themanchestereveningnews--2020-04-24--Evil stranger raped mum in front of her children after breaking into her home

A vile sexual predator forced his way into a young mum 's home and raped her in front of her hysterical children .
John Ward , 24 , first molested the shocked woman as she walked the family dog with her young child along a street in Rochdale , telling the youngster : `` I 'm your new dad . ''
She managed to flee but drunken Ward , also high on cocaine , pursued her , forced his way inside her home , pushed her onto the stairs and covered her mouth with his hand as he carried out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assaults on her .
He slammed a living room door on her terrified children who screamed in terror , one of them shouting in vain for Ward to 'get off ' their mother as she was being attacked in the hallway .
Ward held the door shut and told the children ' I 'm just talking to your mum . ''
The terrified victim had to move out of her home that night , has never returned and still suffers flashbacks while her young children have been left traumatised .
Today Ward , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Farrell , 24 , from Middleton , who watched the rape through the kitchen window and then wiped their fingerprints from the front door handle , are beginning long jail sentences for their part in the horrific stranger rape in September .
Jailing Ward for 16 years at Minshull Street Crown Court today ( Friday ) , Judge John Potter told the defendant he had 'brutally raped ' his victim : `` Throughout this appalling and dreadful ordeal , she could hear her children screaming and crying because they knew they mother was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ living room door .
At one point they were able to open the door only for you to slam the door and continue with your depraved behaviour towards their mother .
`` She was terrified not just not just by this appalling sexual abuse of her by you but by her helplessness and powerlessness to break free from your grip and protect herself and her children .
`` The trauma and anguish that she must have experienced at this time is hardly imaginable .
You treated your victim in this manner as an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sexual desires . ''
Earlier , Michael Lavery , prosecuting , described the case as 'quite shocking ' .
The mother left her home in Rochdale with her child to walk the family dog at 8.50am .
When they returned , she noticed two men , Ward and Farrell , swigging from a wine bottle and 'very much the worse for drink ' , said Mr Lavery .
`` Farrell began to try and engage her in conversation though she just wanted to get past them .
As she spoke with them , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moved to stand in front of her , Farrell was behind her .
They made comments to her such as her being good looking , asking her whether she was single and at one point referring to her as a milf , '' said the prosecutor .
Ward asked her for a kiss and Farrell told her 'yeah , give him a kiss , nothing will happen ' , the court was told .
The woman refused and pointed out she was with her child 'but they continued to harass her ' , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on : `` She felt intimidated and was fearful they may have had a knife and so she attempted to give the defendant Ward a peck on the cheek , hoping to appease him in order to allow her to escape their attention .
As she did this he turned his face and kissed her full on the mouth and stuck his tongue into her mouth , not surprisingly she tried to move away . ''
Ward tried to kiss her in the same manner a second time and told the woman 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dad . ''
The youngster laughed as they 'clearly did n't understand what was happening ' , said Mr Lavery .
Ward 's behaviour 'escalated ' when he removed his penis and told the woman 'do you want it ? '
The woman walked off with her child and dog and when she arrived home she checked on her second child .
But moments later , she saw the two men 'peering ' through the lounge window and she was 'so frightened ' she slammed the kitchen door shut , leaving her two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sight of the men in the window .
CCTV uncovered by the police later showed the men at the house and one of the children 'in a state of distress ' before they climbed onto the top of a bin store at the rear of the property , said Mr Lavery .
The mother opened the kitchen door slightly and screamed as she saw both men walking through the lounge towards the kitchen while her children began to 'scream and cry ' , the court was told .
`` She shouted at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which they did at that point , '' said the prosecutor .
The woman locked the front door , closed the curtains and thought the ordeal had come an an end .
Ward returned and raped mum with children in next room '' Around 10 minutes later she heard a knock on the door believing it was unrelated to the males , and without thinking , she unlocked and opened the door to see the defendant Ward stood in front of her .
She described him as appearing very , very drunk - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was carrying a bottle of alcohol - and unsteady on his feet , '' said Mr Lavery .
Ward told her he fancied her and asked to come into the house but when he was refused he put his foot in the doorway so the door could not be shut .
He moved into the entrance hallway and shut the door behind him .
The woman 's children were 'by now hysterical ' , although they were unable to see him as they were in the lounge and Ward had shut the door @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The court heard he pulled the woman towards her and said that he 'fancied the f*** of her ' .
Ward pushed her against a wall and forced himself on her , and when the children tried to open the door he repeatedly slammed it shut and told them ' I 'm just talking to mum ' .
He pushed his victim onto the stairs , pulled down his tracksuit bottoms and raped her .
His victim was 'numb ' while her children were 'screaming ' behind the lounge door .
`` Ward @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to keep her still , '' said Mr Lavery , who described to the court a sequence of vile sex assaults .
The prosecutor went on : `` She described that she couldn ’ t scream or shout or do anything and that she felt completely numb .
She told the police that all she could hear was her children screaming for her and her not being able to get to them . ''
Farrell was captured on CCTV looking through the window to where he could see 'his friend ' raping the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wiping the handle to remove their fingerprints , said Mr Lavery .
The man fled , leaving the woman 'on the stairs in a state of panic unable even to comfort her children who were hysterical ' , said the prosecutor .
She called her family who alerted the police .
One of her children later told family members she had heard her mother crying and had screamed at Ward to 'get off ' her .
Police were called and arrested the two men despite their attempts to escape , the court heard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they were interviewed but the woman later identified Ward as the man who had raped her .
Victim never returned to the house In a victim impact statement read out in court , the woman said she had to move out of the house with her children on the day of the rape because the men 'caused me so much trauma and distress ' .
`` I would never be able to walk back into that house after that day without having flashbacks , '' she said , adding she had been left @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
She said she was on medication , struggled to sleep and suffered from flashbacks .
`` Night-time can be really difficult when the children have to go to bed and leave me on my own with my thoughts .
I 'm constantly watching my back if I go out , '' she admitted .
She said she still panicked even though she knew both men were now behind bars .
The court heard Ward a series of previous convictions including violence .
He has done time for assault .
Farrell also has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and robbery .
Anthony Morris , defending Ward , pointed to his client 's 'high use ' of cocaine and alcohol and said his client was taking courses while behind bars to address his addictions .
The barrister also noted a pre-sentence report from the Probation Service had found the defendant 'seemed genuinely shocked and overwhelmed by his actions ' although he claimed he could not remember the incident .
`` He 's shown some understanding of the consequences of his actions on the victim and her family , '' said Mr Morris @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's told me he lives with it in one sense almost every day and can not believe he was capable of such actions himself . ''
Brendan O'Leary , defending Farrell , said his client had accepted his actions were 'wholly unacceptable ' but were caused because he was 'in drink ' .
He had 'panicked ' when he saw Ward attacking the woman through the window , he said .
Jailing Ward , Judge Potter told him : `` You subjected her to a vicious , sustained an determined sexual attack in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was materially witnessed by her children .
The level of depravity is on any view of a level at the most serious end of the scale . ''
He said the attack only ended when Farrell came into the house and 'saw the scene of dreadful abuse taking place in front of you in that small hall ' .
Addressed Farrell , the judge went on : `` You closed the front door .
You remained outside .
You then carefully wiped the handle of the front door to remove your and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the attack that you knew was taking place .
This was as blatant as there could be imagined of intending to pervert the course of public justice . ''
The victim , who can not be named as the victim of a sex crime , had suffered 'severe psychological harm ' while it was likely her children 'will suffer trauma as a consequence of these events for many years to come and perhaps for the rest of their lives ' , said Judge Potter .
Ward , 24 , of Rochdale , was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ period of four years after he pleaded guilty to sexual assault and two counts of rape .
He may apply for parole after eights years .
He has also placed on the sex offenders ' register .
Farrell , 24 , of Parkfield , Middleton , was jailed for one year and nine months after he admitted perverting the course of justice .
He was told he would be released half way through his sentence .
Both men appeared in court from prison via videolink .
The press , prosecutor and defence counsel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Only the judge and his clerk were in court .

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A vile sexual predator forced his way into a young mum's home and raped her in front of her hysterical children.
John Ward, 24, first molested the shocked woman as she walked the family dog with her young child along a street in Rochdale, telling the youngster: "I'm your new dad."
She managed to flee but drunken Ward, also high on cocaine, pursued her, forced his way inside her home, pushed her onto the stairs and covered her mouth with his hand as he carried out a series of sickening and violent sexual assaults on her.
He slammed a living room door on her terrified children who screamed in terror, one of them shouting in vain for Ward to 'get off' their mother as she was being attacked in the hallway.
Ward held the door shut and told the children 'I'm just talking to your mum."
The terrified victim had to move out of her home that night, has never returned and still suffers flashbacks while her young children have been left traumatised.
Today Ward, from Rochdale, and his accomplice Aaron Farrell, 24, from Middleton, who watched the rape through the kitchen window and then wiped their fingerprints from the front door handle, are beginning long jail sentences for their part in the horrific stranger rape in September.
Jailing Ward for 16 years at Minshull Street Crown Court today (Friday), Judge John Potter told the defendant he had 'brutally raped' his victim: "Throughout this appalling and dreadful ordeal, she could hear her children screaming and crying because they knew they mother was being attacked the other side of the living room door. At one point they were able to open the door only for you to slam the door and continue with your depraved behaviour towards their mother.
"She was terrified not just not just by this appalling sexual abuse of her by you but by her helplessness and powerlessness to break free from your grip and protect herself and her children.
"The trauma and anguish that she must have experienced at this time is hardly imaginable. You treated your victim in this manner as an object to satisfy your wicked, evil sexual desires."
Ward first molested victim on morning walk
Earlier, Michael Lavery, prosecuting, described the case as 'quite shocking'.
The mother left her home in Rochdale with her child to walk the family dog at 8.50am.
When they returned, she noticed two men, Ward and Farrell, swigging from a wine bottle and 'very much the worse for drink', said Mr Lavery.
"Farrell began to try and engage her in conversation though she just wanted to get past them. As she spoke with them, to keep the situation friendly, Ward moved to stand in front of her, Farrell was behind her. They made comments to her such as her being good looking, asking her whether she was single and at one point referring to her as a milf," said the prosecutor.
Ward asked her for a kiss and Farrell told her 'yeah, give him a kiss, nothing will happen', the court was told.
The woman refused and pointed out she was with her child 'but they continued to harass her', said Mr Lavery.
The prosecutor went on: "She felt intimidated and was fearful they may have had a knife and so she attempted to give the defendant Ward a peck on the cheek, hoping to appease him in order to allow her to escape their attention. As she did this he turned his face and kissed her full on the mouth and stuck his tongue into her mouth, not surprisingly she tried to move away."
Ward tried to kiss her in the same manner a second time and told the woman's child: "I'm your new dad."
The youngster laughed as they 'clearly didn't understand what was happening', said Mr Lavery.
Ward's behaviour 'escalated' when he removed his penis and told the woman 'do you want it?'
The woman walked off with her child and dog and when she arrived home she checked on her second child.
But moments later, she saw the two men 'peering' through the lounge window and she was 'so frightened' she slammed the kitchen door shut, leaving her two children 'panicked and upset' at the sight of the men in the window.
CCTV uncovered by the police later showed the men at the house and one of the children 'in a state of distress' before they climbed onto the top of a bin store at the rear of the property, said Mr Lavery.
The mother opened the kitchen door slightly and screamed as she saw both men walking through the lounge towards the kitchen while her children began to 'scream and cry', the court was told.
"She shouted at the men to get out of her house which they did at that point," said the prosecutor.
The woman locked the front door, closed the curtains and thought the ordeal had come an an end.
Ward returned and raped mum with children in next room
"Around 10 minutes later she heard a knock on the door believing it was unrelated to the males, and without thinking, she unlocked and opened the door to see the defendant Ward stood in front of her. She described him as appearing very, very drunk - it's clear from the footage he was carrying a bottle of alcohol - and unsteady on his feet," said Mr Lavery.
Ward told her he fancied her and asked to come into the house but when he was refused he put his foot in the doorway so the door could not be shut.
He moved into the entrance hallway and shut the door behind him.
The woman's children were 'by now hysterical', although they were unable to see him as they were in the lounge and Ward had shut the door on them, said Mr Lavery.
The court heard he pulled the woman towards her and said that he 'fancied the f*** of her'.
(Image: MEN)
Ward pushed her against a wall and forced himself on her, and when the children tried to open the door he repeatedly slammed it shut and told them 'I'm just talking to mum'.
He pushed his victim onto the stairs, pulled down his tracksuit bottoms and raped her.
His victim was 'numb' while her children were 'screaming' behind the lounge door.
"Ward had his hand over her mouth trying to keep her still," said Mr Lavery, who described to the court a sequence of vile sex assaults.
The prosecutor went on: "She described that she couldn’t scream or shout or do anything and that she felt completely numb. She told the police that all she could hear was her children screaming for her and her not being able to get to them."
Farrell was captured on CCTV looking through the window to where he could see 'his friend' raping the woman before closing the door and then wiping the handle to remove their fingerprints, said Mr Lavery.
The man fled, leaving the woman 'on the stairs in a state of panic unable even to comfort her children who were hysterical', said the prosecutor.
She called her family who alerted the police.
One of her children later told family members she had heard her mother crying and had screamed at Ward to 'get off' her.
Police were called and arrested the two men despite their attempts to escape, the court heard.
The men made no comments when they were interviewed but the woman later identified Ward as the man who had raped her.
Victim never returned to the house
In a victim impact statement read out in court, the woman said she had to move out of the house with her children on the day of the rape because the men 'caused me so much trauma and distress'.
"I would never be able to walk back into that house after that day without having flashbacks," she said, adding she had been left with anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts.
She said she was on medication, struggled to sleep and suffered from flashbacks.
"Night-time can be really difficult when the children have to go to bed and leave me on my own with my thoughts. I'm constantly watching my back if I go out," she admitted.
She said she still panicked even though she knew both men were now behind bars.
The court heard Ward a series of previous convictions including violence. He has done time for assault. Farrell also has a number of previous convictions including burglary and robbery.
(Image: MEN)
Anthony Morris, defending Ward, pointed to his client's 'high use' of cocaine and alcohol and said his client was taking courses while behind bars to address his addictions.
The barrister also noted a pre-sentence report from the Probation Service had found the defendant 'seemed genuinely shocked and overwhelmed by his actions' although he claimed he could not remember the incident.
"He's shown some understanding of the consequences of his actions on the victim and her family," said Mr Morris.
The barrister added: "He's told me he lives with it in one sense almost every day and cannot believe he was capable of such actions himself."
Brendan O'Leary, defending Farrell, said his client had accepted his actions were 'wholly unacceptable' but were caused because he was 'in drink'.
He had 'panicked' when he saw Ward attacking the woman through the window, he said.
Jailing Ward, Judge Potter told him: "You subjected her to a vicious, sustained an determined sexual attack in the sanctuary of her own home and it was materially witnessed by her children. The level of depravity is on any view of a level at the most serious end of the scale."
He said the attack only ended when Farrell came into the house and 'saw the scene of dreadful abuse taking place in front of you in that small hall'.
Addressed Farrell, the judge went on: "You closed the front door. You remained outside. You then carefully wiped the handle of the front door to remove your and Ward's fingerprints from the scene of the attack that you knew was taking place. This was as blatant as there could be imagined of intending to pervert the course of public justice."
The victim, who cannot be named as the victim of a sex crime, had suffered 'severe psychological harm' while it was likely her children 'will suffer trauma as a consequence of these events for many years to come and perhaps for the rest of their lives', said Judge Potter.
Ward, 24, of Rochdale, was jailed for 12 years with extended licence period of four years after he pleaded guilty to sexual assault and two counts of rape. He may apply for parole after eights years. He has also placed on the sex offenders' register.
Farrell, 24, of Parkfield, Middleton, was jailed for one year and nine months after he admitted perverting the course of justice. He was told he would be released half way through his sentence.
Both men appeared in court from prison via videolink. The press, prosecutor and defence counsel all attended the hearing from remote locations. Only the judge and his clerk were in court.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-04-24--Man United coach Mike Phelan identifies change in Solskjaer mentality

Manchester United coach Mike Phelan suggested Ole Gunnar Solskjaer 's mentality has changed and that the Norwegian is now more thoughtful than he was during his playing career .
Solskjaer restored Phelan to the role of United 's assistant manager when he returned to United as interim manager in December 2018 .
Phelan was a coach on United 's backroom staff during Solskjaer 's playing days at United and became assistant manager for the first time in 2008 - a year after Solskjaer retired from playing .
Identifying the difference between Solskjaer the player and Solskjaer the manager in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Phelan said : `` Obviously , I think Ole is now more thoughtful as a team manager than when he was an individual player .
He ’ s now more sharing with the group .
`` He ’ s gone from being an individual to someone who thrives of sharing with others and wanting to win as a team . ''
Phelan was also asked whether he can see any similarities between Sir Alex Ferguson and Solskjaer .
`` He ( Solskjaer ) gives the players the freedom to express themselves , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the players on the field to enjoy themselves , and express themselves - just as Sir Alex did . ''
Central midfielder Scott McTominay has flourished under the tutelage of Solskjaer and Phelan and the 57-year-old is tipping McTominay to build on his impressive form this season .
`` Scott is showing all signs of improvement , '' Phelan added .
`` He ’ s getting better every training session and every game .
He has a work ethic to get better every day and go on to be a great footballer .
@

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Manchester United coach Mike Phelan suggested Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's mentality has changed and that the Norwegian is now more thoughtful than he was during his playing career.
Solskjaer restored Phelan to the role of United's assistant manager when he returned to United as interim manager in December 2018.
Phelan was a coach on United's backroom staff during Solskjaer's playing days at United and became assistant manager for the first time in 2008 - a year after Solskjaer retired from playing.
Identifying the difference between Solskjaer the player and Solskjaer the manager in a Twitter Q&A on Friday night, Phelan said: "Obviously, I think Ole is now more thoughtful as a team manager than when he was an individual player. He’s now more sharing with the group.
"He’s gone from being an individual to someone who thrives of sharing with others and wanting to win as a team."
Phelan was also asked whether he can see any similarities between Sir Alex Ferguson and Solskjaer.
"He (Solskjaer) gives the players the freedom to express themselves," Phelan responded. "He wants the players on the field to enjoy themselves, and express themselves - just as Sir Alex did."
Central midfielder Scott McTominay has flourished under the tutelage of Solskjaer and Phelan and the 57-year-old is tipping McTominay to build on his impressive form this season.
"Scott is showing all signs of improvement," Phelan added. "He’s getting better every training session and every game. He has a work ethic to get better every day and go on to be a great footballer."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-04-24--Rashford's style highlights the type of centre forward Man Utd need

Marcus Rashford was enjoying the best season of his career before he suffered a back injury in January .
The 22-year-old scored 14 goals in 1,882 Premier League minutes , the highest tally of his career , as well as five goals across 482 minutes in all other competitions .
What was crucial to his success , however , was the acceptance and relishing of a wide-left role .
Rashford initially emerged as a centre-forward .
In reality , he has always played the striking role with a slighting towards the flank , drifting away from central areas of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ areas , where he can then turn and drive at defenders with more space to work in .
But this season , more than ever , he settled into an established position : an advanced left-wing role that pushes him onto the shoulder of the opposing backline but starts from wider , providing him with opportunities to dribble at - and invariably by - an isolated defender and space to burst into with his runs off the ball .
Because of his technical skill , spatial awareness , intelligence of movement , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in which he is at his most dangerous .
Of his 22 Premier League starts , six have come as a centre-forward .
He scored only two goals in those matches and United won just one .
Conversely , Rashford scored 12 of his 14 goals as a left-winger .
This week , the forward spoke about the advantages of playing off the left flank , contrasting it to the different responsibilities of playing through the middle .
“ When you are on the left , you can create a lot more things @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bit more to the team , ” Rashford explained to the UTD Podcast .
“ Whereas when you are playing up front , sometimes you are isolated and need someone in midfield who can find passes for 90 minutes of a game , so you can disappear in games sometimes as a number nine .
“ When I transitioned to a number nine when I was younger , that 's the bit that I struggled with as I was always someone who wanted to express myself on the ball .
`` When I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that you do n't see the ball as often as you do in other positions , but when you do see the ball , it 's an opportunity to score goals .
“ That 's what I loved about being a number nine and that 's what I still love about it .
But right now I 'm enjoying having the freedom to mix between the two - and I think it suits us well at the moment as Anthony ( Martial ) likes to drift to the left and drop deep as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and flexibility is a crucial tenet to his game .
But it also illustrates the type of centre-forward that United must pursue in the transfer window .
Rashford notes the tendency to become isolated in the centre-forward position .
It is why both he and Anthony Martial drift away from the centre-backs , dropping deep into midfield to receive the ball on the half-turn or moving wide and positioning themselves up against a full-back , rather than having to deal with the bruising defenders in compact spaces and relying on the midfield to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the central channels .
While these movements can cause confusion and allow the pair to receive possession more frequently , they can leave the midfield with limited passing options .
Having a centre-forward who is comfortable with the ball at their feet , receiving possession with their back to goal , holding off a defender , before laying it off to a teammate is vital in the construction of attacks .
Whether Rashford is capable of this is debatable .
He certainly has the touch and control to play that role , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the physicality of it , too .
However , even if he has the ability to play as a back-to-goal centre-forward , as he rightly illustrates , he is more dangerous coming off the left .
Why remove him from what he does best ?
In United ’ s search for a centre-forward , then , it is vital that they find a player who relishes receiving the ball to feet , who can act as a focal point of the attack , before then feeding the vibrant and ferocious movement of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that player is remains to be seen , but Rashford ’ s evolution into a prolific winger and positional flexibility and roaming throughout his career are the perfect case study : United need a target man .

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Marcus Rashford was enjoying the best season of his career before he suffered a back injury in January.
The 22-year-old scored 14 goals in 1,882 Premier League minutes, the highest tally of his career, as well as five goals across 482 minutes in all other competitions.
What was crucial to his success, however, was the acceptance and relishing of a wide-left role. Rashford initially emerged as a centre-forward.
In reality, he has always played the striking role with a slighting towards the flank, drifting away from central areas of the pitch to receive the ball in wider areas, where he can then turn and drive at defenders with more space to work in.
But this season, more than ever, he settled into an established position: an advanced left-wing role that pushes him onto the shoulder of the opposing backline but starts from wider, providing him with opportunities to dribble at - and invariably by - an isolated defender and space to burst into with his runs off the ball.
Because of his technical skill, spatial awareness, intelligence of movement, and frightening speed, these are the positions in which he is at his most dangerous.
Of his 22 Premier League starts, six have come as a centre-forward. He scored only two goals in those matches and United won just one. Conversely, Rashford scored 12 of his 14 goals as a left-winger.
This week, the forward spoke about the advantages of playing off the left flank, contrasting it to the different responsibilities of playing through the middle.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
“When you are on the left, you can create a lot more things on your own, giving that little bit more to the team,” Rashford explained to the UTD Podcast. “Whereas when you are playing up front, sometimes you are isolated and need someone in midfield who can find passes for 90 minutes of a game, so you can disappear in games sometimes as a number nine.
“When I transitioned to a number nine when I was younger, that's the bit that I struggled with as I was always someone who wanted to express myself on the ball.
"When I started playing number nine, I realised that you don't see the ball as often as you do in other positions, but when you do see the ball, it's an opportunity to score goals.
“That's what I loved about being a number nine and that's what I still love about it. But right now I'm enjoying having the freedom to mix between the two - and I think it suits us well at the moment as Anthony (Martial) likes to drift to the left and drop deep as well.”
Rashford’s positional fluidity and flexibility is a crucial tenet to his game. But it also illustrates the type of centre-forward that United must pursue in the transfer window.
Rashford notes the tendency to become isolated in the centre-forward position. It is why both he and Anthony Martial drift away from the centre-backs, dropping deep into midfield to receive the ball on the half-turn or moving wide and positioning themselves up against a full-back, rather than having to deal with the bruising defenders in compact spaces and relying on the midfield to feed difficult passes into your feet or the central channels.
(Image: 2020 Getty Images)
While these movements can cause confusion and allow the pair to receive possession more frequently, they can leave the midfield with limited passing options.
Having a centre-forward who is comfortable with the ball at their feet, receiving possession with their back to goal, holding off a defender, before laying it off to a teammate is vital in the construction of attacks.
Whether Rashford is capable of this is debatable. He certainly has the touch and control to play that role, and having bulked up, he can handle the physicality of it, too.
However, even if he has the ability to play as a back-to-goal centre-forward, as he rightly illustrates, he is more dangerous coming off the left. Why remove him from what he does best?
In United’s search for a centre-forward, then, it is vital that they find a player who relishes receiving the ball to feet, who can act as a focal point of the attack, before then feeding the vibrant and ferocious movement of the likes of Rashford and Martial.
Who that player is remains to be seen, but Rashford’s evolution into a prolific winger and positional flexibility and roaming throughout his career are the perfect case study: United need a target man.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-04-24--Man City headlines as Jesus outlines ambition, Sane move questioned

Jamie Carragher identifies what he loves about Raheem Sterling Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has revealed what it is he loves so much about Raheem Sterling , highlighting the Manchester City forward ’ s ability to avoid injury issues .
The 25-year-old has reached another level since making the move to the Etihad Stadium from Liverpool in 2015 , scoring 59 goals in 155 appearances compared to the 18 league goals he scored in 91 appearances for the Reds .
“ I think right now if you were buying him , you ’ d be buying him for the future @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sky Sports .
“ The thing I love about Sterling is that he is never injured , his high-intensity running is off the scale and he ’ s now getting lots of goals as well .
I think he ’ s a brilliant player and he ’ s only going to get better in the future.
” Gabriel Jesus has spoken about his contest with Sergio Aguero to be Manchester City ’ s first-choice centre forward and the advantage he believes he holds over his Argentine teammate .
Jesus has long been seen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the Etihad Stadium and has provided some competition for a starting place this season .
However , he recognises that he must improve further to dislodge his teammate .
“ Today Aguero is a little older and therefore he may not be able to do what I can do without the ball , which is to defend , steal the ball and help .
I do n't know if at 30 I 'll be able to do that , ” the Brazilian striker explained in an Instagram live chat .
“ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I believe I am improving and I have more to improve .
I feel that my greatest quality is my mindset.
” Leroy Sane ’ s mentality might prevent him from Bayern Munich success Leroy Sane could struggle to deal with the pressure of playing for Bayern Munich according to the Manchester City winger ’ s former Schalke teammate Dennis Aogo .
The 24-year-old continues to be the subject of much speculation linking him with the Allianz Arena club with rumours dating back to last summer when the Bundesliga club were looking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Arjen Robben .
However , Aogo believes Sane might be too sensitive to handle the pressure he would experience as a Bayern Munich player .
“ I think it would be awesome for the league [ if Sane would return to Bundesliga ] because he 's a spectacle , ” Aogo told Goal .
“ However , I do not know whether a move to Bayern would be right for Leroy .
The package of expectations and transfer fee could have an impact on him .
He is a fine guy , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a sensitive character .
He may have evolved in this regard , but this backpack could also become too heavy after such a serious injury .
”

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Jamie Carragher identifies what he loves about Raheem Sterling
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has revealed what it is he loves so much about Raheem Sterling, highlighting the Manchester City forward’s ability to avoid injury issues.
The 25-year-old has reached another level since making the move to the Etihad Stadium from Liverpool in 2015, scoring 59 goals in 155 appearances compared to the 18 league goals he scored in 91 appearances for the Reds.
“I think right now if you were buying him, you’d be buying him for the future as well,” Carragher explained to Sky Sports.
“The thing I love about Sterling is that he is never injured, his high-intensity running is off the scale and he’s now getting lots of goals as well. I think he’s a brilliant player and he’s only going to get better in the future.”
Gabriel Jesus reveals advantage he holds over Sergio Aguero
Gabriel Jesus has spoken about his contest with Sergio Aguero to be Manchester City’s first-choice centre forward and the advantage he believes he holds over his Argentine teammate.
Jesus has long been seen as the long term successor to Aguero at the Etihad Stadium and has provided some competition for a starting place this season. However, he recognises that he must improve further to dislodge his teammate.
“Today Aguero is a little older and therefore he may not be able to do what I can do without the ball, which is to defend, steal the ball and help. I don't know if at 30 I'll be able to do that,” the Brazilian striker explained in an Instagram live chat.
“I have played important games, scored goals, I believe I am improving and I have more to improve. I feel that my greatest quality is my mindset.”
Leroy Sane’s mentality might prevent him from Bayern Munich success
Leroy Sane could struggle to deal with the pressure of playing for Bayern Munich according to the Manchester City winger’s former Schalke teammate Dennis Aogo.
The 24-year-old continues to be the subject of much speculation linking him with the Allianz Arena club with rumours dating back to last summer when the Bundesliga club were looking to replace the departing Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben.
However, Aogo believes Sane might be too sensitive to handle the pressure he would experience as a Bayern Munich player.
“I think it would be awesome for the league [if Sane would return to Bundesliga] because he's a spectacle,” Aogo told Goal.
“However, I do not know whether a move to Bayern would be right for Leroy. The package of expectations and transfer fee could have an impact on him. He is a fine guy, but I also got to know him as a sensitive character. He may have evolved in this regard, but this backpack could also become too heavy after such a serious injury.”


themanchestereveningnews--2020-04-24--Heartbreak as newsagent beloved by his customers dies of coronavirus

Tributes have been paid to a popular Prestwich newsagent who died from coronavirus .
Bernard Morrison worked at Bonds , in Kings Road , and adored his job , say loved ones .
The 73-year-old was rushed to hospital earlier this month , where he tested positive for COVID-19 .
He was moved into intensive care before he died on April 11 .
Speaking to the Manchester Evening News , his wife Madeleine described him as 'kind , happy and hard-working ' .
She said she had received hundreds of messages of support from friends and customers since his death @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they adored him , '' she said .
`` He did not just serve them , he became their friend .
He would go above and beyond to help them .
`` He took a great interest in everyone because he was a people person . ''
Mr Morrison was rushed to North Manchester General Hospital after suffering a series of falls at home .
Paramedics initially put his condition down to low blood pressure , said Mrs Morrison .
`` I did not think he had coronavirus , '' she explained .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ or a temperature .
`` They told me not to worry and that he would be home tomorrow , but I never saw him again . ''
Loved ones were unable to visit Mr Morrison in his final hours due to lockdown restrictions .
He died on April 11 and his funeral was held at Rainsough Cemetery .
Like many others who have lost a loved one during this time , the family were forced to adhere to social distancing measures at the service .
`` It was horrendous , '' said Mrs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we have to have at least ten men at the service .
`` I had to drive there on my own , and stand by myself .
You want an arm round you at a time like that , but there was nothing . ''
Born and raised in Salford , Mr Morrison took on a job at a shipping company office at Salford Docks after leaving school at 15 .
After making his way up the ladder , he became general manager before moving to another shipping company , in Quay Street @ @ @ @ @ @ @ director .
When the company was liquidated , he purchased a nearby newsagent 's kiosk .
With its proximity to Granada Studios , regular costumers included Coronation Street stars such as Denise Welch , who Mr Morrison befriended .
But the venture proved unsuccessful when two supermarkets opened nearby , taking away much of his trade .
Following a stint as taxi driver , he took on the job at Bonds more than a decade ago .
He continued working there up until he was taken ill earlier this month .
He and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
After meeting through a mutual friend , they married at Prestwich Hebrew Congregation in 1984 .
The couple had two children together , Ben and Danielle , while Mr Morrison also had two children from a previous marriage , Elise and Marc , and a stepdaughter , Sarah .
Mr Morrison was also heavily involved in charity work , and was a committee member for Children 's Aid , which raised money to send children with life-threatening conditions on the holiday of a lifetime to Florida .
He was also involved in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a governor of King David Private Nursery and was chairman of King David Junior School Parents Guild .
An avid football fan , he had been a Manchester United season ticket holder since he was a child , and also attended Salford City matches .

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Tributes have been paid to a popular Prestwich newsagent who died from coronavirus.
Bernard Morrison worked at Bonds, in Kings Road, and adored his job, say loved ones.
The 73-year-old was rushed to hospital earlier this month, where he tested positive for COVID-19.
He was moved into intensive care before he died on April 11.
Speaking to the Manchester Evening News , his wife Madeleine described him as 'kind, happy and hard-working'.
She said she had received hundreds of messages of support from friends and customers since his death.
(Image: Madeleine Morrison)
"Bernard adored his customers and they adored him," she said.
"He did not just serve them, he became their friend. He would go above and beyond to help them.
"He took a great interest in everyone because he was a people person."
Mr Morrison was rushed to North Manchester General Hospital after suffering a series of falls at home.
Paramedics initially put his condition down to low blood pressure, said Mrs Morrison.
"I did not think he had coronavirus," she explained. "He did not have a cough or a temperature.
"They told me not to worry and that he would be home tomorrow, but I never saw him again."
Loved ones were unable to visit Mr Morrison in his final hours due to lockdown restrictions.
He died on April 11 and his funeral was held at Rainsough Cemetery.
Like many others who have lost a loved one during this time, the family were forced to adhere to social distancing measures at the service.
"It was horrendous," said Mrs Morrison.
"As Jewish people, we have to have at least ten men at the service.
"I had to drive there on my own, and stand by myself. You want an arm round you at a time like that, but there was nothing."
Born and raised in Salford, Mr Morrison took on a job at a shipping company office at Salford Docks after leaving school at 15.
(Image: Madeleine Morrison)
After making his way up the ladder, he became general manager before moving to another shipping company, in Quay Street, where he served as a company director.
When the company was liquidated, he purchased a nearby newsagent's kiosk.
With its proximity to Granada Studios, regular costumers included Coronation Street stars such as Denise Welch, who Mr Morrison befriended.
But the venture proved unsuccessful when two supermarkets opened nearby, taking away much of his trade.
Following a stint as taxi driver, he took on the job at Bonds more than a decade ago.
He continued working there up until he was taken ill earlier this month.
He and Madeleine had been married for 36 years.
After meeting through a mutual friend, they married at Prestwich Hebrew Congregation in 1984.
The couple had two children together, Ben and Danielle, while Mr Morrison also had two children from a previous marriage, Elise and Marc, and a stepdaughter, Sarah.
Mr Morrison was also heavily involved in charity work, and was a committee member for Children's Aid, which raised money to send children with life-threatening conditions on the holiday of a lifetime to Florida.
He was also involved in organising Prestwich Carnival, and had served as a governor of King David Private Nursery and was chairman of King David Junior School Parents Guild.
An avid football fan, he had been a Manchester United season ticket holder since he was a child, and also attended Salford City matches.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-04-24--The Bolton key workers who made it into Peter Kay's Amarillo video

From his back garden in Bolton , Peter Kay revealed his recreation of his Amarillo video live on the BBC 's Big Night In on Thursday evening - and Bolton 's key workers made an appearance .
The charity single was released in 2005 for Comic Relief and the music video featured some of the most famous faces on British television , including Michael Parkinson and Ronnie Corbett But Peter decided to remake the video 15 years on for the Big Night In - a special night of television to celebrate unsung heroes and raise money for vulnerable people during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thousands of 'very emotional ' clips from across the country of people marching to his re-release of Tony Christie 's ( Is This The Way To ) Amarillo .
And the Bolton-born funnyman kept his hometown in mind while he was picking out favourite clips - including two videos from essential workers in Bolton .
Care workers at The Old Vicarage Rest Home in Ivy Bank Road made the final cut , appearing in rainbow decoration alongside two of their residents .
The video highlighted care workers deputy manager Andrea Booth , owner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gilpin , Sarah Bleasdale and Olivia Power .
They appeared with two of their residents , George Baldwin and , front and centre of the video , Robert Bentley .
Mr Bently became a gunner in the army at the age of 18 , and was known as Gunner Bentley .
Claudia MacDonald , the home 's resident manager , spoke to the Manchester Evening News about just how important the recognition is to them .
`` We decided to do a video because Peter Kay is a fellow Boltonian and we saw @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a home that likes to get involved with things , have fun , and we have quite a lot of charity links .
It 's so nice that our staff are so willing .
`` It was all quite spontaneous - we already had some rainbow decorations to follow the trend of kindness because we were planning to use them for a party once things calm down .
`` We asked some of the residents and they wanted to get involved .
`` It was one take and we had it !
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pressured times and it is so nice that our staff are getting that recognition . ''
Ms MacDonald said staff were thrilled to watch themselves on prime time television : `` All the residents stayed up to watch it .
`` The families saw it and have been emailing and tweeting us .
`` It has been really uplifting for the staff .
They really deserve the recognition - they work so hard . ''
Bolton Council staff were also highlighted in the Amarillo music video after bin crews made their own version @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the bin crews were also joined by Bolton 's elephant mascot .
The Big Night In can be found on BBC iPlayer .

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From his back garden in Bolton, Peter Kay revealed his recreation of his Amarillo video live on the BBC's Big Night In on Thursday evening - and Bolton's key workers made an appearance.
The charity single was released in 2005 for Comic Relief and the music video featured some of the most famous faces on British television, including Michael Parkinson and Ronnie Corbett
But Peter decided to remake the video 15 years on for the Big Night In - a special night of television to celebrate unsung heroes and raise money for vulnerable people during the coronavirus pandemic.
The comedian received thousands of 'very emotional' clips from across the country of people marching to his re-release of Tony Christie's (Is This The Way To) Amarillo.
And the Bolton-born funnyman kept his hometown in mind while he was picking out favourite clips - including two videos from essential workers in Bolton.
Care workers at The Old Vicarage Rest Home in Ivy Bank Road made the final cut, appearing in rainbow decoration alongside two of their residents.
The video highlighted care workers deputy manager Andrea Booth, owner Gabrielle MacDonald, and care assistants Leanne Gilpin, Sarah Bleasdale and Olivia Power.
(Image: Unknown)
They appeared with two of their residents, George Baldwin and, front and centre of the video, Robert Bentley. Mr Bentely became a gunner in the army at the age of 18, and was known as Gunner Bentley.
Claudia MacDonald, the home's resident manager, spoke to the Manchester Evening News about just how important the recognition is to them.
"We decided to do a video because Peter Kay is a fellow Boltonian and we saw the idea online," she said.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
"We are a home that likes to get involved with things, have fun, and we have quite a lot of charity links. It's so nice that our staff are so willing.
"It was all quite spontaneous - we already had some rainbow decorations to follow the trend of kindness because we were planning to use them for a party once things calm down.
"We asked some of the residents and they wanted to get involved.
"It was one take and we had it!
"It created a nice reprieve in these pressured times and it is so nice that our staff are getting that recognition."
Ms MacDonald said staff were thrilled to watch themselves on prime time television: "All the residents stayed up to watch it.
"The families saw it and have been emailing and tweeting us.
"It has been really uplifting for the staff. They really deserve the recognition - they work so hard."
Bolton Council staff were also highlighted in the Amarillo music video after bin crews made their own version.
Making music with bin lids, the bin crews were also joined by Bolton's elephant mascot.
The Big Night In can be found on BBC iPlayer.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-04-24--Firefighters continue to tackle moorland fire blazing for 36 hours

Firefighters are continuing to battle a moorland fire at Rakes Moss with two helicopters being used to help stop it from spreading .
Crews have been working since yesterday morning to tackle the blaze , which is on moorland just off the A628 Crowden to Glossop .
Firefighters from Derbyshire are being assisted by crews from the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service , alongside landowners and United Utilities .
Two helicopters have been used to fight the fire and contain its spread .
The fire service said a 'tactical plan ' has been established and firefighting will continue until @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first thing tomorrow morning .
The helicopters will continue to support firefighting operations .
The fire was causing large plumes of smoke to drift across Manchester on Thursday evening .
Smoke was drifting into Tameside and residents in Stalybridge were told to keep their windows and doors closed .
Several people also reported spotting large plumes of smoke in other parts of our region on Twitter , including in south Manchester , east Manchester and the city centre .
Steve Wells , wildlife tactical advisor at Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service said : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the moorland until the fire has been extinguished .
`` Over the last 24 hours we have used a combination of beaters , specialist Argo cat vehicles which have a high pressure hose and two helicopters to fight the fire and contain its spread .
“ Whilst the smoke form the fire has reduced considerably , residents in Stalybridge are still advised to keep their windows and doors closed as a precaution .
“ With the weekend looming , I would also like to remind people to avoid the area and adhere to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home , except for essential journeys.
” In a tweet , GMFRS confirmed their fire crews were continuing to assist with the operation .
The fire service urged residents of Stalybridge to continue to keep their windows and doors closed .

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Firefighters are continuing to battle a moorland fire at Rakes Moss with two helicopters being used to help stop it from spreading.
Crews have been working since yesterday morning to tackle the blaze, which is on moorland just off the A628 Crowden to Glossop.
Firefighters from Derbyshire are being assisted by crews from the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, alongside landowners and United Utilities.
Two helicopters have been used to fight the fire and contain its spread.
The fire service said a 'tactical plan' has been established and firefighting will continue until late tonight.
Crews will then return first thing tomorrow morning.
The helicopters will continue to support firefighting operations.
The fire was causing large plumes of smoke to drift across Manchester on Thursday evening.
Smoke was drifting into Tameside and residents in Stalybridge were told to keep their windows and doors closed.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
Several people also reported spotting large plumes of smoke in other parts of our region on Twitter, including in south Manchester, east Manchester and the city centre.
Steve Wells, wildlife tactical advisor at Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “Crews will continue to work on the moorland until the fire has been extinguished.
"Over the last 24 hours we have used a combination of beaters, specialist Argo cat vehicles which have a high pressure hose and two helicopters to fight the fire and contain its spread.
“Whilst the smoke form the fire has reduced considerably, residents in Stalybridge are still advised to keep their windows and doors closed as a precaution.
“With the weekend looming, I would also like to remind people to avoid the area and adhere to current government Covid-19 advice to stay at home, except for essential journeys.”
In a tweet, GMFRS confirmed their fire crews were continuing to assist with the operation.
The fire service urged residents of Stalybridge to continue to keep their windows and doors closed.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-04-24--United headlines as Reds' position on Koulibaly explained

Manchester United do not regard Kalidou Koulibaly as an essential target amid frenzied speculation over the Napoli defender ’ s future .
Koulibaly , 28 , is contracted to Napoli until 2023 but continues to be linked with a move away from the club having been beset by injury problems this season .
Napoli are sixth in Serie A and six points off of the final Champions League qualifying place with 12 matches to play , depending on whether the Italian season resumes .
The MEN understands United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer regards Koulibaly as one of the best centre-backs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dijk , Matthijs de Ligt , and Harry Maguire , but is content with his options in a defence that has kept nine clean sheets in their last 11 matches .
Napoli president Aurelio de Laurentiis said Koulibaly was worth £250million after Maguire became the world ’ s most expensive defender in an £80m move to United from Leicester City eight months ago .
United are long-time admirers of Koulibaly , and the Senegal international is at the higher end of their age range but turns 29 in June .
United ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between 23 and 28 .
Former Manchester United captain Antonio Valencia has backed compatriot Pervis Estupinan to make a move to Old Trafford .
The 22-year-old has been in fine form this season while on loan at Osasuna with reports linking him with a permanent move in the coming months .
Estupinan is due to spend another season on loan at Osasuna before returning to Watford in 2021 .
However , reports suggest the Premier League club could recall him this summer and cash in on his form .
“ From here , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Estupinan .
Hopefully , it will happen , ” Valencia said .
“ I ’ m proud to receive the blessings of a reference like you .
A big hug . ''
Although the full-back does fit in with the ethos of signing top young talent at United , MEN Sport does not believe there to be any current interest in Estupinan .
It is also worth noting United shelved their search for a new left-back late last year after the rise of Brandon Williams coupled with the rejuvenated form of Luke Shaw @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resentment towards Sir Alex Ferguson over his departure from Manchester United in a diatribe about proposed players ’ wage cuts .
Keane criticised top-tier clubs for attempting to impose ‘ nonsense ’ pay deferrals on players amid the coronavirus pandemic after the Premier League had called for players to take a 30 per cent cut .
Keane recalled his experience of contract wranglings during his 12-year career with United .
Blackburn Rovers , flush with owner Jack Walker ’ s riches in the early 90s , were prepared to offer Keane higher wages @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the club ’ s inability to at least match Blackburn ’ s terms .
The Irishman eventually became United ’ s highest earner in December 1999 , having led the club to an unprecedented Treble , but was left seething after a letter from the club sent to supporters blamed his renewal for a rise in season ticket prices .
Keane then turned his ire onto Ferguson and the former United chief executive David Gill over his acrimonious dismissal in November 2005 .
The Glazer family had completed their takeover of United six @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ When I was at Man United when I was negotiating new deals or the day I was leaving the club , the clubs made it pretty clear to me on every aspect of contract negotiations I had that it ’ s a business , ” Keane told Sky Sports News .
“ And I understood that .
“ But I signed a contract , and I expect the clubs to honour that contract .
And I know circumstances have changed and , I repeat : I ’ m talking about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ I ’ ve had discussions when I was at Nottingham Forest ; I was literally on the same money for two years , I got a pay rise , and I was told I was greedy.
” He went on to add : “ I went to Man United .
Man United discussed with me they couldn ’ t match Blackburn Rovers .
Man United couldn ’ t match Blackburn Rovers ?
Can you believe that ?
“ Eventually after a few years , I signed a new contract , Man @ @ @ @ @ @ @ season tickets had gone up because of my contract .
The day I left the club , I sat in front of Ferguson and Gill , who discussed cash flow problems .
Brilliant .
Brilliant . ''

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United stance on Koulibaly
Manchester United do not regard Kalidou Koulibaly as an essential target amid frenzied speculation over the Napoli defender’s future.
Koulibaly, 28, is contracted to Napoli until 2023 but continues to be linked with a move away from the club having been beset by injury problems this season. Napoli are sixth in Serie A and six points off of the final Champions League qualifying place with 12 matches to play, depending on whether the Italian season resumes.
The MEN understands United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer regards Koulibaly as one of the best centre-backs in the world along with Virgil van Dijk, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire, but is content with his options in a defence that has kept nine clean sheets in their last 11 matches.
Napoli president Aurelio de Laurentiis said Koulibaly was worth £250million after Maguire became the world’s most expensive defender in an £80m move to United from Leicester City eight months ago.
United are long-time admirers of Koulibaly, and the Senegal international is at the higher end of their age range but turns 29 in June. United’s preference is to sign long-term targets aged between 23 and 28.
Antonio Valencia backs Pervis Estupinan for United transfer
Former Manchester United captain Antonio Valencia has backed compatriot Pervis Estupinan to make a move to Old Trafford.
The 22-year-old has been in fine form this season while on loan at Osasuna with reports linking him with a permanent move in the coming months.
Estupinan is due to spend another season on loan at Osasuna before returning to Watford in 2021. However, reports suggest the Premier League club could recall him this summer and cash in on his form.
“From here, I send all the positive energies to Estupinan. Hopefully, it will happen,” Valencia said. “I’m proud to receive the blessings of a reference like you. A big hug."
Although the full-back does fit in with the ethos of signing top young talent at United, MEN Sport does not believe there to be any current interest in Estupinan.
It is also worth noting United shelved their search for a new left-back late last year after the rise of Brandon Williams coupled with the rejuvenated form of Luke Shaw.
Roy Keane reopens feud with Sir Alex Ferguson over Manchester United departure
Roy Keane again expressed his bitter resentment towards Sir Alex Ferguson over his departure from Manchester United in a diatribe about proposed players’ wage cuts.
Keane criticised top-tier clubs for attempting to impose ‘nonsense’ pay deferrals on players amid the coronavirus pandemic after the Premier League had called for players to take a 30 per cent cut.
Keane recalled his experience of contract wranglings during his 12-year career with United. Blackburn Rovers, flush with owner Jack Walker’s riches in the early 90s, were prepared to offer Keane higher wages than United in 1993 and Keane ridiculed the club’s inability to at least match Blackburn’s terms.
The Irishman eventually became United’s highest earner in December 1999, having led the club to an unprecedented Treble, but was left seething after a letter from the club sent to supporters blamed his renewal for a rise in season ticket prices.
Keane then turned his ire onto Ferguson and the former United chief executive David Gill over his acrimonious dismissal in November 2005. The Glazer family had completed their takeover of United six months earlier in a £790million leveraged buyout.
“When I was at Man United when I was negotiating new deals or the day I was leaving the club, the clubs made it pretty clear to me on every aspect of contract negotiations I had that it’s a business,” Keane told Sky Sports News. “And I understood that.
“But I signed a contract, and I expect the clubs to honour that contract. And I know circumstances have changed and, I repeat: I’m talking about the clubs that have money available to them.
“I’ve had discussions when I was at Nottingham Forest; I was literally on the same money for two years, I got a pay rise, and I was told I was greedy.”
He went on to add: “I went to Man United. Man United discussed with me they couldn’t match Blackburn Rovers. Man United couldn’t match Blackburn Rovers? Can you believe that?
“Eventually after a few years, I signed a new contract, Man United sent out letters to supporters saying season tickets had gone up because of my contract. The day I left the club, I sat in front of Ferguson and Gill, who discussed cash flow problems. Brilliant. Brilliant."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-04-24--Manchester man helped fund foreign terror groups

A man from Manchester who helped to fund terror groups abroad has been jailed .
Said Mohammed , of Belvedere Road , Longsight , and his London-based associate Ayub Nurhussein , from Stockwell , sent funds of approximately £2,700 to Islamist places of war .
Today , Mohammed was jailed at the Old Bailey for five years and three months and Nurhussein for nine years and six months respectively .
It followed an extensive investigation dating back to 2018 involving Counter Terrorism Police North-West ( CTPNW ) working alongside officers in London .
The pair were found to be sending @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be Iraq-supporting Daesh fighters in Iraq and Syria .
This occurred on three separate occasions between April and July 2019 .
On Tuesday , July 16 , 2019 , both men were arrested for terrorism offences and police seized large quantities of digital media , including mobile phones .
A forensic assessment of these devices then revealed their plans around funding terrorism .
In January 2020 , Mohammed , 30 , pleaded guilty at a pre-trial hearing to one count of arranging funds or property for the purposes of terrorism .
And , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in March 2020 , Nurhussein , 29 , pleaded guilty to one count of the same charge , having previously pleaded guilty to four counts of possession of a document or record containing information of a kind likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism and three counts of disseminating terrorist material .
Detective Superintendent Will Chatterton , Head of Investigations at Counter Terrorism Police North West , said : “ Today ’ s result demonstrates the strength of being part of a Counter Terrorism network that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during this investigation ensured a terrorist cell was disrupted and that those involved faced justice .
“ I would like to take this opportunity to those who have worked hard to bring about this successful prosecution and I hope it demonstrates to our communities our absolute determination to keep people safe.
” Commander Richard Smith , head of the Met ’ s Counter Terrorism Command , added : “ I am very pleased with today ’ s sentences .
“ The Met works with other police forces and security services to provide a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and abroad , whose strength and effect is continually felt by those who conspire to commit acts of violence and terror .
“ Today ’ s result was a direct consequence of that network .
Working with our counter terrorism network colleagues in Manchester , we quickly identified the activity of these two individuals , who contrived to get money to Daesh , and have brought them to justice.
” Any suspicious behaviour or activity can be reported via the Action Counters Terrorism ( ACT ) website at www.gov.uk/ACT or alternatively , call @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 789 321 .

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A man from Manchester who helped to fund terror groups abroad has been jailed.
Said Mohammed, of Belvedere Road, Longsight, and his London-based associate Ayub Nurhussein, from Stockwell, sent funds of approximately £2,700 to Islamist places of war.
Today, Mohammed was jailed at the Old Bailey for five years and three months and Nurhussein for nine years and six months respectively.
It followed an extensive investigation dating back to 2018 involving Counter Terrorism Police North-West (CTPNW) working alongside officers in London.
The pair were found to be sending money via Denmark to contacts believed to be Iraq-supporting Daesh fighters in Iraq and Syria. This occurred on three separate occasions between April and July 2019.
(Image: GMP)
On Tuesday, July 16, 2019, both men were arrested for terrorism offences and police seized large quantities of digital media, including mobile phones.
A forensic assessment of these devices then revealed their plans around funding terrorism.
In January 2020, Mohammed, 30, pleaded guilty at a pre-trial hearing to one count of arranging funds or property for the purposes of terrorism.
And, during a trial at the Old Bailey in March 2020, Nurhussein, 29, pleaded guilty to one count of the same charge, having previously pleaded guilty to four counts of possession of a document or record containing information of a kind likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism and three counts of disseminating terrorist material.
(Image: GMP)
Detective Superintendent Will Chatterton, Head of Investigations at Counter Terrorism Police North West, said: “Today’s result demonstrates the strength of being part of a Counter Terrorism network that spans the UK. The joint work during this investigation ensured a terrorist cell was disrupted and that those involved faced justice.
“I would like to take this opportunity to those who have worked hard to bring about this successful prosecution and I hope it demonstrates to our communities our absolute determination to keep people safe.”
Commander Richard Smith, head of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, added: “I am very pleased with today’s sentences.
“The Met works with other police forces and security services to provide a counter terrorism network, both at home and abroad, whose strength and effect is continually felt by those who conspire to commit acts of violence and terror.
“Today’s result was a direct consequence of that network. Working with our counter terrorism network colleagues in Manchester, we quickly identified the activity of these two individuals, who contrived to get money to Daesh, and have brought them to justice.”
Any suspicious behaviour or activity can be reported via the Action Counters Terrorism (ACT) website at www.gov.uk/ACT or alternatively, call the Anti-Terrorist Hotline in confidence on 0800 789 321.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-04-24--GMP boss' message to those thinking of holding lockdown house party

The number of house parties held in Greater Manchester halved last weekend - with 432 residential gatherings reported to GMP , a police boss has revealed .
The figure represents a 52pc drop from the 894 parties held the weekend before during the Easter Bank Holiday ( April 10 to 12 ) .
ACC Chris Sykes said he was pleased with the fewer numbers of house parties last weekend - but has asked people to remember to comply with the rules and `` stick to the guidelines '' in force through lockdown .
Speaking of last weekend 's reduction in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Evening News .
: `` I like to think the work that police officers have done in communities has really helped .
`` We did an awful lot of work around actually explaining the amount of house parties that we 've had , and the vast majority of the public are being absolutely brilliant and are complying as much as possible to the legislation .
We are really pleased with the changes .
`` I think a lot of the messaging has helped that we 've seen nationally and locally . ''
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to have differed widely .
Speaking at Stockport Divisional Headquarters , ACC Sykes said : `` A family might go and see their elderly parents , there 's also been people gathering to celebrate a birthday or christening .
`` They should n't be doing it , they should n't be having those gatherings . ''
Police are often alerted to the house parties by concerned neighbours who can hear loud music blasting from the property or garden .
`` People are really worried about the coronavirus .
They are really worried and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place it really concerns them .
They often report it to police .
`` And we will try and reassure them by getting out there and reminding people they should n't do it . ''
Last Friday ( April 17 ) saw 141 reports made to police about residential gatherings , whilst 85 were received on Saturday and 206 on Sunday .
And ACC Sykes said the number of crimes reported to police has n't gone up or down following the coronavirus lockdown .
What has changed is the nature of the crimes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a drop in both burglaries and robberies .
Crimes associated with the night time economy have also gone down - there has been a reduction in alcohol fuelled violence due to the closure of pubs and clubs .
`` It 's different type of demand - house parties , gatherings , people drinking in public places , we 've had some people reporting issues with people going to beauty spots , whether that is appropriate or not .
That 's a delicate one because people are allowed to exercise .
And there is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you drive for ten minutes so that you can do an exercise ? '
`` What 's our role in that ?
This is a society thing and we should all work together to follow the guidelines . ''
It is easier to arrest people in some cases - criminals who are still out breaking the rules during the lockdown tend to stick out like a sore thumb on the deserted streets .
Piccadilly Gardens , for example , is quieter so the people out breaking the law are more visible .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , there are less people out in the communities and some of those people that we 've tried to tackle in the past who might have committed robberies or burglaries - we 've been able to arrest those people , who are a bit more visible than usual '' , he said .
In total , there have been 97 fixed penalty notices ( fines ) issued to people in Greater Manchester under new coronavirus legislation .
Five of those were issued over the weekend ( Saturday 18 – Sunday 19 April ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people have broken the lockdown rules in public places rather than at parties .
Police have tended to adopt a different approach for house parties , ACC Chris Sykes said .
`` The best way to deal with house parties is to engage with people and to remind them of the legislation .
Enforcement is really difficult .
It involves using public order legislation and antisocial behaviour legislation to gain entry into someone 's house to break up a party .
`` That 's not a tactic we want to use in Greater @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parties and worked with people who were there in that way .
People often , when it 's explained to them , they often comply .
`` It 's quite hard to stay at home .
They are being cooped up with only one period of exercise a day or going out for essential shopping .
`` So Greater Manchester Police really appreciates how difficult it is .
But we really wanted to remind everyone how important it is to stick to the guidelines . ''
The weather forecast for this weekend looks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ urging people not to be tempted to break the lockdown rules by gathering with friends and relatives outside or at other people 's homes .
He said : `` The message is a thank you to everyone for making that big effort to comply with the guidelines .
I 'm really pleased that we did see a big reduction in house parties last weekend but I guess a small part of me is concerned about this weekend .
`` It 's scorching here in Stockport , it 's unusually hot weather .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us , and I understand how difficult it is for people .
I am concerned that we might get more reports of house parties , more reports of people breaching the legislation .
`` And my plea is please do n't .
Please comply with the legislation .
If we comply we will get through this quicker and we will save more lives . ''
Greater Manchester Police has a media van which has been touring the region , spreading the message for people to stay at home .
The van started its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ April 18 and is currently scheduled to finish on Monday , May 11 .
The van displays video messages from famous faces from around the region , urging people to stay indoors .
Manchester City ’ s Kevin De Bruyne , local boxer Anthony Crolla , Manchester United ’ s Marcus Rashford and Coronation Street ’ s Dan Brocklebank have all got involved in the campaign .
Anyone concerned about a house party going on in their neighbourhood can ring police on 101 , or use the livechat service on the GMP website @

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The number of house parties held in Greater Manchester halved last weekend - with 432 residential gatherings reported to GMP, a police boss has revealed.
The figure represents a 52pc drop from the 894 parties held the weekend before during the Easter Bank Holiday (April 10 to 12).
ACC Chris Sykes said he was pleased with the fewer numbers of house parties last weekend - but has asked people to remember to comply with the rules and "stick to the guidelines" in force through lockdown.
Speaking of last weekend's reduction in house parties, he told the Manchester Evening News.: "I like to think the work that police officers have done in communities has really helped.
"We did an awful lot of work around actually explaining the amount of house parties that we've had, and the vast majority of the public are being absolutely brilliant and are complying as much as possible to the legislation. We are really pleased with the changes.
"I think a lot of the messaging has helped that we've seen nationally and locally."
The types of house parties officers are called to have differed widely.
(Image: ABNM Photography)
Speaking at Stockport Divisional Headquarters, ACC Sykes said: "A family might go and see their elderly parents, there's also been people gathering to celebrate a birthday or christening.
"They shouldn't be doing it, they shouldn't be having those gatherings."
Police are often alerted to the house parties by concerned neighbours who can hear loud music blasting from the property or garden.
"People are really worried about the coronavirus. They are really worried and when they see a house party take place it really concerns them. They often report it to police.
"And we will try and reassure them by getting out there and reminding people they shouldn't do it."
Last Friday (April 17) saw 141 reports made to police about residential gatherings, whilst 85 were received on Saturday and 206 on Sunday.
And ACC Sykes said the number of crimes reported to police hasn't gone up or down following the coronavirus lockdown.
What has changed is the nature of the crimes reported to them.
There has been a drop in both burglaries and robberies.
Crimes associated with the night time economy have also gone down - there has been a reduction in alcohol fuelled violence due to the closure of pubs and clubs.
"It's different type of demand - house parties, gatherings, people drinking in public places, we've had some people reporting issues with people going to beauty spots, whether that is appropriate or not. That's a delicate one because people are allowed to exercise. And there is a bit of a debate about 'can you drive for ten minutes so that you can do an exercise?'
"What's our role in that? This is a society thing and we should all work together to follow the guidelines."
It is easier to arrest people in some cases - criminals who are still out breaking the rules during the lockdown tend to stick out like a sore thumb on the deserted streets.
Piccadilly Gardens, for example, is quieter so the people out breaking the law are more visible.
"There are less vehicles on the road, there are less people out in the communities and some of those people that we've tried to tackle in the past who might have committed robberies or burglaries - we've been able to arrest those people, who are a bit more visible than usual", he said.
In total, there have been 97 fixed penalty notices (fines) issued to people in Greater Manchester under new coronavirus legislation.
Five of those were issued over the weekend (Saturday 18 – Sunday 19 April).
The fines have been issued when people have broken the lockdown rules in public places rather than at parties.
Police have tended to adopt a different approach for house parties, ACC Chris Sykes said .
(Image: ABNM Photography)
"The best way to deal with house parties is to engage with people and to remind them of the legislation. Enforcement is really difficult. It involves using public order legislation and antisocial behaviour legislation to gain entry into someone's house to break up a party.
"That's not a tactic we want to use in Greater Manchester. We've normally gone to parties and worked with people who were there in that way. People often, when it's explained to them, they often comply.
"It's quite hard to stay at home. They are being cooped up with only one period of exercise a day or going out for essential shopping.
"So Greater Manchester Police really appreciates how difficult it is. But we really wanted to remind everyone how important it is to stick to the guidelines."
The weather forecast for this weekend looks sunny and bright.
ACC Sykes is urging people not to be tempted to break the lockdown rules by gathering with friends and relatives outside or at other people's homes.
He said: "The message is a thank you to everyone for making that big effort to comply with the guidelines. I'm really pleased that we did see a big reduction in house parties last weekend but I guess a small part of me is concerned about this weekend.
"It's scorching here in Stockport, it's unusually hot weather. We've got a nice weekend ahead of us, and I understand how difficult it is for people. I am concerned that we might get more reports of house parties, more reports of people breaching the legislation.
"And my plea is please don't. Please comply with the legislation. If we comply we will get through this quicker and we will save more lives."
(Image: ABNM Photography)
Greater Manchester Police has a media van which has been touring the region, spreading the message for people to stay at home.
The van started its tour of the region on Saturday, April 18 and is currently scheduled to finish on Monday, May 11.
The van displays video messages from famous faces from around the region, urging people to stay indoors.
Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne, local boxer Anthony Crolla, Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford and Coronation Street’s Dan Brocklebank have all got involved in the campaign.
Anyone concerned about a house party going on in their neighbourhood can ring police on 101, or use the livechat service on the GMP website.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-04-24--Top UK medic responds to President Trump’s disinfectant suggestion

Professor Jenny Harries has warned the public over the importance of using appropriate treatments against coronavirus after a clip of President Donald Trump was widely circulated overnight .
Mr Trump , in Thursday ’ s White House task force briefing , suggested there should be further research into whether disinfectant could be injected into the body after he was presented with results of a US government study that showed bleach could kill the virus in saliva or respiratory fluids within five minutes .
In the UK ’ s government press briefing on Friday , Prof Jenny was quizzed by a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the President about the dangers of spreading disinformation .
The deputy chief medical officer enforced that only evidence-based treatments that we know are safe should be used .
Speaking from Downing Street , she said : “ I wouldn ’ t have a specific message to Donald Trump , I ’ d have a specific message to anybody who suggested they should be injecting anything into their bodies .
“ I mean , clearly we would not support , from a medical professional perspective , it is really important that people use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tested .
“ We have very good programmes that have been taken up very rapidly , co-ordinated in this country testing various different alternative treatments .
“ Those trials will report reasonably early , but certainly nobody should be injecting anything and we should be using evidence-based and properly trialled treatments that we know will be safe.
” In the clip concerned , Mr Trump says : “ ... And then I see the disinfectant where it knocks it out in a minute .
One minute .
And is there a way we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ injection inside or almost a cleaning ?
`` So it 'd be interesting to check that . ''
He added : `` I 'm not a doctor .
But I 'm , like , a person that has a good you-know-what . ''
The medical community has since lambasted the President , and two major disinfectant brands have been forced to issue warnings to shoppers after Zoflora and Dettol both began trending on Twitter .
Covaid-19 - helping those who need it most in Greater Manchester The coronavirus outbreak has left many people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ food , basics and other support .
Many of them are self-isolating , often in fragile health and alone .
Public services have been working hard to find and help them , but we know they are over-stretched and working round the clock .
So the Manchester Evening News and the Greater Manchester Mayor 's Charity have launched Covaid-19 - a fundraiser aimed at supporting those who most need help , from elderly people with no support network to homeless families living in hotels .
The money will be distributed via the mayor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can donate by visiting our JustGiving page here .
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 .

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Professor Jenny Harries has warned the public over the importance of using appropriate treatments against coronavirus after a clip of President Donald Trump was widely circulated overnight.
Mr Trump, in Thursday’s White House task force briefing, suggested there should be further research into whether disinfectant could be injected into the body after he was presented with results of a US government study that showed bleach could kill the virus in saliva or respiratory fluids within five minutes.
In the UK’s government press briefing on Friday, Prof Jenny was quizzed by a journalist on whether she has a message to the President about the dangers of spreading disinformation.
The deputy chief medical officer enforced that only evidence-based treatments that we know are safe should be used.
(Image: AP)
Speaking from Downing Street, she said: “I wouldn’t have a specific message to Donald Trump, I’d have a specific message to anybody who suggested they should be injecting anything into their bodies.
“I mean, clearly we would not support, from a medical professional perspective, it is really important that people use appropriate treatments that are evidence based and tested.
“We have very good programmes that have been taken up very rapidly, co-ordinated in this country testing various different alternative treatments.
“Those trials will report reasonably early, but certainly nobody should be injecting anything and we should be using evidence-based and properly trialled treatments that we know will be safe.”
In the clip concerned, Mr Trump says: “...And then I see the disinfectant where it knocks it out in a minute. One minute. And is there a way we can do something like that, by injection inside or almost a cleaning?
"So it'd be interesting to check that."
He added: "I'm not a doctor. But I'm, like, a person that has a good you-know-what."
The medical community has since lambasted the President, and two major disinfectant brands have been forced to issue warnings to shoppers after Zoflora and Dettol both began trending on Twitter.
Covaid-19 - helping those who need it most in Greater Manchester The coronavirus outbreak has left many people across Greater Manchester struggling for access to food, basics and other support. Many of them are self-isolating, often in fragile health and alone. Public services have been working hard to find and help them, but we know they are over-stretched and working round the clock. So the Manchester Evening News and the Greater Manchester Mayor's Charity have launched Covaid-19 - a fundraiser aimed at supporting those who most need help, from elderly people with no support network to homeless families living in hotels. The money will be distributed via the mayor of Greater Manchester's charity. You can donate by visiting our JustGiving page here.
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--2020-04-25--Police explain why they let hundreds gather at Manchester funeral

Police say they allowed hundreds of people to gather at the funeral of ‘ Mr Ibiza ’ Clive Pinnock to protect 'wider public safety ' .
Officers spoke to Mr Pinnock ’ s immediate family before the service on Thursday ( April 23 ) to discuss their plans and current government guidelines relating to the coronavirus lockdown .
Emotions at the gatherings “ were high ” and as such , police made a decision not to intervene “ in the interests of public safety ” unless the winder public were put at risk , Greater Manchester Police said .
Police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gorton Cemetery at around 7pm that night where they said `` several gatherings '' connected to the funeral were taking place .
The Manchester Evening News learned that a man walked into the crowd and opened fire before he was slashed with a knife .
He suffered serious face lacerations , the M.E.N .
understands .
Police say the injured man was found on nearby Waterhouse Road with knife wounds and was taken to hospital for treatment .
A 34-year-old man was later arrested on suspicion of attempted murder .
He has since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ custody for questioning by detectives .
Mr Pinnock , 38 , died after a collision between a green Kawasaki motorbike he was riding and a BMW on Hyde Road on Wednesday April 8 .
A senior GMP officer has now explained the decision not to intervene and break up the huge gatherings taking place in relation to Mr Pinnock ’ s funeral .
Superintendent Rebecca Boyce from GMP ’ s City of Manchester division , said : “ We were made aware of several gatherings taking place yesterday in Gorton in relation to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up to the funeral , officers engaged with the immediate family of the man who had sadly lost his life to explain the government guidelines and to discuss details of their plans .
“ A careful assessment was then made about the policing approach to any gatherings associated with the funeral .
`` Our overriding priority was to ensure that the wider public were kept safe .
`` We continued to closely monitor the situation and as it progressed it was clear that the emotions of those at the gathering were high and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the interests of public safety , not to intervene unless the wider public were put at risk by the groups .
`` An arrest was subsequently made of a man who remains in custody in relation to a firearms discharge which happened close by .
“ We understand that there has been public concern regarding the events of yesterday .
`` We want to sincerely thank the majority of the public , many of whom are struggling with the loss of loved ones , who have not risked the safety of others by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of government guidelines .
`` We all have a legal and moral responsibility to abide by the legislation , which is in place to save lives .
“ We can only get through this difficult time with the support of all our communities and therefore we would continue to appeal to members of the public to follow the government advice and work with us during what is a particularly challenging time for everyone.
” Images posted on both Facebook and Twitter showed dozens of people standing side-by-side lining roads as Mr Pinnock 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against the social distancing rules introduced by the government amid the Covid-19 pandemic .
Police are continuing their investigations and assessing forensic and CCTV evidence to make sure “ that those responsible are brought to justice ” .
Anyone with information about the incident at the cemetery is asked to call police on 0161 856 1146 or 101 , quoting incident number 2455 of 23/04/20 .
Reports can also be made anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 .

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Police say they allowed hundreds of people to gather at the funeral of ‘Mr Ibiza’ Clive Pinnock to protect 'wider public safety'.
Officers spoke to Mr Pinnock’s immediate family before the service on Thursday (April 23) to discuss their plans and current government guidelines relating to the coronavirus lockdown.
Emotions at the gatherings “were high” and as such, police made a decision not to intervene “in the interests of public safety” unless the winder public were put at risk, Greater Manchester Police said.
Police were called to reports of gunshots at Gorton Cemetery at around 7pm that night where they said "several gatherings" connected to the funeral were taking place.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
The Manchester Evening News learned that a man walked into the crowd and opened fire before he was slashed with a knife.
He suffered serious face lacerations, the M.E.N. understands.
Police say the injured man was found on nearby Waterhouse Road with knife wounds and was taken to hospital for treatment.
A 34-year-old man was later arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.
He has since been discharged from hospital and taken into custody for questioning by detectives.
Mr Pinnock, 38, died after a collision between a green Kawasaki motorbike he was riding and a BMW on Hyde Road on Wednesday April 8.
A senior GMP officer has now explained the decision not to intervene and break up the huge gatherings taking place in relation to Mr Pinnock’s funeral.
(Image: Facebook/Instagram)
Superintendent Rebecca Boyce from GMP’s City of Manchester division, said: “We were made aware of several gatherings taking place yesterday in Gorton in relation to a funeral.
"In the lead up to the funeral, officers engaged with the immediate family of the man who had sadly lost his life to explain the government guidelines and to discuss details of their plans.
“A careful assessment was then made about the policing approach to any gatherings associated with the funeral.
"Our overriding priority was to ensure that the wider public were kept safe.
"We continued to closely monitor the situation and as it progressed it was clear that the emotions of those at the gathering were high and therefore a decision was made, in the interests of public safety, not to intervene unless the wider public were put at risk by the groups.
"An arrest was subsequently made of a man who remains in custody in relation to a firearms discharge which happened close by.
“We understand that there has been public concern regarding the events of yesterday.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
"We want to sincerely thank the majority of the public, many of whom are struggling with the loss of loved ones, who have not risked the safety of others by attending gatherings such as funerals in breach of government guidelines.
"We all have a legal and moral responsibility to abide by the legislation, which is in place to save lives.
“We can only get through this difficult time with the support of all our communities and therefore we would continue to appeal to members of the public to follow the government advice and work with us during what is a particularly challenging time for everyone.”
Images posted on both Facebook and Twitter showed dozens of people standing side-by-side lining roads as Mr Pinnock's funeral cortege passed by.
This goes against the social distancing rules introduced by the government amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
Police are continuing their investigations and assessing forensic and CCTV evidence to make sure “that those responsible are brought to justice”.
Anyone with information about the incident at the cemetery is asked to call police on 0161 856 1146 or 101, quoting incident number 2455 of 23/04/20.
Reports can also be made anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.