themanchestereveningnews--2020-03-21--Brits defy all expert advice to celebrate 'one last night of freedom' in pubs

People were advised not to go out unless they really need to last night , and to 'socially isolate ' themselves - but you would n't have known it by the state of Britain 's pubs .
Social media was swamped with images of drinkers enjoying 'one last night of freedom ' despite almost two weeks of the government and NHS staff pleading with people to stay at home , the Mirror reports .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the closure of pubs , restaurants , shops , nightclubs , theatres , gyms and leisure centres to slow the spread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under unsustainable pressure .
But pub-goers appeared reluctant to give up on their social habits just yet .
After hearing the pubs across the UK will close at 10pm , one person wrote on Twitter : `` The last night of freedom is upon us , gutted heartbroken and disappointed are just 3 words to describe how I ’ m feeling , let ’ s get wrecked for one last time tonight . ''
And another person wrote online : `` I ’ m guessing everyone has found a pub to spend their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Despite warnings to Brits they could put others ' lives in danger , they flouted the rules and pictures of people spilling out of bars , clubs and nightclubs flooded social media .
One person wrote : `` Shocking isn ’ t it !
?
Some London pubs are packed .
Dangerous irresponsible idiocy . ''
And another user added : `` Local pub packed ... .
not a brain cell in there .
But PM won ’ t tell them that .
Because he ’ s one of them . ''
People @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after CEO Tim Martin slammed the government as 'over the top ' despite the chief scientific officer for England , Chris Whitty , branding them as breeding grounds for the virus .
Mr Martin , 64 , also said chances of recovery are so good he would opt to catch the virus , adding `` 'If someone offered me the opportunity now to have it under supervised conditions , I think I 'd probably take it because your chances are very , very good . ''
He told Sky that supermarkets were more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much less crowded .
`` Supermarkets are very , very crowded .
Pubs are much less crowded .
`` There 's hardly been any transmission of the virus within pubs and I think it 's over the top to shut them , '' he added .
There is absolutely no evidence to support his claims about transmission .
Since the announcement however the Wetherspoon pub chain said it would comply with Mr Johnson 's announcement .
When asked by reporters how the ban would be enforced , Mr Johnson said `` clearly there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relatively simple to do should that really be necessary '' .
He said the ban would be enforced `` strictly '' but stopped short of elaborating on measures that could be taken other than possibly indicating that revoking licences may be an option .
Coronavirus can be spread at a distance of roughly 1.5 metres with sneezing and coughing a partiucarly quick way of transmission .
It can also be transferred by shaking hands or just being stood next to each other .
Today the schools were closed 'until further notice ' across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only travel if absolutely necessary .
At his daily Downing Street press conference , the prime minister said the measures were needed to reduce `` unnecessary '' social gatherings by 75 % in order to have an impact on the infection rate .
`` The speed of our eventual recovery depends entirely on our collective ability to get on top of the virus now and that means we have to take the next steps on scientific advice , '' he said .
`` And following our plan we are strengthening the measures announced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to push down further on that curve of transmission between us . ''
He was followed by Chancellor Rushi Sunak who said he was establishing a coronavirus job protection scheme to help employers hit by the outbreak .
He said that they would be able to apply to HM Revenue and Customs to cover 80 % of the wages of staff they keep on up to £2,500 a month .
Mr Sunak said `` our planned economic response will be one of the most comprehensive in the world '' .
He added : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right now anxious about the days ahead , I say you will not face this alone . ''
It followed criticism that his £350 billion emergency support package for the economy earlier this week concentrated on businesses but did little for their staff .

newsdesk@men-news.co.uk (Lila Randell, Simon Smith)

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People were advised not to go out unless they really need to last night, and to 'socially isolate' themselves - but you wouldn't have known it by the state of Britain's pubs.
Social media was swamped with images of drinkers enjoying 'one last night of freedom' despite almost two weeks of the government and NHS staff pleading with people to stay at home, the Mirror reports.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the closure of pubs, restaurants, shops, nightclubs, theatres, gyms and leisure centres to slow the spread of Covid-19 and prevent the NHS coming under unsustainable pressure.
But pub-goers appeared reluctant to give up on their social habits just yet.
After hearing the pubs across the UK will close at 10pm, one person wrote on Twitter : "The last night of freedom is upon us, gutted heartbroken and disappointed are just 3 words to describe how I’m feeling, let’s get wrecked for one last time tonight."
And another person wrote online: "I’m guessing everyone has found a pub to spend their last night of freedom then."
Despite warnings to Brits they could put others' lives in danger, they flouted the rules and pictures of people spilling out of bars, clubs and nightclubs flooded social media.
Angry viewers criticised the move calling boozers 'dangerous and irresponsible'.
One person wrote: "Shocking isn’t it!? Some London pubs are packed. Dangerous irresponsible idiocy."
And another user added: "Local pub packed .... not a brain cell in there. But PM won’t tell them that. Because he’s one of them."
People are also calling to boycott JD Wetherspoons after CEO Tim Martin slammed the government as 'over the top' despite the chief scientific officer for England, Chris Whitty, branding them as breeding grounds for the virus.
(Image: Lucy Goacher/@goachwriter)
Mr Martin, 64, also said chances of recovery are so good he would opt to catch the virus, adding "'If someone offered me the opportunity now to have it under supervised conditions, I think I'd probably take it because your chances are very, very good."
He told Sky that supermarkets were more likely to spread Covid-19 claiming pubs are much less crowded. "Supermarkets are very, very crowded. Pubs are much less crowded.
"There's hardly been any transmission of the virus within pubs and I think it's over the top to shut them," he added.
There is absolutely no evidence to support his claims about transmission.
Since the announcement however the Wetherspoon pub chain said it would comply with Mr Johnson's announcement.
When asked by reporters how the ban would be enforced, Mr Johnson said "clearly there are licensing arrangements which will make it relatively simple to do should that really be necessary".
He said the ban would be enforced "strictly" but stopped short of elaborating on measures that could be taken other than possibly indicating that revoking licences may be an option.
Coronavirus can be spread at a distance of roughly 1.5 metres with sneezing and coughing a partiucarly quick way of transmission. It can also be transferred by shaking hands or just being stood next to each other.
Today the schools were closed 'until further notice' across the UK and Londoners were urged to only travel if absolutely necessary.
At his daily Downing Street press conference, the prime minister said the measures were needed to reduce "unnecessary" social gatherings by 75% in order to have an impact on the infection rate.
"The speed of our eventual recovery depends entirely on our collective ability to get on top of the virus now and that means we have to take the next steps on scientific advice," he said.
"And following our plan we are strengthening the measures announced on Monday.
"We need now to push down further on that curve of transmission between us."
He was followed by Chancellor Rushi Sunak who said he was establishing a coronavirus job protection scheme to help employers hit by the outbreak.
He said that they would be able to apply to HM Revenue and Customs to cover 80% of the wages of staff they keep on up to £2,500 a month.
Mr Sunak said "our planned economic response will be one of the most comprehensive in the world".
He added: "To all those at home, right now anxious about the days ahead, I say you will not face this alone."
It followed criticism that his £350 billion emergency support package for the economy earlier this week concentrated on businesses but did little for their staff.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-03-21--Tesco launches recruitment drive for 20,000 temporary workers

Tesco has become the latest supermarket to announce plans to recruit new staff to cope with the coronavirus outbreak overwhelming stores .
The UK ’ s biggest grocer said it will recruit 20,000 temporary workers for at least the next 12 weeks .
Its recruitment drive was launched on Wednesday , adding “ since then we have already been overwhelmed by support from the public and thank everyone who has applied to work with us in stores.
” Some staff are being interviewed , processed and working within the same day , Tesco added .
Tesco ’ s HR chief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I ’ m so proud to be welcoming thousands of new colleagues to Tesco .
Thank you to everyone offering to help as we work day and night to keep our shelves full for customers .
The community spirit at Tesco is fantastic and together , we can do this.
” The decision was made as Asda , Aldi and Lidl all announced new jobs on Friday , which followed similar moves by Morrison ’ s and Co-op earlier in the week .
Supermarkets across the country have been struggling with overwhelming demand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ increase in shoppers over the weekend after the Government ’ s decree to shut down all restaurants and bars .
Boris Johnson ordered the dramatic closing down of the hospitality and entertainment sectors amid fears the NHS will be overwhelmed unless the Covid-19 outbreak is checked .
With scientists warning “ social distancing ” measures will have to stay in place for months to come , cinemas , nightclubs , gyms and betting shops were left wondering they would be able to open their doors again .
Meanwhile economists have said the bill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unprecedented scheme to cover most of the wages of workers whose jobs are under threat from the outbreak could run to billions of pounds a month .

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Tesco has become the latest supermarket to announce plans to recruit new staff to cope with the coronavirus outbreak overwhelming stores.
The UK’s biggest grocer said it will recruit 20,000 temporary workers for at least the next 12 weeks.
Its recruitment drive was launched on Wednesday, adding “since then we have already been overwhelmed by support from the public and thank everyone who has applied to work with us in stores.”
Some staff are being interviewed, processed and working within the same day, Tesco added.
Tesco’s HR chief, Natasha Adams, said: “I’m so proud to be welcoming thousands of new colleagues to Tesco. Thank you to everyone offering to help as we work day and night to keep our shelves full for customers. The community spirit at Tesco is fantastic and together, we can do this.”
The decision was made as Asda, Aldi and Lidl all announced new jobs on Friday, which followed similar moves by Morrison’s and Co-op earlier in the week.
Supermarkets across the country have been struggling with overwhelming demand, and are expected to see an increase in shoppers over the weekend after the Government’s decree to shut down all restaurants and bars.
Boris Johnson ordered the dramatic closing down of the hospitality and entertainment sectors amid fears the NHS will be overwhelmed unless the Covid-19 outbreak is checked.
With scientists warning “social distancing” measures will have to stay in place for months to come, cinemas, nightclubs, gyms and betting shops were left wondering they would be able to open their doors again.
Meanwhile economists have said the bill to taxpayers for the Government’s unprecedented scheme to cover most of the wages of workers whose jobs are under threat from the outbreak could run to billions of pounds a month.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-03-21--Man Utd told to make three signings to compete with Liverpool

Manchester United must sign a midfielder and two forwards in the summer if they want to compete at the top of the Premier League .
That is the view of former United midfielder Paul Ince , who admitted Ole Gunnar Solskjaer ’ s side are still ‘ a way off ’ challenging Liverpool and Manchester City at the top of the table .
Speaking to Goal , Ince said Solskjaer will need to get rid of certain players this summer and replace them with quality forwards if they have any ambitions of a title challenge in 2020/21 .
“ There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should not be there next year , ” Ince said .
`` There will be more players leaving and more coming in .
“ I think you have to get the right balance .
You can ’ t always go too young .
You need a right balance of experience and youth and there is still a long way to go to match Manchester City and Liverpool .
“ They are going in the right direction and the quicker they bring in those players then the quicker that is achieved.
” Specifically , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to possible replace Paul Pogba , as well as two forwards to push Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford .
“ They need another midfield player for sure , ” Ince explained .
“ We don ’ t know what happens with Pogba if he stays or goes .
That ’ s another saga that we will have to go through once the season finishes .
“ They need two strikers , I know Rashford is coming back but he is only young .
You can ’ t rely on him all the time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his day , is brilliant but he doesn ’ t have enough of those days .
[ Odion ] Ighalo is the wrong end of 30 .
He has done well but you won ’ t pin your hat on him for the next four years .
`` If you look at all the top teams , all the best teams have the best strikers .
Their strikers have 20-25 goals in a bad season .
Manchester United lost that in [ Romelu ] Lukaku .
That ’ s got to be their @ @ @ @

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Manchester United must sign a midfielder and two forwards in the summer if they want to compete at the top of the Premier League.
That is the view of former United midfielder Paul Ince, who admitted Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side are still ‘a way off’ challenging Liverpool and Manchester City at the top of the table.
Speaking to Goal, Ince said Solskjaer will need to get rid of certain players this summer and replace them with quality forwards if they have any ambitions of a title challenge in 2020/21.
“There are players who Ole will still feel should not be there next year,” Ince said. "There will be more players leaving and more coming in.
“I think you have to get the right balance. You can’t always go too young. You need a right balance of experience and youth and there is still a long way to go to match Manchester City and Liverpool.
“They are going in the right direction and the quicker they bring in those players then the quicker that is achieved.”
Specifically, Ince wants United to sign a midfielder to possible replace Paul Pogba, as well as two forwards to push Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford.
“They need another midfield player for sure,” Ince explained. “We don’t know what happens with Pogba if he stays or goes. That’s another saga that we will have to go through once the season finishes.
“They need two strikers, I know Rashford is coming back but he is only young. You can’t rely on him all the time.
"Martial, for me on his day, is brilliant but he doesn’t have enough of those days. [Odion] Ighalo is the wrong end of 30. He has done well but you won’t pin your hat on him for the next four years.
"If you look at all the top teams, all the best teams have the best strikers. Their strikers have 20-25 goals in a bad season. Manchester United lost that in [Romelu] Lukaku. That’s got to be their main aim.”


themanchestereveningnews--2020-03-21--Why Guardiola will hope the cups are not scrapped next season

Manchester City ’ s incredible run of dominance in English football has been prolonged by the Premier League break , but will end when the season resumes and Liverpool win the title they absolutely deserve .
City have won eight of the last nine domestic trophies on offer - a sequence that will end when they lose their Premier League crown to Jurgen Klopp ’ s side .
Pep Guardiola will hopefully have the chance to win the next trophy on offer , though , with City well-placed in the FA Cup , which could lead to another Community Shield @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t be too bad .
This is all assuming the season resumes and is completed , though .
All domestic competitions are suspended until April 30 , and UEFA say all leagues have committed to finishing their seasons before June 30 .
That ’ s not a lot of time , even if the Premier League say they will endeavour to finish the season however long it takes .
In turn , that could even mean that the start of next season is delayed , with one reported solution to ensuring the 2020/21 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scrap the FA Cup and Carabao Cup for one year .
It might be an unavoidable decision , but getting rid of the two domestic cup competitions would deprive Guardiola of twelve important fixtures that have been crucial in City ’ s run of trophies for so many more reasons than the silverware they have returned at the end of the season .
Guardiola is arguably the only top-four manager to take both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup seriously in recent years , reaping the rewards in the process .
In doing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ competitions to rotate his squad and grow a culture of winning titles that has never before been seen at City .
The Carabao Cup win of 2018 shouldn ’ t be underestimated in City ’ s subsequent Premier League title wins , as it gave the club confidence they were capable of winning trophies using their unique playing style .
The Carabao Cup might not be the most desirable trophy , but City ’ s three consecutive wins in the competition have undoubtedly given the club a huge mid-season boost and fueled the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Champions League and FA Cup .
As Guardiola himself has predicted , nobody - not even City - will easily repeat such an impressive run of lifting trophies .
So if City have only the league and Champions League to compete for next season , Guardiola loses two incredibly useful avenues to keep fringe players motivated , develop youngsters like Phil Foden and Eric Garcia , and encourage a winning environment that has resulted in more and more trophies .
In short , without the Carabao Cup and FA Cup , Guardiola arguably @ @ @ @ @ @ @ win the Premier League .
But without the Carabao Cup and FA Cup , Guardiola also gets something he has been crying out for since he arrived in the Premier League .
Less fixtures .
If City were to reach the final of both competitions next season they would play 12 games .
If both competitions were scrapped , that gives more time to focus on the league .
There will still be fixture congestion , given that the very reason the cups would be scrapped would be to fit in a full @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But there would be less pressure on players and less games to play .
So should City hope for the cups to be scrapped to keep players fit for the Premier League , the competition Guardiola always prioritises ?
Or are those extra 12 fixtures vital for maintaining City ’ s identity of a side who wins every competition they enter ?
The decision will likely be out of City ’ s hands completely .
But whatever course of action is taken , Guardiola must adapt to a 2020/21 campaign that will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before

Manchester City’s incredible run of dominance in English football has been prolonged by the Premier League break, but will end when the season resumes and Liverpool win the title they absolutely deserve.
City have won eight of the last nine domestic trophies on offer - a sequence that will end when they lose their Premier League crown to Jurgen Klopp’s side.
Pep Guardiola will hopefully have the chance to win the next trophy on offer, though, with City well-placed in the FA Cup, which could lead to another Community Shield. Ten out of 12 wouldn’t be too bad.
This is all assuming the season resumes and is completed, though. All domestic competitions are suspended until April 30, and UEFA say all leagues have committed to finishing their seasons before June 30. That’s not a lot of time, even if the Premier League say they will endeavour to finish the season however long it takes.
In turn, that could even mean that the start of next season is delayed, with one reported solution to ensuring the 2020/21 campaign can finish on time being to scrap the FA Cup and Carabao Cup for one year.
It might be an unavoidable decision, but getting rid of the two domestic cup competitions would deprive Guardiola of twelve important fixtures that have been crucial in City’s run of trophies for so many more reasons than the silverware they have returned at the end of the season.
Guardiola is arguably the only top-four manager to take both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup seriously in recent years, reaping the rewards in the process. In doing so, he has successfully used the competitions to rotate his squad and grow a culture of winning titles that has never before been seen at City. The Carabao Cup win of 2018 shouldn’t be underestimated in City’s subsequent Premier League title wins, as it gave the club confidence they were capable of winning trophies using their unique playing style.
The Carabao Cup might not be the most desirable trophy, but City’s three consecutive wins in the competition have undoubtedly given the club a huge mid-season boost and fueled the intense run-ins in the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup. As Guardiola himself has predicted, nobody - not even City - will easily repeat such an impressive run of lifting trophies.
So if City have only the league and Champions League to compete for next season, Guardiola loses two incredibly useful avenues to keep fringe players motivated, develop youngsters like Phil Foden and Eric Garcia, and encourage a winning environment that has resulted in more and more trophies.
In short, without the Carabao Cup and FA Cup, Guardiola arguably loses one of his main weapons to win the Premier League.
But without the Carabao Cup and FA Cup, Guardiola also gets something he has been crying out for since he arrived in the Premier League. Less fixtures.
If City were to reach the final of both competitions next season they would play 12 games. If both competitions were scrapped, that gives more time to focus on the league. There will still be fixture congestion, given that the very reason the cups would be scrapped would be to fit in a full league season in a shorter time frame. But there would be less pressure on players and less games to play.
So should City hope for the cups to be scrapped to keep players fit for the Premier League, the competition Guardiola always prioritises? Or are those extra 12 fixtures vital for maintaining City’s identity of a side who wins every competition they enter?
The decision will likely be out of City’s hands completely. But whatever course of action is taken, Guardiola must adapt to a 2020/21 campaign that will be unlike any he has ever managed before


themanchestereveningnews--2020-03-21--Beautiful isolated walks in and around Greater Manchester

With so many of us working and studying from home for the foreseeable future , and restaurants , bars , pubs , gyms and leisure centres now ordered to close , it 's never been more important to get outside .
Fresh air is wonderful for both body and mind - things we should be looking after as a priority over the coming weeks and months .
Thankfully , though our city centre may be a little concrete , Manchester is surrounded on all sides by beautiful green space .
We 've got the Peak District looming over Greater Manchester @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and spots like Winter Hill on the other side .
Exercise is encouraged right now , and it 's still fine to go for a walk outdoors according to the UK 's Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty 's latest advice .
Walkers should stick to social distancing guidelines , however - that is , to maintain a two-metre distance from others - and if you 're in an at-risk group , stay at home .
With that in mind , here are some lesser-known , remote walks you can take on .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ forecast for this weekend is looking remarkably spring-like .
Most will require the use of a car , with public transport discouraged at present .
We 'll work on a list of great walks in each borough of Greater Manchester for future .
If you have any suggestions , let us know in the comments below or on Twitter @ CityLifeManc .
Even after several visits , Lud 's Church can be tricky to find .
It 's a deep chasm in the woods , caused by a landslip on the hillside above @ @ @ @ @ @ @ engraved stone on the floor .
Descending the steps into its depths feels like slipping into a scene from Lord of the Rings - it 's eerie , dark , usually much colder than the rest of the area , and staggeringly beautiful .
There are a few narrow tunnels to explore , and once you 're done you can continue your ascent up to the Roaches , with views stretching as far as the eye can see .
Peel Tower is a popular spot near Ramsbottom , and the path up to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but head further along and you 'll find yourself in windswept , secluded countryside .
Once you head over the crest of the hill , you 'll be faced with wide open fields .
This trail will take you on through Buckden Wood and along the River Irwell .
You can download a map and directions from the Visit Bury website .
Edale is another spot that can get very , very busy , thanks to having a train station and fairly regular trains from Manchester .
Though as a reminder , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ transport at the minute if we can avoid it .
The path up to Mam Tor can be particularly well-trodden .
You 'll need to veer away from the beaten track to find yourself with nothing but a few sheep for company .
A challenging but worthwhile trudge is the circular route to Hope Cross via the impressive rocky outcrop of Ringing Roger .
Who needs a gym membership when you can walk for five hours straight , eh ?
Okay , so this one 's not exactly lesser-known .
Still , there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of dense woodland , and the Forestry Commission 's Delamere Forest is one of the prettiest of the lot .
It can get a little busier here but there are three trails to choose from to help you keep your distance .
You can find details of the routes here .
Famous for its witches , Pendle Hill is another spot with several walking routes to explore - including a few that require a steep hand-and-knees scramble up grassy banks .
Its classic circular route passes the Ogden reservoirs , crosses bracken-covered moorland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all the way to Blackpool tower on a clear day .
You can find more information on the Lancs Walks website .
Up to the north west of Manchester , the Forest of Bowland is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty - and it 's easy to see why .
It 's worth driving out to Clapham Moor , on the outskirts of the Yorkshire Dales , for a big walk around the Clapham circular route .
You 'll see riverside woodland , open moors , and plenty of farmland on this route @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expected .
You can find a map and information here .

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As lockdown restrictions have gradually eased, it's meant many of us getting to explore our beautiful corner of England.
Thankfully, though our city centre may be a little concrete, Manchester is surrounded on all sides by beautiful green space.
We've got the Peak District looming over Greater Manchester on one side, the Saddleworth Moors, and spots like Winter Hill and Rivington Pike on the other side.
Some of the region's beauty spots can get a little crowded though, and with social distancing still of the utmost importance, here are some quieter walks you can try.
If you have any suggestions, let us know in the comments below or on Twitter @CityLifeManc.
Holcombe Moor
(Image: ugc)
Peel Tower is a popular spot near Ramsbottom, and the path up to it tends to be quite busy - but head further along and you'll find yourself in windswept, secluded countryside.
Once you head over the crest of the hill, you'll be faced with wide open fields.
This trail will take you on through Buckden Wood and along the River Irwell.
You can download a map and directions from the Visit Bury website.
Edale
Edale is another spot that can get very, very busy, thanks to having a train station and fairly regular trains from Manchester.
The path up to Mam Tor can be particularly well-trodden. You'll need to veer away from the beaten track to find yourself with nothing but a few sheep for company.
A challenging but worthwhile trudge is the circular route to Hope Cross via the impressive rocky outcrop of Ringing Roger.
Who needs a gym membership when you can walk for five hours straight, eh?
Visorando has more information.
Pendle Hill
(Image: Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo)
Famous for its witches, Pendle Hill is another spot with several walking routes to explore - including a few that require a steep hand-and-knees scramble up grassy banks.
Its classic circular route passes the Ogden reservoirs, crosses bracken-covered moorland, and takes in views that reach all the way to Blackpool Tower on a clear day.
You can find more information on the Lancs Walks website.
Forest of Bowland
(Image: Getty Images)
Up to the north west of Manchester, the Forest of Bowland is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty - and it's easy to see why.
It's worth driving out to Clapham Moor, on the outskirts of the Yorkshire Dales, for a big walk around the Clapham circular route.
You'll see riverside woodland, open moors, and plenty of farmland on this route. Encounters with cows are to be expected.
You can find a map and information here.
Baitings Reservoir
(Image: Graham Dawson)
A quick trip over to Sowerby Bridge will find you at Baitings Reservoir, a Yorkshire Water site with a couple of different walk options.
The path around the water weaves through wildflower-laden green spaces, over the huge dam wall, and alongside rocky 'beaches' (though swimming is an absolute no-no).
If you're feeling up to a longer walk, you can add on an extra stroll to neighbouring Ryburn Reservoir.
There are one-way systems in place to help with social distancing too.
See the routes at yorkshirewater.com/things-to-do/baitings-reservoir/
Cheeseden Valley
(Image: Allan Osbaldeston)
One of the most unspoiled green spaces in Greater Manchester is Cheesden Valley, which runs between Bury and Rochdale.
Along here you'll find waterfalls and woods and a babbling brook, but also the skeletons of the old mills that once operated here.
You can take it all in on a 6 mile circular walk, the details of which can be seen here.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-03-21--Three reasons why Solskjaer deserves another season at Man United

Since his honeymoon period wore off in disastrous fashion Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has spent most of his time at Manchester United under pressure .
Part of that comes with the territory .
United expect success and since Sir Alex Ferguson retired there have only been fleeting glimpses of it .
For much of this season it ’ s looked further away than at any point in the previous seven seasons and on more than one occasion the Norwegian has seen the pressure around his job building .
There remains a vocal minority on social media keen to see the back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a bigger name manager , such as Mauricio Pochettino .
Yet the Old Trafford regulars have never stopped backing Solskjaer and whether lost faith or not , the United boss has edged himself into a position when he is now unsackable this summer .
That looked unlikely when Burnley cruised to a 2-0 win at Old Trafford in January , but since then United are 11 unbeaten , January signings Bruno Fernandes and Odion Ighalo have had an impact and there is an excitement around where this team could go .
With nine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place in the FA Cup quarter-finals secure and the Europa League last eight as good as booked , there was expectation gathering again around where this season could go , before the coronavirus pandemic brought it to a shuddering halt .
Yet whatever happens from here Solskjaer has earned himself another transfer window and another season to show he has United back on the right track , and there are three reasons in particular he ’ s reached this position .
This is an area United have been weak in for a number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ produced some tactical masterclasses that helped United win trophies and big games , the numbers of players who improved significantly under his tutelage was low .
Players would hit bright patches of form but struggle to sustain it and it was difficult to pinpoint many players who were better for the Mourinho experience .
That ’ s not been the case with Solskjaer , who has elicited improvement and consistency from Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford this season , as well as getting the best out of Fred , who looked a lost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Aaron Wan-Bissaka has improved for one-on-one coaching as the season has progressed and Luke Shaw has returned from injury to play the best football of his United career .
The latest player to benefit from a bit of tuition from the coaching staff is Nemanja Matic , who has excelled in a more forward-thinking defensive midfield role .
Solskjaer has got plenty wrong in his time as United boss , but he ’ s also won some big tactical battles against experienced managers that suggests he is on the right road in this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remains something of a novice , having only managed at Molde and Cardiff before , but you don ’ t get the better of Pep Guardiola three times in a single season by fluke .
Solskjaer came up with a clever plan to stifle Liverpool at Old Trafford and almost claimed victory and his use of a back three that can move swiftly to a back four , with a reimagining of Shaw ’ s role , has been particularly clever .
He still has things to learn but Solskjaer has shown enough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this side .
This might be Solskjaer ’ s biggest strength to date and the clinching reason to keep him in charge of the United rebuild for a little while longer .
So far he ’ s made five significant first-team signings as United boss and you ’ d say all of them at this stage have been successful .
That ’ s an incredibly good hit-rate for any manager in the transfer market .
Harry Maguire has been the biggest success from the summer window , but Aaron Wan-Bissaka is showing excellent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to improve further forward , a snip at £15million .
Bruno Fernandes is also looking like a £47million bargain after his bright start to life at Old Trafford .
The Portuguese playmaker has transformed United , bringing a sparkle of creativity and imagination to the team .
Solskjaer was widely ridiculed for the deadline day loan addition of Odion Ighalo , but four goals later that is also looking like a shrewd move and , crucially , it has allowed Anthony Martial to be rested in some games and kept fresh .

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Since his honeymoon period wore off in disastrous fashion Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has spent most of his time at Manchester United under pressure.
Part of that comes with the territory. United expect success and since Sir Alex Ferguson retired there have only been fleeting glimpses of it.
For much of this season it’s looked further away than at any point in the previous seven seasons and on more than one occasion the Norwegian has seen the pressure around his job building.
There remains a vocal minority on social media keen to see the back of Solskjaer and United to go for a bigger name manager, such as Mauricio Pochettino.
Yet the Old Trafford regulars have never stopped backing Solskjaer and whether lost faith or not, the United boss has edged himself into a position when he is now unsackable this summer.
That looked unlikely when Burnley cruised to a 2-0 win at Old Trafford in January, but since then United are 11 unbeaten, January signings Bruno Fernandes and Odion Ighalo have had an impact and there is an excitement around where this team could go.
With nine clean sheets in that run and a place in the FA Cup quarter-finals secure and the Europa League last eight as good as booked, there was expectation gathering again around where this season could go, before the coronavirus pandemic brought it to a shuddering halt.
Yet whatever happens from here Solskjaer has earned himself another transfer window and another season to show he has United back on the right track, and there are three reasons in particular he’s reached this position.
Improving individual players
This is an area United have been weak in for a number of years. For all Jose Mourinho produced some tactical masterclasses that helped United win trophies and big games, the numbers of players who improved significantly under his tutelage was low.
Players would hit bright patches of form but struggle to sustain it and it was difficult to pinpoint many players who were better for the Mourinho experience.
That’s not been the case with Solskjaer, who has elicited improvement and consistency from Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford this season, as well as getting the best out of Fred, who looked a lost cause a year ago.
In defence Aaron Wan-Bissaka has improved for one-on-one coaching as the season has progressed and Luke Shaw has returned from injury to play the best football of his United career.
The latest player to benefit from a bit of tuition from the coaching staff is Nemanja Matic, who has excelled in a more forward-thinking defensive midfield role.
Tactical masterplans
Solskjaer has got plenty wrong in his time as United boss, but he’s also won some big tactical battles against experienced managers that suggests he is on the right road in this job.
In the biggest games he remains something of a novice, having only managed at Molde and Cardiff before, but you don’t get the better of Pep Guardiola three times in a single season by fluke.
Solskjaer came up with a clever plan to stifle Liverpool at Old Trafford and almost claimed victory and his use of a back three that can move swiftly to a back four, with a reimagining of Shaw’s role, has been particularly clever.
He still has things to learn but Solskjaer has shown enough to suggest he has clever plans for this side.
Transfer market success
This might be Solskjaer’s biggest strength to date and the clinching reason to keep him in charge of the United rebuild for a little while longer.
So far he’s made five significant first-team signings as United boss and you’d say all of them at this stage have been successful. That’s an incredibly good hit-rate for any manager in the transfer market.
Harry Maguire has been the biggest success from the summer window, but Aaron Wan-Bissaka is showing excellent potential at right-back and Daniel James continues to improve further forward, a snip at £15million.
Bruno Fernandes is also looking like a £47million bargain after his bright start to life at Old Trafford. The Portuguese playmaker has transformed United, bringing a sparkle of creativity and imagination to the team.
Solskjaer was widely ridiculed for the deadline day loan addition of Odion Ighalo, but four goals later that is also looking like a shrewd move and, crucially, it has allowed Anthony Martial to be rested in some games and kept fresh.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-03-21--Man City have been sent two transfer warnings over Gabriel Jesus

Luca Toni 's opinion is not the only one available , but the views of an Italian World Cup-winning striker on which forwards would thrive in Serie A at Juventus are certainly worth listening to .
From a strong cast , Gabriel Jesus shines through .
Harry Kane is deemed the best striker under 30 but the Manchester City forward is next ahead of Mauro Icardi , Erling Haaland and Timo Werner - and he is also picked as the perfect partner for Cristiano Ronaldo .
“ Of these strikers , Manchester City 's Brazilian is less a central striker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But he would be more suitable to play with Cristiano Ronaldo .
CR7 is not a pure centre-forward , but is someone who scores more and has to score more goals .
`` A true striker , like for example Kane who is believed is the best under 30 , is not certain to work wonders with Cristiano Ronaldo .
`` I see Gabriel Jesus as being much better .
He scores but also provides lots of assists [ 18 goals , nine assists ] , opens space for his team-mates , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ City executives were punching the boardroom air with delight with good reason when they signed Jesus ahead of Real Madrid and Barcelona back in 2016 , Pep Guardiola has adored him since he first walked through the Etihad doors , and he has developed into one of the most exciting young strikers in the game .
That he is viewed so highly by such distinguished figures in the game points towards the talent City have on their hands .
He would surely play more at a top European side that does n't prefer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ good as Sergio Aguero on their books , and even with opportunities limited he is seen by some as having more potential value than Haaland , for instance .
However , Toni 's view also touches on the problem City will have to confront .
If Jesus is perfect to complement an out-and-out goalscorer , will he always be more suited to the former role than the latter ?
Sergio Aguero 's contract is up in 2021 and , whenever he waves goodbye to the Etihad , Guardiola has already said the striker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ City get out of finding one though .
Jesus remains integral to their plans , but not only will the club have to cope with other sides in Europe fluttering their eyelashes in the Brazilian 's direction with the promise of more game time , they must also decide the best way of replacing Aguero .
Unless the style of play is changed to better accommodate two forwards - or one is played on a wing - Aguero 's exit is not necessarily going to solve the lack of minutes for Jesus .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ teams is not necessarily how he can be best used in Manchester , and every transfer window is going to attract more and more interest .

Luca Toni's opinion is not the only one available, but the views of an Italian World Cup-winning striker on which forwards would thrive in Serie A at Juventus are certainly worth listening to.
From a strong cast, Gabriel Jesus shines through. Harry Kane is deemed the best striker under 30 but the Manchester City forward is next ahead of Mauro Icardi, Erling Haaland and Timo Werner - and he is also picked as the perfect partner for Cristiano Ronaldo.
“Of these strikers, Manchester City's Brazilian is less a central striker," Toni told Tuttosport.
"But he would be more suitable to play with Cristiano Ronaldo. CR7 is not a pure centre-forward, but is someone who scores more and has to score more goals.
"A true striker, like for example Kane who is believed is the best under 30, is not certain to work wonders with Cristiano Ronaldo.
"I see Gabriel Jesus as being much better. He scores but also provides lots of assists [18 goals, nine assists], opens space for his team-mates, he presses and he is only 22.”
City executives were punching the boardroom air with delight with good reason when they signed Jesus ahead of Real Madrid and Barcelona back in 2016, Pep Guardiola has adored him since he first walked through the Etihad doors, and he has developed into one of the most exciting young strikers in the game.
That he is viewed so highly by such distinguished figures in the game points towards the talent City have on their hands. He would surely play more at a top European side that doesn't prefer one up front and have somebody as good as Sergio Aguero on their books, and even with opportunities limited he is seen by some as having more potential value than Haaland, for instance.
However, Toni's view also touches on the problem City will have to confront. If Jesus is perfect to complement an out-and-out goalscorer, will he always be more suited to the former role than the latter?
Sergio Aguero's contract is up in 2021 and, whenever he waves goodbye to the Etihad, Guardiola has already said the striker is irreplaceable.
That doesn't mean City get out of finding one though. Jesus remains integral to their plans, but not only will the club have to cope with other sides in Europe fluttering their eyelashes in the Brazilian's direction with the promise of more game time, they must also decide the best way of replacing Aguero.
Unless the style of play is changed to better accommodate two forwards - or one is played on a wing - Aguero's exit is not necessarily going to solve the lack of minutes for Jesus.
The way he would fit into other teams is not necessarily how he can be best used in Manchester, and every transfer window is going to attract more and more interest.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-03-21--Every Manchester United signing since Sir Alex Ferguson rated

Although stigmatised by the incompetence of David Moyes and that amateurish 2013 summer transfer window , Fellaini was a decent player for United and gained the trust of every full-time manager he played under .
Scored in three semi-finals en route to final victories and started the 2016 FA Cup and 2017 Europa League finals .
Pivotal in United 's best performance at Anfield in the last 20 years .
6 Will be fondly remembered for his 'Juanfield ' brace and derby winner .
Enjoyed vibrant spells under Louis van Gaal and Jose Mourinho but has struggled to establish himself @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sacked .
Started in all three triumphant post-Ferguson finals and was worth retaining last summer .
United have had a good return for £37.1m .
7 Struggled to convince Van Gaal yet United 's best spell of football under the Dutchman came with Herrera in the side in that sprightly spring of 2015 .
Successfully converted into a defensive-minded midfielder by Mourinho and became the first outfield player to win the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award since Robin van Persie in 2017 .
Was indispensable during Solskjaer ’ s caretaker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ early commitment to Paris Saint-Germain .
7 Deemed 'unfit ' in his first season , he began his second superbly only for it to be cruelly ended by Hector Moreno 's brutal tackle .
He and Mourinho rubbed against each other like sandpaper at times but their working relationship eventually improved and Shaw secured his United career last season .
Started all 11 matches of the unbeaten run and arguably playing the best football of his career .
6 That Van Gaal signed him on the back of a World Cup was ominous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Mourinho 's first season that was halted by an anterior cruciate ligament injury .
Other than that , he has almost always been poor and somehow never been sent off .
United have tried to sell him in four out of five summers .
2 Arrived a world-class player and left a world-class coward .
He was mismanaged but - as Van Gaal said last year - Di Maria did not convince in any of the attacking roles he played in and left the intensity of the Premier League for the Ligue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with an enterprising home debut against Queens Park Rangers and that dink over Kasper Schmeichel .
2 There was retrospective appreciation for Blind amid Ajax 's resurgence yet whenever he had a run he usually performed .
Blind was an impressive stop-gap at centre-back after Van Gaal failed to sign Sergio Ramos in 2015 and Blind enjoyed a fruitful spell at left-back during the six-game league streak in March and April of 2015 .
His first season with Mourinho was bookended by brilliant form at centre half , though he was never a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United could send on Di Maria and Falcao when 2-0 up against 10-man Liverpool and jeopardise victory .
Falcao scored four times from 17 starts and 12 substitute appearances and was shot-shy against Yeovil , Cambridge and Preston .
Clearly had not got over his knee injury and was a shadow of the spectacular striker at Atletico Madrid ; as he showed in Monaco ’ s title-winning 2016-17 campaign .
1 Made one substitute appearance and one start at Hull , where he pulled off a couple of super stops .
Then he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in front of teammates and was transfer listed .
1 The curse of the number seven continued with Depay .
He appeared to be a sensible signing : young , team-focused , coveted by Liverpool and PSG , and familiar with Van Gaal ’ s methods .
The trouble was Depay was a winger who was built like a James Bond henchman .
His standout displays were against Club Brugge and Midtjylland and Van Gaal became so impatient he dropped him from the 2016 FA Cup final squad .
Depay never recovered and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ After Nathaniel Clyne was dissuaded from working with Van Gaal , United turned to the Italian .
Darmian started well in a secure United defence but as soon as Shaw suffered a broken leg in Eindhoven the balance was upset and Darmian never properly recovered .
Mourinho came to depend on him at left-back during United 's nine-game streak in 2016-17 and Darmian 's zenith was the Europa League final against Ajax .
Stayed a year too long before his summer switch to Parma .
4 A crowdpleasing addition at the time , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Van Gaal 's rigid and risk-aversive system .
His reputation was initially enhanced by Van Gaal not starting him in crucial games but once Schneiderlin got in he never convinced .
Senior figures at United specifically named the £25m Schneiderlin as a recruit who lacked the required ' X-factor ' to succeed at the club .
3 '' When people see Schweinsteiger on the teamsheet , that 's gon na send some shivers down the spine , '' Ed Woodward vowed .
Schweinsteiger was ridiculously popular with fans due to an esteemed reputation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United he was overwhelmed by the Premier League pace and beset by knee problems .
Annoyed teammates by spending his rehabilitation jet-setting around the world to watch his wife play tennis and was bombed out of the squad and into the reserves by Mourinho .
2 Proof you should not judge a player by his World Cup appearances .
As backhanded a compliment as it is , Romero is probably the best number two in world football .
Rarely lets United down whenever he has to come in for David de Gea and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ League campaign .
Made some key saves in the FA Cup this season and is one of the best post-Ferguson additions .
8 Gained a cult following on the back of a tabloid headline and his Scousebusting debut goal .
Martial enjoyed a terrific debut season for a rookie but domestic issues compromised his focus under Mourinho and then he had his nose put out of joint by the Alexis Sanchez deal .
His best spell of form at United came while negotiations over a long-term contract were taking place .
Shouldered responsibility @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ceiling .
6 Not the Mourinho signing United fans were expecting but Bailly bucked the trend in that he was a newly-signed United centre half who actually enjoyed a brilliant start to his Old Trafford career .
Unfortunately , Bailly is about as durable as Louis Saha and he missed the first six months of the current campaign .
5 A great player with a great chant , Ibrahimovic is inaccurate when he says he 'conquered ' English football and he was guilty of profligacy in the umpteen draws of 2016-17 .
Yet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still scored 28 times before his United career was effectively ended by an anterior cruciate ligament injury .
Mourinho sentimentally offered Ibrahimovic another year that consisted of seven sorry appearances before he headed for the Los Angeles sunshine .
8 The Europa League specialist did not specialise at Premier League football at United .
Mkhitaryan was prolific in the Europa League run but was flaky in domestic football and his stat-padding could not mask the feeling he just was not up to it in Mourinho 's United .
He lasted 18 months and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mino Raiola sweetener ensured to get Ibrahimovic and Paul Pogba .
4 He got a hashtag , a transfer trailer and danced with Stormzy .
Pogba was a marquee and marketable addition for United and they have got a substantial return on the latter .
As for the football side , he has not cut the mustard often enough , despite some world-class spells of form in each of his three campaigns back at the club .
Pogba dances to his agent 's tune and has barely played this season due to injury @ @ @ @ @ @ @ un-Mourinho defender since Khalid Boulahrouz and looked it in his forlorn first season .
Unfortunate not to receive the player of the year award last season and , despite regressing this term , has kept his first-team status .
6 Atletico 's transfer ban deprived United of Antoine Griezmann and left them with Lukaku , Alvaro Morata or Andrea Belotti .
United made the right choice in the short-term but have had little long-term gain from Lukaku , who under-scored in his first season with 27 goals , having tallied 11 by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down on his count this time last season and is still too bulky to go to the next level .
Cost United numerous points with his impotence in the first half of the current campaign .
5 Matic quickly silenced the Fabinho fanatics in his first months at United .
Then he had to nurse an abdomen injury that hampered his form for the rest of his first season .
Has struggled to hit the heights of his start at United but shone at the start of Solskjaer ’ s caretaker reign and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ key cog in United ’ s resurgence .
Deserved to have his contract extended .
6 United should consider retiring the number seven shirt after Sanchez wore it .
His United career amounts to two true highlights : The Manchester derby comeback at City and the FA Cup semi-final win over Tottenham .
United are desperate to sell him permanently .
1 Has shown flickers of promise in a fitful two years and United did well to identify Dalot as a relatively frugal investment .
He has been too injury-prone to ever put @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a different league when it comes to right-backs .
4 Fred desperately needed to convince in his second season and has .
There were some encouraging signs last season in Paris and the first leg against Barcelona , and this season Fred has established himself as a United-class midfielder , drawing effusive praise from Pep Guardiola and turning it on against all-comers .
7 Grant , 37 , has made one substitute appearance and one start .
Impossible to rate but is popular with De Gea and Romero .
N/A James ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under United ’ s then-club record £19m for Ruud van Nistelrooy in 2001 .
Going off the fee , James would have had to be abysmal to be deemed a flop and in his first four months he exceeded expectations .
The Welshman ’ s form drastically dipped but has picked up of late .
James has started home and away against Liverpool , twice against Chelsea and in three of the four derbies .
7 There are fewer qualms about Wan-Bissaka now he is developing into an attack-minded right-back .
Defensively , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ greats have described him as the best one-v-one defender in world football .
Wan-Bissaka has started to become more adventurous and the two assists he has provided were arguably better than the finishes .
8 Was always going to improve United after their worst top-flight defensive season in 40 years .
Maguire ’ s standout performance remains his debut but in recent weeks he has mimicked Nemanja Vidic with a towering header against Chelsea and an impregnable performance at Goodison Park .
No United signing has been made captain quicker since World War @ @ @ @ @ @ @ writing , Fernandes has to be the best signing United have made in the last seven years .
He has lifted the club figuratively and literally ; United have risen in the table and look ( ed ? )
well poised to attain Champions League qualification through a top four finish .
Scored three and assisted four goals in nine and his demanding nature has not irked deferential teammates .
9 Five substitute appearances , three starts , and four goals .
United ’ s deal-makers may now wish they had insisted on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ admittedly would have seemed ridiculous at the time .
Has shown he is more than just a Twitter trending topic with his goal-getting and Ighalo does not struggle for chances .
Allowed Solskjaer to rest Anthony Martial , too .
8

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Marouane Fellaini, £27.5m
Although stigmatised by the incompetence of David Moyes and that amateurish 2013 summer transfer window, Fellaini was a decent player for United and gained the trust of every full-time manager he played under. Scored in three semi-finals en route to final victories and started the 2016 FA Cup and 2017 Europa League finals. Pivotal in United's best performance at Anfield in the last 20 years. 6
Juan Mata, £37.1m
Will be fondly remembered for his 'Juanfield' brace and derby winner. Enjoyed vibrant spells under Louis van Gaal and Jose Mourinho but has struggled to establish himself as a first-teamer since Van Gaal was sacked. Started in all three triumphant post-Ferguson finals and was worth retaining last summer. United have had a good return for £37.1m. 7
Ander Herrera, £29m
Struggled to convince Van Gaal yet United's best spell of football under the Dutchman came with Herrera in the side in that sprightly spring of 2015. Successfully converted into a defensive-minded midfielder by Mourinho and became the first outfield player to win the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award since Robin van Persie in 2017. Was indispensable during Solskjaer’s caretaker reign but things turned sour over his early commitment to Paris Saint-Germain. 7
Luke Shaw, £31m
Deemed 'unfit' in his first season, he began his second superbly only for it to be cruelly ended by Hector Moreno's brutal tackle. He and Mourinho rubbed against each other like sandpaper at times but their working relationship eventually improved and Shaw secured his United career last season. Started all 11 matches of the unbeaten run and arguably playing the best football of his career. 6
Marcos Rojo, £16m
That Van Gaal signed him on the back of a World Cup was ominous. Rojo had a good five-month spell in Mourinho's first season that was halted by an anterior cruciate ligament injury. Other than that, he has almost always been poor and somehow never been sent off. United have tried to sell him in four out of five summers. 2
Angel di Maria, £59.7m
Arrived a world-class player and left a world-class coward. He was mismanaged but - as Van Gaal said last year - Di Maria did not convince in any of the attacking roles he played in and left the intensity of the Premier League for the Ligue 1 monopoly. It started so auspiciously with an enterprising home debut against Queens Park Rangers and that dink over Kasper Schmeichel. 2
Daley Blind, £13.8m
There was retrospective appreciation for Blind amid Ajax's resurgence yet whenever he had a run he usually performed. Blind was an impressive stop-gap at centre-back after Van Gaal failed to sign Sergio Ramos in 2015 and Blind enjoyed a fruitful spell at left-back during the six-game league streak in March and April of 2015. His first season with Mourinho was bookended by brilliant form at centre half, though he was never a Mourinho-type defender. 6
Radamel Falcao, £6m loan fee
Only the modern United could send on Di Maria and Falcao when 2-0 up against 10-man Liverpool and jeopardise victory. Falcao scored four times from 17 starts and 12 substitute appearances and was shot-shy against Yeovil, Cambridge and Preston. Clearly had not got over his knee injury and was a shadow of the spectacular striker at Atletico Madrid; as he showed in Monaco’s title-winning 2016-17 campaign. 1
Victor Valdes, free
Made one substitute appearance and one start at Hull, where he pulled off a couple of super stops. Then he volubly questioned Van Gaal's training methods in front of teammates and was transfer listed. 1
Memphis Depay, £26.3m
The curse of the number seven continued with Depay. He appeared to be a sensible signing: young, team-focused, coveted by Liverpool and PSG, and familiar with Van Gaal’s methods. The trouble was Depay was a winger who was built like a James Bond henchman. His standout displays were against Club Brugge and Midtjylland and Van Gaal became so impatient he dropped him from the 2016 FA Cup final squad. Depay never recovered and lasted six months under Mourinho. 3
Matteo Darmian, £12.7m
After Nathaniel Clyne was dissuaded from working with Van Gaal, United turned to the Italian. Darmian started well in a secure United defence but as soon as Shaw suffered a broken leg in Eindhoven the balance was upset and Darmian never properly recovered. Mourinho came to depend on him at left-back during United's nine-game streak in 2016-17 and Darmian's zenith was the Europa League final against Ajax. Stayed a year too long before his summer switch to Parma. 4
Morgan Schneiderlin, £25m
A crowdpleasing addition at the time, Schneiderlin was found out at United in Van Gaal's rigid and risk-aversive system. His reputation was initially enhanced by Van Gaal not starting him in crucial games but once Schneiderlin got in he never convinced. Senior figures at United specifically named the £25m Schneiderlin as a recruit who lacked the required 'X-factor' to succeed at the club. 3
Bastian Schweinsteiger, £6.8m
"When people see Schweinsteiger on the teamsheet, that's gonna send some shivers down the spine," Ed Woodward vowed. Schweinsteiger was ridiculously popular with fans due to an esteemed reputation carved out at Bayern Munich but at United he was overwhelmed by the Premier League pace and beset by knee problems. Annoyed teammates by spending his rehabilitation jet-setting around the world to watch his wife play tennis and was bombed out of the squad and into the reserves by Mourinho. 2
Sergio Romero, free
Proof you should not judge a player by his World Cup appearances. As backhanded a compliment as it is, Romero is probably the best number two in world football. Rarely lets United down whenever he has to come in for David de Gea and kept dependably during United's successful Europa League campaign. Made some key saves in the FA Cup this season and is one of the best post-Ferguson additions. 8
Anthony Martial, £44m rising to £58m
Gained a cult following on the back of a tabloid headline and his Scousebusting debut goal. Martial enjoyed a terrific debut season for a rookie but domestic issues compromised his focus under Mourinho and then he had his nose put out of joint by the Alexis Sanchez deal. His best spell of form at United came while negotiations over a long-term contract were taking place. Shouldered responsibility recently up front and has a world-class ceiling. 6
Eric Bailly, £30m
Not the Mourinho signing United fans were expecting but Bailly bucked the trend in that he was a newly-signed United centre half who actually enjoyed a brilliant start to his Old Trafford career. Unfortunately, Bailly is about as durable as Louis Saha and he missed the first six months of the current campaign. 5
Zlatan Ibrahimovic, free
A great player with a great chant, Ibrahimovic is inaccurate when he says he 'conquered' English football and he was guilty of profligacy in the umpteen draws of 2016-17. Yet in a season he turned 35 he still scored 28 times before his United career was effectively ended by an anterior cruciate ligament injury. Mourinho sentimentally offered Ibrahimovic another year that consisted of seven sorry appearances before he headed for the Los Angeles sunshine. 8
Henrikh Mkhitaryan, £26.3m
The Europa League specialist did not specialise at Premier League football at United. Mkhitaryan was prolific in the Europa League run but was flaky in domestic football and his stat-padding could not mask the feeling he just was not up to it in Mourinho's United. He lasted 18 months and, in hindsight, looks like a Mino Raiola sweetener ensured to get Ibrahimovic and Paul Pogba. 4
Paul Pogba, £89m
He got a hashtag, a transfer trailer and danced with Stormzy. Pogba was a marquee and marketable addition for United and they have got a substantial return on the latter. As for the football side, he has not cut the mustard often enough, despite some world-class spells of form in each of his three campaigns back at the club. Pogba dances to his agent's tune and has barely played this season due to injury. 5
Victor Lindelof, £30.9m rising to £39m
Lindelof was maybe the most un-Mourinho defender since Khalid Boulahrouz and looked it in his forlorn first season. Unfortunate not to receive the player of the year award last season and, despite regressing this term, has kept his first-team status. 6
Romelu Lukaku, £75m rising to £90m
Atletico's transfer ban deprived United of Antoine Griezmann and left them with Lukaku, Alvaro Morata or Andrea Belotti. United made the right choice in the short-term but have had little long-term gain from Lukaku, who under-scored in his first season with 27 goals, having tallied 11 by the end of September. He is 12 down on his count this time last season and is still too bulky to go to the next level. Cost United numerous points with his impotence in the first half of the current campaign. 5
Nemanja Matic, £35m rising to £40m
Matic quickly silenced the Fabinho fanatics in his first months at United. Then he had to nurse an abdomen injury that hampered his form for the rest of his first season. Has struggled to hit the heights of his start at United but shone at the start of Solskjaer’s caretaker reign and, since January, has been a key cog in United’s resurgence. Deserved to have his contract extended. 6
Alexis Sanchez, swap
United should consider retiring the number seven shirt after Sanchez wore it. His United career amounts to two true highlights: The Manchester derby comeback at City and the FA Cup semi-final win over Tottenham. United are desperate to sell him permanently. 1
Diogo Dalot, £19m
Has shown flickers of promise in a fitful two years and United did well to identify Dalot as a relatively frugal investment. He has been too injury-prone to ever put pressure on Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who is in a different league when it comes to right-backs. 4
Fred, £52m
Fred desperately needed to convince in his second season and has. There were some encouraging signs last season in Paris and the first leg against Barcelona, and this season Fred has established himself as a United-class midfielder, drawing effusive praise from Pep Guardiola and turning it on against all-comers. 7
Lee Grant, £1.5m
Grant, 37, has made one substitute appearance and one start. Impossible to rate but is popular with De Gea and Romero. N/A
Daniel James, £15m rising to £18m
James’s overall fee could still come in under United’s then-club record £19m for Ruud van Nistelrooy in 2001. Going off the fee, James would have had to be abysmal to be deemed a flop and in his first four months he exceeded expectations. The Welshman’s form drastically dipped but has picked up of late. James has started home and away against Liverpool, twice against Chelsea and in three of the four derbies. 7
Aaron Wan-Bissaka, £45m rising to £50m
There are fewer qualms about Wan-Bissaka now he is developing into an attack-minded right-back. Defensively, he has been near faultless and defensive greats have described him as the best one-v-one defender in world football. Wan-Bissaka has started to become more adventurous and the two assists he has provided were arguably better than the finishes. 8
Harry Maguire, £80m
Was always going to improve United after their worst top-flight defensive season in 40 years. Maguire’s standout performance remains his debut but in recent weeks he has mimicked Nemanja Vidic with a towering header against Chelsea and an impregnable performance at Goodison Park. No United signing has been made captain quicker in 60 years. 7
Bruno Fernandes, £46.56m rising to £68m
At the time of writing, Fernandes has to be the best signing United have made in the last seven years. He has lifted the club figuratively and literally; United have risen in the table and look(ed?) well poised to attain Champions League qualification through a top four finish. Scored three and assisted four goals in nine and his demanding nature has not irked deferential teammates. 9
Odion Ighalo, loan
Five substitute appearances, three starts, and four goals. United’s deal-makers may now wish they had insisted on an option to buy Ighalo, which admittedly would have seemed ridiculous at the time. Has shown he is more than just a Twitter trending topic with his goal-getting and Ighalo does not struggle for chances. Allowed Solskjaer to rest Anthony Martial, too. 8


themanchestereveningnews--2020-03-21--Manchester City news and transfers LIVE

Manchester City news and transfers LIVE

Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus would be a perfect partner for Cristiano Ronaldo at Juventus according to Italian legend Luca Toni .
“ Gabriel at City scores but he also creates a lot of goals , he ’ s only 22 years old , and I think he would be the perfect partner for [ Ronaldo ] , '' Toni said .
With English football being further postponed until April 30 amid the coronavirus pandemic , City are facing a long period without fixtures before trying to complete the season when football is allowed to resume .
A statement this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Premier League , EFL and women ’ s professional game , together with the PFA and LMA , understand we are in unprecedented times and our thoughts are with everyone affected by COVID-19 .
`` We are united in our commitment to finding ways of resuming the 2019/20 football season and ensuring all domestic and European club league and cup matches are played as soon as it is safe and possible to do so .
`` Additionally , we have collectively agreed that the professional game in England will be further postponed until @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Follow for the latest Manchester City news throughout the day .

newsdesk@men-news.co.uk (Liam Corless, Marcus Banks)

Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus would be a perfect partner for Cristiano Ronaldo at Juventus according to Italian legend Luca Toni.
“Gabriel at City scores but he also creates a lot of goals, he’s only 22 years old, and I think he would be the perfect partner for [Ronaldo]," Toni said.
With English football being further postponed until April 30 amid the coronavirus pandemic, City are facing a long period without fixtures before trying to complete the season when football is allowed to resume.
A statement this week read: "The FA, Premier League, EFL and women’s professional game, together with the PFA and LMA, understand we are in unprecedented times and our thoughts are with everyone affected by COVID-19.
"We are united in our commitment to finding ways of resuming the 2019/20 football season and ensuring all domestic and European club league and cup matches are played as soon as it is safe and possible to do so.
"Additionally, we have collectively agreed that the professional game in England will be further postponed until no earlier than 30 April."
Follow for the latest Manchester City news throughout the day.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-03-21--Maddison to Man Utd: Leicester stance, contract talks, player preference

James Maddison remains a target for Manchester United when the transfer window reopens at the end of the season .
The playmaker has established himself as one of the top creative midfielders in the Premier League following his switch from Norwich in the summer of 2018 .
Leicester 's recent slump in form may have resulted in United prioritising the signing of Jack Grealish from Aston Villa but Maddison remains firmly a target for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as he fits the profile of player he wants to continue his Old Trafford rebuild .
It remains to be seen whether Maddison @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the possibility of both players moving to Manchester should n't be ruled out either but that remains unlikely .
Here is everything you need to know about the transfer saga so far : Back in August , Manchester United fans urged the club to make a move for Maddison after watching his performance against Chelsea in a 1-1 draw .
Wilfred N'didi netted for the Foxes but it was the performance of Maddison which caught the eye .
United supporters were keen to see the playmaker take the same path as Harry Maguire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the same month , former Leicester defender Danny Simpson backed his ex-teammate to make the switch to United in the future .
Simpson believes Maddison is world-class and a move to Old Trafford is a real possibility .
Asked if he saw the move happening while on Goals on Sunday , he said : `` Yeah .
`` He , for me , is world class .
I think people are speaking right now but honestly I think for an English player as well , honestly he ’ s world class and he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and better .
He ’ s that good , honestly .
Honestly , he ’ s got it all .
`` He ’ s quick in his mind so I think he doesn ’ t need to have blistering pace running past people because he ’ s clever and he thinks before everyone else . ''
United boss Solskjaer fuelled speculation in September by praising Maddison prior to the the two sides meeting in the Premier League .
`` They ’ re creative they have pace , there ’ s good link-up between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United manager told the official United app .
`` One of the most productive partnerships and we know from last year that Maddison created loads of chances and to have Vardy ’ s energy and penetration and running in behind all the time is great for any creative player . ''
Later that month , Maddison was asked about the speculation regarding at his future at Leicester .
The playmaker stated his happiness with the Foxes despite the links to United .
`` I ca n't speak highly enough of this club , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you get and the warmness you receive .
`` I 've only been here for one year but I feel like I 've been here for four or five years - that 's how you 're made to feel here .
That 's not just people at the club , it 's players like yourself [ Heskey ] previous players that you meet around the place .
In November , the MEN reported that Maddison was considering signing a new contract with Leicester .
Sources close to Maddison insist a new deal with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wait until the end of the season before deciding on his future .
Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs believes Maddison would improve Solskjaer 's side and could replace Paul Pogba should he depart the club in the summer .
Pogba continues to be linked with Real Madrid as well as a return to Juventus .
`` I do n't think he 's got the players , '' Giggs told beIN SPORTS when asked about Solskjaer 's squad .
`` He 's probably a couple of players short in actually changing that way of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , that focal point , and also a midfielder .
`` Whether Pogba is that , he 's been so inconsistent , obviously on his day he could be that player .
But , they are missing a Grealish , a Maddison , a player like that really that could unlock the door .
Because of the pace that we 've got it suits the way that they play and also when you come up against good teams they like to dominate possession . ''
Leicester City playmaker James Maddison wants to join @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continue its squad rebuild .
Maddison , 23 , has been earmarked by United as their prime playmaker target for the summer and sources close to Maddison have told the MEN he 'would have been at United years ago ' if it was up to him .
The MEN previously reported Maddison has been considering a new contract with Leicester and sources say there are still 'many factors at play ' over a possible summer move .
At the end of February , Rodgers said that Maddison sees his long-term future at Leicester @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Power Stadium until 2023 and Rodgers is confident he will sign new terms .
`` It has been ongoing with the club and his representatives , ” the former Liverpool boss said of negotiations over a new deal .
“ The boy is very happy , he wants to be here and he sees this as the club he can develop at .
I am hopeful it will be done . ''

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James Maddison remains a target for Manchester United when the transfer window reopens at the end of the season.
The playmaker has established himself as one of the top creative midfielders in the Premier League following his switch from Norwich in the summer of 2018.
Leicester's recent slump in form may have resulted in United prioritising the signing of Jack Grealish from Aston Villa but Maddison remains firmly a target for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as he fits the profile of player he wants to continue his Old Trafford rebuild.
It remains to be seen whether Maddison or Grealish will join the Reds and the possibility of both players moving to Manchester shouldn't be ruled out either but that remains unlikely.
Here is everything you need to know about the transfer saga so far:
Manchester United fans send transfer message
Back in August, Manchester United fans urged the club to make a move for Maddison after watching his performance against Chelsea in a 1-1 draw.
Wilfred N'didi netted for the Foxes but it was the performance of Maddison which caught the eye.
United supporters were keen to see the playmaker take the same path as Harry Maguire in swapping Leicester for United.
Should have given Leicester 180million and got Maddison as well as Maguire #MUFC — Jamie Brown (@JSCB1986) August 18, 2019
Ex-Leicester star backs Maddison for United
In the same month, former Leicester defender Danny Simpson backed his ex-teammate to make the switch to United in the future.
Simpson believes Maddison is world-class and a move to Old Trafford is a real possibility. Asked if he saw the move happening while on Goals on Sunday, he said: "Yeah.
"He, for me, is world class. I think people are speaking right now but honestly I think for an English player as well, honestly he’s world class and he’s only going to get better and better. He’s that good, honestly. Honestly, he’s got it all.
"He’s quick in his mind so I think he doesn’t need to have blistering pace running past people because he’s clever and he thinks before everyone else."
Solskjaer praises Maddison
United boss Solskjaer fuelled speculation in September by praising Maddison prior to the the two sides meeting in the Premier League.
"They’re creative they have pace, there’s good link-up between the two of them," the United manager told the official United app.
"One of the most productive partnerships and we know from last year that Maddison created loads of chances and to have Vardy’s energy and penetration and running in behind all the time is great for any creative player."
Maddison questioned on transfer speculation
Later that month, Maddison was asked about the speculation regarding at his future at Leicester.
The playmaker stated his happiness with the Foxes despite the links to United.
"I can't speak highly enough of this club," Maddison said. "The opportunities you get and the warmness you receive.
"I've only been here for one year but I feel like I've been here for four or five years - that's how you're made to feel here. That's not just people at the club, it's players like yourself [Heskey] previous players that you meet around the place.
"It's brilliant - it's a fantastic club."
Maddison considering new Leicester contract
In November, the MEN reported that Maddison was considering signing a new contract with Leicester.
Sources close to Maddison insist a new deal with Leicester is not close and Maddison could wait until the end of the season before deciding on his future.
Ryan Giggs backs United move for Maddison
Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs believes Maddison would improve Solskjaer's side and could replace Paul Pogba should he depart the club in the summer.
Pogba continues to be linked with Real Madrid as well as a return to Juventus.
"I don't think he's got the players," Giggs told beIN SPORTS when asked about Solskjaer's squad. "He's probably a couple of players short in actually changing that way of playing. You know, that No.10, that focal point, and also a midfielder.
"Whether Pogba is that, he's been so inconsistent, obviously on his day he could be that player. But, they are missing a Grealish, a Maddison, a player like that really that could unlock the door. Because of the pace that we've got it suits the way that they play and also when you come up against good teams they like to dominate possession."
Maddison wants Manchester United transfer
Leicester City playmaker James Maddison wants to join Manchester United as the club prepares to continue its squad rebuild.
Maddison, 23, has been earmarked by United as their prime playmaker target for the summer and sources close to Maddison have told the MEN he 'would have been at United years ago' if it was up to him.
The MEN previously reported Maddison has been considering a new contract with Leicester and sources say there are still 'many factors at play' over a possible summer move.
Leicester give fresh Maddison update
At the end of February, Rodgers said that Maddison sees his long-term future at Leicester.
Maddison is contracted at the King Power Stadium until 2023 and Rodgers is confident he will sign new terms.
"It has been ongoing with the club and his representatives,” the former Liverpool boss said of negotiations over a new deal. “The boy is very happy, he wants to be here and he sees this as the club he can develop at. I am hopeful it will be done."