themanchestereveningnews--2020-04-02--What Graeme Souness has said about Paul Pogba at Man United

It is fair to say Paul Pogba 's time at Manchester United has been a mixed bag .
The French midfielder has regularly been considered the one true world-class outfield player during his time at Old Trafford and played a pivotal role in winning two major trophies at the club .
However , he has often made headlines for his actions away from the pitch and has been regularly criticised when the team are n't meeting their expectations on it .
Of all the critics there have been none more outspoken on Pogba than Liverpool legend Graeme Souness .
From @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Scottish veteran has sparked thousands of memes with his perpetual criticism of the United midfielder .
Over the last years there have been plenty of digs from Souness , and here are the most memorable ones .
`` United have to pay a premium .
For United , stick 25 per cent on the price .
`` Because it 's Man United and they have the money .
In my opinion , they had their trousers taken down paying £100million .
`` I 'm yet to be convinced by that .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ but right now as we sit here after one year in our football , I 'm still waiting to be convinced . ''
`` I want to see Paul Pogba do what [ Marouane ] Fellaini does : pop it off nice and simple .
I ’ m not saying he [ Fellaini ] is a better option , what I ’ m saying is he ’ s a bigger threat - he ’ s more effective .
He ’ s not easy on the eye , he ’ s a bit of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t make him a bad guy .
`` That ’ s the question mark I have against him .
He ’ s got technique .
He ’ s a bit of a YouTuber , isn ’ t he ? ''
December 2017 - Pogba does n't have basic understanding of his position '' When he is on the ball , there 's lots of things to admire .
He 's powerful , he 's got good technique , he can wrong foot people , he can ping the ball .
`` This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ caning a Man United player .
I thought the same when he was a Juventus player .
That is basic stuff you learn in the youth team .
When is he gon na get it ?
`` He has n't taken a big game by the scruff of the neck and dominated it .
He has n't got a basic understanding of his position , I ca n't see that changing . ''
`` When he 's asked to do a job centrally , he 's forever straying towards the ball .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wider than the penalty box , unless they are out there to confront danger defensively .
`` When your side are in possession you should always be thinking : 'If it breaks down , I 'm out of the game . '
Pogba empties that central area far too readily .
He will do something clever in the final third , but will be absent when his back four are under the cosh . ''
October 2018 - Pogba needs to change his attitude '' I think they 've run out of patience @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a manager keep saying `` this is what you need to do '' .
`` As Joe Fagan would say - the great Joe Fagan would say - 'we 'll tell you once , we 'll tell you twice , and if you do n't get it you wo n't be here very long ' , and it was as brutal as that .
`` I 'm seen as his biggest critic but his manager is not happy with him .
I 've been a manager and I 'm saying to myself , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 'what a player this boy could be if you would just listen and learn ' . ''
`` If I 'm sitting in Manchester United 's dressing room today , I 'm glad Romelu Lukaku has gone and do n't want Paul Pogba in there with me either if he 's not up for the fight ahead and is also keen to get away . ''
March 2020 - Pogba would be a doddle to play against '' Pogba has absolutely everything to be a top player - great athleticism , super @ @ @ @ @ @ @ game is the polar opposite of mine .
`` He goes out with one thought in his mind : ' I 'm going to show everyone how clever I am today and be the star of the show . '
`` My attitude , the way I was taught , was : 'Go out and work harder than the guy you 're in against and see where that takes you . '
He 'd be an absolute doddle to play against . ''

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It is fair to say Paul Pogba's time at Manchester United has been a mixed bag.
The French midfielder has regularly been considered the one true world-class outfield player during his time at Old Trafford and played a pivotal role in winning two major trophies at the club.
However, he has often made headlines for his actions away from the pitch and has been regularly criticised when the team aren't meeting their expectations on it.
Of all the critics there have been none more outspoken on Pogba than Liverpool legend Graeme Souness. From criticising his transfer fee to his hairstyles, the Scottish veteran has sparked thousands of memes with his perpetual criticism of the United midfielder.
Over the last years there have been plenty of digs from Souness, and here are the most memorable ones.
August 2016 - '£89m is way too much'
"It's not the poor lad's decision, he didn't decide how much was going to be spent on him, but I think £89m is way too much.
"For that money, you're expecting to get the finished article. He's a long way off from that.
"The strikers are the ones that normally go for big, big money because they're the ones who decide the games, nine times out of 10. Pogba got 10 goals in 49 games last year. He will get some goals but he's not going to be a Luis Suarez, who got over 50 goals for Barcelona last year.
"How many games is he single-handedly going to win you? I think the price they have paid for him is all out of sync. If you analyse it in that context, the price isn't right. It's way too much on him."
August 2016 - 'Ibrahimovic is a bigger influence'
“I am yet to be convinced. I don’t see him changing that many games. In the last couple of years, Manchester United have not had a bad bunch of players - not a top group - but they have underperformed.
“Right now I would say Ibrahimovic will be a bigger influence for United over the next nine months because he has an attitude and a charisma about him that will drag the lesser lights along."
September 2016 - Souness questions Pogba's footballing brain
"We get kidded by his athleticism. When you see him move he is an absolute Rolls Royce. Does he have a football brain? He has still to develop his football brain."
September 2016 - 'He needs to get in the box more'
"I think Pogba should be getting in front of the ball a lot of the time, making runs into the box. He looks like he can run all day. I'd like to see him in the box more, he's an obvious threat arriving late. He's got power, strength, can head the ball, and I just think he's playing well within himself. I think he has so much more to offer and I'd like to see him among the goals more.
"If I'm playing against him, I'd be happy seeing in front of me all the time, I wouldn't want to match his runs running into the box, because he'd run you into the ground."
October 2016 - 'He doesn't have a great understanding of the game'
"He may eventually be £100m worth but right now I don't see him anywhere near that. I see a young man who's struggling to find his best position and best form in a team that's struggling to find their best form.
"I think you've got to maximise his athleticism. He looks like a wonderful athlete, someone that could do that box-to-box thing for a full 90 minutes at the same pace and never dip from it.
"I see his problem - he's got the technique, he drops a shoulder he throws a leg over the ball - I don't see him having a great understanding of the game."
January 2017 - the combined XI
Souness is asked to pick a combined United and Liverpool XI ahead of their Premier League meeting at Old Trafford. He selects a midfield three of Michael Carrick, Adam Lallana, and Jordan Henderson.
May 2017 - United overpaid for Pogba
"United have to pay a premium. For United, stick 25 per cent on the price because it's Man United and they have the money. In my opinion, they had their trousers taken down paying £100million.
"I'm yet to be convinced by that. He may be a player one day but right now as we sit here after one year in our football, I'm still waiting to be convinced."
September 2017 - Pogba is a bit of a YouTuber
"I want to see Paul Pogba do what [Marouane] Fellaini does: pop it off nice and simple. I’m not saying he [Fellaini] is a better option, what I’m saying is he’s a bigger threat - he’s more effective. He’s not easy on the eye, he’s a bit of a thug at times, which doesn’t make him a bad guy.
"That’s the question mark I have against him. He’s got technique. He’s a bit of a YouTuber, isn’t he?"
December 2017 - Pogba doesn't have basic understanding of his position
"When he is on the ball, there's lots of things to admire. He's powerful, he's got good technique, he can wrong foot people, he can ping the ball.
"This isn't me being an ex-Liverpool player caning a Man United player. I thought the same when he was a Juventus player. That is basic stuff you learn in the youth team. When is he gonna get it?
"He hasn't taken a big game by the scruff of the neck and dominated it. He hasn't got a basic understanding of his position, I can't see that changing."
February 2018 - Pogba plays like a schoolboy
"When he's asked to do a job centrally, he's forever straying towards the ball. A central midfielder should never be in areas wider than the penalty box, unless they are out there to confront danger defensively.
"When your side are in possession you should always be thinking: 'If it breaks down, I'm out of the game.' Pogba empties that central area far too readily. He will do something clever in the final third, but will be absent when his back four are under the cosh."
October 2018 - Pogba needs to change his attitude
"I think they've run out of patience with him, you cannot as a manager keep saying "this is what you need to do".
"As Joe Fagan would say - the great Joe Fagan would say - 'we'll tell you once, we'll tell you twice, and if you don't get it you won't be here very long', and it was as brutal as that.
"I'm seen as his biggest critic but his manager is not happy with him. I've been a manager and I'm saying to myself, like Jose will be saying to himself, 'what a player this boy could be if you would just listen and learn'."
August 2019 - Pogba lacks fight for United
"If I'm sitting in Manchester United's dressing room today, I'm glad Romelu Lukaku has gone and don't want Paul Pogba in there with me either if he's not up for the fight ahead and is also keen to get away."
March 2020 - Pogba would be a doddle to play against
"Pogba has absolutely everything to be a top player - great athleticism, super technique - but his attitude to the game is the polar opposite of mine.
"He goes out with one thought in his mind: 'I'm going to show everyone how clever I am today and be the star of the show.'
"My attitude, the way I was taught, was: 'Go out and work harder than the guy you're in against and see where that takes you.' He'd be an absolute doddle to play against."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-04-02--You can watch the northern lights live from your living room

It 's an experience on many people 's bucket lists - but with travel out of the question for the foreseeable future , it 's unlikely any of us will get to see the northern lights for a while .
One of the world 's most spectacular natural wonders , the aurora borealis are occasionally visible over the UK but are most often seen in the northern tips of Alaska , Canada , Scandinavia and Russia .
The dazzling display occurs when electrically-charged particles from the sun cross into the Earth ’ s atmosphere where they collide with oxygen and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ near the magnetic poles , the same phenomenon also occurs in the southern hemisphere , where it 's known as the aurora australis , or southern lights .
They often look even more impressive caught on camera , which can pick up more colours than the naked eye at night .
So you might want to take a peek at this live webcam that 's positioned to capture the northern lights .
Streaming around the clock , it 's situated at the Churchill Northern Studies Center in Manitoba , Canada , directly underneath @ @ @ @ @ @ @ best places on earth to watch the aurora borealis .
Late winter and early spring are the best times to see them , so now 's a good time to tune in .
The best hours to try to catch a glimpse of them are between 10pm and 4am EDT - from 3am to 9am in the UK in British Summer Time .
The stream is run by Explore.org , the largest live nature cam network on the planet .
The fascinating free resource aims to 'bring nature to you , raw , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the world .

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It's an experience on many people's bucket lists - but with travel out of the question for the foreseeable future, it's unlikely any of us will get to see the northern lights for a while.
One of the world's most spectacular natural wonders, the aurora borealis are occasionally visible over the UK but are most often seen in the northern tips of Alaska, Canada, Scandinavia and Russia.
The dazzling display occurs when electrically-charged particles from the sun cross into the Earth’s atmosphere where they collide with oxygen and nitrogen molecules, emitting light.
Seen near the magnetic poles, the same phenomenon also occurs in the southern hemisphere, where it's known as the aurora australis, or southern lights.
They often look even more impressive caught on camera, which can pick up more colours than the naked eye at night.
So you might want to take a peek at this live webcam that's positioned to capture the northern lights.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
Streaming around the clock, it's situated at the Churchill Northern Studies Center in Manitoba, Canada, directly underneath the aurora oval - one of the best places on earth to watch the aurora borealis.
Late winter and early spring are the best times to see them, so now's a good time to tune in.
The best hours to try to catch a glimpse of them are between 10pm and 4am EDT - from 3am to 9am in the UK in British Summer Time.
The stream is run by Explore.org, the largest live nature cam network on the planet.
The fascinating free resource aims to 'bring nature to you, raw, unscripted, and unedited' from around the world.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-04-02--Manchester United news and transfers LIVE

Uefa have not settled on a date for the Europa League and Champions League to re-start amid the coronavirus pandemic @ @ @ @ @ suspended indefinitely last month and the European Championship , due to start in June , @ @ @ @ @ and the Women 's Euros , slated for 2021 , could be moved back to @ @ @ @ @ all but through to the Europa League quarter-finals following a 5-0 rout of LASK Linz @ @ @ @ @ League final was due to be played in Gdansk , Poland , on May 27 @ @ @ @ @ date was originally set for May 30 in Istanbul in Turkey .
Provided the European @ @ @ @ @ both finals will almost certainly be played well into the summer due to the spread @ @ @ @ @ , United have continued to be linked with Harry Kane while Marcus Rashford has discussed @ @ @ @ @ latest United news , rumours and updates throughout the day .

Gary Neville says the English weather was a “big problem” for Cristiano Ronaldo when he left United for Real Madrid.
“I think because he did the interview after the 2008 final where he sort of alluded to the fact that he was going, it was almost like you had an advanced warning,” Neville told Sky Sports.
“So you were almost ready-prepared for it, you knew he was leaving the year after. It was coming, it was obvious that one day he would want to go and experience Madrid and La Liga.
“I didn’t speak to Cristiano for instance about him staying at the club for longer. I think I may have said to him during the year when he was maybe… the weather was a big problem for Cristiano.
“I think he also wanted to obviously live in Spain and do La Liga. But the weather was a big problem for him and I felt like he’d almost travelled his path, he’d done the journey. And I didn’t feel that anything I was going to say was going to bring him out of that.
“I think generally with players that were leaving there were very few who were leaving to go up. Now Cristiano you could argue going to Real Madrid and winning four or five European Cups is a step for him where he wanted to challenge himself.
“The players that were leaving mainly were because they had come to the end of the road for one reason or another, either their contracts had run out, or their age was getting too much, or the manager had had a word with them saying they’re not going to play football too much anymore.
“Most of the players that left Man United would have wanted to stay. Let’s be clear, 99% of the players that left Man United during the time I was there would have stayed if the manager had said you’re staying. There’s only the one or two per cent who left against the wishes of the club.”


themanchestereveningnews--2020-04-02--Phillip Schofield told off by producers as he takes matters into his own hands

Phillip Schofield was not messing around when he headed into work on This Morning today .
The TV presenter and co-host Holly Willoughby are still on hand to brighten our mornings on ITV while other shows have had to be cancelled for the time being .
And it 's no surprise that the Spin To Win game brought with it plenty of chaos on Thursday .
The ITV pair wanted to play another edition of the game where viewers can win up to £3,000 just by phoning in with a password and letting Holly or Phil give a spin of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ playing was almost put into jeopardy when the wheel became suspended in the rafters above the studio and just would n't move .
Explaining what was going on , Holly said : `` So you know Spin To Win always goes wrong and every day we find a new way to go wrong . ''
The camera then turned to show the wheel hanging from the ceiling , `` Well today , it 's gone for it big time , '' Holly added .
Phil , however , was n't having any of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bid to rescue the game .
But he then got into bit of bother with the bosses .
`` I 'm being told I 'm not allowed to go up the ladder , '' Phil said .
Holly asked : `` What do you mean he 's not allowed to go up the ladder ?
He 's a fully grown man ! ''
And Holly was not able to hold the ladder because of the two-metre social distancing rules .
Schofe then shouted at the producers , who communicate to them via an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not there when he 's climbing a ladder at home .
He continued : `` What do you mean 'health and safety ' ?
In the world we 're living in at the moment you 're worried about me going up a ladder ! ''
But with no wheel , Holly thought on her feet and changed the game to Dip to Win .
This saw her write down the amounts of cash up for grabs down on pieces of her script and put them in a cup instead .
`` You 've @ @ @ @ @ @ @ actually , '' Holly said .
And luckily , one viewer managed to win £1,000 in doing so .
This Morning airs weekdays on ITV from 10am .

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Phillip Schofield was not messing around when he headed into work on This Morning today.
The TV presenter and co-host Holly Willoughby are still on hand to brighten our mornings on ITV while other shows have had to be cancelled for the time being.
And it's no surprise that the Spin To Win game brought with it plenty of chaos on Thursday.
The ITV pair wanted to play another edition of the game where viewers can win up to £3,000 just by phoning in with a password and letting Holly or Phil give a spin of the wheel.
But the chance of playing was almost put into jeopardy when the wheel became suspended in the rafters above the studio and just wouldn't move.
(Image: ITV)
Explaining what was going on, Holly said: "So you know Spin To Win always goes wrong and every day we find a new way to go wrong."
The camera then turned to show the wheel hanging from the ceiling, "Well today, it's gone for it big time," Holly added.
Phil, however, wasn't having any of it and grabbed a ladder in a bid to rescue the game.
But he then got into bit of bother with the bosses.
(Image: ITV)
"I'm being told I'm not allowed to go up the ladder," Phil said.
Holly asked: "What do you mean he's not allowed to go up the ladder? He's a fully grown man!"
And Holly was not able to hold the ladder because of the two-metre social distancing rules.
Schofe then shouted at the producers, who communicate to them via an ear piece, telling them they're not there when he's climbing a ladder at home.
He continued: "What do you mean 'health and safety'? In the world we're living in at the moment you're worried about me going up a ladder!"
But with no wheel, Holly thought on her feet and changed the game to Dip to Win.
This saw her write down the amounts of cash up for grabs down on pieces of her script and put them in a cup instead.
"You've got a bigger chance of winning today actually," Holly said.
And luckily, one viewer managed to win £1,000 in doing so.
This Morning airs weekdays on ITV from 10am.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-04-02--Man City star Kevin De Bruyne explains why season should end early

Kevin de Bruyne wants an early end to the football season to avoid risking player injuries and a bigger disruption to next season 's calendar .
De Bruyne and his Manchester City teammates are in lockdown along with other Premier League sides and many leagues across Europe , with a date of April 30 currently set to resume the season .
However , that appears to be an ambitious date , with UEFA this week suspending the Champions League and Europa League indefinitely .
Before the enforced break , City established a first-leg lead in the Champions League last-16 first-leg @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suffer if that competition was delayed any further or even scrapped .
In the Premier League , it is a matter of time before City lose their title to Liverpool , but De Bruyne says there are also issues with player welfare and next season 's schedule to consider .
“ I have no idea if we will still play , '' De Bruyne told VTM 's 'Stay in your Kot ' programme ( via HLN ) , explaining how players will effectively need a new pre-season when football returns .
`` Also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long as possible with a decision .
But as a footballer that is not evident .
You are idle for six weeks , normally you need a preparation of three to four weeks .
If we restart immediately , everyone will be injured after a few games .
That can not be the intention . ''
On the controversial subject of how and when to finish the season safely , De Bruyne said he would be 'sorry ' to see the campaign halted with City still fighting for two more trophies , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` But there is a lot of money involved , '' he continued .
`` I think : waiting so long to make a decision can cause problems for next season .
It is not that we have a very long summer break and can just postpone everything .
I would be sorry to stop early after such a good season , but if it avoids problems towards next year , it must be done .
”

Kevin de Bruyne wants an early end to the football season to avoid risking player injuries and a bigger disruption to next season's calendar.
De Bruyne and his Manchester City teammates are in lockdown along with other Premier League sides and many leagues across Europe, with a date of April 30 currently set to resume the season. However, that appears to be an ambitious date, with UEFA this week suspending the Champions League and Europa League indefinitely.
Before the enforced break, City established a first-leg lead in the Champions League last-16 first-leg against Real Madrid, meaning they would suffer if that competition was delayed any further or even scrapped. In the Premier League, it is a matter of time before City lose their title to Liverpool, but De Bruyne says there are also issues with player welfare and next season's schedule to consider.
“I have no idea if we will still play," De Bruyne told VTM's 'Stay in your Kot' programme (via HLN ), explaining how players will effectively need a new pre-season when football returns.
"Also in England they want to wait as long as possible with a decision. But as a footballer that is not evident. You are idle for six weeks, normally you need a preparation of three to four weeks. If we restart immediately, everyone will be injured after a few games. That cannot be the intention."
On the controversial subject of how and when to finish the season safely, De Bruyne said he would be 'sorry' to see the campaign halted with City still fighting for two more trophies, but he accepted it might be unavoidable.
"But there is a lot of money involved," he continued.
"I think: waiting so long to make a decision can cause problems for next season. It is not that we have a very long summer break and can just postpone everything. I would be sorry to stop early after such a good season, but if it avoids problems towards next year, it must be done.”


themanchestereveningnews--2020-04-02--'Here's £5.6m - now keep key worker routes running', bus operators told

Transport bosses have fast-tracked payment to Greater Manchester 's bus operators - and asked in return that they keep running routes for key workers .
Every month , Transport for Greater Manchester pays bus operators for routes which are subsidised because they are n't commercially viable , as well as reimbursing them for concessionary pass holders .
Usually these payments are made mid-way through the month , but in April the transfer has taken place early as bus firms struggle with passenger losses of up to 85 per cent as a result of the coronavirus crisis .
Despite this plummeting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ £5.6m - around 85pc of their usual subsidy - in a bid to help them through this unprecedented period of uncertainty .
TfGM have also given firms a three-month rent free period for those using their sites .
And in return , transport bosses are asking bus operators to make sure key workers like health and care workers , as well as other vital people like supermarket staff , are able to continue their daily commutes to sites including hospitals .
At the weekly press conference which focuses on Greater Manchester 's response @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : `` I know there is concern in the bus industry around pressure on budgets at this particular time .
`` TfGM has made arrangements to pay bus companies today a significant part of what they were due in April , having already paid them in full in March .
`` We are doing everything we can to pay bus companies at this time . ''
But he said they wanted , in exchange , a discussion with the firms to make sure they were serving key sites - including hospitals .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ open book approach to ensure public funds are being properly used . ''
It 's estimated that buses and trains are seeing just 15 per cent of previous passenger levels , while Metrolink is carrying around 10pc of its pre-coronavirus numbers .
Meanwhile , transport secretary Grant Shapps is understood to be drawing up a plan to help bus operators weather the coronavirus storm .
A Transport for Greater Manchester ( TfGM ) spokeswoman said April 's payment was in line with other government interventions and support mechanisms being developed .
She said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Transport and the Urban Transport Group on a national response for longer-term funding .
She added : `` Our first priority – and that of partners across the transport industry – is to keep a core transport network running for key workers and those people who need to make absolutely essential journeys .
`` We are aware that nationally and locally , operators are facing significant challenges around staff availability , funding and patronage .
`` We have ensured that operators have been paid early for this month to ensure core services can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some certainty for those who have to use them at this most challenging time .
`` We are also taking additional steps to assist operators where we can , including deferring the increase in bus station departure charges , and a three-month rent free period to those using TfGM facilities . ''
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Transport bosses have fast-tracked payment to Greater Manchester's bus operators - and asked in return that they keep running routes for key workers.
Every month, Transport for Greater Manchester pays bus operators for routes which are subsidised because they aren't commercially viable, as well as reimbursing them for concessionary pass holders.
Usually these payments are made mid-way through the month, but in April the transfer has taken place early as bus firms struggle with passenger losses of up to 85 per cent as a result of the coronavirus crisis.
Despite this plummeting patronage and slashed timetables, firms received £5.6m - around 85pc of their usual subsidy - in a bid to help them through this unprecedented period of uncertainty.
TfGM have also given firms a three-month rent free period for those using their sites.
And in return, transport bosses are asking bus operators to make sure key workers like health and care workers, as well as other vital people like supermarket staff, are able to continue their daily commutes to sites including hospitals.
At the weekly press conference which focuses on Greater Manchester's response to the crisis, mayor Andy Burnham said: "I know there is concern in the bus industry around pressure on budgets at this particular time.
(Image: Julian Hamilton/Daily Mirror)
"TfGM has made arrangements to pay bus companies today a significant part of what they were due in April, having already paid them in full in March.
"We are doing everything we can to pay bus companies at this time."
But he said they wanted, in exchange, a discussion with the firms to make sure they were serving key sites - including hospitals.
He added: "We want an open book approach to ensure public funds are being properly used."
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
It's estimated that buses and trains are seeing just 15 per cent of previous passenger levels, while Metrolink is carrying around 10pc of its pre-coronavirus numbers.
Meanwhile, transport secretary Grant Shapps is understood to be drawing up a plan to help bus operators weather the coronavirus storm.
A Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) spokeswoman said April's payment was in line with other government interventions and support mechanisms being developed.
She said they were working with the Department for Transport and the Urban Transport Group on a national response for longer-term funding.
She added: "Our first priority – and that of partners across the transport industry – is to keep a core transport network running for key workers and those people who need to make absolutely essential journeys.
"We are aware that nationally and locally, operators are facing significant challenges around staff availability, funding and patronage.
"We have ensured that operators have been paid early for this month to ensure core services can continue to operate and we can provide some certainty for those who have to use them at this most challenging time.
"We are also taking additional steps to assist operators where we can, including deferring the increase in bus station departure charges, and a three-month rent free period to those using TfGM facilities."
Drop a heart on our special map of gratitude to show your support for our NHS heroes


themanchestereveningnews--2020-04-02--Hero nurse who helped pensioner terrified he had coronavirus praised

A hero nurse who helped a pensioner terrified he had coronavirus has been given free car repairs and praise from Anthony Joshua .
Lucy Duncan was driving home after a 12 hour shift at Wigan Infirmary when the man 's car bumped into hers .
The 24-year-old followed the vehicle and the driver grabbed Lucy 's arm in desperation , telling her he feared he had coronavirus .
Lucy , a mental health nurse , called an ambulance and followed him to hospital in her car .
Read more of today 's top stories here She waited with the 73-year-old @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comforting him and holding his hand .
Sadly , the man passed away in the early hours of the morning on Saturday , March 28 .
Lucy shared a photograph of herself and wrote about the incident on Facebook , which has since gone viral with thousands of people praising the nurse .
She is now living in self-isolation from her family in Atherton as a precaution .
Lucy has since appeared on BBC Breakfast where she discovered a local Fiat garage took her car away for repairs free of charge .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also given her a replacement Fiat 500X to borrow free of charge until her car is fixed .
Anthony Joshua also sent praise to Lucy via a video message on the programme on Wednesday .
The boxer said : `` You showed compassion and bravery , stay safe , what you guys are doing in the NHS is unbelievable , you are the unsung heroes . ''
Lucy said she has been 'overwhelmed ' by the response on social media .
She told the M.E.N : `` They have given me a car @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It is a Fiat 500X which is the same car I had before but it is a new model .
`` They had to get the keys and stuff .
I gave it a wipe down they are now fixing it at the Fiat Garage .
`` Anthony Joshua - he is just beautiful .
I could n't believe it .
I am overwhelmed .
`` I am lost for words , it is crazy taking it all in . ''
Lucy added that she felt like she was just doing her job @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I did n't expect the response .
I thought it might help a few people to stay at home or be more understanding to people on their own , to shed a bit of light .
`` The response to have got is amazing . ''
Lucy said she formed a close bond with the elderly man and the pair discussed having a coffee together .
Her dad has since dropped off coffee on her doorstep so she can toast the man with a coffee .

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A hero nurse who helped a pensioner terrified he had coronavirus has been given free car repairs and praise from Anthony Joshua.
Lucy Duncan was driving home after a 12 hour shift at Wigan Infirmary when the man's car bumped into hers.
The 24-year-old followed the vehicle and the driver grabbed Lucy's arm in desperation, telling her he feared he had coronavirus.
Lucy, a mental health nurse, called an ambulance and followed him to hospital in her car.
She waited with the 73-year-old man in hospital for five hours, comforting him and holding his hand.
Sadly, the man passed away in the early hours of the morning on Saturday, March 28.
Lucy shared a photograph of herself and wrote about the incident on Facebook, which has since gone viral with thousands of people praising the nurse.
She is now living in self-isolation from her family in Atherton as a precaution.
(Image: BBC)
Lucy has since appeared on BBC Breakfast where she discovered a local Fiat garage took her car away for repairs free of charge.
The garage, Body Shop Golbourne, has also given her a replacement Fiat 500X to borrow free of charge until her car is fixed.
Anthony Joshua also sent praise to Lucy via a video message on the programme on Wednesday.
The boxer said: "You showed compassion and bravery, stay safe, what you guys are doing in the NHS is unbelievable, you are the unsung heroes."
(Image: BBC)
Lucy said she has been 'overwhelmed' by the response on social media.
She told the M.E.N: "They have given me a car to borrow until mine is fixed. It is a Fiat 500X which is the same car I had before but it is a new model.
"They had to get the keys and stuff. I gave it a wipe down they are now fixing it at the Fiat Garage.
"Anthony Joshua - he is just beautiful. I couldn't believe it. I am overwhelmed.
"I am lost for words, it is crazy taking it all in."
Lucy added that she felt like she was just doing her job at the time.
She added: "I didn't expect the response. I thought it might help a few people to stay at home or be more understanding to people on their own, to shed a bit of light.
"The response to have got is amazing."
Lucy said she formed a close bond with the elderly man and the pair discussed having a coffee together.
Her dad has since dropped off coffee on her doorstep so she can toast the man with a coffee.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-04-02--When you can see 'train' of Starlink satellites flying over the UK

Sky-watchers are in for a treat over the next few days as a glowing satellite formation flies over the UK .
Sightings of the International Space Station last week gave people shut indoors during lockdown a bit of a lift .
And now - at least until April 6 , 2020 - a cluster of satellites known as Starlink will also be making its way over .
People will be able to watch as dozens of tiny satellites - which will look like moving stars - will fly across the sky in train-like straight line .
A southern sighting has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told Devon Live : `` I 've just been outside and I have seen at least 30 satellites following each other in a line and there 's more following .
Weird ! ''
Weather-permitting , Starlink should appear as a string of very bright lights in a line formation .
So make sure you look up at the sky over the next few nights !
Starlink - the name of a satellite network - was created by a private spaceflight company called SpaceX .
The mission of the project - which continues to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ locations across the world with low-cast internet .
The U.S. Federal Communications Commission has granted the company permission to fly 12,000 satellites as part of the project - and this number could eventually be increased to 30,000 .
To put those figures into perspective , there are 2,218 satellites currently orbiting the Earth as stated in the UCS Satellite Database .
According to spacenews.com , SpaceX has launched 120 of its planned 12,000 small broadband satellites into low orbit around the Earth .
But the project has faced back-lash as astronomers fear that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other observations of the universe .
When will I be able to see the Starlink satellites ?
According to findastarlink.com , the Starlink satellites will be flying over the UK until April 6 .
You can enter your location here to find the days and times they 'll be most visible in your area .
You can also track the satellites using the Starlink app The Starlink app automatically calculates when the SpaceX Starlink satellites are expected to be visible above your current location .
When you open the app click a satellite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your current location to reveal the visible times .
Results will display the start and end time of the sighting , the duration , directions for tracking , elevation co-ordinates and a visibility warning if the satellites will be hard to see .
There is also the option to set up 'remind me ' alerts so you do n't miss the chance to see Starlink .

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Sky-watchers are in for a treat over the next few weeks as a glowing satellite formation flies over the UK.
Sightings of the International Space Station last week gave people shut indoors during lockdown a bit of a lift.
And now - at least until April 24th, 2020 - a cluster of satellites known as Starlink will also be making its way over.
People will be able to watch as dozens of tiny satellites - which will look like moving stars - will fly across the sky in train-like straight line.
They will regularly be visible from the UK for the foreseeable future, and more frequently as more and more of them are launched.
A southern sighting has already been observed by a reader who told Devon Live: "I've just been outside and I have seen at least 30 satellites following each other in a line and there's more following. Weird!"
Weather-permitting, Starlink should appear as a string of very bright lights in a line formation. So make sure you look up at the sky!
What is Starlink?
Starlink - the name of a satellite network - was created by a private spaceflight company called SpaceX.
The mission of the project - which continues to be developed - is to provide remote locations across the world with low-cast internet.
The U.S. Federal Communications Commission has granted the company permission to fly 12,000 satellites as part of the project - and this number could eventually be increased to 30,000.
(Image: PA/John Raoux)
To put those figures into perspective, there are 2,218 satellites currently orbiting the Earth as stated in the UCS Satellite Database.
According to spacenews.com, SpaceX has launched 120 of its planned 12,000 small broadband satellites into low orbit around the Earth.
But the project has faced back-lash as astronomers fear that SpaceX's bright satellites will interfere with other observations of the universe.
When will I be able to see the Starlink satellites?
According to findastarlink.com, the Starlink satellites will be flying over the UK until April 24th.
You can enter your location here to find the days and times they'll be most visible in your area.
You can also track the satellites using the Starlink app
The Starlink app automatically calculates when the SpaceX Starlink satellites are expected to be visible above your current location.
When you open the app click a satellite number from the list provided and select your current location to reveal the visible times.
Results will display the start and end time of the sighting, the duration, directions for tracking, elevation co-ordinates and a visibility warning if the satellites will be hard to see.
There is also the option to set up 'remind me' alerts so you don't miss the chance to see Starlink.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-04-02--More than 500 homeless people in Greater Manchester placed in hotels

More than 500 of Greater Manchester 's homeless have been placed in hotels in the week since a £5 million coronavirus emergency plan was announced .
Up to a thousand hotel rooms across the city-regionhave been freed up in a move mayor Andy Burnham hopes will create a ‘ positive legacy ’ out of the coronavirus crisis .
Rough sleepers , and those staying in shared accommodation , are among the most at risk at contracting and spreading the disease , and it is hoped that 'everyone ' will be in accommodatio Mr Burnham said there had been no further @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hotel in Manchester for evicting homeless people that were supposed to stay there last month .
But speaking at a Cobra-style press conference for Greater Manchester , he admitted that the combined authority has faced several challenges in putting it into practice .
Mr Burnham said : “ We ’ ve already moved a considerable distance having accommodated 500 people .
`` Further capacity is coming in the next few days and I would anticipate we 'll soon be in a position where everyone will be in accommodation .
`` We ’ ve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ organisations although the issues are challenging , particularly security and staffing and wider support .
“ There ’ s more to do to put security on site alongside qualified professionals to provide drug and alcohol support services.
” The mayor ’ s charity has pledged a further £100,000 in emergency funding to homelessness groups working in Greater Manchester .
A separate appeal has been launched calling for donations of bulk food supplies , hygiene and sanitary products to create care packages for those being accommodated .
Donations can be made here .
With @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asked to stay indoors , Mr Burnham is also seeking IT equipment so ‘ everybody has access to the outside world ’ .
He added : “ That appeal has gone out to businesses and individuals .
We ’ ve stood this system up but we need to improve it as we go forward .
“ I ’ m very proud of what people have done .
I think maybe one of the things that will come from this whole situation is a positive legacy around homelessness .
“ If we can stand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ times , then why can ’ t we do it when times are easier ?
” Drop a heart on our special map of gratitude to show your support for our NHS heroes

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More than 500 of Greater Manchester's homeless have been placed in hotels in the week since a £5 million coronavirus emergency plan was announced.
Up to a thousand hotel rooms across the city-region have been freed up in a move mayor Andy Burnham hopes will create a ‘positive legacy’ out of the coronavirus crisis.
Rough sleepers, and those staying in shared accommodation, are among the most at risk at contracting and spreading the disease, and it is hoped that 'everyone' will be in accommodatio
Mr Burnham said there had been no further resistance to the plan since criticising Britannia Hotel in Manchester for evicting homeless people that were supposed to stay there last month.
But speaking at a Cobra-style press conference for Greater Manchester, he admitted that the combined authority has faced several challenges in putting it into practice.
Mr Burnham said: “We’ve already moved a considerable distance having accommodated 500 people.
"Further capacity is coming in the next few days and I would anticipate we'll soon be in a position where everyone will be in accommodation.
"We’ve got good cooperation from a number of organisations although the issues are challenging, particularly security and staffing and wider support.
“There’s more to do to put security on site alongside qualified professionals to provide drug and alcohol support services.”
The mayor’s charity has pledged a further £100,000 in emergency funding to homelessness groups working in Greater Manchester.
A separate appeal has been launched calling for donations of bulk food supplies, hygiene and sanitary products to create care packages for those being accommodated. Donations can be made here.
With most government guidance online, and people asked to stay indoors, Mr Burnham is also seeking IT equipment so ‘everybody has access to the outside world’.
He added: “That appeal has gone out to businesses and individuals. We’ve stood this system up but we need to improve it as we go forward.
“I’m very proud of what people have done. I think maybe one of the things that will come from this whole situation is a positive legacy around homelessness.
“If we can stand up a system like this in difficult times, then why can’t we do it when times are easier?”
Drop a heart on our special map of gratitude to show your support for our NHS heroes


themanchestereveningnews--2020-04-02--The Europa League change that could benefit Man United

If there is one area where Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has consistently excelled as Manchester United manager so far it is in preparing his side for one-off occasions .
While inconsistency has dogged United in the Premier League , at least until recently , Solskjaer has often managed to raise his side to get results in cup competitions and in the biggest of domestic fixtures .
It may well be that the Norwegian gets the chance to prove his ability to set up his team to thrive in one-off , knockout matches again if the 2019/20 season resumes , with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just that attribute .
United are as good as through to the Europa League quarter-finals , holding a 5-0 lead after the first leg of the last-32 tie against LASK Linz .
Now there is talk that UEFA might change the quarter-final and semi-final to one leg to try and squeeze the games in , with the possibility of the semi-finals and final all taking place in Gdansk over three or four days .
This is just one suggestion as to how to finish this season and the reality is so much about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how long Europe is going to remain in the grip of the coronavirus pandemic , which continues to claim lives at a frightening rate .
That is the priority at the moment , but UEFA and domestic associations have to at least try and figure out some loose proposals for finishing competitions , depending on when the action can resume .
A one-leg Europa League could be the answer and it might suit United , who have tended to do well in cup competitions under Solskjaer .
Only Manchester City , Barcelona and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out of cup competitions so far and the list of scalps is impressive .
United have won twice against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in cup competitions , as well as in the league , and won against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium in the FA Cup last season , while nobody will forget the comeback win against Paris Saint-Germain anytime soon .
This season United got revenge against Wolves after earning a draw at Molineux this time and forcing a replay , while even in defeat in the Carabao Cup semi-final there was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against City .
There has also been a Premier League win at the Etihad this season , as well as a tactically clever performance against Liverpool at Old Trafford .
In the Europa League United have lost just one of nine games , when they played a very young side against Astana in Kazakhstan .
Time and again Solskjaer has proved he has the tactical acumen to come up with plans to help his side in crucial games .
He ’ s so often managed to get a result when he has needed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ results have been based around the ability to play on the counter attack , but there have been tactical innovations too , such as the split forwards and a back three first seen to best effect against Liverpool but now a regular option against the biggest sides .
Now United have begun to add quality and consistency to their game , and if the Europa League does get back underway this season Solskjaer will be confident of his side ’ s chances .
As usual , there are some formidable names left in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still there , Roma and Sevilla face each other in the last-16 , Shakhtar Donetsk are always difficult , familiar foes Wolves continue to be a threat , as do German side Bayer Leverkusen , who were in great form before football went into lockdown .
A lot of these sides will fancy their own chances of success in the Europa League and they have plenty to gain from the competition resuming , with a place in the Champions League for the winners .
If it does get back underway as a one-leg @ @ @ @ @ @ @ play into United ’ s hands .

Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
If there is one area where Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has consistently excelled as Manchester United manager so far it is in preparing his side for one-off occasions.
While inconsistency has dogged United in the Premier League, at least until recently, Solskjaer has often managed to raise his side to get results in cup competitions and in the biggest of domestic fixtures.
It may well be that the Norwegian gets the chance to prove his ability to set up his team to thrive in one-off, knockout matches again if the 2019/20 season resumes, with a change to the calendar that could require just that attribute.
United are as good as through to the Europa League quarter-finals, holding a 5-0 lead after the first leg of the last-32 tie against LASK Linz. Now there is talk that UEFA might change the quarter-final and semi-final to one leg to try and squeeze the games in, with the possibility of the semi-finals and final all taking place in Gdansk over three or four days.
This is just one suggestion as to how to finish this season and the reality is so much about these proposals remain unknown. Nobody knows how long Europe is going to remain in the grip of the coronavirus pandemic, which continues to claim lives at a frightening rate. That is the priority at the moment, but UEFA and domestic associations have to at least try and figure out some loose proposals for finishing competitions, depending on when the action can resume.
A one-leg Europa League could be the answer and it might suit United, who have tended to do well in cup competitions under Solskjaer.
Only Manchester City, Barcelona and Wolves have knocked Solskjaer’s United out of cup competitions so far and the list of scalps is impressive.
United have won twice against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in cup competitions, as well as in the league, and won against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium in the FA Cup last season, while nobody will forget the comeback win against Paris Saint-Germain anytime soon.
This season United got revenge against Wolves after earning a draw at Molineux this time and forcing a replay, while even in defeat in the Carabao Cup semi-final there was a second leg win at the Etihad against City.
There has also been a Premier League win at the Etihad this season, as well as a tactically clever performance against Liverpool at Old Trafford. In the Europa League United have lost just one of nine games, when they played a very young side against Astana in Kazakhstan.
Time and again Solskjaer has proved he has the tactical acumen to come up with plans to help his side in crucial games. He’s so often managed to get a result when he has needed it most.
A lot of these results have been based around the ability to play on the counter attack, but there have been tactical innovations too, such as the split forwards and a back three first seen to best effect against Liverpool but now a regular option against the biggest sides.
Now United have begun to add quality and consistency to their game, and if the Europa League does get back underway this season Solskjaer will be confident of his side’s chances.
As usual, there are some formidable names left in the Europa League. Inter Milan are still there, Roma and Sevilla face each other in the last-16, Shakhtar Donetsk are always difficult, familiar foes Wolves continue to be a threat, as do German side Bayer Leverkusen, who were in great form before football went into lockdown.
A lot of these sides will fancy their own chances of success in the Europa League and they have plenty to gain from the competition resuming, with a place in the Champions League for the winners.
If it does get back underway as a one-leg, one-off competition, it might just play into United’s hands.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-04-02--Man City's best XI based on stats - and there are some surprises

Pep Guardiola ’ s Manchester City squad is stacked to the brim with first-class talent , young and old , but how do they measure up to each other statistically ?
If Guardiola could pick an unrestricted starting XI based purely on their statistical performances this season , it could look something like this below .
City ’ s maverick Brazilian goalkeeper has already conceded more goals than he did in the Premier League last season , but he remains their best custodian .
Statistically , Ederson has a 69 % save percentage which is a reasonable display , if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plays for .
Alternatively , Manchester City have Claudio Bravo whose save percentage in the three starts he has made this season only just teeters over the 50 % mark .
Statistically speaking , Portuguese full-back Cancelo is Guardiola ’ s best performer at right-back .
With 7.38 passes into the final third per 90 , he ranks among the best defenders in Europe .
Combined with his extremely high pass completion rate of 89 % and his excellent defensive output – 2.84 tackles won and 1.77 interceptions made per 90 – Cancelo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is Kyle Walker who plays in a similar vein when it comes to distribution , but Cancelo ’ s defensive work and ball-carrying prowess means the Portuguese takes the right-back slot .
All of the Blues ' current options at centre-back have great ball-playing ability , meaning they rely on other areas of their games to set them apart .
Perhaps surprisingly , it is John Stones who ranks the highest in terms of other defensive metrics .
Not only does he complete 6.7 passes into the final third per 90 – and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % - but he also betters City ’ s defensive alternatives in traditional defensive work .
His 0.38 fouls committed per 90 suggests he commits a foul once every three starts , backed up by his 87.5 % tackle success rate .
Stones also competes in , and wins , the most aerial duels too .
In partnering the statistically more rugged and abrasive John Stones , Aymeric Laporte will carry the more creative burden .
Averaging almost 9 passes into the final third per 90 is monstrous work for a centre-back and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rate to Stones explains exactly why City are so secure in possession .
Crucially , Laporte also registers 2.16 interceptions per 90 , somewhere Stones and the centre-back alternatives do not measure up as well .
Laporte ’ s ability to read the game is invaluable and goes well with Stones ’ statistically-speaking more physical approach .
The left-back position in this XI depends heavily on which type of left-back Guardiola wants .
If he wants a more defensive-minded , secure presence to make up his back four , he should go with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a more creative , marauding influence would undoubtedly be Benjamin Mendy .
The Frenchman ’ s creative output is considerably more impressive than the Ukrainian ’ s .
Mendy registers 0.13 xA ( Expected Assists ) compared to Zinchenko ’ s 0.06 xA per 90 .
Zinchenko opts to pass more into the final third , while Mendy is much more of a carrier .
Given the added security Zinchenko brings with his 2.56 tackles won per 90 , he edges it .
The deepest in Guardiola ’ s midfield three this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no surprise as to why when peering over his statistics .
Across Europe ’ s top five leagues , it is doubtful there is a better deep-lying distributor playing in a team suited to his specific skillset .
A staggering 9.19 passes into the final third per 90 , mixed in with 6 successful long balls at 93 % and 77 % completion rates respectively , is immense .
Aside from ball-playing , his carrying is equally as outstanding , with Rodri registering a 92 % dribbling success rate across his 2,000 league @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Alongside Rodri , there needs to be a goal threat in midfield , a link player capable of playing further up the field .
Despite being 34 , David Silva remains that player – a hybrid No.8/No.10 whose non-penalty goals and assist output of 0.66 per 90 is colossal .
Silva , much like Rodri , is an adept carrier of the ball , and is successful when he attempts to dribble .
The Spaniard in his final year at the Etihad Stadium is the consummately-professional link between City ’ s deep creators @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most advanced midfield role is without question Kevin De Bruyne .
His creativity knows no bounds proven by his statistical output .
The Belgian is in the 100th percentile for both xA and assists per 90 , meaning he is among the absolute best across Europe ’ s top five leagues .
He averages over 3 passes into the penalty area per 90 , and when the likes of Sergio Agüero and Gabriel Jesus are on the other end of those passes , plenty of assists will be registered .
It is unsurprising @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assists and 8 goals in 26 league appearances this campaign .
It seems almost unfair to leave Bernardo Silva out of this XI given how excellent he has been .
However , it highlights just how brilliant the alternatives must have been – and Riyad Mahrez is one of those .
His 0.37 non-penalty goals and 0.56 assists per 90 indicate that every time Mahrez starts , he is statistically likely to score or assist .
Mahrez has the willingness to take players on , completing 2.34 dribbles every game , and while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , his endeavour in trying to regain possession is considerable too , seen through his 2.43 ball recoveries per 90 .
Sterling takes the coveted left-wing berth purely and simply because of his prowess in front of goal .
His 0.59 non-penalty goals and 0.51 non-penalty xG per 90 indicate he is an elite-level goalscorer .
Aside from his goalscoring , Sterling also ranks highly among wingers and attacking midfielders for chance creation .
However , it is primarily his goalscoring which earns him the nod in this XI .
His 20 goals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ season are a testament to that .
Pep Guardiola is spoiled for choice when it comes to his striking options .
Not only do both Sergio Agüero and Gabriel Jesus post outstanding xG numbers , they work hard in other areas too .
Edging this one though , is Gabriel Jesus whose work-rate in the final third is exceptional .
With his 0.79 non-penalty xG per 90 and conversion rate of 18 % , Jesus could quite comfortably live life as a poacher in this ultra-creative side .
However , the Brazilian also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as 2.27 successful dribbles .
He buzzes about the pitch and scores at an alarming rate .

Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City squad is stacked to the brim with first-class talent, young and old, but how do they measure up to each other statistically?
If Guardiola could pick an unrestricted starting XI based purely on their statistical performances this season, it could look something like this below.
Goalkeeper – Ederson
City’s maverick Brazilian goalkeeper has already conceded more goals than he did in the Premier League last season, but he remains their best custodian.
Statistically, Ederson has a 69% save percentage which is a reasonable display, if a little underwhelming given the side he plays for. Alternatively, Manchester City have Claudio Bravo whose save percentage in the three starts he has made this season only just teeters over the 50% mark.
Right-back – João Cancelo
Statistically speaking, Portuguese full-back Cancelo is Guardiola’s best performer at right-back. With 7.38 passes into the final third per 90, he ranks among the best defenders in Europe. Combined with his extremely high pass completion rate of 89% and his excellent defensive output – 2.84 tackles won and 1.77 interceptions made per 90 – Cancelo is posting elite numbers.
His competition is Kyle Walker who plays in a similar vein when it comes to distribution, but Cancelo’s defensive work and ball-carrying prowess means the Portuguese takes the right-back slot.
Centre-back – John Stones
All of the Blues' current options at centre-back have great ball-playing ability, meaning they rely on other areas of their games to set them apart. Perhaps surprisingly, it is John Stones who ranks the highest in terms of other defensive metrics.
Not only does he complete 6.7 passes into the final third per 90 – and has a pass completion rate of 94% - but he also betters City’s defensive alternatives in traditional defensive work. His 0.38 fouls committed per 90 suggests he commits a foul once every three starts, backed up by his 87.5% tackle success rate. Stones also competes in, and wins, the most aerial duels too.
Centre-back – Aymeric Laporte
In partnering the statistically more rugged and abrasive John Stones, Aymeric Laporte will carry the more creative burden. Averaging almost 9 passes into the final third per 90 is monstrous work for a centre-back and to do it with a similar completion rate to Stones explains exactly why City are so secure in possession.
Crucially, Laporte also registers 2.16 interceptions per 90, somewhere Stones and the centre-back alternatives do not measure up as well. Laporte’s ability to read the game is invaluable and goes well with Stones’ statistically-speaking more physical approach.
Left-back – Oleksandr Zinchenko
The left-back position in this XI depends heavily on which type of left-back Guardiola wants. If he wants a more defensive-minded, secure presence to make up his back four, he should go with Oleksandr Zinchenko. On the other hand, a more creative, marauding influence would undoubtedly be Benjamin Mendy.
The Frenchman’s creative output is considerably more impressive than the Ukrainian’s. Mendy registers 0.13 xA (Expected Assists) compared to Zinchenko’s 0.06 xA per 90. Zinchenko opts to pass more into the final third, while Mendy is much more of a carrier. Given the added security Zinchenko brings with his 2.56 tackles won per 90, he edges it.
Central-midfield – Rodri
The deepest in Guardiola’s midfield three this season has been Rodri and it is no surprise as to why when peering over his statistics. Across Europe’s top five leagues, it is doubtful there is a better deep-lying distributor playing in a team suited to his specific skillset.
A staggering 9.19 passes into the final third per 90, mixed in with 6 successful long balls at 93% and 77% completion rates respectively, is immense. Aside from ball-playing, his carrying is equally as outstanding, with Rodri registering a 92% dribbling success rate across his 2,000 league minutes for Manchester City this season.
Central-midfield – David Silva
Alongside Rodri, there needs to be a goal threat in midfield, a link player capable of playing further up the field. Despite being 34, David Silva remains that player – a hybrid No.8/No.10 whose non-penalty goals and assist output of 0.66 per 90 is colossal.
Silva, much like Rodri, is an adept carrier of the ball, and is successful when he attempts to dribble. The Spaniard in his final year at the Etihad Stadium is the consummately-professional link between City’s deep creators and their deadly attackers.
Central-midfield – Kevin De Bruyne
In the most advanced midfield role is without question Kevin De Bruyne. His creativity knows no bounds proven by his statistical output. The Belgian is in the 100th percentile for both xA and assists per 90, meaning he is among the absolute best across Europe’s top five leagues.
(Image: Visionhaus)
He averages over 3 passes into the penalty area per 90, and when the likes of Sergio Agüero and Gabriel Jesus are on the other end of those passes, plenty of assists will be registered. It is unsurprising then, that the Belgian has 16 assists and 8 goals in 26 league appearances this campaign.
Right-wing – Riyad Mahrez
It seems almost unfair to leave Bernardo Silva out of this XI given how excellent he has been. However, it highlights just how brilliant the alternatives must have been – and Riyad Mahrez is one of those. His 0.37 non-penalty goals and 0.56 assists per 90 indicate that every time Mahrez starts, he is statistically likely to score or assist.
Mahrez has the willingness to take players on, completing 2.34 dribbles every game, and while his success rate is far from perfect, his endeavour in trying to regain possession is considerable too, seen through his 2.43 ball recoveries per 90.
Left-wing – Raheem Sterling
Sterling takes the coveted left-wing berth purely and simply because of his prowess in front of goal. His 0.59 non-penalty goals and 0.51 non-penalty xG per 90 indicate he is an elite-level goalscorer.
Aside from his goalscoring, Sterling also ranks highly among wingers and attacking midfielders for chance creation. However, it is primarily his goalscoring which earns him the nod in this XI. His 20 goals in all competitions for Manchester City this season are a testament to that.
Striker – Gabriel Jesus
Pep Guardiola is spoiled for choice when it comes to his striking options. Not only do both Sergio Agüero and Gabriel Jesus post outstanding xG numbers, they work hard in other areas too.
Edging this one though, is Gabriel Jesus whose work-rate in the final third is exceptional. With his 0.79 non-penalty xG per 90 and conversion rate of 18%, Jesus could quite comfortably live life as a poacher in this ultra-creative side. However, the Brazilian also registers 1.5 recoveries per 90 as well as 2.27 successful dribbles. He buzzes about the pitch and scores at an alarming rate.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-04-02--Premier League clubs push for VAR and substitution change

Premier League clubs are pushing to be able to use as many as five substitutes if they are forced to cram their remaining matches into a short period of time .
Football in the UK is currently suspended until April 30 but it is widely expected that an extension to the restrictions will be announced imminently , with warnings that fans may have to wait until the summer for live football to resume .
Joint discussions between the Premier League , EFL , PFA and LMA are ongoing this week , as they discuss a number of high-profile situations including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how football can return .
that due to concerns of squeezing in the remaining matches over a short period , potentially just a month , the clubs are seeking to be allowed to make as many as five substitutions per match - two more than they are usually allowed .
On top of this , VAR could be put on hold as it is another issue for the league to consider - although the long-term plan is to stick with the technology that has proven to be controversial in its first season in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ least three people , including one referee , for each match all in a small room at Stockley Park , which could raise concerns over social distancing , although the social distancing measures would likely to have to be lifted before football can resume .
However , questions would be raised about the integrity of the league if significant changes like this were to be introduced for a section of the season , rather than being in place for the entire campaign .

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Premier League clubs are pushing to be able to use as many as five substitutes if they are forced to cram their remaining matches into a short period of time.
Football in the UK is currently suspended until April 30 but it is widely expected that an extension to the restrictions will be announced imminently, with warnings that fans may have to wait until the summer for live football to resume.
Joint discussions between the Premier League, EFL, PFA and LMA are ongoing this week, as they discuss a number of high-profile situations including the potential deferral of player wages and how football can return.
The Mirror states that due to concerns of squeezing in the remaining matches over a short period, potentially just a month, the clubs are seeking to be allowed to make as many as five substitutions per match - two more than they are usually allowed.
On top of this, VAR could be put on hold as it is another issue for the league to consider - although the long-term plan is to stick with the technology that has proven to be controversial in its first season in England.
The VAR team is at least three people, including one referee, for each match all in a small room at Stockley Park, which could raise concerns over social distancing, although the social distancing measures would likely to have to be lifted before football can resume.
However, questions would be raised about the integrity of the league if significant changes like this were to be introduced for a section of the season, rather than being in place for the entire campaign.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-04-02--Arsenal great would repeat Van Nistelrooy incident vs Man Utd

Arsenal great Lauren has no regrets over the way he acted following Ruud van Nistelrooy 's late penalty miss during the 0-0 draw with the Gunners at Old Trafford in 2003 .
Despite finishing goalless , the clash was one of the most memorable in Arsenal 's famous invincible campaign under the guidance of Arsene Wenger .
fumed when Patrick Vieira was given a second yellow card for a foul on Van Nistelrooy , accusing the Dutchman of feigning contact in order to get the Frenchman sent off .
In the last minute , the striker had the chance to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blasted against the bar before he was surrounded by Arsenal players who were keen to rub it in his face .
Lauren received a four-match suspension and a £40,000 fine for his actions but revealed he would do it all over again if given the chance .
`` People have asked me many times , 'Would you do that again ? '
, he told the Handbrake Off podcast .
`` I always say 120 per cent I will do it .
`` I don ’ t mind about the ban , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care , as long as I protect the people I care for , the people I share the dressing room with , the people I love .
`` Because I always said when I came to Arsenal , I feel like they are my family .
We had a very great batch of people .
`` It ’ s not only about the quality , because we had quality in players like Dennis Bergkamp , Thierry Henry , a lot of great , great players , Kanu , but it was something like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ each other on the pitch and outside of the pitch so I can consider Arsenal as my family , so therefore I will do whatever is necessary to protect my family .
`` In this case against United away from home , I think I would do it every single year if it ’ s necessary . ''

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Arsenal great Lauren has no regrets over the way he acted following Ruud van Nistelrooy's late penalty miss during the 0-0 draw with the Gunners at Old Trafford in 2003.
Despite finishing goalless, the clash was one of the most memorable in Arsenal's famous invincible Premier League campaign under the guidance of Arsene Wenger.
Arsenal fumed when Patrick Vieira was given a second yellow card for a foul on Van Nistelrooy, accusing the Dutchman of feigning contact in order to get the Frenchman sent off.
In the last minute, the United striker had the chance to win the game from the spot but blasted against the bar before he was surrounded by Arsenal players who were keen to rub it in his face.
Lauren received a four-match suspension and a £40,000 fine for his actions but revealed he would do it all over again if given the chance.
"People have asked me many times, 'Would you do that again?', he told the Handbrake Off podcast. "I always say 120 per cent I will do it.
"I don’t mind about the ban, the £40,000 fine. I don’t care, as long as I protect the people I care for, the people I share the dressing room with, the people I love.
"Because I always said when I came to Arsenal, I feel like they are my family. We had a very great batch of people.
"It’s not only about the quality, because we had quality in players like Dennis Bergkamp, Thierry Henry, a lot of great, great players, Kanu, but it was something like a bond.
"We cared about each other on the pitch and outside of the pitch so I can consider Arsenal as my family, so therefore I will do whatever is necessary to protect my family.
"In this case against United away from home, I think I would do it every single year if it’s necessary."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-04-02--Inquest opens into tragic Emily, 7, who was stabbed to death in park

The inquest into the tragic death of seven-year-old Emily Jones has been opened .
Emily was stabbed in a random attack while visiting Queen 's Park in Bolton with her family on Mother 's Day .
She was taken to Salford Royal Hospital , where her death was tragically confirmed at 3.56 pm on Sunday 22nd March .
An inquest into her death opened at Bolton Coroner 's Court yesterday and was adjourned until Friday 3rd July .
A post mortem revealed that she died as a result of an incised wound of the neck .
A 30-year-old woman was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ murder and assessed by specialist medical staff .
She has been detained under the Mental Health Act and remains in a highly secure facility .
Markland Hill Primary School pupil , Emily , was described as `` beautiful inside and out '' and the light of her parents ' lives .
In a tribute , they said : “ Emily was 7-years-old , our only child and the light of our lives .
“ She was always full of joy , love and laughter .
“ Emily had such a cheeky smile and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had a heart as big as her smile .
“ Emily was never happier than when she was spending time with her family and friends , she was our own little social butterfly .
“ Emily had a passion for the outdoors and loved to play any sport , even when she was wearing her pink sparkly dresses !
“ We are beyond devastated that this random act of violence means that we will never get to see our beautiful little girl grow up into the wonderful young lady she was showing such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ truly heart breaking to wake up to a world without Emily in it and we can not comprehend why this has happened .
“ We would like to thank the members of the public that assisted us in the park and express our gratitude to the emergency services for doing their upmost to save Emily ’ s life .
“ Thank you to everyone for their kind messages of support and for continuing to respect our privacy at this difficult time.
” Teachers and staff at Emily 's primary school have also paid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ book of condolences being set up on the website .
A joint statement by the teachers , who worked closest with Emily , said : `` Emily was fun , friendly and a loving little girl .
She was creative and loved to draw and write stories .
`` Emily was keen to do her work and would joke that she had finished before the others had even written the date .
`` She was popular amongst her peers and was friends with everyone .
`` Her smile was infectious and it lit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , sociable and a joy to be around : she was a ray of sunshine .
`` What I remember about Emily is her smile , it was as big as she was , and she lit up a room .
She has been tragically taken from us but she will never be forgotten . ''

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The inquest into the tragic death of seven-year-old Emily Jones has been opened.
Emily was stabbed in a random attack while visiting Queen's Park in Bolton with her family on Mother's Day.
She was taken to Salford Royal Hospital, where her death was tragically confirmed at 3.56 pm on Sunday 22nd March.
An inquest into her death opened at Bolton Coroner's Court yesterday and was adjourned until Friday 3rd July.
A post mortem revealed that she died as a result of an incised wound of the neck.
A 30-year-old woman was arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder and assessed by specialist medical staff. She has been detained under the Mental Health Act and remains in a highly secure facility.
(Image: Steve Allen)
Markland Hill Primary School pupil, Emily, was described as "beautiful inside and out" and the light of her parents' lives.
In a tribute, they said: “Emily was 7-years-old, our only child and the light of our lives.
“She was always full of joy, love and laughter.
“Emily had such a cheeky smile and was beautiful inside and out. She had a heart as big as her smile.
“Emily was never happier than when she was spending time with her family and friends, she was our own little social butterfly.
“Emily had a passion for the outdoors and loved to play any sport, even when she was wearing her pink sparkly dresses!
“We are beyond devastated that this random act of violence means that we will never get to see our beautiful little girl grow up into the wonderful young lady she was showing such promise of becoming.
“It is truly heart breaking to wake up to a world without Emily in it and we cannot comprehend why this has happened.
“We would like to thank the members of the public that assisted us in the park and express our gratitude to the emergency services for doing their upmost to save Emily’s life.
“Thank you to everyone for their kind messages of support and for continuing to respect our privacy at this difficult time.”
Teachers and staff at Emily's primary school have also paid tribute to her, with a virtual book of condolences being set up on the website.
A joint statement by the teachers, who worked closest with Emily, said: "Emily was fun, friendly and a loving little girl. She was creative and loved to draw and write stories.
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"Emily was keen to do her work and would joke that she had finished before the others had even written the date.
"She was popular amongst her peers and was friends with everyone.
"Her smile was infectious and it lit up the room. Emily was bubbly, sociable and a joy to be around: she was a ray of sunshine.
"What I remember about Emily is her smile, it was as big as she was, and she lit up a room. She has been tragically taken from us but she will never be forgotten."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-04-02--BBC viewers have found their new TV obsession - and it's leaving them in tears

We know we should probably be making the most of our one-hour exercise outing at the moment .
But the truth is , sometimes what 's on telly is just too good not to miss .
That being said , it seems that this extra time being glued to the sofa has seen some discover their new TV obsession .
BBC viewers have been hooked into watching The Repair Shop - a show which sees expert craftspeople restore others most cherished items to their former glory with furniture restorer Jay Blades is at the helm of the show .
While @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a fan of the series , thanks to a change in the schedule , it is now getting more attention than ever before with nearly six million tuning in for the opening episode .
And it is leaving people in tears .
In last weeks episode , a widower was overcome with emotion when the jukebox he and his late wife used on their wedding day was fixed - and he could hear the song the couple danced to on the special day .
Then in last night 's show , a lady @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back lots of family memories , and another woman had a portrait painting of her mum restored .
One viewer commented : `` # repairshop best show on @ bbc it does have the same effect as peeling onions # tears # wateryeyes '' Thank goodness for @ Jay_n_Co and @ TheRepairShop - never have we needed it more .
It should be prescribed , it 's so therapeutic , '' said another .
A third added : `` The Repair Shop is such a beautiful thing to watch and it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
`` I know I say this every week , but @ TheRepairShop really is the dose of pure happiness and loveliness we all need right now # TheRepairShop , '' another said .
Anybody else a bit teary just thinking about the jukebox again ?
The Repair Shop airs Wednesdays on BBC One at 8pm .

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We know we should probably be making the most of our one-hour exercise outing at the moment.
But the truth is, sometimes what's on telly is just too good not to miss.
That being said, it seems that this extra time being glued to the sofa has seen some discover their new TV obsession.
BBC viewers have been hooked into watching The Repair Shop - a show which sees expert craftspeople restore others most cherished items to their former glory with furniture restorer Jay Blades is at the helm of the show.
(Image: BBC/Ricochet Ltd/Steve Peskett)
While many of you may have already been a fan of the series, thanks to a change in the schedule, it is now getting more attention than ever before with nearly six million tuning in for the opening episode.
And it is leaving people in tears.
In last weeks episode, a widower was overcome with emotion when the jukebox he and his late wife used on their wedding day was fixed - and he could hear the song the couple danced to on the special day.
Then in last night's show, a lady had her music box fixed that brought back lots of family memories, and another woman had a portrait painting of her mum restored.
One viewer commented: "#repairshop best show on @bbc it does have the same effect as peeling onions #tears #wateryeyes
"Thank goodness for @Jay_n_Co and @TheRepairShop - never have we needed it more. It should be prescribed, it's so therapeutic," said another.
(Image: BBC)
A third added: "The Repair Shop is such a beautiful thing to watch and it’s a real comfort in these strange times."
"I know I say this every week, but @TheRepairShop really is the dose of pure happiness and loveliness we all need right now #TheRepairShop," another said.
Anybody else a bit teary just thinking about the jukebox again?
The Repair Shop airs Wednesdays on BBC One at 8pm.