themanchestereveningnews--2020-06-07--Life after lockdown could be Wythenshawe's toughest challenge yet

He had been back from paternity leave for two weeks when he lost his job at Manchester Airport .
As the country went into lockdown on March 23 , Wythenshawe 's largest employer was hit by an unprecedented decline in passenger numbers .
A young man , a shop worker at the airport who asked not be named , he was made redundant days before the government furlough scheme came into place , leaving him with no choice but to apply for Universal Credit .
With a four-week old baby , he and his partner were left with just £350 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first payment finally came through six weeks later .
He has tried desperately to get back into employment , but says the job market in Wythenshawe is more saturated than ever .
One employer in the area told him they had received over 2,000 applicants for one job , he says .
Wythenshawe is no stranger to hard times , and the tight-knit community has often pulled together in the face of austerity .
And in recent years , things have been on the up .
Additional Metrolink stops , and a host @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Airport expansion had created a property boom .
The town 's Civic Centre had seen a boost in investment , and many schools in the area had been rated 'good ' or 'outstanding ' by Ofsted - making Wythenshawe a desirable place to live .
But as the country prepares to return to a 'new normal , ' there are fears that was once Europe 's biggest council housing estate , could be disproportionately affected by the pandemic .
`` Many people in Wythenshawe are used to managing on very little money , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has changed , '' said Councillor Tracey Rawlins , who runs the Bread and Butter project .
The charity allows families on lower incomes to buy discounted groceries , and has seen an uptake in usage since the beginning of lockdown .
`` A lot of the families I work with are in low paid jobs at the airport like cleaning staff or baggage handlers , '' Cllr Rawlins said .
`` It has been a real struggle maintaining the day to day because there are so many families in Wythenshawe who rely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` My worry is that a lot of people I speak to say they will deal with money problems after the pandemic is over .
We are trying to help them work around that and not let things build up . ''
`` That is when we will see a real impact if people are faced with losing their jobs . ''
Cllr Rawlins says her main concern is how the community will be affected when the government furlough scheme comes to an end in October .
`` A lot of people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ income from places like the airport , but going forward that will change , '' she said .
`` That is when we will see a real impact if people are faced with losing their jobs . ''
Thousands of families rely on the economic benefits of Manchester Airport - which provides around 22,200 jobs - many to those living in Wythenshawe .
Since the start of the pandemic , the airport has been operating from a single terminal , with passenger numbers plummeting from an average of 80,000 to around 500 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been furloughed , and staff have received a 10pc pay cut until next March at the earliest .
Liam Mellor works as a barman at the Lion and Antelope pub inside the airports ' Terminal Three .
The 18-year-old had been saving up before going to university in September , before he was furloughed on 80 % pay at the start of lockdown .
`` Custom was massively falling off for our bar on March 11 and then they stopped scheduling me shifts , '' Liam said .
`` Luckily I do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my wages cut almost in half due to my average hours being much lower than what I 've worked in recent months .
`` I am starting university in September and I really wanted to save up a lot of money as my maintenance loan wo n't be enough to fully support me .
`` I have had a look at various supermarkets but applying or even going in with my CV has been useless as nobody has got back to me . ''
One sales assistant , who asked to remain anonymous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help from the government since she stopped working at duty free .
`` We are agency staff and classed as self-employed so we ca n't be furloughed or anything like that , '' she said .
`` I only started last April so I do n't have a tax return from 2018 to 2019 and so I could n't apply for the self-employment help scheme .
`` A lot of people are currently relying on payday loans which is very concerning . ''
`` I applied for Universal Credit which is about £260 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cover the cost of my car and insurance .
`` I have been in contact with creditors and I have managed to freeze a lot of my outgoings .
But this can only go on so long and I am worried about my credit score in the long term . ''
MP for Wythenshawe and Sale East , Shadow Minister for Regional Transport Mike Kane , fears long-term financial implications for his consituency .
`` We are the most indebted community in England and a lot of people are currently relying on payday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said .
`` I really worry about consumer debt in Wythenshawe getting worse .
That is going to be an increasing problem .
`` We are already suffering cuts to children 's services and nurseries - now it will be very difficult for parents to find adequate and affordable childcare to get back to work . ''
The MP is calling on employers to work with the Greater Manchester Combined Authority 's resilience unit , to help get employees back into new lines of work quickly .
`` The biggest issue is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ massively hit by the pandemic , '' he added .
`` We will be okay until October with the furlough scheme but aviation is going to be the last industry back on its feet .
That is an awful lot of people affected in Wythenshawe . ''
Trade Union Unite , have warned that without urgent action by the government to stabilise the aviation sector , crew and ground staff , engineers , retail , transport and other roles will be 'swept away . '
Sarah Judge is a councillor for Woodhouse Park @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on employment from the airport .
She says the lack of certainty over the future of the airport , and its employees , has left many families frightened .
`` Coronavirus really has highlighted just how vulnerable some people in Wythenshawe are , '' Cllr Judge said .
`` There is the saying , you are only one months pay check away from losing your home , and some people have definitely experienced that in the last few months .
`` But on the other hand , we do have a lot of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Wythenshawe hospital .
`` In these circumstances especially , we have seen how important jobs which were deemed as low skilled , really are . ''
And whilst the airport has been forced to cut jobs , another crucial employer in Wythenshawe has undergone a recruitment drive amid the pandemic .
Amazon Warehouse has created hundreds of new roles in the last two months , says one warehouse packaging assistant .
The mum , from Benchill , left her old job in retail in November last year to work at the warehouse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` There are so many new people I do n't recognise anyone anymore .
Just on packing there have been at least 100 more people on my shift , '' she said .
`` They have been offering staff double pay for overtime so I am often working around 60 hours a week at the moment .
`` In April and May they actually upped our pay to around £13 an hour , so I am earning more than I ever have before . ''
`` Coronavirus really has highlighted just how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ An Amazon spokesperson confirmed the company had hired 15,000 people in full and part-time positions across the UK to `` meet the increase in demand from people relying on Amazon 's service during this time . ''
And despite the obvious hardship felt in the wake of coronavirus , the community continues to find new ways to support each other .
United Estates of Wythenshawe was launched by Greg Davis in the 1990s , to help tackle gang culture among young boys growing up on the estate .
Before coronavirus , he ran @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provided young people with a safe place to train and seek emotional support .
Since lockdown , the charity has become a lifeline for vulnerable people with mental health issues , or those struggling to access food .
`` A lot of young men used to come to the gym and Greg would offer them a welcoming place to chat , '' said Samantha Barlow , Business Development Manager at UEW .
`` There used be someone at the gym at all times , and we would receive food deliveries twice a day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hit us hard . ''
Greg and his wife Sharon , have now set up a food distribution system , and have identified a group of individuals who they know require extra support .
They have been out seven days a week , delivering food and essential items to around 45 different people a day .
The Wythenshawe COVID-19 community group was set up at the start of lockdown , to help provide basic and urgent supplies to people isolating or shielding .
A dedicated mobile phone number has been shared across the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Now , the Facebook group now has over 11,000 members and has become a vital source of support , for families hit by the financial and emotional effects of lockdown .
`` I hope we do n't lose that community spirit that has always been there in Wythenshawe , '' Cllr Rawlins said .
`` There will always be a lot of people in Wythenshawe who need support , but right now there is a much greater sense of community and a sense we are all in this together . ''
Amazon @ @ @ @ @ @

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He had been back from paternity leave for two weeks when he lost his job at Manchester Airport.
As the country went into lockdown on March 23, Wythenshawe's largest employer was hit by an unprecedented decline in passenger numbers.
A young man, a shop worker at the airport who asked not be named, he was made redundant days before the government furlough scheme came into place, leaving him with no choice but to apply for Universal Credit.
With a four-week old baby, he and his partner were left with just £350 a month to live on until the first payment finally came through six weeks later.
He has tried desperately to get back into employment, but says the job market in Wythenshawe is more saturated than ever.
One employer in the area told him they had received over 2,000 applicants for one job, he says.
(Image: (Image: Sam Evans)
Wythenshawe is no stranger to hard times, and the tight-knit community has often pulled together in the face of austerity.
And in recent years, things have been on the up. Additional Metrolink stops, and a host of new jobs linked to a £280m Airport expansion had created a property boom.
The town's Civic Centre had seen a boost in investment, and many schools in the area had been rated 'good' or 'outstanding' by Ofsted - making Wythenshawe a desirable place to live.
But as the country prepares to return to a 'new normal,' there are fears that was once Europe's biggest council housing estate, could be disproportionately affected by the pandemic.
"Many people in Wythenshawe are used to managing on very little money, so in that sense not a lot has changed," said Councillor Tracey Rawlins, who runs the Bread and Butter project.
The charity allows families on lower incomes to buy discounted groceries, and has seen an uptake in usage since the beginning of lockdown.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
"A lot of the families I work with are in low paid jobs at the airport like cleaning staff or baggage handlers," Cllr Rawlins said.
"It has been a real struggle maintaining the day to day because there are so many families in Wythenshawe who rely on the support of friends and family.
"My worry is that a lot of people I speak to say they will deal with money problems after the pandemic is over. We are trying to help them work around that and not let things build up."
"That is when we will see a real impact if people are faced with losing their jobs."
Cllr Rawlins says her main concern is how the community will be affected when the government furlough scheme comes to an end in October.
"A lot of people at the moment are still getting an income from places like the airport, but going forward that will change," she said.
"That is when we will see a real impact if people are faced with losing their jobs."
Thousands of families rely on the economic benefits of Manchester Airport - which provides around 22,200 jobs - many to those living in Wythenshawe.
(Image: M.E.N.)
Since the start of the pandemic, the airport has been operating from a single terminal, with passenger numbers plummeting from an average of 80,000 to around 500.
Around 75 per cent of its staff have been furloughed, and staff have received a 10pc pay cut until next March at the earliest.
Liam Mellor works as a barman at the Lion and Antelope pub inside the airports' Terminal Three.
The 18-year-old had been saving up before going to university in September, before he was furloughed on 80% pay at the start of lockdown.
"Custom was massively falling off for our bar on March 11 and then they stopped scheduling me shifts," Liam said.
"Luckily I don't pay bills but I have seen my wages cut almost in half due to my average hours being much lower than what I've worked in recent months.
"I am starting university in September and I really wanted to save up a lot of money as my maintenance loan won't be enough to fully support me.
(Image: Daily Mirror/Andy Stenning)
"I have had a look at various supermarkets but applying or even going in with my CV has been useless as nobody has got back to me."
One sales assistant, who asked to remain anonymous, has not been entitled to any help from the government since she stopped working at duty free.
"We are agency staff and classed as self-employed so we can't be furloughed or anything like that," she said.
"I only started last April so I don't have a tax return from 2018 to 2019 and so I couldn't apply for the self-employment help scheme.
"A lot of people are currently relying on payday loans which is very concerning."
"I applied for Universal Credit which is about £260 for the month which doesn't even cover the cost of my car and insurance.
"I have been in contact with creditors and I have managed to freeze a lot of my outgoings. But this can only go on so long and I am worried about my credit score in the long term."
MP for Wythenshawe and Sale East, Shadow Minister for Regional Transport Mike Kane, fears long-term financial implications for his consituency.
"We are the most indebted community in England and a lot of people are currently relying on payday loans which is very concerning," he said.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
"I really worry about consumer debt in Wythenshawe getting worse. That is going to be an increasing problem.
"We are already suffering cuts to children's services and nurseries - now it will be very difficult for parents to find adequate and affordable childcare to get back to work."
The MP is calling on employers to work with the Greater Manchester Combined Authority's resilience unit, to help get employees back into new lines of work quickly.
"The biggest issue is the aviation industry, which has been massively hit by the pandemic," he added.
"We will be okay until October with the furlough scheme but aviation is going to be the last industry back on its feet. That is an awful lot of people affected in Wythenshawe."
Trade Union Unite, have warned that without urgent action by the government to stabilise the aviation sector, crew and ground staff, engineers, retail, transport and other roles will be 'swept away.'
Sarah Judge is a councillor for Woodhouse Park, where the majority of residents rely on employment from the airport.
She says the lack of certainty over the future of the airport, and its employees, has left many families frightened.
(Image: Joel Goodman)
"Coronavirus really has highlighted just how vulnerable some people in Wythenshawe are," Cllr Judge said.
"There is the saying, you are only one months pay check away from losing your home, and some people have definitely experienced that in the last few months.
"But on the other hand, we do have a lot of people working in supermarkets or as cleaners at Wythenshawe hospital.
"In these circumstances especially, we have seen how important jobs which were deemed as low skilled, really are."
And whilst the airport has been forced to cut jobs, another crucial employer in Wythenshawe has undergone a recruitment drive amid the pandemic.
Amazon Warehouse has created hundreds of new roles in the last two months, says one warehouse packaging assistant.
(Image: Joel Goodman)
The mum, from Benchill, left her old job in retail in November last year to work at the warehouse, which pays her £11.71 an hour.
"There are so many new people I don't recognise anyone anymore. Just on packing there have been at least 100 more people on my shift," she said.
"They have been offering staff double pay for overtime so I am often working around 60 hours a week at the moment.
"In April and May they actually upped our pay to around £13 an hour, so I am earning more than I ever have before."
"Coronavirus really has highlighted just how vulnerable some people in Wythenshawe are"
An Amazon spokesperson confirmed the company had hired 15,000 people in full and part-time positions across the UK to "meet the increase in demand from people relying on Amazon's service during this time."
And despite the obvious hardship felt in the wake of coronavirus, the community continues to find new ways to support each other.
United Estates of Wythenshawe was launched by Greg Davis in the 1990s, to help tackle gang culture among young boys growing up on the estate.
(Image: STEVE ALLEN)
Before coronavirus, he ran a gym on Broadoak road, which provided young people with a safe place to train and seek emotional support.
Since lockdown, the charity has become a lifeline for vulnerable people with mental health issues, or those struggling to access food.
"A lot of young men used to come to the gym and Greg would offer them a welcoming place to chat," said Samantha Barlow, Business Development Manager at UEW.
"There used be someone at the gym at all times, and we would receive food deliveries twice a day. So when lockdown came, it hit us hard."
Greg and his wife Sharon, have now set up a food distribution system, and have identified a group of individuals who they know require extra support.
They have been out seven days a week, delivering food and essential items to around 45 different people a day.
(Image: Daily Mirror/Andy Stenning)
The Wythenshawe COVID-19 community group was set up at the start of lockdown, to help provide basic and urgent supplies to people isolating or shielding.
A dedicated mobile phone number has been shared across the estate, to help those most vulnerable.
Now, the Facebook group now has over 11,000 members and has become a vital source of support, for families hit by the financial and emotional effects of lockdown.
"I hope we don't lose that community spirit that has always been there in Wythenshawe," Cllr Rawlins said.
"There will always be a lot of people in Wythenshawe who need support, but right now there is a much greater sense of community and a sense we are all in this together."
Amazon has been approached for comment.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-06-07--Northern cities bite back in the battle for Covid control

The frustration among local leaders and officials has been building for weeks .
Throughout the pandemic , councils and mayors have been publicly and privately warning that they are not getting enough information out of government for them to be able to plan for protecting their communities .
That has regularly included a sense that decisions are being made on the hoof , announced at national press conferences with no prior warning .
But it was the publication of Public Health England ’ s latest ‘ R ’ number analysis for the North West - which now estimates that value @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the gloves come off .
Amid huge public interest in the new estimate locally , Andy Burnham and Liverpool ’ s Steve Rotheram moved swiftly to organise a press conference for Sunday morning , cannily attracting an array of national broadcasters just after the health secretary ’ s weekend media round .
To some extent , it was an opportunity to say ‘ I told you so ’ to ministers , however much they politely insisted that was not the case .
But behind a list of specific requests to government , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s planned shop reopenings and targeted furlough schemes to accompany local lockdowns , lay more a fundamental complaint .
It was Steve Rotheram who best summed up a feeling also shared by many within local authorities , public health departments , schools and hospital trusts .
“ If I can just make a plea , ” he said .
“ If the government are going to say that they ’ re thinking about local lockdowns in places like Liverpool and Manchester , please don ’ t announce it and then two hours later @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the announcement ’ s about .
Consult with us first.
” Burnham echoed that with a complaint about a ‘ highly centralised approach to policy-making ’ during the pandemic , calling for a ‘ reset ’ within government .
If the scathing assessment from both mayors over decision-making during the pandemic irritates ministers , it shouldn ’ t surprise them .
It has been a swirling frustration for weeks and weeks , but not only among local Labour politicians , clearly no natural allies of the current government .
Tories who suspect the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would be incorrect .
Officials , too , have been tearing their hair out .
This week the Association of Public Health Directors - made up of experts who are meant to lead localised responses across the country , not people prone to public outbursts - warned ministers had eased the lockdown too soon .
Its president Jeanelle de Gruchy , coincidentally the director of public health at Tamesde council , pointed to a ‘ string of recent national policy announcements affecting England which project a degree of confidence that many – including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supported by the science ’ .
The national track and trace system is simply not ready , she warned .
Yesterday NHS Providers , which represents hospital trusts across the country , said it had been ‘ completely in the dark ’ about changes to guidance around patient visitors , announced the day before .
`` It 's the latest in a long line of announcements that have had a major impact on the way the NHS operates , in which frontline organisations feel they 've been left completely in the dark , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chris Hopson .
`` And they 're then expected to make significant and complex operational changes either immediately or with very little notice . ''
One local education source , meanwhile , talks of the government ‘ making things up as they go along ’ where advice on school reopening is concerned , continually changing the practical guidance around how to do so safely while completely missing out advice on certain aspects .
Throughout the crisis there have been many such examples .
Even now , large swathes of testing data are not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ level , despite them being expected to lead on infection control and containment .
If these kinds of battles always rage within the British state , in a pandemic the stakes are far higher .
The sort of information city leaders are asking for - data to warn the public if the virus is rife in their area , for example , and to plan the public health response - is potentially life and death .
If public health bodies don ’ t know what ’ s meant to be happening , then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t either .
The impact of failing to communicate that won ’ t necessarily be felt equally , either .
Take Blackpool as an example .
The town was highlighted at today ’ s press conference as somewhere people are now gathering in large numbers , yet its residents don ’ t currently have a clear public health message tailored to their own situation .
Blackpool already has some of the highest levels of deprivation and underlying health conditions in the country .
It has the lowest disability-free life expectancy in the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , also more vulnerable to the economic effects of lockdown .
That , too , is an essential perspective when considering how areas are going to suffer , one that would probably be part of the government ’ s counter where easing is concerned .
Yet without clear information and advice about the situation on the ground , it is difficult for anyone to make a judgement .
One official here believes there will be a ‘ day of reckoning ’ where the pandemic is concerned .
“ At that point someone , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and when .
So I think Andy Burnham is doing absolutely the right thing by saying ‘ you ’ re not listening to us ’ .
” However Greater Manchester will need to do more than ‘ make noise ’ , they qualify , and will also need to present a clearly thought-through range of asks from Whitehall that go beyond the top-line requests announced at today ’ s press conference .
Even so , it would be too easy for ministers to dismiss the worries expressed by the mayors just by pointing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ estimate is one of several , with the others all putting it below 1 .
That ’ s true , but it doesn ’ t address the concerns of those on the frontline of the battle who feel perpetually in the dark .
Ignoring those criticisms would strongly suggest the idea of ‘ levelling up ’ and listening to areas beyond the ministerial bubble was little more than a paper promise .
The charge is also more fundamental .
It is about who , if anyone , is in control of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brexiteers in and around Number 10 , at the moment many suspect the answer is not local or national government - but neither .

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The frustration among local leaders and officials has been building for weeks.
Throughout the pandemic, councils and mayors have been publicly and privately warning that they are not getting enough information out of government for them to be able to plan for protecting their communities.
That has regularly included a sense that decisions are being made on the hoof, announced at national press conferences with no prior warning.
But it was the publication of Public Health England’s latest ‘R’ number analysis for the North West - which now estimates that value to be over 1 - that saw the gloves come off.
Amid huge public interest in the new estimate locally, Andy Burnham and Liverpool’s Steve Rotheram moved swiftly to organise a press conference for Sunday morning, cannily attracting an array of national broadcasters just after the health secretary’s weekend media round.
To some extent, it was an opportunity to say ‘I told you so’ to ministers, however much they politely insisted that was not the case.
(Image: PA)
But behind a list of specific requests to government, including a scientific review of June 15’s planned shop reopenings and targeted furlough schemes to accompany local lockdowns, lay more a fundamental complaint.
It was Steve Rotheram who best summed up a feeling also shared by many within local authorities, public health departments, schools and hospital trusts.
“If I can just make a plea,” he said.
“If the government are going to say that they’re thinking about local lockdowns in places like Liverpool and Manchester, please don’t announce it and then two hours later try to phone up to explain what the announcement’s about. Consult with us first.”
Burnham echoed that with a complaint about a ‘highly centralised approach to policy-making’ during the pandemic, calling for a ‘reset’ within government.
If the scathing assessment from both mayors over decision-making during the pandemic irritates ministers, it shouldn’t surprise them.
(Image: PA)
It has been a swirling frustration for weeks and weeks, but not only among local Labour politicians, clearly no natural allies of the current government.
Tories who suspect the criticism is driven purely by party politics would be incorrect. Officials, too, have been tearing their hair out.
This week the Association of Public Health Directors - made up of experts who are meant to lead localised responses across the country, not people prone to public outbursts - warned ministers had eased the lockdown too soon.
Its president Jeanelle de Gruchy, coincidentally the director of public health at Tamesde council, pointed to a ‘string of recent national policy announcements affecting England which project a degree of confidence that many – including ADPH members – do not think is supported by the science’. The national track and trace system is simply not ready, she warned.
Yesterday NHS Providers, which represents hospital trusts across the country, said it had been ‘completely in the dark’ about changes to guidance around patient visitors, announced the day before.
"It's the latest in a long line of announcements that have had a major impact on the way the NHS operates, in which frontline organisations feel they've been left completely in the dark," said the body's chief executive Chris Hopson. "And they're then expected to make significant and complex operational changes either immediately or with very little notice."
(Image: PA)
One local education source, meanwhile, talks of the government ‘making things up as they go along’ where advice on school reopening is concerned, continually changing the practical guidance around how to do so safely while completely missing out advice on certain aspects.
Throughout the crisis there have been many such examples. Even now, large swathes of testing data are not available to public health officials at local level, despite them being expected to lead on infection control and containment.
If these kinds of battles always rage within the British state, in a pandemic the stakes are far higher. The sort of information city leaders are asking for - data to warn the public if the virus is rife in their area, for example, and to plan the public health response - is potentially life and death. If public health bodies don’t know what’s meant to be happening, then by default the public themselves don’t either.
The impact of failing to communicate that won’t necessarily be felt equally, either.
Take Blackpool as an example. The town was highlighted at today’s press conference as somewhere people are now gathering in large numbers, yet its residents don’t currently have a clear public health message tailored to their own situation.
Blackpool already has some of the highest levels of deprivation and underlying health conditions in the country. It has the lowest disability-free life expectancy in the country.
(Image: Joel Goodman)
But it is, of course, also more vulnerable to the economic effects of lockdown. That, too, is an essential perspective when considering how areas are going to suffer, one that would probably be part of the government’s counter where easing is concerned.
Yet without clear information and advice about the situation on the ground, it is difficult for anyone to make a judgement.
One official here believes there will be a ‘day of reckoning’ where the pandemic is concerned.
“At that point someone, somewhere, will ask who knew what and when. So I think Andy Burnham is doing absolutely the right thing by saying ‘you’re not listening to us’.”
However Greater Manchester will need to do more than ‘make noise’, they qualify, and will also need to present a clearly thought-through range of asks from Whitehall that go beyond the top-line requests announced at today’s press conference.
Even so, it would be too easy for ministers to dismiss the worries expressed by the mayors just by pointing out that Friday’s ‘R’ estimate is one of several, with the others all putting it below 1. That’s true, but it doesn’t address the concerns of those on the frontline of the battle who feel perpetually in the dark. Ignoring those criticisms would strongly suggest the idea of ‘levelling up’ and listening to areas beyond the ministerial bubble was little more than a paper promise.
The charge is also more fundamental. It is about who, if anyone, is in control of the situation.
Ironically for the band of Brexiteers in and around Number 10, at the moment many suspect the answer is not local or national government - but neither.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-06-07--Match of the Day 2 presenter Mark Chapman devastated as wife Sara dies aged 44

Match of the Day 2 and BBC Radio 5 Live presenter Mark Chapman is said to be devastated following the death of his wife Sara .
Sara , 44 , passed away on Wednesday following a long illness surrounded by her family , according to The Sun .
A source told the publication : “ Sadly Sara passed away on June 3 .
“ Mark and the kids are absolutely devastated .
“ The family was there and it ’ s just a really sad situation . ''
They added : `` They ’ re an extremely private family and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mark , affectionately known as Chappers , presents Match of the Day 2 on BBC Two and the football news show Final Score .
He also hosts the Saturday afternoon football radio phone-in show on 5Live , 606 and The Monday Night Club on the same station .
Mark , 46 , started work at the BBC in 1996 as a continuity announcer for BBC television and primarily BBC Two before becoming the cricket correspondent for BBC North East radio .
He joined the BBC after a post-graduate course in journalism at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ born at Birch Hill Hospital in 1973 and lived in Littleborough for the first two years of his life before moving to Brooklands at the age of 12 .
He attended Sandilands Junior School and Manchester Grammar School , where he was encouraged to pursue his dream career .
He then joined BBC Radio One as a sports reporter on Sara Cox 's show and later Scott Mills 's show where he was nicknamed Chappers and he was part of duo Chappers and Dave with Dave Vitty , nicknamed Comedy Dave .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , became the host of the BBC One show Match of the Day 2 and has gone on to present the network ’ s Rugby League coverage and major events including the 2014 World Cup , the Glasgow Commonwealth Games , Euro 2016 and the Rio Olympics .
In 2015 he began hosting American Football League NFL for the BBC as well as the network ’ s coverage of the Superbowl .
Mark and Sara married in 2000 and they have three children Ben , Jessie and Milly .
The Manchester Evening News @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

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Match of the Day 2 and BBC Radio 5 Live presenter Mark Chapman is said to be devastated following the death of his wife Sara.
Sara, 44, passed away on Wednesday following a long illness surrounded by her family, according to The Sun.
A source told the publication: “Sadly Sara passed away on June 3.
“Mark and the kids are absolutely devastated.
(Image: Sunday Mirror)
“The family was there and it’s just a really sad situation."
They added: "They’re an extremely private family and would appreciate people respecting that.”
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Rochdale-born Mark, affectionately known as Chappers, presents Match of the Day 2 on BBC Two and the football news show Final Score.
He also hosts the Saturday afternoon football radio phone-in show on 5Live, 606 and The Monday Night Club on the same station.
(Image: BBC)
Mark, 46, started work at the BBC in 1996 as a continuity announcer for BBC television and primarily BBC Two before becoming the cricket correspondent for BBC North East radio.
He joined the BBC after a post-graduate course in journalism at the capital's City University.
He was born at Birch Hill Hospital in 1973 and lived in Littleborough for the first two years of his life before moving to Brooklands at the age of 12.
He attended Sandilands Junior School and Manchester Grammar School, where he was encouraged to pursue his dream career.
He then joined BBC Radio One as a sports reporter on Sara Cox's show and later Scott Mills's show where he was nicknamed Chappers and he was part of duo Chappers and Dave with Dave Vitty, nicknamed Comedy Dave.
In 2013 Mark, who lives in Hale, became the host of the BBC One show Match of the Day 2 and has gone on to present the network’s Rugby League coverage and major events including the 2014 World Cup, the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, Euro 2016 and the Rio Olympics.
In 2015 he began hosting American Football League NFL for the BBC as well as the network’s coverage of the Superbowl.
Mark and Sara married in 2001 and they have three children Ben, Jessie and Millie.
The Manchester Evening News has contacted a representative for Mark Chapman.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-06-07--Sergio Aguero and Lautaro Martinez told they will make a 'great' partnership

Sergio Aguero and Lautaro Martinez will make a great strike partnership , according to Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni .
Manchester City striker Aguero , 32 , and Martinez , 22 , have only played together on five occasions for the national team since Martinez 's debut in 2018 .
Of those games , just three have been starts and the pair have combined for a solitary goal across 263 minutes of game-time .
Aguero has outlined his desire to continue playing for Argentina until at least the 2022 World Cup in Qatar , but he may not be at City @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next season .
Aguero has spoken about ending his career in Argentina and no contract extension has been agreed at the Etihad .
As for Martinez , the Inter Milan striker has been linked with City this summer but reports in Spain say he looks set to join Barcelona .
Still , he is a player that would generate excitement if he was to sign for City , and Scaloni has predicted that the pair will work well alongside each other .
Speaking to Argentine broadcaster DirecTV about his attacking options , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Mauro Icardi , Scaloni said : “ Icardi is still in our plans , he knows very well how things are .
I spoke to him on the phone when he was in conflict with Inter .
`` I explained to him that I wouldn ’ t summon him because the other strikers were playing regularly with their respective clubs .
`` And after the Copa America Lucas Alario showed up , but Mauro is not excluded .
He ’ s just the right age to become a great scorer.
” As @ @ @ @ @ @ @ benefit from Icardi 's absence from the squad , Scaloni said : “ They get along very well , they ’ ll make a great duo for Argentina .
”

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Sergio Aguero and Lautaro Martinez will make a great strike partnership, according to Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni.
Manchester City striker Aguero, 32, and Martinez, 22, have only played together on five occasions for the national team since Martinez's debut in 2018. Of those games, just three have been starts and the pair have combined for a solitary goal across 263 minutes of game-time.
Aguero has outlined his desire to continue playing for Argentina until at least the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, but he may not be at City by then as his current contract expires next season. Aguero has spoken about ending his career in Argentina and no contract extension has been agreed at the Etihad.
As for Martinez, the Inter Milan striker has been linked with City this summer but reports in Spain say he looks set to join Barcelona.
Still, he is a player that would generate excitement if he was to sign for City, and Scaloni has predicted that the pair will work well alongside each other.
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Speaking to Argentine broadcaster DirecTV about his attacking options, which include Lionel Messi, Angel Di Maria and Mauro Icardi, Scaloni said: “Icardi is still in our plans, he knows very well how things are. I spoke to him on the phone when he was in conflict with Inter.
"I explained to him that I wouldn’t summon him because the other strikers were playing regularly with their respective clubs.
"And after the Copa America Lucas Alario showed up, but Mauro is not excluded. He’s just the right age to become a great scorer.”
As for Aguero and Martinez, who would benefit from Icardi's absence from the squad, Scaloni said: “They get along very well, they’ll make a great duo for Argentina.”


themanchestereveningnews--2020-06-07--Robbery suspects flagged down unmarked police car they thought was a taxi

Two young robbery suspects were caught after they flagged down an unmarked police car believing it was a taxi they had just ordered to escape .
Both were promptly arrested , police have revealed .
They had been hiding in a bush by a canal after a major police operation in Sale , Trafford , on Saturday .
Police were investigating a series of robberies they said were committed around the centre of Sale over the past few weeks .
The operation - which also involved the police helicopter - was launched after another report of a robbery .
Police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were believed to be using the Metrolink system to escape after targeting victims .
After the robbery report on Saturday , officers from Sale and Greater Manchester Police 's newly-formed transport unit attended the Dane Road Metrolink stop in Sale and the canal towpath nearby .
Police said a 16-year-old boy was arrested , but others ran away .
The two suspects 'emerged ' from the bush near the Waterside in Sale as police searches of the area were ongoing .
Police said they 'began to flag down ' the unmarked police car @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ordered .
GMP Trafford South detailed the arrests and operation on a Facebook page .
Another boy , aged 17 , was subsequently arrested and found with suspected stolen mobile phones .
They said on Sunday : `` Following a report of a group of males yesterday committing a robbery in Stamford Park and believed to be using the Metrolink service to aid escape , officers from the Transport Unit along with @ GMPSale and @ NPASNorthWest attended the area of Dane Road Metrolink station and the canal tow path .
`` A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ GMPSale who is suspected to be involved and a number of others made off from officers .
`` During a continued area search and whilst Transport Unit officers were looking for the outstanding offenders on Waterside , two more emerged from a bush and began to flag down our unmarked police vehicle believing it to be a taxi which they had ordered moments earlier to aid their escape ! ''
GMP Trafford South added : `` Another 17-year-old male was arrested and found to be in possession of the earlier stolen mobile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ males involved have committed a number of robberies in the area of the past few weeks , travelling into the area using the Metrolink Service which is heavily covered by CCTV .
`` Enquiries are ongoing and we will be looking to link them to other recent robberies in the area .
`` We would like to thank local residents for their assistance in yesterday ’ s incident and helping us to bring a number of offenders to justice . ''

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Two young robbery suspects were caught after they flagged down an unmarked police car believing it was a taxi they had just ordered to escape.
Both were promptly arrested, police have revealed.
They had been hiding in a bush by a canal after a major police operation in Sale, Trafford, on Saturday.
Police were investigating a series of robberies they said were committed around the centre of Sale over the past few weeks.
The operation - which also involved the police helicopter - was launched after another report of a robbery.
(Image: Mark Waugh)
Police said a gang thought to be involved were believed to be using the Metrolink system to escape after targeting victims.
After the robbery report on Saturday, officers from Sale and Greater Manchester Police's newly-formed transport unit attended the Dane Road Metrolink stop in Sale and the canal towpath nearby.
Police said a 16-year-old boy was arrested, but others ran away.
The two suspects 'emerged' from the bush near the Waterside in Sale as police searches of the area were ongoing.
(Image: GMP)
Police said they 'began to flag down' the unmarked police car believing it was the taxi they had ordered.
GMP Trafford South detailed the arrests and operation on a Facebook page.
Trafford news We have a dedicated Facebook page bringing you all the latest news, events and community news in Trafford. To keep up to date with all that is happening in Trafford - and to join in the discussion - follow the page here. And you can also follow us on Twitter.
Another boy, aged 17, was subsequently arrested and found with suspected stolen mobile phones.
They said on Sunday: "Following a report of a group of males yesterday committing a robbery in Stamford Park and believed to be using the Metrolink service to aid escape, officers from the Transport Unit along with @GMPSale and @NPASNorthWest attended the area of Dane Road Metrolink station and the canal tow path.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
"A 16-year- old male was quickly arrested by @GMPSale who is suspected to be involved and a number of others made off from officers.
"During a continued area search and whilst Transport Unit officers were looking for the outstanding offenders on Waterside, two more emerged from a bush and began to flag down our unmarked police vehicle believing it to be a taxi which they had ordered moments earlier to aid their escape!"
Police said enquiries were continuing.
GMP Trafford South added: "Another 17-year-old male was arrested and found to be in possession of the earlier stolen mobile phones.
"It is suspected the males involved have committed a number of robberies in the area of the past few weeks, travelling into the area using the Metrolink Service which is heavily covered by CCTV.
"Enquiries are ongoing and we will be looking to link them to other recent robberies in the area.
"We would like to thank local residents for their assistance in yesterday’s incident and helping us to bring a number of offenders to justice."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-06-07--Loved and Lost: We remember the people who have died after contracting Covid-19

Many lives have been taken too soon to coronavirus .
Greater Manchester has been hit hard by the pandemic - shocking figures have shown that more than 1,900 lives have been lost in our region 's hospitals .
Since the beginning of the lockdown , the Manchester Evening News has pledged to honour the memory of every victim from our region .
In our Loved and Lost series , we have paid tribute to scores of people from the region who have died .
We have vowed to remember the faces behind the figures .
This week , we pay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the proud nana who loved latin and ballroom dancing , to the cafe owner who enjoyed caravan holidays .
We want to share people 's stories .
If you want to remember someone , fill out the form here .
The 69-year-old was born in London , lived in Basildon , Essex , then moved to South Africa .
She spent most of her life with the cubs and scouts , and opened up a scout group in Witbank , which grew and thrived .
She came back to England 20 years later @ @ @ @ @ @ @ until he died .
Justi later had a stroke and recovered .
She quickly learned to walk again .
Her family was made up of - daughters Lisa Mckinnell and Adele Harman , grandchildren Brandon and Maddison Mckinnell and brother Ricky Jimenez .
She had a sister Carmen Als and husband Peter Harman .
Her daughter Lisa Mckinnell said : `` Covid-19 came ; both her and my sister got it .
`` My mum was taken to hospital , later she was told she was getting better and she could come home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ things in place first .
`` Then three days later , on Easter Sunday , she was gone .
She lost the fight .
We are so proud that she tried her best to fight . ''
Gabrielle , from Sale , leaves behind a sister , daughter , granddaughter , grandson and great granddaughter .
She was a nana to all her grandchildren 's partners and all their friends , her heartbroken family said .
The 91-year-old died on April 18 at Wythenshawe Hospital .
She loved Latin and ballroom dancing and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Ukrainian club in Manchester until last year , when she wasn ’ t quite as mobile as she used to be .
She still liked to go to see her friends , her family said .
She was so happy she made it to her granddaughter 's wedding in Zante last May and was looking forward to going to her grandson 's wedding next year .
She was a very independent lady , always took pride in her looks - she had her hair and nails done regularly and loved to dress @ @ @ @ @ @ @ described her as a 'wonderful brave lady ' .
`` She overcame many health problems including losing the sight in one eye , but she never gave up '' , they said .
Her daughter Julie Green said : `` A loving mum , nana , great nana and sister .
Taken too soon , You are loved and missed so much .
You will be forever in our hearts . ''
She was born to parents Frank and Edith Brown .
Her husband was Kenneth Lockett .
She had children - Ruth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had grandchildren - Lucy , Faye and Guy Spratt and Tom , Kitty and Maggie Lockett .
Her siblings were Harry , Frank and Sue Brown .
Marian was born and grew up in Coldhurst , Oldham .
She went to Coldhurst primary and Counthill Grammar school .
Marian worked at several Oldham based companies and in the early 80s became the proprietor of Mariannes Cafe in Stalybridge Market Hall .
She worked there for 15 years .
She also worked in B & Q Oldham when Stalybridge Market closed .
Marian loved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when they were young .
When Ken passed away in the early 90s , she loved to travel with her friends to Europe , Greece and America .
She was a member of St Barnabas Church , Clarksfield for 40 years .
She was a member of Royton wine club and enjoyed swimming .
Her favourite job by far was being a wonderful Nana to her six grandchildren .
She would take them everywhere , do the school run always watch their performances and loved them so so much , her family said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We will all miss you so very much our mum and nan .
`` You had an wonderful , happy life .
You leave a legacy of family , friendship and love and you will live on forever through this .
`` We promise to be more like you - loving , patient , kind , happy .
`` We will stop and smell the flowers , sing out loud to songs , we will talk to strangers , we will love life and we will always smile and be thankful for everything @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on December 4 , 1932 , the eldest daughter of Winifred and Herbert Edge .
She was mum to Jane , Suzanne and the late David .
Also wife to the late Ken and nanna to Bradley .
She was mother-in-law to Simon .
Sister to Anne , Beryl , the late Wyn , the late Brenda , Fred , Stan , Les , Geoff and the late Pete .
She grew up in a family of 10 , five boys and five girls .
Initially they lived in Cheadle before moving to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ David was born in 1964 .
Connie decided to train as a teacher as she did n't think she could have anymore children .
But not long after she started the training , she found out she was pregnant with their daughter , Jane , who was born in 1973 .
Connie spent a month in Canada in 1975 with David and Jane , visiting family who had emigrated there .
The family enjoyed holidays to the British seaside in Blackpool where Ken 's mother lived , Wales to visit family and Cornwall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worked evenings at the greyhound track at White City .
She learnt shorthand and was highly organised and methodical .
She enjoyed her job , working for Kelloggs , Carborundum and Primesight .
Connie was devastated , but with the love and support of her family , she found the strength to go on , looking after Ken when he started being ill with Parkinsons and having small strokes .
She nursed him at home with 'so much love and care ' , her family said .
Sadly , after a short battle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1995 .
Connie threw herself into looking after her grandson , Bradley , who she doted on .
She joined a walking group and took on a part time job where she made some really good friends , they used to go for lunch and shopping together .
In 2018 , Connie was diagnosed with dementia and a few months later moved into The Fairways care home .
When it closed in October 2019 , as the owners had built Bowfell House , she moved there .
She was a popular character and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jane said : `` My mum was a strong , determined , kind and caring lady .
`` Her loss has left a massive hole in my life and I will miss her forever .
Good night , god bless mum . ''
The 87-year-old died on May 3 at Bowfell House Care Home , Urmston .
If you want to remember someone , fill out the form here .

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Many lives have been taken too soon to coronavirus.
Greater Manchester has been hit hard by the pandemic - shocking figures have shown that more than 1,900 lives have been lost in our region's hospitals.
Since the beginning of the lockdown, the Manchester Evening News has pledged to honour the memory of every victim from our region.
In our Loved and Lost series, we have paid tribute to scores of people from the region who have died.
We have vowed to remember the faces behind the figures.
This week, we pay tribute to more coronavirus victims.
From the proud nana who loved latin and ballroom dancing, to the cafe owner who enjoyed caravan holidays.
We want to share people's stories.
If you want to remember someone, fill out the form here.
Justi Harman
(Image: supplied)
Justi died on Easter Sunday at Macclesfield District General Hospital.
The 69-year-old was born in London, lived in Basildon, Essex, then moved to South Africa.
She spent most of her life with the cubs and scouts, and opened up a scout group in Witbank, which grew and thrived.
She came back to England 20 years later and cared for husband who had MS until he died.
Justi later had a stroke and recovered. She quickly learned to walk again.
Her family was made up of - daughters Lisa Mckinnell and Adele Harman, grandchildren Brandon and Maddison Mckinnell and brother Ricky Jimenez. She had a sister Carmen Als and husband Peter Harman.
Her daughter Lisa Mckinnell said: "Covid-19 came; both her and my sister got it.
"My mum was taken to hospital, later she was told she was getting better and she could come home, just had to get a few things in place first.
"Then three days later, on Easter Sunday, she was gone. She lost the fight. We are so proud that she tried her best to fight."
Gabrielle Hawksworth
Gabrielle, from Sale, leaves behind a sister, daughter, granddaughter, grandson and great granddaughter.
She was a nana to all her grandchildren's partners and all their friends, her heartbroken family said.
The 91-year-old died on April 18 at Wythenshawe Hospital.
She loved Latin and ballroom dancing and used to go every Friday night to the Ukrainian club in Manchester until last year, when she wasn’t quite as mobile as she used to be.
She still liked to go to see her friends, her family said.
She was so happy she made it to her granddaughter's wedding in Zante last May and was looking forward to going to her grandson's wedding next year.
She was a very independent lady, always took pride in her looks - she had her hair and nails done regularly and loved to dress up for any occasion.
Her family described her as a 'wonderful brave lady'.
"She overcame many health problems including losing the sight in one eye, but she never gave up", they said.
Her daughter Julie Green said: "A loving mum, nana, great nana and sister. Taken too soon, You are loved and missed so much. You will be forever in our hearts."
Marian Lockett
(Image: supplied)
Marian died aged 79 at Sandon House care home, Mossley.
She was born to parents Frank and Edith Brown. Her husband was Kenneth Lockett.
She had children - Ruth Spratt and Richard Lockett.
She also had grandchildren - Lucy, Faye and Guy Spratt and Tom, Kitty and Maggie Lockett.
Her siblings were Harry, Frank and Sue Brown.
Marian was born and grew up in Coldhurst, Oldham.
She went to Coldhurst primary and Counthill Grammar school.
Marian worked at several Oldham based companies and in the early 80s became the proprietor of Mariannes Cafe in Stalybridge Market Hall.
She worked there for 15 years.
She also worked in B&Q Oldham when Stalybridge Market closed.
Marian loved caravan holidays with Ken and the children when they were young.
When Ken passed away in the early 90s, she loved to travel with her friends to Europe, Greece and America.
She was a member of St Barnabas Church, Clarksfield for 40 years.
She was a member of Royton wine club and enjoyed swimming.
Her favourite job by far was being a wonderful Nana to her six grandchildren.
She would take them everywhere, do the school run always watch their performances and loved them so so much, her family said.
Daughter Ruth Spratt said: "We will all miss you so very much our mum and nan.
"You had an wonderful, happy life. You leave a legacy of family, friendship and love and you will live on forever through this.
"We promise to be more like you - loving, patient, kind, happy.
"We will stop and smell the flowers, sing out loud to songs, we will talk to strangers, we will love life and we will always smile and be thankful for everything we have."
Constance 'Connie' Andrews
(Image: supplied)
Connie was born on December 4, 1932, the eldest daughter of Winifred and Herbert Edge.
She was mum to Jane, Suzanne and the late David.
Also wife to the late Ken and nanna to Bradley.
She was mother-in-law to Simon.
Sister to Anne, Beryl, the late Wyn, the late Brenda, Fred, Stan, Les, Geoff and the late Pete.
She grew up in a family of 10, five boys and five girls.
Connie married Ken in 1962.
Initially they lived in Cheadle before moving to Davyhulme, not long after their son David was born in 1964.
Connie decided to train as a teacher as she didn't think she could have anymore children.
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
But not long after she started the training, she found out she was pregnant with their daughter, Jane, who was born in 1973.
Connie spent a month in Canada in 1975 with David and Jane, visiting family who had emigrated there.
The family enjoyed holidays to the British seaside in Blackpool where Ken's mother lived, Wales to visit family and Cornwall.
With two young children, Connie worked evenings at the greyhound track at White City.
Later Connie became a secretary.
She learnt shorthand and was highly organised and methodical.
She enjoyed her job, working for Kelloggs, Carborundum and Primesight.
Sadly David passed away in 1991, aged 27.
Connie was devastated, but with the love and support of her family, she found the strength to go on, looking after Ken when he started being ill with Parkinsons and having small strokes.
She nursed him at home with 'so much love and care', her family said.
Sadly, after a short battle with cancer, Ken passed away in 1995.
Connie threw herself into looking after her grandson, Bradley, who she doted on.
She joined a walking group and took on a part time job where she made some really good friends, they used to go for lunch and shopping together.
In 2018, Connie was diagnosed with dementia and a few months later moved into The Fairways care home.
When it closed in October 2019, as the owners had built Bowfell House, she moved there.
Connie called the new home shangri-la.
She was a popular character and loved by her carers.
Her daughter Jane said: "My mum was a strong, determined, kind and caring lady.
"Her loss has left a massive hole in my life and I will miss her forever. Good night, god bless mum."
The 87-year-old died on May 3 at Bowfell House Care Home, Urmston.
If you want to remember someone, fill out the form here.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-06-07--Predict where Manchester United will finish in top four race

Manchester United will have their eyes set firmly on a Champions League place when the Premier League returns in less than two weeks ’ time .
The action gets back underway on June 17 , with Aston Villa taking on Sheffield United and Manchester City facing Arsenal in their games in hand before a full schedule of fixtures on the weekend of June 19-21 .
United are set to return to action with a big test of their European credentials as they face former manager Jose Mourinho with a trip to Tottenham on the Friday night .
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off fourth-placed Chelsea when the season was brought to a halt by the coronavirus outbreak .
They ’ ll be looking to close that gap as quickly as possible as they look to secure their return to the top table of European football for next season .
United face another big test in their second game back as they take on this season ’ s surprise package Sheffield United , who themselves are chasing a place in Europe for next season .
Use our interactive widget to predict the remaining results of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their rivals will finish in the final table : After that , they ’ ll be aiming to make the most out some encounters with sides battling for their survival as they face Brighton , Bournemouth and Aston Villa in consecutive games .
And they ’ ll of course have their eyes on some silverware this season , with an FA Cup quarter-final against Norwich still to come .
Elsewhere in the league , the title looks set to be heading Liverpool ’ s way , while the likes of Wolves , Spurs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make a late charge for Europe .

newsdesk@men-news.co.uk (David  Dubas-Fisher-MEN, James Findlater)

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Manchester United will have their eyes set firmly on a Champions League place when the Premier League returns in less than two weeks’ time.
The action gets back underway on June 17, with Aston Villa taking on Sheffield United and Manchester City facing Arsenal in their games in hand before a full schedule of fixtures on the weekend of June 19-21.
United are set to return to action with a big test of their European credentials as they face former manager Jose Mourinho with a trip to Tottenham on the Friday night.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men sat just three points off fourth-placed Chelsea when the season was brought to a halt by the coronavirus outbreak.
They’ll be looking to close that gap as quickly as possible as they look to secure their return to the top table of European football for next season.
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.
United face another big test in their second game back as they take on this season’s surprise package Sheffield United, who themselves are chasing a place in Europe for next season.
Use our interactive widget to predict the remaining results of the season and find out where United and their rivals will finish in the final table:
After that, they’ll be aiming to make the most out some encounters with sides battling for their survival as they face Brighton, Bournemouth and Aston Villa in consecutive games.
And they’ll of course have their eyes on some silverware this season, with an FA Cup quarter-final against Norwich still to come.
Elsewhere in the league, the title looks set to be heading Liverpool’s way, while the likes of Wolves, Spurs and Arsenal will also be looking to make a late charge for Europe.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-06-07--Ilkay Gundogan explains Man City mindset vs Real Madrid

Manchester City are not afraid of Real Madrid as the wait to play the Champions League last-16 second leg goes on .
City produced a brilliant tactical display at the Bernabeu to establish a 2-1 lead going into the home leg at the Etihad , but that was postponed after the Madrid squad went into precautionary isolation when one of their basketball players tested positive for the coronavirus .
Since then , the football season - including the Champions League - has been suspended .
The Premier League and La Liga will resume fixtures in the coming fortnight , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the Champions League to resume .
When it does , City know they are favourites to progress to the quarter-finals , but are wary of Real 's pedigree in the competition , according to Ilkay Gundogan .
He told Fanatik : “ In the last 16 first games of the Champions League , we beat Real Madrid on the road 2-1 .
It would be a great success if we eliminated them .
The quality of Real Madrid is obvious .
`` They are the team that has won the most Champions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we have to be careful but we have no fear of them .
`` Our ambition is also quite high .
Of course we want to progress but the opponent is Real Madrid .
The rematch will be very difficult.
” Like City 's remaining Premier League fixtures , the Champions League will take place without fans - something Gundogan says will be a pity , but necessary .
Speaking about how City have adapted to the lockdown and plans to resume the season , he said : “ We are used to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the Premier League .
It has been two months since .
It was difficult for us .
`` Unless things get worse , we would love to play , unless there is a risk .
We started training , but starting from scratch after two months was a bit of a challenge .
`` We do n't have much time , league matches are starting .
It is a pity that the matches will be played without fans . ''

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Manchester City are not afraid of Real Madrid as the wait to play the Champions League last-16 second leg goes on.
City produced a brilliant tactical display at the Bernabeu to establish a 2-1 lead going into the home leg at the Etihad, but that was postponed after the Madrid squad went into precautionary isolation when one of their basketball players tested positive for the coronavirus.
Since then, the football season - including the Champions League - has been suspended. The Premier League and La Liga will resume fixtures in the coming fortnight, but no date or schedule has been set for the Champions League to resume.
When it does, City know they are favourites to progress to the quarter-finals, but are wary of Real's pedigree in the competition, according to Ilkay Gundogan.
He told Fanatik: “In the last 16 first games of the Champions League, we beat Real Madrid on the road 2-1. It would be a great success if we eliminated them. The quality of Real Madrid is obvious.
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"They are the team that has won the most Champions Leagues and they are very experienced so we have to be careful but we have no fear of them.
"Our ambition is also quite high. Of course we want to progress but the opponent is Real Madrid. The rematch will be very difficult.”
Like City's remaining Premier League fixtures, the Champions League will take place without fans - something Gundogan says will be a pity, but necessary.
Speaking about how City have adapted to the lockdown and plans to resume the season, he said: “We are used to a maximum of four weeks on vacation in the Premier League. It has been two months since. It was difficult for us.
"Unless things get worse, we would love to play, unless there is a risk. We started training, but starting from scratch after two months was a bit of a challenge.
"We don't have much time, league matches are starting. It is a pity that the matches will be played without fans."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-06-07--Seven Man United players will be back from injury vs Tottenham

It is not long now until Manchester United are back in Premier League action .
More than three months after fixtures were suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic , games are due to resume on June 17 , with United playing their opener against Tottenham on June 19 .
When United last played - their 5-0 win over LASK Linz in the Europa League - they were without seven players due to injury .
Solskjaer has already confirmed his squad now has a clean bill of health , so United will be looking suitably strong when they take to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Here 's a rundown of the players who were missing in Austria .
The England forward has been out of action since aggravating a back injury in an FA Cup third-round replay against Wolves back in January .
The 22-year-old was a doubt for the remainder of the season , but the unexpected break has given him time to step up his rehabilitation and recover in time for the restart .
Rashford has scored an impressive 19 goals in all competitions this season despite his injury lay-off .
The Frenchman has struggled with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ managed to make eight appearances in all competitions .
Pogba has been taking part in first-team training ahead of the Premier League ’ s restart and United fans are excited about the prospect of him forming a midfield partnership with Bruno Fernandes .
Another player who is in training after an injury-hit season is full-back Diogo Dalot .
Muscle injuries have limited him to 10 appearances in all competitions .
He made a comeback against Liverpool in February but wasn ’ t included in the matchday squad for the three Premier League games @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Frenchman was forced to sit out the Europa League match against LASK after picking up a knock in the Manchester derby on March 8 .
The injury was n't serious and he might even have returned for the game against Spurs when it was originally scheduled .
Wan-Bissaka did not travel with the squad to Linz due to a back complaint that ruled him out of the previous week 's FA Cup win at Derby but would have been available had the originally planned game against Tottenham gone ahead .
Lingard is another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ due to injury but is looking forward to the season resuming .
`` You know I wanted to go back in fitter , sharper than last season to play every game , '' Lingard recently said .
`` I 've kind of forgot about last season we move forward and even though the season 's not finished , I feel like it 's another little fresh start . ''
Grant underwent surgery at the beginning of the year and was n't unavailable against LASK , although it is unlikely that he would 've @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been training at Carrington in recent weeks but do n't expect him to be involved against Spurs .

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It is not long now until Manchester United are back in Premier League action.
More than three months after fixtures were suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic, games are due to resume on June 17, with United playing their opener against Tottenham on June 19.
When United last played - their 5-0 win over LASK Linz in the Europa League - they were without seven players due to injury.
Solskjaer has already confirmed his squad now has a clean bill of health, so United will be looking suitably strong when they take to the pitch at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Here's a rundown of the players who were missing in Austria.
Marcus Rashford
The England forward has been out of action since aggravating a back injury in an FA Cup third-round replay against Wolves back in January. The 22-year-old was a doubt for the remainder of the season, but the unexpected break has given him time to step up his rehabilitation and recover in time for the restart.
Rashford has scored an impressive 19 goals in all competitions this season despite his injury lay-off.
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Paul Pogba
The Frenchman has struggled with ankle injuries all season, having only managed to make eight appearances in all competitions.
Pogba has been taking part in first-team training ahead of the Premier League’s restart and United fans are excited about the prospect of him forming a midfield partnership with Bruno Fernandes.
Diogo Dalot
Another player who is in training after an injury-hit season is full-back Diogo Dalot. Muscle injuries have limited him to 10 appearances in all competitions. He made a comeback against Liverpool in February but wasn’t included in the matchday squad for the three Premier League games before the suspension kicked in.
Anthony Martial
The Frenchman was forced to sit out the Europa League match against LASK after picking up a knock in the Manchester derby on March 8. The injury wasn't serious and he might even have returned for the game against Spurs when it was originally scheduled.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka
Wan-Bissaka did not travel with the squad to Linz due to a back complaint that ruled him out of the previous week's FA Cup win at Derby but would have been available had the originally planned game against Tottenham gone ahead.
Jesse Lingard
Lingard is another player who missed the game against LASK due to injury but is looking forward to the season resuming.
"You know I wanted to go back in fitter, sharper than last season to play every game," Lingard recently said. "I've kind of forgot about last season we move forward and even though the season's not finished, I feel like it's another little fresh start."
Lee Grant
Grant underwent surgery at the beginning of the year and wasn't unavailable against LASK, although it is unlikely that he would've travelled anyway.
The veteran goalkeeper has been training at Carrington in recent weeks but don't expect him to be involved against Spurs.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-06-07--Glamour model Rhian Sugden on her fertility battle

With the health service battling the COVID-19 pandemic , many other medical procedures have been put on hold during the crisis including fertility treatment .
Glamour model Rhian Sugden , 33 , began her gruelling IVF journey 18-months-ago with her husband , former Coronation Street star Oliver Mellor , 39 .
After discovering that she wouldn ’ t be able to conceive naturally , she and her actor husband went through two exhausting rounds of IVF ( In Vitro Fertilisation ) treatment .
But after finding out just before Christmas that their second round of treatment in November had failed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hope of having the baby they long for .
`` We 're on hold but we 've got our medication in and we 're going for round three , '' a determined Rhian told the Manchester Evening News .
Tests revealed the model has the 'egg count of a woman over 45 ' and is in the stage of perimenopause - the time during which the body makes the transition to menopause marking the end of the reproductive years .
Rhian has also been told she has only a three-per-cent chance of getting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ takes one egg , '' she said .
`` That 's why I 'm trying everything I can to boost my chances . ''
Rhian has previously shared her IVF experience with her fans on social media , including the moment she came round from her egg retrieval procedure thinking she was Jesus .
And she received a flood of support after being left in tears by vile trolls who told her she 'does n't deserve to have babies ' .
She has shared her journey to show other women that they ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of herself raising a glass of apple juice on a night out and posting a picture of a needle used for mixing follicle stimulating injections .
Opening up about her personal experience of IVF treatment she said : `` It 's just awful .
`` I had a fear of injections before and the treatment also takes its toll mentally .
`` It 's like having PMS times one hundred .
`` Oliver has been very patient .
`` It 's annoying that we 're on hold but we 're dealing with it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we 've got that next step . ''
They 're now waiting to find out when their treatment with Manchester 's CARE Fertility can restart because of the pandemic .
Throughout her IVF process , experts recommended Rhian stopped using cosmetic products that contain harsh chemicals or additives , so she teamed up with tan brand Rose and Caramel to launch her own self tan Clarity .
She and Oliver have also overhauled their diets , cutting out sugar , and taking up yoga to give themselves the best possible chance of conceiving @

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With the health service battling the COVID-19 pandemic, many other medical procedures have been put on hold during the crisis including fertility treatment.
Glamour model Rhian Sugden, 33, began her gruelling IVF journey 18-months-ago with her husband, former Coronation Street star Oliver Mellor, 39.
After discovering that she wouldn’t be able to conceive naturally, she and her actor husband went through two exhausting rounds of IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation) treatment.
But after finding out just before Christmas that their second round of treatment in November had failed, Rhian is refusing to give up hope of having the baby they long for.
"We're on hold but we've got our medication in and we're going for round three," a determined Rhian told the Manchester Evening News.
Tests revealed the model has the 'egg count of a woman over 45' and is in the stage of perimenopause - the time during which the body makes the transition to menopause marking the end of the reproductive years.
(Image: Rhian Sugden)
Rhian has also been told she has only a three-per-cent chance of getting pregnant by IVF.
"It only takes one egg," she said.
"That's why I'm trying everything I can to boost my chances."
Rhian has previously shared her IVF experience with her fans on social media, including the moment she came round from her egg retrieval procedure thinking she was Jesus.
And she received a flood of support after being left in tears by vile trolls who told her she 'doesn't deserve to have babies'.
She has shared her journey to show other women that they’re not alone, sharing a photo of herself raising a glass of apple juice on a night out and posting a picture of a needle used for mixing follicle stimulating injections.
Opening up about her personal experience of IVF treatment she said: "It's just awful.
"I had a fear of injections before and the treatment also takes its toll mentally.
(Image: Rhian Sugden)
"It's like having PMS times one hundred.
"Oliver has been very patient.
"It's annoying that we're on hold but we're dealing with it.
"As long as we know we've got that next step."
They're now waiting to find out when their treatment with Manchester's CARE Fertility can restart because of the pandemic.
Throughout her IVF process, experts recommended Rhian stopped using cosmetic products that contain harsh chemicals or additives, so she teamed up with tan brand Rose and Caramel to launch her own self tan Clarity.
She and Oliver have also overhauled their diets, cutting out sugar, and taking up yoga to give themselves the best possible chance of conceiving.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-06-08--Gang break into home in broad daylight and steal shotguns and cash

A gang of men stole four shotguns after breaking into a home in broad daylight .
Police say the three men also stole a large quantity of cash during the raid on the property in Bolton Road , in Aspull , Wigan .
No one was home at the time , but the men are thought to have ran in front of traffic on the road as they fled the scene .
Officers say the owner of the firearms was licensed to keep them in the house , and that they are treating the burglary 'very seriously ' .
No @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the incident , which happened between 1pm and 1.30pm on Wednesday , May 20 .
Police in Wigan have now issued an appeal for witnesses to the burglary .
Detective Constable Cherylin Allen , of GMP ’ s Wigan division , said : “ This burglary happened in broad daylight and we are confident that there may be a number of witnesses who are able to assist with our enquiries .
“ We are treating this burglary very seriously and are following all lines of enquiry available to us to find these offenders.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the offenders fled from the address , three men ran across the road in front of the traffic .
“ If you were in the area at the time and saw anything suspicious , or have any dash cam footage of the offenders running across the road , please contact police as soon as possible.
” Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 3034 , quoting incident number 1472 of 20/05/2020 .
Reports can also be made anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 .
Get breaking news @ @ @ @ @ @ @ app - download it here for your Apple or Android device .
You can also get a round-up of the biggest stories sent direct to your inbox every day with the MEN email newsletter - subscribe here .
And you can follow us on Facebook here .

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A gang of men stole four shotguns after breaking into a home in broad daylight.
Police say the three men also stole a large quantity of cash during the raid on the property in Bolton Road, in Aspull, Wigan.
No one was home at the time, but the men are thought to have ran in front of traffic on the road as they fled the scene.
Officers say the owner of the firearms was licensed to keep them in the house, and that they are treating the burglary 'very seriously'.
No arrests have been made in connection to the incident, which happened between 1pm and 1.30pm on Wednesday, May 20.
Police in Wigan have now issued an appeal for witnesses to the burglary.
Detective Constable Cherylin Allen, of GMP’s Wigan division, said: “This burglary happened in broad daylight and we are confident that there may be a number of witnesses who are able to assist with our enquiries.
“We are treating this burglary very seriously and are following all lines of enquiry available to us to find these offenders.”
“It is believed that when the offenders fled from the address, three men ran across the road in front of the traffic.
“If you were in the area at the time and saw anything suspicious, or have any dash cam footage of the offenders running across the road, please contact police as soon as possible.”
Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 3034, quoting incident number 1472 of 20/05/2020.
Reports can also be made anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Get breaking news first on the free Manchester Evening News app - download it here for your Apple or Android device. You can also get a round-up of the biggest stories sent direct to your inbox every day with the MEN email newsletter - subscribe here. And you can follow us on Facebook here.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-06-08--Pregnant mum 'traumatised' as first KFC since lockdown comes with a surprise

A pregnant young mum-to-be has been left 'traumatised ' after claiming to find chicken 'brains ' in her first KFC since lockdown - turning her veggie .
Nicole Matthews , from Stretford , swallowed one bite of her first chicken piece before realising it tasted 'off ' and threw up in the toilet immediately .
The 22-year-old then pulled the rogue piece apart with a fork , and made the stomach-churning discovery of what Nicole says looked like 'parts of a brain or a kidney ' .
KFC have apologised and said the meal 'does n't meet the Colonel 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that things like this can happen when dealing with fresh meat .
Nicole 's delivery arrived from the Trafford Retail Park store on Saturday May 30 at around 8.30pm , but just minutes later the pair had decided to throw the whole order in the bin .
Five-months-pregnant Nicole had been craving the Colonel ’ s chicken since stores closed in March , but mum-to-be vowed to never eat there again .
She is so sickened by the experience that she has barely eaten since and believes the incident has put her off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that while the discovery was 'not ideal ' , it was merely something that 'can happen when dealing with fresh chicken ' .
Nicole said : `` I had the first bite and it just tasted off , so I threw it down , made it to the toilet and actually vomited .
`` I just had a little bite and swallowed without checking it , and with me being pregnant I 've been worried incase it could make me really ill. '' I 've only eaten about two biscuits and an apple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any food at the minute is making me feel really sick .
I do n't want to cook or anything .
`` Obviously that 's not healthy for me or the baby , but I feel a bit traumatised by it .
I know It sounds dramatic , but it 's really , really disgusted me .
`` I would never go there again and it 's completely put me off meat , so I 'm serious about becoming a vegetarian because I do n't think I can eat it ever again .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ bring herself to look at the strange pieces of meat at the time , and she even threw up again later that night .
She says her iffy stomach was n't due to morning sickness because she has n't suffered from that during her pregnancy so far .
Her mum took snaps of the 'brain-like ' objects and rushed to the store to demand an apology later that night , but she says she did n't receive one and was told to call KFC ’ s head office .
The pair say they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the incident and Monday afternoon , but they could n't get through to anyone on the customer services team .
The 22-year-old says she 's frustrated by the chicken giant 's lack of action and she does n't believe they 're doing enough to maintain high standards .
Nicole said : `` I understand if you 're eating an animal you 're going to have animal bits in it , but it 's their job to make sure those bits are n't in it because that 's not what you 're ordering .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ chicken , but that 's still meant to be taken out .
So if that 's been left in , it could be absolutely anything else . ''
The two had ordered two Mighty Bucket For One Meals and a regular portion of Popcorn Chicken with some Garlic Buttermilk Mayo Dip , costing £20.90 .
Despite not eating any of the meal , she insists she ’ d be happy for KFC to simply issue her an apology .
Nicole said : `` I was absolutely craving KFC , so I was so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was really excited for it , and then this happened .
`` I just want an apology for it .
The manager of the branch did n't have an apology for me , and the head quarters just have n't been answering .
It 's just been frustrating .
Nicole added : `` I shared the images on Facebook basically to say that people should avoid KFC because I would n't want anyone else going through that . ''
A KFC spokesperson said : “ Not ideal .
However , it looks like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us !
This can happen when dealing with fresh chicken – they ’ re harmless , but it goes without saying they shouldn ’ t be there .
`` This doesn ’ t meet the Colonel ’ s usual high standards , and it ’ s certainly not the reunion we want people to have with their favourite fried chicken after some time apart .
`` We ’ re sorry this has taken a little longer than normal , but our friends over in Care Squad have been working from home .
Rest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make this right .
”

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A pregnant young mum-to-be has been left 'traumatised' after claiming to find chicken 'brains' in her first KFC since lockdown - turning her veggie.
Nicole Matthews, from Stretford, swallowed one bite of her first chicken piece before realising it tasted 'off' and threw up in the toilet immediately.
The 22-year-old then pulled the rogue piece apart with a fork, and made the stomach-churning discovery of what Nicole says looked like 'parts of a brain or a kidney'.
KFC have apologised and said the meal 'doesn't meet the Colonel's high standards' - but point out that things like this can happen when dealing with fresh meat.
Nicole's delivery arrived from the Trafford Retail Park store on Saturday May 30 at around 8.30pm, but just minutes later the pair had decided to throw the whole order in the bin.
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Five-months-pregnant Nicole had been craving the Colonel’s chicken since stores closed in March, but mum-to-be vowed to never eat there again.
She is so sickened by the experience that she has barely eaten since and believes the incident has put her off meat for life.
However KFC said that while the discovery was 'not ideal', it was merely something that 'can happen when dealing with fresh chicken'.
Nicole said: "I had the first bite and it just tasted off, so I threw it down, made it to the toilet and actually vomited.
"I just had a little bite and swallowed without checking it, and with me being pregnant I've been worried incase it could make me really ill.
"I've only eaten about two biscuits and an apple since, and the thought of eating any food at the minute is making me feel really sick. I don't want to cook or anything.
"Obviously that's not healthy for me or the baby, but I feel a bit traumatised by it. I know It sounds dramatic, but it's really, really disgusted me.
"I would never go there again and it's completely put me off meat, so I'm serious about becoming a vegetarian because I don't think I can eat it ever again."
The furloughed admin worker couldn't bring herself to look at the strange pieces of meat at the time, and she even threw up again later that night.
She says her iffy stomach wasn't due to morning sickness because she hasn't suffered from that during her pregnancy so far.
Her mum took snaps of the 'brain-like' objects and rushed to the store to demand an apology later that night, but she says she didn't receive one and was told to call KFC’s head office.
The pair say they’d tried around 12 times between the incident and Monday afternoon, but they couldn't get through to anyone on the customer services team.
The 22-year-old says she's frustrated by the chicken giant's lack of action and she doesn't believe they're doing enough to maintain high standards.
Nicole said: "I understand if you're eating an animal you're going to have animal bits in it, but it's their job to make sure those bits aren't in it because that's not what you're ordering.
"It could be part of the chicken, but that's still meant to be taken out. So if that's been left in, it could be absolutely anything else."
The two had ordered two Mighty Bucket For One Meals and a regular portion of Popcorn Chicken with some Garlic Buttermilk Mayo Dip, costing £20.90.
Despite not eating any of the meal, she insists she’d be happy for KFC to simply issue her an apology.
Nicole said: "I was absolutely craving KFC, so I was so happy when they all opened and I was really excited for it, and then this happened.
"I just want an apology for it. The manager of the branch didn't have an apology for me, and the head quarters just haven't been answering. It's just been frustrating.
Nicole added: "I shared the images on Facebook basically to say that people should avoid KFC because I wouldn't want anyone else going through that."
A KFC spokesperson said: “Not ideal. However, it looks like a natural part of the chicken to us! This can happen when dealing with fresh chicken – they’re harmless, but it goes without saying they shouldn’t be there.
"This doesn’t meet the Colonel’s usual high standards, and it’s certainly not the reunion we want people to have with their favourite fried chicken after some time apart.
"We’re sorry this has taken a little longer than normal, but our friends over in Care Squad have been working from home. Rest assured we’re working hard to make this right.”