place for any mayors from the north , or indeed the rest , of England .
`` For a government elected on votes in the north , and promises to 'level-up ' , it is surprising @ @ @ @ @ @ @ default , London-centric mode in this crisis .
Last Sunday ’ s package certainly felt more suited to the south than to the north . ''
In the searing critique the mayor also suggests the government should approach the mayor of the West Midlands to represent the non-London mayors on the Cobra emergency committee .
Mr Burnham also asked where funding for Manchester 's Metrolink was after news of a £1.6 billion bail out for Transport for London filtered through .
He 's previously warned the Metrolink system could be 'mothballed ' , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plummeting passenger numbers as a result of the Covid-19 lockdown .
Currently , he said Metrolink was running a skeleton , 20-minute service , devoid of funds .
`` If you are encouraging a return to work , surely any safety-led approach would require you to help cities fund extra trams to allow for social distancing ? ''
he wrote .
`` Simply telling people to drive does n't work for the third of people here who don ’ t own a car .
`` It 's not just on transport where the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` At the start of the crisis , the message to councils was 'spend what you need to keep people safe , we will see you right ' .
`` Now it ’ s all about 'sharing the cost ' .
He went on to say that nine out of Greater Manchester 's 10 councils would receive 'hefty pay cuts ' after the government removed deprivation weighting from the latest council funding allocations , despite deprivation here being higher .
`` This matters because northern councils are seeing more cases [ of Covid-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ least on issues like homelessness . ''
Mr Burnham also criticised the government for 'moving the goalposts ' in terms of the 'Everyone In ' policy to protect the homeless during the pandemic .
The Manchester Evening News exclusively revealed this week that hundreds of homeless people who had been put up in hotels during the coronavirus pandemic must now be moved out after ministers quietly pulled the plug on the programme .
`` We are now left with 800 people in hotels and apartments but with insufficient funding to help them make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' the mayor added .
`` The communities secretary insists he is fully funding 'Everyone In ' but our councils see it differently .
The gap between national government and local government in England is growing wider by the day .
`` So where do we go from here ?
`` If the government carries on in the same vein , expect to see an even greater fracturing of national unity .
Different places will adopt their own messaging and policies . ''
Mr Burnham also called 'nervousness ' could ultimately see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ based on Covid-19 statistics here - and urged the government to publish regional ' R ' figures representing rates of infection .
`` We remain in the midst of a national crisis and we need a sense of national unity to get through it , '' he added .

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Andy Burnham has accused the government of giving Greater Manchester 'no real notice' of last Sunday's announcement which saw lockdown measures eased and a return to work in certain industries encouraged.
The mayor of Greater Manchester said it was 'far from a planned, safety-led approach' and the announcement 'felt more suited to the south than to the north'.
In a hard-hitting comment piece, Mr Burnham derided what he called the government's now 'London-centric mode' and called for regional mayors like him to sit on the Cobra emergency council.
He also hit out at a lack of rescue funding for Manchester's transport system and said fresh financial cuts would hit town halls in the north.
Writing for the Observer on Sunday, Mr Burnham reveals he spoke to the Prime Minister Boris Johnson a fortnight ago alongside other regional mayors.
(Image: PA)
It was, he said, a 'a friendly discussion about the release from lockdown and the need for the regions to be empowered to lead recovery within a national framework'.
Mr Burnham said he impressed on the PM the crucial need for a 'safety-led approach to any release' from lockdown and the retention of a 'sense of national unity'.
But he wrote: "We wanted to continue work in that way, but given the complexity of what lay ahead, that would mean being properly involved in what comes next.
"When I listened to the PM make his announcement last Sunday - and observing the government's behaviour this week – it has felt as though it had decided to do the polar opposite of what I was asking.
"Life has changed and, suddenly, everything feels very fractious.
"In Greater Manchester, we had no real notice of the measures.
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
"On the eve of a new working week, the PM was on TV 'actively encouraging' a return to work. Even though that would clearly put more cars on roads and people on trams, no one in government thought it important to tell the cities that would have to cope with that."
Mr Burnham said his 'gut feeling' told him it 'felt premature' of the government to drop the 'stay at home' message in favour of 'stay alert' and others.
"If the government had taken us through their reasoning, perhaps we could have been reassured," he said.
"But this brings me to a recurrent problem throughout the crisis. The mayor of London is on Cobra, and rightly so.
"But there is no place for any mayors from the north, or indeed the rest, of England.
"For a government elected on votes in the north, and promises to 'level-up', it is surprising how quickly it has reverted to the default, London-centric mode in this crisis. Last Sunday’s package certainly felt more suited to the south than to the north."
(Image: ABNM Photography)
In the searing critique the mayor also suggests the government should approach the mayor of the West Midlands to represent the non-London mayors on the Cobra emergency committee.
Mr Burnham also asked where funding for Manchester's Metrolink was after news of a £1.6 billion bail out for Transport for London filtered through.
He's previously warned the Metrolink system could be 'mothballed', or shut down completely, due to plummeting passenger numbers as a result of the Covid-19 lockdown.
Currently, he said Metrolink was running a skeleton, 20-minute service, devoid of funds.
"If you are encouraging a return to work, surely any safety-led approach would require you to help cities fund extra trams to allow for social distancing?" he wrote.
"Simply telling people to drive doesn't work for the third of people here who don’t own a car.
"It's not just on transport where the government is not reading the room.
"At the start of the crisis, the message to councils was 'spend what you need to keep people safe, we will see you right'.
"Now it’s all about 'sharing the cost'.
He went on to say that nine out of Greater Manchester's 10 councils would receive 'hefty pay cuts' after the government removed deprivation weighting from the latest council funding allocations, despite deprivation here being higher.
"This matters because northern councils are seeing more cases [of Covid-19] and facing extra costs, not least on issues like homelessness."
Mr Burnham also criticised the government for 'moving the goalposts' in terms of the 'Everyone In' policy to protect the homeless during the pandemic.
The Manchester Evening News exclusively revealed this week that hundreds of homeless people who had been put up in hotels during the coronavirus pandemic must now be moved out after ministers quietly pulled the plug on the programme.
"We are now left with 800 people in hotels and apartments but with insufficient funding to help them make a transition to a more secure placement," the mayor added.
"The communities secretary insists he is fully funding 'Everyone In' but our councils see it differently. The gap between national government and local government in England is growing wider by the day.
"So where do we go from here?
"If the government carries on in the same vein, expect to see an even greater fracturing of national unity. Different places will adopt their own messaging and policies."
Mr Burnham also called 'nervousness' could ultimately see councils adopting their own, tailored approaches based on Covid-19 statistics here - and urged the government to publish regional 'R' figures representing rates of infection.
"We remain in the midst of a national crisis and we need a sense of national unity to get through it," he added.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-05-16--Man United and Real Madrid to battle for Haaland and more rumours

Manchester United will revive their interest in Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland if he was to become available , reports say .
Haaland starred as Dortmund marked the return of the Bundesliga season with a 4-0 win over Schalke , scoring the opening goal in the first half for his 13th goal in 12 appearances since joining from RB Salzburg in January .
He later added an assist for his side 's final goal as they moved to within a point of Bayern Munich , who play on Sunday .
United wanted to sign Haaland before he joined Dortmund , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Germany rather than link back up with former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer from when the pair were at Molde .
Now , Mundo Deportivo say Real Madrid have set their sights on the Norway international but acknowledge United will compete should he become available .
Meanwhile , Juventus are reportedly keen to offload Adrien Rabiot ahead of next season , only a year after he joined the Serie A side on a free transfer from PSG .
Rabiot has been linked with a move to United for the second successive summer , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ future has alerted a number of Premier League clubs .
Finally , United fear they will not be able to afford Raul Jimenez this summer , according to reports .
Record in Portugal suggest it would take up to €100m ( £89m ) to complete a deal for the Wolves striker this year .

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Manchester United will revive their interest in Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland if he was to become available, reports say.
Haaland starred as Dortmund marked the return of the Bundesliga season with a 4-0 win over Schalke, scoring the opening goal in the first half for his 13th goal in 12 appearances since joining from RB Salzburg in January. He later added an assist for his side's final goal as they moved to within a point of Bayern Munich, who play on Sunday.
United wanted to sign Haaland before he joined Dortmund, but the striker opted to move to Germany rather than link back up with former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer from when the pair were at Molde.
Now, Mundo Deportivo say Real Madrid have set their sights on the Norway international but acknowledge United will compete should he become available.
Meanwhile, Juventus are reportedly keen to offload Adrien Rabiot ahead of next season, only a year after he joined the Serie A side on a free transfer from PSG.
Rabiot has been linked with a move to United for the second successive summer, and L'Equipe report Juventus' stance on his future has alerted a number of Premier League clubs.
Finally, United fear they will not be able to afford Raul Jimenez this summer, according to reports.
Record in Portugal suggest it would take up to €100m (£89m) to complete a deal for the Wolves striker this year.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-05-16--Manchester United news and transfers RECAP

Wellens , 17 , has signed a two-year deal with the club after a fulfilling season with the Under-18s before @ @ @ @ @ .
Wellens started in all four of United 's FA Youth Cup ties and the @ @ @ @ @ semi-final with Chelsea if the season successfully restarts next month .
Wellens 's father , @ @ @ @ @ United academy , making one appearance for the first-team in 1999 , and the Swindon @ @ @ @ @ at his son 's commitment to the club .
`` Twenty-three years ago I signed @ @ @ @ @ the biggest club in the world , '' Wellens tweeted .
`` To say I @ @ @ @ @ Charlie sign his is an understatement .
Well done mate it ’ s only the @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Meanwhile , United continue to be linked with Kalidou Koulibaly and Adrien Rabiot @ @ @ @ @ news throughout the day .

newsdesk@men-news.co.uk (Richard Fay, Joe Bray, Marcus Banks)


themanchestereveningnews--2020-05-16--Manchester United evening headlines as Sancho gets transfer warning

Here are the Manchester United evening headlines on Saturday , May 16 .
Former Borussia Dortmund goalkeeper Mitch Langerak has said Jadon Sancho shouldn ’ t leave the Bundesliga club for Manchester United this summer .
The Australian international , who was a back-up during Jurgen Klopp ’ s reign when Dortmund won back-to-back league titles before reaching the Champions League final , believes there ’ s `` no reason '' for Sancho to make a switch .
Sancho is a top target for United , but Langerak believes the best thing for the 20-year-old England international would be to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Park .
`` There 's absolutely no reason why any of them should leave , '' Langerak told Stats Perform .
`` For example , Lewandowski left Dortmund [ in 2014 ] at around 24-25 .
[ He was ] smashing it at Dortmund and he 's been smashing it at Bayern Munich .
Went there as the absolute starting striker .
“ The same as Gundogan .
He came at 21 and left at 24-25 [ in 2016 ] .
Went to Manchester City and he 's killing it.
” Manchester United @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2008 is one of Sir Alex Ferguson ’ s best achievements , and , for many , the defining moment of the team he built in the latter half of the 2000s .
It ’ s also the most prestigious trophy in former South Korea international Park Ji-sung ’ s individual honours list , but he revealed that the penalty shootout win over Avram Grant ’ s Blues on that rainy night in Moscow is tinged with sadness - because he wasn ’ t involved .
`` We won the Premier League @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and it was in Moscow that I had one of my saddest moments when I found out I wasn ’ t in the squad for the Champions League final against Chelsea , '' Park said , writing on the official Manchester United website .
Academy coach explains why Owen is wrong about Rashford United academy coach Colin Little has illustrated why former United striker Michael Owen was wrong about Marcus Rashford , and others like him .
Owen , who scored 17 goals in 52 appearances for the Reds between 2009 and 2011 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a natural ability you ’ re simply born with .
He burst onto the scene with Liverpool and scored 23 goals in each of his first two seasons , later claiming the Ballon d ’ Or at his boyhood club , but not every young forward ’ s career has followed the same trajectory .
Little explained in detail why that bears little resemblance to the stats , and there are plenty of recent examples - such as Rashford - that prove that theory wrong .
`` I remember Michael doing a talk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' he told ManUtd.com .
`` He literally said , 'you are born a goalscorer ' .
I saw Graeme Souness and Jose Mourinho in the TV studio saying the same thing - 'you can ’ t teach people it ' .
They were saying 'name one player ' and I was screaming at the TV !
`` It ’ s a load of rubbish .
Cristiano Ronaldo was a tricky winger .
Before Pep Guardiola got to him , Raheem Sterling used to only score about six or seven a season .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ] is more natural . ''
Rashford ’ s early career would be another example .
The 22-year-old didn ’ t manage more than 13 goals in all competitions in his first four seasons with United , but he ’ s already at 19 this year - in spite of injuries - and could yet add plenty more if the season concludes .

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Here are the Manchester United evening headlines on Saturday, May 16.
Sancho warned off United transfer
Former Borussia Dortmund goalkeeper Mitch Langerak has said Jadon Sancho shouldn’t leave the Bundesliga club for Manchester United this summer.
The Australian international, who was a back-up during Jurgen Klopp’s reign when Dortmund won back-to-back league titles before reaching the Champions League final, believes there’s "no reason" for Sancho to make a switch.
Sancho is a top target for United, but Langerak believes the best thing for the 20-year-old England international would be to continue his development at the Signal Iduna Park.
"There's absolutely no reason why any of them should leave," Langerak told Stats Perform.
"For example, Lewandowski left Dortmund [in 2014] at around 24-25. [He was] smashing it at Dortmund and he's been smashing it at Bayern Munich. Went there as the absolute starting striker.
“The same as Gundogan. He came at 21 and left at 24-25 [in 2016]. Went to Manchester City and he's killing it.”
Park Ji-sung reveals ‘saddest moment’ of United career
Manchester United’s Champions League win over Chelsea in 2008 is one of Sir Alex Ferguson’s best achievements, and, for many, the defining moment of the team he built in the latter half of the 2000s.
It’s also the most prestigious trophy in former South Korea international Park Ji-sung’s individual honours list, but he revealed that the penalty shootout win over Avram Grant’s Blues on that rainy night in Moscow is tinged with sadness - because he wasn’t involved.
"We won the Premier League many times and reached many finals, and it was in Moscow that I had one of my saddest moments when I found out I wasn’t in the squad for the Champions League final against Chelsea," Park said, writing on the official Manchester United website.
Academy coach explains why Owen is wrong about Rashford
United academy coach Colin Little has illustrated why former United striker Michael Owen was wrong about Marcus Rashford, and others like him.
Owen, who scored 17 goals in 52 appearances for the Reds between 2009 and 2011, said that a goalscoring touch is a natural ability you’re simply born with.
He burst onto the scene with Liverpool and scored 23 goals in each of his first two seasons, later claiming the Ballon d’Or at his boyhood club, but not every young forward’s career has followed the same trajectory.
Little explained in detail why that bears little resemblance to the stats, and there are plenty of recent examples - such as Rashford - that prove that theory wrong.
"I remember Michael doing a talk with us and it was mentioned," he told ManUtd.com.
"He literally said, 'you are born a goalscorer'. I saw Graeme Souness and Jose Mourinho in the TV studio saying the same thing - 'you can’t teach people it'. They were saying 'name one player' and I was screaming at the TV!
"It’s a load of rubbish. Cristiano Ronaldo was a tricky winger. Before Pep Guardiola got to him, Raheem Sterling used to only score about six or seven a season. You could maybe say Mason [Greenwood] is more natural."
Rashford’s early career would be another example.
The 22-year-old didn’t manage more than 13 goals in all competitions in his first four seasons with United, but he’s already at 19 this year - in spite of injuries - and could yet add plenty more if the season concludes.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-05-16--Five defensive midfielders who could improve Manchester United

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer ’ s recruitment policy of signing younger players could be used to great success again in the upcoming transfer window .
Manchester United have reaped the rewards from the likes of Daniel James and Aaron Wan-Bissaka since both joined last summer .
Such additions have contributed to the squad having the lowest average age in the Premier League at 24.2 years , putting them in a good position for future development .
Faith in youth appears to be at the top of United ’ s recruitment policy and the targeting of Jadon Sancho and James Maddison only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could address in the next transfer window is defensive midfield , so let ’ s explore some of their options .
For our search , we are looking for defensive midfielders under the age of 25 who have experience in a holding midfield role .
Ndidi is an obvious option to start with given how impressively he has replaced N ’ Golo Kanté at Leicester City .
The Foxes ’ 4-1-4-1 formation means that the Nigerian is given the responsibility of covering depth and protecting his back four .
It is difficult to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such a specialist role .
Data provider Wyscout credits him with 13.16 defensive duels per 90 minutes , showing just how active the 23-year-old is in defence .
His success rate of 60.42 % in these duels further illustrates his strength out of possession .
All eyes will be on the Bundesliga over the coming weeks , but Zakaria is expected to be out after undergoing knee surgery .
Despite an injury setback , the Swiss midfielder has a number of key traits that could allow him to thrive at Old Trafford .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ but has also filled in as a centre-back this season when required .
Zakaria ’ s athleticism and ability to recover possession makes him well-suited to United ’ s system and could see him thrive alongside a midfield partner or even on his own .
While his experience so far has seen him play in a double pivot , his physical attributes suggest he could be capable as a lone defensive midfielder too .
The 23-year-old has a defensive duel success rate of 69.01 % , which ranks higher than any other player @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of metric can easily be taken out of context based on volume and positioning , Zakaria ’ s numbers show him to be a combative ball-winning midfielder .
RB Leipzig ’ s aggressive pressing machine is well conducted by Laimer at the heart of the Bundesliga side ’ s midfield .
The 22-year-old is best suited to playing in a double pivot which could work well alongside a more creative midfield partner like Paul Pogba .
United could be encouraged by Laimer ’ s experience with quick counter-attacking forwards like Timo Werner and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Such a set-up could be utilised at Old Trafford with Marcus Rashford , Daniel James and Anthony Martial further forward .
Above all , though , the Austrian possesses key defensive abilities that would undoubtedly strengthen United in midfield .
His 12.85 defensive duels per 90 minutes is only bettered by Ndidi on this list .
West Ham ’ s most expensive player isn ’ t likely to come cheap but there is good reason the Englishman will command such a big price tag .
In a relegation-threatened West Ham side , Rice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ performances well beyond his 21 years .
With 3,382 minutes played this season , Rice acts as one of the most reliable players in a struggling West Ham side while continuing to impress .
Rice boasts a success rate of 81.45 % on his 6.6 final third passes per 90 minutes , showing just how good the youngster is at moving the ball forward .
Such a strength would most likely be better rewarded at Old Trafford than the London Stadium .
In addition to his age , the fact that Rice is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ side means that he could appeal to United ’ s current vision for recruitment .
At just 17 years old , Camavinga has enjoyed a breakthrough season in Ligue 1 this season that has got a lot of people talking .
The France U21 international has shown he is capable of playing as both a holding midfielder as well as progressing further up the pitch in a more attacking role .
Signing such a young player would come with obvious risks , but it could also be seen as an opportunity to secure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clearly has the potential to excel .
The fact Camavinga is such a young prospect means that United would have significant time to develop his raw potential into a specialist position .

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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s recruitment policy of signing younger players could be used to great success again in the upcoming transfer window.
Manchester United have reaped the rewards from the likes of Daniel James and Aaron Wan-Bissaka since both joined last summer. Such additions have contributed to the squad having the lowest average age in the Premier League at 24.2 years, putting them in a good position for future development.
Faith in youth appears to be at the top of United’s recruitment policy and the targeting of Jadon Sancho and James Maddison only strengthens that concept.
One area United could address in the next transfer window is defensive midfield, so let’s explore some of their options.
For our search, we are looking for defensive midfielders under the age of 25 who have experience in a holding midfield role.
Wilfred Ndidi, Leicester City
Ndidi is an obvious option to start with given how impressively he has replaced N’Golo Kanté at Leicester City.
The Foxes’ 4-1-4-1 formation means that the Nigerian is given the responsibility of covering depth and protecting his back four. It is difficult to state just how effective Ndidi is in such a specialist role.
Data provider Wyscout credits him with 13.16 defensive duels per 90 minutes, showing just how active the 23-year-old is in defence. His success rate of 60.42% in these duels further illustrates his strength out of possession.
Denis Zakaria, Borussia Mönchengladbach
All eyes will be on the Bundesliga over the coming weeks, but Zakaria is expected to be out after undergoing knee surgery.
Despite an injury setback, the Swiss midfielder has a number of key traits that could allow him to thrive at Old Trafford. He predominantly plays as a holding midfielder but has also filled in as a centre-back this season when required.
Zakaria’s athleticism and ability to recover possession makes him well-suited to United’s system and could see him thrive alongside a midfield partner or even on his own. While his experience so far has seen him play in a double pivot, his physical attributes suggest he could be capable as a lone defensive midfielder too.
The 23-year-old has a defensive duel success rate of 69.01%, which ranks higher than any other player on this shortlist. While this type of metric can easily be taken out of context based on volume and positioning, Zakaria’s numbers show him to be a combative ball-winning midfielder.
Konrad Laimer, RB Leipzig
RB Leipzig’s aggressive pressing machine is well conducted by Laimer at the heart of the Bundesliga side’s midfield.
The 22-year-old is best suited to playing in a double pivot which could work well alongside a more creative midfield partner like Paul Pogba.
United could be encouraged by Laimer’s experience with quick counter-attacking forwards like Timo Werner and Christopher Nkunku in front of him. Such a set-up could be utilised at Old Trafford with Marcus Rashford, Daniel James and Anthony Martial further forward.
Above all, though, the Austrian possesses key defensive abilities that would undoubtedly strengthen United in midfield.
His 12.85 defensive duels per 90 minutes is only bettered by Ndidi on this list.
Declan Rice, West Ham United
West Ham’s most expensive player isn’t likely to come cheap but there is good reason the Englishman will command such a big price tag.
In a relegation-threatened West Ham side, Rice has been a shining light with mature performances well beyond his 21 years.
With 3,382 minutes played this season, Rice acts as one of the most reliable players in a struggling West Ham side while continuing to impress.
Rice boasts a success rate of 81.45% on his 6.6 final third passes per 90 minutes, showing just how good the youngster is at moving the ball forward. Such a strength would most likely be better rewarded at Old Trafford than the London Stadium.
In addition to his age, the fact that Rice is a potential long-term figure in the national side means that he could appeal to United’s current vision for recruitment.
Eduardo Camavinga, Stade Rennes
At just 17 years old, Camavinga has enjoyed a breakthrough season in Ligue 1 this season that has got a lot of people talking.
The France U21 international has shown he is capable of playing as both a holding midfielder as well as progressing further up the pitch in a more attacking role.
Signing such a young player would come with obvious risks, but it could also be seen as an opportunity to secure the services of an exciting talent who clearly has the potential to excel.
The fact Camavinga is such a young prospect means that United would have significant time to develop his raw potential into a specialist position.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-05-16--Education Secretary calls on teaching unions to work with government

Education Secretary Gavin Williamson has implored teaching unions to work with government to enable schools in England to begin re-opening .
At the daily Downing Street press conference on Saturday , Mr Williamson said his “ door is always open ” for discussion about the government 's plans .
His plea came amid fears that plans to start the phased return to classrooms may be at risk if the unions refuse to co-operate .
However , some teaching unions have now said they are willing to work with the government on the plan to reopen schools - providing it can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comments made on schools reopening at today ’ s Government coronavirus briefing , Dr Patrick Roach , General Secretary of the NASUWT said : “ We welcome the Secretary of State ’ s commitment to discuss a way forward which will help to ensure that schools can reopen safely to more children .
“ It is urgently important that the Government takes every available opportunity to provide the necessary assurances that teachers are seeking .
“ It should not be forgotten that teachers have continued to look after vulnerable children and children of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support for remote learning for those children who are at home . ''
He added : “ Schools are looking to the Government for clear and unequivocal guidance on the health and safety measures they will need to have in place prior to reopening .
“ The bottom line is that no teacher or child should be expected to go into schools until it can be demonstrated that it is safe for them to do so.
” Earlier , Dr Roach said teachers needed to see “ unequivocal guidance ” from the Government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ secure ” , and that re-opening would not put public health at risk .
Kevin Courtney , joint general secretary of the National Education Union said : “ The National Education Union was pleased to hear the Secretary of State restate that a wider opening of schools on June 1 is conditional on the Government passing certain tests , and pleased to hear the Government will be closely monitoring the impact of this weeks loosening on the R rate and the overall case count , before deciding to take further measures .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up Mr Williamson ’ s statement that his door is open in order to seek to engage in discussions about a safe way forward and to better understand the tests the Government believes it must pass . ''
He added that the union would like to put forward their own five tests , which he says have been endorsed by the British Medical Association - along with looking to the arrangements made in schools in Denmark .
Mr Williamson was keen to praise teachers during Saturday 's briefing , saying they had been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crisis .
He also urged them to talk about their concerns .
He said : “ My door is always open .
I am always keen to listen and talk to them .
I have been meeting both representative organisations , school groups , but also unions , every single week , ” Mr Williamson said the re-opening was being done in “ a very , very cautious and phased way ” based on the best scientific advice .
A “ hierarchy of controls ” was being set up to ensure proper hand-washing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while class sizes were being reduced to a maximum of 15 .
“ We are creating a protective bubble around them , reducing the amount of mixing and making sure that those small groups stay together almost like a family within a classroom , ” he said .
He also warned it was the most disadvantaged pupils who would suffer the most , the longer schools remained closed .
The deputy chief medical officer for England , Dr Jenny Harries , said the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies ( Sage ) had modelled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The one adopted was expected to lead to a “ small increase ” in the overall R number – the rate at which the disease is spreading .
However she said that in most communities , the R rate was likely to be “ significantly lower ” than the national figure as the disease was now most concentrated in care homes and hospitals .
Initial talks on Friday ( May 15 ) between union reps and government scientific advisers , intended to provide assurance about the proposals to enable a safe return , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ councils across England have already rejected government plans to reopen schools on June 1 .
Rochdale , Liverpool , Hartlepool and Wigan have all warned parents not to expect schools to be open for pupils at the start of the month .
Children ’ s Commissioner for England Anne Longfield has today urged ministers and unions to stop “ squabbling ” and get on with a plan to start the phased re-opening of primary schools from the planned date of June 1 .
Ms Longfield said many disadvantaged children were losing out because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
She said : “ We can not afford to wait for a vaccine , which may never arrive , before children are back in school .
“ It ’ s time to stop squabbling and agree a staggered , safe return that is accompanied by rigorous testing of teachers , children and families .
”

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Education Secretary Gavin Williamson has implored teaching unions to work with government to enable schools in England to begin re-opening.
At the daily Downing Street press conference on Saturday, Mr Williamson said his “door is always open” for discussion about the government's plans.
His plea came amid fears that plans to start the phased return to classrooms may be at risk if the unions refuse to co-operate.
However, some teaching unions have now said they are willing to work with the government on the plan to reopen schools - providing it can be done safely.
Responding to the comments made on schools reopening at today’s Government coronavirus briefing, Dr Patrick Roach, General Secretary of the NASUWT said: “We welcome the Secretary of State’s commitment to discuss a way forward which will help to ensure that schools can reopen safely to more children.
“It is urgently important that the Government takes every available opportunity to provide the necessary assurances that teachers are seeking.
“It should not be forgotten that teachers have continued to look after vulnerable children and children of critical workers whilst also providing high quality support for remote learning for those children who are at home."
He added: “Schools are looking to the Government for clear and unequivocal guidance on the health and safety measures they will need to have in place prior to reopening.
“The bottom line is that no teacher or child should be expected to go into schools until it can be demonstrated that it is safe for them to do so.”
Earlier, Dr Roach said teachers needed to see “unequivocal guidance” from the Government that schools could be made “Covid secure”, and that re-opening would not put public health at risk.
(Image: AP)
Kevin Courtney, joint general secretary of the National Education Union said: “The National Education Union was pleased to hear the Secretary of State restate that a wider opening of schools on June 1 is conditional on the Government passing certain tests, and pleased to hear the Government will be closely monitoring the impact of this weeks loosening on the R rate and the overall case count, before deciding to take further measures.
“This is sensible. We will take up Mr Williamson’s statement that his door is open in order to seek to engage in discussions about a safe way forward and to better understand the tests the Government believes it must pass."
He added that the union would like to put forward their own five tests, which he says have been endorsed by the British Medical Association - along with looking to the arrangements made in schools in Denmark.
Mr Williamson was keen to praise teachers during Saturday's briefing, saying they had been “absolute heroes” during the coronavirus crisis. He also urged them to talk about their concerns.
He said: “My door is always open. I am always keen to listen and talk to them. I have been meeting both representative organisations, school groups, but also unions, every single week,”
Mr Williamson said the re-opening was being done in “a very, very cautious and phased way” based on the best scientific advice.
A “hierarchy of controls” was being set up to ensure proper hand-washing, hygiene and cleaning systems within schools while class sizes were being reduced to a maximum of 15.
“We are creating a protective bubble around them, reducing the amount of mixing and making sure that those small groups stay together almost like a family within a classroom,” he said.
He also warned it was the most disadvantaged pupils who would suffer the most, the longer schools remained closed.
The deputy chief medical officer for England, Dr Jenny Harries, said the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) had modelled seven different scenarios for re-opening schools.
The one adopted was expected to lead to a “small increase” in the overall R number – the rate at which the disease is spreading.
However she said that in most communities, the R rate was likely to be “significantly lower” than the national figure as the disease was now most concentrated in care homes and hospitals.
Initial talks on Friday (May 15) between union reps and government scientific advisers, intended to provide assurance about the proposals to enable a safe return, ended inconclusively.
A growing number of councils across England have already rejected government plans to reopen schools on June 1.
Rochdale, Liverpool, Hartlepool and Wigan have all warned parents not to expect schools to be open for pupils at the start of the month.
Children’s Commissioner for England Anne Longfield has today urged ministers and unions to stop “squabbling” and get on with a plan to start the phased re-opening of primary schools from the planned date of June 1.
Ms Longfield said many disadvantaged children were losing out because of schools being closed for so long.
She said: “We cannot afford to wait for a vaccine, which may never arrive, before children are back in school.
“It’s time to stop squabbling and agree a staggered, safe return that is accompanied by rigorous testing of teachers, children and families.”