themanchestereveningnews--2020-10-08--Thug who punched nine year-old Man City fan banned from football for three years

A man has been banned from football matches for three years after attacking a nine year-old Manchester City fan following the Carabao Cup final .
Aston Villa fan Simon Ebdon , 54 , punched the boy in the face as he and his dad waited for a train outside Wembley following the showpiece game which saw City lift the trophy back in March .
Ebdon pleaded guilty to assault by beating at Highbury Corner Magistrates ' Court in north London , on Monday , September 28 .
And he was ordered to carry out 80 hours ' unpaid work as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ banning order .
The court confirmed details of the case and the sentence .
The boy 's father says his son was left with a bruised cheek and scared about attending future games following the `` despicable and cowardly '' attack .
Describing the ordeal the man , who can not be named due to a court order preventing identification of his son , told Birmingham Live , said as they were waiting for a train at the station outside Wembley Stadium following the game a man was abusing City fans and his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ club top , began crying .
`` I grabbed my son 's hand and we left the queue to get a different train '' he continued .
`` A Villa fan lifted up a steel barrier , which was separating the fans .
As we went through the barrier I looked and saw my son on the floor .
`` My son then told me he had been punched in the face .
I never saw it .
I punish myself now - how could I not see it ?
`` There was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
The dad says officers initially grabbed him until other Villa fans who had witnessed what had happened told police and pointed the offender out .
`` My son had bruising to his check and is mentally scarred by it .
He was referred to get some support over it but because of Covid-19 that has n't happened yet '' he said .
`` I said to him that this wo n't stop us doing something we love .
It 's not going to keep us away from our beloved City .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , was also ordered to pay £250 compensation , a victim surcharge of £90 and court costs of £85 during last week 's hearing .
He was unavailable for comment despite repeated attempts by BirminghamLive .
Birmingham Live also reports that his employer Royal Mail are now examining the case .
A spokesman told them : `` We are reviewing the situation .
”

newsdesk@men-news.co.uk (Ben Perrin, Chris Slater)

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A man has been banned from football matches for three years after attacking a nine year-old Manchester City fan following the Carabao Cup final.
Aston Villa fan Simon Ebdon, 54, punched the boy in the face as he and his dad waited for a train outside Wembley following the showpiece game which saw City lift the trophy back in March.
Ebdon pleaded guilty to assault by beating at Highbury Corner Magistrates' Court in north London, on Monday, September 28.
And he was ordered to carry out 80 hours' unpaid work as well as being handed a three-year football banning order.
The court confirmed details of the case and the sentence.
The boy's father says his son was left with a bruised cheek and scared about attending future games following the "despicable and cowardly" attack.
Describing the ordeal the man, who cannot be named due to a court order preventing identification of his son, told Birmingham Live, said as they were waiting for a train at the station outside Wembley Stadium following the game a man was abusing City fans and his son, who was wearing a Blues club top, began crying.
"I grabbed my son's hand and we left the queue to get a different train" he continued.
"A Villa fan lifted up a steel barrier, which was separating the fans. As we went through the barrier I looked and saw my son on the floor.
"My son then told me he had been punched in the face. I never saw it. I punish myself now - how could I not see it?
(Image: Getty Images)
"There was a commotion and the police were there."
The dad says officers initially grabbed him until other Villa fans who had witnessed what had happened told police and pointed the offender out.
"My son had bruising to his check and is mentally scarred by it. He was referred to get some support over it but because of Covid-19 that hasn't happened yet" he said.
"I said to him that this won't stop us doing something we love. It's not going to keep us away from our beloved City."
Ebdon, of Henley-in-Arden, Warwickshire, was also ordered to pay £250 compensation, a victim surcharge of £90 and court costs of £85 during last week's hearing.
He was unavailable for comment despite repeated attempts by BirminghamLive.
Birmingham Live also reports that his employer Royal Mail are now examining the case.
A spokesman told them: "We are reviewing the situation.”


themanchestereveningnews--2020-10-08--Can you still go on a half term holiday in the UK?

As the October half term break approaches , many will be considering whether it is worth taking a few days away .
With overseas travel without quarantines or testing restricted to just a handful of destination , a holiday in Britain is quickly becoming the safest option .
However travel within the UK is n't without its risks .
The coronavirus rules and restrictions differ widely in each country - and even in each local authority area - and could impact plans .
Many rules depend on where you 're from , who you 're travelling with and where you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , you might not be able to enter the area at all - let alone stay there .
So if you are planning a break this October half term - or already have one booked - these are the rules on holidays in each nation of the UK : If where you live is not under local restrictions , you are free to travel and holiday anywhere in England that is also not under local restrictions - as long as you abide by the rule of six .
In these circumstance you will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people from other households as long as you maintain social distancing - in groups of a maximum of six people .
However if you are planning on going on holiday in an area in England that has its own local restrictions , you will only be able to stay in private accommodation ( ie holiday cottages or apartments ) with people you live with , or have formed a support bubble with .
When it comes to hotels and B & Bs , you are allowed to stay with another household , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anyone you do not live with .
The UK government also explicitly advises against sharing a caravan with another household .
People are also told not to socialise with people outside of their households indoors .
This includes in pubs , bars , cafes and restaurants .
If you live in an area that is subject to local restrictions , the rules state that you can still go on holiday outside of your area , but you must stay in any private accommodation with people from outside of your household or support bubble @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't live with should also be avoided .
The Government also says you should not share a private vehicle with another household to travel to your holiday destination .
Local restrictions in Wales are much stricter than those in England .
Areas under local lockdown are subject to a travel ban , meaning people can not travel in or out of the locked down counties without `` reasonable excuse '' .
The Welsh Government have explicitly stipulated that holidays are not considered a reason to come into or leave these lockdown areas - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ found breaking the rules .
There are also powers in place to prosecute .
However there are no legal restrictions on travelling to parts of Wales not under lockdown .
So people who live in an area that is not currently under any local restrictions can travel freely to anywhere else that is not under restrictions - whether or not the destination is in Wales .
For instance , a family from Manchester could currently still travel to stay in a holiday cottage in Gwynedd .
However a couple from Conwy would have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place due to the lockdown measures .
However the Welsh Government has advised that they are `` not telling people they should n't come to these parts of Wales but we are asking people to think very carefully about making journeys.
” The Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford is currently urging the Prime Minister to implement a travel ban on those from areas of England with high levels of coronavirus .
Unless you live in a lockdown area that states you can not leave the local area , anyone can travel anywhere within @ @ @ @ @ @ @ advised that those living in the central belt - the stretch between Glasgow to Edinburgh - should not travel outside their local area .
This comes into action on October 10 and the restriction is expected to last until at least October 26 .
Those who do not live in the central belt have been asked not to visit unless it is essential .
However , First Minister Nicola Sturgeon also said : `` We are not insisting that people cancel any half-term breaks they have planned . ''
Holidaymakers are able to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with people from the same household .
Hotels and B & Bs are also an option - but you 're not allowed to share rooms with people you do n't live with .
Visitors to Scotland must also abide by the rule of six - where people can meet up to six people from two different households in indoor public spaces ( pubs , restaurants etc ) .
Outdoors , you can meet with one other household .
While people in Scotland are advised not to travel to locations in England currently subject @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If your local restrictions do n't ban travel , you can travel to Northern Ireland .
However local rules must be followed , which include not mixing in indoor settings or staying with anyone outside of your household or support bubble .
The county of Derry City and Strabane is currently under local restrictions so the local authority is advising people not to travel in and out of this area unless it is essential to do so .
If you go ahead and cancel your booked trip , in almost all circumstances you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as per the terms and conditions .
In England and Scotland , holidaymakers are unlikely to be entitled to refunds because the restrictions don ’ t ban travel .
Some companies have allowed a degree of flexibility and are offering the option to postpone and rebook - but refunds are few and far between .
Given the current local lockdown restrictions , it is likely to be holidaymakers planning on a trip to Wales that are most likely to be affected .
The advice on the Welsh Government website states : `` If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a holiday – we would advise you to contact the travel agent or travel company to discuss the current situation [ in your area ] and the restrictions which have been put in place by the Welsh Government to restrict non-essential travel .
`` You should also contact your travel insurer to discuss the situation – while many insurers have designed policies with coronavirus exclusion clauses , some annual policies may cover this situation.
” What if the holiday or accommodation provider cancels ?
The UK government says it `` encourages '' providers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trip if a planned holiday is cancelled `` as they have for customers during the broader period of national restrictions '' .
They also say if the trip can not be rearranged , they should provide a refund - although this depends on the terms and conditions at the time of booking .
Is there any protection ?
If you have travel insurance , it is worth checking if you have a claim in the event of a cancellation .
However depending on when you booked , many insurance providers now exclude cover @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A lot will depend on what is in the terms and conditions at the time of booking .
If there is nothing that explains what would happen in the event of a local lockdown meaning customers are banned from travel , they could be challenged as being unfair .
While any bookings done through a credit card may also be able to have costs recovered through Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act or via a chargeback claim .

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As the October half term break approaches, many will be considering whether it is worth taking a few days away.
With overseas travel without quarantines or testing restricted to just a handful of destination, a holiday in Britain is quickly becoming the safest option. However travel within the UK isn't without its risks.
The coronavirus rules and restrictions differ widely in each country - and even in each local authority area - and could impact plans.
Many rules depend on where you're from, who you're travelling with and where you're staying. And in some cases, you might not be able to enter the area at all - let alone stay there.
So if you are planning a break this October half term - or already have one booked - these are the rules on holidays in each nation of the UK:
(Image: Julian Hamilton/Daily Mirror)
Holidays in England
If where you live is not under local restrictions, you are free to travel and holiday anywhere in England that is also not under local restrictions - as long as you abide by the rule of six.
In these circumstance you will be able to go on holiday with people from other households as long as you maintain social distancing - in groups of a maximum of six people.
However if you are planning on going on holiday in an area in England that has its own local restrictions, you will only be able to stay in private accommodation (ie holiday cottages or apartments) with people you live with, or have formed a support bubble with.
When it comes to hotels and B&Bs, you are allowed to stay with another household, but you should not share a room with anyone you do not live with.
The UK government also explicitly advises against sharing a caravan with another household.
People are also told not to socialise with people outside of their households indoors. This includes in pubs, bars, cafes and restaurants.
If you live in an area that is subject to local restrictions, the rules state that you can still go on holiday outside of your area, but you must stay in any private accommodation with people from outside of your household or support bubble. Socialising indoors with people you don't live with should also be avoided.
The Government also says you should not share a private vehicle with another household to travel to your holiday destination.
Holidays in Wales
Local restrictions in Wales are much stricter than those in England. Areas under local lockdown are subject to a travel ban, meaning people cannot travel in or out of the locked down counties without "reasonable excuse".
The Welsh Government have explicitly stipulated that holidays are not considered a reason to come into or leave these lockdown areas - and police can issue fines to those found breaking the rules. There are also powers in place to prosecute.
However there are no legal restrictions on travelling to parts of Wales not under lockdown. So people who live in an area that is not currently under any local restrictions can travel freely to anywhere else that is not under restrictions - whether or not the destination is in Wales.
(Image: Getty Images)
For instance, a family from Manchester could currently still travel to stay in a holiday cottage in Gwynedd. However a couple from Conwy would have to cancel their break to the same place due to the lockdown measures.
However the Welsh Government has advised that they are "not telling people they shouldn't come to these parts of Wales but we are asking people to think very carefully about making journeys.” The Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford is currently urging the Prime Minister to implement a travel ban on those from areas of England with high levels of coronavirus.
Holidays in Scotland
Unless you live in a lockdown area that states you cannot leave the local area, anyone can travel anywhere within Scotland.
However the Scottish Government has advised that those living in the central belt - the stretch between Glasgow to Edinburgh - should not travel outside their local area. This comes into action on October 10 and the restriction is expected to last until at least October 26.
Those who do not live in the central belt have been asked not to visit unless it is essential. However, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon also said: "We are not insisting that people cancel any half-term breaks they have planned."
Holidaymakers are able to stay in private accommodation, but only with people from the same household. Hotels and B&Bs are also an option - but you're not allowed to share rooms with people you don't live with.
Visitors to Scotland must also abide by the rule of six - where people can meet up to six people from two different households in indoor public spaces (pubs, restaurants etc). Outdoors, you can meet with one other household.
While people in Scotland are advised not to travel to locations in England currently subject to local restrictions unless absolutely necessary.
Holidays in Northern Ireland
If your local restrictions don't ban travel, you can travel to Northern Ireland. However local rules must be followed, which include not mixing in indoor settings or staying with anyone outside of your household or support bubble.
The county of Derry City and Strabane is currently under local restrictions so the local authority is advising people not to travel in and out of this area unless it is essential to do so.
What if I cancel?
If you go ahead and cancel your booked trip, in almost all circumstances you will forfeit the cost of the cancellation as per the terms and conditions. In England and Scotland, holidaymakers are unlikely to be entitled to refunds because the restrictions don’t ban travel.
Some companies have allowed a degree of flexibility and are offering the option to postpone and rebook - but refunds are few and far between.
Given the current local lockdown restrictions, it is likely to be holidaymakers planning on a trip to Wales that are most likely to be affected. The advice on the Welsh Government website states: "If you have pre-booked – and paid for a holiday – we would advise you to contact the travel agent or travel company to discuss the current situation [in your area] and the restrictions which have been put in place by the Welsh Government to restrict non-essential travel.
"You should also contact your travel insurer to discuss the situation – while many insurers have designed policies with coronavirus exclusion clauses, some annual policies may cover this situation.”
What if the holiday or accommodation provider cancels?
The UK government says it "encourages" providers to offer the option to rebook a trip if a planned holiday is cancelled "as they have for customers during the broader period of national restrictions". They also say if the trip cannot be rearranged, they should provide a refund - although this depends on the terms and conditions at the time of booking.
Is there any protection?
If you have travel insurance, it is worth checking if you have a claim in the event of a cancellation. However depending on when you booked, many insurance providers now exclude cover for travel disruption caused by government restrictions.
A lot will depend on what is in the terms and conditions at the time of booking. If there is nothing that explains what would happen in the event of a local lockdown meaning customers are banned from travel, they could be challenged as being unfair.
While any bookings done through a credit card may also be able to have costs recovered through Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act or via a chargeback claim.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-10-08--Manchester United transfer news LIVE

Manchester United transfer news LIVE

Manchester United expect Edinson Cavani to miss the Premier League trip to Newcastle after the international break as he in @ @ @ @ @ the UK .
The news will come as a blow to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer , @ @ @ @ @ Martial for the game at St James ' Park on Saturday , October 17 , @ @ @ @ @ game for the red card he received in the defeat to Tottenham at the weekend @ @ @ @ @ will not be able to train with his new teammates when they return from international @ @ @ @ @ will only link up with the squad just before they travel to Paris for the @ @ @ @ @ group stage .
Cavani arrived in Manchester on Sunday to undergo his medical ahead of @ @ @ @ @ club on deadline day , but he is now self-isolating for 14 days as per @ @ @ @ @ has posted a video of himself training alonge .
Follow our live blog below for @ @ @ @ @

newsdesk@men-news.co.uk (Dominic Booth, Richard Fay)

Manchester United expect Edinson Cavani to miss the Premier League trip to Newcastle after the international break as he in self-isolation after his arrival in the UK.
The news will come as a blow to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who will be without Anthony Martial for the game at St James' Park on Saturday, October 17, as he begins a three-man game for the red card he received in the defeat to Tottenham at the weekend.
It also means Cavani will not be able to train with his new teammates when they return from international duty next week and he will only link up with the United squad just before they travel to Paris for the start of the Champions League group stage.
Cavani arrived in Manchester on Sunday to undergo his medical ahead of completing his move to the club on deadline day, but he is now self-isolating for 14 days as per government guidelines. The striker has posted a video of himself training alonge.
Recap our live blog below for all the United latest.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-10-08--Man City training gives reason for optimism after Guardiola comments

It has been a strange few days for Manchester City .
A draw at Leeds meant they surrendered a lead and dropped points for the second successive game , with shortcomings in attack and defensive errors on show again .
On the evidence of the first three games , City do n't have the consistency to challenge for the title .
But if seeing their closest rivals lose 6-1 at Old Trafford the next day brought some nostalgic cheer for Blues , watching Liverpool walloped 7-2 by a side that only avoided relegation last season by the skin of their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ context : if the bar to be champions is considerably lower than it has been for the last three years , then Pep Guardiola 's chances of a third crown significantly increase .
Pictures of the players training at the City Football Academy this week has further improved moods .
It is n't just the return of Sergio Aguero after four months out - although his sharpshooting remains invaluable to a team prone to misfiring - but seeing a larger clutch of first-team players than normal working with the coach .
Asked for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ far , Guardiola recently made plain his displeasure : “ We train less .
Today the managers - not just for Covid-19 - must use human resources or the guy who takes care ( of that stuff ) because we do n't have time for training or a practice match , '' he said .
“ We do n't have time to train , just recover and arrive fresh to the game and that 's all .
We do n't have time to practise anything , just avoid injuries .
It is what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ always rather complain about too many games than too few , because that at least means he and his team are in the hunt for multiple trophies .
And he has said previously that he would rather his players be selected for international duty because the confidence and quality of those stars helps the club when they return still in a match rhythm .
Given both the lack of a pre-season though and the lingering concerns around several players in the squad , it could work to City 's advantage that a number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be away with their national teams have remained in Manchester for this fortnight .
Benjamin Mendy and Aymeric Laporte have time to work together on shoring up the left side of defence , John Stones has the chance to try to prove his fitness again , Ilkay Gundogan can get re-accustomed to his teammates following a fortnight of self-isolation and Phil Foden can refresh himself after running out of steam in recent matches .
It may not solve all of City 's problems , but having time to work on the training @ @ @ @ @ @ @ least more than Guardiola could manage for the first month of the season .

It has been a strange few days for Manchester City.
A draw at Leeds meant they surrendered a lead and dropped points for the second successive game, with shortcomings in attack and defensive errors on show again. On the evidence of the first three games, City don't have the consistency to challenge for the title.
But if seeing their closest rivals lose 6-1 at Old Trafford the next day brought some nostalgic cheer for Blues, watching Liverpool walloped 7-2 by a side that only avoided relegation last season by the skin of their teeth put the season in a different context: if the bar to be champions is considerably lower than it has been for the last three years, then Pep Guardiola's chances of a third crown significantly increase.
Pictures of the players training at the City Football Academy this week has further improved moods. It isn't just the return of Sergio Aguero after four months out - although his sharpshooting remains invaluable to a team prone to misfiring - but seeing a larger clutch of first-team players than normal working with the coach.
Asked for what was different about this season so far, Guardiola recently made plain his displeasure: “We train less. Today the managers - not just for Covid-19 - must use human resources or the guy who takes care (of that stuff) because we don't have time for training or a practice match," he said.
"We don't have time to train, just recover and arrive fresh to the game and that's all. We don't have time to practise anything, just avoid injuries. It is what it is.”
City's manager would always rather complain about too many games than too few, because that at least means he and his team are in the hunt for multiple trophies. And he has said previously that he would rather his players be selected for international duty because the confidence and quality of those stars helps the club when they return still in a match rhythm.
Given both the lack of a pre-season though and the lingering concerns around several players in the squad, it could work to City's advantage that a number of players that might previously have expected to be away with their national teams have remained in Manchester for this fortnight.
Benjamin Mendy and Aymeric Laporte have time to work together on shoring up the left side of defence, John Stones has the chance to try to prove his fitness again, Ilkay Gundogan can get re-accustomed to his teammates following a fortnight of self-isolation and Phil Foden can refresh himself after running out of steam in recent matches.
It may not solve all of City's problems, but having time to work on the training pitch with important team players is at least more than Guardiola could manage for the first month of the season.
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themanchestereveningnews--2020-10-08--Pellistri sends message to Man United fans after completing transfer

Facundo Pellistri says he is raring to go in a Manchester United shirt and thanked the club 's fans for their welcome messages after making a life-changing transfer from Uruguayan side Penarol .
United completed a deadline day move worth an initial £8million for the 18-year-old winger , who has been tipped as a future superstar .
He is expected to go straight into training with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer 's senior squad , though could play some games for the Under-23s as well .
His move came on the same day United secured a deal for Atalanta 's Amad Diallo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as much as £37.2million .
And Pellistri , who has been named in United 's squad for the upcoming Champions League group stage , took to Instagram to react to the transfer .
He said : `` I am so happy for this new challenge in my career and proud to defend this amazing shirt .
Thank you for your welcome messages .
Let 's go reds ! ''
Penarol vice-president Rodolfo Cantino recently revealed how their request to take Pellistri straight back on loan was rejected by United .
“ Of course @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told Referí .
`` We tried in every way but they argued that they wanted the player now .
It ’ s normal , when a European club buys a player , they travel immediately.
” It remains to be seen how much first-team football Pellistri plays at United , but the move has been endorsed by former Old Trafford favourite Diego Forlan , as well as fellow new signing Edinson Cavani .
The Uruguayan duo are both excited about Pellistri 's potential , which could be unlocked at United .

Facundo Pellistri says he is raring to go in a Manchester United shirt and thanked the club's fans for their welcome messages after making a life-changing transfer from Uruguayan side Penarol.
United completed a deadline day move worth an initial £8million for the 18-year-old winger, who has been tipped as a future superstar.
He is expected to go straight into training with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's senior squad, though could play some games for the Under-23s as well. His move came on the same day United secured a deal for Atalanta's Amad Diallo in a deal that could be worth as much as £37.2million.
And Pellistri, who has been named in United's squad for the upcoming Champions League group stage, took to Instagram to react to the transfer.
He said: "I am so happy for this new challenge in my career and proud to defend this amazing shirt. Thank you for your welcome messages. Let's go reds!"
Penarol vice-president Rodolfo Cantino recently revealed how their request to take Pellistri straight back on loan was rejected by United.
“Of course we asked for it," he told Referí. "We tried in every way but they argued that they wanted the player now. It’s normal, when a European club buys a player, they travel immediately.”
It remains to be seen how much first-team football Pellistri plays at United, but the move has been endorsed by former Old Trafford favourite Diego Forlan, as well as fellow new signing Edinson Cavani.
The Uruguayan duo are both excited about Pellistri's potential, which could be unlocked at United.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-10-08--Man City capture of Rangers forward Mebude helps plans for Liam Delap

Manchester City completing the signing of young Rangers forward Adedire Mebude in the transfer window has bolstered their options through the club .
The 16-year-old arrives highly rated and will give the Blues a presence in the Under-18s team initially and could challenge in the Under-23s if he progresses , with a number of players the same age having already appeared for Enzo Maresca 's Under-23s this season .
City are not flush with forwards in their youth teams and injuries to Sergio Aguero and Gabriel Jesus forced Pep Guardiola to call 17-year-old Liam Delap up to train with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said that the striker , who scored on debut against Bournemouth , will stay with the senior squad for now and he has made a positive impression over the last few months .
Delap did not drop down to the Under-23s last week at Everton for minutes where Tommy Doyle and Taylor Harwood-Bellis did to get them some minutes , and the former Derby forward continues to train with the first team in the international break .
`` I 'm very happy if we have players with the first team , '' Maresca @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of all because we can help them and second because I think it is important for the academy and also for the club and in general to have young players from the academy with the first team . ''
Ben Knight was used as a central striker in recent matches for the Under-23s but the addition of Mebude will add to the options in the academy teams while Delap is involved at first-team level .
Mebude becomes the third youngster to be tempted down to City 's academy from a Scottish club this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in March for £200,000 and Josh Adam signed from Celtic last month .
City begin their UEFA Youth League campaign later this month , an Under-19s tournament prioritised by the academy that they reached the semi-finals of in 2018 but have subsequently failed to get beyond the group stage in two attempts .

Manchester City completing the signing of young Rangers forward Adedire Mebude in the transfer window has bolstered their options through the club.
The 16-year-old arrives highly rated and will give the Blues a presence in the Under-18s team initially and could challenge in the Under-23s if he progresses, with a number of players the same age having already appeared for Enzo Maresca's Under-23s this season.
City are not flush with forwards in their youth teams and injuries to Sergio Aguero and Gabriel Jesus forced Pep Guardiola to call 17-year-old Liam Delap up to train with the first team. City's manager has said that the striker, who scored on debut against Bournemouth, will stay with the senior squad for now and he has made a positive impression over the last few months.
Delap did not drop down to the Under-23s last week at Everton for minutes where Tommy Doyle and Taylor Harwood-Bellis did to get them some minutes, and the former Derby forward continues to train with the first team in the international break.
"I'm very happy if we have players with the first team," Maresca told MEN Sport recently. "First of all because we can help them and second because I think it is important for the academy and also for the club and in general to have young players from the academy with the first team."
Ben Knight was used as a central striker in recent matches for the Under-23s but the addition of Mebude will add to the options in the academy teams while Delap is involved at first-team level.
Mebude becomes the third youngster to be tempted down to City's academy from a Scottish club this year. Liam Smith joined from Kilmarnock in March for £200,000 and Josh Adam signed from Celtic last month.
City begin their UEFA Youth League campaign later this month, an Under-19s tournament prioritised by the academy that they reached the semi-finals of in 2018 but have subsequently failed to get beyond the group stage in two attempts.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-10-08--Teenage boy arrested after man robbed at knifepoint at retail park

A teenage boy has been arrested after a man was robbed at knifepoint at a retail park in Bolton .
@ @ @ @ @ The Linkway , in Horwich , at 11am on Saturday ( October 3 ) .
@ @ @ @ @ middle of Middlebrook Retail Park .
Police say the man was robbed by two males @ @ @ @ @ armed with a knife .
A 15-year-old boy has since been arrested on suspicion of @ @ @ @ @ Greater Manchester Police said : `` Police were called at around 11am on Saturday , @ @ @ @ @ report of a knifepoint robbery on The Linkway , Horwich .
`` A man was @ @ @ @ @ one of whom was carrying a knife .
`` A 15-year-old boy was later arrested @ @ @ @ @ `` He has been released on bail pending further enquiries . ''
Anyone with information @ @ @ @ @ police on 101 of the independent charity Crimestoppers , anonymously , on 0800 555 111 @

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A teenage boy has been arrested after a man was robbed at knifepoint at a retail park in Bolton.
The terrifying incident happened on The Linkway, in Horwich, at 11am on Saturday (October 3).
The road runs through the middle of Middlebrook Retail Park.
Police say the man was robbed by two males, one of whom was armed with a knife.
A 15-year-old boy has since been arrested on suspicion of robbery.
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said: "Police were called at around 11am on Saturday, October 3, to a report of a knifepoint robbery on The Linkway, Horwich.
"A man was robbed by two males, one of whom was carrying a knife.
"A 15-year-old boy was later arrested on suspicion of robbery.
"He has been released on bail pending further enquiries."
Anyone with information about the incident should call police on 101 of the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-10-08--ADVERTORIAL: Innis & Gunn recommends new bottle shop and record store to Manchester beer lovers

Innis & Gunn , the UK ’ s most recommended beer brand , is lending a helping hand to Salford entrepreneur Simon Waind , pledging over £15k worth of stock , bespoke signage and advertising as he prepares to open his new bottle shop , record store and taproom Hops & Boogie .
Set to open next month at The Square in Sale , Innis & Gunn is recommending Manchester beer lovers support his new business as part of its “ Recommending the Recommenders ” campaign .
Innis & Gunn was named as ‘ The UK ’ s most recommended @ @ @ @ @ @ @ YouGov poll of drinkers , and has been collecting nominations from fans as it looks to return the favour Beer enthusiast Simon , who put himself forward for the campaign , says : “ It couldn ’ t come at a better time as I prepare to open my bottle shop .
“ It ’ s obviously not the easiest time to start a business with everything that ’ s going on , so it ’ s been amazing to get this support from Innis & Gunn before I ’ ve even opened @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Anyone who ’ s starting a business knows the costs add up very quickly , so the free stock and launch support they ’ re providing to kit the place out and promote it is very much appreciated.
” Hops & Boogie will receive £2000 worth of bottles of Innis & Gunn ’ s 'The Original ' beer for Simon to sell , a bespoke neon sign for the shop window , a mural for the inside of the shop painted by Manchester ’ s Umberto , a branded refrigerator , and advertising @ @ @ @ @ @ @ press .
Dougal Gunn Sharp , Founder and Master Brewer at Innis & Gunn , added : “ We were obviously delighted to be named the UK ’ s most recommended beer brand in 2020 and , given that it ’ s our fans that have bestowed this enviable title upon us , we had to think of a way to pay them back .
“ We ’ ve been asking for folk in Manchester to recommend either themselves or someone they know , along with their reason , and now we ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ favourites in a way that ’ s personal to them . ''
He added : “ We ’ re delighted to recommend Simon ’ s business and wish him all the best for when he opens his bottle shop next month .
`` We ’ ll continue to reward recommenders over the coming weeks , so make sure you check our social media channels to see what ’ s in store .
”

Innis & Gunn, the UK’s most recommended beer brand, is lending a helping hand to Salford entrepreneur Simon Waind, pledging over £15k worth of stock, bespoke signage and advertising as he prepares to open his new bottle shop, record store and taproom Hops & Boogie.
Set to open next month at The Square in Sale, Innis & Gunn is recommending Manchester beer lovers support his new business as part of its “Recommending the Recommenders” campaign.
Innis & Gunn was named as ‘The UK’s most recommended beer brand’ this year in a YouGov poll of drinkers, and has been collecting nominations from fans as it looks to return the favour
Beer enthusiast Simon, who put himself forward for the campaign, says: “It couldn’t come at a better time as I prepare to open my bottle shop.
“It’s obviously not the easiest time to start a business with everything that’s going on, so it’s been amazing to get this support from Innis & Gunn before I’ve even opened the doors to the shop.
“Anyone who’s starting a business knows the costs add up very quickly, so the free stock and launch support they’re providing to kit the place out and promote it is very much appreciated.”
Hops &Boogie will receive £2000 worth of bottles of Innis & Gunn’s 'The Original' beer for Simon to sell, a bespoke neon sign for the shop window, a mural for the inside of the shop painted by Manchester’s Umberto, a branded refrigerator, and advertising support across social, outdoor media and press.
Innis & Gunn’s Recommending the Recommenders Campaign Over 1200 people have put either themselves or a friend or loved one forward to be rewarded since the campaign launched. Other recommendations have included a fashion designer who was given a full marketing campaign in the hope of landing her a job, a singer songwriter who streamed a gig live from Glasgow’s iconic Barrowland Ballroom when Innis & Gunn hired it out just for him, and ‘the world’s grumpiest woman’ who was sent a steel band to perform in her garden. For more information, visit: https://www.innisandgunn.com/recommend
Dougal Gunn Sharp, Founder and Master Brewer at Innis & Gunn, added: “We were obviously delighted to be named the UK’s most recommended beer brand in 2020 and, given that it’s our fans that have bestowed this enviable title upon us, we had to think of a way to pay them back.
“We’ve been asking for folk in Manchester to recommend either themselves or someone they know, along with their reason, and now we’re in the process of rewarding our favourites in a way that’s personal to them."
He added: “We’re delighted to recommend Simon’s business and wish him all the best for when he opens his bottle shop next month.
"We’ll continue to reward recommenders over the coming weeks, so make sure you check our social media channels to see what’s in store.”


themanchestereveningnews--2020-10-08--Pochettino reemergence shows Man United board have let Solskjaer down

The yellow ticker tape on Sky Sports News was swirling , the transfer window was still open , and the first story mentioning the ' P ' word had just dropped .
You can only hope that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was n't watching .
The Manchester United boss would be forgiven for tearing his hair out , given what has transpired in the past few months .
It has not been a fulfilling summer for Solskjaer , that much has become clear following United 's inability to land his top target Jadon Sancho , or sign a left-footed senior centre-back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protest that they were unwilling to pay Borussia Dortmund 's exorbitant asking price for Sancho , they may argue that Donny van de Beek , Alex Telles and Edinson Cavani are all solid signings , but the bottom line is that Solskjaer was n't backed in 2020 like he was in 2019 .
A net spend of £35million on the first team ( that 's discounting the youth additions of Facundo Pellistri and Amad Diallo ) tells its own story .
You can feasibly argue that none of United 's new signings actually @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where is the squad enhancement ?
This was the David Moyes 2013 summer all over again , so no wonder chatter about Solskjaer 's job security is rife .
He will surely suffer the same fate as Moyes if another miraculous top four finish is not looking likely .
It all seems rather unfair on Solskjaer .
If anything , he deserved more backing this summer than he did last , having steered United to a very respectable third-place finish and Champions League qualification .
That was achieved thanks to the excellent signings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as Bruno Fernandes .
That was achieved in spite of United making a terrible start to the season , picking up just two wins from their opening nine league matches .
The 6-1 shellacking by Tottenham has not helped Solskjaer 's cause , but you can not help but feel that result in itself was the result of a lacklustre summer window .
There has been no new impetus at the start of this season , in the way Fernandes inspired United from January onwards .
Solskjaer toed the party line , refusing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Glazer owners in the press conference before the Spurs defeat .
And his words quickly came back to bite him .
`` When I talk about the squad depth , we ’ ve got a big squad , '' Solskjaer said .
`` Of course the performances last season did n't warrant me giving too many of them more options because I think the 11 , 12 , 13 players who played and played well really deserved to play more and that means when you don ’ t want play you don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you need to knock on the door to get into the team .
`` I think it 's a different scenario now .
After two games already I ’ ve seen many of the players who didn ’ t play too much last season performing really well . ''
Very few United fans bought into Solskjaer 's comments .
His squad may be in a better shape than it was 12 months ago , but it certainly was n't strengthened in the way the Norwegian would have liked .
And it 's ironic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bring Pochettino 's name back into the spotlight .
The Argentine 's name was never very far from social media after any kind of United defeat last season ; there 's a sense that he possesses the tactical acumen to get the most from a perennially under-performing squad .
Some of that may be true .
Pochettino is undoubtedly a fine manager , as his Tottenham tenure proved .
But Solskjaer should be allowed to live or die with the squad that he wanted .
Sancho and a new centre-back would have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work with one hand tied behind his back and if he makes a mistake , he 'll be made to walk the plank .
United 's board ought to give Solskjaer time after their failure to fully back him in the summer .
The P-word will keep cropping up every time a bad result comes along , otherwise .
Some of the defeats may be Solskjaer 's fault directly , but there is the lingering sense that the blame lies higher up the chain of command .

The yellow ticker tape on Sky Sports News was swirling, the transfer window was still open, and the first story mentioning the 'P' word had just dropped.
Pochettino.
You can only hope that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wasn't watching. The Manchester United boss would be forgiven for tearing his hair out, given what has transpired in the past few months.
It has not been a fulfilling summer for Solskjaer, that much has become clear following United's inability to land his top target Jadon Sancho, or sign a left-footed senior centre-back as he wanted.
The club may protest that they were unwilling to pay Borussia Dortmund's exorbitant asking price for Sancho, they may argue that Donny van de Beek, Alex Telles and Edinson Cavani are all solid signings, but the bottom line is that Solskjaer wasn't backed in 2020 like he was in 2019. A net spend of £35million on the first team (that's discounting the youth additions of Facundo Pellistri and Amad Diallo) tells its own story. You can feasibly argue that none of United's new signings actually get into their first 11, therefore where is the squad enhancement?
This was the David Moyes 2013 summer all over again, so no wonder chatter about Solskjaer's job security is rife. He will surely suffer the same fate as Moyes if another miraculous top four finish is not looking likely.
It all seems rather unfair on Solskjaer. If anything, he deserved more backing this summer than he did last, having steered United to a very respectable third-place finish and Champions League qualification. That was achieved thanks to the excellent signings he recommended to the club, such as Bruno Fernandes. That was achieved in spite of United making a terrible start to the season, picking up just two wins from their opening nine league matches.
The 6-1 shellacking by Tottenham has not helped Solskjaer's cause, but you cannot help but feel that result in itself was the result of a lacklustre summer window. There has been no new impetus at the start of this season, in the way Fernandes inspired United from January onwards.
Solskjaer toed the party line, refusing the criticise Ed Woodward or United's Glazer owners in the press conference before the Spurs defeat. And his words quickly came back to bite him.
"When I talk about the squad depth, we’ve got a big squad," Solskjaer said. "Of course the performances last season didn't warrant me giving too many of them more options because I think the 11, 12, 13 players who played and played well really deserved to play more and that means when you don’t want play you don’t get that fitness and sharpness that you need to knock on the door to get into the team.
"I think it's a different scenario now. After two games already I’ve seen many of the players who didn’t play too much last season performing really well."
Very few United fans bought into Solskjaer's comments. His squad may be in a better shape than it was 12 months ago, but it certainly wasn't strengthened in the way the Norwegian would have liked.
And it's ironic that a heavy defeat by Spurs should bring Pochettino's name back into the spotlight. The Argentine's name was never very far from social media after any kind of United defeat last season; there's a sense that he possesses the tactical acumen to get the most from a perennially under-performing squad.
Some of that may be true. Pochettino is undoubtedly a fine manager, as his Tottenham tenure proved. But Solskjaer should be allowed to live or die with the squad that he wanted. Sancho and a new centre-back would have been a start. Instead, he must work with one hand tied behind his back and if he makes a mistake, he'll be made to walk the plank.
United's board ought to give Solskjaer time after their failure to fully back him in the summer. The P-word will keep cropping up every time a bad result comes along, otherwise. Some of the defeats may be Solskjaer's fault directly, but there is the lingering sense that the blame lies higher up the chain of command.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-10-08--Musicians kicked out of 'unsafe' Northern Quarter building bought by BooHoo

Hundreds of musicians are being kicked out of a popular Northern Quarter rehearsal space after new owner BooHoo said the building is unsafe .
The clothing giant bought Marlsbro House , a Grade II-listed former mill at the junction of Hilton Street on Newton Street known for its distinctive panel cladding , for £3.7million last month , land registry records reveal .
In recent decades , a generation of artistic talent from across Greater Manchester and beyond has used the building , a labyrinth of recording studios , practice rooms and performance space .
Among them is Tom Long , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has rented a rehearsal space for around ten years in a part of the building known as Sunshine Studios .
The name originally belonged to a dance company that fostered talents including George Sampson , the street dancer who won Britain 's Got Talent in 2008 .
Though the dance company left , the name stuck and bands such as Easter have relied on 'Sunshine ' as a place to hone their sound ever since .
`` There 's hundreds of bands thats practice here going back decades through the whole Manchester scene @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Pretty much anyone who 's been in a band in Manchester has rehearsed at Sunshine at one time or another . ''
But now all tenants are being asked to leave , some with as little as a month 's notice , by their new landlord .
Tom said he had hoped BooHoo might be interested in letting bands continue to use the space , at least in the short-term , while they developed future plans .
But there has been no offer of negotiation , he said , and he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In a statement , BooHoo said : `` It is with regret that we have had to ask all existing tenants to leave the building .
`` We appreciate and are sorry that this will cause inconvenience to some , but following detailed safety inspections we have concerns that the building is not currently reaching adequate safety standards .
`` Everyone in BooHoo respects and appreciates the incredible reputation that Manchester has for music and but tenants safety must come first . ''
Tom says he is not aware of any safety @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as 'well maintained ' .
Either way , it is the end of an era for a building that is part of Manchester 's musical heritage .
Andy Fletcher runs Manchester Music Box , a studio space on the top floor that has seen a string of high-profile acts pass through including Haim , the Happy Mondays and I Am Kloot .
His business has a different lease and will be able to operate until the end of December before he relocates .
`` [ Marlsbro House ] has been a musical melting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years , '' he said .
`` From well-known established acts , to up and coming people .
`` It 's been ten years of really good times and it 's sad that it 's finally come to an end .
`` But everything comes to and end - I 'm trying to be positive and think about the next thing . ''
Tom is less upbeat and says losing Marlsbro House will be a major blow to the live music scene in Manchester at a time when it is already in crisis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ live in Manchester is the live music culture , '' said Tom .
`` When you take the biggest rehearsal space out of that , especially in a pandemic when venues are closing , we might not have much of a scene to come back to . ''
Over the summer , much-loved venues Deaf Institute and Gorilla were saved from closure when they were bought by Tokyo Industries .
The venue operator is now working with with SSD Concerts and The Charlatans ' Tim Burgess on new ideas for the future .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ government funding worth £260,000 to save them from closure as a result of the pandemic .
But Nick Bowden , director of Northern Quarter bar , club and gig venue Soup Kitchen , warned at the time that it would only keep them afloat until October and that the funding would not resolve 'long term issues ' facing the nightlife and live music sector .
Earlier this week , the Chancellor Rishi Sunak came under criticism for his comments on struggling musicians .
The Chancellor said people in 'all walks of life ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I ca n't pretend that everyone can do exactly the same job that they were doing at the beginning of this crisis , '' he told ITV News .
`` That 's why we 've put a lot of resource into trying to create new opportunities , '' he added , pointing to a £1.5 billion cultural recovery programme .
Labour are calling on the Government to provide more targeted help for the creative industries .
`` We told them that it should be a targeted furlough scheme , '' deputy leader @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wasted £2 billion on helping businesses that are actually thriving because its been a universal rather than focusing on the businesses that ca n't thrive at the moment because of the Covid situation . ''

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Hundreds of musicians are being kicked out of a popular Northern Quarter rehearsal space after new owner BooHoo said the building is unsafe.
The clothing giant bought Marlsbro House, a Grade II-listed former mill at the junction of Hilton Street on Newton Street known for its distinctive panel cladding, for £3.7million last month, land registry records reveal.
In recent decades, a generation of artistic talent from across Greater Manchester and beyond has used the building, a labyrinth of recording studios, practice rooms and performance space.
Among them is Tom Long, singer-songwriter in the band Easter.
He has rented a rehearsal space for around ten years in a part of the building known as Sunshine Studios.
The name originally belonged to a dance company that fostered talents including George Sampson, the street dancer who won Britain's Got Talent in 2008.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Though the dance company left, the name stuck and bands such as Easter have relied on 'Sunshine' as a place to hone their sound ever since.
"There's hundreds of bands thats practice here going back decades through the whole Manchester scene," said Tom, from Crumpsall.
"Pretty much anyone who's been in a band in Manchester has rehearsed at Sunshine at one time or another."
But now all tenants are being asked to leave, some with as little as a month's notice, by their new landlord.
Tom said he had hoped BooHoo might be interested in letting bands continue to use the space, at least in the short-term, while they developed future plans.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
But there has been no offer of negotiation, he said, and he is expected to leave by October 26.
In a statement, BooHoo said: "It is with regret that we have had to ask all existing tenants to leave the building.
"We appreciate and are sorry that this will cause inconvenience to some, but following detailed safety inspections we have concerns that the building is not currently reaching adequate safety standards.
"Everyone in BooHoo respects and appreciates the incredible reputation that Manchester has for music and but tenants safety must come first."
Tom says he is not aware of any safety issues in the building and described it as 'well maintained'.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Either way, it is the end of an era for a building that is part of Manchester's musical heritage.
Andy Fletcher runs Manchester Music Box, a studio space on the top floor that has seen a string of high-profile acts pass through including Haim, the Happy Mondays and I Am Kloot.
His business has a different lease and will be able to operate until the end of December before he relocates.
"[Marlsbro House] has been a musical melting pot for Manchester's talent for ten years," he said.
"From well-known established acts, to up and coming people.
"It's been ten years of really good times and it's sad that it's finally come to an end.
"But everything comes to and end - I'm trying to be positive and think about the next thing."
Tom is less upbeat and says losing Marlsbro House will be a major blow to the live music scene in Manchester at a time when it is already in crisis.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
"The reason people come to live in Manchester is the live music culture," said Tom.
"It's a living, breathing scene.
"When you take the biggest rehearsal space out of that, especially in a pandemic when venues are closing, we might not have much of a scene to come back to."
Over the summer, much-loved venues Deaf Institute and Gorilla were saved from closure when they were bought by Tokyo Industries.
The venue operator is now working with with SSD Concerts and The Charlatans' Tim Burgess on new ideas for the future.
And in August, eleven venues shared government funding worth £260,000 to save them from closure as a result of the pandemic.
But Nick Bowden, director of Northern Quarter bar, club and gig venue Soup Kitchen, warned at the time that it would only keep them afloat until October and that the funding would not resolve 'long term issues' facing the nightlife and live music sector.
Earlier this week, the Chancellor Rishi Sunak came under criticism for his comments on struggling musicians.
The Chancellor said people in 'all walks of life' should look to find new opportunities.
"I can't pretend that everyone can do exactly the same job that they were doing at the beginning of this crisis," he told ITV News.
"That's why we've put a lot of resource into trying to create new opportunities," he added, pointing to a £1.5 billion cultural recovery programme.
Labour are calling on the Government to provide more targeted help for the creative industries.
"We told them that it should be a targeted furlough scheme," deputy leader Angela Rayner said.
"We've wasted £2 billion on helping businesses that are actually thriving because its been a universal rather than focusing on the businesses that can't thrive at the moment because of the Covid situation."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-10-08--The dangerous haul of weapons now off the streets of Stockport

Police have shared photos of a haul of knives that were left at a police station as part of a @ @ @ @ @ Police launched its Forever Amnesty initiative , as part of its clamp down on serious @ @ @ @ @ .
A series of 'amnesty bins ' were placed around the region to encourage people @ @ @ @ @ of unwanted weapons .
Read more of today 's stories here Now officers have shared @ @ @ @ @ some of the 50 knives that were left in a bin at Cheadle Heath Police @ @ @ @ @ haul includes several large kitchen knives and hunting knives .
Sharing details on social media @ @ @ @ @ This is a fantastic result , thank you to the Stockport community for your continued @ @ @ @ @ deposited is one less on our streets , and more importantly , one more that @ @ @ @ @ part of a crime . ''

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Police have shared photos of a haul of knives that were left at a police station as part of a knife amnesty.
Greater Manchester Police launched its Forever Amnesty initiative, as part of its clamp down on serious violent crime, Operation Sycamore.
A series of 'amnesty bins' were placed around the region to encourage people to anonymously and safely dispose of unwanted weapons.
(Image: gmp)
Now officers have shared images of a selection of some of the 50 knives that were left in a bin at Cheadle Heath Police Station in Stockport.
The haul includes several large kitchen knives and hunting knives.
Sharing details on social media, officers wrote: "This is a fantastic result, thank you to the Stockport community for your continued support, as any knife deposited is one less on our streets, and more importantly, one more that can't be used as part of a crime."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-10-08--Five free transfers Man City could complete next summer

Manchester City undoubtedly had a strong summer transfer window , given the circumstances , but there is still work to be done to keep evolving their squad .
The central defensive issues that were a huge factor in their failed title defence last season have been addressed , with Ruben Dias and Nathan Ake tasked with improving the back line .
In attack , Ferran Torres replaces Leroy Sane and ends that particular long-running contract saga .
While Eric Garcia looks set to leave the Etihad next summer after City opted to keep him for another season rather than accept @ @ @ @ @ @ @ transfer window , Pep Guardiola 's squad for 2020/21 should be strong enough to be in contention for the Premier League title .
However , as soon as City have fixed some long-running transfer issues , more will present themselves next summer , and the club will already have begun preparations .
Just like Garcia , there could be some players available to City for free as they come to the end of their current contracts .
We 've looked at five potential players City could approach in January to sign on a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a move to City this summer , Alaba was said to be an option to provide cover at left-back and centre-back .
He 's worked with Pep Guardiola before , and is still only 28 .
With Garcia set to leave and question marks still firmly over Benjamin Mendy at left-back , a versatile option like Alaba could be a shrewd signing next summer , especially if he was to cost nothing .
Or perhaps City might want to sign an out-and-out left-back if Mendy 's form continues to be a problem .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ new full-back , Bernat is one of the most experienced around .
The 27-year-old is more attack-minded , like Mendy , but would bring valuable experience to the left side and would be a first-team-ready alternative in the problematic position without a large transfer fee .
He is currently out injured and not expected back until 2021 , so City will want to wait and see how he recovers before registering an interest .
The highly-rated Barcelona midfielder would be one for the future , but there are n't many players with his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
City did not sign a direct replacement for David Silva in the summer , instead promoting Phil Foden to a more senior role in the first team , so there remains a midfield place in Pep Guardiola 's squad .
Of course , Guardiola 's own contract expires next summer .
If he stays , Puig might be an ideal long-term signing for a City team with a growing La Masia influence .
Rumoured to be a target for City towards the end of the summer window , Milik has become one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an eye-catching spell at Napoli .
Out of contract next summer , Milik would be an attractive signing for City for two reasons .
Firstly , Sergio Aguero could leave City next summer , so the club will need a top quality replacement to join the squad .
Secondly , if City were able to sign Milik on a free transfer , they could avoid more negotiations with Napoli , with the summer-long pursuit of Kalidou Koulibaly not likely to have encouraged either City or Napoli to do more business any time soon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would again be a no-brainer .
Messi might have decided to stay at Barcelona this summer to avoid a legal battle that would have seen both player and club lose , but he 's still not happy at the Nou Camp .
When agreeing to stay this season , Messi indicated he will exercise his contractual right to leave for free next summer - so City have a year to work out the finances .
If Aguero is to leave , then who better to replace him than the best player in the @ @

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Manchester City undoubtedly had a strong summer transfer window, given the circumstances, but there is still work to be done to keep evolving their squad.
The central defensive issues that were a huge factor in their failed title defence last season have been addressed, with Ruben Dias and Nathan Ake tasked with improving the back line. In attack, Ferran Torres replaces Leroy Sane and ends that particular long-running contract saga.
While Eric Garcia looks set to leave the Etihad next summer after City opted to keep him for another season rather than accept a low offer from Barcelona in the transfer window, Pep Guardiola's squad for 2020/21 should be strong enough to be in contention for the Premier League title.
However, as soon as City have fixed some long-running transfer issues, more will present themselves next summer, and the club will already have begun preparations. Just like Garcia, there could be some players available to City for free as they come to the end of their current contracts.
We've looked at five potential players City could approach in January to sign on a free transfer next summer:
David Alaba
Linked with a move to City this summer, Alaba was said to be an option to provide cover at left-back and centre-back. He's worked with Pep Guardiola before, and is still only 28. With Garcia set to leave and question marks still firmly over Benjamin Mendy at left-back, a versatile option like Alaba could be a shrewd signing next summer, especially if he was to cost nothing.
Juan Bernat
Or perhaps City might want to sign an out-and-out left-back if Mendy's form continues to be a problem. If they do decide to buy a new full-back, Bernat is one of the most experienced around.
The 27-year-old is more attack-minded, like Mendy, but would bring valuable experience to the left side and would be a first-team-ready alternative in the problematic position without a large transfer fee.
He is currently out injured and not expected back until 2021, so City will want to wait and see how he recovers before registering an interest.
Riqui Puig
The highly-rated Barcelona midfielder would be one for the future, but there aren't many players with his potential available for free on the market.
City did not sign a direct replacement for David Silva in the summer, instead promoting Phil Foden to a more senior role in the first team, so there remains a midfield place in Pep Guardiola's squad.
Of course, Guardiola's own contract expires next summer. If he stays, Puig might be an ideal long-term signing for a City team with a growing La Masia influence.
Arkadiusz Milik
Rumoured to be a target for City towards the end of the summer window, Milik has become one of Europe's most sought-after strikers after an eye-catching spell at Napoli.
Out of contract next summer, Milik would be an attractive signing for City for two reasons.
Firstly, Sergio Aguero could leave City next summer, so the club will need a top quality replacement to join the squad. Secondly, if City were able to sign Milik on a free transfer, they could avoid more negotiations with Napoli, with the summer-long pursuit of Kalidou Koulibaly not likely to have encouraged either City or Napoli to do more business any time soon.
Lionel Messi
If he's available, it would again be a no-brainer. Messi might have decided to stay at Barcelona this summer to avoid a legal battle that would have seen both player and club lose, but he's still not happy at the Nou Camp.
When agreeing to stay this season, Messi indicated he will exercise his contractual right to leave for free next summer - so City have a year to work out the finances.
If Aguero is to leave, then who better to replace him than the best player in the world?
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themanchestereveningnews--2020-10-08--Baby suffers serious injuries after pram knocked over in hit and run

A baby has been left with serious injuries after her pram was knocked over in a hit and run .
It is understood the baby , who is just a few weeks old , suffered a head injury when her pram was clipped by a car and tipped over , North Wales Live reports .
North Wales Police have launched an appeal after the driver failed to stop at the scene .
The pram was being pushed across the road by her mum at Asda in Wrexham when the incident occurred , police said .
The force initially said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to hospital for checks .
In an update , a spokesperson said : `` Further to our last update this is a further appeal for the driver of a White small hatchback involved in a fail to stop RTC earlier today in Wrexham town centre .
`` We are urging the driver to come forward , we are urging for any witnesses or dashcam to come forward and speak to us in confidence .
`` The latest update is that the baby has suffered a serious injury and we would like to speak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Police are asking anyone who was in the area of Bodhyfryd , ASDA , Wrexham on October 7 at approximately 10.40am and has information to call 101 quoting Y147907 .

newsdesk@men-news.co.uk (Owen Evans, Fionnula Hainey)

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A baby has been left with serious injuries after her pram was knocked over in a hit and run.
It is understood the baby, who is just a few weeks old, suffered a head injury when her pram was clipped by a car and tipped over, North Wales Live reports.
North Wales Police have launched an appeal after the driver failed to stop at the scene.
The pram was being pushed across the road by her mum at Asda in Wrexham when the incident occurred, police said.
The force initially said the mother and her baby were being taken to hospital for checks.
In an update, a spokesperson said: "Further to our last update this is a further appeal for the driver of a White small hatchback involved in a fail to stop RTC earlier today in Wrexham town centre.
"We are urging the driver to come forward, we are urging for any witnesses or dashcam to come forward and speak to us in confidence.
"The latest update is that the baby has suffered a serious injury and we would like to speak to the driver at the earliest opportunity."
Police are asking anyone who was in the area of Bodhyfryd, ASDA, Wrexham on October 7 at approximately 10.40am and has information to call 101 quoting Y147907.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-10-08--Manchester United have two obvious transfers to complete next year

As the dust settles on the summer transfer window Manchester United fans still have a long time to wait before seeing if their new recruits will justify the deadline day drama .
United 's hierarchy are happy with the players the club signed and will no doubt concentrate on the positive of five new additions in the most testing window in history .
Donny van de Beek has already shown glimpses of the quality he can offer in the first team and Alex Telles looks like a very good acquisition , despite United having had to pay a significant fee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nothing next summer .
United fans are set to have to wait two weeks for Edinson Cavani to make his first appearance , as quarantine rules cast doubt over a possible debut appearance against Newcastle , and the wait will be even longer for Amad Diallo who will join in 2020 .
Facundo Pellistri will go straight into the first-team squad although there is an acceptance he will need to be eased in gradually and given plenty of time to adapt .
Yet even after five summer signings there are still a couple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and United 's failure to recruit a centre-back as well as a proven right winger .
Eric Bailly 's temporary return to form eased some worries in defence before his horror show against Tottenham , with Axel Tuanzebe next in line to inherit the poisoned chalice of partnering Harry Maguire .
United were always unlikely to add a new central defender this summer while so many remain at the club and unless the likes of Marcos Rojo and Phil Jones can be shifted it will continue to be an issue .
There is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by their investment of Maguire and there is concern over Victor Lindelof 's fitness .
The Swede withdrew from international duty ahead of the new domestic season and is quite clearly not performing at full capacity .
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will have to stick with the options he 's got until January at least , with youngster Teden Mengi now a permanent member of the first-team squad and eager to get some meaningful minutes .
Unless a defender can step up from within this season United will be in the market for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in January , and RB Leipzig defender Dayot Upamecano looks like an ideal fit .
The French defender will be approaching his 23rd birthday in a year 's time — the age United deem perfect for any new recruit , and is believed to have a £38m release clause which can be activated next summer .
Another obvious issue is the lack of a proven right winger , with United still keen on Jadon Sancho after deeming a deal for him too expensive this time around .
United have again put their faith @ @ @ @ @ @ @ joining an already youthful attacking line which will rely on Mason Greenwood for much of their wide threat this season .
If either of the new recruits excel in their debut campaigns then United might very well look at a more mature option at right wing next season , but if the same issues remain then interest in Sancho will be reignited once again .
With the international transfer window now closed there is little fans can do but wait and see how the new additions settle .
Lower expectations might actually ease @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but there is no escaping the fact United 's two priority positions to strengthen remain obvious .

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As the dust settles on the summer transfer window Manchester United fans still have a long time to wait before seeing if their new recruits will justify the deadline day drama.
United's hierarchy are happy with the players the club signed and will no doubt concentrate on the positive of five new additions in the most testing window in history.
Donny van de Beek has already shown glimpses of the quality he can offer in the first team and Alex Telles looks like a very good acquisition, despite United having had to pay a significant fee for a player who would've cost nothing next summer.
United fans are set to have to wait two weeks for Edinson Cavani to make his first appearance, as quarantine rules cast doubt over a possible debut appearance against Newcastle, and the wait will be even longer for Amad Diallo who will join in 2020. Facundo Pellistri will go straight into the first-team squad although there is an acceptance he will need to be eased in gradually and given plenty of time to adapt.
Yet even after five summer signings there are still a couple of glaring concerns with the first-team squad and United's failure to recruit a centre-back as well as a proven right winger.
Eric Bailly's temporary return to form eased some worries in defence before his horror show against Tottenham, with Axel Tuanzebe next in line to inherit the poisoned chalice of partnering Harry Maguire. United were always unlikely to add a new central defender this summer while so many remain at the club and unless the likes of Marcos Rojo and Phil Jones can be shifted it will continue to be an issue.
There is also the fact United want to stick by their investment of Maguire and there is concern over Victor Lindelof's fitness. The Swede withdrew from international duty ahead of the new domestic season and is quite clearly not performing at full capacity.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will have to stick with the options he's got until January at least, with youngster Teden Mengi now a permanent member of the first-team squad and eager to get some meaningful minutes.
Unless a defender can step up from within this season United will be in the market for a new centre-back next summer, if not in January, and RB Leipzig defender Dayot Upamecano looks like an ideal fit. The French defender will be approaching his 23rd birthday in a year's time — the age United deem perfect for any new recruit, and is believed to have a £38m release clause which can be activated next summer.
Another obvious issue is the lack of a proven right winger, with United still keen on Jadon Sancho after deeming a deal for him too expensive this time around.
United have again put their faith in youth with 18-year-olds Pellistri and Diallo joining an already youthful attacking line which will rely on Mason Greenwood for much of their wide threat this season.
If either of the new recruits excel in their debut campaigns then United might very well look at a more mature option at right wing next season, but if the same issues remain then interest in Sancho will be reignited once again.
With the international transfer window now closed there is little fans can do but wait and see how the new additions settle. Lower expectations might actually ease the pressure on those new recruits, but there is no escaping the fact United's two priority positions to strengthen remain obvious.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-10-08--US election: Who won Pence v Harris vice presidential debate and what happened?

The candidates in the vice presidential debate last night clashed , but were far politer than the Trump versus Joe Biden debate .
Vice President Mike Pence defended the Trump administration ’ s handling of the coronavirus pandemic that has killed more than 210,000 Americans as Kamala Harris called it “ the greatest failure of any presidential administration ” .
The candidates were separated by plexiglass barriers in their sole vice-presidential debate .
With the virus sweeping through the highest levels of government and Mr Trump just days out of hospital following his own diagnosis , his deputy Mr Pence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through a very challenging time this year ” .
But he added : “ I want the American people to know , from the very first day , President Trump has put the health of America first.
” He also pledged millions of doses of a yet-to-be-announced treatment before the end of the year .
Speaking directly to the camera , as Mr Biden did in last week ’ s debate , Ms Harris condemned what the government ’ s historic “ failure ” in reacting to the pandemic and said : “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they didn ’ t tell you.
” In response , Mr Pence said Mr Trump ’ s decision to shut off travel from China , saying the decision “ bought us invaluable time ” to coordinate the country ’ s response to the pandemic , although Mr Trump ’ s move only cut off some travel from China , and tens of thousands of people were still allowed to pour into the country .
Ms Harris assailed Mr Trump ’ s consistent downplaying of the pandemic ’ s threat , insisting she would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president endorsed it without the backing of medical professionals .
“ Frankly this administration has forfeited their right to re-election based on this , ” she said .
Less than four weeks before Election Day , Republicans hoped the debate might give the Trump-Pence ticket a final opportunity to help reset a contest that could be slipping away .
His poll numbers sagging , the President , with Mr Pence at his side , is struggling to stabilise the nation in the midst of multiple crises as more than a dozen senior officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and inside his campaign have been infected by the virus he claimed would “ magically disappear ” .
There were heated exchanges over the environment , the Supreme Court and racism , but overall the debate was far more respectful than Trump and Biden ’ s first bout .
Mr Pence interrupted at times , but with far less frequency than Mr Trump had .
The prime-time meeting in Salt Lake City elevated two candidates with presidential aspirations of their own who may be asked to step into the presidency even before the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ questions loom over Mr Trump , 74 , who is recovering from coronavirus , and 77-year-old Mr Biden , who would be the oldest US president in history .
Republicans desperately want to cast the race as a choice between two candidates fighting to move the country in vastly different directions .
But so long as coronavirus is ravaging the White House and killing several hundred Americans each day , the election will almost certainly be a referendum on the Trump administration ’ s inability to control the pandemic , which Republicans have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ several months .
Mr Pence ’ s message on Wednesday night was undercut by the mere fact that the candidates and moderator were separated by plexiglass shields , seated more than 12 feet apart and facing a crowd of masked audience members who faced expulsion if they removed their face coverings .
When the debate turned to race , Mr Pence , 61 , pushed back against the existence of systemic racism in police departments .
Ms Harris , 55 , condemned the killings of Breonna Taylor in Kentucky and George Floyd in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ racial injustice in policing that followed , which Mr Trump has portrayed as “ riots ” as he calls for law-and-order .
“ We are never going to condone violence but we must always fight for the values that we hold dear , ” Ms Harris said .
“ I ’ m a former career prosecutor .
I know what I ’ m talking about .
Bad cops are bad for good cops.
” Mr Pence said his heart broke for Ms Taylor ’ s family but he trusted the US justice system @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Ms Harris , as a former attorney general and prosecutor , would question the grand jury ’ s decision in the case not to charge an officer over the killing .
The candidates also clashed on taxes – specifically , Mr Trump ’ s refusal to release his tax returns four years after repeatedly promising to do so .
“ It ’ d be really good to know who the president owes money to , ” Ms Harris said .
“ The one thing we know about Joe , he puts it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he is forthright .
Donald Trump , on the other hand , has been about covering up everything.
” Mr Pence defended Mr Trump as a creator of jobs who had paid more than his fair share of taxes and shifted toward Biden : “ On Day One , Joe Biden ’ s going to raise your taxes .
”

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The candidates in the vice presidential debate last night clashed, but were far politer than the Trump versus Joe Biden debate.
Vice President Mike Pence defended the Trump administration’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic that has killed more than 210,000 Americans as Kamala Harris called it “the greatest failure of any presidential administration”.
The candidates were separated by plexiglass barriers in their sole vice-presidential debate.
With the virus sweeping through the highest levels of government and Mr Trump just days out of hospital following his own diagnosis, his deputy Mr Pence acknowledged “our nation’s gone through a very challenging time this year”.
But he added: “I want the American people to know, from the very first day, President Trump has put the health of America first.”
Sign up to the free MEN email newsletter Get the latest updates from across Greater Manchester direct to your inbox with the free MEN newsletter You can sign up very simply by following the instructions here
He also pledged millions of doses of a yet-to-be-announced treatment before the end of the year.
Speaking directly to the camera, as Mr Biden did in last week’s debate, Ms Harris condemned what the government’s historic “failure” in reacting to the pandemic and said: “They knew what was happening, and they didn’t tell you.”
In response, Mr Pence said Mr Trump’s decision to shut off travel from China, saying the decision “bought us invaluable time” to coordinate the country’s response to the pandemic, although Mr Trump’s move only cut off some travel from China, and tens of thousands of people were still allowed to pour into the country.
(Image: Getty Images)
Ms Harris assailed Mr Trump’s consistent downplaying of the pandemic’s threat, insisting she would not take a vaccine if the Republican president endorsed it without the backing of medical professionals.
“Frankly this administration has forfeited their right to re-election based on this,” she said.
Less than four weeks before Election Day, Republicans hoped the debate might give the Trump-Pence ticket a final opportunity to help reset a contest that could be slipping away.
His poll numbers sagging, the President, with Mr Pence at his side, is struggling to stabilise the nation in the midst of multiple crises as more than a dozen senior officials across the White House, the Pentagon and inside his campaign have been infected by the virus he claimed would “magically disappear”.
There were heated exchanges over the environment, the Supreme Court and racism, but overall the debate was far more respectful than Trump and Biden’s first bout. Mr Pence interrupted at times, but with far less frequency than Mr Trump had.
(Image: Getty Images)
The prime-time meeting in Salt Lake City elevated two candidates with presidential aspirations of their own who may be asked to step into the presidency even before the end of the next term. Health questions loom over Mr Trump, 74, who is recovering from coronavirus, and 77-year-old Mr Biden, who would be the oldest US president in history.
Republicans desperately want to cast the race as a choice between two candidates fighting to move the country in vastly different directions.
But so long as coronavirus is ravaging the White House and killing several hundred Americans each day, the election will almost certainly be a referendum on the Trump administration’s inability to control the pandemic, which Republicans have sought to downplay or ignore altogether for several months.
Mr Pence’s message on Wednesday night was undercut by the mere fact that the candidates and moderator were separated by plexiglass shields, seated more than 12 feet apart and facing a crowd of masked audience members who faced expulsion if they removed their face coverings.
When the debate turned to race, Mr Pence, 61, pushed back against the existence of systemic racism in police departments.
(Image: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
Ms Harris, 55, condemned the killings of Breonna Taylor in Kentucky and George Floyd in Minnesota and spoke about the protests against racial injustice in policing that followed, which Mr Trump has portrayed as “riots” as he calls for law-and-order.
“We are never going to condone violence but we must always fight for the values that we hold dear,” Ms Harris said. “I’m a former career prosecutor. I know what I’m talking about. Bad cops are bad for good cops.”
Mr Pence said his heart broke for Ms Taylor’s family but he trusted the US justice system. He called it “remarkable” that Ms Harris, as a former attorney general and prosecutor, would question the grand jury’s decision in the case not to charge an officer over the killing.
The candidates also clashed on taxes – specifically, Mr Trump’s refusal to release his tax returns four years after repeatedly promising to do so.
“It’d be really good to know who the president owes money to,” Ms Harris said.
“The one thing we know about Joe, he puts it all out there. He is honest, he is forthright. Donald Trump, on the other hand, has been about covering up everything.”
Mr Pence defended Mr Trump as a creator of jobs who had paid more than his fair share of taxes and shifted toward Biden: “On Day One, Joe Biden’s going to raise your taxes.”


themanchestereveningnews--2020-10-09--Major rule changes proposed that could affect Manchester United and Man City

Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has detailed some major rule changes that FIFA are considering , which could lead to significant changes in global football .
The ex-Gunners boss is now FIFA ’ s Chief Head of Global Football , where he is driving rule changes within the game .
As part of his role , the Frenchman is pushing for major changes to change the outlook of football across the world - including relaxing the law surrounding offsides , which has been brought into question following the introduction of VAR .
“ For the moment , you are offside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you can score with sits ahead of the body of a defender , ” Wenger told French outlet L ’ Equipe .
“ I would like it to be that there is no offside so long as a ( single ) body part which a player can score with is in line with the defender .
“ This could be too much of an advantage for an attacker because that obliges the defenders to play higher up.
” Other changes being considered are perhaps more controversial though , as he has shared his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ late in the game .
“ We are also considering other things : an in-swinging corner that goes out of play and comes back in could be made valid , this would create new goalscoring opportunities .
There is also the option of quickly playing a free-kick to yourself .
“ I would also like to change the throw-in rule : five minutes before the end , a throw-in for you should be an advantage , but in these situations , you are facing 10 outfield players in play , whilst you only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 8 out of 10 of those throw-in situations , you lose the ball .
In your half of the pitch , you should have the possibility to take a kick instead.
” Recent years have already seen major changes to the laws of the game , with the most notable being allowing goal-kicks to be played to defenders inside of the penalty area , with Wenger explaining how that has unintentionally led to major changes to the game .
“ I think that the new rule that allows you to play in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ within 5.5m has profoundly changed play .
I have to admit that I did not see it coming .
“ This has consequences .
The real playmaker now is the goalkeeper .
And instead of looking to play as quickly as possible in the opposition half , you are looking to create space in your own box .
“ This has created dangerous situations because teams press very hard , so well that they leave a lot of space .
And this rule , which was innocent at the start , has profoundly @ @ @ @ @ @ @

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Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has detailed some major rule changes that FIFA are considering, which could lead to significant changes in global football.
The ex-Gunners boss is now FIFA’s Chief Head of Global Football, where he is driving rule changes within the game.
As part of his role, the Frenchman is pushing for major changes to change the outlook of football across the world - including relaxing the law surrounding offsides, which has been brought into question following the introduction of VAR.
“For the moment, you are offside if a part of your body that you can score with sits ahead of the body of a defender,” Wenger told French outlet L’Equipe.
“I would like it to be that there is no offside so long as a (single) body part which a player can score with is in line with the defender.
“This could be too much of an advantage for an attacker because that obliges the defenders to play higher up.”
Other changes being considered are perhaps more controversial though, as he has shared his vision to change corner kicks and throw-ins late in the game.
“We are also considering other things: an in-swinging corner that goes out of play and comes back in could be made valid, this would create new goalscoring opportunities. There is also the option of quickly playing a free-kick to yourself.
“I would also like to change the throw-in rule: five minutes before the end, a throw-in for you should be an advantage, but in these situations, you are facing 10 outfield players in play, whilst you only have 9.
“Stats show that in 8 out of 10 of those throw-in situations, you lose the ball. In your half of the pitch, you should have the possibility to take a kick instead.”
Recent years have already seen major changes to the laws of the game, with the most notable being allowing goal-kicks to be played to defenders inside of the penalty area, with Wenger explaining how that has unintentionally led to major changes to the game.
“I think that the new rule that allows you to play in the box from the start of play within 5.5m has profoundly changed play. I have to admit that I did not see it coming.
“This has consequences. The real playmaker now is the goalkeeper. And instead of looking to play as quickly as possible in the opposition half, you are looking to create space in your own box.
“This has created dangerous situations because teams press very hard, so well that they leave a lot of space. And this rule, which was innocent at the start, has profoundly turned the game upside down.”