themanchestereveningnews--2020-01-18--Where to eat and drink in Ancoats - our guide to the best restaurants and bars

From the embers of industry , Ancoats has blossomed into one of the best places to eat and drink in Manchester .
The district was once home to some of the largest mills in the city , but the area fell into disrepair after the slump of the cotton industry , and became more notorious than it was desirable .
But , as the Northern Quarter became saturated and prices rocketed in the city centre , independent food and drink operators have increasingly been lured to the other side of Great Ancoats Street .
Now , old mills have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blocks have sprung up , fostering a community of creative , young professionals and a trove of restaurants , bars and cafés catering to them .
From Little Italy to Little Vietnam , the communities that have made their home here over the years have also shaped the melting pot of cuisines on offer .
It 's been called the new Northern Quarter - but in reality , it 's an eclectic and exciting foodscape all of its own .
Earning Manchester 's first Michelin star in over 40 years , Mana is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ least once .
Despite a lengthy and elaborate tasting menu ( dishes have previously included fried reindeer moss and 'next year 's cucumbers ' ) , Mana 's decor is understated .
Enormous multi-storey windows curve all around the room , flooding the space with a soft light ; modern pendant lights and soft glowing tubes hang above the tables ; and the bespoke kitchen has been built in the restaurant among the tables , and split into sections by temperature .
Along with its star , the restaurant has received shining reviews @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , from The Sunday Times , who said : `` This isn ’ t a good restaurant by Manchester standards ; this is a good restaurant by world standards . ''
Specialising in southern Italian pasta dishes , this restaurant has won a loyal fanbase and rave reviews since opening in Shaws Road , opposite Altrincham Market House , in 2015 .
Now , the owners have successfully replicated that success with their second site , in the heart of what was once Manchester ’ s own Little Italy .
Based on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ development , the restaurant seats 58 diners on its shared wooden tables .
An open kitchen stands at one end , where guests can watch chefs prepare a seasonally-changing menu of pasta dishes and year-round signature staples such as orecchiette with a slow cooked beef shin , pork shoulder and 'nduja ragu and parmesan , and cavatelli with king prawns , baby squid , mussels , tomatoes , chilli and ginger .
Launched in 2015 and swiftly named among the best pizzerias in the world , Rudy 's is a proper local success @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Peter Street , then further branches in Birmingham and Liverpool , after Albert 's Schloss operators Mission Mars bought a slice of the business .
The original restaurant remains as good as ever , with the same obsessive attention to dough , quality ingredients and reasonable prices .
Pizzas here are in the Neapolitan style , with pillowy , charred crusts and soft , floppy centres splashed with simple toppings such as Tuscan sausage , friarielli , smoked mozzarella and chilli flakes .
The name 'Erst ' is an archaic word meaning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which has guided this restaurant 's choice of wine and beer , and use of fire for cooking .
Despite its trendy location , and a menu that 's restrained to the point of looking spartan , Erst is not another shrine to minimalism but a warm , casual place with breathing space for an open bar and a host of small tables .
Dishes from the grill include naturally leavened flat breads made in house and served with whipped lardo ( cured pork fat ) ; and grilled whole mackerel with tomato @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plant that looks like chives but tastes more like spinach ) with wild garlic aioli .
The wine list showcases vintages from small producers who use organic and often biodynamic processes .
The key thing to remember though is that this is a bar as much as a restaurant , so staff are happy for early arrivals and late stayers to cluster around the bar and shoot the breeze .
This CityLife Award-winning bar is the kind of neighbourhood gem we all wish we had on our doorstep .
Cocktails are first rate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ selection as well as a range of local beer from breweries like Runaway and Track , all served in smart but laid-back surroundings .
A superb selection of small plates such as salt cod Scotch eggs , braised beef with house pickled onions and roast cauliflower with hazelnuts and romesco , complete the picture .
Husband and wife team Marcus and Katy Saide have earned a respected reputation for their knockout sourdough loaves and the simple , seasonal grub served up at the tiny Stockport Road café they opened in 2011 .
Now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ city with a brunch café , bakery and bar in Sawmill Court .
Towering , triple height windows flood the whitewashed space with light , and minimal , Scandi styling and soft pink and grey furnishings create a serene atmosphere inside .
An open kitchen stands to one side , connected to a café counter filled with cakes and pastries made fresh on site every day .
Above it , a shelf is stacked with Trove 's award-winning loaves , from its best-selling sourdough to weekly specials such as toasted oat and dark @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go and chill either on your own or with others .
And if all else fails , the coffee will more than likely win you over .
The historic Edinburgh Castle pub has been brought back to life by the team behind Cottonopolis .
The Victorian pub , which dates back to 1811 , is the ideal local for the residents of Ancoats – a ‘ proper boozer with a proper pint ’ .
The downstairs is split into two areas , with a small bar in the front of the building and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , complete with mirrored walls , an antique coat of arms and a framed old map of Ancoats nodding to the area 's heritage .
As for food , it 's a simpler , more familiar affair compared to much of the Ancoats area .
Pies , scotch eggs , Caesar salad , pork scratchings , bubble and squeak , sticky toffee pudding and rarebit all make their presence felt , while local ales and lagers pour from the taps at the bar .
Upstairs , the pub has stepped up to match @ @ @ @ @ @ @ smart menu of high-end small plates where words like caviar , truffle and roasted hay are bandied about .
Launched quietly in an old railway arch at the back of Piccadilly train station in 2016 , Pollen is the passion project of former bankers-turned-bakers Chris Kelly and Hannah Calvert .
At the old site , which closed about two years ago , people would happily queue for an hour to get a taste of their homemade pastries – especially their legendary cruffins - and sourdough loaves .
Today , their new café , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ textured in concrete and plywood , with huge windows instead of walls that allow light to pour in from all angles .
Food-wise , you can still expect to find the enormous sourdough loaves and delicate pastries that Pollen are known for , but the menu has been expanded to include a range of lunches now too .
If you like King Street 's award-winning tapas restaurant El Gato Negro , then you 'll love their second site in the city .
A Portuguese restaurant , inspired by chef patron Simon Shaw 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gomes ' upbringing in Porto , Canto is a spacious site seating up to 100 diners .
A rustic fit-out with earthy green decor , distressed wood furnishings and floor to ceiling windows looking out across the burgeoning neighbourhood makes this restaurant a desirable location to visit .
Wooden beams have been fixed between the building 's concrete pillars , which feature mosaic art made of glass and tools from Ancoats ' old glassworks .
And , if you look into one particular corner , you can also take a look through a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Peeps , a series of spy holes that were dotted around the neighbourhood in an art project in 2007 .
This basic , canteen-style restaurant has a lo-fi fit out that does n't stray too far from its chippy van beginnings .
Inspired by the team ’ s love of hip hop , the space is filled with posters and memorabilia from gigs and club nights , plus a pair of boomboxes bookending a cassette collection behind the bar .
The menu includes traditional chippy dishes with a twist , including the Feastie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on chips , mushy peas and tartare sauce ) and DJ Kool Jerk ( jerk battered fish , battered plantain and scotch bonnet pickle pepper , ) - all using sustainably sourced North Sea coley .
For veggies there ’ s the Halloumi , Myself & I ( battered halloumi fingers , skin on chips and minty mushy peas ) and there ’ s battered vegan ‘ fish ’ steaks or sausage to choose from too ; so there 's something for everyone here .
Every neighbourhood needs a good Chinese restaurant and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opening of Blue Eyed Panda .
It 's run by the owners of the popular Ancoats Panda Chinese takeaway ( formerly known as Chop Chop ) on Great Ancoats Street , who 've brought with them a no-nonsense menu of Cantonese classics such as honey-glazed roast char siu pork and Szechuan staples such as hot poached beef in chilli oil .
Diners can expect to find all their familiar favourites , from salt and pepper chicken to crispy chilli beef , alongside soup dumplings and other dim sum , and a selection of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kept simple inside the 50-cover restaurant , with large windows on two sides , brushed concrete floors , and wooden tables and chairs with colourful painted legs .
Offering fine wines by the glass from a Coravin system , as well as local craft beers , classic cocktails , coffee from local roasters Grindsmith and deli plates , Blossom Street Social is one of the latest additions to Ancoats .
Backed by the same knowledgeable team from the Hanging Ditch wine merchants , it 's got a wall of wine as the focal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to make sure this is a perfect setting for a glass of vino and top music .
The aim of this bar is simple : to challenge the normal wine merchant model to create a wine retail , entertainment and social space that works from morning to night .
Taking its title from the first recorded name for Ancoats in 1212 , this neighbourhood bar and kitchen has an accomplished menu and a communal , convivial atmosphere .
Inside , a minimal fit out gives a nod to the neighbourhood 's industrial heritage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and neon lettering give a contemporary feel to the space .
Diners are seated at long bench tables to share dishes such as pig 's head croquettes with pear , apple marigold and piccalilli ; Jerusalem artichokes , goat 's cheese , almond , pine nut and rosemary ; and retired Yorkshire dairy cow osso bucco with saffron risotto and fermented carrot .
A dessert bar serving waffles , crepes , ice cream - and ice cream for dogs .
What 's not to love about it ?
And if you 're @ @ @ @ @ @ @ months ?
The Northern Eudaimonia have got it sorted with an assortment of warming coffees and cakes on offer too .
Belgian waffles are served 'naked ' or 'fully dressed ' , with the latter stacked high with different sauces and sprinkles .
Ice creams , from Northern Bloc , can be turned into towering sundaes .
Create-your-own milkshakes are also on offer , priced from £3.95 and with vegan options available .
The owners of Northern Eudaimonia like to think of it as a slightly more grown-up dessert bar ; a place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your normal ice cream parlour .
Four-legged customers are well-catered for with dog-friendly vanilla ice cream available , apparently packed with anti-oxidants and omega 3 .
With seven brothers who brew beer and four sisters who make gin , the McAvoy family is fast becoming a drinks dynasty .
After founding their Salford brewery in 2014 , they went on to open their Ancoats bar two years later , serving up beers including their malty Ruby , thirst-quenching Session and classic bitter American-style IPA .
As you 'd expect , the gin shelf @ @ @ @ @ @ @ selection of spirits including the family 's own Four Sis4ers alongside Manchester 's Three Rivers , Zymurgorium , and Manchester Gin .
There 's live music and a casual food menu too .
No , this is n't a character from Oliver Twist - Street Urchin is an 'English market diner ' specialising in seafood .
Gold framed double height windows and a neon sign in neat cursive lettering mark it out in the honey-bricked Astley Building .
Blink and you 'll miss it in the blur of passing traffic on Great Ancoats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ glad you did .
Inside , foliage cascades from macramé hangers are strung from the ceiling and herb pots sprout more greenery on the chunky wooden tabletops .
Clusters of antique light fixtures dangle from ropes over the open kitchen and menu boards are chalked with a daily-changing selection of dishes depending on what 's fresh in that day .
Colourful chocolates line up along a marble counter top , espresso martinis are shaken and poured , a sausage dog snoozes on a window seat - have we just described heaven ?
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ little slice of paradise right in the heart of Ancoats .
Founded in 2012 and still trading in its original home in West Didsbury , Cocoa Cabana has gained a respected reputation for its artisan , additive-free chocolates , homemade cakes and chocolate afternoon teas .
At the Ancoats site you 'll also find a lengthy cocktail list , with more than a few nods to dessert ingredients on the list .
A small pop-up plant shop from Plant Collective is housed inside , creating an all-encompassing gift experience for the customer .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ very own tiny velvet armchair in the window , is Frank the miniature dachshund , who belongs to Cocoa Cabana founder Sarah Gallacher .
Serene and compact , Cha-ology serves Japanese tea made to strict Tokyo standards - to people who can get a table .
Inside , it 's no shoes , no loud talking and no camera shutter noises allowed .
You can also expect a tea ceremony which is carried out with impeccable attention to detail .
First the chawan ( cup ) is cleaned and warmed with a dash @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a chakin ( cloth ) .
Then comes the sieving of the matcha , to which water is added and whisked delicately with a bamboo instrument called a chasen .
A range of picture-perfect cakes and treats made with the matcha and tea are also available to accompany your brew .
Quite possibly Manchester 's coolest corner shop , Ancoats General Store sells all your usual groceries - and then some .
Here , you can pick up everything from Vietnamese green tea and single origin coffee to a tin of baked beans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also a packaging-free refill station where you can stock up on dried foods such as rice and lentils .
The multi-tasking store also has a Post Office counter and a small café and bar , serving locally brewed beers and expertly made coffee , as well as hosting daily 'Scrancoats ' street food pop-ups .
Housed in a capacious former cotton warehouse at the grade II listed Royal Mills , this café is serious about coffee .
It 's got its own in-house roastery , which also supplies restaurants , bars and hotels @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nowhere you 'll find its coffee fresher than right here .
You can try it just about every way imaginable , from espresso-based drinks to cold brews , pour-overs and Aeropress .
There 's also a range of sandwiches and cakes available from 10am to 4pm .
Since launching in 2003 on Liverpool Road , Cask 's flagship Castlefield bar has become well known for its extensive beer selection and relaxed , friendly atmosphere .
Now there 's no need to trek across the city anymore to enjoy it .
The same team @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where they 're promising 'Manchester ’ s most comprehensive choice of real ales and international beers ' .
With a whopping 27 beers on tap and even more in the fridges , they 're making good on that promise .
This 62-seat restaurant has been inspired by Australian cafe culture .
That means an all-day menu that caters for everyone , whether you 're after a special dinner or a relaxed and informal breakfast .
The restaurant features an eco-friendly , upcycled design scheme including tabletops made from recycled yoghurt pots , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a pleasing terrazzo impression .
On the menu you 'll find dishes such as baked almond chicken katsu with black rice and coconut curry sauce ; spiced dahl with cauliflower rice , coconut yoghurt and flat bread ; and salmon with miso potatoes , tender stem broccoli and lemon butter .
The bar serves a variety of smoothies , wellness shots ( the ginger one will make you wince ) and cold pressed juices , along with a selection of cocktails .
America meets Ancoats in this US-style sports bar , styled on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ late licence events are shown on four TVs , including a giant 136-inch screen .
An American-style food menu featuring burgers , corn dogs and fried chicken accompanies a range of craft beers and cocktails behind the bar .
The words ‘ nutritious ’ and ‘ fast food ’ are rarely seen in the same sentence - but KBK has made it its mission to bring quick , healthy meals to the masses .
Founded in Ancoats as Kettlebell Kitchen in 2017 , it 's geared up for fitness fans and conscious consumers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ let diners mix and match from a range of lean protein , complex carbs , vegetables and sauces to create a balanced meal .
The menu also includes lighter versions of your favourite takeaways , including kebabs , burgers and katsu curry , and you can even sign up for its meal plan service if you ’ re thinking of taking things really seriously .
Thrumming with the energy of a Ho Chi Minh street market , this Vietnamese restaurant is run by the same team behind the original Arndale Food Market outlet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ceiling , pink blossom blooms around the bar , street art murals decorate the walls and pans clatter and sizzle in the open kitchen .
It 's a walk-in only operation , serving a menu of do nhau ( 'drinking food ' ) such as banh xeo ( crispy battered crepes filled with pork and prawns or tofu and mushroom ) and barbecued chilli tiger prawns , along with larger rice and noodle dishes , fusion burgers and loaded fries .
Venture further down the ring road towards New Islington to find @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lounge ) .
Inside it 's awash with soft pastel pink decor and lighting , plywood furniture and concrete floors .
The menu centres around Jub Bowls , where diners can mix and match from a choice of curries and stir fries , rice or noodles , a selection of salads or sides for £10 .
This Grade II listed pub is a sight to behold inside , with its spectacularly ornate ceiling and the Victorian fireplace in the snug .
Its real ale selection is well-kept and reasonably priced , especially when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Northern Quarter .
Home of the monthly # MCRCiderClub , it also has one of the finest cider selections in the north west and hosts regular talks and tastings from some of the UK 's best producers .
You can usually find seven ciders on tap , from the likes of Gwynt Y Ddraig , Thistly Cross , Ascension , Oliver 's , Ross-on-Wye , Beard + Sabre and Udders Orchard , and even more in bottles .
Ca Phe Viet is the go-to place for pho and Vietnamese coffee – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ served here as a filter or espresso .
Owned by the same people as the Vietnamese grocery store attached to it , the cafe was among the first places to sell Banh Mi ( Vietnamese baguettes ) in Manchester .
They 're still the mainstays of its menu today , with the classic fillings of pork belly , pork roll , pork pate , mayonnaise , chilli and salad , or alternatives including roast chicken or tofu .
This tiny BYOB restaurant has gained a loyal fanbase for its authentic and affordable Vietnamese @ @ @ @ @ @ @ booking is now very much advisable .
Why ?
Because the food is authentic , fresh , plentiful and cheap .
So cheap , in fact , that you can form a veritable feast by ordering a few of the smaller plates to share and follow with a main course .
Their salt and pepper soft shell crab is legendary , as is their range of pho and traditional noodle soups .
We love their pho bo , a shimmering , collagen-rich beef broth spiced with cinnamon , clove , coriander and star @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and draped with blushing strips of beef .
Opened in 2016 , this Vietnamese café is owned by Anne Trieu , who moved to the UK in 1983 with her parents from the Lang Son province after the war .
Bringing a taste of their homeland to Manchester , the restaurant serves everything from plump summer rolls and crispy soft shell crab to wok-fried vermicelli , curries and pho .
Another Vietnamese gem , Nam is one of the newest on the block .
A basement mega sound system and eminent DJ rota @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ‘ audiophile ’ s haunt ’ .
The restaurant and cocktail bar has gorgeously modern décor right down to the details , like leafy houseplants and millennial pink menus .
The concise and delicious street food menu includes salads - less chilli-hot than their Thai counterparts - gloriously fresh summer and spring rolls and , of course , pho .
We have a dedicated Facebook page for all the latest on where to drink , eat , shop , go out and events across Greater Manchester .
From the best food and drink @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and bars , gig reviews and weekend plans - we 've got you covered .
You can follow the page here for all the latest news .
We also have Facebook groups specialising in eating out around Manchester and going out .
You can also follow us on Twitter and Instagram , or sign up to our newsletter bringing you all the latest what 's on news and reviews directly to your inbox .
To subscribe , simply enter your email address in the box beneath the main image on any what 's @ @ @

newsdesk@men-news.co.uk (Jonny Birch, Emily Heward, Daisy Jackson, Lucy Lovell)

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Subscribe to our daily What's On newsletter to keep up with what's happening around Greater Manchester
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Subscribe to our daily What's On newsletter to keep up with what's happening around Greater Manchester
From the embers of industry, Ancoats has blossomed into one of the best places to eat and drink in Manchester.
The district was once home to some of the largest mills in the city, but the area fell into disrepair after the slump of the cotton industry, and became more notorious than it was desirable.
But, as the Northern Quarter became saturated and prices rocketed in the city centre, independent food and drink operators have increasingly been lured to the other side of Great Ancoats Street.
Now, old mills have been brought back to life and new apartment blocks have sprung up, fostering a community of creative, young professionals and a trove of restaurants, bars and cafés catering to them.
From Little Italy to Little Vietnam, the communities that have made their home here over the years have also shaped the melting pot of cuisines on offer.
It's been called the new Northern Quarter - but in reality, it's an eclectic and exciting foodscape all of its own.
Mana
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Earning Manchester's first Michelin star in over 40 years, Mana is the restaurant everyone needs to experience at least once.
Despite a lengthy and elaborate tasting menu (dishes have previously included fried reindeer moss and 'next year's cucumbers'), Mana's decor is understated.
Enormous multi-storey windows curve all around the room, flooding the space with a soft light; modern pendant lights and soft glowing tubes hang above the tables; and the bespoke kitchen has been built in the restaurant among the tables, and split into sections by temperature.
Along with its star, the restaurant has received shining reviews from many food critics including Marina O'Loughlin, from The Sunday Times, who said: "This isn’t a good restaurant by Manchester standards; this is a good restaurant by world standards."
42 Blossom St, Manchester M4 6BF
Sugo Pasta Kitchen
Specialising in southern Italian pasta dishes, this restaurant has won a loyal fanbase and rave reviews since opening in Shaws Road, opposite Altrincham Market House, in 2015.
Now, the owners have successfully replicated that success with their second site, in the heart of what was once Manchester’s own Little Italy.
Based on the ground floor of the new Sawmill Court development, the restaurant seats 58 diners on its shared wooden tables.
An open kitchen stands at one end, where guests can watch chefs prepare a seasonally-changing menu of pasta dishes and year-round signature staples such as orecchiette with a slow cooked beef shin, pork shoulder and 'nduja ragu and parmesan, and cavatelli with king prawns, baby squid, mussels, tomatoes, chilli and ginger.
46 Blossom St, Manchester M4 6BF
Rudy's Neapolitan Pizza
Launched in 2015 and swiftly named among the best pizzerias in the world, Rudy's is a proper local success story.
A second site soon followed on Peter Street, then further branches in Birmingham and Liverpool, after Albert's Schloss operators Mission Mars bought a slice of the business.
The original restaurant remains as good as ever, with the same obsessive attention to dough, quality ingredients and reasonable prices.
Pizzas here are in the Neapolitan style, with pillowy, charred crusts and soft, floppy centres splashed with simple toppings such as Tuscan sausage, friarielli, smoked mozzarella and chilli flakes.
Rudy's Neapolitan Pizza, 9 Cotton St, Ancoats, Manchester M4 5BF
Erst
(Image: Publicity Picture)
The name 'Erst' is an archaic word meaning 'formerly' or 'long ago', which has guided this restaurant's choice of wine and beer, and use of fire for cooking.
Despite its trendy location, and a menu that's restrained to the point of looking spartan, Erst is not another shrine to minimalism but a warm, casual place with breathing space for an open bar and a host of small tables.
Dishes from the grill include naturally leavened flat breads made in house and served with whipped lardo (cured pork fat); and grilled whole mackerel with tomato and monk's beard (a green plant that looks like chives but tastes more like spinach) with wild garlic aioli.
The wine list showcases vintages from small producers who use organic and often biodynamic processes.
The key thing to remember though is that this is a bar as much as a restaurant, so staff are happy for early arrivals and late stayers to cluster around the bar and shoot the breeze.
9 Murray St, Manchester M4 6HS
The Jane Eyre
This CityLife Award-winning bar is the kind of neighbourhood gem we all wish we had on our doorstep.
Cocktails are first rate, and there's a well-chosen wine selection as well as a range of local beer from breweries like Runaway and Track, all served in smart but laid-back surroundings.
A superb selection of small plates such as salt cod Scotch eggs, braised beef with house pickled onions and roast cauliflower with hazelnuts and romesco, complete the picture.
One Cutting Room Square, 14 Hood St, Ancoats, Manchester, M4 6WX
Trove
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Husband and wife team Marcus and Katy Saide have earned a respected reputation for their knockout sourdough loaves and the simple, seasonal grub served up at the tiny Stockport Road café they opened in 2011.
Now they've brought their offering to the city with a brunch café, bakery and bar in Sawmill Court.
Towering, triple height windows flood the whitewashed space with light, and minimal, Scandi styling and soft pink and grey furnishings create a serene atmosphere inside.
An open kitchen stands to one side, connected to a café counter filled with cakes and pastries made fresh on site every day.
Above it, a shelf is stacked with Trove's award-winning loaves, from its best-selling sourdough to weekly specials such as toasted oat and dark spelt.
Trove is the place to go and chill either on your own or with others. And if all else fails, the coffee will more than likely win you over.
5 Murray St, Manchester M4 6HS
The Edinburgh Castle
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
The historic Edinburgh Castle pub has been brought back to life by the team behind Cottonopolis.
The Victorian pub, which dates back to 1811, is the ideal local for the residents of Ancoats – a ‘proper boozer with a proper pint’.
The downstairs is split into two areas, with a small bar in the front of the building and a cosy saloon bar in the back, complete with mirrored walls, an antique coat of arms and a framed old map of Ancoats nodding to the area's heritage.
As for food, it's a simpler, more familiar affair compared to much of the Ancoats area.
Pies, scotch eggs, Caesar salad, pork scratchings, bubble and squeak, sticky toffee pudding and rarebit all make their presence felt, while local ales and lagers pour from the taps at the bar.
Upstairs, the pub has stepped up to match neighbouring establishments with a restaurant serving a smart menu of high-end small plates where words like caviar, truffle and roasted hay are bandied about.
Henry St &, Blossom St, Manchester M4 5AW
Pollen
(Image: Dominic Salter)
Launched quietly in an old railway arch at the back of Piccadilly train station in 2016, Pollen is the passion project of former bankers-turned-bakers Chris Kelly and Hannah Calvert.
At the old site, which closed about two years ago, people would happily queue for an hour to get a taste of their homemade pastries – especially their legendary cruffins - and sourdough loaves.
Today, their new café, located on Cotton Field Wharf, is textured in concrete and plywood, with huge windows instead of walls that allow light to pour in from all angles.
Food-wise, you can still expect to find the enormous sourdough loaves and delicate pastries that Pollen are known for, but the menu has been expanded to include a range of lunches now too.
Cotton Field Wharf, 8 New Union St, Manchester M4 6FQ
Canto
(Image: manchester evening news)
If you like King Street's award-winning tapas restaurant El Gato Negro, then you'll love their second site in the city.
A Portuguese restaurant, inspired by chef patron Simon Shaw's travels to Lisbon and head chef Carlos Gomes' upbringing in Porto, Canto is a spacious site seating up to 100 diners.
A rustic fit-out with earthy green decor, distressed wood furnishings and floor to ceiling windows looking out across the burgeoning neighbourhood makes this restaurant a desirable location to visit.
Wooden beams have been fixed between the building's concrete pillars, which feature mosaic art made of glass and tools from Ancoats' old glassworks.
And, if you look into one particular corner, you can also take a look through a brass peephole - a tribute to The Peeps, a series of spy holes that were dotted around the neighbourhood in an art project in 2007.
Cutting Room Square, Blossom St, Manchester M4 5DH
The Hip Hop Chip Shop
This basic, canteen-style restaurant has a lo-fi fit out that doesn't stray too far from its chippy van beginnings.
Inspired by the team’s love of hip hop, the space is filled with posters and memorabilia from gigs and club nights, plus a pair of boomboxes bookending a cassette collection behind the bar.
The menu includes traditional chippy dishes with a twist, including the Feastie Boys (battered fish biters, skin on chips, mushy peas and tartare sauce) and DJ Kool Jerk (jerk battered fish, battered plantain and scotch bonnet pickle pepper,) - all using sustainably sourced North Sea coley.
For veggies there’s the Halloumi, Myself & I (battered halloumi fingers, skin on chips and minty mushy peas) and there’s battered vegan ‘fish’ steaks or sausage to choose from too; so there's something for everyone here.
44 Blossom St, Manchester M4 6BF
Blue Eyed Panda
(Image: Publicity Picture)
Every neighbourhood needs a good Chinese restaurant and Ancoats just got that, with the opening of Blue Eyed Panda.
It's run by the owners of the popular Ancoats Panda Chinese takeaway (formerly known as Chop Chop) on Great Ancoats Street, who've brought with them a no-nonsense menu of Cantonese classics such as honey-glazed roast char siu pork and Szechuan staples such as hot poached beef in chilli oil.
Diners can expect to find all their familiar favourites, from salt and pepper chicken to crispy chilli beef, alongside soup dumplings and other dim sum, and a selection of daily-changing specials.
The decor has been kept simple inside the 50-cover restaurant, with large windows on two sides, brushed concrete floors, and wooden tables and chairs with colourful painted legs.
3 Jersey St, Manchester M4 6JA
Blossom Street Social
Offering fine wines by the glass from a Coravin system, as well as local craft beers, classic cocktails, coffee from local roasters Grindsmith and deli plates, Blossom Street Social is one of the latest additions to Ancoats.
Backed by the same knowledgeable team from the Hanging Ditch wine merchants, it's got a wall of wine as the focal point, and a focus on acoustics to make sure this is a perfect setting for a glass of vino and top music.
The aim of this bar is simple: to challenge the normal wine merchant model to create a wine retail, entertainment and social space that works from morning to night.
51 Blossom St, Manchester M4 6BF
Elnecot
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Taking its title from the first recorded name for Ancoats in 1212, this neighbourhood bar and kitchen has an accomplished menu and a communal, convivial atmosphere.
Inside, a minimal fit out gives a nod to the neighbourhood's industrial heritage, while splashes of colour, artwork, and neon lettering give a contemporary feel to the space.
Diners are seated at long bench tables to share dishes such as pig's head croquettes with pear, apple marigold and piccalilli; Jerusalem artichokes, goat's cheese, almond, pine nut and rosemary; and retired Yorkshire dairy cow osso bucco with saffron risotto and fermented carrot.
41 Blossom Street, Manchester / elnecot.com
Northern Eudaimonia
(Image: Northern Eudaimonia)
A dessert bar serving waffles, crepes, ice cream - and ice cream for dogs. What's not to love about it?
And if you're not feeling ice cream during the winter months? The Northern Eudaimonia have got it sorted with an assortment of warming coffees and cakes on offer too.
Belgian waffles are served 'naked' or 'fully dressed', with the latter stacked high with different sauces and sprinkles.
Ice creams, from Northern Bloc, can be turned into towering sundaes.
Create-your-own milkshakes are also on offer, priced from £3.95 and with vegan options available.
The owners of Northern Eudaimonia like to think of it as a slightly more grown-up dessert bar; a place with more of a café vibe than your normal ice cream parlour.
Four-legged customers are well-catered for with dog-friendly vanilla ice cream available, apparently packed with anti-oxidants and omega 3.
6 New Union St, Manchester M4 6FQ
Seven Bro7hers Beer House
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
With seven brothers who brew beer and four sisters who make gin, the McAvoy family is fast becoming a drinks dynasty.
After founding their Salford brewery in 2014, they went on to open their Ancoats bar two years later, serving up beers including their malty Ruby, thirst-quenching Session and classic bitter American-style IPA.
As you'd expect, the gin shelf is very well stocked too with a selection of spirits including the family's own Four Sis4ers alongside Manchester's Three Rivers, Zymurgorium, and Manchester Gin.
There's live music and a casual food menu too.
The Ice Plant, Blossom Street, Ancoats, M4 6AP | sevenbro7hers.com
Street Urchin
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
No, this isn't a character from Oliver Twist - Street Urchin is an 'English market diner' specialising in seafood.
Gold framed double height windows and a neon sign in neat cursive lettering mark it out in the honey-bricked Astley Building. Blink and you'll miss it in the blur of passing traffic on Great Ancoats Street; stop and you'll be glad you did.
Inside, foliage cascades from macramé hangers are strung from the ceiling and herb pots sprout more greenery on the chunky wooden tabletops.
Clusters of antique light fixtures dangle from ropes over the open kitchen and menu boards are chalked with a daily-changing selection of dishes depending on what's fresh in that day.
72 Great Ancoats St, Manchester M4 5BG
Cocoa Cabana
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Colourful chocolates line up along a marble counter top, espresso martinis are shaken and poured, a sausage dog snoozes on a window seat - have we just described heaven?
In actual fact, you'll find this little slice of paradise right in the heart of Ancoats.
Founded in 2012 and still trading in its original home in West Didsbury, Cocoa Cabana has gained a respected reputation for its artisan, additive-free chocolates, homemade cakes and chocolate afternoon teas.
At the Ancoats site you'll also find a lengthy cocktail list, with more than a few nods to dessert ingredients on the list.
A small pop-up plant shop from Plant Collective is housed inside, creating an all-encompassing gift experience for the customer.
The guest of honour, with his very own tiny velvet armchair in the window, is Frank the miniature dachshund, who belongs to Cocoa Cabana founder Sarah Gallacher.
7 Murray St, Manchester M4 6HS
Cha-ology
Serene and compact, Cha-ology serves Japanese tea made to strict Tokyo standards - to people who can get a table.
Inside, it's no shoes, no loud talking and no camera shutter noises allowed.
You can also expect a tea ceremony which is carried out with impeccable attention to detail. First the chawan (cup) is cleaned and warmed with a dash of water, before being dried with a chakin (cloth).
Then comes the sieving of the matcha, to which water is added and whisked delicately with a bamboo instrument called a chasen.
A range of picture-perfect cakes and treats made with the matcha and tea are also available to accompany your brew.
Unit 3B Nuovo, Great Ancoats St, Manchester M4 5AB, United Kingdom
Ancoats General Store
(Image: Copyright unknown)
Quite possibly Manchester's coolest corner shop, Ancoats General Store sells all your usual groceries - and then some.
Here, you can pick up everything from Vietnamese green tea and single origin coffee to a tin of baked beans and some Bisto granules.
There's also a packaging-free refill station where you can stock up on dried foods such as rice and lentils.
The multi-tasking store also has a Post Office counter and a small café and bar, serving locally brewed beers and expertly made coffee, as well as hosting daily 'Scrancoats' street food pop-ups.
57 Great Ancoats Street, corner of Blossom Street, Manchester M4 5AB
Ancoats Coffee Co
(Image: Ben Blackall 2017)
Housed in a capacious former cotton warehouse at the grade II listed Royal Mills, this café is serious about coffee.
It's got its own in-house roastery, which also supplies restaurants, bars and hotels across the city, but there's nowhere you'll find its coffee fresher than right here.
You can try it just about every way imaginable, from espresso-based drinks to cold brews, pour-overs and Aeropress.
There's also a range of sandwiches and cakes available from 10am to 4pm.
9 Royal Mills, 17 Redhill St, Manchester M4 5BA, UK
Cask
Since launching in 2003 on Liverpool Road, Cask's flagship Castlefield bar has become well known for its extensive beer selection and relaxed, friendly atmosphere.
Now there's no need to trek across the city anymore to enjoy it.
The same team now have a site in Ancoats, where they're promising 'Manchester’s most comprehensive choice of real ales and international beers'.
With a whopping 27 beers on tap and even more in the fridges, they're making good on that promise.
29 Liverpool Road, M3 4NQ and 2 New Union Street, Cotton Field Wharf, M4 6FQ |
The Counter House
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
This 62-seat restaurant has been inspired by Australian cafe culture. That means an all-day menu that caters for everyone, whether you're after a special dinner or a relaxed and informal breakfast.
The restaurant features an eco-friendly, upcycled design scheme including tabletops made from recycled yoghurt pots, which are flecked with different colours to give a pleasing terrazzo impression.
On the menu you'll find dishes such as baked almond chicken katsu with black rice and coconut curry sauce; spiced dahl with cauliflower rice, coconut yoghurt and flat bread; and salmon with miso potatoes, tender stem broccoli and lemon butter.
The bar serves a variety of smoothies, wellness shots (the ginger one will make you wince) and cold pressed juices, along with a selection of cocktails.
35 Blossom St, Manchester M4 6AJ
Second City
America meets Ancoats in this US-style sports bar, styled on an old-school gymnasium.
Sports games including late licence events are shown on four TVs, including a giant 136-inch screen.
An American-style food menu featuring burgers, corn dogs and fried chicken accompanies a range of craft beers and cocktails behind the bar.
37 Blossom St, Manchester M4 6AJ
KBK
The words ‘nutritious’ and ‘fast food’ are rarely seen in the same sentence - but KBK has made it its mission to bring quick, healthy meals to the masses.
Founded in Ancoats as Kettlebell Kitchen in 2017, it's geared up for fitness fans and conscious consumers with its signature KBK boxes, which let diners mix and match from a range of lean protein, complex carbs, vegetables and sauces to create a balanced meal.
The menu also includes lighter versions of your favourite takeaways, including kebabs, burgers and katsu curry, and you can even sign up for its meal plan service if you’re thinking of taking things really seriously.
Nuovo, 5 Great Ancoats St, Manchester M4 5AB
Viet Shack
(Image: Joel Goodman | Manchester Evening News)
Thrumming with the energy of a Ho Chi Minh street market, this Vietnamese restaurant is run by the same team behind the original Arndale Food Market outlet.
Colourful parasols and foliage hang from the ceiling, pink blossom blooms around the bar, street art murals decorate the walls and pans clatter and sizzle in the open kitchen.
It's a walk-in only operation, serving a menu of do nhau ('drinking food') such as banh xeo (crispy battered crepes filled with pork and prawns or tofu and mushroom) and barbecued chilli tiger prawns, along with larger rice and noodle dishes, fusion burgers and loaded fries.
67 Great Ancoats St, Manchester M4 5AB
Jub Thai
Venture further down the ring road towards New Islington to find Thai restaurant Jub Thai (formerly Vivid Lounge).
Inside it's awash with soft pastel pink decor and lighting, plywood furniture and concrete floors.
The menu centres around Jub Bowls, where diners can mix and match from a choice of curries and stir fries, rice or noodles, a selection of salads or sides for £10.
151 Great Ancoats St, M4 6DH
The Crown and Kettle
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
This Grade II listed pub is a sight to behold inside, with its spectacularly ornate ceiling and the Victorian fireplace in the snug.
Its real ale selection is well-kept and reasonably priced, especially when you consider its location on the fringe of the Northern Quarter.
Home of the monthly #MCRCiderClub, it also has one of the finest cider selections in the north west and hosts regular talks and tastings from some of the UK's best producers.
You can usually find seven ciders on tap, from the likes of Gwynt Y Ddraig, Thistly Cross, Ascension, Oliver's, Ross-on-Wye, Beard + Sabre and Udders Orchard, and even more in bottles.
2 Oldham Road, Ancoats, M4 5FE
Ca Phe Viet
Ca Phe Viet is the go-to place for pho and Vietnamese coffee – a dark and brooding java which is served here as a filter or espresso.
Owned by the same people as the Vietnamese grocery store attached to it, the cafe was among the first places to sell Banh Mi (Vietnamese baguettes) in Manchester.
They're still the mainstays of its menu today, with the classic fillings of pork belly, pork roll, pork pate, mayonnaise, chilli and salad, or alternatives including roast chicken or tofu.
80-86 Oldham Rd, Manchester M4 5EB / capheviet.co.uk
Vnam
This tiny BYOB restaurant has gained a loyal fanbase for its authentic and affordable Vietnamese food.
Given its diminutive dimensions, booking is now very much advisable. Why? Because the food is authentic, fresh, plentiful and cheap.
So cheap, in fact, that you can form a veritable feast by ordering a few of the smaller plates to share and follow with a main course.
Their salt and pepper soft shell crab is legendary, as is their range of pho and traditional noodle soups.
We love their pho bo, a shimmering, collagen-rich beef broth spiced with cinnamon, clove, coriander and star anise, ribboned with silky rice noodles and draped with blushing strips of beef.
140 Oldham Road, Manchester / vnam.co.uk
Simply Viet Cafe
Opened in 2016, this Vietnamese café is owned by Anne Trieu, who moved to the UK in 1983 with her parents from the Lang Son province after the war.
Bringing a taste of their homeland to Manchester, the restaurant serves everything from plump summer rolls and crispy soft shell crab to wok-fried vermicelli, curries and pho.
146 Oldham Rd, Manchester M4 6BG / simplyviet.co.uk
Nam
Another Vietnamese gem, Nam is one of the newest on the block.
A basement mega sound system and eminent DJ rota also define the place as a self-styled ‘audiophile’s haunt’.
The restaurant and cocktail bar has gorgeously modern décor right down to the details, like leafy houseplants and millennial pink menus.
The concise and delicious street food menu includes salads - less chilli-hot than their Thai counterparts - gloriously fresh summer and spring rolls and, of course, pho.
33 Blossom St, Manchester M4 6AJ
Follow CityLife
We have a dedicated Facebook page for all the latest on where to drink, eat, shop, go out and events across Greater Manchester.
From the best food and drink deals to exclusive looks at new restaurants and bars, gig reviews and weekend plans - we've got you covered.
You can follow the page here for all the latest news.
We also have Facebook groups specialising in eating out around Manchester and going out .
You can also follow us on Twitter and Instagram , or sign up to our newsletter bringing you all the latest what's on news and reviews directly to your inbox.
To subscribe, simply enter your email address in the box beneath the main image on any what's on story.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-01-18--Luke Shaw set new Manchester United challenge by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has told Luke Shaw he can still become the best left-back in England if he fulfils his potential at Manchester United .
Shaw will face a fight to regain his place when he returns from his latest setback , with 19-year-old Brandon Williams impressing in his absence , but Solskjaer has no doubts about the level the more senior man can reach .
The departure of Ashley Young has taken away a level of competition at left-back , with the emergence of Williams playing a key role in that , while Solskjaer believes Diogo Dalot and Timothy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ full-back positions .
But the United boss wants to see Shaw reach his full potential as part of a promising United back four , alongside Aaron Wan-Bissaka , Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof .
Shaw 's latest injury problem has kept him out since the 2-0 defeat to Arsenal on New Year 's Day and since his move to United in 2014 he has now missed 116 games through injury , making 119 appearances in that time .
But that fitness record has n't yet led to Solskjaer giving up on the 24-year-old @ @ @ @ @ @ @ left-back in England .
Luke has the potential to be the best one , '' the United boss said .
`` And that is the great challenge for him now , Brandon has come in and done so well . ''
Wan-Bissaka , Maguire , Lindelof and Shaw are all under the age of 26 , while Williams is 19 and promising centre back Axel Tuanzebe is only 22 .
That age profile gives Solskjaer confidence that he has a defence that can grow together into a formidable unit in the Premier League @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Then again we have got Diogo who is a great attacking full-back , Tim is coming back who is 21 and played loads of games of Holland , and Axel as a centre-back , '' he said .
`` So for me the foundation is there .
Of course the back two as well , David [ De Gea ] and Sergio [ Romero ] , make you very confident .
So that is the foundation .
`` We did spend the majority of our transfer money in the last window on Aaron @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to defend better but also dominate and control games more , with Harry back there because he is such an authority back there and he is confident on the ball . ''
United now have three clean sheets in their last four games , two of which have been against Wolves , and that solidity at the back is giving the front three a platform to win games from .
Solskjaer has seen improvements from De Gea as well , who struggled for form towards the end of last season and has n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But his work with goalkeeping coaches Richard Hartis and Craig Mawson , who recently joined the club from Burnley , is beginning to pay dividends .
`` We have been working on it of course .
It is always the foundation of any team to defend well , '' said Solskjaer .
`` I think David is improving , his work with Richard and Craig here now coming in is bearing fruit .
Victor and Harry , they have been excellent as a pairing , I think they ’ ve grown to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the whole team .
I think it is the workrate of the whole team .
And we know everyone of us , 11 of us , has to defend well against Liverpool if we are going to be able to keep clean sheets . ''

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has told Luke Shaw he can still become the best left-back in England if he fulfils his potential at Manchester United.
Shaw will face a fight to regain his place when he returns from his latest setback, with 19-year-old Brandon Williams impressing in his absence, but Solskjaer has no doubts about the level the more senior man can reach.
The departure of Ashley Young has taken away a level of competition at left-back, with the emergence of Williams playing a key role in that, while Solskjaer believes Diogo Dalot and Timothy Fosu-Mensah can also offer cover in both full-back positions.
But the United boss wants to see Shaw reach his full potential as part of a promising United back four, alongside Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof.
Shaw's latest injury problem has kept him out since the 2-0 defeat to Arsenal on New Year's Day and since his move to United in 2014 he has now missed 116 games through injury, making 119 appearances in that time.
But that fitness record hasn't yet led to Solskjaer giving up on the 24-year-old.
"Potentially we have the best left-back in England. Luke has the potential to be the best one," the United boss said. "And that is the great challenge for him now, Brandon has come in and done so well."
Wan-Bissaka, Maguire, Lindelof and Shaw are all under the age of 26, while Williams is 19 and promising centre back Axel Tuanzebe is only 22.
That age profile gives Solskjaer confidence that he has a defence that can grow together into a formidable unit in the Premier League.
"I would hope so. Then again we have got Diogo who is a great attacking full-back, Tim is coming back who is 21 and played loads of games of Holland, and Axel as a centre-back," he said.
"So for me the foundation is there. Of course the back two as well, David [De Gea] and Sergio [Romero], make you very confident. So that is the foundation.
"We did spend the majority of our transfer money in the last window on Aaron and Harry because I felt we needed to defend better but also dominate and control games more, with Harry back there because he is such an authority back there and he is confident on the ball."
United now have three clean sheets in their last four games, two of which have been against Wolves, and that solidity at the back is giving the front three a platform to win games from.
Solskjaer has seen improvements from De Gea as well, who struggled for form towards the end of last season and hasn't always been at this best this term.
But his work with goalkeeping coaches Richard Hartis and Craig Mawson, who recently joined the club from Burnley, is beginning to pay dividends.
"We have been working on it of course. It is always the foundation of any team to defend well," said Solskjaer.
"I think David is improving, his work with Richard and Craig here now coming in is bearing fruit. Victor and Harry, they have been excellent as a pairing, I think they’ve grown to know each other.
"But it is the whole team. I think it is the workrate of the whole team. And we know everyone of us, 11 of us, has to defend well against Liverpool if we are going to be able to keep clean sheets."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-01-18--Ole Gunnar Solskjaer sends message to Liverpool FC after Manchester United treble comparisons

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has told Liverpool they need to win title after title to be considered a great Premier League team .
Manchester United head to Anfield with Jurgen Klopp 's side well clear at the top of the table and looking certain to end their 30-year wait for a league title .
Liverpool could yet still emulate United 's treble winners of 1999 , a team in which Solskjaer played a key role , especially in the Champions League final at the Nou Camp , and while the Norwegian was reluctant to compare the merits of those two teams @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of greatness is being able to repeat success year after year .
United did that under Sir Alex Ferguson , winning 13 league titles in 21 seasons , and United are the only team to win three successive Premier League titles , a feat they achieved twice under the Scot .
Asked if Liverpool had to show such dominance over a prolonged period to be considered as one of the Premier League 's best ever teams , Solskjaer said : `` I think so .
You have a point that you have to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Sir Alex is the only one who ’ s won it three times…he ’ s won it a few times in fact .
`` He had an exceptional way of motivating us and getting us ready .
A way of just letting trophies be trophies , win them and move forward .
`` [ Manchester ] City have won it twice in a row , it looks like Liverpool are going to win it , but you are still not sure .
There are so many games to play .
Yes , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they have won games towards the end of them , 2-1s 1-0s 3-2s .
But they will know they have a couple of difficult games coming up . ''
Liverpool face Atletico Madrid in the last-16 of the Champions League and Shrewsbury Town in the fourth round of the FA Cup , and a repeat of United 's 1999 heroics still looks a long way off at the moment .
But Solskjaer was resisting any direct comparisons between the two teams until this season has ended .
Asked if United 's class of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : `` I would say so wouldn ’ t I , but let ’ s see when the season has finished .
We ’ re just past halfway and there are many , many games to go .
`` Last season the race between Liverpool and City was amazing .
You look at Liverpool now and they have 33 wins and five draws from the last 38 games and that ’ s a decent season , 104 points .
`` It was close between them both last season .
They both have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That ( 1999 ) showed we as a squad could cope with three tournaments and it was an amazing season , an amazing group , the personalities , the camaraderie .
I ’ m sure with Liverpool…they can win all three see so I ’ m not going to say no or yes - but let ’ s see in May where they are at . ''
United are the only team to stop Liverpool winning in the Premier League so far this season and they also held them to a draw at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ season .
Solskjaer is aware his team need to better on the ball to improve on those results , but the encouraging record against Klopp 's side gives him encouragement ahead of a trip to Merseyside .
`` Tactically we have done well .
We have played two different ways and I think both those are ways of having a chance of getting a result , '' the United boss said .
`` But playing at Anfield is a different matter .
Of course at home , we have looked at both those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do so much better on the ball .
We need to do better on the ball . ''

Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has told Liverpool they need to win title after title to be considered a great Premier League team.
Manchester United head to Anfield with Jurgen Klopp's side well clear at the top of the table and looking certain to end their 30-year wait for a league title.
Liverpool could yet still emulate United's treble winners of 1999, a team in which Solskjaer played a key role, especially in the Champions League final at the Nou Camp, and while the Norwegian was reluctant to compare the merits of those two teams, he knows the true litmus test of greatness is being able to repeat success year after year.
United did that under Sir Alex Ferguson, winning 13 league titles in 21 seasons, and United are the only team to win three successive Premier League titles, a feat they achieved twice under the Scot.
Asked if Liverpool had to show such dominance over a prolonged period to be considered as one of the Premier League's best ever teams, Solskjaer said: "I think so. You have a point that you have to do it again and again and again and Sir Alex is the only one who’s won it three times…he’s won it a few times in fact.
"He had an exceptional way of motivating us and getting us ready. A way of just letting trophies be trophies, win them and move forward.
"[Manchester] City have won it twice in a row, it looks like Liverpool are going to win it, but you are still not sure. There are so many games to play. Yes, they have not conceded many points, they have won games towards the end of them, 2-1s 1-0s 3-2s. But they will know they have a couple of difficult games coming up."
Liverpool face Atletico Madrid in the last-16 of the Champions League and Shrewsbury Town in the fourth round of the FA Cup, and a repeat of United's 1999 heroics still looks a long way off at the moment.
But Solskjaer was resisting any direct comparisons between the two teams until this season has ended.
Asked if United's class of 1999 were the better team, he said: "I would say so wouldn’t I, but let’s see when the season has finished. We’re just past halfway and there are many, many games to go.
"Last season the race between Liverpool and City was amazing. You look at Liverpool now and they have 33 wins and five draws from the last 38 games and that’s a decent season, 104 points.
"It was close between them both last season. They both have half a season to play.
"That (1999) showed we as a squad could cope with three tournaments and it was an amazing season, an amazing group, the personalities, the camaraderie. I’m sure with Liverpool…they can win all three see so I’m not going to say no or yes - but let’s see in May where they are at."
United are the only team to stop Liverpool winning in the Premier League so far this season and they also held them to a draw at Old Trafford towards the end of last season.
Solskjaer is aware his team need to better on the ball to improve on those results, but the encouraging record against Klopp's side gives him encouragement ahead of a trip to Merseyside.
"Tactically we have done well. We have played two different ways and I think both those are ways of having a chance of getting a result," the United boss said.
"But playing at Anfield is a different matter. Of course at home, we have looked at both those games, and we know we can do so much better on the ball. We need to do better on the ball."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-01-18--Olly Murs confronts Meghan Trainor about 'copying' one of his biggest hits

They 've been getting along brilliantly on the new series of singing contest The Voice , but tonight Olly Murs said he had a 'bone to pick ' with fellow coach Meghan Trainor .
Hitmaker Olly Murs confronted American singer-songwriter Meghan about the likeness between two of their biggest hits while they were chatting in between acts .
Olly , 35 , who was a semi-finalist on the X Factor in 2009 , pointed out the resemblance between his 2011 song Dance With Me Tonight and Meghan 's 2015 smash Dear Future Husband .
Meghan , 26 , who shot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ smash All About That Bass , explained that Dear Future Husband was the personal favourite of her songs because she dedicated it to her Spy Kids actor husband Daryl Sabara .
`` I married an amazing man named Daryl and no-one knew we were dating , '' the popstar told her fellow coaches .
`` He went on tour with me and he would hide in the crowd and I would point right to him and be like 'this song is about you . '
'' After she told her story Olly said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to pick with Meghan , because Dear Future Husband sounds like my song Dance With Me Tonight . ''
Explaining further he said : `` I remember when it came out I was like 'this sounds familiar . '
'' `` I thought the same thing , '' she said jokingly .
`` It 's a great song .
We should sing a little bit now , '' said Olly .
`` We should do a duet , '' she agreed , picking up her microphone .
And then came a surprise for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mash up the two songs together for a duet performed with The Voice band at MediaCityUK , Salford Quays .
`` Meghan Trainor and Olly Murs , dang , '' said one viewer .
`` Meghan and Olly singing together .
Wow , '' said another .
`` Olly Murs asking Meghan Trainor if he copied the tune of his song haha , '' said another fan about the moment .
`` And that 's our song , '' the pair announced as they finished their duet , leaving fans calling for them @ @ @ @ @

We have more newsletters
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Love a bit of cheeky celeb goss? Share your email to get showbiz news, gossip and rumours from the MEN
We have more newsletters
Thank you for subscribing!
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Love a bit of cheeky celeb goss? Share your email to get showbiz news, gossip and rumours from the MEN
They've been getting along brilliantly on the new series of singing contest The Voice, but tonight Olly Murs said he had a 'bone to pick' with fellow coach Meghan Trainor.
Hitmaker Olly Murs confronted American singer-songwriter Meghan about the likeness between two of their biggest hits while they were chatting in between acts.
Olly, 35, who was a semi-finalist on the X Factor in 2009, pointed out the resemblance between his 2011 song Dance With Me Tonight and Meghan's 2015 smash Dear Future Husband.
Meghan, 26, who shot to fame in 2014 with the doo-wop smash All About That Bass, explained that Dear Future Husband was the personal favourite of her songs because she dedicated it to her Spy Kids actor husband Daryl Sabara.
(Image: ITV)
"I married an amazing man named Daryl and no-one knew we were dating," the popstar told her fellow coaches.
"He went on tour with me and he would hide in the crowd and I would point right to him and be like 'this song is about you.'"
After she told her story Olly said: "I've got a bone to pick with Meghan, because Dear Future Husband sounds like my song Dance With Me Tonight."
(Image: ITV)
Explaining further he said: "I remember when it came out I was like 'this sounds familiar.'"
"I thought the same thing," she said jokingly.
"It's a great song. We should sing a little bit now," said Olly.
"We should do a duet," she agreed, picking up her microphone.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
And then came a surprise for the audience when the pair agreed to mash up the two songs together for a duet performed with The Voice band at MediaCityUK, Salford Quays.
"Meghan Trainor and Olly Murs, dang," said one viewer.
"Meghan and Olly singing together. Wow," said another.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
"Olly Murs asking Meghan Trainor if he copied the tune of his song haha," said another fan about the moment.
"And that's our song," the pair announced as they finished their duet, leaving fans calling for them to release the mash-up.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-01-18--The Masked Singer gets even weirder as the tree is unmasked - and it wasn't Peter Crouch

Peter Crouch confirmed that it was n't him a couple of weeks ago , and the tree was finally unmasked on The Masked Singer .
Viewers and judges had worked out a football connection and fingers were pointed at pundit Crouch , as well as fellow former England footballers Jamie Redknapp and Peter Shilton .
Fans were barking up the right tree with the England connection in the bizarre ITV singing contest .
Beneath the branches the tree was revealed to be football icon Teddy Sheringham , who was was capped 51 times for the national team .
After being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ octopus , the former Manchester United player repeated his performance of Will Young 's Pop Idol winners ' single Evergreen without the mask on .
`` I ’ m currently watching Teddy Sheringham on ITV , singing , dressed as a tree singing Evergreen ! ''
said one viewer on Twitter .
`` An icon of British football singing Will Young ’ s Pop Idol coronation single , sure why not , '' commented another .
`` Teddy Sheringham !
!
Did not see that coming at all , thought it was Peter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Another tweeted : `` Never in my life did I think Teddy Sheringham would be providing my Saturday Night entertainment dressed as a tree singing Evergreen but okay . ''
`` I can honestly say that I have never had a dream that weird , '' said another .
`` Watching the masked singer is like when you ’ re having one of those weird dreams , '' commented another viewer .
The Masked Singer has been a runaway hit with fans hooked on trying to guess who is behind the mask @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
So far The Darkness frontman Justin Hawkins has been revealed as the chameleon , EastEnders star Patsy Palmer was the butterfly and the pharaoh was unmasked as former home secretary Alan Johnson .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Love a bit of cheeky celeb goss? Share your email to get showbiz news, gossip and rumours from the MEN
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Love a bit of cheeky celeb goss? Share your email to get showbiz news, gossip and rumours from the MEN
Peter Crouch confirmed that it wasn't him a couple of weeks ago, and the tree was finally unmasked on The Masked Singer.
Viewers and judges had worked out a football connection and fingers were pointed at pundit Crouch, as well as fellow former England footballers Jamie Redknapp and Peter Shilton.
Fans were barking up the right tree with the England connection in the bizarre ITV singing contest.
Beneath the branches the tree was revealed to be football icon Teddy Sheringham, who was was capped 51 times for the national team.
After being unmasked following an elimination sing-off with an octopus, the former Manchester United player repeated his performance of Will Young's Pop Idol winners' single Evergreen without the mask on.
"I’m currently watching Teddy Sheringham on ITV, singing, dressed as a tree singing Evergreen!" said one viewer on Twitter.
"An icon of British football singing Will Young’s Pop Idol coronation single, sure why not," commented another.
"Teddy Sheringham!! Did not see that coming at all, thought it was Peter Shilton 100%" said a third.
Another tweeted: "Never in my life did I think Teddy Sheringham would be providing my Saturday Night entertainment dressed as a tree singing Evergreen but okay."
(Image: ITV)
"I can honestly say that I have never had a dream that weird," said another.
"Watching the masked singer is like when you’re having one of those weird dreams," commented another viewer.
The Masked Singer has been a runaway hit with fans hooked on trying to guess who is behind the mask as 12 celebrities perform behind elaborate costumers.
So far The Darkness frontman Justin Hawkins has been revealed as the chameleon, EastEnders star Patsy Palmer was the butterfly and the pharaoh was unmasked as former home secretary Alan Johnson.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-01-18--Manchester United squad vs Liverpool FC revealed

Marcus Rashford is not with the provisional Manchester United squad ahead of their Premier League trip to Liverpool tomorrow .
Rashford was forced off against Wolves in the FA Cup third round replay at Old Trafford on Wednesday after just 16 minutes with a recurring back problem .
United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had rested Rashford but , with the tie goalless , decided to bring on the 22-year-old just after the hour mark .
Juan Mata secured United 's progression to the fourth round but the Norwegian admitted the decision to bring Rashford on backfired after he went down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ replaced by Jesse Lingard .
The United manager said in his pre-match press conference that it was going to be a last-minute decision on whether or not Rashford would travel to Merseyside .
Rashford was not with the United squad that arrived at The Lowry Hotel on Saturday night , having reported at the club 's Carrington training complex in the morning .
`` I ca n't tell you now , '' Solskjaer said .
`` As I said with Harry [ Maguire ] a few weeks ago , of course we 're @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of time to find out .
We 'll do some more checks and treatment with him today , yesterday , of course , was just a recovery day and some treatment for him .
I 've not see him this morning .
`` I 'm not going to hold my breath .
I would probably think he would n't be ready but let 's see .
it 's 48 hours [ away ] , more than that , so let 's see . ''
Solskjaer made changes to United 's usual pre-Liverpool preparations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ city centre hotel in Liverpool the night before matches but opted to reside at their favoured Manchester city centre hotel and will travel to Anfield on Sunday .
Solskjaer has been given a defensive boost though with the return of Eric Bailly to the matchday squad .
The centre-back last played a first-team game for the club on their pre-season tour but made his playing comeback from a knee injury for the Under-23s a week last Friday .
Solskjaer said returning defenders Bailly and Timothy Fosu-Mensah will be important options for him for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Axel ( Tuanzebe ) had a setback but he ’ s working his way towards fitness , ” Solskajer explained .
“ Eric ( Bailly ) and Tim ( Fosu-Mensah ) are fit and available .
`` Luke Shaw is on the training pitch today [ Friday ] to see how he is .
He ’ s been ill and he ’ s had a little issue .
Diogo ( Dalot ) is back and Marcos ( Rojo ) is still not ready .
He had a bad calf injury that took longer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the game looking to become the first team to beat Liverpool in the league at Anfield since Crystal Palace in April 2017 .
United remain the only team to have taken points of Jurgen Klopp 's league leaders this season .
The point United secured at Old Trafford back in October has given United belief they can go to Anfield and cause an upset on Sunday afternoon .
`` We know if we perform at our best level , we can compete with them , like we did at Old Trafford , when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Juan Mata said after the win against Wolves on Wednesday night .
`` So from Thursday morning we will be 100 per cent focused on that game .
`` It 's a very special game for us , for all of the Manchester United fans and everyone in the club , so a big weekend ahead and hopefully we can bring with us this good moment of good football and results . ''

newsdesk@men-news.co.uk ( Charlotte Duncker)

Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
Marcus Rashford is not with the provisional Manchester United squad ahead of their Premier League trip to Liverpool tomorrow.
Rashford was forced off against Wolves in the FA Cup third round replay at Old Trafford on Wednesday after just 16 minutes with a recurring back problem.
United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had rested Rashford but, with the tie goalless, decided to bring on the 22-year-old just after the hour mark. Juan Mata secured United's progression to the fourth round but the Norwegian admitted the decision to bring Rashford on backfired after he went down clutching his back and had to be replaced by Jesse Lingard.
The United manager said in his pre-match press conference that it was going to be a last-minute decision on whether or not Rashford would travel to Merseyside. Rashford was not with the United squad that arrived at The Lowry Hotel on Saturday night, having reported at the club's Carrington training complex in the morning.
"I can't tell you now," Solskjaer said. "As I said with Harry [Maguire] a few weeks ago, of course we're going to give him the absolute amount of time to find out. We'll do some more checks and treatment with him today, yesterday, of course, was just a recovery day and some treatment for him. I've not see him this morning.
"I'm not going to hold my breath. I would probably think he wouldn't be ready but let's see. it's 48 hours [away], more than that, so let's see."
Solskjaer made changes to United's usual pre-Liverpool preparations. The squad has stayed in a city centre hotel in Liverpool the night before matches but opted to reside at their favoured Manchester city centre hotel and will travel to Anfield on Sunday.
Solskjaer has been given a defensive boost though with the return of Eric Bailly to the matchday squad. The centre-back last played a first-team game for the club on their pre-season tour but made his playing comeback from a knee injury for the Under-23s a week last Friday. Solskjaer said returning defenders Bailly and Timothy Fosu-Mensah will be important options for him for the rest of the season.
“Axel (Tuanzebe) had a setback but he’s working his way towards fitness,” Solskajer explained. “Eric (Bailly) and Tim (Fosu-Mensah) are fit and available.
"Luke Shaw is on the training pitch today [Friday] to see how he is. He’s been ill and he’s had a little issue. Diogo (Dalot) is back and Marcos (Rojo) is still not ready. He had a bad calf injury that took longer than we expected.”
Manchester United squad vs Liverpool:
United go into the game looking to become the first team to beat Liverpool in the league at Anfield since Crystal Palace in April 2017. United remain the only team to have taken points of Jurgen Klopp's league leaders this season.
The point United secured at Old Trafford back in October has given United belief they can go to Anfield and cause an upset on Sunday afternoon.
"We know if we perform at our best level, we can compete with them, like we did at Old Trafford, when they got only one point," Juan Mata said after the win against Wolves on Wednesday night. "So from Thursday morning we will be 100 per cent focused on that game.
"It's a very special game for us, for all of the Manchester United fans and everyone in the club, so a big weekend ahead and hopefully we can bring with us this good moment of good football and results."
Confirmed Manchester United squad members to face Liverpool.
De Gea, Romero, Grant, Jones, Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Williams, Bailly, Maguire, Dalot, Shaw, Lingard, Matic, Fred, Pereira, Gomes, Mata, Chong, James, Martial, Greenwood.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-01-18--Manchester United squad to face Liverpool FC

Sport gallery
Manchester United squad to face Liverpool FC
Man Utd arrive at their team hotel ahead of the Premier League clash against Liverpool
1 of 15 2 of 15 3 of 15 4 of 15 5 of 15 6 of 15 7 of 15 8 of 15 9 of 15 10 of 15 11 of 15 12 of 15 13 of 15 14 of 15 15 of 15


themanchestereveningnews--2020-01-18--Manchester United 'had January bid rejected' for Jack Grealish and more transfer rumours

Manchester United had a bid rejected for Aston Villa star Jack Grealish this month - according to reports .
Grealish has been one of the standout performers in the Premier League this season after playing a starring role in the club 's successful promotion bid last term .
United are eager to bolster their creative options and the midfielder has emerged as a target as he fits the profile of player Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is aiming to bring to the club in order to continue his rebuild .
MEN understand Solskjaer expressed admiration to the Villa talisman in the tunnel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Old Trafford last month and United are aware Grealish regularly socialises in Manchester .
The Daily Record claim United were exploring the possibility of signing the 24-year-old in January and tested Villa 's resolve with a bid .
However , the Midlands club swiftly rebuffed their advances as they have no intention of allowing their prized asset to leave halfway through the season .
A move for Grealish would make sense for United , given he can play a variety of positions but waiting until the summer might be a wise move @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his services would be much easier and his price tag should be considerably lower .
Elsewhere , Inter Milan players have urged the Italian side to complete a permanent deal for Manchester United winger Alexis Sanchez - as per reports .
The Chilean ended his nightmare spell at Old Trafford by sealing a loan move to the Serie A in the summer transfer window .
Sanchez seems to have impressed during his short stay at the club and The Telegraph report various squad members are keen to see him signed permanently .
However @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be a stumbling block to any potential deal .
Sanchez recently returned from injury to play 69 minutes in the 4-1 win against Cagliari on Tuesday .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
Manchester United had a bid rejected for Aston Villa star Jack Grealish this month - according to reports.
Grealish has been one of the standout performers in the Premier League this season after playing a starring role in the club's successful promotion bid last term.
United are eager to bolster their creative options and the midfielder has emerged as a target as he fits the profile of player Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is aiming to bring to the club in order to continue his rebuild.
MEN understand Solskjaer expressed admiration to the Villa talisman in the tunnel following his man of the match performance at Old Trafford last month and United are aware Grealish regularly socialises in Manchester.
The Daily Record claim United were exploring the possibility of signing the 24-year-old in January and tested Villa's resolve with a bid.
However, the Midlands club swiftly rebuffed their advances as they have no intention of allowing their prized asset to leave halfway through the season.
A move for Grealish would make sense for United, given he can play a variety of positions but waiting until the summer might be a wise move. If Villa are relegated, securing his services would be much easier and his price tag should be considerably lower.
Elsewhere, Inter Milan players have urged the Italian side to complete a permanent deal for Manchester United winger Alexis Sanchez - as per reports.
The Chilean ended his nightmare spell at Old Trafford by sealing a loan move to the Serie A in the summer transfer window.
Sanchez seems to have impressed during his short stay at the club and The Telegraph report various squad members are keen to see him signed permanently.
However, his mammoth wages are likely to be a stumbling block to any potential deal.
Sanchez recently returned from injury to play 69 minutes in the 4-1 win against Cagliari on Tuesday.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-01-18--Manchester United have an unsung squad hero

Recently there have been some doubts surrounding the concrete position of David de Gea as Manchester United 's first choice goalkeeper .
The 29-year-old is yet to hit the heights of his best form and world-class performances of past seasons .
In only 18 per cent of his 22 league appearances this season has he kept a clean sheet , compared to the 49 per cent of games in his Golden Glove winning season 2017/18 .
His overall record at United also does not appear as glittering as many would imagine it to be .
On average , he concedes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clean sheets in 34 per cent of games , a figure his somewhat anomalous 2017/18 statistics skew in his favour .
These figures are slightly underwhelming compared to the impressive recent performances and solid reputation of United ’ s second choice keeper Sergio Romero .
He has been a stalwart of United ’ s cup teams , featuring in the winning FA Cup side of 2016 and the Europa League in 2017 , where he kept a clean sheet in the final against Ajax .
His record at United speaks for itself .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ games he has kept a clean sheet .
At AZ Alkmaar , the club he has featured for the most in his career , he had a strong 42 per cent success rate in keeping clean sheets .
He has also maintained his position as first choice goalkeeper for Argentina now for over a decade , playing in two World Cups and three Copa Americas .
However , the statistics do not paint an accurate picture of the abilities of the two goalkeepers .
Before De Gea arrived at United , he had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ choice keeper at Atletico Madrid .
He arrived under the shadow of the retirement of one of United ’ s greatest goalkeepers Edwin van der Sar at a young age and with little experience , and it was therefore unsurprising that he did not get off to the best of starts at the club .
However , since then he has developed into one of the best goalkeepers in the world , featuring in the PFA Team of the Year for five seasons running , being long-listed for the Ballon D ’ Or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saves that he has become so respected for .
Romero ’ s career before joining United was markedly different .
The level he has played at throughout his club career has been significantly lower than De Gea ’ s , playing at mid table AZ in the Eredivisie and then Sampdoria in Serie B and Serie A .
He has been a high level international goalkeeper in a comfortable position , playing in leagues below his individual standards facing lower level opposition .
As a result , his record seems less impressive than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ faced far tougher players and teams playing in La Liga and the Premier League , putting in strong performances against the likes of Sergio Aguero , Luis Suarez and Mo Salah .
Romero has played fewer games in his entire career , which began in 2005 , than De Gea has played for United alone , so his statistics are undoubtedly cushioned by this too .
Something which many have not considered in this debate is what Romero actually wants out of his time at United .
Despite clearly being the best second @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seems happy to remain on the bench week to week , playing an important - and often unsung - role in the more minor competitions .
With an agent as powerful as Mino Raiola , he could have easily pushed for a move away to play more regularly but thus far , there has been no indication that he has done .
Given the importance of De Gea ’ s world class performances to preventing against the complete collapse of United after the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson , it seems only right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ player through a less consistent patch of form , despite Romero ’ s clear talent .
He deserves the patience of the club who he has rescued on multiple occasions , and the fans will surely grant him this when they are reminded of his achievements both individually and for United .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
Recently there have been some doubts surrounding the concrete position of David de Gea as Manchester United's first choice goalkeeper.
The 29-year-old is yet to hit the heights of his best form and world-class performances of past seasons.
In only 18 per cent of his 22 league appearances this season has he kept a clean sheet, compared to the 49 per cent of games in his Golden Glove winning season 2017/18.
His overall record at United also does not appear as glittering as many would imagine it to be.
On average, he concedes 1.03 goals a game, only keeping clean sheets in 34 per cent of games, a figure his somewhat anomalous 2017/18 statistics skew in his favour.
These figures are slightly underwhelming compared to the impressive recent performances and solid reputation of United’s second choice keeper Sergio Romero.
He has been a stalwart of United’s cup teams, featuring in the winning FA Cup side of 2016 and the Europa League in 2017, where he kept a clean sheet in the final against Ajax.
His record at United speaks for itself. In 63 per cent of his 52 games he has kept a clean sheet.
At AZ Alkmaar, the club he has featured for the most in his career, he had a strong 42 per cent success rate in keeping clean sheets.
He has also maintained his position as first choice goalkeeper for Argentina now for over a decade, playing in two World Cups and three Copa Americas.
However, the statistics do not paint an accurate picture of the abilities of the two goalkeepers.
Before De Gea arrived at United, he had only played one full season as first choice keeper at Atletico Madrid.
He arrived under the shadow of the retirement of one of United’s greatest goalkeepers Edwin van der Sar at a young age and with little experience, and it was therefore unsurprising that he did not get off to the best of starts at the club.
However, since then he has developed into one of the best goalkeepers in the world, featuring in the PFA Team of the Year for five seasons running, being long-listed for the Ballon D’Or, and producing the acrobatic and athletic saves that he has become so respected for.
Romero’s career before joining United was markedly different. The level he has played at throughout his club career has been significantly lower than De Gea’s, playing at mid table AZ in the Eredivisie and then Sampdoria in Serie B and Serie A.
He has been a high level international goalkeeper in a comfortable position, playing in leagues below his individual standards facing lower level opposition.
As a result, his record seems less impressive than De Gea’s, who has faced far tougher players and teams playing in La Liga and the Premier League, putting in strong performances against the likes of Sergio Aguero, Luis Suarez and Mo Salah.
Romero has played fewer games in his entire career, which began in 2005, than De Gea has played for United alone, so his statistics are undoubtedly cushioned by this too.
Something which many have not considered in this debate is what Romero actually wants out of his time at United.
Despite clearly being the best second choice goalkeeper in the league, he seems happy to remain on the bench week to week, playing an important - and often unsung - role in the more minor competitions.
With an agent as powerful as Mino Raiola, he could have easily pushed for a move away to play more regularly but thus far, there has been no indication that he has done.
Given the importance of De Gea’s world class performances to preventing against the complete collapse of United after the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson, it seems only right that the club should stick by the player through a less consistent patch of form, despite Romero’s clear talent.
He deserves the patience of the club who he has rescued on multiple occasions, and the fans will surely grant him this when they are reminded of his achievements both individually and for United.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-01-18--Gary Neville sends Harry Maguire Manchester United captaincy message

Gary Neville has encouraged Harry Maguire to stick through the tough times at Manchester United after he was named club captain following Ashley Young 's departure .
The summer signing has already led United out on a number of occasions this season and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer confirmed the England international would replace Young on a permanent basis after the 34-year-old joined Inter Milan .
It was a big vote of confidence from the Norwegian to hand the former Leicester man the armband despite only being at the club a number of months and former captain Neville had some advice for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The s*** will come thick and fast in the next year or two .
Stick at it as you are the captain of the biggest club in the world and it will rise and win again , '' Neville tweeted .
Maguire will lead the team out at Anfield on Sunday as Solskjaer 's side look to become the first team to beat the league leaders in the Premier League since April 2017 and the former Leicester man has spoken of his pride .
`` It ’ s a massive honour to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It ’ s a great feeling for myself but the hard work continues and I ’ ll keep doing the best I can , on and off the pitch , to make this club successful , '' Maguire said .
`` I 've only been here five or s ix months and to gain his trust in that amount of time is obviously a great feeling for myself .
It gives me confidence going into games and the way I put myself around the place .
`` Off the field and on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and it ’ s something I ’ m looking forward to but , like I said , the main thing is being successful as a club during the time I ’ m here .
”

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
Gary Neville has encouraged Harry Maguire to stick through the tough times at Manchester United after he was named club captain following Ashley Young's departure.
The summer signing has already led United out on a number of occasions this season and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer confirmed the England international would replace Young on a permanent basis after the 34-year-old joined Inter Milan.
It was a big vote of confidence from the Norwegian to hand the former Leicester man the armband despite only being at the club a number of months and former captain Neville had some advice for the England international.
"Congratulations! The s*** will come thick and fast in the next year or two. Stick at it as you are the captain of the biggest club in the world and it will rise and win again," Neville tweeted.
Maguire will lead the team out at Anfield on Sunday as Solskjaer's side look to become the first team to beat the league leaders in the Premier League since April 2017 and the former Leicester man has spoken of his pride.
"It’s a massive honour to be the captain of this prestigious club. It’s a great feeling for myself but the hard work continues and I’ll keep doing the best I can, on and off the pitch, to make this club successful," Maguire said.
"I've only been here five or s
ix months and to gain his trust in that amount of time is obviously a great feeling for myself. It gives me confidence going into games and the way I put myself around the place.
"Off the field and on the field is especially important as a captain and it’s something I’m looking forward to but, like I said, the main thing is being successful as a club during the time I’m here.”


themanchestereveningnews--2020-01-18--Cheryl has just admitted something 'unacceptable' on The Greatest Dancer

Singer Cheryl left fans reeling on The Greater Dancer when she made a startling admission .
The 36-year-old pop star racked up the hits as a member of Girls Aloud , one of the biggest selling girl groups of all time , and she went on to have five number one UK singles as a solo artist .
But Cheryl rattled viewers by admitting she had never heard of the show Glee .
Hitmaker Cheryl , 36 , may well have been hoping for a Parachute when she let slip that she had never seen the hit singing show .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ an award-winning high school show choir , wa a global hit when it ran from 2009 to 2015 and it starred her fellow dance captain on The Greatest Dancer Matthew Morrison .
Broadway star Matthew , who is starring in his second series of the BBC One dance contest with Cheryl , played Glee club coach William Schuester who was also known as Mr Schue .
When an audience member shouted out `` Yes Mr Schue ! ''
a confused Cheryl asked him : `` Mr Schue as in shoe on the foot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and dancer replied : `` No , as in Mr Shuester . ''
When their fellow judge Todrick Hall asked her `` you have n't seen the hit show Glee ? ''
she admitted that she had n't .
`` I 'm going to watch it though , '' she said .
Cheryl then changed the subject by asking choreographer Todrick if he had heard of Girls Aloud , which he had .
But when he struggled to name the other members of the girl band , he said : `` I think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out right now . ''
`` Can not believe Cheryl has never seen Glee !
Not acceptable , '' said one viewer on Twitter .
`` Cheryl needs to see Glee , '' said another .
`` LOL at Cheryl not seeing Glee before , '' said another viewer .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Love a bit of cheeky celeb goss? Share your email to get showbiz news, gossip and rumours from the MEN
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Love a bit of cheeky celeb goss? Share your email to get showbiz news, gossip and rumours from the MEN
Singer Cheryl left fans reeling on The Greater Dancer when she made a startling admission.
The 36-year-old pop star racked up the hits as a member of Girls Aloud, one of the biggest selling girl groups of all time, and she went on to have five number one UK singles as a solo artist.
But Cheryl rattled viewers by admitting she had never heard of the show Glee.
Hitmaker Cheryl, 36, may well have been hoping for a Parachute when she let slip that she had never seen the hit singing show.
The American comedy drama, centred on an award-winning high school show choir, wa a global hit when it ran from 2009 to 2015 and it starred her fellow dance captain on The Greatest Dancer Matthew Morrison.
Broadway star Matthew, who is starring in his second series of the BBC One dance contest with Cheryl, played Glee club coach William Schuester who was also known as Mr Schue.
When an audience member shouted out "Yes Mr Schue!" a confused Cheryl asked him: "Mr Schue as in shoe on the foot?"
And the actor, singer and dancer replied: "No, as in Mr Shuester."
When their fellow judge Todrick Hall asked her "you haven't seen the hit show Glee?" she admitted that she hadn't.
(Image: Channel 4/ FOX)
"I'm going to watch it though," she said.
Cheryl then changed the subject by asking choreographer Todrick if he had heard of Girls Aloud, which he had.
But when he struggled to name the other members of the girl band, he said: "I think the next act is about to come out right now."
"Cannot believe Cheryl has never seen Glee! Not acceptable," said one viewer on Twitter.
"Cheryl needs to see Glee," said another.
"LOL at Cheryl not seeing Glee before," said another viewer.
"Cheryl hasn't watched Glee," commented another.