themanchestereveningnews--2020-03-24--Gary Neville names Man United's best strike partnership

Gary Neville believes that Dwight Yorke and Andy Cole were the best Manchester United strike partnership he played with - and arguably the best the club have ever had .
Yorke and Cole played a huge part in United 's legendary Treble victory in 1999 , leading the line for Sir Alex Ferguson 's side and helping them win the Premier League , FA Cup and Champions League .
Neville name-checked several other excellent forwards to have graced Old Trafford , including Ruud van Nistelrooy , Wayne Rooney and current boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer but admitted Yorke and Cole were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a duo .
`` It 's interesting that because when I first came into the team it was [ Eric ] Cantona and [ Mark ] Hughes , '' Neville said on a special edition of Monday Night Football on Sky Sports as he and Jamie Carragher analysed United 's iconic 6-1 victory over Arsenal in 2001 in which Yorke scored a hat-trick .
`` And then obviously that period we had Yorkey and Coley , and Teddy [ Sheringham ] and Ole worked well as strike partners .
`` Then it went @ @ @ @ @ @ @ [ Paul Scholes ] and sometimes with one of the other lads that I 've just mentioned .
`` And then it went into Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez who were absolutely sensational as well .
`` I probably think Yorke and Cole just for that treble season where they were just absolutely sensational .
The way in which they played together , they just lit up the whole league , lit up Europe .
`` I always remember a game we played in the Champions League group stages in Barcelona where both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ never seen anything like it .
`` We conceded three goals , I was centre-back , but we scored three and those two that night were absolutely brilliant . ''
Carragher then added that he found Cole the trickier opponent during his days in the Liverpool defence , trying to stop United .
`` I always felt Andy Cole was the most difficult to play against , '' Carragher said .
`` I think Dwight Yorke was the best player .
Watching Manchester United I thought he was your No 1 striker .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ me a problem , Dwight Yorke was always in front of me , Andy Cole was always looking to go in-behind .
`` That 's where they would always give you a problem , you could never sort of relax within the game . ''

Gary Neville believes that Dwight Yorke and Andy Cole were the best Manchester United strike partnership he played with - and arguably the best the club have ever had.
Yorke and Cole played a huge part in United's legendary Treble victory in 1999, leading the line for Sir Alex Ferguson's side and helping them win the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League.
Neville name-checked several other excellent forwards to have graced Old Trafford, including Ruud van Nistelrooy, Wayne Rooney and current boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer but admitted Yorke and Cole were head and shoulders above the rest as a duo.
"It's interesting that because when I first came into the team it was [Eric] Cantona and [Mark] Hughes," Neville said on a special edition of Monday Night Football on Sky Sports as he and Jamie Carragher analysed United's iconic 6-1 victory over Arsenal in 2001 in which Yorke scored a hat-trick.
"And then obviously that period we had Yorkey and Coley, and Teddy [Sheringham] and Ole worked well as strike partners.
"Then it went into Ruud who played sometimes with Scholesy [Paul Scholes] and sometimes with one of the other lads that I've just mentioned.
"And then it went into Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez who were absolutely sensational as well.
"I probably think Yorke and Cole just for that treble season where they were just absolutely sensational. The way in which they played together, they just lit up the whole league, lit up Europe.
"I always remember a game we played in the Champions League group stages in Barcelona where both of them played together and I'd never seen anything like it.
"We conceded three goals, I was centre-back, but we scored three and those two that night were absolutely brilliant."
Carragher then added that he found Cole the trickier opponent during his days in the Liverpool defence, trying to stop United.
"I always felt Andy Cole was the most difficult to play against," Carragher said.
"I think Dwight Yorke was the best player. Watching Manchester United I thought he was your No 1 striker.
"But in terms of what caused me a problem, Dwight Yorke was always in front of me, Andy Cole was always looking to go in-behind.
"That's where they would always give you a problem, you could never sort of relax within the game."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-03-24--Man City’s winners and losers so far this season

It ’ s been a strange season for Manchester City , with plenty of highs and some frustrating lows , as the Premier League title is all but lost to rivals Liverpool but the Carabao Cup has already been won for the third successive season and the Champions League is still a strong possibility after recording a historic victory over Real Madrid .
The sharp contrast in fortunes has also been reflected throughout Pep Guardiola ’ s squad , with some stars faring much better than others .
While some players have been fantastic and perhaps enjoyed their best seasons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the highest level , plenty more have suffered complete losses of form and confidence or have simply had rotten luck with injury .
Here are Manchester City ’ s winners and losers so far this season : Despite Liverpool ’ s utter dominance of the league this season and the consistency of the likes of Virgil van Dijk , Sadio Mane , Trent Alexander-Arnold and the rest , it would be no surprise if they were all beaten to the Player of the Year award by Kevin De Bruyne .
After missing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of troublesome injuries , the brilliant Belgian has been playing like a man looking to make up for lost time and has been simply sensational .
De Bruyne has netted nine times , including several screamers and the crucial winning penalty against Madrid , and has registered an astonishing 20 assists .
With 17 of them coming in the Premier League , he is only four away from breaking Thierry Henry ’ s record number of assists in a single season with 20 , which was set in the 2002/03 season .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s title victory last year , mostly without him , even more of an achievement and could even see him get a look in at winning the Ballon d ’ Or .
With the arrival of Rodri in the summer it appeared that Fernandinho was no longer going to be as crucial to the team as he once was , but if anything he ’ s never been more important .
With Guardiola starved of options in defence due to the departure of Vincent Kompany and injury issues ruling out Aymeric Laporte , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ points , the Blues boss has been forced to adapt Fernandinho into a makeshift defender .
Despite some teething issues that come from moving to a completely new position at the age of 34 , the Brazilian has handled the transition brilliantly and has looked a natural in the back-line .
His leadership , distribution from the back and fearlessness in throwing himself into tackles and blocks has shown up some of the other defenders at the club for their poor performances in recent years .
Fernandinho ’ s ever-growing importance to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deal at the Etihad and he must be a shoe-in to be named the next club captain when David Silva leaves in the summer .
After a stop-start beginning to his career at City last season and with many starting to doubt his abilities , Mahrez has proven exactly why City splashed out £60million to pry him away from Leicester City .
De Bruyne aside , the mercurial winger has been the Blues ’ most consistently quality attacker and has been unplayable at times .
The Algerian even has stats that rival De @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 14 assists to his name .
With Raheem Sterling ’ s form dropping off in 2020 and the absence of Leroy Sane , Mahrez has been the one to step up and always deliver when his team needs a bit of quality and imagination .
Despite the deluge of praise Guardiola has showered Phil Foden with in the past , the teenage sensation has still had limited game time and has started three Premier League matches this season .
Yet he remains a winner .
The 19-year-old ’ s quality has been known @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had his true ‘ breakout ’ performances in the Carabao Cup victory , in which he set up the opener with a deft header and was comfortably the Man of the Match .
Showing his versatility by playing further forward than his accustomed midfield role , Foden showed off a first touch that saw the ball stick as if it were made of velcro and was at the centre of all the good City did .
‘ The Stockport Iniesta ’ earned a start in the Manchester derby off the back of his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we ’ re at last going to see a whole lot more of him in the first team .
Benjamin Mendy may no longer have the spark he had when he first joined City and before two years of injury turmoil took its toll , but it ’ s hard to dispute that this season hasn ’ t been a brilliant personal victory for the left-back .
The Frenchman has still suffered setbacks and time on the sidelines but he has already made 23 appearances in all competitions , which is just one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two campaigns combined .
If Mendy can regain the excellent form he showed in his first few games for the club , then it would be even more of a remarkable comeback than it already is .
Perhaps the most telling aspect of John Stones ’ downfall is that when he wasn ’ t even named on the bench for the Champions League trip to Real Madrid , not many people batted an eye .
The centre-back arrived at City with so much potential and seemed a perfect fit to play in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ball , but he has never lived up to it and his performances have continued on a steep decline this season .
Stones remains injury prone but when he does play high-profile mistakes continue to cost him and has seen him fall down the pecking order .
The most recent of which came in the Carabao Cup final when he carelessly let Aston Villa back into the game on the edge of half-time .
What makes it even more frustrating is that he later proved how good he can be in that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crosses in the final minutes as Villa were pressing for an equaliser .
At 25 , Stones is at a crucial point in his career and if a drastic improvement doesn ’ t happen soon he may find himself not wanted at the Etihad .
Joao Cancelo arrived claiming he was aiming to dislodge Kyle Walker as City ’ s first-choice right-back but he has hardly come close .
While Walker remains one of Guardiola ’ s most trusted players , Cancelo can hardly find game time other than in cup competitions or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to speculation that he could even leave the club in January .
The Portuguese was then completely left out of the squad which lifted the League Cup , strange considering the £60million outlay City made to sign him and Guardiola told him what he must do to get more minutes .
`` Be himself , open-minded , listen , try to do his best , '' he said .
`` We are here to help him .
The normal things I want for all the players .
It depends on him .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decide the rest . ''
After emerging as one of City ’ s most important players last season , to the point where Guardiola called him undroppable , Bernardo Silva has suffered a massive tail off in form this season .
There have still been sparks of genius and no one is doubting his quality , but a combination of fatigue after nearly two years without a break due to the 2018 World Cup and last summer ’ s Nations League finals , plus the controversy surrounding his tweet to teammate Mendy and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decline in his levels of performances .
A lengthy break to help refresh the batteries is exactly what Bernardo needs .
Through no fault of his own , it has been an awful season for Leroy Sane - because it hasn ’ t even started .
The lightning-quick forward suffered a serious knee injury just 10 minutes into the season ’ s curtain-raiser in the Community Shield against Liverpool and has yet to return to the first team .
While Sane was spared a full ligament tear which would have ruled him out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ significant damage which required surgery and months of rehabilitation but it all went to plan without any setbacks .
The German international finally made his comeback towards the end of February as he played 57 minutes for the Under-23s against Arsenal but just as he was on the verge of getting back in the first team all football in England was suspended due to the coronavirus outbreak .
Sane hasn ’ t had a lot of luck after suffering what he said was the hardest injury in his career but perhaps the delay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back stronger when football is finally underway again .

It’s been a strange season for Manchester City, with plenty of highs and some frustrating lows, as the Premier League title is all but lost to rivals Liverpool but the Carabao Cup has already been won for the third successive season and the Champions League is still a strong possibility after recording a historic victory over Real Madrid.
The sharp contrast in fortunes has also been reflected throughout Pep Guardiola’s squad, with some stars faring much better than others.
While some players have been fantastic and perhaps enjoyed their best seasons at the Etihad or proven themselves at the highest level, plenty more have suffered complete losses of form and confidence or have simply had rotten luck with injury.
Here are Manchester City’s winners and losers so far this season:
Winners:
Kevin De Bruyne
Despite Liverpool’s utter dominance of the league this season and the consistency of the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Sadio Mane, Trent Alexander-Arnold and the rest, it would be no surprise if they were all beaten to the Player of the Year award by Kevin De Bruyne.
After missing the majority of last season with a series of troublesome injuries, the brilliant Belgian has been playing like a man looking to make up for lost time and has been simply sensational.
De Bruyne has netted nine times, including several screamers and the crucial winning penalty against Madrid, and has registered an astonishing 20 assists. With 17 of them coming in the Premier League, he is only four away from breaking Thierry Henry’s record number of assists in a single season with 20, which was set in the 2002/03 season.
The midfielder’s performances make City’s title victory last year, mostly without him, even more of an achievement and could even see him get a look in at winning the Ballon d’Or.
(Image: David Ramos/Getty Images)
Fernandinho
With the arrival of Rodri in the summer it appeared that Fernandinho was no longer going to be as crucial to the team as he once was, but if anything he’s never been more important.
With Guardiola starved of options in defence due to the departure of Vincent Kompany and injury issues ruling out Aymeric Laporte, John Stones and Nicolas Otamendi at various points, the Blues boss has been forced to adapt Fernandinho into a makeshift defender.
Despite some teething issues that come from moving to a completely new position at the age of 34, the Brazilian has handled the transition brilliantly and has looked a natural in the back-line. His leadership, distribution from the back and fearlessness in throwing himself into tackles and blocks has shown up some of the other defenders at the club for their poor performances in recent years.
Fernandinho’s ever-growing importance to the side saw him rewarded with a new deal at the Etihad and he must be a shoe-in to be named the next club captain when David Silva leaves in the summer.
Riyad Mahrez
After a stop-start beginning to his career at City last season and with many starting to doubt his abilities, Mahrez has proven exactly why City splashed out £60million to pry him away from Leicester City.
De Bruyne aside, the mercurial winger has been the Blues’ most consistently quality attacker and has been unplayable at times. The Algerian even has stats that rival De Bruyne’s with nine goals and 14 assists to his name.
With Raheem Sterling’s form dropping off in 2020 and the absence of Leroy Sane, Mahrez has been the one to step up and always deliver when his team needs a bit of quality and imagination.
Phil Foden
Despite the deluge of praise Guardiola has showered Phil Foden with in the past, the teenage sensation has still had limited game time and has started three Premier League matches this season. Yet he remains a winner.
The 19-year-old’s quality has been known by all for years but he finally had his true ‘breakout’ performances in the Carabao Cup victory, in which he set up the opener with a deft header and was comfortably the Man of the Match.
Showing his versatility by playing further forward than his accustomed midfield role, Foden showed off a first touch that saw the ball stick as if it were made of velcro and was at the centre of all the good City did.
‘The Stockport Iniesta’ earned a start in the Manchester derby off the back of his performance and now it feels as though we’re at last going to see a whole lot more of him in the first team.
Benjamin Mendy
Benjamin Mendy may no longer have the spark he had when he first joined City and before two years of injury turmoil took its toll, but it’s hard to dispute that this season hasn’t been a brilliant personal victory for the left-back.
The Frenchman has still suffered setbacks and time on the sidelines but he has already made 23 appearances in all competitions, which is just one less than he managed in the previous two campaigns combined.
If Mendy can regain the excellent form he showed in his first few games for the club, then it would be even more of a remarkable comeback than it already is.
(Image: Alex Livesey - Danehouse/Getty Images)
Losers:
John Stones
Perhaps the most telling aspect of John Stones’ downfall is that when he wasn’t even named on the bench for the Champions League trip to Real Madrid, not many people batted an eye.
The centre-back arrived at City with so much potential and seemed a perfect fit to play in a Guardiola team thanks to his ability on the ball, but he has never lived up to it and his performances have continued on a steep decline this season.
Stones remains injury prone but when he does play high-profile mistakes continue to cost him and has seen him fall down the pecking order. The most recent of which came in the Carabao Cup final when he carelessly let Aston Villa back into the game on the edge of half-time. What makes it even more frustrating is that he later proved how good he can be in that same game as he cleared two dangerous crosses in the final minutes as Villa were pressing for an equaliser.
At 25, Stones is at a crucial point in his career and if a drastic improvement doesn’t happen soon he may find himself not wanted at the Etihad.
Joao Cancelo
Joao Cancelo arrived claiming he was aiming to dislodge Kyle Walker as City’s first-choice right-back but he has hardly come close.
While Walker remains one of Guardiola’s most trusted players, Cancelo can hardly find game time other than in cup competitions or against far inferior opposition, which led to speculation that he could even leave the club in January.
The Portuguese was then completely left out of the squad which lifted the League Cup, strange considering the £60million outlay City made to sign him and Guardiola told him what he must do to get more minutes.
"Be himself, open-minded, listen, try to do his best," he said. "We are here to help him. The normal things I want for all the players. It depends on him. I can suggest but the players have to decide the rest."
Bernardo Silva
After emerging as one of City’s most important players last season, to the point where Guardiola called him undroppable, Bernardo Silva has suffered a massive tail off in form this season.
There have still been sparks of genius and no one is doubting his quality, but a combination of fatigue after nearly two years without a break due to the 2018 World Cup and last summer’s Nations League finals, plus the controversy surrounding his tweet to teammate Mendy and subsequent suspension, has seen a significant decline in his levels of performances.
A lengthy break to help refresh the batteries is exactly what Bernardo needs.
Leroy Sane
Through no fault of his own, it has been an awful season for Leroy Sane - because it hasn’t even started.
The lightning-quick forward suffered a serious knee injury just 10 minutes into the season’s curtain-raiser in the Community Shield against Liverpool and has yet to return to the first team.
While Sane was spared a full ligament tear which would have ruled him out for even longer, he still suffered significant damage which required surgery and months of rehabilitation but it all went to plan without any setbacks.
The German international finally made his comeback towards the end of February as he played 57 minutes for the Under-23s against Arsenal but just as he was on the verge of getting back in the first team all football in England was suspended due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Sane hasn’t had a lot of luck after suffering what he said was the hardest injury in his career but perhaps the delay in action will allow him to come back stronger when football is finally underway again.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-03-24--Government minister tells Sports Direct to shut stores

A government minister has told Sports Direct owner Mike Ashley to 'back off ' , insisting there is 'no reason ' for a store such as his to remain open following the Prime Minister 's orders to the country amid the coronavirus pandemic .
Cabinet office minister Michael Gove spoke on Good Morning Britain after Boris Johnson said all non-essential shops must shut .
He said Sports Direct bosses should allow the thousands of employees to stay at home .
Frasers Group , which includes Sports Direct and Evans Cycles , emailed employees 30 minutes after Boris Johnson announced all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Monday ) .
Read more of today 's top stories here The email said Sports Direct shops will stay open because they are are 'uniquely well-placed to help keep the UK as fit and healthy as possible ' .
Mr Gove told ITV 's GMB he could not see 'any justification ' for the shop to stay open .
Asked what workers should do if ordered to come in by the firm , Mr Gove said : `` My view is that Mike Ashley should rescind what he said .
He should back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need to do is make sure people wherever possible stay at home .
`` Yes it 's important people exercise but that should be done once a day and it 's a basic thing .
`` People can walk , run or cycle , they should , but there is no reason for a store like Sports Direct to remain open . ''
As of 2pm on Saturday , it has a criminal offence - punishable by a non-specified fine - for any business in first wave of closures including pubs and theatres @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , directors can be prosecuted personally .
This will shortly be extended to new businesses being closed , and could include firms like Sports Direct .
Supermarkets , food shops , health shops , pharmacies , petrol stations , bicycle shops , home and hardware shops , laundrettes and dry cleaners , garages , car rentals , pet shops , corner shops , newsagents , post offices and banks are on the list of shops allowed to stay open .
Frasers Group finance chief Chris Wootton wrote to workers last night : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ equipment designed for exercising at home ... indeed home fitness is the number one trending topic on social media after coronavirus itself .
`` Against the backdrop of the closure of gyms the demand for these types of products has increased exponentially as the population looks to maintain a healthy lifestyle .
`` Consequently , we are uniquely well placed to help keep the UK as fit and healthy as possible during this crisis and thus our Sports Direct and Evans Cycles stores will remain open where possible to allow us to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's current social distancing guidance ) .
`` There is no one else that has the range of product and range of stores to make this reasonably accessible for the whole population . ''

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A government minister has told Sports Direct owner Mike Ashley to 'back off', insisting there is 'no reason' for a store such as his to remain open following the Prime Minister's orders to the country amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Cabinet office minister Michael Gove spoke on Good Morning Britain after Boris Johnson said all non-essential shops must shut.
He said Sports Direct bosses should allow the thousands of employees to stay at home.
Frasers Group, which includes Sports Direct and Evans Cycles, emailed employees 30 minutes after Boris Johnson announced all non-essential retailers must shut last night (Monday).
The email said Sports Direct shops will stay open because they are are 'uniquely well-placed to help keep the UK as fit and healthy as possible'.
Mr Gove told ITV's GMB he could not see 'any justification' for the shop to stay open.
(Image: ITV)
Asked what workers should do if ordered to come in by the firm, Mr Gove said: "My view is that Mike Ashley should rescind what he said. He should back off.
"The key thing we need to do is make sure people wherever possible stay at home.
"Yes it's important people exercise but that should be done once a day and it's a basic thing.
"People can walk, run or cycle, they should, but there is no reason for a store like Sports Direct to remain open."
As of 2pm on Saturday, it has a criminal offence - punishable by a non-specified fine - for any business in first wave of closures including pubs and theatres to remain open.
(Image: Graham Young / BirminghamLive)
For large corporations, directors can be prosecuted personally.
This will shortly be extended to new businesses being closed, and could include firms like Sports Direct.
Supermarkets, food shops, health shops, pharmacies, petrol stations, bicycle shops, home and hardware shops, laundrettes and dry cleaners, garages, car rentals, pet shops, corner shops, newsagents, post offices and banks are on the list of shops allowed to stay open.
Frasers Group finance chief Chris Wootton wrote to workers last night: "We stock a huge range of sports equipment designed for exercising at home... indeed home fitness is the number one trending topic on social media after coronavirus itself.
"Against the backdrop of the closure of gyms the demand for these types of products has increased exponentially as the population looks to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
"Consequently, we are uniquely well placed to help keep the UK as fit and healthy as possible during this crisis and thus our Sports Direct and Evans Cycles stores will remain open where possible to allow us to do this (in accordance with the Government's current social distancing guidance).
"There is no one else that has the range of product and range of stores to make this reasonably accessible for the whole population."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-03-24--What Man Utd can learn from Pogba at Juventus - and how Bruno can help

It is a question as old as time itself : how do Manchester United get the best out of Paul Pogba ?
The Reds beat competition from Europe ’ s biggest and most affluent clubs when they re-signed the Frenchman in an £89m deal back in 2016 and , contrary to what some believe , he has been a good signing for the club .
In terms of natural talent and ability , Pogba is United ’ s best player and a major factor behind his struggles to find consistency in his performances is that United ’ s managers have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from which he can thrive to his maximum capacity .
That Pogba has excelled previously in a Juventus side which dominated Serie A and a France team that were crowned world champions in 2018 shows that he can be a huge asset if used in the right way and surrounded by players of similar or equal ability .
United certainly are not at the level that Pogba would have expected them to be when he agreed to return to the club but the signing of Bruno Fernandes is a hugely positive step in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ returned to full fitness , his relationship with Fernandes will be key to the team ’ s chances of success under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer .
There has been a long-held belief that Pogba ’ s best position is as a left-sided central midfielder in a 4-3-3 system , but that is not strictly true : he has performed capably in a variety of roles and different systems in the past , such as in a 3-5-2 or 4-3-1-2 at Juventus or in a double pivot with N ’ Golo Kante in a 4-2-3-1 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , though , that Pogba announced himself as a top-class talent .
Barring injuries , Juventus predominantly played a 3-5-2 system throughout Pogba ’ s four-year spell in Turin , largely because of the unyielding strength of their defensive four comprised of Gianluigi Buffon ; Andrea Barzagli , Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini .
In that system , Pogba ’ s main role was to help Juventus in transition phases by using his energy and dribbling ability to drive the team forwards , rather than act as the team ’ s chief playmaker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United .
In each of his four seasons at Juve , Pogba ranked in the top three players at the club for dribbles attempted , while his highest rank for chances created was sixth in 2015-16 .
Andrea Pirlo was Juventus ’ deep-lying playmaker but there was also a big creative onus on one of the two forward players to fashion chances , initially Carlos Tevez and then in Pogba ’ s final season , Paulo Dybala .
Tevez was in the top three for chances created in Juventus ’ squad in his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ second-most creative player in 2015-16 .
During Pogba ’ s time on the sidelines , United have , for the first time since he ’ s been at the club , experimented with a back five with wing-backs and to good effect too .
And with Fernandes making an immediate impact as United ’ s main creator - he has created 11 chances in the Premier League , more than any other United player - Pogba can reprise his Juventus role with Fernandes playing as a second forward , similar to Tevez and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a game-changer for United , but it could also have a seismic impact on Pogba ’ s form too .
With the Portuguese playmaker assuming creative duties , Pogba can strip back his game for the good of himself and the team .
It is a combination that has the potential to work wonders for Solskjaer ’ s side .

Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
It is a question as old as time itself: how do Manchester United get the best out of Paul Pogba?
The Reds beat competition from Europe’s biggest and most affluent clubs when they re-signed the Frenchman in an £89m deal back in 2016 and, contrary to what some believe, he has been a good signing for the club.
In terms of natural talent and ability, Pogba is United’s best player and a major factor behind his struggles to find consistency in his performances is that United’s managers have been unable to create an effective framework from which he can thrive to his maximum capacity.
That Pogba has excelled previously in a Juventus side which dominated Serie A and a France team that were crowned world champions in 2018 shows that he can be a huge asset if used in the right way and surrounded by players of similar or equal ability.
United certainly are not at the level that Pogba would have expected them to be when he agreed to return to the club but the signing of Bruno Fernandes is a hugely positive step in the right direction. Once Pogba has returned to full fitness, his relationship with Fernandes will be key to the team’s chances of success under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
There has been a long-held belief that Pogba’s best position is as a left-sided central midfielder in a 4-3-3 system, but that is not strictly true: he has performed capably in a variety of roles and different systems in the past, such as in a 3-5-2 or 4-3-1-2 at Juventus or in a double pivot with N’Golo Kante in a 4-2-3-1 for France.
It was at Juventus, though, that Pogba announced himself as a top-class talent. Barring injuries, Juventus predominantly played a 3-5-2 system throughout Pogba’s four-year spell in Turin, largely because of the unyielding strength of their defensive four comprised of Gianluigi Buffon; Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini.
In that system, Pogba’s main role was to help Juventus in transition phases by using his energy and dribbling ability to drive the team forwards, rather than act as the team’s chief playmaker as has been expected of him at United. In each of his four seasons at Juve, Pogba ranked in the top three players at the club for dribbles attempted, while his highest rank for chances created was sixth in 2015-16.
Andrea Pirlo was Juventus’ deep-lying playmaker but there was also a big creative onus on one of the two forward players to fashion chances, initially Carlos Tevez and then in Pogba’s final season, Paulo Dybala. Tevez was in the top three for chances created in Juventus’ squad in his two seasons, while Dybala was their second-most creative player in 2015-16.
During Pogba’s time on the sidelines, United have, for the first time since he’s been at the club, experimented with a back five with wing-backs and to good effect too. And with Fernandes making an immediate impact as United’s main creator - he has created 11 chances in the Premier League, more than any other United player - Pogba can reprise his Juventus role with Fernandes playing as a second forward, similar to Tevez and Dybala.
Fernandes’ signing has been a game-changer for United, but it could also have a seismic impact on Pogba’s form too. With the Portuguese playmaker assuming creative duties, Pogba can strip back his game for the good of himself and the team.
It is a combination that has the potential to work wonders for Solskjaer’s side.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-03-24--Sports Direct under fire for keeping stores open claiming they are 'vital'

Sports Direct has come under fire for keeping all stores open during the coronavirus crisis .
In an email to staff members , bosses said shops will stay open because they are are `` uniquely well-placed to help keep the UK as fit and healthy as possible ” .
Mike Ashley 's Frasers Group , which includes Sports Direct and Evans Cycles , sent an email to all employees within 30 minutes of the Prime Minister 's announcement non-essential retailers will shut .
Finance chief Chris Wootton wrote : “ We stock a huge range of sports equipment designed for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the number one trending topic on social media after coronavirus itself .
Read more of today 's top stories here “ Against the backdrop of the closure of gyms the demand for these types of products has increased exponentially as the population looks to maintain a healthy lifestyle .
“ Consequently , we are uniquely well placed to help keep the UK as fit and healthy as possible during this crisis and thus our Sports Direct and Evans Cycles stores will remain open where possible to allow us to do this ( in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social distancing guidance ) .
“ There is no one else that has the range of product and range of stores to make this reasonably accessible for the whole population.
” But politicians have criticised Sports Direct for the move , claiming Mike Ashley is endangering his employees and the public .
Labour Party chairman Ian Lavery questioned the decision , tweeting : “ Who on earth does Mike Ashley think he is ?
He ’ s prepared to endanger the life of his employees and the public at large.
” The Wansbeck @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is not an essential service ” , while Alyn and Deeside MP Mark Tami said Sports Direct staying open could potentially be “ putting vulnerable people at risk ” .
Labour MP Jess Phillips agreed that the firm was “ not essential ” , tweeting : “ Massive mugs notwistanding there is nothing people can not live without in Sports Direct.
” Newcastle upon Tyne Central MP Chi Onwurah did not appear to think the company ’ s decision was reasonable or even realistic , asking on Twitter : “ This has to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fellow Labour MP Bill Esterson tweeted “ But not Sports Direct ” above a list of businesses allowed to stay open under the new measures , while Nottingham South MP Lilian Greenwood encouraged her constituents to “ show Mike Ashley what we think of this profiteering ” .
Earlier , the PM said restrictions would be tightened up so only essential journeys should be made by key workers .
He also said people could leave home for exercise , but only while maintaining social distancing .

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Sports Direct has come under fire for keeping all stores open during the coronavirus crisis.
In an email to staff members, bosses said shops will stay open because they are are "uniquely well-placed to help keep the UK as fit and healthy as possible”.
Mike Ashley's Frasers Group, which includes Sports Direct and Evans Cycles, sent an email to all employees within 30 minutes of the Prime Minister's announcement non-essential retailers will shut.
Finance chief Chris Wootton wrote: “We stock a huge range of sports equipment designed for exercising at home… indeed home fitness is the number one trending topic on social media after coronavirus itself.
“Against the backdrop of the closure of gyms the demand for these types of products has increased exponentially as the population looks to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
“Consequently, we are uniquely well placed to help keep the UK as fit and healthy as possible during this crisis and thus our Sports Direct and Evans Cycles stores will remain open where possible to allow us to do this (in accordance with the Government’s current social distancing guidance).
(Image: PA)
“There is no one else that has the range of product and range of stores to make this reasonably accessible for the whole population.”
But politicians have criticised Sports Direct for the move, claiming Mike Ashley is endangering his employees and the public.
Labour Party chairman Ian Lavery questioned the decision, tweeting: “Who on earth does Mike Ashley think he is? He’s prepared to endanger the life of his employees and the public at large.”
The Wansbeck MP added that selling sports equipment “is not an essential service”, while Alyn and Deeside MP Mark Tami said Sports Direct staying open could potentially be “putting vulnerable people at risk”.
(Image: Erin Black/Plymouth Live)
“Take some responsibility SHUT UP SHOP” Mr Lavery concluded.
Labour MP Jess Phillips agreed that the firm was “not essential”, tweeting: “Massive mugs notwistanding there is nothing people cannot live without in Sports Direct.”
Newcastle upon Tyne Central MP Chi Onwurah did not appear to think the company’s decision was reasonable or even realistic, asking on Twitter: “This has to be a spoof, right?”
Fellow Labour MP Bill Esterson tweeted “But not Sports Direct” above a list of businesses allowed to stay open under the new measures, while Nottingham South MP Lilian Greenwood encouraged her constituents to “show Mike Ashley what we think of this profiteering”.
Earlier, the PM said restrictions would be tightened up so only essential journeys should be made by key workers.
He also said people could leave home for exercise, but only while maintaining social distancing.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-03-24--Boris Johnson faces questions over UK lockdown as police inundated with calls

Boris Johnson is facing questions over the UK lockdown after he introduced new drastic measures to tackle the coronavirus virus .
The Prime Minister ordered people to only go outside under a list of `` very limited purposes '' , as well as banning public gatherings of more than two people and the closure of non-essential shops .
But police chiefs said phone lines were inundated with calls on Monday night with many people confused over what movements are still permited .
MPs have also called for clarity .
Read more of today 's top stories here During an address @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Monday night Mr Johnson said people would be allowed to shop for basic necessities “ as infrequently as possible ” , and to only perform one form of exercise a day .
People are also allowed to seek medical help , provide care to a vulnerable person or make their way to work if “ absolutely necessary ” .
The measures remain in place until at least Easter Monday .
“ That ’ s all – these are the only reasons you should leave your home , ” he said .
“ You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your friends ask you to meet , you should say no .
You should not be meeting family members who do not live in your home.
” A failure to follow the rules could see police dispersing gatherings and imposing fines , which Government officials said would start at £30 .
After the UK death toll hit 335 , the PM ordered the immediate closure of non-essential stores including those selling electronics and clothing .
All public gatherings of more than two people – other than those they live with – will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ premises to join pubs and restaurants in being closed are libraries , playgrounds , outdoor gyms , places of worship and hotels .
Parks will remain open for exercise , but all social events including weddings and baptisms will be stopped .
Funerals can continue .
Mr Johnson said the measures will be “ under constant review ” and will be considered for relaxation in three weeks if the evidence allows .
Politicians who had piled pressure on the PM to enforce strict measures amid fears people were disregarding social distancing advice largely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ calls for answers to the public ’ s concerns after the PM scrapped his daily press conference on Monday to announce the measures in a statement .
Northamptonshire Police Chief Constable Nick Adderley warned the public not to “ cripple our phone ” lines with enquiries on the PM ’ s announcement .
Lincolnshire Police warned of an “ extremely high volume ” of calls , and Humberside Chief Constable Lee Freeman said his force had received “ a number of calls ” on the subject which he said he was unable to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Metropolitan Police Federation , which represents officers in the capital , warned enforcement will be “ very , very challenging ” with “ large amounts of sickness ” already seen in the force .
“ We will be dealing with it , but I ’ m not sure we will have the resources to be able to see it through , ” he told Sky News .
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said : “ There now needs to be clear guidance to employers and workers about which workplaces should close – and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ give security to all workers , including the self-employed , as well as renters and mortgage holders.
” Mr Johnson , who is to talk with his Cabinet on Tuesday , was also said to have prompted members of the public to call MPs to ask whether they should travel to work or not .
Online supermarkets appeared to buckle under the strain after the announcement , with crashes occurring on the Tesco , Sainsbury ’ s and Asda websites .
Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said the measures that “ amount to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the protection of all of us ” .
Forty-six more people died in England alongside four in Scotland and four in Wales on Monday , taking the number who have died in British hospitals after testing positive to 335 .
Those who have died in England range in age from 18 to 105 .
In an earlier escalation of advice , Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab told citizens travelling overseas to return to the UK using commercial routes that are still running .
“ If you are on holiday abroad the time to come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” he said .
Foreign Office staff are working to help citizens get back where routes have been halted due to the crisis .
Meanwhile , emergency legislation to tackle the outbreak cleared the House of Commons after MPs chose not to oppose the third reading of the Coronavirus Bill .

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Boris Johnson is facing questions over the UK lockdown after he introduced new drastic measures to tackle the coronavirus virus.
The Prime Minister ordered people to only go outside under a list of "very limited purposes", as well as banning public gatherings of more than two people and the closure of non-essential shops.
But police chiefs said phone lines were inundated with calls on Monday night with many people confused over what movements are still permited.
MPs have also called for clarity.
During an address to the nation from Downing Street on Monday night Mr Johnson said people would be allowed to shop for basic necessities “as infrequently as possible”, and to only perform one form of exercise a day.
People are also allowed to seek medical help, provide care to a vulnerable person or make their way to work if “absolutely necessary”.
The measures remain in place until at least Easter Monday.
“That’s all – these are the only reasons you should leave your home,” he said.
“You should not be meeting friends. If your friends ask you to meet, you should say no. You should not be meeting family members who do not live in your home.”
A failure to follow the rules could see police dispersing gatherings and imposing fines, which Government officials said would start at £30.
After the UK death toll hit 335, the PM ordered the immediate closure of non-essential stores including those selling electronics and clothing.
All public gatherings of more than two people – other than those they live with – will be barred, the PM said.
Other premises to join pubs and restaurants in being closed are libraries, playgrounds, outdoor gyms, places of worship and hotels.
(Image: PA)
Parks will remain open for exercise, but all social events including weddings and baptisms will be stopped. Funerals can continue.
Mr Johnson said the measures will be “under constant review” and will be considered for relaxation in three weeks if the evidence allows.
Politicians who had piled pressure on the PM to enforce strict measures amid fears people were disregarding social distancing advice largely welcomed his announcement.
But there were calls for answers to the public’s concerns after the PM scrapped his daily press conference on Monday to announce the measures in a statement.
Northamptonshire Police Chief Constable Nick Adderley warned the public not to “cripple our phone” lines with enquiries on the PM’s announcement.
Lincolnshire Police warned of an “extremely high volume” of calls, and Humberside Chief Constable Lee Freeman said his force had received “a number of calls” on the subject which he said he was unable to answer.
Ken Marsh, chairman of the Metropolitan Police Federation, which represents officers in the capital, warned enforcement will be “very, very challenging” with “large amounts of sickness” already seen in the force.
“We will be dealing with it, but I’m not sure we will have the resources to be able to see it through,” he told Sky News.
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said: “There now needs to be clear guidance to employers and workers about which workplaces should close – and the Government must close the loopholes to give security to all workers, including the self-employed, as well as renters and mortgage holders.”
Mr Johnson, who is to talk with his Cabinet on Tuesday, was also said to have prompted members of the public to call MPs to ask whether they should travel to work or not.
Online supermarkets appeared to buckle under the strain after the announcement, with crashes occurring on the Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Asda websites.
Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said the measures that “amount to a lockdown” were “essential for the protection of all of us”.
Forty-six more people died in England alongside four in Scotland and four in Wales on Monday, taking the number who have died in British hospitals after testing positive to 335. Those who have died in England range in age from 18 to 105.
In an earlier escalation of advice, Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab told citizens travelling overseas to return to the UK using commercial routes that are still running.
“If you are on holiday abroad the time to come home is now while you still can,” he said.
Foreign Office staff are working to help citizens get back where routes have been halted due to the crisis.
Meanwhile, emergency legislation to tackle the outbreak cleared the House of Commons after MPs chose not to oppose the third reading of the Coronavirus Bill.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-03-24--Cesc Fabregas reveals why he rejected Man United transfer

Former Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas has revealed a conversation with Jose Mourinho convinced him to reject a move to Manchester United and join Chelsea in 2014 .
The Spaniard rejoined boyhood club Barcelona in 2011 but opted to return to the Premier League just three years later .
Manchester United and Manchester City were both interested in the playmaker but Fabregas put pen-to-paper on a €33million move to Stamford Bridge instead .
Arsenal had first refusal on Fabregas due to a clause inserted in the deal which saw him return to Barca but the midfielder revealed he received no word @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other options .
Fabregas revealed a conversation with Mourinho and the prospect of returning to London saw him favour a switch to Chelsea over United .
`` Once I decide to leave ( Barcelona ) , Arsenal will have the first option of any other club and I can not speak to any other club for one week to see if Arsenal want me or not , '' he told Arsecast .
`` Arsene didn ’ t give an answer , we just had to wait one full week to see if they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ option , in my mind I ’ m telling everyone I ’ m going to Arsenal – this is what I want .
`` Arsene can see this .
I didn ’ t want to be a beggar , they know the situation , in one week they haven ’ t said anything , straight away I knew they probably didn ’ t want me back .
They waited the full week without giving me a response .
`` After the week I had to take my chance , I had Manchester City @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mourinho – which I didn ’ t think would ever happen .
`` To be honest , after I left the room with Mourinho I said , 'that ’ s it , I don ’ t need to talk to anyone else , I ’ m going to Chelsea . '
What he told me , the team he wanted to make , what he thought of me , how he wanted me to play , this is what I wanted .
`` On top of that it ’ s London and not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ''

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Former Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas has revealed a conversation with Jose Mourinho convinced him to reject a move to Manchester United and join Chelsea in 2014.
The Spaniard rejoined boyhood club Barcelona in 2011 but opted to return to the Premier League just three years later.
Manchester United and Manchester City were both interested in the playmaker but Fabregas put pen-to-paper on a €33million move to Stamford Bridge instead.
Arsenal had first refusal on Fabregas due to a clause inserted in the deal which saw him return to Barca but the midfielder revealed he received no word from Arsene Wenger and decided to pursue other options.
Fabregas revealed a conversation with Mourinho and the prospect of returning to London saw him favour a switch to Chelsea over United.
"Once I decide to leave (Barcelona), Arsenal will have the first option of any other club and I cannot speak to any other club for one week to see if Arsenal want me or not," he told Arsecast.
"Arsene didn’t give an answer, we just had to wait one full week to see if they responded. Definitely this was my first option, in my mind I’m telling everyone I’m going to Arsenal – this is what I want.
"Arsene can see this. I didn’t want to be a beggar, they know the situation, in one week they haven’t said anything, straight away I knew they probably didn’t want me back. They waited the full week without giving me a response.
"After the week I had to take my chance, I had Manchester City, United and then I spoke to Mourinho – which I didn’t think would ever happen.
"To be honest, after I left the room with Mourinho I said, 'that’s it, I don’t need to talk to anyone else, I’m going to Chelsea.' What he told me, the team he wanted to make, what he thought of me, how he wanted me to play, this is what I wanted.
"On top of that it’s London and not Manchester, London was my home."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-03-24--Pep Guardiola makes £920,000 donation to help fight coronavirus

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has donated £920,000 ( €1million ) to help combat the coronavirus outbreak .
The donation has been made to the Barcelona -based Fundacio Angel Soler Daniel , who are working in conjunction with the Official College of Doctors of Barcelona .
Guardiola 's generous offering will go towards buying essential health equipment needed to help treat people who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 amid the global pandemic .
“ Pep Guardiola has made a donation of one million euros to the Fundacio Angel Soler Daniel for the acquisition and supply of health equipment to deal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 100-year-old medical institution said .
“ The fundraising campaign led by the the Official College of Doctors of Barcelona and managed through the Foundation , is aimed at obtaining cash donations from doctors who are members of the college and the general population to buy health equipment which is currently lacking in hospitals in Catalonia .
“ It will also help to finance the alternative 3D production of respirator masks and other protective items for health workers.
” The campaign had raised £30,000 before Guardiola intervened , giving the institutions a much needed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The corornavirus outbreak has brought football across the world to a halt , with football in England suspended until at least April 30 and EURO 2020 delayed until 2021 .

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Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has donated £920,000 (€1million) to help combat the coronavirus outbreak.
The donation has been made to the Barcelona -based Fundacio Angel Soler Daniel, who are working in conjunction with the Official College of Doctors of Barcelona.
Guardiola's generous offering will go towards buying essential health equipment needed to help treat people who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 amid the global pandemic.
“Pep Guardiola has made a donation of one million euros to the Fundacio Angel Soler Daniel for the acquisition and supply of health equipment to deal with the Covid-19 pandemic," the 100-year-old medical institution said.
“The fundraising campaign led by the the Official College of Doctors of Barcelona and managed through the Foundation, is aimed at obtaining cash donations from doctors who are members of the college and the general population to buy health equipment which is currently lacking in hospitals in Catalonia.
“It will also help to finance the alternative 3D production of respirator masks and other protective items for health workers.”
The campaign had raised £30,000 before Guardiola intervened, giving the institutions a much needed boost in the battle against the disease.
The corornavirus outbreak has brought football across the world to a halt, with football in England suspended until at least April 30 and EURO 2020 delayed until 2021.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-03-24--Ex-Bayern goalkeeper reveals what Guardiola is like at training

Former Bayern Munich player Lukas Reader has shed some light on what Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is like on the training ground , especially to goalkeepers like himself .
Since starting at Barcelona in 2008 all the way to the Etihad , Guardiola has revolutionised football in the 12 seasons he has been a manager , with a mesmerising , possession-based approach to the game .
For his teams to be a success , which they have been at his three clubs so far , it requires the goalkeeper to become not just a shot-stopper , but an integral @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ball out from the back .
Therefore any goalkeeper who plays for the Catalan must be willing to take risks and be comfortable with the ball at his feet , qualities that can be difficult to learn for those who have never played that way .
It ’ s why Joe Hart only played just one game under Guardiola , a Champions League qualifier second leg with the aggregate score already 5-0 , and was then jettisoned off on loan to Torino and West Ham before departing for good to Burnley .
When @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not to be at a high enough standard after a disastrous debut campaign in the Premier League , Guardiola then spent £36mllion to bring Ederson to the club .
The ruthless decision has been more than justified as the Brazilian fits perfectly into the system and has been the first choice goalkeeper as the Blues won several pieces of silverware .
It goes to show how crucial Guardiola sees the goalkeeping role and Reader , who spent a year being coached by him at Bayern , has explained how he helps goalkeepers get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He asked a lot from us in a playful way .
The goalkeeper was often involved in training to practice the build-up play , ” Reader told Goal .
`` Manuel Neuer could do everything perfectly .
Sometimes you had to play a long ball .
If that happened , although there were other options , Pep did n't shout at you .
`` For this purpose , discussions took place after the training in which he showed me solutions for such situations . ''

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Former Bayern Munich player Lukas Reader has shed some light on what Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is like on the training ground, especially to goalkeepers like himself.
Since starting at Barcelona in 2008 all the way to the Etihad, Guardiola has revolutionised football in the 12 seasons he has been a manager, with a mesmerising, possession-based approach to the game.
For his teams to be a success, which they have been at his three clubs so far, it requires the goalkeeper to become not just a shot-stopper, but an integral part of starting attacks by passing the ball out from the back.
Therefore any goalkeeper who plays for the Catalan must be willing to take risks and be comfortable with the ball at his feet, qualities that can be difficult to learn for those who have never played that way.
It’s why Joe Hart only played just one game under Guardiola, a Champions League qualifier second leg with the aggregate score already 5-0, and was then jettisoned off on loan to Torino and West Ham before departing for good to Burnley.
When his replacement, Claudio Bravo, proved not to be at a high enough standard after a disastrous debut campaign in the Premier League, Guardiola then spent £36mllion to bring Ederson to the club. The ruthless decision has been more than justified as the Brazilian fits perfectly into the system and has been the first choice goalkeeper as the Blues won several pieces of silverware.
It goes to show how crucial Guardiola sees the goalkeeping role and Reader, who spent a year being coached by him at Bayern, has explained how he helps goalkeepers get better at their new tasks.
"He asked a lot from us in a playful way. The goalkeeper was often involved in training to practice the build-up play,” Reader told Goal.
"Manuel Neuer could do everything perfectly. Sometimes you had to play a long ball. If that happened, although there were other options, Pep didn't shout at you.
"For this purpose, discussions took place after the training in which he showed me solutions for such situations."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-03-24--MRI top doctor speaks out on coronavirus

A top doctor is urging people to stick vigilantly to the latest self-isolation rules to help Greater Manchester ’ s hospitals fight the coronavirus outbreak .
Dr Waseem Khan , a respiratory consultant at the Manchester Royal Infirmary ( MRI ) , has spoken out after seeing hoards of people out in public at the weekend .
So far , 23 people in our region have died after contracting COVID-19 .
Dr Khan says his hospital is prepared for more coronavirus patients , but says people must self-isolate to support the NHS and its frontline staff .
“ I think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is about social distancing , ” says Dr Khan .
“ When I left work at the weekend I couldn ’ t believe it when I saw the stampede of people in shopping areas and the Lake District .
“ It really is a recipe for disaster what they are doing , and I don ’ t feel people are really taking the advice on board.
” Shortly after Dr Khan spoke out , Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced tough new measures to make people stay at home .
Now , people can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ medication , exercise and essential work .
Dr Khan , who is from Denton and trained in Manchester , says the public shouldn ’ t worry about hospitals having enough personal protective equipment ( PPE ) , or ICU beds .
“ That ’ s for us to worry about , ” he explains .
“ We are preparing , of course , and as a consultant body we are ready for whatever comes our way .
“ I am not an ICU doctor but we do have input , and things are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says it is still hard to predict how COVID-19 will impact on hospitals in the coming months .
He says the UK may not follow the same trajectory as Italy , where hospitals have been overwhelmed and 6,820 people have died from the virus .
“ The issue with coronavirus is that we don ’ t really know how it will impact the UK , ” he explains .
“ In Manchester we are lagging behind other parts of the country in terms of numbers , but we know that slowly but surely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The impact on the North West could be serious if people are not careful .
“ What we can ’ t tolerate is a huge wave of admissions .
“ It is highly infectious and we have n't seen anything like this previously .
“ But we are trying to plateau it out because we don ’ t want too many cases at once.
” Dr Khan said people should realise that as a country ‘ we ’ re in this for the long-haul ’ .
“ The impact on healthcare , that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be underestimated , '' he added .
“ But this is not the time to panic .
We are not at panic stations yet .
“ And people need to do the same .
They need to take precautions .
“ The government advice is informed by people who are respected in the medical and scientific profession . ''
Drop a heart on our special map of gratitude to show your support for our NHS heroes Dr Khan recorded a message , both in English and Pashto , and shared it on Facebook @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the advice about coronavirus reaches all communities in Greater Manchester .
“ For me it ’ s really important that the Manchester community understands all this , which is why I recorded a video in Pashto , because not everyone in Manchester speaks it .
“ People must follow the advice to stay at home , self-isolate .
“ Lives are on the line here .
”

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A top doctor is urging people to stick vigilantly to the latest self-isolation rules to help Greater Manchester’s hospitals fight the coronavirus outbreak.
Dr Waseem Khan, a respiratory consultant at the Manchester Royal Infirmary (MRI), has spoken out after seeing hoards of people out in public at the weekend.
So far, 23 people in our region have died after contracting COVID-19 .
Dr Khan says his hospital is prepared for more coronavirus patients, but says people must self-isolate to support the NHS and its frontline staff.
“I think the biggest message to take on board is about social distancing,” says Dr Khan.
“When I left work at the weekend I couldn’t believe it when I saw the stampede of people in shopping areas and the Lake District.
“It really is a recipe for disaster what they are doing, and I don’t feel people are really taking the advice on board.”
Shortly after Dr Khan spoke out, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced tough new measures to make people stay at home.
Now, people can only leave their homes for food, medication, exercise and essential work.
Dr Khan, who is from Denton and trained in Manchester, says the public shouldn’t worry about hospitals having enough personal protective equipment (PPE), or ICU beds.
“That’s for us to worry about,” he explains.
(Image: Dr Khan)
“We are preparing, of course, and as a consultant body we are ready for whatever comes our way.
“I am not an ICU doctor but we do have input, and things are being put in place.”
Dr Khan says it is still hard to predict how COVID-19 will impact on hospitals in the coming months.
He says the UK may not follow the same trajectory as Italy, where hospitals have been overwhelmed and 6,820 people have died from the virus.
“The issue with coronavirus is that we don’t really know how it will impact the UK,” he explains.
“In Manchester we are lagging behind other parts of the country in terms of numbers, but we know that slowly but surely it will come this way.
“The impact on the North West could be serious if people are not careful.
“What we can’t tolerate is a huge wave of admissions.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
“It is highly infectious and we haven't seen anything like this previously.
“But we are trying to plateau it out because we don’t want too many cases at once.”
Dr Khan said people should realise that as a country ‘we’re in this for the long-haul’.
“The impact on healthcare, that’s something that shouldn’t be underestimated," he added.
“But this is not the time to panic. We are not at panic stations yet.
“And people need to do the same. They need to take precautions.
“The government advice is informed by people who are respected in the medical and scientific profession."
Drop a heart on our special map of gratitude to show your support for our NHS heroes
Dr Khan recorded a message, both in English and Pashto, and shared it on Facebook.
He said it's vital that the advice about coronavirus reaches all communities in Greater Manchester.
“For me it’s really important that the Manchester community understands all this, which is why I recorded a video in Pashto, because not everyone in Manchester speaks it.
“People must follow the advice to stay at home, self-isolate.
“Lives are on the line here.”


themanchestereveningnews--2020-03-24--People are ringing Greater Manchester Police to ask if they can go to work

People have been calling Greater Manchester Police to ask if they can go to work amid the coronavirus pandemic .
Speaking to the Manchester Evening News , Chief Constable Ian Hopkins urged people to call the force , only in an absolute emergency .
The police chief spoke after Boris Johnson announced tough measures designed to tackle the spread of COVID-19 , in a TV broadcast to the nation .
The Prime Minister said people should only leave home to exercise once a day , travel to work if 'absolutely necessary ' and shop for essential items or for medical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ force had seen a spike in calls on Tuesday morning , following the latest rules .
`` People have been calling the 101 line to ask `` can I go to work , '' he said .
`` We 've been very clear , contact us in an emergency or if it 's a serious crime , '' the chief constable said .
`` I think most people get what an emergency is , someone in danger or somebody being seriously assaulted .
We still attend these . ''
If it is not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ use the force 's live chat online rather than ring us on 101 .
`` We have seen levels of calls coming in , up to this morning , dropping off which had allowed us to patrol supermarkets and pharmacies , '' the chief constable said .
`` Today we have seen a spike in the number of calls , 180 between 7am and 10am with people ringing up for advice like `` can I pick my daughter up at Manchester Airport ?
and 'can I go to work . '
`` Please @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Use common sense .
By ringing us with that sort of stuff you are stopping us dealing with the things that we should be . ''
He added : `` You should only be going out to get food once a day or caring for an elderly relative or somebody that 's vulnerable .
`` There were a lot of calls from people saying 'can we go to work ? '
In my opinion it 's only key workers who should be going out to work . ''
Police chiefs across the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with calls on Monday night , with many confused about what movements are still permitted by the government .
Merseyside Police posted on Twitter on Tuesday , urging people not to dial 101 to ask questions about coronavirus .
Examples they listed included , `` can I go out to buy my kid an easter egg , '' `` can I go to church to play the organ , '' `` I am moving house tomorrow can I still do this '' , and `` I have bought a bed on ebay , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
During an address to the nation from Downing Street on Monday night Mr Johnson said people would be allowed to shop for basic necessities `` as infrequently as possible , '' and to only perform one form of exercise a day .
People are also allowed to seek medical help , provide care to a vulnerable person or make their way to work if `` absolutely necessary . ''
The measures remain in place until at least Easter Monday .

newsdesk@men-news.co.uk (John Scheerhout, Sophie Halle-Richards)

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People have been calling Greater Manchester Police to ask if they can go to work amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Speaking to the Manchester Evening News, Chief Constable Ian Hopkins urged people to call the force, only in an absolute emergency.
The police chief spoke after Boris Johnson announced tough measures designed to tackle the spread of COVID-19, in a TV broadcast to the nation.
The Prime Minister said people should only leave home to exercise once a day, travel to work if 'absolutely necessary' and shop for essential items or for medical care.
Chief Constable Hopkins confirmed the force had seen a spike in calls on Tuesday morning, following the latest rules.
"People have been calling the 101 line to ask "can I go to work," he said.
(Image: Copyright Unknown)
"We've been very clear, contact us in an emergency or if it's a serious crime," the chief constable said.
"I think most people get what an emergency is, someone in danger or somebody being seriously assaulted. We still attend these."
If it is not an emergency, people are advised to use the force's live chat online rather than ring us on 101.
"We have seen levels of calls coming in, up to this morning, dropping off which had allowed us to patrol supermarkets and pharmacies," the chief constable said.
"Today we have seen a spike in the number of calls, 180 between 7am and 10am with people ringing up for advice like "can I pick my daughter up at Manchester Airport? and 'can I go to work.'
"Please don't ring us with those calls. Use common sense. By ringing us with that sort of stuff you are stopping us dealing with the things that we should be."
He added: "You should only be going out to get food once a day or caring for an elderly relative or somebody that's vulnerable.
"There were a lot of calls from people saying 'can we go to work?' In my opinion it's only key workers who should be going out to work."
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Police chiefs across the country have said phone lines were inundated with calls on Monday night, with many confused about what movements are still permitted by the government.
Merseyside Police posted on Twitter on Tuesday, urging people not to dial 101 to ask questions about coronavirus.
Examples they listed included, "can I go out to buy my kid an easter egg," "can I go to church to play the organ," "I am moving house tomorrow can I still do this", and "I have bought a bed on ebay, can I still go and collect it."
During an address to the nation from Downing Street on Monday night Mr Johnson said people would be allowed to shop for basic necessities "as infrequently as possible," and to only perform one form of exercise a day.
People are also allowed to seek medical help, provide care to a vulnerable person or make their way to work if "absolutely necessary."
The measures remain in place until at least Easter Monday.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-03-24--Man City to compete with Barca and Madrid for Napoli star and more rumours

Manchester City are still interested in signing Napoli midfielder Fabian Ruiz but face some stiff competition , according to reports .
City will be down a midfielder next season when club captain David Silva departs after 10 years at the club and reinforcements may be required in the summer , especially since the heir to the throne , Phil Foden , has been playing in a more advanced position as of late to great effect .
Plenty of names have been touted but the one player who continues to be linked with a move to the Etihad is talented midfielder @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of Napoli 's most crucial players .
The 23-year-old is renowned for his intelligence on the pitch and accurate passing , making him perfect for a Pep Guardiola side and , according to Corrier dello Sport , via SportWitness , City are interested but Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid are all keeping tabs on Ruiz .
None of them will be able to get the Spaniard for cheap , however , as it 's reported that while Napoli are willing to let some stars leave , like Kalidou Koulibaly , to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a key player in the club 's future and will do what they can to keep him .
Though a €100m valuation has been touted .
Meanwhile , City have joined the like of Liverpool and Arsenal in the race for promising Schalke defender Bradley Cross .
The towering centre-back has impressed with the Bundesliga side 's youth ranks this season and has even netted nine goals this season .
The Daily Mail claims that when football in Germany resumes following the coronavirus outbreak then City will be one of the clubs sending @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

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Manchester City are still interested in signing Napoli midfielder Fabian Ruiz but face some stiff competition, according to reports.
City will be down a midfielder next season when club captain David Silva departs after 10 years at the club and reinforcements may be required in the summer, especially since the heir to the throne, Phil Foden, has been playing in a more advanced position as of late to great effect.
Plenty of names have been touted but the one player who continues to be linked with a move to the Etihad is talented midfielder Ruiz, who has established himself as one of Napoli's most crucial players.
The 23-year-old is renowned for his intelligence on the pitch and accurate passing, making him perfect for a Pep Guardiola side and, according to Corrier dello Sport, via SportWitness, City are interested but Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid are all keeping tabs on Ruiz.
None of them will be able to get the Spaniard for cheap, however, as it's reported that while Napoli are willing to let some stars leave, like Kalidou Koulibaly, to raise funds, they see Ruiz as a key player in the club's future and will do what they can to keep him. Though a €100m valuation has been touted.
Meanwhile, City have joined the like of Liverpool and Arsenal in the race for promising Schalke defender Bradley Cross.
The towering centre-back has impressed with the Bundesliga side's youth ranks this season and has even netted nine goals this season.
The Daily Mail claims that when football in Germany resumes following the coronavirus outbreak then City will be one of the clubs sending scouts to assess the 19-year-old South African .


themanchestereveningnews--2020-03-24--Man Utd making a move for Kane depends on one thing and more rumours

Manchester United will only make a move for Tottenham Hotspur ’ s star striker Harry Kane if he makes it clear he wants to move to the club , according to reports .
Despite the form of on-loan striker Odion Ighalo , United are still hoping to reinforce their attacking ranks in the summer after opting against signing teenage sensation Erling Braut Haaland in January .
Plenty of names have been linked such as Lyon ’ s Moussa Dembele and Inter ’ s Lautaro Martinez and the latest is England captain Kane .
Kane is among the Premier League ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ five seasons and has always been loyal to Spurs , who he joined as a child , whenever interest has been registered from some of Europe ’ s biggest clubs .
The 26-year-old signed a new six-year deal in 2018 which runs until 2024 but , according to The Athletic , via the Metro , he is now considering his future at the club following Spurs ’ downfall since sacking Mauricio Pochettino and looking unlikely to qualify for next season ’ s Champions League .
It ’ s reported that United were recently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ buy Kane and while they would jump at the chance , they will only do so if Kane is desperate to make the move due to the troubled negotiations between the two clubs in the past .
It ’ s claimed that any deal would cost at least £150million and would require Spurs to allow their best player to join a Premier League rival .
Elsewhere , United have reportedly made their decision over a potential permanent move for Ighalo , with the Daily Mail claiming Ole Gunnar Solskjaer ’ s side are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Nigerian has had an instant impact at Old Trafford , scoring four times in three starts and being an effective substitute in league fixtures .
Ighalo is on loan from Shanghai Shenhua , though that loan deal is reported to expire on May 31 .
The report claims United are willing to pay the fee .

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Manchester United will only make a move for Tottenham Hotspur’s star striker Harry Kane if he makes it clear he wants to move to the club, according to reports.
Despite the form of on-loan striker Odion Ighalo, United are still hoping to reinforce their attacking ranks in the summer after opting against signing teenage sensation Erling Braut Haaland in January.
Plenty of names have been linked such as Lyon’s Moussa Dembele and Inter’s Lautaro Martinez and the latest is England captain Kane.
Kane is among the Premier League’s most prolific scorers over the last five seasons and has always been loyal to Spurs, who he joined as a child, whenever interest has been registered from some of Europe’s biggest clubs.
The 26-year-old signed a new six-year deal in 2018 which runs until 2024 but, according to The Athletic, via the Metro, he is now considering his future at the club following Spurs’ downfall since sacking Mauricio Pochettino and looking unlikely to qualify for next season’s Champions League.
It’s reported that United were recently asked if they would be willing to buy Kane and while they would jump at the chance, they will only do so if Kane is desperate to make the move due to the troubled negotiations between the two clubs in the past.
It’s claimed that any deal would cost at least £150million and would require Spurs to allow their best player to join a Premier League rival.
Elsewhere, United have reportedly made their decision over a potential permanent move for Ighalo, with the Daily Mail claiming Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side are willing to pay the necessary £15million.
The Nigerian has had an instant impact at Old Trafford, scoring four times in three starts and being an effective substitute in league fixtures.
Ighalo is on loan from Shanghai Shenhua, though that loan deal is reported to expire on May 31. The report claims United are willing to pay the fee.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-03-24--Asda is latest supermarket to reveal new shopping rules amid UK lockdown

Asda is the latest supermarket to announce a number of social distancing measures to be implemented in its stores .
From Wednesday ( March 25 ) rules will be in place that will ensure shoppers stay two metres apart in line with government orders amid the coronavirus pandemic .
Supermarkets are allowed to stay open while the UK is in lockdown , however shoppers have been told they can only make a trip if they need essential items and they must go as little as possible .
Asda says it will be installing Perspex screens at its checkouts , pharmacies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Markers will be placed on the floor in stores so that shoppers know how far apart they need to be .
The supermarket has said that directional barriers will also be in place and there will be additional signage and announcements .
The supermarket has also confirmed that it will be limiting the number of customers in its stores , when necessary , to ensure social distancing guidelines can be maintained .
Staff members will be placed at the door to maintain safe numbers inside shops , and hand sanitiser will be made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also be a limited number of self-service check outs open to ensure people are not scanning their shopping at a close distance to one another .
Asda has also asked customers to only touch what they purchase and to use cashless payment methods wherever possible .
Speaking of the measures being undertaken , CEO and president of Asda Roger Burnley said : `` It has never been more important for us to work together to keep our distance .
`` I want you to know that everyone at Asda is working tirelessly to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family needs and that you can shop in our stores safely if you need to visit us .
“ We ’ re working hard to protect you and our colleagues – please help us to do so by following the guidelines in place .
My colleagues in our stores are working under incredible pressure to serve you – and I am hugely grateful to them for their efforts .
Please be kind to them when you visit us - we ’ re all in this together .
”

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Asda is the latest supermarket to announce a number of social distancing measures to be implemented in its stores.
From Wednesday (March 25) rules will be in place that will ensure shoppers stay two metres apart in line with government orders amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Supermarkets are allowed to stay open while the UK is in lockdown, however shoppers have been told they can only make a trip if they need essential items and they must go as little as possible.
Asda says it will be installing Perspex screens at its checkouts, pharmacies and service desks to protect staff.
Markers will be placed on the floor in stores so that shoppers know how far apart they need to be.
The supermarket has said that directional barriers will also be in place and there will be additional signage and announcements.
The supermarket has also confirmed that it will be limiting the number of customers in its stores, when necessary, to ensure social distancing guidelines can be maintained.
Staff members will be placed at the door to maintain safe numbers inside shops, and hand sanitiser will be made available at the entrance.
There will also be a limited number of self-service check outs open to ensure people are not scanning their shopping at a close distance to one another.
Asda has also asked customers to only touch what they purchase and to use cashless payment methods wherever possible.
Speaking of the measures being undertaken, CEO and president of Asda Roger Burnley said: " It has never been more important for us to work together to keep our distance.
"I want you to know that everyone at Asda is working tirelessly to make sure you have the essentials your family needs and that you can shop in our stores safely if you need to visit us.
“We’re working hard to protect you and our colleagues – please help us to do so by following the guidelines in place. My colleagues in our stores are working under incredible pressure to serve you – and I am hugely grateful to them for their efforts. Please be kind to them when you visit us - we’re all in this together.”


themanchestereveningnews--2020-03-24--Temporary hospital could be set up at the GMEX to care for coronavirus patients

A temporary hospital could be set up at the Manchester Central convention centre to care for coronavirus patients , the M.E.N .
understands .
Today the health secretary announced the first such facility in London , at the ExCel centre in the Docklands .
That hospital - to be known as NHS Nightingale - will care for thousands of patients at a time and has been set up with the help of the military .
But defence sources told the Guardian earlier today that ‘ more than one ’ would be needed nationwide and the M.E.N .
has now learned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , formerly known as the GMEX .
The centre will not be able to accommodate as many patients as the ExCel - which is roughly five times its size - but is still likely to be able to hold hundreds of people should the need arise .
While London is currently around two weeks ahead of the rest of the country in terms of cases , accounting for a third of the deaths so far , officials hope the rate of the pandemic ’ s acceleration will now slow as a result of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government over the last couple of weeks .
As a result local sources said it was difficult to know how far behind the capital Greater Manchester currently is - having so far recorded 23 deaths - or when an additional temporary hospital might be needed here .
However it is understood the government has approached leaders here for suitable spaces and the convention centre , which is owned by the council , was put forward as the logical choice .
Such hospitals can be scrambled by military experts accustomed to setting up field @ @ @ @ @ @ @ medical director Prof Stephen Powis today praising the ‘ extraordinary feat ’ of experts who had been able to plan for the NHS Nightingale from a ‘ standing start ’ .
Health secretary Matt Hancock said such measures not a substitute for the public following the latest advice to stay in , however .
Announcing that 35,000 retired or student NHS workers had come forward to support the coronavirus effort nationally , he added : “ But no matter how big we grow the NHS , unless we slow the spread of this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seen , those numbers will continue to rise .
“ And that ’ s why it 's so important that everybody follows the advice and stays at home .
”

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A temporary hospital could be set up at the Manchester Central convention centre to care for coronavirus patients, the M.E.N. understands.
Today the health secretary announced the first such facility in London, at the ExCel centre in the Docklands.
That hospital - to be known as NHS Nightingale - will care for thousands of patients at a time and has been set up with the help of the military.
But defence sources told the Guardian earlier today that ‘more than one’ would be needed nationwide and the M.E.N. has now learned one has been proposed at the MCCC, formerly known as the GMEX.
The centre will not be able to accommodate as many patients as the ExCel - which is roughly five times its size - but is still likely to be able to hold hundreds of people should the need arise.
(Image: PA)
While London is currently around two weeks ahead of the rest of the country in terms of cases, accounting for a third of the deaths so far, officials hope the rate of the pandemic’s acceleration will now slow as a result of the increasingly stringent measures taken by the government over the last couple of weeks.
As a result local sources said it was difficult to know how far behind the capital Greater Manchester currently is - having so far recorded 23 deaths - or when an additional temporary hospital might be needed here.
However it is understood the government has approached leaders here for suitable spaces and the convention centre, which is owned by the council, was put forward as the logical choice.
Such hospitals can be scrambled by military experts accustomed to setting up field hospitals, with NHS ENgland’s medical director Prof Stephen Powis today praising the ‘extraordinary feat’ of experts who had been able to plan for the NHS Nightingale from a ‘standing start’.
(Image: PA)
Health secretary Matt Hancock said such measures not a substitute for the public following the latest advice to stay in, however.
Announcing that 35,000 retired or student NHS workers had come forward to support the coronavirus effort nationally, he added: “But no matter how big we grow the NHS, unless we slow the spread of this virus, then as we’ve seen, those numbers will continue to rise.
“And that’s why it's so important that everybody follows the advice and stays at home.”