themanchestereveningnews--2020-05-17--Wayne Rooney criticises Man United over Jose Mourinho appointment

Wayne Rooney believes Manchester United made the wrong decision in sacking Louis van Gaal and appointing Jose Mourinho as his replacement in 2016 , insisting the Dutchman was good for a third season in charge .
Rooney was United captain under the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich coach and lifted the FA Cup in Van Gaal 's final game in charge of the club , before Mourinho was appointed to replace him .
Van Gaal has since admitted in interviews that Rooney was `` over the hill '' when he coached him , but that the Merseysider was still United @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And the pair clearly have a huge admiration for each other , with Rooney of the belief that the former Netherlands boss deserved more time at Old Trafford .
“ I was devastated when Louis was sacked , '' Rooney said in a new book about Van Gaal entitled ‘ LVG – The Manager and the Total Person ’ .
“ For me , it was an absolute joy to work with him .
“ We should have kept him for a third season .
We would have been so much stronger .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ started to understand his vision .
In those two years I learned more than under any other manager .
“ This is why I will be forever grateful to him .
Not just for making me captain , but also for all the trust and belief he had in me . ''
United spent big money in the transfer market under Van Gaal on the likes of Angel di Maria , Luke Shaw , Ander Herrera , Marcos Rojo , Radamel Falcao and others .
Their league finishes of fourth and fifth under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ although Rooney believes United were showing signs of improvement .
He added : “ Our best XI was good enough to play in the top four , but once we got injuries we got in trouble because we did not have the same quality in the squad as in the years before .
“ At the time it was good for me because I had decided that I wanted to become a manager .
“ And working with Louis in that way was priceless in my opinion , because I could learn so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have wished for a better example .
”

Wayne Rooney believes Manchester United made the wrong decision in sacking Louis van Gaal and appointing Jose Mourinho as his replacement in 2016, insisting the Dutchman was good for a third season in charge.
Rooney was United captain under the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich coach and lifted the FA Cup in Van Gaal's final game in charge of the club, before Mourinho was appointed to replace him.
Van Gaal has since admitted in interviews that Rooney was "over the hill" when he coached him, but that the Merseysider was still United's best player at the time. And the pair clearly have a huge admiration for each other, with Rooney of the belief that the former Netherlands boss deserved more time at Old Trafford.
“I was devastated when Louis was sacked," Rooney said in a new book about Van Gaal entitled ‘LVG – The Manager and the Total Person’.
“For me, it was an absolute joy to work with him.
“We should have kept him for a third season. We would have been so much stronger. I felt things were improving and players started to understand his vision. In those two years I learned more than under any other manager.
“This is why I will be forever grateful to him. Not just for making me captain, but also for all the trust and belief he had in me."
United spent big money in the transfer market under Van Gaal on the likes of Angel di Maria, Luke Shaw, Ander Herrera, Marcos Rojo, Radamel Falcao and others. Their league finishes of fourth and fifth under his management were a little underwhelming, although Rooney believes United were showing signs of improvement.
He added: “Our best XI was good enough to play in the top four, but once we got injuries we got in trouble because we did not have the same quality in the squad as in the years before.
“At the time it was good for me because I had decided that I wanted to become a manager.
“And working with Louis in that way was priceless in my opinion, because I could learn so much from him. I could not have wished for a better example.”


themanchestereveningnews--2020-05-17--Schools should reopen when it's 'safe for students and teachers' - mayor

Andy Burnham says schools in Greater Manchester should only re-open when it ’ s safe to do so .
The region ’ s mayor says the coronavirus reproduction rate is much higher in the north than it in the south of the country and so there are `` concerns '' about the speed of school reopenings .
He has called on the government to officially release the Covid-19 reproduction rate - the ‘ R ’ value - for each region to ‘ empower people with information ’ .
Mr Burnham - a father himself - admitted that home schooling was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ current closures will have a big impact on young people .
But he insisted that the re-opening of schools can not compromise the safety of pupils and teaching staff .
Rochdale Council is the latest to signal it might defy the timetable laid out by Boris Johnson for reopneing schools .
The council says it wo n't be forced into a June 1 reopening as set out by the government .
Council leaders have written to parents to warn them not to expect schools to open at the start of the month , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to rely on a date suggested by government , that schools may be unable to meet '' .
Wigan Council has also announced that it aims to eventually reopen to certain year groups , but the plans for a phased return will not be ready and in place by June 1 .
However the boss of Oasis Community Learning has outlined plans to reopen six Greater Manchester primary schools at the beginning of June .
Founder Steve Chalke said : “ We ’ re opening our primary schools on June 1 .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stuck indoors , with no fresh air and little digital access , socialising or nutritious food .
So socially distanced and not pressuring anyone to attend , we ’ re opening !
” Read more of today 's top stories here Speaking on 5Live this morning ( Sunday ) , Mr Burnham said : “ I think there is a concern about the speed of the reopening because , of course , there ’ s a different picture in different parts of the country .
“ The R number that the government keeps @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the north than it is in the south so I think the government does need to listen to the voices of Northern council leaders and allow a little bit of flexibility to be shown .
“ But overall of course we want to see the kids back in school .
I certainly would like to see mine back in .
But it ’ s got to be when it ’ s safe to do so - safe for the students , safe for the teachers as well.
” Presenter Eleanor Oldroyd asked the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during the school closures .
“ Yeah , a bit of a challenge to be honest , ” he said .
“ It ’ s hard isn ’ t it ?
And you do worry don ’ t you for this generation of young people .
“ I ’ ve got somebody who should have been doing her A Levels right now and a Year 10 so it will have a big impact on young people and of course you want to see them back in school as quickly as possible , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on safety .
“ There are sadly still far too many people losing their lives as a result of this virus and we need to take a safety first approach .
I ’ m not entirely sure that that is what the government announced last Sunday.
” Mr Burnham also called on the government to officially release regional data regarding the ' R ' rate .
“ One of the calls I ’ ve made today is to publish this regional R number , ” he said .
“ The government doesn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ available .
“ In London the R number is 0.4 , in the North East it ’ s 0.8 .
So you can understand why people in Hartlepool are saying ‘ well is it right for the schools to be coming back just now ’ .
“ I think the government needs to empower people with information and give them a little more flexibility to deal with some of these issues.
” Writing in the Observer today , Mr Burnham said regional mayors had not been told the lockdown was being eased despite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Prime Minister two weeks ago .
The mayor told 5Live that Mr Johsnon “ gets where we ’ re coming from ” as a former mayor himself and said the phone call had been helpful .
But he said he heard the lockdown changes announced last Sunday for the first time then , just like everyone else .
“ Last Sunday it was like it hadn ’ t happened because we were pleading for involvement and consultation on changes and I was watching it , hearing it for the first time like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ And when you ’ ve got a situation where there ’ s going to be more people coming to work and you ’ re running a city with trams and buses that are going to be carrying bigger numbers , you kind of feel you need to be told before the government makes major statements like that .
“ But it ’ s not just that of course .
We ’ ve seen a major funding deal for London transport in the week just gone .
Where ’ s the deal for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Birmingham , for Sheffield , for Liverpool ?
There isn ’ t one .
“ It ’ s surprising to me - for a government that was talking about levelling up and elected on votes in the north - it ’ s surprising how quickly they ’ ve reverted to a London-centric mode in this crisis .
`` And I say all of this in a spirit of wanting to get back to a degree of national unity .
I think it ’ s really important in a national crisis .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of what ’ s been said and making changes .
”

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Andy Burnham says schools in Greater Manchester should only re-open when it’s safe to do so.
The region’s mayor says the coronavirus reproduction rate is much higher in the north than it in the south of the country and so there are "concerns" about the speed of school reopenings.
He has called on the government to officially release the Covid-19 reproduction rate - the ‘R’ value - for each region to ‘empower people with information’.
Mr Burnham - a father himself - admitted that home schooling was ‘a challenge’ and said the current closures will have a big impact on young people.
But he insisted that the re-opening of schools cannot compromise the safety of pupils and teaching staff.
Rochdale Council is the latest to signal it might defy the timetable laid out by Boris Johnson for reopneing schools.
The council says it won't be forced into a June 1 reopening as set out by the government.
Council leaders have written to parents to warn them not to expect schools to open at the start of the month, stating they "do not want parents to rely on a date suggested by government, that schools may be unable to meet".
Wigan Council has also announced that it aims to eventually reopen to certain year groups, but the plans for a phased return will not be ready and in place by June 1.
However the boss of Oasis Community Learning has outlined plans to reopen six Greater Manchester primary schools at the beginning of June.
Founder Steve Chalke said: “We’re opening our primary schools on June 1. The greatest risk for many children is being stuck indoors, with no fresh air and little digital access, socialising or nutritious food. So socially distanced and not pressuring anyone to attend, we’re opening!”
Speaking on 5Live this morning (Sunday), Mr Burnham said: “I think there is a concern about the speed of the reopening because, of course, there’s a different picture in different parts of the country.
“The R number that the government keeps pointing us to is much higher in the north than it is in the south so I think the government does need to listen to the voices of Northern council leaders and allow a little bit of flexibility to be shown.
“But overall of course we want to see the kids back in school. I certainly would like to see mine back in. But it’s got to be when it’s safe to do so - safe for the students, safe for the teachers as well.”
Presenter Eleanor Oldroyd asked the mayor how he had found home schooling during the school closures.
“Yeah, a bit of a challenge to be honest,” he said. “It’s hard isn’t it? And you do worry don’t you for this generation of young people.
(Image: AP)
“I’ve got somebody who should have been doing her A Levels right now and a Year 10 so it will have a big impact on young people and of course you want to see them back in school as quickly as possible, but there can’t be any compromise on safety.
“There are sadly still far too many people losing their lives as a result of this virus and we need to take a safety first approach. I’m not entirely sure that that is what the government announced last Sunday.”
Mr Burnham also called on the government to officially release regional data regarding the 'R' rate.
“One of the calls I’ve made today is to publish this regional R number,” he said.
“The government doesn’t formally publish it but it is available.
“In London the R number is 0.4, in the North East it’s 0.8. So you can understand why people in Hartlepool are saying ‘well is it right for the schools to be coming back just now’.
“I think the government needs to empower people with information and give them a little more flexibility to deal with some of these issues.”
(Image: PA)
Writing in the Observer today, Mr Burnham said regional mayors had not been told the lockdown was being eased despite having taken part in a call with the Prime Minister two weeks ago.
The mayor told 5Live that Mr Johsnon “gets where we’re coming from” as a former mayor himself and said the phone call had been helpful.
But he said he heard the lockdown changes announced last Sunday for the first time then, just like everyone else.
“Last Sunday it was like it hadn’t happened because we were pleading for involvement and consultation on changes and I was watching it, hearing it for the first time like anybody else,” he said.
“And when you’ve got a situation where there’s going to be more people coming to work and you’re running a city with trams and buses that are going to be carrying bigger numbers, you kind of feel you need to be told before the government makes major statements like that.
“But it’s not just that of course. We’ve seen a major funding deal for London transport in the week just gone. Where’s the deal for Manchester? Where’s the deal for Birmingham, for Sheffield, for Liverpool? There isn’t one.
“It’s surprising to me - for a government that was talking about levelling up and elected on votes in the north - it’s surprising how quickly they’ve reverted to a London-centric mode in this crisis.
"And I say all of this in a spirit of wanting to get back to a degree of national unity. I think it’s really important in a national crisis. But it does require the government acknowledging some of what’s been said and making changes.”


themanchestereveningnews--2020-05-17--All the Manchester filming locations for The A Word series 3

The new series of much loved TV show The A Word has returned for a third series - and along with it , focus has shifted slightly from the Lake District .
The rolling beauty of Cumbria ’ s stunning national park is contrasted against various bustling locations in Manchester , which takes centre stage on the BBC One drama , the third episode of which will screen on Tuesday .
The third series , which is available in its entirety on iPlayer , has been following 10-year-old Joe Hughes trying to process changes in his life through the lens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ written by Hazel Grove ’ s Peter Bowker , continues on two years after series two and focuses on how the Hughes and Scott families struggle to meet the challenges of parenthood , disability and separation .
Speaking of The Lakes and Manchester , Peter said : “ They are simultaneously magnificent and intimidating and for Joe .
“ What we tried to do in this third series is favour Joe ’ s point of view more , especially in terms of moving from city to countryside .
“ It ’ s about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and where his dad is now back in the Lakes.
” If you ’ re a fan of The A Word you will know that music and the location backdrop are two big elements to the programme - so we have compiled a list of some of the places in Manchester and the surrounding areas where filming took place .
Joe now attends Pear Tree primary school in Manchester to help him with his additional needs .
And in real life , the school where The A Word films its exterior and interior @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but it also supports children just like Joe .
Ashgate Specialist Support School is the location where we meet Joe ’ s new teacher Heather , who is perhaps one Joe ’ s saving grace in all the chaos .
Heather is played perfectly by former Coronation Street star Julie Hesmondhalgh - and as well she should , after all , the part was written just for her .
This is where all the interior shots are filmed in Scott ’ s Brewery , the business that Maurice gifted to his son Eddie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Eddie has since transformed it into a real success story , with his brand making it into supermarkets while also winning countless awards .
Equally , the filming location at Phoenix Brewery in Heywood is equally independent and successful .
It produces around 100 barrels a week supplying 400-plus outlets with the large range of beers produced throughout the year .
This will be an easy spot for viewers who know the Platt Fields Park ’ s large centrepiece lake , which is the focus of Joe ’ s school sponsored walk .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ space for the occasion , which sees Alison bring her family together after tensions from all sides .
Joe makes a bit of a breakthrough when he joins his classmates in the walk around the park , supported by his teacher , family members and friends .
Space Studios , a purpose built facility for high end TV , film and commercial production , makes it the perfect place to shoot interior scenes for The A Word .
The 850,000 sq ft site is located in West Gorton and has been the home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it opened its doors .
These include BBC war drama World On Fire - also written by Bowker - as well as Manchester staple Cold Feet , American thriller mini-series Devs , and ITV drama The Bay .
But it ’ s not just TV shows that have filmed here - Marvel superhero movie Morbius also shot scenes in the premises .
This series offers up a big moment for Ralph , who has announced he is marrying his fiancee Katie ( Sarah Gordy ) .
It ’ s tough on his mum @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s desire for independence , but she comes round thanks to Maurice ’ s help .
That is , if Maurice can get over the fact that he is not going to be Ralph ’ s best man .
Everything appears to go to plan until Ralph receives an unexpected visitor in the shape of his absent father , which in turn brings back a lot of stark memories for the Wilsons .
The venue , located on Church Road in Cheadle Hulme , offers the perfect backdrop for Ralph and Katie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as everyone behaves themselves , of course .
The opening scenes of episode three will straight away be recognisable to anyone who walks across the Metrolink lines and past Central Library .
Joe can be seen meeting his mum off the tram before walking under the arches that run towards the Town Hall .
The youngster is told by his mum that 'today is a Manchester day ' because it is half term at his school - so keep your eyes open to see how many scenes you recognise .
As Alison and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cream on one of the Sackville Gardens benches , Joe goes and sits next to the famous Alan Turing statue of the Second World War codebreaker .
You may also have spotted one of the Bee in The City statues in the background .
The trail captured the hearts of thousands of Mancunians over the summer months in 2018 - and one is shown in its glory as the couple discuss whether they are going to take the plunge and go on a date .
Trove Cafe on Murray Street is used for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a date .
If you look closely you ’ ll see that they sit on the block seats just off Blossom Street .
The A Word series one , two and three are available to stream now on iPlayer .

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The new series of much loved TV show The A Word has returned for a third series - and along with it, focus has shifted slightly from the Lake District.
The rolling beauty of Cumbria’s stunning national park is contrasted against various bustling locations in Manchester, which takes centre stage on the BBC One drama, the third episode of which will screen on Tuesday.
The third series, which is available in its entirety on iPlayer, has been following 10-year-old Joe Hughes trying to process changes in his life through the lens of autism.
The six-part drama, written by Hazel Grove’s Peter Bowker, continues on two years after series two and focuses on how the Hughes and Scott families struggle to meet the challenges of parenthood, disability and separation.
Speaking of The Lakes and Manchester, Peter said: “They are simultaneously magnificent and intimidating and for Joe.
(Image: BBC)
“What we tried to do in this third series is favour Joe’s point of view more, especially in terms of moving from city to countryside.
“It’s about where his mum is now in Manchester and where his dad is now back in the Lakes.”
If you’re a fan of The A Word you will know that music and the location backdrop are two big elements to the programme - so we have compiled a list of some of the places in Manchester and the surrounding areas where filming took place.
Ashgate Specialist Support School, Wythenshawe
(Image: BBC)
Joe now attends Pear Tree primary school in Manchester to help him with his additional needs.
And in real life, the school where The A Word films its exterior and interior shots is not only in Wythenshawe, but it also supports children just like Joe.
Ashgate Specialist Support School is the location where we meet Joe’s new teacher Heather, who is perhaps one Joe’s saving grace in all the chaos.
Heather is played perfectly by former Coronation Street star Julie Hesmondhalgh - and as well she should, after all, the part was written just for her.
Phoenix Brewery, Heywood
(Image: BBC)
This is where all the interior shots are filmed in Scott’s Brewery, the business that Maurice gifted to his son Eddie at the end of series two.
Eddie has since transformed it into a real success story, with his brand making it into supermarkets while also winning countless awards.
Equally, the filming location at Phoenix Brewery in Heywood is equally independent and successful.
It produces around 100 barrels a week supplying 400-plus outlets with the large range of beers produced throughout the year.
Platt Fields Park
(Image: BBC/Fifty Fathoms/James Stack)
This will be an easy spot for viewers who know the Platt Fields Park’s large centrepiece lake, which is the focus of Joe’s school sponsored walk.
The Fallowfield park is the perfect green space for the occasion, which sees Alison bring her family together after tensions from all sides.
Joe makes a bit of a breakthrough when he joins his classmates in the walk around the park, supported by his teacher, family members and friends.
Space Studios
(Image: BBC)
Space Studios, a purpose built facility for high end TV, film and commercial production, makes it the perfect place to shoot interior scenes for The A Word.
The 850,000 sq ft site is located in West Gorton and has been the home of many a top flight production since it opened its doors.
These include BBC war drama World On Fire - also written by Bowker - as well as Manchester staple Cold Feet, American thriller mini-series Devs, and ITV drama The Bay.
But it’s not just TV shows that have filmed here - Marvel superhero movie Morbius also shot scenes in the premises.
All Saints Parish Rooms, Cheadle Hulme
This series offers up a big moment for Ralph, who has announced he is marrying his fiancee Katie (Sarah Gordy).
It’s tough on his mum Louise who is having to accept Ralph’s desire for independence, but she comes round thanks to Maurice’s help.
That is, if Maurice can get over the fact that he is not going to be Ralph’s best man.
Everything appears to go to plan until Ralph receives an unexpected visitor in the shape of his absent father, which in turn brings back a lot of stark memories for the Wilsons.
The venue, located on Church Road in Cheadle Hulme, offers the perfect backdrop for Ralph and Katie’s nuptials - just so long as everyone behaves themselves, of course.
St Peter’s Square
(Image: BBC)
The opening scenes of episode three will straight away be recognisable to anyone who walks across the Metrolink lines and past Central Library.
Joe can be seen meeting his mum off the tram before walking under the arches that run towards the Town Hall.
The youngster is told by his mum that 'today is a Manchester day' because it is half term at his school - so keep your eyes open to see how many scenes you recognise.
Sackville Gardens
(Image: BBC)
As Alison and Ben have a chat and eat ice cream on one of the Sackville Gardens benches, Joe goes and sits next to the famous Alan Turing statue of the Second World War codebreaker.
You may also have spotted one of the Bee in The City statues in the background.
The trail captured the hearts of thousands of Mancunians over the summer months in 2018 - and one is shown in its glory as the couple discuss whether they are going to take the plunge and go on a date.
Trove Cafe, Ancoats
Trove Cafe on Murray Street is used for scenes where Alison meets up with Ben for a date.
If you look closely you’ll see that they sit on the block seats just off Blossom Street.
The A Word series one, two and three are available to stream now on iPlayer.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-05-17--UEFA reveal 'concrete plan' to finish Champions League and Europa League

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has provided an optimistic update on plans to finish this season 's Champions League and Europa League competitions behind closed doors .
European football 's governing body has a `` concrete plan '' to finish the two competitions , which were brought to a halt in March - like most football around the world - due to the coronavirus pandemic .
But with German football 's top two divisions having restarted on Sunday , albeit without crowds and with social distancing measures in place , Ceferin is adamant the cross-continent competitions will be finished as well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Manchester United had one foot in the Europa League quarter-finals , having thrashed LASK 5-0 in their last 16 first leg .
And Manchester City were targeting the Champions League last eight after an excellent 2-1 victory away to Real Madrid .
“ We have a concrete plan of finishing the European season , '' Ceferin revealed , speaking to broadcaster beIN SPORTS. ''
Of course , this summer we will have to play without spectators at the stadiums .
I think the majority of leagues will finish the season .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s their decision .
But they will still have to play qualifiers if they want to participate in the European UEFA competition . ''
Exactly how UEFA plan to restart remains to be seen .
But after it postponed the European Championship planned for this summer by 12 months , there is space for club competitions to be played .
On the logistics of how a resumption will work , Ceferin added : `` We have an idea but we have to wait for the executive committee of UEFA to confirm the dates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ season will be finished , if everything is as it is now , in August .
As things look now , I ’ m sure… that we can finish the European season and this means UEFA competition .
“ The national leagues are a separate thing and they will decide separately how they want to proceed .
But as I said before , I think at least 80 per cent will finish the season .
“ For now , it looks as though the calendar will not be affected much , especially the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is very dense , so we don ’ t have much space to change things .
“ Football brings positive energy .
It ’ s easier to be home if you can watch sports !
So I think it ’ s a great [ example of ] cooperation between the German league and the German government .
I hope , and think , they will be very successful . ''

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has provided an optimistic update on plans to finish this season's Champions League and Europa League competitions behind closed doors.
European football's governing body has a "concrete plan" to finish the two competitions, which were brought to a halt in March - like most football around the world - due to the coronavirus pandemic.
But with German football's top two divisions having restarted on Sunday, albeit without crowds and with social distancing measures in place, Ceferin is adamant the cross-continent competitions will be finished as well.
At the time of the suspension, Manchester United had one foot in the Europa League quarter-finals, having thrashed LASK 5-0 in their last 16 first leg. And Manchester City were targeting the Champions League last eight after an excellent 2-1 victory away to Real Madrid.
“We have a concrete plan of finishing the European season," Ceferin revealed, speaking to broadcaster beIN SPORTS.
"Of course, this summer we will have to play without spectators at the stadiums. I think the majority of leagues will finish the season. The ones who will not, it’s their decision. But they will still have to play qualifiers if they want to participate in the European UEFA competition."
Exactly how UEFA plan to restart remains to be seen. But after it postponed the European Championship planned for this summer by 12 months, there is space for club competitions to be played.
On the logistics of how a resumption will work, Ceferin added: "We have an idea but we have to wait for the executive committee of UEFA to confirm the dates. I can say that the European season will be finished, if everything is as it is now, in August. As things look now, I’m sure… that we can finish the European season and this means UEFA competition.
“The national leagues are a separate thing and they will decide separately how they want to proceed. But as I said before, I think at least 80 per cent will finish the season.
“For now, it looks as though the calendar will not be affected much, especially the calendar of UEFA competitions. The calendar is very dense, so we don’t have much space to change things.
“Football brings positive energy. It’s easier to be home if you can watch sports! So I think it’s a great [example of] cooperation between the German league and the German government. I hope, and think, they will be very successful."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-05-17--The thousand-year-old stories behind the names of Bury's towns

Marauders invading and setting up shop might seem like a tale from Game of Thrones , but this is the real history of our region .
And if you have ever wondered exactly how towns in Bury got their names , you have to travel back in time more than a thousand years to get some answers .
Picture this - the year is 800 AD and Vikings are roaming the land .
Just where do they decide to plonk down ?
Well , right here in the North West , as it turns out .
The marshy land of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ good farmyard .
In fact , it was relatively untouched as traders directed their efforts towards the market town of Chester , says the University of Manchester 's Head of History and medieval historian , Dr Charles Insley .
But the years following 800 AD were pretty busy , all things considered , and things changed fast .
As Scandinavian Vikings were being kicked out of their homes by rulers in Dublin , the Norman Conquest brought French elites staking their claim on English soil as Anglo-Saxon raiders pillaged lands .
It saw @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the cultural centre of Manchester and become unwitting pioneers of a wild landscape .
It was Lancashire - not an official county until the 12th century - that became a melting pot , with people from different countries finding a place here and speaking a whole host of languages in the streets every day .
Dr Insley said : `` The first two decades of the 10th century are really interesting .
`` In 919 , the then-English king told the inhabitants of Manchester to rebuild the Roman walls and fortify them .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ area against Irish Scandinavians coming over from Dublin .
`` There is a whole series of ports built along the Mersey - Manchester , Runcorn , Thelwall , Warrington - it seems to be about protecting the north Midlands from Scandinavian raiders and invaders .
`` So you do see these new groups arriving in Lancashire speaking different languages and you can see their influence in the place names .
`` What you can see in Lancashire from the Pennines to the Irish Sea is quite distinct zones .
You have got English @ @ @ @ @ @ @ names that appear at different times .
`` It suggests that the population of Lancashire from around 800 to 1200 is one that is changing as new groups settle .
`` You 've got a zone in West Lancashire , in land as far as the M6 , where there are a lot of Norse , Viking-derived place names .
If you go east of that , they are far fewer .
The place names there are English or Anglo-Saxon in origin .
`` A lot of places there today are not mentioned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not mean they are not there , just that they are not mentioned in books . ''
With evolutionary farming tools , good weather and a dash of plain old luck , moors and marshland from modern-day Southport to the Pennines became the new frontier , Dr Insley told the Manchester Evening News .
Homesteads in the far north grew into small towns with around 1,000 people .
He said : `` We think of Lancashire , particularly east Lancashire , being very industrialised and very urban .
But in the period up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ populated .
`` The land was very difficult to work , certainly west of Wigan and towards the sea , it is very waterlogged and the soils are quite sandy .
`` You do n't get a more dense population until around 1100 , but these places are very old .
`` Hamlets become bigger , more organised settlements as land comes into cultivation as the technology allows . ''
Ironically , the damp weather conditions that were a struggle for early settlers were actually perfect for the industry of cotton production hundreds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hundred years , names for the towns were handed down through generations and they give a glimpse of what new arrivals were seeing .
Names around Bury often come from Old English as Anglo-Saxons moved in , and were coined because of the characteristics of the surrounding land , or simply named after the landowner .
With the help of Dr Insley , we had a look at names across the borough to find out exactly what was going on during medieval times .
Bury - A name derived from the Old English @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stronghold .
It was recorded in 1194 , according to the Dictionary of British Place Names by A. D. Mills .
Edenfield - Spelled as Aytounfeld back in 1324 , it translates from Old English as 'open land by the island farmstead , or by the farmstead on well-watered land ' .
Holcombe - Unsurprisingly , Holcombe appears to have been named after its striking landscape .
Recorded in 1236 , the Old English terms 'hol ' and 'cumb ' suggest ' a short , broad valley , usually bowl or trough shaped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Prestwich - One of the few place names in the area that actually refers to religion - which played a big role in society during the time the name was recorded , in 1194 .
During the medieval era as people gathered in parishes as a way of organising their lives .
The name Prestwich contains the Old English term 'preost ' , meaning 'dwelling or farm of the priest ' .
By setting up local churches with their new towns , it 's possible that Anglo-Saxon settlers would n't have to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Read more of today 's top stories here Radcliffe - Referring to the Old English phrases 'read ' and 'clif ' , Radcliffe refers to the red soil that settlers found in the area .
Ramsbottom - A little later than other towns in Bury , Ramsbottom was recorded in 1324 joining the Old English terms 'ramm ' and 'bothm ' - which means broad river valley .
Put together to make Ramsbottom , they mean 'valley of the ram , or where wild garlic grows ' , says the Dictionary of British @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1563 , the Old English word 'stubbing ' means 'place with tree stumps , a clearing ' .
Summerseat - One of the few names in Bury to derive from Scandinavian , Summerseat means 'hut or shieling used in summer ' , recorded in 1556 .
Tottington - Recorded in 1212 , this can be translated from Old English to 'the farmstead belonging to the people associated with a man named Tota ' .
The first part of the word - 'tot ' - may also refer to a 'look-out hill ' .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ for early settlers , overlooking the Irwell Valley and near to a river - the spot would have offered plenty of natural resources , protection and transport .
There 's not much that can be grown in boggy land , said Dr Insley , but the West Pennine Moors could at least be used as pasture for sheep .
Whitefield - The Anglo-Saxons were not especially creative with this one .
Recorded in 1292 , it translates from Old English 'hwīt ' and 'feld ' as 'white open land ' .

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Marauders invading and setting up shop might seem like a tale from Game of Thrones, but this is the real history of our region.
And if you have ever wondered exactly how towns in Bury got their names, you have to travel back in time more than a thousand years to get some answers.
Picture this - the year is 800 AD and Vikings are roaming the land. Just where do they decide to plonk down? Well, right here in the North West, as it turns out.
The marshy land of ninth century Lancashire did not make a good farmyard. In fact, it was relatively untouched as traders directed their efforts towards the market town of Chester, says the University of Manchester's Head of History and medieval historian, Dr Charles Insley.
(Image: Graham Sumner/Greater Manchester Archaeological Service)
But the years following 800 AD were pretty busy, all things considered, and things changed fast.
As Scandinavian Vikings were being kicked out of their homes by rulers in Dublin, the Norman Conquest brought French elites staking their claim on English soil as Anglo-Saxon raiders pillaged lands. It saw people spill out into waterlogged fields around the cultural centre of Manchester and become unwitting pioneers of a wild landscape.
It was Lancashire - not an official county until the 12th century - that became a melting pot, with people from different countries finding a place here and speaking a whole host of languages in the streets every day.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Dr Insley said: "The first two decades of the 10th century are really interesting.
"In 919, the then-English king told the inhabitants of Manchester to rebuild the Roman walls and fortify them. I think they would have fortified the area against Irish Scandinavians coming over from Dublin.
"There is a whole series of ports built along the Mersey - Manchester, Runcorn, Thelwall, Warrington - it seems to be about protecting the north Midlands from Scandinavian raiders and invaders.
"So you do see these new groups arriving in Lancashire speaking different languages and you can see their influence in the place names.
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"What you can see in Lancashire from the Pennines to the Irish Sea is quite distinct zones. You have got English place names, Welsh names and Viking names that appear at different times.
"It suggests that the population of Lancashire from around 800 to 1200 is one that is changing as new groups settle.
"You've got a zone in West Lancashire, in land as far as the M6, where there are a lot of Norse, Viking-derived place names. If you go east of that, they are far fewer. The place names there are English or Anglo-Saxon in origin.
"A lot of places there today are not mentioned until the 12th century, that does not mean they are not there, just that they are not mentioned in books."
(Image: Getty Images)
With evolutionary farming tools, good weather and a dash of plain old luck, moors and marshland from modern-day Southport to the Pennines became the new frontier, Dr Insley told the Manchester Evening News. Homesteads in the far north grew into small towns with around 1,000 people.
He said: "We think of Lancashire, particularly east Lancashire, being very industrialised and very urban. But in the period up until about 1200 it was very sparsely populated.
"The land was very difficult to work, certainly west of Wigan and towards the sea, it is very waterlogged and the soils are quite sandy.
"You don't get a more dense population until around 1100, but these places are very old.
"Hamlets become bigger, more organised settlements as land comes into cultivation as the technology allows."
Ironically, the damp weather conditions that were a struggle for early settlers were actually perfect for the industry of cotton production hundreds of years on.
(Image: Colin Horne - Manchester Evening News)
Over a few hundred years, names for the towns were handed down through generations and they give a glimpse of what new arrivals were seeing.
Names around Bury often come from Old English as Anglo-Saxons moved in, and were coined because of the characteristics of the surrounding land, or simply named after the landowner.
With the help of Dr Insley, we had a look at names across the borough to find out exactly what was going on during medieval times.
Bury - A name derived from the Old English word 'burh', meaning fort or stronghold. It was recorded in 1194, according to the Dictionary of British Place Names by A. D. Mills.
Edenfield - Spelled as Aytounfeld back in 1324, it translates from Old English as 'open land by the island farmstead, or by the farmstead on well-watered land'.
Holcombe - Unsurprisingly, Holcombe appears to have been named after its striking landscape.
Recorded in 1236, the Old English terms 'hol' and 'cumb' suggest 'a short, broad valley, usually bowl or trough shaped with three fairly steeply rising sides'.
(Image: ugc)
Prestwich - One of the few place names in the area that actually refers to religion - which played a big role in society during the time the name was recorded, in 1194.
During the medieval era as people gathered in parishes as a way of organising their lives. The name Prestwich contains the Old English term 'preost', meaning 'dwelling or farm of the priest'.
By setting up local churches with their new towns, it's possible that Anglo-Saxon settlers wouldn't have to travel to go to bigger churches.
(Image: Joel Goodman)
Radcliffe - Referring to the Old English phrases 'read' and 'clif', Radcliffe refers to the red soil that settlers found in the area.
Ramsbottom - A little later than other towns in Bury, Ramsbottom was recorded in 1324 joining the Old English terms 'ramm' and 'bothm' - which means broad river valley. Put together to make Ramsbottom, they mean 'valley of the ram, or where wild garlic grows', says the Dictionary of British Place Names.
Stubbins - Recorded in 1563, the Old English word 'stubbing' means 'place with tree stumps, a clearing'.
Summerseat - One of the few names in Bury to derive from Scandinavian, Summerseat means 'hut or shieling used in summer', recorded in 1556.
(Image: Joel Goodman)
Tottington - Recorded in 1212, this can be translated from Old English to 'the farmstead belonging to the people associated with a man named Tota' . The first part of the word - 'tot' - may also refer to a 'look-out hill'.
Tottington would have been an ideal place for early settlers, overlooking the Irwell Valley and near to a river - the spot would have offered plenty of natural resources, protection and transport.
There's not much that can be grown in boggy land, said Dr Insley, but the West Pennine Moors could at least be used as pasture for sheep.
Whitefield - The Anglo-Saxons were not especially creative with this one. Recorded in 1292, it translates from Old English 'hwīt' and 'feld' as 'white open land'.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-05-17--Man United morning headlines as Juventus given Paul Pogba instruction

Juventus told to sell two players to fund Pogba transfer Juventus legend Alessio Tacchinardi has instructed the Series A giants to sell Adrien Rabiot and Aaron Ramsey to finance a move for Manchester United ’ s Paul Pogba .
Juve and Real Madrid are among the clubs interested in Pogba , whose contract at United expires next summer .
United have the option to extend Pogba 's deal until 2022 but are yet to take up that option , although the MEN understands the club is relaxed about Pogba 's future at Old Trafford .
In order to fund a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Juventus should let two players go .
“ In order to get Pogba back , I would let Rabiot and Ramsey go , even if the Welshman did show a few signs of life in the last few games , '' Tacchinardi told TuttoSport .
Ramsey and Rabiot both joined the Serie A outfit last summer on free transfer but have since failed to establish themselves as first team regulars .
Therefore , selling both plays could help create funds to sign Pogba in the upcoming transfer window .
Lambert urges Sancho to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ midfielder Paul Lambert has sent a message to Jadon Sancho over his future amid interest in the England youngster from Manchester United .
Lambert won the Champions League with the German side in 1997 and believes that staying with the club could help him develop even further .
`` Sancho is already at one of the biggest clubs in the world , which gets over 80,000 for every league game .
So , potentially , the lad has a big decision to make .
Dortmund is a special club and you only realise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told the Mirror .
“ United are one of the biggest clubs in the world but is the atmosphere at Old Trafford as good as the Westfalenstadion ?
The answer is no .
“ He will have to ask himself will he fit in with the right players if he leaves .
Will he keep making progress ?
Dortmund will be in the Champions League but we are not yet sure about United and whether they will be.
” Ferdinand names his United teammate only bettered by Ronaldo Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ player he played with that was better than Paul Scholes .
Scholes won 11 Premier League titles during his time at Old Trafford , totting up the third-highest number of appearances in the club ’ s history .
Former teammate Ferdinand noted during an Instagram Live with Arco Academy that Scholes was the second best player he played alongside .
`` If I had my last bit of money and I had to bet it on a player hitting a target from anywhere on the pitch , he would be the man that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , his foot was crazy , mad passer . ''
The former Manchester United midfielder won a total of 19 major honours during a 20-year spell at Old Trafford .

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Juventus told to sell two players to fund Pogba transfer
Juventus legend Alessio Tacchinardi has instructed the Series A giants to sell Adrien Rabiot and Aaron Ramsey to finance a move for Manchester United’s Paul Pogba.
Juve and Real Madrid are among the clubs interested in Pogba, whose contract at United expires next summer. United have the option to extend Pogba's deal until 2022 but are yet to take up that option, although the MEN understands the club is relaxed about Pogba's future at Old Trafford.
In order to fund a move for the midfielder, Tacchinardi believes Juventus should let two players go.
“In order to get Pogba back, I would let Rabiot and Ramsey go, even if the Welshman did show a few signs of life in the last few games," Tacchinardi told TuttoSport.
Ramsey and Rabiot both joined the Serie A outfit last summer on free transfer but have since failed to establish themselves as first team regulars. Therefore, selling both plays could help create funds to sign Pogba in the upcoming transfer window.
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Lambert urges Sancho to think about his options
Former Borussia Dortmund midfielder Paul Lambert has sent a message to Jadon Sancho over his future amid interest in the England youngster from Manchester United.
Lambert won the Champions League with the German side in 1997 and believes that staying with the club could help him develop even further.
"Sancho is already at one of the biggest clubs in the world, which gets over 80,000 for every league game. So, potentially, the lad has a big decision to make. Dortmund is a special club and you only realise it once you leave," he told the Mirror.
“United are one of the biggest clubs in the world but is the atmosphere at Old Trafford as good as the Westfalenstadion? The answer is no.
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.
“He will have to ask himself will he fit in with the right players if he leaves. Will he keep making progress? Dortmund will be in the Champions League but we are not yet sure about United and whether they will be.”
Ferdinand names his United teammate only bettered by Ronaldo
Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand believes that Cristiano Ronaldo was the only player he played with that was better than Paul Scholes.
Scholes won 11 Premier League titles during his time at Old Trafford, totting up the third-highest number of appearances in the club’s history.
Former teammate Ferdinand noted during an Instagram Live with Arco Academy that Scholes was the second best player he played alongside.
"If I had my last bit of money and I had to bet it on a player hitting a target from anywhere on the pitch, he would be the man that I back.
"Like a radar, his foot was crazy, mad passer."
The former Manchester United midfielder won a total of 19 major honours during a 20-year spell at Old Trafford.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-05-17--I was a contestant on The Apprentice and now I'm Mr Manchester

He narrowly missed out on victory on last year 's The Apprentice - but the show 's last Manc standing is now celebrating a different victory .
Lewis Ellis , 29 , may have walked away without the £250,000 of investment on the table from Lord Alan Sugar , but he 's thrilled to be flying the flag for his home city as Mr Manchester .
The Manchester-based entrepreneur , who was given his marching orders at the eleventh hour from the BBC business contest , has gone on to build his own travel company Hiddn Travel .
Travel has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus crisis but Lewis and co-founder Luke DeValle are aiming to providing stylish escapes for young professionals when we 're able to go on holiday again .
Lewis was voted Mr Manchester - the first in four years - by a panel including the current Miss Manchester , Miss Charity , Miss Manchester managing director Cheryl Broadfoot and the director of Miss England Angie Beasley .
`` I was born and raised here , '' explained Lewis about why he 's proud to hold the title .
`` I was brought up in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to live . ''
Former travel rep Lewis says he would have no qualms about recommending The Apprentice experience to others .
`` You 're going to be made to look a fool but if all you 're worried about is being made to look a bit of a fool , you 're never going to get anywhere , '' he said .
`` I do n't believe having in regrets , '' he added .
In his role , Lewis will help the charity One Woman At A Time , dedicated to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ girls in parts of Kenya , India and the UK , and Elle For Elle , created by friends Lynette Page-Collin and Rachel O ’ Hare to provide body-care , haircare and cosmetics for women and children living in UK refuges .
`` I 'm proud to be from the north and to have this platform , `` he said .
Read more of today 's top stories here '' I 'm looking forward to representing Manchester and taking on a new challenge .
Lewis is planning to join forces with Mr Greater @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on a mission to raise money and awareness .
Morgan , 21 , works on the sales team at Pennine Flooring Supplies in Heywood , and was encouraged to take part by his friend Jodie Shawcross , a former Miss Manchester contestant who was a second runner-up in 2017 and 2018 .
Modest Morgan did n't tell any of his friends and family that he was entering the contest .
`` When I told them I had won they did n't believe me , '' he said .
`` They did n't take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ done anything like this before so I was buzzing , '' added Morgan .
Cheryl explained about the 'Mr Manchester ' and 'Mr Greater Manchester ' winners : `` These two stood out .
`` Their applications made me laugh and it 's important to have a sense of humour . ''
Lewis and Morgan will now go forward to Mr England , which will be held after lockdown .

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He narrowly missed out on victory on last year's The Apprentice - but the show's last Manc standing is now celebrating a different victory.
Lewis Ellis, 29, may have walked away without the £250,000 of investment on the table from Lord Alan Sugar, but he's thrilled to be flying the flag for his home city as Mr Manchester.
The Manchester-based entrepreneur, who was given his marching orders at the eleventh hour from the BBC business contest, has gone on to build his own travel company Hiddn Travel.
Travel has since been put on hold amid the coronavirus crisis but Lewis and co-founder Luke DeValle are aiming to providing stylish escapes for young professionals when we're able to go on holiday again.
(Image: Lewis Ellis)
Lewis was voted Mr Manchester - the first in four years - by a panel including the current Miss Manchester, Miss Charity, Miss Manchester managing director Cheryl Broadfoot and the director of Miss England Angie Beasley.
"I was born and raised here," explained Lewis about why he's proud to hold the title.
"I was brought up in Rochdale and it was a great place to live."
Former travel rep Lewis says he would have no qualms about recommending The Apprentice experience to others.
(Image: BBC)
"You're going to be made to look a fool but if all you're worried about is being made to look a bit of a fool, you're never going to get anywhere," he said.
"I don't believe having in regrets," he added.
In his role, Lewis will help the charity One Woman At A Time, dedicated to improving the lives of disadvantaged women and girls in parts of Kenya, India and the UK, and Elle For Elle, created by friends Lynette Page-Collin and Rachel O’Hare to provide body-care, haircare and cosmetics for women and children living in UK refuges.
"I'm proud to be from the north and to have this platform, " he said.
(Image: Morgan Burdaky)
"I'm looking forward to representing Manchester and taking on a new challenge.
"I'm passionate about the city."
Lewis is planning to join forces with Mr Greater Manchester, Morgan Burdaky, 21, on a mission to raise money and awareness.
Morgan, 21, works on the sales team at Pennine Flooring Supplies in Heywood, and was encouraged to take part by his friend Jodie Shawcross, a former Miss Manchester contestant who was a second runner-up in 2017 and 2018.
(Image: Mike Petch)
Modest Morgan didn't tell any of his friends and family that he was entering the contest.
"When I told them I had won they didn't believe me," he said.
"They didn't take any notice.
"I haven't done anything like this before so I was buzzing," added Morgan.
Cheryl explained about the 'Mr Manchester' and 'Mr Greater Manchester' winners: "These two stood out.
"Their applications made me laugh and it's important to have a sense of humour."
Lewis and Morgan will now go forward to Mr England, which will be held after lockdown.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-05-17--Man City vs Norwich City - Premier League final day simulated on FIFA 20

Manchester City would have played their final game of the 2019/20 Premier League campaign this weekend , as Pep Guardiola 's side were due to host Norwich City at the Etihad Stadium on match-day 38 .
But with fans having no Premier League football to look forward to watching this weekend , we decided to play the game anyway using FIFA 20 , to see what the score could have been had the game taken place .
So , what would the final score have been on the Premier League final day ?
We used FIFA 20 to find out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up this simulation , we used kick-off mode within FIFA 20 but did n't select a team to control ; we then selected the teams and watched the match play out by itself .
The AI difficulty was set to legendary , with the line-up updated with the latest transfers , injuries and suspensions .
We predict that Man City could have set up in a 4-3-3 formation , with the line-up as follows : Ederson ; Walker , Fernandinho , Laporte , Mendy ; Gundogan , Rodri , De Bruyne ; Bernardo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ predict that Norwich City could have set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation , with their line-up as follows : Krul ; Aarons , Godfrey , Hanley , Lewis ; Tettey , McLean ; Beundia , Duda , Cantwell ; Pukki .
FIFA 20 predicts that Man City would have been able to get a win on the last day of the season against Norwich City , with an early goal and two late goals earning three points for City .
The first goal of the game came in the 24th minute , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ finding an unmarked Iilkay Gundogan in the box , who finished at the near post from close range .
Despite long periods of possession and dominance from City , Pep Guardiola 's side could n't quite grab a second goal in the first-half .
But they would eventually seal with the win late on with two goals from Sergio Aguero .
The first came in the 82nd minute , with the Argentinian producing a great finish into the far post to double the home side advantage .
And in added time Aguero got @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bruyne , Aguero fired across Krul to make it 3-0 .
Here are the full-time match stats .
This FIFA 20 simulation predicts that City would have hardly broken sweat against Norwich City at the Etihad Stadium this weekend , with a goal from Gundogan and two goals from Aguero sealing three points for Guardiola 's side .
What do you think the score would have been ?
When real-life football is n't possible , football on the virtual pitch is the next best thing .

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Manchester City would have played their final game of the 2019/20 Premier League campaign this weekend, as Pep Guardiola's side were due to host Norwich City at the Etihad Stadium on match-day 38.
But with fans having no Premier League football to look forward to watching this weekend, we decided to play the game anyway using FIFA 20, to see what the score could have been had the game taken place.
So, what would the final score have been on the Premier League final day?
We used FIFA 20 to find out - just for fun.
Man City vs Norwich City score predicted using FIFA 20
To set up this simulation, we used kick-off mode within FIFA 20 but didn't select a team to control; we then selected the teams and watched the match play out by itself.
The AI difficulty was set to legendary, with the line-up updated with the latest transfers, injuries and suspensions.
We predict that Man City could have set up in a 4-3-3 formation, with the line-up as follows: Ederson; Walker, Fernandinho, Laporte, Mendy; Gundogan, Rodri, De Bruyne; Bernardo Silva, Aguero, Sterling.
We predict that Norwich City could have set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with their line-up as follows: Krul; Aarons, Godfrey, Hanley, Lewis; Tettey, McLean; Beundia, Duda, Cantwell; Pukki.
FIFA 20 predicts that Man City would have been able to get a win on the last day of the season against Norwich City, with an early goal and two late goals earning three points for City.
The first goal of the game came in the 24th minute, with a wonderful cross from Kevin De Bruyne finding an unmarked Iilkay Gundogan in the box, who finished at the near post from close range.
Despite long periods of possession and dominance from City, Pep Guardiola's side couldn't quite grab a second goal in the first-half.
But they would eventually seal with the win late on with two goals from Sergio Aguero.
The first came in the 82nd minute, with the Argentinian producing a great finish into the far post to double the home side advantage.
And in added time Aguero got his second, set clear by De Bruyne, Aguero fired across Krul to make it 3-0.
Follow Esports and gaming writer Nathan Bliss on social media To follow Nathan on Twitter, click here. To follow Reach Gaming on Twitter, click here. To follow Nathan on Facebook, click here.
Full-time score: Man City 3-0 Norwich City
Here are the full-time match stats.
This FIFA 20 simulation predicts that City would have hardly broken sweat against Norwich City at the Etihad Stadium this weekend, with a goal from Gundogan and two goals from Aguero sealing three points for Guardiola's side.
What do you think the score would have been?
When real-life football isn't possible, football on the virtual pitch is the next best thing.
Stay safe everyone.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-05-17--'I work with world famous movie stars and then go home to Bolton'

Oscar-winning names like Tom Hanks , Meryl Streep and Manchester 's own Danny Boyle might be the first thing movie fans think of when they hear about the next big blockbuster coming to cinemas .
Yet there are hundreds of people that spend weeks on film sets without so much as a line , but make all the difference when it comes to bringing a story to life .
Extras might flash up for a few seconds at a time on screen , spending their lives unknown - but many of them go on to appear time and again in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dad-of-three , who has lived in Bolton all his life , found himself on set as one of these people by chance .
Now he is sharing his behind-the-scenes stories about what life is like as a 'professional blur ' .
Since jumping into life as an extra two years ago , Michael Barlow has worked on some of the biggest films and TV shows on screens right now , including Peaky Blinders , 1917 , Downton Abbey and Victoria .
A web designer day-to-day , the 46-year-old was on a day out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was grabbed by the magical world of cinema .
`` My little boy was really into Harry Potter and we went to the Warner Bros .
Studio Tour ( in Watford ) , '' said Michael .
`` It 's so immersive , we were in there for about six hours .
I did n't want to leave , I could have gone round it again .
`` I had no interest in Harry Potter at first , but when I was walking around looking at all the costumes , the make-up desks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sets .
`` Right at the end , there is a big model of Hogwarts .
I just sat there and thought , would n't it be great to be involved in this in some small part .
`` So when I got home , I just Googled 'how to be an extra . '
'' It turned out to be a life changing Google search and Michael was on set in a matter of weeks , filming for the BBC 's award-winning drama , Gentleman Jack .
He said : `` There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ joined and within two weeks I was on the set of Gentleman Jack with a drone flying past my head , in the middle of a field in Yorkshire in Victorian gear .
`` It was a big change for me .
`` Now I spend around three days a week on set and the rest of the time doing web designing and with the kids .
`` You get a lot of extras that have other jobs - there 's actually a lot of teachers , doctors , lawyers , even some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when they are available because they enjoy it . ''
Life on set is often not glamorous though , says Michael : `` I recently did the film 1917 and was doing that for about two months on and off down in Salisbury .
`` That was just in trenches day after day for 12 hours a day .
`` Some days were 5am starts , 10pm finishes .
Some of those scenes were filmed in March and it was so cold and damp .
`` You have got to have a lot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be able to sit and listen - and when the director is directing you have to able to listen , understand and take what they say on board .
`` The way shots are set up is so detailed , intricate , time consuming .
`` If you have got three or four actors on set and they have all got spoken parts , you have got to get all of those parts from different angles and different shots .
`` Something that is 10 or 20 seconds on the TV could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ film .
`` It 's not an easy job .
But we do have a laugh on set - we call ourselves professional blurs because we are always getting blurred out .
And the food you get on set is great - often it 's like a three-course meal ! ''
Mike has already rubbed shoulders with some of Hollywood 's biggest stars , discovering John Malkovich to be a big football fan .
`` After ( Gentleman Jack ) , I got onto The ABC Murders and I was stood on some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rupert Grint for about four hours , continuously going up and down some steps non-stop .
`` I was dressed as a policeman and I had John Malkovich on one side of me and Rupert Grint on the other , and we were just talking about football and Tottenham Hotspur .
`` It was so surreal and we were all getting involved in the chat .
I thought I would be more starstruck than I am , but you get on set and kind of just get on with it . ''
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the chance to put his footie knowledge into practice in his work in the film industry , turning into a 19th century player for The English Game - Netflix 's tale about the origins of modern football .
Michael said : `` You have big crowd scenes and then you have 'walk on ' scenes .
That 's where you have to interact with the actors and you might have a few spoken lines .
`` We 're there to make the scenes look more full and more realistic .
Read more of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I have been fortunate to have a quite a few supporting parts .
`` I did The English Game which is on Netflix , I was actually cast in that .
`` We rehearsed with a lot of the actors for about two months and learned all of the choreography for the football .
`` Getting paid to play football is just for me ! ''
Michael 's work has taken him across the country , with scenes for The English Game being filmed at Eton School .
But for some of those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to travel too far - making the 10-minute car journey from his home in Over Hulton to Farnworth to be filmed .
`` I have done a lot in the North West , '' he added .
`` I was one of the Billy Boys in Peaky Blinders - that was filmed in Stockport last year .
`` We did a lot of fight scenes in that - you 're throwing yourself against things and getting involved in the fights . ''
Among his all-time favourite shows is a well-known spot a stone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Street .
He told the M.E.N .
why he loves working on Britain 's most famous street so much : `` I 've done Corrie a few times now , I was in the wedding scene with Tracy and Steve . ''
`` I did n't know what to expect when I went into it but it 's so well set up and everything is so organised .
The people that are involved in that are so good , so easy to work with and get on with .
I could n't say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Most recently , Michael has exchanged running lengths of a football pitch in The English Game for car chases for an upcoming Netflix series .
Michael revealed just how those chase scenes are filmed : `` A lot of them were filmed in London so I spent quite a bit of time down there , I was working on that for about 20 days .
`` We drive a lot of that ourselves - either at a test track or on the roads that are cornered off for it .
They shut all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and down the roads in the old cars . ''
Michael 's work has unfortunately slowed down with the coronavirus lockdown : `` I was supposed to start filming for the third Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them film .
I was meant to spend eight weeks on that but that 's been delayed .
`` I had 42 days booked it and it has all been cancelled - but I 'm hoping it will pick back up . ''
For now , Michael is looking back on the films he has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and is dreaming up what might come next - he 's hoping to get on the set of Star Wars .
`` I love watching the hustle and bustle of it all , '' he said .
`` You get a lot of photos and mementos .
Sometimes you can see yourself on TV and tell the kids , 'look at daddy in this 1800s get up with a fake moustache ' .
`` It 's just interesting and different .
You mix with people and hear stories .
Everybody gets on with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dress up as something you never would and there 's a great feeling about that .
`` I 've been really lucky with it and I hope it continues . ''
If you want to follow Michael on his travels around the UK for films , you can follow him on Instagram at @ michaeljrbarlow , and on Twitter at @ michaeljrbarlow .

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Oscar-winning names like Tom Hanks, Meryl Streep and Manchester's own Danny Boyle might be the first thing movie fans think of when they hear about the next big blockbuster coming to cinemas.
Yet there are hundreds of people that spend weeks on film sets without so much as a line, but make all the difference when it comes to bringing a story to life.
Extras might flash up for a few seconds at a time on screen, spending their lives unknown - but many of them go on to appear time and again in different films and TV shows.
One dad-of-three, who has lived in Bolton all his life, found himself on set as one of these people by chance.
Now he is sharing his behind-the-scenes stories about what life is like as a 'professional blur'.
Since jumping into life as an extra two years ago, Michael Barlow has worked on some of the biggest films and TV shows on screens right now, including Peaky Blinders, 1917, Downton Abbey and Victoria.
A web designer day-to-day, the 46-year-old was on a day out with his little boy when his interest was grabbed by the magical world of cinema.
"My little boy was really into Harry Potter and we went to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour (in Watford)," said Michael.
"It's so immersive, we were in there for about six hours. I didn't want to leave, I could have gone round it again.
"I had no interest in Harry Potter at first, but when I was walking around looking at all the costumes, the make-up desks, all the prosthetics, all the sets.
"Right at the end, there is a big model of Hogwarts. I just sat there and thought, wouldn't it be great to be involved in this in some small part.
"So when I got home, I just Googled 'how to be an extra.'"
It turned out to be a life changing Google search and Michael was on set in a matter of weeks, filming for the BBC's award-winning drama, Gentleman Jack.
He said: "There were a couple of companies that I joined and within two weeks I was on the set of Gentleman Jack with a drone flying past my head, in the middle of a field in Yorkshire in Victorian gear.
"It was a big change for me.
"Now I spend around three days a week on set and the rest of the time doing web designing and with the kids.
"You get a lot of extras that have other jobs - there's actually a lot of teachers, doctors, lawyers, even some surgeons. They go and do it when they are available because they enjoy it."
Life on set is often not glamorous though, says Michael: "I recently did the film 1917 and was doing that for about two months on and off down in Salisbury.
"That was just in trenches day after day for 12 hours a day.
"Some days were 5am starts, 10pm finishes. Some of those scenes were filmed in March and it was so cold and damp.
"You have got to have a lot of patience with it. You have to be able to sit and listen - and when the director is directing you have to able to listen, understand and take what they say on board.
"The way shots are set up is so detailed, intricate, time consuming.
"If you have got three or four actors on set and they have all got spoken parts, you have got to get all of those parts from different angles and different shots.
"Something that is 10 or 20 seconds on the TV could take a day or two days to film.
"It's not an easy job. But we do have a laugh on set - we call ourselves professional blurs because we are always getting blurred out. And the food you get on set is great - often it's like a three-course meal!"
Mike has already rubbed shoulders with some of Hollywood's biggest stars, discovering John Malkovich to be a big football fan.
"After (Gentleman Jack), I got onto The ABC Murders and I was stood on some town hall steps with John Malkovich and Rupert Grint for about four hours, continuously going up and down some steps non-stop.
"I was dressed as a policeman and I had John Malkovich on one side of me and Rupert Grint on the other, and we were just talking about football and Tottenham Hotspur.
"It was so surreal and we were all getting involved in the chat. I thought I would be more starstruck than I am, but you get on set and kind of just get on with it."
The lifelong Bolton Wanderers fan has even had the chance to put his footie knowledge into practice in his work in the film industry, turning into a 19th century player for The English Game - Netflix's tale about the origins of modern football.
Michael said: "You have big crowd scenes and then you have 'walk on' scenes. That's where you have to interact with the actors and you might have a few spoken lines.
"We're there to make the scenes look more full and more realistic.
"But I have been fortunate to have a quite a few supporting parts.
"I did The English Game which is on Netflix, I was actually cast in that.
"We rehearsed with a lot of the actors for about two months and learned all of the choreography for the football.
"Getting paid to play football is just for me!"
Michael's work has taken him across the country, with scenes for The English Game being filmed at Eton School.
But for some of those football shots, he didn't have to travel too far - making the 10-minute car journey from his home in Over Hulton to Farnworth to be filmed.
"I have done a lot in the North West," he added.
"I was one of the Billy Boys in Peaky Blinders - that was filmed in Stockport last year.
"We did a lot of fight scenes in that - you're throwing yourself against things and getting involved in the fights."
Among his all-time favourite shows is a well-known spot a stone's throw away from home - Coronation Street.
He told the M.E.N. why he loves working on Britain's most famous street so much: "I've done Corrie a few times now, I was in the wedding scene with Tracy and Steve."
"I didn't know what to expect when I went into it but it's so well set up and everything is so organised.
The people that are involved in that are so good, so easy to work with and get on with. I couldn't say a bad word about it."
Most recently, Michael has exchanged running lengths of a football pitch in The English Game for car chases for an upcoming Netflix series.
Michael revealed just how those chase scenes are filmed: "A lot of them were filmed in London so I spent quite a bit of time down there, I was working on that for about 20 days.
"We drive a lot of that ourselves - either at a test track or on the roads that are cornered off for it. They shut all the roads down and we drive up and down the roads in the old cars."
Michael's work has unfortunately slowed down with the coronavirus lockdown: "I was supposed to start filming for the third Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them film. I was meant to spend eight weeks on that but that's been delayed.
"I had 42 days booked it and it has all been cancelled - but I'm hoping it will pick back up."
For now, Michael is looking back on the films he has worked on over the last two years and is dreaming up what might come next - he's hoping to get on the set of Star Wars.
"I love watching the hustle and bustle of it all," he said.
"You get a lot of photos and mementos. Sometimes you can see yourself on TV and tell the kids, 'look at daddy in this 1800s get up with a fake moustache'.
"It's just interesting and different. You mix with people and hear stories. Everybody gets on with each other.
"You get to dress up as something you never would and there's a great feeling about that.
"I've been really lucky with it and I hope it continues."
If you want to follow Michael on his travels around the UK for films, you can follow him on Instagram at @michaeljrbarlow, and on Twitter at @michaeljrbarlow.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-05-17--ADVERTORIAL: I swapped a career in TV to become a funeral director

There are many misconceptions about the role of a funeral director , with the stereotype somewhere between mysterious and morbid .
But for former actor Mark Simpkin , who joined the profession two years ago , it was the best decision he ever made .
The 47-year-old from Adlington , near Macclesfield , stumbled across the idea at a very difficult time in his life .
He said : `` My mother-in-law found out she had terminal lung cancer about nine years ago .
`` It was when we were discussing end of life options with her that I realised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ space in the area for both traditional burials and for the interment of cremated remains . ''
Mark set about enabling other families to have options as they lay loved-ones to rest and decided it was time for a change of direction .
The hard work paid off as four years ago he opened Adlington Memorial Park - an idyllic final resting place in the middle of the Cheshire countryside .
Adlington Memorial Park is the largest private natural burial ground in England and sits next to the historic Adlington hall estate .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ all faiths with burial and cremated remains plots .
`` I like to think of it as a family business in its infancy '' he explains .
`` My father John and close friend Sue help look after the gardens .
My son Jake films and edits funerals for families that want this and my friend for more than 20 years Debbie manages the office and assists with the planning and directing of the funerals . ''
The funeral business seems a lifetime away from Mark 's previous career as an actor , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Coronation Street .
Describing himself as lucky to have had such a varied career Mark , who was born in Ashton-under-Lyne , was a regular on GMTV and This Morning getting his 'big break ' in 2003 with ITV show ‘ I Want That House ’ .
However , he maintains that funeral care is the more rewarding profession as he gets to help people plan how they want to be remembered and support families through grief .
Asked if he had any assumptions about being a funeral director beforehand , he jokes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had to wear black , look down at the ground and smell of moth balls .
`` Walking past a funeral home made me feel uneasy , like the feeling you get when going to the dentist .
`` I now realise that being a funeral director is actually the most rewarding of careers . ''
How are things done differently at Adlington Memorial Park ?
Down-to-earth Mark is taking a new approach to the business and it 's all about giving families different options .
He said : `` Some people like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ black hearse and two limousines leaving the family home to the crematorium with a service taking place there and then choosing a place afterwards to scatter or bury the ashes .
`` Others really hate this .
They don ’ t want the entourage ; they don ’ t like the 20-minute slot at the crematorium , they don ’ t like seeing that dreaded curtain slowly close and they don ’ t want to wear black . ''
This is where Adlington really comes into its own with the natural space and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ differently .
The father-of-two said : `` We ’ re blessed in having 26 acres of beautiful parkland and meadow within the Adlington Hall Estate .
`` It means families can choose a very simple , no fuss , low cost cremation with the service taking place in the outdoors at our Memorial Park .
It has a special beauty and its own unique feeling of serenity .
`` Sadly , some families may not even have considered a burial due to the lack of burial space in the area , but we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Ultimately , we like to listen to what the families want for their loved one and organise the whole event , including the celebration of life for them .
`` That way they only have to deal with one person who organises everything . ''
The park and this more natural low key approach has become increasingly popular with families travelling from as far as South Wales , London and Portsmouth to find the right natural burial site .
And the surroundings are nothing short of beautiful as the former medieval deer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well as a wildflower meadow attracting bees and butterflies .
The other interesting difference from a cemetery is that you do n't decorate the grave at Adlington in the same way .
Mark said : `` When Lady Diana died it became fashionable for mourners to bring things like teddy bears , photographs and wind chimes to a grave side .
We don ’ t allow that , because if you allow one person to ‘ build a shrine ’ it sets a precedent . ''
Instead of encouraging 'cluttered graves ' the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so families can see the memorial stones and encourage them to plant a tree and scatter wildflower seeds around it as a living memory instead .
`` If there are children at a funeral , I always like to get them involved in the planting of the trees which gives them a positive memory of grandma , grandad or whoever they are saying goodbye to .
`` We had one young man who lost his life that was a massive Manchester City fan .
We planted lots of blue forget- me-not seeds so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him in a natural and sustainable way .
How has the funeral sector had to adapt during coronavirus ?
It 's a sad fact that COVID-19 has impacted nearly every funeral business .
The team at Adlington have found that most families don ’ t want to spend a fortune on a funeral when the whole family and friends can ’ t attend .
Instead they have been inundated with families that have chosen a direct cremation with no mourners present and are asking to bury ashes or plant trees at a later @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Asked what it 's been like to work as a funeral director during the outbreak Mark simply says 'heartbreaking ' .
`` It ’ s hard enough for families dealing with death at the best of times , this crisis means they are not able to give the send off they want . ''
`` I have a lady who is burying her husband of 60 years and she is not able to attend the funeral due to being high risk .
`` I feel as if I want to give her the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – it ’ s very sad . ''
In response to the crisis the funeral service team has extended the times available for services and are also offering them at weekends .
`` I have a great hardworking team , always available to talk or just listen to grieving families . ''
They have also seen a spike of interest in filming or live streaming funerals which had never been that popular before .
Mark said : `` During these unprecedented times , it ’ s almost the norm , so that family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feel involved and grieve . ''
But it 's not just planning for a loved-one 's ceremony that Adlington can help with , as they also specialise in funeral plans .
`` We have seen a sharp increase in those wanting to pre-plan their funeral '' says Mark .
`` As Brits we are not very good at talking about death with our families , but given the current COVID-19 people seem to be addressing these issues . ''
If you are interested in setting up a funeral plan or would like to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has passed please visit the website or call Mark and the team on 01625 578 496

There are many misconceptions about the role of a funeral director, with the stereotype somewhere between mysterious and morbid.
But for former actor Mark Simpkin, who joined the profession two years ago, it was the best decision he ever made.
The 47-year-old from Adlington, near Macclesfield, stumbled across the idea at a very difficult time in his life.
He said: "My mother-in-law found out she had terminal lung cancer about nine years ago.
"It was when we were discussing end of life options with her that I realised there was a huge lack of burial space in the area for both traditional burials and for the interment of cremated remains."
Mark set about enabling other families to have options as they lay loved-ones to rest and decided it was time for a change of direction.
The hard work paid off as four years ago he opened Adlington Memorial Park - an idyllic final resting place in the middle of the Cheshire countryside.
Adlington Memorial Park is the largest private natural burial ground in England and sits next to the historic Adlington hall estate. It opened in August 2016 and serves all faiths with burial and cremated remains plots.
"I like to think of it as a family business in its infancy" he explains.
"My father John and close friend Sue help look after the gardens. My son Jake films and edits funerals for families that want this and my friend for more than 20 years Debbie manages the office and assists with the planning and directing of the funerals."
Life before the funeral business
The funeral business seems a lifetime away from Mark's previous career as an actor, where he even bagged short stints on Coronation Street.
Describing himself as lucky to have had such a varied career Mark, who was born in Ashton-under-Lyne, was a regular on GMTV and This Morning getting his 'big break' in 2003 with ITV show ‘I Want That House’.
However, he maintains that funeral care is the more rewarding profession as he gets to help people plan how they want to be remembered and support families through grief.
Asked if he had any assumptions about being a funeral director beforehand, he jokes: "Yes, I thought you had to wear black, look down at the ground and smell of moth balls.
"Walking past a funeral home made me feel uneasy, like the feeling you get when going to the dentist.
"I now realise that being a funeral director is actually the most rewarding of careers."
How are things done differently at Adlington Memorial Park?
Down-to-earth Mark is taking a new approach to the business and it's all about giving families different options.
He said: "Some people like the traditional approach. They want a black hearse and two limousines leaving the family home to the crematorium with a service taking place there and then choosing a place afterwards to scatter or bury the ashes.
"Others really hate this. They don’t want the entourage; they don’t like the 20-minute slot at the crematorium, they don’t like seeing that dreaded curtain slowly close and they don’t want to wear black."
This is where Adlington really comes into its own with the natural space and options available to do things a bit differently.
The father-of-two said: "We’re blessed in having 26 acres of beautiful parkland and meadow within the Adlington Hall Estate.
"It means families can choose a very simple, no fuss, low cost cremation with the service taking place in the outdoors at our Memorial Park. It has a special beauty and its own unique feeling of serenity.
"Sadly, some families may not even have considered a burial due to the lack of burial space in the area, but we can provide them with that option.
"Ultimately, we like to listen to what the families want for their loved one and organise the whole event, including the celebration of life for them.
"That way they only have to deal with one person who organises everything."
The park and this more natural low key approach has become increasingly popular with families travelling from as far as South Wales, London and Portsmouth to find the right natural burial site.
And the surroundings are nothing short of beautiful as the former medieval deer park has a small woodland area as well as a wildflower meadow attracting bees and butterflies.
A natural touch to your final goodbyes
The other interesting difference from a cemetery is that you don't decorate the grave at Adlington in the same way.
Mark said: "When Lady Diana died it became fashionable for mourners to bring things like teddy bears, photographs and wind chimes to a grave side. We don’t allow that, because if you allow one person to ‘build a shrine’ it sets a precedent."
Instead of encouraging 'cluttered graves' the team at Adlington keep the graves mowed so families can see the memorial stones and encourage them to plant a tree and scatter wildflower seeds around it as a living memory instead.
"If there are children at a funeral, I always like to get them involved in the planting of the trees which gives them a positive memory of grandma, grandad or whoever they are saying goodbye to.
"We had one young man who lost his life that was a massive Manchester City fan. We planted lots of blue forget- me-not seeds so the family got their lasting tribute to him in a natural and sustainable way.
How has the funeral sector had to adapt during coronavirus?
It's a sad fact that COVID-19 has impacted nearly every funeral business.
The team at Adlington have found that most families don’t want to spend a fortune on a funeral when the whole family and friends can’t attend.
Instead they have been inundated with families that have chosen a direct cremation with no mourners present and are asking to bury ashes or plant trees at a later date when social gatherings are allowed.
Asked what it's been like to work as a funeral director during the outbreak Mark simply says 'heartbreaking'.
"It’s hard enough for families dealing with death at the best of times, this crisis means they are not able to give the send off they want."
"I have a lady who is burying her husband of 60 years and she is not able to attend the funeral due to being high risk.
"I feel as if I want to give her the biggest cuddle but I can’t – it’s very sad."
In response to the crisis the funeral service team has extended the times available for services and are also offering them at weekends.
"I have a great hardworking team, always available to talk or just listen to grieving families."
They have also seen a spike of interest in filming or live streaming funerals which had never been that popular before.
Mark said: "During these unprecedented times, it’s almost the norm, so that family members and friends are still able to feel involved and grieve."
But it's not just planning for a loved-one's ceremony that Adlington can help with, as they also specialise in funeral plans.
"We have seen a sharp increase in those wanting to pre-plan their funeral" says Mark.
"As Brits we are not very good at talking about death with our families, but given the current COVID-19 people seem to be addressing these issues."
If you are interested in setting up a funeral plan or would like to discuss arrangements for a family member who has passed please visit the website or call Mark and the team on 01625 578 496