themanchestereveningnews--2020-07-18--Government pauses Covid-19 daily death toll figures over accuracy concerns

The government has paused the UK 's Covid-19 daily death toll figures following concerns over their accuracy .
Experts have said the number of deaths may be over-exaggerated - but others have branded the move `` odd '' .
Academics have said the way Public Health England ( PHE ) calculates the data means they might look worse in England compared to Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland .
England 's figures are understood to include anyone who has ever tested positive for Covid-19 - regardless of whether they died for another reason , reports The Mirror .
But there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ massive distortion '' , a member of the Independent Sage group said .
The Department for Health and Social Care said : `` The Secretary of State has today , 17 July , asked PHE to urgently review their estimation of daily death statistics .
`` Currently the daily deaths measure counts all people who have tested positive for coronavirus and since died , with no cut-off between time of testing and date of death .
`` There have been claims that the lack of cut-off may distort the current daily deaths number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ publication of the daily figure while this is resolved . ''
It comes after 114 deaths were announced yesterday .
An insider told the Evening Standard : `` It turns out you could have been tested positive in February , recovered , then hit by a bus in July and you ’ d be recorded as a covid death.
” However , the number of excess deaths - referring to this year 's number of deaths compared to the recent years - is still 65,000 more than the five year average .
Britain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the virus , with an official death toll of more 45,000 .
But the government has said international comparisons are misleading because countries record coronavirus deaths differently .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock yesterday ordered a review into the PHE 's reporting after the academics said patients who tested positive for coronavirus , but were successfully treated , would still be counted as dying from the virus .
Prof Carl Heneghan from the University of Oxford , told the BBC : `` By this PHE definition , no one with Covid in England @ @ @ @ @ @ @ illness .
`` We need correct and accurate statistics so we can really understand the trend - otherwise it 's very difficult to know what 's going on . ''
Dr Susan Hopkins , PHE 's incident director , said : `` Although it may seem straightforward , there is no World Health Organisation agreed method of counting deaths from Covid-19 .
`` In England , we count all those that have died who had a positive Covid-19 test at any point , to ensure our data is as complete as possible .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a new and emerging infection and there is increasing evidence of long-term health problems for some of those affected .
`` Whilst this knowledge is growing , now is the right time to review how deaths are calculated . ''
Christina Pagel , a mathematician and professor of operational research at University College London ( UCL ) and a member of the Independent Sage group , said the way PHE calculates data could become an issue as time goes on but she did not believe there had been a `` massive distortion '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hancock to suddenly be launching a massive inquiry is odd .
`` The Department of Health website says quite clearly how each country is doing its death calculations , so it should n't be a surprise to him .
That 's what I find really odd . ''

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
The government has paused the UK's Covid-19 daily death toll figures following concerns over their accuracy.
Experts have said the number of deaths may be over-exaggerated - but others have branded the move "odd".
Academics have said the way Public Health England (PHE) calculates the data means they might look worse in England compared to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
England's figures are understood to include anyone who has ever tested positive for Covid-19 - regardless of whether they died for another reason, reports The Mirror.
But there is unlikely to have been a "massive distortion", a member of the Independent Sage group said.
The Department for Health and Social Care said: "The Secretary of State has today, 17 July, asked PHE to urgently review their estimation of daily death statistics.
"Currently the daily deaths measure counts all people who have tested positive for coronavirus and since died, with no cut-off between time of testing and date of death.
"There have been claims that the lack of cut-off may distort the current daily deaths number.
"We are therefore pausing the publication of the daily figure while this is resolved."
It comes after 114 deaths were announced yesterday.
An insider told the Evening Standard : "It turns out you could have been tested positive in February, recovered, then hit by a bus in July and you’d be recorded as a covid death.”
(Image: Getty Images)
However, the number of excess deaths - referring to this year's number of deaths compared to the recent years - is still 65,000 more than the five year average.
Britain has been the European country worst hit by the virus, with an official death toll of more 45,000.
But the government has said international comparisons are misleading because countries record coronavirus deaths differently.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock yesterday ordered a review into the PHE's reporting after the academics said patients who tested positive for coronavirus, but were successfully treated, would still be counted as dying from the virus.
Prof Carl Heneghan from the University of Oxford, told the BBC : "By this PHE definition, no one with Covid in England is allowed to ever recover from their illness.
"We need correct and accurate statistics so we can really understand the trend - otherwise it's very difficult to know what's going on."
Dr Susan Hopkins, PHE's incident director, said: "Although it may seem straightforward, there is no World Health Organisation agreed method of counting deaths from Covid-19.
"In England, we count all those that have died who had a positive Covid-19 test at any point, to ensure our data is as complete as possible.
"We must remember that this is a new and emerging infection and there is increasing evidence of long-term health problems for some of those affected.
"Whilst this knowledge is growing, now is the right time to review how deaths are calculated."
Christina Pagel, a mathematician and professor of operational research at University College London (UCL) and a member of the Independent Sage group, said the way PHE calculates data could become an issue as time goes on but she did not believe there had been a "massive distortion".
She added: "For Matt Hancock to suddenly be launching a massive inquiry is odd.
"The Department of Health website says quite clearly how each country is doing its death calculations, so it shouldn't be a surprise to him. That's what I find really odd."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-07-18--Rob Green recalls hilarious David Silva story ahead of Man City departure

Robert Green has paid tribute to Manchester City legend David Silva ahead of his departure from the club this summer and recalled a conversation the pair once had on the pitch .
Three years on from the famous meeting between City and QPR that saw the Blues lift the Premier League for the first time and the London club survive relegation , the two teams once again met at the Etihad on the final day .
QPR needed to win to survive but instead of the double miracle that occurred in 2012 there would be no such luck this time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 6-0 win .
Green has revealed that with around twenty minutes to go in the match he begged Silva to relent as his side were already well and truly beaten , but Silva was n't having any of it and went on to score the sixth himself .
`` It 's beautiful , '' Green said on watching Silva play on 5 Live .
`` He 's beautiful to watch , he 's just one that brings joy and even to play against , you know .
I played against him for QPR @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Etihad and win to stay in the Premier League and got beat 6-0 .
`` With about half an hour to go I turned around and said ' I 'm not going to concede 10 .
That 's all I 've got , my plan is not to concede 10 . '
`` That was in my mind , just keep it to single figures and so I sit there and I started to shout at David Silva just saying : 'Please , stop .
You 've won the game , just stop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to me and with about 20 minutes to go he said : 'my friend , I 'm sorry , you have no chance . '
`` I could n't help but smile !
You 've got this guy who is an absolute genius on the pitch and he 's so magnanimous and so kind at the same time and empathy . ''
Silva is set to leave the Etihad after 10 glorious years this summer but he is going out in style with some brilliant performances and has scored two sublime free-kicks in @ @ @ @ @

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get the latest City team news, transfer stories, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox - FREE
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get the latest City team news, transfer stories, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox - FREE
Robert Green has paid tribute to Manchester City legend David Silva ahead of his departure from the club this summer and recalled a conversation the pair once had on the pitch.
Three years on from the famous meeting between City and QPR that saw the Blues lift the Premier League for the first time and the London club survive relegation, the two teams once again met at the Etihad on the final day.
QPR needed to win to survive but instead of the double miracle that occurred in 2012 there would be no such luck this time around as the Blues romped to a 6-0 win.
Green has revealed that with around twenty minutes to go in the match he begged Silva to relent as his side were already well and truly beaten, but Silva wasn't having any of it and went on to score the sixth himself.
Sign up to our free MCFC email newsletter Man City are Premier League champions! Get all the reaction plus daily news and analysis direct to your inbox with our free MCFC newsletter Sign up here - it only takes a few seconds.
"It's beautiful," Green said on watching Silva play on 5 Live.
"He's beautiful to watch, he's just one that brings joy and even to play against, you know. I played against him for QPR. We had to go to the Etihad and win to stay in the Premier League and got beat 6-0.
"With about half an hour to go I turned around and said 'I'm not going to concede 10. That's all I've got, my plan is not to concede 10.'
"That was in my mind, just keep it to single figures and so I sit there and I started to shout at David Silva just saying: 'Please, stop. You've won the game, just stop.'
"And he turned around to me and with about 20 minutes to go he said: 'my friend, I'm sorry, you have no chance.'
"I couldn't help but smile! You've got this guy who is an absolute genius on the pitch and he's so magnanimous and so kind at the same time and empathy."
Silva is set to leave the Etihad after 10 glorious years this summer but he is going out in style with some brilliant performances and has scored two sublime free-kicks in his last two starts.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-07-18--Chris Wilder confirms Man United transfer talks over Dean Henderson

Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder says he has already opened talks with Manchester United about the possibility of loaning Dean Henderson again next season .
The 23-year-old has shone during consecutive loan spells with Sheffield United , playing a key role in their promotion to the Premier League as well as their superb first season back .
Henderson has not hidden his desire of becoming United 's future No .
1 goalkeeper but knows he faces a difficult battle if he is to dislodge David de Gea in the first-team .
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will face a tricky decision when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ start for United next season , but now Wilder has revealed that another loan move could be on the cards .
Sheffield United confirmed the signing of fellow goalkeeper Wes Foderingham on a free transfer earlier this week , but Wilder says that deal has no affect on a possible loan extension for Henderson .
“ Dean and Manchester United know our views on that , we already have started talking to the player and Manchester United , ” Wilder said .
“ It is their decision and the boy ’ s decision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for another season and when we get the news on that decision we will let you know .
“ Wes was available , we needed to strengthen that department , there will be a couple of changes going forward in that department .
He became available , a free transfer and a three-year deal .
”

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder says he has already opened talks with Manchester United about the possibility of loaning Dean Henderson again next season.
The 23-year-old has shone during consecutive loan spells with Sheffield United, playing a key role in their promotion to the Premier League as well as their superb first season back.
Henderson has not hidden his desire of becoming United's future No. 1 goalkeeper but knows he faces a difficult battle if he is to dislodge David de Gea in the first-team.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will face a tricky decision when it comes to deciding which shot-stopper should start for United next season, but now Wilder has revealed that another loan move could be on the cards.
Sheffield United confirmed the signing of fellow goalkeeper Wes Foderingham on a free transfer earlier this week, but Wilder says that deal has no affect on a possible loan extension for Henderson.
“Dean and Manchester United know our views on that, we already have started talking to the player and Manchester United,” Wilder said.
“It is their decision and the boy’s decision, we would love to extend that for another season and when we get the news on that decision we will let you know.
“Wes was available, we needed to strengthen that department, there will be a couple of changes going forward in that department. He became available, a free transfer and a three-year deal.”


themanchestereveningnews--2020-07-18--New bar opens in Bolton town centre following £50,000 makeover

Bolton town centre 's newest bar will open its doors for the first time this weekend following a £50,000 transformation .
Luxe Lounge , in Bradshawgate , is finally set to open almost six months after former Mount St Joseph pupil Macauley Stephens took over the building .
Although lockdown came at the worst possible time for the 25-year-old , he has been spending the period making sure that everything is right for this weekend 's launch .
Mr Stephens , who has worked in Bolton 's nightlife industry for eight years , is now relishing the opportunity to welcome @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : `` I 've wanted my own place for years and we 've redone absolutely everything .
We 've spent so much money on it , it 's cost a fortune .
`` Everything lights up and it looks amazing when everything is lit .
We 've got new sound systems , we ca n't be loud yet but when we can , it 's going to mad .
`` We did n't want to rush to open on July 4 , we wanted to let things breathe for a few weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everyone have their blowouts and then open up something new and exciting .
`` I ca n't lie and say it 's been easy , it 's been very stressful , but I 'm happy that we 're opening .
Once that first hour 's over , I 'll be fine , there 's just a lot of nerves right now . ''
Luxe Lounge is opening in the former Norton Barrie building , which has since been Bar 101 , Corner Club , Riviera , and Cocktails & Co. Due to guidelines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and bars , the bar will open in a slightly different state to what Mr Stephens envisioned but he remains positive that it will not be too long before absolutely everything will be as he wants it .
`` My vision was a nice sports bar in the heart of the town , '' he added.
`` I wanted everyone to be able to stand up wherever they want and during the weekend we have a licence from 11am until 4am .
`` A lot of bars down this end do n't really @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 're going to be playing commercial house music .
We 're trying to stay away from certain genres like r ' n ' b because it 's never worked down here .
`` We 've got ourselves resident DJ called Ryan Hardy who normally plays in Ibiza .
He 's the best house DJ ever , he 's top , but for him to do what he can do , everyone needs to be up and dancing .
`` It 's only going to be like this for the time being though and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to normal , we 're gon na put a big party on for everybody . ''
As if the pressure of opening your first ever bar during a pandemic was n't enough , Mr Stephens is due to welcome a very special guest to the bar in the coming weeks , in the form of his brother - Premier League footballer Dale Stephens .
Mr Stephens , who also recently became a father of two , added : `` Dale 's due next week .
They ( Brighton and Hove Albion ) have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he 's coming home .
`` I just know he 's going to drop in on me so hopefully everything 's totally right for then . ''
Luxe Lounge 's launch party will take place this Saturday ( July 18 ) from 7pm until 'late ' .
For more information , check out the bar 's official Facebook page .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for the free MyBolton newsletter to get the top stories direct to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for the free MyBolton newsletter to get the top stories direct to your inbox
Bolton town centre's newest bar will open its doors for the first time this weekend following a £50,000 transformation.
Luxe Lounge, in Bradshawgate, is finally set to open almost six months after former Mount St Joseph pupil Macauley Stephens took over the building.
Although lockdown came at the worst possible time for the 25-year-old, he has been spending the period making sure that everything is right for this weekend's launch.
Mr Stephens, who has worked in Bolton's nightlife industry for eight years, is now relishing the opportunity to welcome customer's to the venue.
He said: "I've wanted my own place for years and we've redone absolutely everything. We've spent so much money on it, it's cost a fortune.
"Everything lights up and it looks amazing when everything is lit. We've got new sound systems, we can't be loud yet but when we can, it's going to mad.
"We didn't want to rush to open on July 4, we wanted to let things breathe for a few weeks. We thought we'd let have everyone have their blowouts and then open up something new and exciting.
"I can't lie and say it's been easy, it's been very stressful, but I'm happy that we're opening. Once that first hour's over, I'll be fine, there's just a lot of nerves right now."
Luxe Lounge is opening in the former Norton Barrie building, which has since been Bar 101, Corner Club, Riviera, and Cocktails & Co.
Due to guidelines and restrictions around the opening of pubs and bars, the bar will open in a slightly different state to what Mr Stephens envisioned but he remains positive that it will not be too long before absolutely everything will be as he wants it.
"My vision was a nice sports bar in the heart of the town," he added. " I wanted everyone to be able to stand up wherever they want and during the weekend we have a licence from 11am until 4am.
"A lot of bars down this end don't really have much of an identity but we're going to be playing commercial house music. We're trying to stay away from certain genres like r'n'b because it's never worked down here.
"We've got ourselves resident DJ called Ryan Hardy who normally plays in Ibiza. He's the best house DJ ever, he's top, but for him to do what he can do, everyone needs to be up and dancing.
(Image: Google Maps)
"It's only going to be like this for the time being though and then hopefully then when we're back to normal, we're gonna put a big party on for everybody."
As if the pressure of opening your first ever bar during a pandemic wasn't enough, Mr Stephens is due to welcome a very special guest to the bar in the coming weeks, in the form of his brother - Premier League footballer Dale Stephens.
(Image: UGC)
Mr Stephens, who also recently became a father of two, added: "Dale's due next week. They (Brighton and Hove Albion) have their final game against Burnley and then he's coming home.
"I just know he's going to drop in on me so hopefully everything's totally right for then."
Luxe Lounge's launch party will take place this Saturday (July 18) from 7pm until 'late'. For more information, check out the bar's official Facebook page.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-07-18--Cars left a mangled wreck following early-hours crash

Two cars were left in a mangled wreck following a crash in Failsworth .
Miraculously , the occupants managed to escape with just minor injuries following the incident on Manchester Road .
Both vehicles ended up skidding onto a motorway bridge , above the M60 .
The white Volkswagen Polo ploughed into a barrier on the bridge , while the black Honda smashed into some traffic lights .
Police were passing when the crash took place at around 12.35am this morning ( July 18 ) .
No arrests have been made and police continue to investigate .
Pictures taken from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as well as debris on the road .
A section of Oldham Road and Manchester Road were sealed off this morning while emergency services attended the scene .
The junction has since re-opened .
A statement from Greater Manchester Police said : `` At around 12.35am on Saturday 18 July 2020 , police stopped at the scene of a collision between a black Honda and a white Volkswagen Polo at the M60 Roxy junction on Manchester Road , Oldham .
`` The road was temporarily closed and the two occupants of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arrests have been made and enquiries are ongoing . ''
Anyone with information should call police on 101 quoting incident number 145 of 18/07/2020 , or the independent charity Crimestoppers , anonymously , on 0800 555 111 .

We have more newsletters
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Don't miss a thing by signing up to the MyOldham newsletter here
We have more newsletters
Thank you for subscribing!
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Don't miss a thing by signing up to the MyOldham newsletter here
Two cars were left in a mangled wreck following a crash in Failsworth.
Miraculously, the occupants managed to escape with just minor injuries following the incident on Manchester Road.
Both vehicles ended up skidding onto a motorway bridge, above the M60.
The white Volkswagen Polo ploughed into a barrier on the bridge, while the black Honda smashed into some traffic lights.
Police were passing when the crash took place at around 12.35am this morning (July 18).
No arrests have been made and police continue to investigate.
(Image: ASP)
Pictures taken from the scene show both cars badly damaged, as well as debris on the road.
(Image: ASP)
A section of Oldham Road and Manchester Road were sealed off this morning while emergency services attended the scene.
The junction has since re-opened.
(Image: ASP)
A statement from Greater Manchester Police said: "At around 12.35am on Saturday 18 July 2020, police stopped at the scene of a collision between a black Honda and a white Volkswagen Polo at the M60 Roxy junction on Manchester Road, Oldham.
"The road was temporarily closed and the two occupants of the Polo suffered minor injuries.
"No arrests have been made and enquiries are ongoing."
Anyone with information should call police on 101 quoting incident number 145 of 18/07/2020, or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-07-18--Moment devoted fan shielding gets surprise call from Pep Guardiola

A Manchester City fan who has been shielding during the coronavirus lockdown was left delighted after Pep Guardiola surprised him with a phone call .
Connor Shaw , 20 , was born with a congenital heart condition which means only half his heart was developed .
At the age of three , he became so ill that he suffered multiple organ failure and was given just days to live .
But he was given a life-saving heart transplant just in time .
He has since suffered further complications and his mum , Maria Chebrika-Shaw , told the MEN there have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thought he would die .
But devoted City fan Connor , from Chorlton , has defied the odds and is about to turn 21 on August 13 .
Yesterday ( July 17 ) , he received a very special phone call from Pep Guardiola to wish him a happy birthday .
He has been shielding and has only left the house twice since February to have his bloods tested , so his mum Maria said the call 'really lifted his spirits ' .
`` He has been a bit low and suffers from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` My sister put a few tweets out yesterday and some City players tweeted him wishing him a happy birthday .
`` I then got a message from the guy who sorts out the club 's social media asking for my number .
`` He said they wanted to do something special for Connor . ''
Connor did n't know anything about the call until 20 minutes before and was 'overwhelmed ' when the Blues manager surprised him .
`` I took the phone to his room and Pep asked him how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was ok '' , Maria added .
`` At the end of the call he wished him a happy birthday . ''
Maria recorded the phone call and posted the video on Twitter .
Thousands of people have since liked and retweeted the clip .
Manchester City re-posted the video themselves adding three love hearts .
`` We 're all still in shock .
He was really happy and it really lifted his spirits because it 's been a tough time for him '' , Maria added .
You can join the organ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ life to others , by visiting the website at www.organdonation.nhs.uk .
You can find out more information by visiting the British Heart Foundation website here .

The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel
We have more newsletters
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get the latest City team news, transfer stories, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox - FREE
We have more newsletters
Thank you for subscribing!
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get the latest City team news, transfer stories, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox - FREE
A Manchester City fan who has been shielding during the coronavirus lockdown was left delighted after Pep Guardiola surprised him with a phone call.
Connor Shaw, 20, was born with a congenital heart condition which means only half his heart was developed.
At the age of three, he became so ill that he suffered multiple organ failure and was given just days to live. But he was given a life-saving heart transplant just in time.
He has since suffered further complications and his mum, Maria Chebrika-Shaw, told the MEN there have been 'so many times' when she thought he would die.
But devoted City fan Connor, from Chorlton, has defied the odds and is about to turn 21 on August 13.
Yesterday (July 17), he received a very special phone call from Pep Guardiola to wish him a happy birthday.
He has been shielding and has only left the house twice since February to have his bloods tested, so his mum Maria said the call 'really lifted his spirits'.
"He has been a bit low and suffers from mental health issues", Maria said.
"My sister put a few tweets out yesterday and some City players tweeted him wishing him a happy birthday.
"I then got a message from the guy who sorts out the club's social media asking for my number.
"He said they wanted to do something special for Connor."
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Connor didn't know anything about the call until 20 minutes before and was 'overwhelmed' when the Blues manager surprised him.
"I took the phone to his room and Pep asked him how he was and said he hoped he was ok", Maria added.
"At the end of the call he wished him a happy birthday."
Maria recorded the phone call and posted the video on Twitter.
Thousands of people have since liked and retweeted the clip.
Manchester City re-posted the video themselves adding three love hearts.
"We're all still in shock. He was really happy and it really lifted his spirits because it's been a tough time for him", Maria added.
"Connor's face was a picture."
You can join the organ donation register to give the gift of life to others, by visiting the website at www.organdonation.nhs.uk.
You can find out more information by visiting the British Heart Foundation website here.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-07-18--Pundits make their Arsenal vs Man City FA Cup semi-final predictions

Manchester City can move one step closer to winning their second piece of silverware of the season on Saturday when they face off against Arsenal at Wembley in the FA Cup semi-final .
City have n't had much to play for in recent weeks after Liverpool won the Premier League title and Champions League qualification was almost guaranteed but , after some disappointing results , they have begun to return to form as of late with three victories in succession .
Building momentum ahead of their first game with real significance in weeks was vital for Pep Guardiola , even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confidence boost after defeating Liverpool on Wednesday .
Though City will undoubtedly take solace in the fact that they defeated Arsenal comfortably in the first game back after the restart and have beaten them 3-0 on three occasions this season already .
Here 's how the pundits think the game will go ... '' Amazingly , the last four winners of this competition are the four semi-finalists on show this time around .
On Saturday , holders Manchester City face the most successful team in the competition ’ s history : thirteen-time winners @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Premier League secured , City are now focusing on both the Champions League and FA Cup .
They come in to this match on the back of a win against Bournemouth in the Premier League , albeit with an under-par performance .
However , they will undoubtedly have had half an eye on this fixture and should be full of confidence given that they ’ ve beaten Arsenal in their last seven meetings .
`` Arsenal manager Mikael Arteta has won the FA Cup twice as a player and was part of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they lifted the trophy last season .
He will no doubt be desperate to see his Arsenal team win it in his first year at the helm .
The Gunners will have been buoyed by their win against Liverpool last time out but with their form being somewhat inconsistent since the restart and with their recent poor record against the Citizens , I fancy City to win this one .
`` I ’ m going for a 3-1 victory for Pep Guardiola ’ s men . ''
`` Arsenal 's win over Liverpool @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some mistakes by the Reds but it was still a great result for them .
`` Gunners boss Mikel Arteta made a few changes with this game in mind , but his problem is that City boss Pep Guardiola also rested several players when they beat Bournemouth on the same night .
`` You could argue that Guardiola rested more of his better players than Arteta did , and that is not going to help the Gunners make a dent in City 's defence .
`` The last time Arsenal played City in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Pep 's first season in Manchester , when the Gunners won in extra-time .
`` I do n't see that happening this time , though .
City have won all seven of their subsequent meetings , usually pretty comfortably , and victory number eight is the outcome I am going with .
`` City know they are going to finish second in the Premier League , and they also know they are back in next season 's Champions League too , so they are in good shape for the challenges that lie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already backed to United to go on and lift the FA Cup but City clearly have a great chance of winning that again to go with this season 's Carabao Cup .
`` The same goes for their hopes of success in Europe when they pick up their Champions League campaign against Real Madrid next month too .
They might not have retained their Premier League title , but they are still a very good team indeed . ''

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Manchester City can move one step closer to winning their second piece of silverware of the season on Saturday when they face off against Arsenal at Wembley in the FA Cup semi-final.
City haven't had much to play for in recent weeks after Liverpool won the Premier League title and Champions League qualification was almost guaranteed but, after some disappointing results, they have begun to return to form as of late with three victories in succession.
Building momentum ahead of their first game with real significance in weeks was vital for Pep Guardiola, even more so after Arsenal got a massive confidence boost after defeating Liverpool on Wednesday.
Though City will undoubtedly take solace in the fact that they defeated Arsenal comfortably in the first game back after the restart and have beaten them 3-0 on three occasions this season already.
Here's how the pundits think the game will go...
Sign up to our free MCFC email newsletter Man City are Premier League champions! Get all the reaction plus daily news and analysis direct to your inbox with our free MCFC newsletter Sign up here - it only takes a few seconds.
Michael Owen, BetVictor
"Amazingly, the last four winners of this competition are the four semi-finalists on show this time around. On Saturday, holders Manchester City face the most successful team in the competition’s history: thirteen-time winners Arsenal.
"With second place in the Premier League secured, City are now focusing on both the Champions League and FA Cup. They come in to this match on the back of a win against Bournemouth in the Premier League, albeit with an under-par performance. However, they will undoubtedly have had half an eye on this fixture and should be full of confidence given that they’ve beaten Arsenal in their last seven meetings.
"Arsenal manager Mikael Arteta has won the FA Cup twice as a player and was part of the backroom staff at Manchester City when they lifted the trophy last season. He will no doubt be desperate to see his Arsenal team win it in his first year at the helm. The Gunners will have been buoyed by their win against Liverpool last time out but with their form being somewhat inconsistent since the restart and with their recent poor record against the Citizens, I fancy City to win this one.
"I’m going for a 3-1 victory for Pep Guardiola’s men."
Prediction: Arsenal 1-3 Man City
Mark Lawrenson, BBC
"Arsenal's win over Liverpool on Wednesday was aided and abetted by some mistakes by the Reds but it was still a great result for them.
"Gunners boss Mikel Arteta made a few changes with this game in mind, but his problem is that City boss Pep Guardiola also rested several players when they beat Bournemouth on the same night.
"You could argue that Guardiola rested more of his better players than Arteta did, and that is not going to help the Gunners make a dent in City's defence.
"The last time Arsenal played City in a FA Cup semi-final was 2017, in Pep's first season in Manchester, when the Gunners won in extra-time.
"I don't see that happening this time, though. City have won all seven of their subsequent meetings, usually pretty comfortably, and victory number eight is the outcome I am going with.
"City know they are going to finish second in the Premier League, and they also know they are back in next season's Champions League too, so they are in good shape for the challenges that lie ahead of them.
"I've already backed to United to go on and lift the FA Cup but City clearly have a great chance of winning that again to go with this season's Carabao Cup.
"The same goes for their hopes of success in Europe when they pick up their Champions League campaign against Real Madrid next month too. They might not have retained their Premier League title, but they are still a very good team indeed."
Prediction: Arsenal 0-2 Man City


themanchestereveningnews--2020-07-18--Kevin De Bruyne's agent reveals stance on signing new Man City contract

Kevin De Bruyne 's agent insists the Belgian playmaker is in no rush to sign a new contract at Manchester City , but is happy at the Etihad .
De Bruyne was one of the players linked with a move away from the club if the Blues were unsuccessful in their appeal against a two-year ban from European competition , but Patrick De Koster , who represents the City midfielder , insists that was never considered .
With City winning their appeal earlier this week players could commit to new deals instead , but De Bruyne has three years remaining @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sees no immediate need to put pen to paper on an extension .
Asked about the prospect of the Belgium international signing a new deal , De Koster told Het Laatste Nieuws : “ We ’ re not in a hurry.
” De Bruyne has enjoyed another magnificent season in Manchester and with two Premier League games remaining he 's still chasing Thierry Henry 's record of 20 Premier League assists , sitting two short of that tally at the moment .
But the FA Cup semi-final is next on the radar , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tonight , before the Champions League resumes next month .
Whatever happens in that competition City know they can take their seat at Europe 's top table again next season , but De Koster said leaving if the appeal had n't been successful was not something that De Bruyne had considered .
“ A lot of people were asking if Kevin would be leaving ( if they were banned ) , but I didn ’ t get phone calls ( from clubs ) in the last months .
We never had a move @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get the latest City team news, transfer stories, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox - FREE
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get the latest City team news, transfer stories, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox - FREE
Kevin De Bruyne's agent insists the Belgian playmaker is in no rush to sign a new contract at Manchester City, but is happy at the Etihad.
De Bruyne was one of the players linked with a move away from the club if the Blues were unsuccessful in their appeal against a two-year ban from European competition, but Patrick De Koster, who represents the City midfielder, insists that was never considered.
With City winning their appeal earlier this week players could commit to new deals instead, but De Bruyne has three years remaining on his existing contract and at 29 sees no immediate need to put pen to paper on an extension.
Asked about the prospect of the Belgium international signing a new deal, De Koster told Het Laatste Nieuws : “We’re not in a hurry.”
De Bruyne has enjoyed another magnificent season in Manchester and with two Premier League games remaining he's still chasing Thierry Henry's record of 20 Premier League assists, sitting two short of that tally at the moment.
Sign up to our free MCFC email newsletter Man City are Premier League champions! Get all the reaction plus daily news and analysis direct to your inbox with our free MCFC newsletter Sign up here - it only takes a few seconds.
But the FA Cup semi-final is next on the radar, with the Blues facing Arsenal at Wembley tonight, before the Champions League resumes next month.
Whatever happens in that competition City know they can take their seat at Europe's top table again next season, but De Koster said leaving if the appeal hadn't been successful was not something that De Bruyne had considered.
“A lot of people were asking if Kevin would be leaving (if they were banned), but I didn’t get phone calls (from clubs) in the last months. We never had a move in our mind," he said.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-07-18--Manchester United might have to give Mason Greenwood a new role

When Mason Greenwood was winning plaudits for his dazzling performance in the Old Trafford destruction of Bournemouth , Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was preaching caution and insisting the club had to continue to make sure they managed the precocious teenager properly .
But with the domestic season reaching its end game the United boss seems to have seen enough to realise that Greenwood has the fitness and the physicality to keep going through a demanding schedule , insisting there was `` no chance of a burnout '' for a player who does n't turn 19 until October .
Greenwood 's impact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ games , however , with the teenager not at his best against Southampton and Crystal Palace .
United were collectively below-par in both of those fixtures and looked lethargic at times , which has to be a concern for Greenwood , who has never experienced a schedule like this before .
Solskjaer said on Saturday morning that the academy graduate had `` coped really well with the demands on him '' and that the club had `` managed him as well as we could '' , and while he has started six Premier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's only played 90 minutes once .
But his withdrawal just over the hour mark on Thursday was the earliest he has come off , with his involvement in the other five games going past the 75 minute mark at least .
It would be no surprise if Greenwood was feeling the effects of that schedule , he might have the energy of youth but the demands of two Premier League games a week are new to his body , which also looks to have had some significant development during lockdown .
Solskjaer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had returned from lockdown `` flying '' and he 's been a major threat for United recently , but the two previous performances of the team suggest that there is a fine balance to be struck between picking the best players and the freshest players .
The boldness of Solskjaer 's comments certainly suggest Greenwood will be starting his seventh game in 26 days at Wembley , but then we 've seen the double bluff employed by the Norwegian several times this season .
There 's certainly an argument for looking at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ far this week and concluding he is in need of a break , starting the game from the bench primed to make an impact if required .
But there 's also no disputing his importance to United and the vicissitudes of form can be just as big a constraint as fitness for 18-year-olds .
The magic could suddenly return on his first Wembley appearance .
Solskjaer is right when he says the managing of talents such as Greenwood is a vital part of his development .
There are numerous examples of players pushed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time when their physical development needs to be considered as well .
This might be the ideal time to ease Greenwood out of the spotlight , ready to be unleashed again next week when United 's Champions League qualification will be decided .

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
When Mason Greenwood was winning plaudits for his dazzling performance in the Old Trafford destruction of Bournemouth, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was preaching caution and insisting the club had to continue to make sure they managed the precocious teenager properly.
But with the domestic season reaching its end game the United boss seems to have seen enough to realise that Greenwood has the fitness and the physicality to keep going through a demanding schedule, insisting there was "no chance of a burnout" for a player who doesn't turn 19 until October.
Greenwood's impact has certainly waned over the past two games, however, with the teenager not at his best against Southampton and Crystal Palace. United were collectively below-par in both of those fixtures and looked lethargic at times, which has to be a concern for Greenwood, who has never experienced a schedule like this before.
Solskjaer said on Saturday morning that the academy graduate had "coped really well with the demands on him" and that the club had "managed him as well as we could", and while he has started six Premier League games in 23 days, he's only played 90 minutes once.
But his withdrawal just over the hour mark on Thursday was the earliest he has come off, with his involvement in the other five games going past the 75 minute mark at least.
Sign up to our free MUFC email newsletter Get the latest breaking Manchester United transfer news and analysis every day direct to your inbox with our free MUFC newsletter Sign up here - it only takes a few seconds.
It would be no surprise if Greenwood was feeling the effects of that schedule, he might have the energy of youth but the demands of two Premier League games a week are new to his body, which also looks to have had some significant development during lockdown.
Solskjaer was right to point out that Greenwood had returned from lockdown "flying" and he's been a major threat for United recently, but the two previous performances of the team suggest that there is a fine balance to be struck between picking the best players and the freshest players.
The boldness of Solskjaer's comments certainly suggest Greenwood will be starting his seventh game in 26 days at Wembley, but then we've seen the double bluff employed by the Norwegian several times this season.
There's certainly an argument for looking at the diminishing impact of Greenwood's performances so far this week and concluding he is in need of a break, starting the game from the bench primed to make an impact if required. But there's also no disputing his importance to United and the vicissitudes of form can be just as big a constraint as fitness for 18-year-olds. The magic could suddenly return on his first Wembley appearance.
Solskjaer is right when he says the managing of talents such as Greenwood is a vital part of his development. There are numerous examples of players pushed too hard too soon, at a time when their physical development needs to be considered as well.
This might be the ideal time to ease Greenwood out of the spotlight, ready to be unleashed again next week when United's Champions League qualification will be decided.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-07-18--Tributes paid to 'top lads' after BMW police chase leaves two men dead

Tributes have been paid to two young men who died in a car crash following a police chase in Brighouse .
The two men , who have been named as Sohail Akhtar and Sohail Aziz , died after their car ploughed into a road barrier on Bradford Road .
Police began pursuing their car , believed to be a BMW , at around 1am on Friday , July 17 .
The two men , in their 20s , were pronounced dead at the scene following the crash .
A Facebook page named Janaza Announcement posted about their passing , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ families , Yorkshire Live reports .
One person commented : `` Absolutely heartbroken both of them were top lads .
May Allah give their families patience during this difficult time .
`` Words can not comprehend what they must be going through . ''
Another Facebook user said : `` This is terribly sad for all concerned especially their families..rip young men ... '' And a third posted : `` Condolences to the family and friends another great loss of young lives . ''
An investigation has been launched by the Independent Office @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their deaths .
Miranda Biddle , IOPC regional director , said : “ This is a tragic incident and my thoughts are with the men ’ s family and friends and all those affected , including the emergency services in attendance .
“ We sent investigators to the scene and to the post-incident procedures , where the two officers in the police vehicle provided statements to us .
“ It is mandatory , when someone dies following police contact , that the matter is referred to the IOPC .
“ Our role is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what happened ; this work is already underway , and Wesr Yorkshire Police is cooperating fully with our enquiries.
” A spokesman for West Yorkshire Police said they contacted the IOPC following the crash .

newsdesk@men-news.co.uk (Victoria Scheer, Alexandra Rucki)

We have more newsletters
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
We have more newsletters
Thank you for subscribing!
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
Tributes have been paid to two young men who died in a car crash following a police chase in Brighouse.
The two men, who have been named as Sohail Akhtar and Sohail Aziz, died after their car ploughed into a road barrier on Bradford Road.
Police began pursuing their car, believed to be a BMW, at around 1am on Friday, July 17.
The two men, in their 20s, were pronounced dead at the scene following the crash.
A Facebook page named Janaza Announcement posted about their passing, with many people extending their condolences to the families, Yorkshire Live reports.
One person commented: "Absolutely heartbroken both of them were top lads. May Allah give their families patience during this difficult time.
"Words cannot comprehend what they must be going through."
(Image: Andy Catchpool/YorkshireLive)
Another Facebook user said: "This is terribly sad for all concerned especially their families..rip young men..."
And a third posted: "Condolences to the family and friends another great loss of young lives."
An investigation has been launched by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) following their deaths.
Miranda Biddle, IOPC regional director, said: “This is a tragic incident and my thoughts are with the men’s family and friends and all those affected, including the emergency services in attendance.
“We sent investigators to the scene and to the post-incident procedures, where the two officers in the police vehicle provided statements to us.
“It is mandatory, when someone dies following police contact, that the matter is referred to the IOPC.
“Our role is to establish and examine the circumstances of what happened; this work is already underway, and Wesr Yorkshire Police is cooperating fully with our enquiries.”
A spokesman for West Yorkshire Police said they contacted the IOPC following the crash.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-07-18--Big Sean pays tribute to tragic Glee star and ex-fiancee Naya Rivera

Big Sean has paid tribute to Naya Rivera , the Glee star who drowned on a boating trip with her son .
His former fiancé , 33-year-old Rivera , was found drowned during a search of Lake Piru in California on Monday ( July 13 ) .
Ventura County Sheriff ’ s Office said currents on the surface of the lake may have caused the unanchored rental boat to drift away from Rivera and her four-year-old son Josey Hollis , who was wearing a life jacket , while they were swimming .
It is likely that she managed to save @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the water and onto the boat , but was unable to save herself , police said .
The Glee actress got engaged to rapper Big Sean in 2013 but the pair split up the following year .
Big Sean , real name Sean Anderson , has spoken out for the first time since her death , saying he is still “ grieving and in shock ” .
He wrote on Instagram : “ Rest In Peace Naya , God Bless your Soul !
“ Thank you for blessing us all with your talent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ !
Not just because of how you saved your son , also because of the barriers you knocked down for so many people to make them feel confident in themselves and to stand tall and be proud when they couldn ’ t achieve that on their own .
“ I appreciate and cherish everything that ever happened between us for making me wiser and a better person .
“ I ’ m still grieving and in shock , I can ’ t believe this is real .
I ’ m praying for you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ watching over them and protecting them .
Rest In Peace Naya.
” Rivera was best known for playing cheerleader Santana Lopez on TV musical-comedy Glee from 2009 to 2015 .
Her co-star Heather Morris , who played Santana ’ s love interest Brittany , was a close friend of Rivera ’ s and joined her family to search the lake while she was missing .
Morris also shared a lengthy tribute on Instagram , saying they “ created the most beautiful friendship built out of love and understanding ” .
She added that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ on repeat , ” because “ from the moment I heard it , it struck me and I always wished the world knew more of your voice ” .
“ You always shared recipes and I admired your love for food , '' she wrote .
`` We vowed to spend every Easter together , even though Covid stole this last one from us .
“ You are and always will be the strongest and most resilient human being I know , and I vowed to carry that with me as I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
Big Sean has paid tribute to Naya Rivera, the Glee star who drowned on a boating trip with her son.
His former fiancé, 33-year-old Rivera, was found drowned during a search of Lake Piru in California on Monday (July 13).
Ventura County Sheriff’s Office said currents on the surface of the lake may have caused the unanchored rental boat to drift away from Rivera and her four-year-old son Josey Hollis, who was wearing a life jacket, while they were swimming.
It is likely that she managed to save her son by pulling him out of the water and onto the boat, but was unable to save herself, police said.
Medical examiners ruled the star's death as accidental drowning.
The Glee actress got engaged to rapper Big Sean in 2013 but the pair split up the following year.
(Image: Getty Images)
Big Sean, real name Sean Anderson, has spoken out for the first time since her death, saying he is still “grieving and in shock”.
He wrote on Instagram: “Rest In Peace Naya, God Bless your Soul!
“Thank you for blessing us all with your talent and presence. you are a hero! Not just because of how you saved your son, also because of the barriers you knocked down for so many people to make them feel confident in themselves and to stand tall and be proud when they couldn’t achieve that on their own.
(Image: Dimitrios Kambouris/WireImage)
“I appreciate and cherish everything that ever happened between us for making me wiser and a better person.
“I’m still grieving and in shock, I can’t believe this is real. I’m praying for you and your family and I know your watching over them and protecting them. Rest In Peace Naya.”
Rivera was best known for playing cheerleader Santana Lopez on TV musical-comedy Glee from 2009 to 2015.
Her co-star Heather Morris, who played Santana’s love interest Brittany, was a close friend of Rivera’s and joined her family to search the lake while she was missing.
Morris also shared a lengthy tribute on Instagram, saying they “created the most beautiful friendship built out of love and understanding”.
(Image: Michael Buckner/Getty Images for InStyle)
She added that she listens to Rivera’s EP “on repeat,” because “from the moment I heard it, it struck me and I always wished the world knew more of your voice”.
“You always shared recipes and I admired your love for food," she wrote.
"We vowed to spend every Easter together, even though Covid stole this last one from us.
“You are and always will be the strongest and most resilient human being I know, and I vowed to carry that with me as I continue to live my life.”
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--2020-07-18--The number of coronavirus cases in each ward in Bolton

Bolton Council has revealed the number of coronavirus cases recorded in each of the borough 's electoral wards .
According to the data , which is accurate as of July 5 , Rumworth had the highest number of cases , while Horwich North East has seen the lowest .
In Rumworth , which mostly comprises of Deane and Daubhill , 154 cases had been reported .
In Horwich North East , there were only 44 .
Harper Green ( 145 ) , Crompton ( 133 ) , Great Lever ( 132 ) , Farnworth ( 125 ) , and Heaton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recorded more than 100 cases .
The other areas with the lowest number of cases include Bromley Cross ( 45 ) , Westhoughton South ( 53 ) , Bradshaw ( 54 ) , Smithills ( 64 ) , and Tonge with The Haulgh ( 64 ) .
The data was compiled by Bolton Council 's Director of Public Health , Dr Helen Lowey , and revealed at Wednesday evening 's ( July 15 ) full council meeting at Bolton Town Hall .
Bolton Council 's Executive Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing Susan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Crompton ward councillor Martin McMulkin .
Posting the figures on social media , Leader of the Council , Coun David Greenhalgh said : `` It will have altered since but it gives an idea of the spread . ''
Coun Greenhalgh also confirmed that most wards are similar in size and have populations between 10,000 to 11,000 .
Here is the full list of coronavirus cases per ward in Bolton , as of July 5 :

We have more newsletters
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for the free MyBolton newsletter to get the top stories direct to your inbox
We have more newsletters
Thank you for subscribing!
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for the free MyBolton newsletter to get the top stories direct to your inbox
Bolton Council has revealed the number of coronavirus cases recorded in each of the borough's electoral wards.
According to the data, which is accurate as of July 5, Rumworth had the highest number of cases, while Horwich North East has seen the lowest.
In Rumworth, which mostly comprises of Deane and Daubhill, 154 cases had been reported. In Horwich North East, there were only 44.
Harper Green (145), Crompton (133), Great Lever (132), Farnworth (125), and Heaton and Lostock (122) also had recorded more than 100 cases.
The other areas with the lowest number of cases include Bromley Cross (45), Westhoughton South (53), Bradshaw (54), Smithills (64), and Tonge with The Haulgh (64).
The data was compiled by Bolton Council's Director of Public Health, Dr Helen Lowey, and revealed at Wednesday evening's (July 15) full council meeting at Bolton Town Hall.
Bolton Council's Executive Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing Susan Baines shared the figures following a question by Crompton ward councillor Martin McMulkin.
Posting the figures on social media, Leader of the Council, Coun David Greenhalgh said: "It will have altered since but it gives an idea of the spread."
Coun Greenhalgh also confirmed that most wards are similar in size and have populations between 10,000 to 11,000.
Here is the full list of coronavirus cases per ward in Bolton, as of July 5:


themanchestereveningnews--2020-07-18--Blackpool battles to bounce back from lockdown - so this is not what they needed

As a huge orange and yellow ball of flames rose above Blackpool 's Central Pier early on Friday morning , the Victorian pier widely described as 'one of the jewels in the resort 's crown ' , was badly damaged .
Ten fire appliances and 50 firefighters from Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service were dispatched to the pier close to Blackpool Tower shortly after 3am and an investigation has begun into the cause of the blaze .
Thankfully no-one was hurt , but it its another knock for a resort that 's experienced so many over the years .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a national lockdown which has had a brutal impact on the visitor economy which is its lifeblood .
Shut down since mid-March , it has had no pubs , restaurants or cafes open to draw in the visitors who travelled there for a blast of Irish Sea air on sunny May days during the pandemic .
There were no welcoming B & BS offering full English breakfasts back then and the economy suffered as a result .
The town 's MP Paul Maynard is clearly concerned about the impact of pier fires on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the fire at Central Pier as `` a real tragedy . ''
`` Everybody regards the three piers as the crown jewels of Blackpool , '' he says .
`` The hospitality sector has suffered clearly for a long time during lockdown and it will take a long time for it to recover with the support of the government and council .
`` It 's not just businesses that are affected but there are also back room businesses like laundries that have been impacted and are not eligible for grant funding because they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' The Blackpool North and Cleveleys Conservative MP says businesses in the resort are opening at different rates in order to comply with the complex guidelines .
He says it 's `` important for businesses to be able to open up and one idea could be to extend the town 's Illumination season longer than usual into Christmas '' to give the resort a chance to recover economically .
Since 2015 , visitor numbers in Blackpool have grown from 17 million people a year to 18.2 million and the overall value to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And it 's vital for Lancashire 's economy : Blackpool now accounts for more than 40 per cent of the value of the county 's visitor economy .
Thousands of people in Blackpool work in hospitality - there are 25,400 full-time tourism and hospitality jobs in the resort .
Sea defences have been improved and the Blackpool Tower and Winter Gardens revamped .
Earlier this week , Mr Maynard says a group of coach tour operators travelled to the resort in their coaches and held a protest along the promenade as their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lack of holidaymakers 'who travel there from Scotland or Stoke-on-Trent ' .
He says the tour operator Shearings has already gone out of business and other coach operators are feeling the financial pressure .
`` It 's also the hotels , the shops and cafes that are affected by this , it 's a whole ecosystem of support services , '' he adds .
`` For the older generation it might almost be an enormous struggle to get to Blackpool after the pandemic .
And they might wonder if it is going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comparisons on the city of London he says the capital is currently `` much more eerie '' than Blackpool , which has starting to see visitors return .
The Sandcastle Water Park , for example , is due to reopen next weekend .
The MP says there 's also a huge challenge for the smaller hotels - the B & Bs where `` one-metre plus can cause havoc in the breakfast rooms . ''
He says these are the businesses operating at the `` tightest of margins '' and it could make some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the biggest source of concern for his constituents , however , has been from worried cabaret artists in the resort concerned about when they can return to work .
It 's an issue that he reckons is unique to Blackpool , but nonetheless a serious one .
But during the balmy months , the resort was busy with families in spite of the lack of facilities that were open .
The beach proved a major draw as the weather warmed up in May .
At the Compass cafe in Blackpool , David Nixon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resort to bounce back .
He said : `` We have been quite busy at the cafe and it does feel that Blackpool 's starting to fight back after coronanvirus .
`` If was definitely a bit quieter during the pandemic , but things are starting to open up for the summer months .
`` But you just do n't really know what 's going to happen it all depends on the rate of infection , like what 's happened in Leicester .
You just never know .
`` Even in lockdown it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ though everything else was closed in the town .
People still wanted to visit . ''
And at the Masala takeaway in the town centre , Faizel Adam says that the town centre 's `` dead '' at the moment with an obvious lack of footfall in the main shopping area .
Although , thankfully , the takeaway has been `` really busy '' since it managed to reopen two days ago , a short hop from the main train station .
He says : `` We 've only been reopen after coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been really busy for us luckily .
But for the town itself it is absolutely dead at the moment .
There 's not many people about .
`` It did get really busy when it was warmer even though things were not open when the weather was very hot earlier in the year .
It 's really sad about the fire at the Central Pier today , but it 's not affected how busy we are . ''
Blackpool council says some of the key attractions , theatres and hotels are temporarily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cinemas .
Many events due to be staged over the coming months have been cancelled .
The Pleasure Beach , Madame Tussauds , the Tower Eye , Sea Life Centre , Zoo and Coral Island have reopened .
The elegant Grundy Art Gallery in the heart of the town reopens on July 29 .
The Grand Theatre , Winter Garden and all three piers remain shut along with VIVA Blackpool , Blackpool Football Club and The Ascent Trampoline park .
Blackpool 's Air Show scheduled for next month has been cancelled and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on in September .
A spokesperson for the Pleasure Beach says it has reopened `` respectfully and carefully and has a comprehensive range of procedures and protocols in place to welcome guests safely . ''
`` A number of our shows and events have been postponed or re-scheduled and following our three-month closure due to Covid-19 we have extended our 2020 season to December 13 '' , the spokesperson added .
`` We remain positive for the season ahead as we enter the traditional six-week summer holiday period and ask guests to book @ @ @ @ @ @ @ use our new eTicket . ''
It 's clear Blackpool will bounce back as it always does .
But the fire has not helped its recovery .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
As a huge orange and yellow ball of flames rose above Blackpool's Central Pier early on Friday morning, the Victorian pier widely described as 'one of the jewels in the resort's crown', was badly damaged.
Ten fire appliances and 50 firefighters from Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service were dispatched to the pier close to Blackpool Tower shortly after 3am and an investigation has begun into the cause of the blaze.
Thankfully no-one was hurt, but it its another knock for a resort that's experienced so many over the years.
The proud Lancashire town is slowly emerging from a national lockdown which has had a brutal impact on the visitor economy which is its lifeblood.
Shut down since mid-March, it has had no pubs, restaurants or cafes open to draw in the visitors who travelled there for a blast of Irish Sea air on sunny May days during the pandemic.
There were no welcoming B&BS offering full English breakfasts back then and the economy suffered as a result.
The town's MP Paul Maynard is clearly concerned about the impact of pier fires on British resorts like Blackpool and he describes the fire at Central Pier as "a real tragedy."
"Everybody regards the three piers as the crown jewels of Blackpool," he says. "The hospitality sector has suffered clearly for a long time during lockdown and it will take a long time for it to recover with the support of the government and council.
"It's not just businesses that are affected but there are also back room businesses like laundries that have been impacted and are not eligible for grant funding because they're not on the front line."
The Blackpool North and Cleveleys Conservative MP says businesses in the resort are opening at different rates in order to comply with the complex guidelines.
He says it's "important for businesses to be able to open up and one idea could be to extend the town's Illumination season longer than usual into Christmas" to give the resort a chance to recover economically.
Visit LancsLive If you are in Lancashire, you can find all the latest news, traffic updates and guide to What's On at our sister news website LancsLive. Click here to go to LancsLive
Since 2015, visitor numbers in Blackpool have grown from 17 million people a year to 18.2 million and the overall value to the economy is worth more than £1.58 billion.
And it's vital for Lancashire's economy: Blackpool now accounts for more than 40 per cent of the value of the county's visitor economy.
(Image: Getty Images)
Thousands of people in Blackpool work in hospitality - there are 25,400 full-time tourism and hospitality jobs in the resort. Sea defences have been improved and the Blackpool Tower and Winter Gardens revamped.
Earlier this week, Mr Maynard says a group of coach tour operators travelled to the resort in their coaches and held a protest along the promenade as their trade's been badly affected by the lack of holidaymakers 'who travel there from Scotland or Stoke-on-Trent'.
He says the tour operator Shearings has already gone out of business and other coach operators are feeling the financial pressure.
"It's also the hotels, the shops and cafes that are affected by this, it's a whole ecosystem of support services," he adds.
"For the older generation it might almost be an enormous struggle to get to Blackpool after the pandemic. And they might wonder if it is going to be quite the same."
Drawing comparisons on the city of London he says the capital is currently "much more eerie" than Blackpool, which has starting to see visitors return. The Sandcastle Water Park, for example, is due to reopen next weekend.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
The MP says there's also a huge challenge for the smaller hotels - the B&Bs where "one-metre plus can cause havoc in the breakfast rooms."
He says these are the businesses operating at the "tightest of margins" and it could make some of them economically non-viable.
By far the biggest source of concern for his constituents, however, has been from worried cabaret artists in the resort concerned about when they can return to work. It's an issue that he reckons is unique to Blackpool, but nonetheless a serious one.
But during the balmy months, the resort was busy with families in spite of the lack of facilities that were open. The beach proved a major draw as the weather warmed up in May.
At the Compass cafe in Blackpool, David Nixon was optimistic about the resilience of the resort to bounce back.
He said: "We have been quite busy at the cafe and it does feel that Blackpool's starting to fight back after coronanvirus.
"If was definitely a bit quieter during the pandemic, but things are starting to open up for the summer months.
"But you just don't really know what's going to happen it all depends on the rate of infection, like what's happened in Leicester. You just never know.
"Even in lockdown it was very busy on the seafront even though everything else was closed in the town. People still wanted to visit."
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
And at the Masala takeaway in the town centre, Faizel Adam says that the town centre's "dead" at the moment with an obvious lack of footfall in the main shopping area.
Although, thankfully, the takeaway has been "really busy" since it managed to reopen two days ago, a short hop from the main train station.
He says: "We've only been reopen after coronavirus for two days now. And it has been really busy for us luckily. But for the town itself it is absolutely dead at the moment. There's not many people about.
"It did get really busy when it was warmer even though things were not open when the weather was very hot earlier in the year. It's really sad about the fire at the Central Pier today, but it's not affected how busy we are."
Blackpool council says some of the key attractions, theatres and hotels are temporarily closed along with nightclubs, gyms and cinemas.
Many events due to be staged over the coming months have been cancelled. The Pleasure Beach, Madame Tussauds, the Tower Eye, Sea Life Centre, Zoo and Coral Island have reopened.
The elegant Grundy Art Gallery in the heart of the town reopens on July 29.
The Grand Theatre, Winter Garden and all three piers remain shut along with VIVA Blackpool, Blackpool Football Club and The Ascent Trampoline park.
Blackpool's Air Show scheduled for next month has been cancelled and the Illuminations will be a 'virtual' switch on in September.
A spokesperson for the Pleasure Beach says it has reopened "respectfully and carefully and has a comprehensive range of procedures and protocols in place to welcome guests safely."
"A number of our shows and events have been postponed or re-scheduled and following our three-month closure due to Covid-19 we have extended our 2020 season to December 13", the spokesperson added.
"We remain positive for the season ahead as we enter the traditional six-week summer holiday period and ask guests to book in advance online before their visit and use our new eTicket."
It's clear Blackpool will bounce back as it always does. But the fire has not helped its recovery.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-07-18--Lampard aims Bruno Fernandes penalty dig ahead of Man United fixture

Frank Lampard has warned his Chelsea players to be extra careful when trying to tackle Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes in the box this weekend .
United take on Chelsea in the FA Cup final this weekend as both Lampard and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer look to end their first full season in charge with a piece of silverware to show for it .
United have won all three of the previous encounters between the two sides this season and Lampard is wary that it could take one decision to swing the outcome of the match at Wembley on Sunday .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ best to nullify United 's attacking threat and Lampard has warned his side about Fernandes ' ability to win penalties out of nothing .
When asked if his defenders will need to be on their guard this weekend the Chelsea manager said : `` They have to be .
Because when players of such high level , quality and speed of the Manchester United forwards travel quickly you have to move your feet and not dive in on them .
`` You need to understand the qualities of the opposition , with players @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in his movement .
We saw that at Aston Villa to make something feel like a penalty where maybe it even isn ’ t .
`` As a player we can talk about VAR decisions and whether they ’ re right or wrong .
But if a player is going to dangle a leg and not move their feet then you obviously do leave yourself open to penalties , VAR or no VAR . ''

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
Frank Lampard has warned his Chelsea players to be extra careful when trying to tackle Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes in the box this weekend.
United take on Chelsea in the FA Cup final this weekend as both Lampard and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer look to end their first full season in charge with a piece of silverware to show for it.
United have won all three of the previous encounters between the two sides this season and Lampard is wary that it could take one decision to swing the outcome of the match at Wembley on Sunday.
Chelsea will need to be at their best to nullify United's attacking threat and Lampard has warned his side about Fernandes' ability to win penalties out of nothing.
When asked if his defenders will need to be on their guard this weekend the Chelsea manager said: "They have to be. Because when players of such high level, quality and speed of the Manchester United forwards travel quickly you have to move your feet and not dive in on them.
"You need to understand the qualities of the opposition, with players like that. Fernandes is very clever in his movement. We saw that at Aston Villa to make something feel like a penalty where maybe it even isn’t.
"As a player we can talk about VAR decisions and whether they’re right or wrong. But if a player is going to dangle a leg and not move their feet then you obviously do leave yourself open to penalties, VAR or no VAR."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-07-18--Ole Gunnar Solskjaer Manchester United press conference highlights

“ How long have we got ?
I can sit here for hours now and try to talk about this .
It looks like there ’ s a narrative , it looks like people want to influence whoever is making the decisions .
I hear people talking about luck , that we ’ ve been lucky more than unlucky .
“ If you look at the factual decisions - I don ’ t want to sound like a certain manager talking about facts - but if you ’ re offside you ’ re offside , that ’ s clear .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ we got against Tottenham in the last minute that was taken away from us ; that might be two points for us .
Talking about the red card [ Oriol ] Romeu should have had against us when he almost got Mason Greenwood crippled , that should ’ ve been a red card , maybe that would ’ ve helped us .
“ Talking about Mark Noble when he should have been sent off against us when we lost at West Ham .
Talking about the actual decision that is made that is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ corrected .
So it ’ s actually me that should be complaining that we get decisions against us on the pitch by the on-pitch referee .
“ There ’ s a narrative there but we have to focus on our games , we let other people talk about that .
I don ’ t wan na go too much into it because I might be in trouble !
I hope I ’ m not now !
“ I ’ m pretty relaxed on these and refs are gon na be making objective decisions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by any emotion in any way , so I don ’ t think they ’ ll read [ what Lampard said ] .
”

“How long have we got? I can sit here for hours now and try to talk about this. It looks like there’s a narrative, it looks like people want to influence whoever is making the decisions. I hear people talking about luck, that we’ve been lucky more than unlucky.
“If you look at the factual decisions - I don’t want to sound like a certain manager talking about facts - but if you’re offside you’re offside, that’s clear.
“Talking about lucky; the penalty we got against Tottenham in the last minute that was taken away from us; that might be two points for us. Talking about the red card [Oriol] Romeu should have had against us when he almost got Mason Greenwood crippled, that should’ve been a red card, maybe that would’ve helped us.
“Talking about Mark Noble when he should have been sent off against us when we lost at West Ham. Talking about the actual decision that is made that is against Man United but is overturned and corrected. So it’s actually me that should be complaining that we get decisions against us on the pitch by the on-pitch referee. “
There’s a narrative there but we have to focus on our games, we let other people talk about that. I don’t wanna go too much into it because I might be in trouble! I hope I’m not now!
“I’m pretty relaxed on these and refs are gonna be making objective decisions and are not gonna be influenced by any emotion in any way, so I don’t think they’ll read [what Lampard said].”


themanchestereveningnews--2020-07-18--Four centre-back alternatives if Man City cannot sign Koulibaly or Skriniar

Manchester City have fallen well short this season in the Premier League , not just in terms of their points tally but in the sheer volume of games they have lost .
Part of the approach to remedy that and mount a much sterner title bid in 2020/21 will be to find a new centre-back to fit Pep Guardiola ’ s approach and remove some of the brittleness from the team ’ s play .
Aymeric Laporte is seen as a cornerstone of the team who makes everybody else better in turn , but City haven ’ t yet found @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the replacement for Vincent Kompany .
City have been linked with multiple centre-backs to fill the void left by the legendary captain last summer , with Napoli 's Kalidou Koulibaly and Milan Skriniar being two of the names touted the most .
But both potential signings have obstacles aplenty in their way , with massive transfer fees reported for both .
Here are four potential alternatives City could target instead .
Brazilian centre-back Eder Militao moved from Porto to Real Madrid a year ago for around £42 million , so he ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But if City are looking at the very top end of the market , price should not be an issue .
Militao has struggled for game time this term , and with Raphael Varane a fixture in the team and Sergio Ramos not going anywhere despite his advancing years , that situation isn ’ t likely to change .
The 22-year-old is an all-rounder when it comes to his defensive traits .
He averages the same tackles won as Koulibaly per 90 minutes of action , and loses fewer .
His clearances @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s and his passing retention is good , if not exemplary .
But his value also comes in tremendous recovery pace , better aerial dominance and a much lower age than the Napoli man .
There ’ s lots to work with and he can get a lot better , too - if he can be prised away from Madrid .
Perhaps another positive for City is the fact he ’ s a right-sided centre-back , which would allow for him and Laporte to stay in their natural areas .
He can also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the attack-minded style that Guardiola usually asks for .
While Militao is capable of reaching the top level of young defenders , lacking only game time and evidence of consistency , Dayot Upamecano is arguably already there .
He ’ s a regular starter at RB Leipzig , where he has this season been in the Champions League and challenging for the Bundesliga title , with the French defender a cornerstone of the team .
He has played both right and left side in the centre , in a three-man defence and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of partners throughout .
Very little puts him off his game thanks to an iron-clad mentality .
Linked with a move away almost every transfer window , the most likely course of action now appears to be a new contract with Leipzig - unless a big team with good finances available moves quickly , perhaps .
Again , he ’ s similar to Koulibaly in his numbers for clearances , is just as good with his passing over short and long distances , and at age 21 is a potential first-team signing for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reunion with a player he had at Bayern ?
It ’ s hard to fathom why he wouldn ’ t .
Austrian star David Alaba would , obviously , be a complete departure from the type of ball-winning , aerially proficient centre-back that the others are generally deemed to be , but even so it ’ s hard to disagree he wouldn ’ t bring an authority and level of control to the back line .
He was used at left-back and central midfield by Guardiola at Bayern , but the final season @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the defence at times .
He returned there under Hansi Flick in the latter part of the Bundesliga season that has just ended .
Alaba ’ s pace , reading of the game , passing out from the back , ability to dictate play and willingness to take possession under pressure would all be enormously appealing to Guardiola , plus he ’ s available for a move this summer if he chooses , with just one year left on his contract .
He ’ d perhaps have to be the one to adapt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not an enormous issue for a player of his calibre .
City would still have to look at who would be their dominant , tough competitor option in certain fixtures , but Alaba would be a great addition all the same .
Finally , one alternative of the ‘ other ’ style , the defender-first , play builder-second option : Dan-Axel Zagadou of Borussia Dortmund .
On the ball , he ’ s arguably even more composed and controlled , reliable and rhythmic , than Laporte or Koulibaly .
Zagadou is very good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ loss ratio compares favourably to Matthijs de Ligt or Jonathan Tah , for example - and he ’ s growing in terms of his reading of the game .
But he would be something of a project for Guardiola , too .
Consistency has been an issue at times , and it ’ s to be hoped his career will not stall in the manner that John Stones ’ has .
If he can discover that consistency then Zagadou is a terrific long-term option .
But if it ’ s the ready-to-go approach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three names on the list are definitely more suitable choices .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get the latest City team news, transfer stories, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox - FREE
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get the latest City team news, transfer stories, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox - FREE
Manchester City have fallen well short this season in the Premier League, not just in terms of their points tally but in the sheer volume of games they have lost.
Part of the approach to remedy that and mount a much sterner title bid in 2020/21 will be to find a new centre-back to fit Pep Guardiola’s approach and remove some of the brittleness from the team’s play.
Aymeric Laporte is seen as a cornerstone of the team who makes everybody else better in turn, but City haven’t yet found the perfect partner for him - or the replacement for Vincent Kompany.
City have been linked with multiple centre-backs to fill the void left by the legendary captain last summer, with Napoli's Kalidou Koulibaly and Milan Skriniar being two of the names touted the most.
Sign up to our free MCFC email newsletter Man City are Premier League champions! Get all the reaction plus daily news and analysis direct to your inbox with our free MCFC newsletter Sign up here - it only takes a few seconds.
But both potential signings have obstacles aplenty in their way, with massive transfer fees reported for both. Here are four potential alternatives City could target instead.
Eder Militao
Brazilian centre-back Eder Militao moved from Porto to Real Madrid a year ago for around £42 million, so he’s not going to be a cheap fix. But if City are looking at the very top end of the market, price should not be an issue.
Militao has struggled for game time this term, and with Raphael Varane a fixture in the team and Sergio Ramos not going anywhere despite his advancing years, that situation isn’t likely to change.
(Image: Berengui/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
The 22-year-old is an all-rounder when it comes to his defensive traits. He averages the same tackles won as Koulibaly per 90 minutes of action, and loses fewer. His clearances per 90 are considerably above Koulibaly’s and his passing retention is good, if not exemplary.
But his value also comes in tremendous recovery pace, better aerial dominance and a much lower age than the Napoli man. There’s lots to work with and he can get a lot better, too - if he can be prised away from Madrid.
Perhaps another positive for City is the fact he’s a right-sided centre-back, which would allow for him and Laporte to stay in their natural areas.
He can also provide cover at right-back, though not in the attack-minded style that Guardiola usually asks for.
Dayot Upamecano
While Militao is capable of reaching the top level of young defenders, lacking only game time and evidence of consistency, Dayot Upamecano is arguably already there.
He’s a regular starter at RB Leipzig, where he has this season been in the Champions League and challenging for the Bundesliga title, with the French defender a cornerstone of the team.
He has played both right and left side in the centre, in a three-man defence and a two, with a rotating cast of partners throughout. Very little puts him off his game thanks to an iron-clad mentality.
(Image: Maja Hitij/Getty Images)
Linked with a move away almost every transfer window, the most likely course of action now appears to be a new contract with Leipzig - unless a big team with good finances available moves quickly, perhaps.
Again, he’s similar to Koulibaly in his numbers for clearances, is just as good with his passing over short and long distances, and at age 21 is a potential first-team signing for a decade.
David Alaba
Would Guardiola love a reunion with a player he had at Bayern? It’s hard to fathom why he wouldn’t.
Austrian star David Alaba would, obviously, be a complete departure from the type of ball-winning, aerially proficient centre-back that the others are generally deemed to be, but even so it’s hard to disagree he wouldn’t bring an authority and level of control to the back line.
He was used at left-back and central midfield by Guardiola at Bayern, but the final season did see Alaba in the middle of the defence at times. He returned there under Hansi Flick in the latter part of the Bundesliga season that has just ended.
Alaba’s pace, reading of the game, passing out from the back, ability to dictate play and willingness to take possession under pressure would all be enormously appealing to Guardiola, plus he’s available for a move this summer if he chooses, with just one year left on his contract.
He’d perhaps have to be the one to adapt to playing right-centre, but that should not an enormous issue for a player of his calibre.
City would still have to look at who would be their dominant, tough competitor option in certain fixtures, but Alaba would be a great addition all the same.
(Image: Peter Lous/Soccrates/Getty Images)
Dan-Axel Zagadou
Finally, one alternative of the ‘other’ style, the defender-first, play builder-second option: Dan-Axel Zagadou of Borussia Dortmund.
On the ball, he’s arguably even more composed and controlled, reliable and rhythmic, than Laporte or Koulibaly.
Zagadou is very good aerially - his roughly 3-1 win:loss ratio compares favourably to Matthijs de Ligt or Jonathan Tah, for example - and he’s growing in terms of his reading of the game.
But he would be something of a project for Guardiola, too. Consistency has been an issue at times, and it’s to be hoped his career will not stall in the manner that John Stones’ has.
If he can discover that consistency then Zagadou is a terrific long-term option. But if it’s the ready-to-go approach City want right now, the first three names on the list are definitely more suitable choices.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-07-18--Driver and passenger flee after police chase - they didn't get far

A driver has been arrested for a string of offences following a police chase .
Traffic officers from Greater Manchester Police spotted the blue Ford Mondeo driving through Bolton in the early hours of this morning ( Saturday July 18 ) .
Despite asking the driver to stop , the car sped off but failed to lose the patrol , according to a spokesman for GMP Traffic .
The driver and passenger then allegedly attempted to run away on foot but were caught `` very quickly '' .
Police arrested the driver of the car on suspicion of a string @ @ @ @ @ @ @ failing to stop , no licence , no insurance and failing to provide a specimen .
The driver was also arrested on suspicion of burglary , although police did not confirm which incident this was in relation to .
A spokesman for GMP traffic tweeted : `` This vehicle failed to stop for XT18 in Bolton .
`` After failing to shake off our patrol both occupants tried their luck on foot but were detained very quickly .
`` Driver arrested for dangerous drive , fail to stop , no licence , no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and burglary . ''
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 .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for the free MyBolton newsletter to get the top stories direct to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for the free MyBolton newsletter to get the top stories direct to your inbox
A driver has been arrested for a string of offences following a police chase.
Traffic officers from Greater Manchester Police spotted the blue Ford Mondeo driving through Bolton in the early hours of this morning (Saturday July 18).
Despite asking the driver to stop, the car sped off but failed to lose the patrol, according to a spokesman for GMP Traffic.
The driver and passenger then allegedly attempted to run away on foot but were caught "very quickly".
Police arrested the driver of the car on suspicion of a string of driving offences including dangerous driving, failing to stop, no licence, no insurance and failing to provide a specimen.
The driver was also arrested on suspicion of burglary, although police did not confirm which incident this was in relation to.
A spokesman for GMP traffic tweeted: "This vehicle failed to stop for XT18 in Bolton.
"After failing to shake off our patrol both occupants tried their luck on foot but were detained very quickly.
"Driver arrested for dangerous drive, fail to stop, no licence, no insurance, fail to provide a specimen and burglary."
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--2020-07-18--What Man United coaches have done in training to improve Martial and Rashford

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has detailed the pointers he gives Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford on their finishing in training sessions .
Martial , 24 , and Rashford , 22 , have both scored 22 goals in career-best seasons and netted nine of United 's 19 goals since the Premier League season restarted .
Solskjaer settled on Martial as United 's number nine and Rashford as the left winger in pre-season after Romelu Lukaku asked to leave , and in recent weeks the duo have formed a lethal trident with Mason Greenwood that Solskjaer has likened to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and Carlos Tevez .
Martial and Rashford often vied for the same position under Jose Mourinho but Solskjaer immediately accommodated the duo in the same XI as caretaker manager .
`` We work on it , we work on patterns , but they 've been together at the club for so long now and there was a spell where they were challenging , more or less , for the same position , both of them maybe on the left-hand side .
`` But now we have found a way of playing them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ starting to click , they enjoy each other 's company , they know each other 's strengths , , they know each other 's weaknesses - if there are any - so I 'm delighted with their performances .
`` When we split up I do more with the strikers than with the defenders , that 's true .
I think I 've got more expertise and input in that part of it , so whenever we do finishing I like to join in and watch them , and give them a few @ @ @ @ @ @ @ every game we look at the 'keepers , how do they normally act ?
What 's their stance ?
When do they jump ?
How do they set their feet ?
Defenders : do they dive in ?
So we do a lot of work but it 's the effort by the boys .
And the calmness and composure is the main thing . ''

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
Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has detailed the pointers he gives Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford on their finishing in training sessions.
Martial, 24, and Rashford, 22, have both scored 22 goals in career-best seasons and netted nine of United's 19 goals since the Premier League season restarted.
Solskjaer settled on Martial as United's number nine and Rashford as the left winger in pre-season after Romelu Lukaku asked to leave, and in recent weeks the duo have formed a lethal trident with Mason Greenwood that Solskjaer has likened to the triumvirate of Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, and Carlos Tevez.
Martial and Rashford often vied for the same position under Jose Mourinho but Solskjaer immediately accommodated the duo in the same XI as caretaker manager. "We work on it, we work on patterns, but they've been together at the club for so long now and there was a spell where they were challenging, more or less, for the same position, both of them maybe on the left-hand side.
"But now we have found a way of playing them together and you can see it's starting to click, they enjoy each other's company, they know each other's strengths,, they know each other's weaknesses - if there are any - so I'm delighted with their performances.
"When we split up I do more with the strikers than with the defenders, that's true. I think I've got more expertise and input in that part of it, so whenever we do finishing I like to join in and watch them, and give them a few pointers and tips.
"Just before every game we look at the 'keepers, how do they normally act? What's their stance? When do they jump? How do they set their feet? Defenders: do they dive in? So we do a lot of work but it's the effort by the boys. And the calmness and composure is the main thing."