themanchestereveningnews--2020-01-13--Why Manchester United might change their mind on Bruno Fernandes

How times have changed at Manchester United .
Two seasons ago , senior figures at the club dismissed the January transfer window as a month 'driven by the desperation of the buyer more than the motivation of the seller ' .
United are desperate .
They are prepared to pay a fee in the winter window for the first time in six years , a period admittedly skewed by the excess mess of Alexis Sanchez and his piano in 2018 .
Bruno Fernandes , the bane of United 's summer , could provide short and long-term gain .
Fernandes is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ demographic some of those who unfollowed the club 's Twitter account in a protest have doubtless refollowed in anticipation of an announcement .
United sources excused their reluctance to appoint a technical director out of fear the individual would be seen as the saviour 'coming over the hill on a white steed to save the day ' .
Many supporters have already decided Fernandes is salvation .
The 25-year-old has scored 14 goals and assisted another 13 for Sporting already this season .
Sporting are 16 points off the Primeira Liga summit , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ James Maddison and Leicester are 16 points adrift of Liverpool .
Fernandes will be tasked with servicing Cristiano Ronaldo and Bernardo Silva in the European Championship , whereas Maddison is unlikely to break into England 's first XI .
What is significant is Maddison has not succumbed to second season syndrome in the Premier League and is two years younger than Fernandes .
Some of the Twitterati are so desperate for Fernandes to be driven through the barriers at Carrington they have not paused to ponder why there is not widespread interest in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statistics and national team status suggest there should be a high-end auction .
Yet United appear to have a free run .
Manchester City and Tottenham both considered Fernandes in the summer ; the latter sending two intermediaries to Lisbon in the final week of the summer window .
Mauricio Pochettino was in such a narky mood that a week that promised Fernandes and Paulo Dybala ended with Giovanni Lo Celso on loan .
So Fernandes will not contribute to # Oleout , then .
Spurs are about to take up the option @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - rather than Bruno .
Real Madrid were predictably linked with ( or offered ) Fernandes in the summer but did not take the bait .
United might .
If United pull it off , some supporters will be so smitten with the sight of Fernandes in a red shirt they might not query why the club were vehemently against signing him in the last window .
Come the final leg of the pre-season tour in Shanghai , United expressed 'irritation ' at planted stories surrounding Fernandes in Portugal .
United were negligible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have sustained significant injuries within the last month , yet United wanted and needed a midfielder and a forward in the summer .
Fernandes can occupy either role .
Michael Carrick told this correspondent last season he would not participate in training sessions any more .
He was photographed making up the numbers on Friday .
Pogba 's injury has not had as much of a bearing as his desire for a 'new challenge somewhere else ' .
You have to quote Pogba verbatim on that , since some of his followers - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the club - still have their heads buried in the sand .
United 's succession plan for Pogba effectively began with his first ankle injury and McTominay and Fred have established themselves as regulars in his absence .
The transition to a post-Pogba United would be more manageable with a replacement embedded for six months before Pogba bolts out of the summer transfer window .
Pillaging goals in the Europa League and totting up a hat-trick of assists at Portimonense should not be deal-clinchers for Fernandes .
A player in his mid-20s can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mature into United standard .
There is an acceptance at United they have not been proactive enough in the Portuguese market .
The club were so badly burnt by the marquee moves for Angel di Maria and Radamel Falcao - clients of Jorge Mendes - in 2014 they have not signed an established Mendes player since .
Eight of Portugal 's Nations League final starters are Gestifute stablemates .
Mendes brings his own baggage .
He will vent his spleen if a coach selects a client out of position hours before the team @ @ @ @ @ @ @ case with Joao Felix and Diego Simeone at Atletico Madrid .
Manchester City and Wolves are now Mendes 's English bedfellows ; Nicolas Otamendi , Ederson , Bernardo Silva , Joao Cancelo , Ruben Neves , Rui Patricio , Joao Moutinho and Diogo Jota , among others , have joined in the last five years .
Joao Ferreira , the United first-team scout for Portugal , was appointed three months after Jose Mourinho in 2016 and still resides in Florida , where he previously worked for Orlando City .
The two additions from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Diogo Dalot - were primarily down to his networking .
Lindelof was scouted thoroughly though Jose Gimenez was the preferred choice .
Mourinho still pushed for a mid-season move but complications over a sell-on clause delayed it .
Mourinho sought reassurances from his Portuguese confidants a month into Lindelof 's jittery start .
Mourinho wanted Jose Fonte as squad filler a year earlier but United could not shift Marcos Rojo .
Mourinho liked Silva yet there was no approach and Ruben Dias - a probable starter at this summer 's Euros - was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ centre half in the 2018 summer window .
Mendes touched base with Fernandes after his existing representatives failed to secure a transfer in the summer .
Fernandes is still represented by Positonumber and there is no suggestion Mendes is mediating .
That is not in keeping with a man who senses desperation like a shark scents blood .

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How times have changed at Manchester United. Two seasons ago, senior figures at the club dismissed the January transfer window as a month 'driven by the desperation of the buyer more than the motivation of the seller'. United are desperate.
They are prepared to pay a fee in the winter window for the first time in six years, a period admittedly skewed by the excess mess of Alexis Sanchez and his piano in 2018. Bruno Fernandes, the bane of United's summer, could provide short and long-term gain.
Fernandes is so fervently revered by United's online demographic some of those who unfollowed the club's Twitter account in a protest have doubtless refollowed in anticipation of an announcement. United sources excused their reluctance to appoint a technical director out of fear the individual would be seen as the saviour 'coming over the hill on a white steed to save the day'. Many supporters have already decided Fernandes is salvation.
The 25-year-old has scored 14 goals and assisted another 13 for Sporting already this season. Sporting are 16 points off the Primeira Liga summit, although their also-ran status is insignificant; James Maddison and Leicester are 16 points adrift of Liverpool. Fernandes will be tasked with servicing Cristiano Ronaldo and Bernardo Silva in the European Championship, whereas Maddison is unlikely to break into England's first XI.
What is significant is Maddison has not succumbed to second season syndrome in the Premier League and is two years younger than Fernandes. Some of the Twitterati are so desperate for Fernandes to be driven through the barriers at Carrington they have not paused to ponder why there is not widespread interest in him. His position, age, statistics and national team status suggest there should be a high-end auction. Yet United appear to have a free run.
Manchester City and Tottenham both considered Fernandes in the summer; the latter sending two intermediaries to Lisbon in the final week of the summer window. Mauricio Pochettino was in such a narky mood that a week that promised Fernandes and Paulo Dybala ended with Giovanni Lo Celso on loan. So Fernandes will not contribute to #Oleout, then.
Spurs are about to take up the option on Fernandes - Gedson, of Benfica - rather than Bruno. Real Madrid were predictably linked with (or offered) Fernandes in the summer but did not take the bait. United might.
If United pull it off, some supporters will be so smitten with the sight of Fernandes in a red shirt they might not query why the club were vehemently against signing him in the last window. Come the final leg of the pre-season tour in Shanghai, United expressed 'irritation' at planted stories surrounding Fernandes in Portugal.
United were negligible. Yes, their two main midfielders have sustained significant injuries within the last month, yet United wanted and needed a midfielder and a forward in the summer. Fernandes can occupy either role. Michael Carrick told this correspondent last season he would not participate in training sessions any more. He was photographed making up the numbers on Friday.
Pogba's injury has not had as much of a bearing as his desire for a 'new challenge somewhere else'. You have to quote Pogba verbatim on that, since some of his followers - loyal to the player, rather than the club - still have their heads buried in the sand.
United's succession plan for Pogba effectively began with his first ankle injury and McTominay and Fred have established themselves as regulars in his absence. The transition to a post-Pogba United would be more manageable with a replacement embedded for six months before Pogba bolts out of the summer transfer window.
Pillaging goals in the Europa League and totting up a hat-trick of assists at Portimonense should not be deal-clinchers for Fernandes. A player in his mid-20s cannot need six more months to supposedly mature into United standard.
There is an acceptance at United they have not been proactive enough in the Portuguese market. The club were so badly burnt by the marquee moves for Angel di Maria and Radamel Falcao - clients of Jorge Mendes - in 2014 they have not signed an established Mendes player since. Eight of Portugal's Nations League final starters are Gestifute stablemates.
Mendes brings his own baggage. He will vent his spleen if a coach selects a client out of position hours before the team has been confirmed; as was the case with Joao Felix and Diego Simeone at Atletico Madrid. Manchester City and Wolves are now Mendes's English bedfellows; Nicolas Otamendi, Ederson, Bernardo Silva, Joao Cancelo, Ruben Neves, Rui Patricio, Joao Moutinho and Diogo Jota, among others, have joined in the last five years.
Joao Ferreira, the United first-team scout for Portugal, was appointed three months after Jose Mourinho in 2016 and still resides in Florida, where he previously worked for Orlando City. The two additions from Mourinho's homeland - Victor Lindelof and Diogo Dalot - were primarily down to his networking.
Lindelof was scouted thoroughly though Jose Gimenez was the preferred choice. Mourinho still pushed for a mid-season move but complications over a sell-on clause delayed it. Mourinho sought reassurances from his Portuguese confidants a month into Lindelof's jittery start.
Mourinho wanted Jose Fonte as squad filler a year earlier but United could not shift Marcos Rojo. Mourinho liked Silva yet there was no approach and Ruben Dias - a probable starter at this summer's Euros - was shortlisted as a 'potential' target at centre half in the 2018 summer window.
Mendes touched base with Fernandes after his existing representatives failed to secure a transfer in the summer. Fernandes is still represented by Positonumber and there is no suggestion Mendes is mediating. That is not in keeping with a man who senses desperation like a shark scents blood.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-01-13--Branded 'fundamentally flawed' two years ago, Oldham Council's SEND services have had a remarkable t

Branded 'fundamentally flawed' two years ago, Oldham Council's SEND services have had a remarkable turnaround

Ofsted says there is now a 'buzz ' about Oldham 's services for youngsters with special needs and disabilities , in a remarkable turnaround two years after a damning report During a visit in 2017 , inspectors were scathing about the quality of the service being offered to the borough ’ s young people , branding it ‘ fundamentally flawed ’ .
That report heavily criticised the town hall leadership , the ‘ unacceptable quality ’ of education , health and care ( EHC ) plans , and the poor academic progress of children .
But the latest inspection of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out in September , has painted a very different picture of the service , which serves around 8,500 young people .
In the joint Ofsted and Care Quality Commission inspection , the inspectors said it is ‘ starting to make some of the positive differences needed ’ for youngsters with SEND .
The watchdogs said that the area has made sufficient progress in addressing three of the five 'significant weaknesses ' identified at the last inspection .
These included tackling leadership and the joint partnership with health and social care , concerns over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arrangements for young people .
However the council and health chiefs must still improve the quality of EHC plans , further improve the educational attainment of youngsters with SEND and tackle the number of exclusions .
Chiefs told the Local Democracy Reporting Service there had been a ‘ complete overhaul ’ of staff following the 2017 inspection .
Her Majesty ’ s Inspector Pippa Jackson Maitland wrote that following the initial assessment , new leaders inherited a ‘ broken system and broken teams ’ .
But she added : `` Leaders have worked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and respect of their colleagues across the local partnership .
`` Following a period of considerable turbulence as new leaders and staff came into post , everyone has ‘ rolled their sleeves up ’ and set about putting in place the policies and processes needed to sort things out .
`` The local partnership took swift and decisive action to put in place transport arrangements which put the needs of the children and young people first . ''
Director of education , skills and early years , Andrew Sutherland said there had been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but said they had received 'incredibly upbeat ' feedback from the latest inspection .
`` They recognised that morale had significantly changed , they talked about a ‘ buzz ’ around the local partnership , '' he said .
`` One inspector said ‘ what is the golden dust that Oldham is sprinkling over the young people in this community , because that is making a significant difference ' .
`` We know there is more work to do but for us it was a very good news story . ''
On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the local partnership 'had to start from scratch ' .
`` Intensive training and support have increased the knowledge and skills of the new team of EHC officers , '' she wrote .
The report stated that there is a plan in place to review all plans issued before new quality standards were introduced in September 2018 .
But so far only one in ten of the plans have been amended or rewritten .
`` This means that many children and young people continue to have poor-quality plans , '' she added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : “ The inspection in 2017 gave us the opportunity to look at the whole system and we went right back to basics and looked at the skills , the competences , what it needed to be to be a great advocate of children ’ s services in Oldham .
`` The challenge now and which we are absolutely working through , is making sure with all of those plans which were already in the system that we ’ re reviewing those and bringing them up to the same standard . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ member for education and skills , added : `` The staff are all invested in this .
Read more of today 's top stories here '' It ’ s not just something that ’ s been driven by Ofsted or CQC kicking us up the backside , you can actually feel that buzz , you can feel the difference , the energy and the vibrancy among those staff . ''
Previously inspectors said that youngsters with SEND had 'underachieved considerably ' and had high rates of fixed-term exclusions and persistent absence .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'positive working relationships ' between leaders and headteachers had been a 'springboard ' for raising achievement .
However improving pupils ’ outcomes at key stage four 'continues to be a challenge ' .
And Ms Jackson Maitland wrote : `` Despite a reduction in the number of fixed-term exclusions following the inspection , there has been a significant increase month on-month since February 2019 . ''
In response Mr Sutherland said : `` There still is a disproportionately higher number of kids with SEN support needs excluded than non-SEN. '' And the more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that , and how to deal with the behaviours , then the better they will be .
`` We ’ ve put a lot of work into that space to make those improvements . ''
We have a dedicated Facebook page bringing you all the latest news , events and community news in Oldham .
To keep up to date with all that is happening in the area , and to join in the discussion , follow the page here .
And you can also follow us on Twitter .

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Ofsted says there is now a 'buzz' about Oldham's services for youngsters with special needs and disabilities, in a remarkable turnaround two years after a damning report
During a visit in 2017, inspectors were scathing about the quality of the service being offered to the borough’s young people, branding it ‘fundamentally flawed’.
That report heavily criticised the town hall leadership, the ‘unacceptable quality’ of education, health and care (EHC) plans, and the poor academic progress of children.
But the latest inspection of the local partnership, which was carried out in September, has painted a very different picture of the service, which serves around 8,500 young people.
In the joint Ofsted and Care Quality Commission inspection, the inspectors said it is ‘starting to make some of the positive differences needed’ for youngsters with SEND.
The watchdogs said that the area has made sufficient progress in addressing three of the five 'significant weaknesses' identified at the last inspection.
These included tackling leadership and the joint partnership with health and social care, concerns over possible 'illegal' practice, and transport arrangements for young people.
However the council and health chiefs must still improve the quality of EHC plans, further improve the educational attainment of youngsters with SEND and tackle the number of exclusions.
Chiefs told the Local Democracy Reporting Service there had been a ‘complete overhaul’ of staff following the 2017 inspection.
Her Majesty’s Inspector Pippa Jackson Maitland wrote that following the initial assessment, new leaders inherited a ‘broken system and broken teams’.
But she added: "Leaders have worked hard to earn the confidence, trust and respect of their colleagues across the local partnership.
"Following a period of considerable turbulence as new leaders and staff came into post, everyone has ‘rolled their sleeves up’ and set about putting in place the policies and processes needed to sort things out.
"The local partnership took swift and decisive action to put in place transport arrangements which put the needs of the children and young people first."
Director of education, skills and early years, Andrew Sutherland said there had been 'almost a full turnover' of staff, but said they had received 'incredibly upbeat' feedback from the latest inspection.
"They recognised that morale had significantly changed, they talked about a ‘buzz’ around the local partnership," he said.
"One inspector said ‘what is the golden dust that Oldham is sprinkling over the young people in this community, because that is making a significant difference'.
"We know there is more work to do but for us it was a very good news story."
On EHC plans, Ms Jackson Maitland said that the local partnership 'had to start from scratch'.
"Intensive training and support have increased the knowledge and skills of the new team of EHC officers," she wrote.
The report stated that there is a plan in place to review all plans issued before new quality standards were introduced in September 2018.
But so far only one in ten of the plans have been amended or rewritten.
"This means that many children and young people continue to have poor-quality plans," she added.
Deputy chief executive, Helen Lockwood said: “The inspection in 2017 gave us the opportunity to look at the whole system and we went right back to basics and looked at the skills, the competences, what it needed to be to be a great advocate of children’s services in Oldham.
"The challenge now and which we are absolutely working through, is making sure with all of those plans which were already in the system that we’re reviewing those and bringing them up to the same standard."
Councillor Shaid Mushtaq, who is cabinet member for education and skills, added: "The staff are all invested in this.
"It’s not just something that’s been driven by Ofsted or CQC kicking us up the backside, you can actually feel that buzz, you can feel the difference, the energy and the vibrancy among those staff."
Previously inspectors said that youngsters with SEND had 'underachieved considerably' and had high rates of fixed-term exclusions and persistent absence.
But the new report stated that investment in 'positive working relationships' between leaders and headteachers had been a 'springboard' for raising achievement.
However improving pupils’ outcomes at key stage four 'continues to be a challenge'.
And Ms Jackson Maitland wrote: "Despite a reduction in the number of fixed-term exclusions following the inspection, there has been a significant increase month on-month since February 2019."
In response Mr Sutherland said: "There still is a disproportionately higher number of kids with SEN support needs excluded than non-SEN.
"And the more our teachers understand how to deal with that, and how to deal with the behaviours, then the better they will be.
"We’ve put a lot of work into that space to make those improvements."
We have a dedicated Facebook page bringing you all the latest news, events and community news in Oldham.
To keep up to date with all that is happening in the area, and to join in the discussion, follow the page here.
And you can also follow us on Twitter.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-01-13--Manchester United exploring Bruno Fernandes transfer

Manchester United are exploring a possible deal for Bruno Fernandes before the January transfer window closes .
United are prepared to make a drastic about-turn on Sporting Lisbon forward Fernandes , 25 , nearly five months after club sources expressed their 'irritation ' at planted stories in the Portuguese media .
United did not approach Sporting with an offer for Fernandes in the summer but could go ahead with a deal before the January 31 deadline .
The MEN understands United regard the £50million rated Fernandes as an appealing mid-season addition following injuries to midfielders Scott McTominay and Paul Pogba @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assisted 13 for Sporting this term and is expected to start for Portugal at the European Championship .
Matt Judge , the United head of corporate development tasked with negotiating deals , was in attendance for the 4-0 win over Norwich City at Old Trafford on Saturday , having sat next to executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward for the 3-1 humbling by Manchester City in the League Cup semi-final first leg .
Woodward will sign off the transfer if Judge 's negotiations with Sporting are successful .
Club sources insist there is 'nothing to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ individuals that arrived at the United training ground on Friday .
Some fans speculated a bearded passenger was Fernandes or his national teammate Ruben Neves of Portugal .
Fernandes scored twice in Sporting 's 3-1 win at Vitoria Setubal on Saturday night and Neves started in Wolves 's draw with Newcastle United .
United whittled down their long list of targets at the start of the month with a view to conducting the majority of their business in the summer window , but Fernandes is an attainable option since Sporting are still open @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than ever .
Sporting coach Silas says he is still planning for Friday night 's visit of Benfica with Fernandes in line to start , though .
Fernandes only signed a new contract in November but the renewal was seen as a measure by Sporting to protect their prized asset and United effectively have a free run at the player .
Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur considered moves for Fernandes in the summer .
United are approaching the topic of Fernandes with much trepidation due to past experiences with Portuguese clubs .
United @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up an auction for Portugal-based players or smoke out actual interested parties .
The club had no interest in acquiring Benfica midfielder Gedson Fernandes ; seemingly bound for Tottenham .
The former Benfica winger Nicolas Gaitan was a source of great exasperation among United suits and the only player United have ever bought from Benfica is Victor Lindelof .
United recruited Cristiano Ronaldo , Nani and Marcos Rojo from Sporting .
Sporting did their utmost to offload Fernandes in the summer and there was interest from City and Tottenham .
United 's interest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Portuguese .
Old Trafford insiders likened the incessant reports surrounding Fernandes six months ago to the Whac-A-Mole arcade game .
Tottenham bid for Fernandes in the summer and intermediaries acting on their behalf flew to Lisbon in the last week of the transfer window to gauge the possibility of a deal for Fernandes .
The intermediaries actually approached Fernandes directly to ascertain how much Sporting were demanding for him , rather than his representatives .
Fernandes 's agent , Rui Guimaraes of the Positonumber group , suddenly deleted his Twitter account on @ @ @

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Manchester United are exploring a possible deal for Bruno Fernandes before the January transfer window closes.
United are prepared to make a drastic about-turn on Sporting Lisbon forward Fernandes, 25, nearly five months after club sources expressed their 'irritation' at planted stories in the Portuguese media. United did not approach Sporting with an offer for Fernandes in the summer but could go ahead with a deal before the January 31 deadline.
The MEN understands United regard the £50million rated Fernandes as an appealing mid-season addition following injuries to midfielders Scott McTominay and Paul Pogba. Fernandes has scored 14 goals and assisted 13 for Sporting this term and is expected to start for Portugal at the European Championship.
Matt Judge, the United head of corporate development tasked with negotiating deals, was in attendance for the 4-0 win over Norwich City at Old Trafford on Saturday, having sat next to executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward for the 3-1 humbling by Manchester City in the League Cup semi-final first leg. Woodward will sign off the transfer if Judge's negotiations with Sporting are successful.
Club sources insist there is 'nothing to read into' the convoy of suited individuals that arrived at the United training ground on Friday. Some fans speculated a bearded passenger was Fernandes or his national teammate Ruben Neves of Portugal. Fernandes scored twice in Sporting's 3-1 win at Vitoria Setubal on Saturday night and Neves started in Wolves's draw with Newcastle United.
United whittled down their long list of targets at the start of the month with a view to conducting the majority of their business in the summer window, but Fernandes is an attainable option since Sporting are still open to selling with his re-sale value higher than ever. Sporting coach Silas says he is still planning for Friday night's visit of Benfica with Fernandes in line to start, though.
Fernandes only signed a new contract in November but the renewal was seen as a measure by Sporting to protect their prized asset and United effectively have a free run at the player. Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur considered moves for Fernandes in the summer.
United are approaching the topic of Fernandes with much trepidation due to past experiences with Portuguese clubs. United recognise they have been used to whip up an auction for Portugal-based players or smoke out actual interested parties. The club had no interest in acquiring Benfica midfielder Gedson Fernandes; seemingly bound for Tottenham.
The former Benfica winger Nicolas Gaitan was a source of great exasperation among United suits and the only player United have ever bought from Benfica is Victor Lindelof. United recruited Cristiano Ronaldo, Nani and Marcos Rojo from Sporting.
Sporting did their utmost to offload Fernandes in the summer and there was interest from City and Tottenham. United's interest did not extend beyond mere admiration for the Portuguese.
Old Trafford insiders likened the incessant reports surrounding Fernandes six months ago to the Whac-A-Mole arcade game. Tottenham bid for Fernandes in the summer and intermediaries acting on their behalf flew to Lisbon in the last week of the transfer window to gauge the possibility of a deal for Fernandes.
The intermediaries actually approached Fernandes directly to ascertain how much Sporting were demanding for him, rather than his representatives. Fernandes's agent, Rui Guimaraes of the Positonumber group, suddenly deleted his Twitter account on Friday night.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-01-13--Vincent Kompany gives his verdict on Man City season and Pep Guardiola

Vincent Kompany believes there is no reason to be disappointed with Manchester City 's season .
Pep Guardiola 's champions trail Liverpool by 14 points having played a game more , making a third successive title unlikely .
They are well-placed to make the final of the league cup and are safely into the fourth round of the FA Cup but must overcome La Liga giants Real Madrid if they are to progress beyond the last-16 of the Champions League , a competition that has not been kind to them .
City 's former captain , celebrated on Sunday evening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , is confident the future is bright for the Blues - especially with Guardiola at the helm - as they build for the seasons to come .
And he also does not think people should be writing off their season just yet or focusing primarily on the league .
`` They have Pep and no matter what , Pep is the right guy , '' he said .
`` You never say over with City .
It is n't in the hands of City and that is unfortunate but there is so much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you look how they have been performing in cups and the Champions League is still a massive target for the club , there is no reason to be disappointed about the season at this stage .
`` It is an experienced team and they do n't have to prove anything to anyone .
They have done it , they know what it takes .
It is n't about one season , it is about an era , a period of time . ''

Vincent Kompany believes there is no reason to be disappointed with Manchester City's season.
Pep Guardiola's champions trail Liverpool by 14 points having played a game more, making a third successive title unlikely. They are well-placed to make the final of the league cup and are safely into the fourth round of the FA Cup but must overcome La Liga giants Real Madrid if they are to progress beyond the last-16 of the Champions League, a competition that has not been kind to them.
City's former captain, celebrated on Sunday evening at a Football Writers' Association dinner, is confident the future is bright for the Blues - especially with Guardiola at the helm - as they build for the seasons to come. And he also does not think people should be writing off their season just yet or focusing primarily on the league.
"They have Pep and no matter what, Pep is the right guy," he said.
"You never say over with City. It isn't in the hands of City and that is unfortunate but there is so much to look forward to.
"When you look how they have been performing in cups and the Champions League is still a massive target for the club, there is no reason to be disappointed about the season at this stage.
"It is an experienced team and they don't have to prove anything to anyone. They have done it, they know what it takes. It isn't about one season, it is about an era, a period of time."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-01-13--Woman dies after house fire in Heywood

Woman dies after house fire in Heywood

A woman has died after she was pulled to safety by firefighters following a house fire in Heywood .
The blaze broke out at a property on Whalley Road shortly after 11pm on Friday , January 10 .
Firefighters rescued the woman from the house and she was taken to hospital .
The 51-year-old sadly died in hospital the next day .
Two dogs were also rescued from the property and are being treated for smoke inhalation .
The cause of the fire is being investigated by Greater Manchester Police and the fire service , however they have indicated there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ circumstances .
A statement released by GMP said : `` Police were called shortly after 11pm , on Friday 10 January , to a report of a fire at a property on Whalley Road , Heywood .
`` Emergency services attended and a 51-year-old woman was rescued from the property and taken to hospital where she sadly died the next day .
`` Two dogs were rescued from the property and are being treated for smoke inhalation .
`` A joint investigation is underway with GMFRS to establish the cause of the fire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ currently not believed to be any suspicious circumstances . ''
Anyone with information should call police on 0161 856 4646 or 101 , quoting incident number 3398 of 10/01/2020 .
Reports can be made anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 .
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A woman has died after she was pulled to safety by firefighters following a house fire in Heywood.
The blaze broke out at a property on Whalley Road shortly after 11pm on Friday, January 10.
Firefighters rescued the woman from the house and she was taken to hospital.
The 51-year-old sadly died at the scene.
Two dogs were also rescued from the property and are being treated for smoke inhalation.
The cause of the fire is being investigated by Greater Manchester Police and the fire service, however they have indicated there are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances.
A statement released by GMP said: "Police were called shortly after 11pm, on Friday 10 January, to a report of a fire at a property on Whalley Road, Heywood.
"Emergency services attended and a 51-year-old woman was rescued from the property and taken to hospital where she sadly died the next day.
"Two dogs were rescued from the property and are being treated for smoke inhalation.
"A joint investigation is underway with GMFRS to establish the cause of the fire and enquiries are ongoing. There are currently not believed to be any suspicious circumstances."
Anyone with information should call police on 0161 856 4646 or 101, quoting incident number 3398 of 10/01/2020. Reports can be made anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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themanchestereveningnews--2020-01-13--Brandon Williams sends Ole Gunnar Solskjaer Manchester United message

Brandon Williams has spoken about his attacking intent as he set himself a target of more first team games for Manchester United .
The teenager has given Ole Gunnar Solskjaer a dilemma at left-back after impressing when given a chance in the first team and the full back intends to get more minutes under his belt before the end of the season .
The 19-year-old has made seven appearances in the league already this season and impressed his manager with his attitude and his willingness to get forward will also please the Norwegian .
`` It ’ s a really @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Williams told ManUtd.com .
“ I know what I ’ ve achieved but I want to keep on playing and play as many games as I can for this club .
“ In the position I play in , you need that energy and to be strong on the physical side of the game to get up and down the pitch , and also to help defend and attack .
“ Attacking is a big part of my game .
I love driving forward and giving energy to the team and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make those runs , you might make a run for yourself with the ball or you might make a run for someone else by creating space for somebody like Marcus [ Rashford ] , or whoever is on the wing , to go in there and create their magic.
” The teenager impressed again in the win against Norwich on Saturday and Solskjaer said he has given Luke Shaw real competition for his place .
`` We want to get to a place where players understand that if they play well they will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't there 's competition behind us , '' Solskjaer said .
`` And we 've got good competition there now .
`` Brandon 's never ever let us down and another excellent performance by him .
[ He 's ] definitely a lesson for everyone who wants to be a professional footballer ; the attitude he 's showing .
`` And it 'll be up to him , me and the club to keep him that hunger .
But I do n't expect him to change , he 's got the heart for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have it . ''

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

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Brandon Williams has spoken about his attacking intent as he set himself a target of more first team games for Manchester United.
The teenager has given Ole Gunnar Solskjaer a dilemma at left-back after impressing when given a chance in the first team and the full back intends to get more minutes under his belt before the end of the season.
The 19-year-old has made seven appearances in the league already this season and impressed his manager with his attitude and his willingness to get forward will also please the Norwegian.
"It’s a really proud thing for me and my family,” Williams told ManUtd.com. “I know what I’ve achieved but I want to keep on playing and play as many games as I can for this club.
“In the position I play in, you need that energy and to be strong on the physical side of the game to get up and down the pitch, and also to help defend and attack.
“Attacking is a big part of my game. I love driving forward and giving energy to the team and helping with our attacks. When I make those runs, you might make a run for yourself with the ball or you might make a run for someone else by creating space for somebody like Marcus [Rashford], or whoever is on the wing, to go in there and create their magic.”
The teenager impressed again in the win against Norwich on Saturday and Solskjaer said he has given Luke Shaw real competition for his place.
"We want to get to a place where players understand that if they play well they will keep their place and if they don't there's competition behind us," Solskjaer said. "And we've got good competition there now.
"Brandon's never ever let us down and another excellent performance by him. [He's] definitely a lesson for everyone who wants to be a professional footballer; the attitude he's showing.
"And it'll be up to him, me and the club to keep him that hunger. But I don't expect him to change, he's got the heart for it and when you have it you have it."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-01-13--Michelle Keegan quits Our Girl after four years in 'life-changing' role

Michelle Keegan has quit Our Girl after four years playing army medic Georgie Lane .
The Stockport-born actress has called an end to her time on the BBC drama to make way for new acting jobs , but it 's not the end just yet .
There 's still an upcoming series set to air later this year showing Michelle 's final take as the main character , which she described as a 'life-changing role ' .
BBC bosses are now reportedly looking for a leading lady to replace the former Coronation Street star .
Michelle told the Sun : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ incredible four years on the show and I want to thank the BBC for giving me such an amazing opportunity .
`` Playing Georgie has been a life changing role for me . ''
She added : `` I ’ ve loved every second of the adventure so it was a very hard decision to make not to return .
I feel it is the right time to explore other exciting opportunities but I ’ m so happy to be part of the new series coming soon so it ’ s not the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ actress has spent months away from her home in Essex with husband Mark Wright when filming for the series .
Michelle spent several months a year filming in locations including South Africa , Nepal and Malaysia .
Mark Wright , 32 , last year moved back from Los Angeles where he was filming on US TV .
Our Girl , first aired in 2013 , follows a young woman who is deployed as an army medic during the British army 's withdrawal from Afghanistan .

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Michelle Keegan has quit Our Girl after four years playing army medic Georgie Lane.
The Stockport-born actress has called an end to her time on the BBC drama to make way for new acting jobs, but it's not the end just yet.
There's still an upcoming series set to air later this year showing Michelle's final take as the main character, which she described as a 'life-changing role'.
BBC bosses are now reportedly looking for a leading lady to replace the former Coronation Street star.
Michelle told the Sun : "I’ve had the most incredible four years on the show and I want to thank the BBC for giving me such an amazing opportunity.
"Playing Georgie has been a life changing role for me."
(Image: BBC)
She added: "I’ve loved every second of the adventure so it was a very hard decision to make not to return. I feel it is the right time to explore other exciting opportunities but I’m so happy to be part of the new series coming soon so it’s not the end just yet."
The 32-year-old actress has spent months away from her home in Essex with husband Mark Wright when filming for the series.
Michelle spent several months a year filming in locations including South Africa, Nepal and Malaysia.
Mark Wright, 32, last year moved back from Los Angeles where he was filming on US TV.
Our Girl, first aired in 2013, follows a young woman who is deployed as an army medic during the British army's withdrawal from Afghanistan.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-01-13--Love Island's Mike Boateng says he's a 'police officer from London'. He was actually a cop in Greate

Love Island's Mike Boateng says he's a 'police officer from London'. He was actually a cop in Greater Manchester - and quit before the show started

Love Island is back - and one islander in particular has caught the attention of viewers .
But not just because of his looks - but because of his confusing VT. Mike Boateng , 24 , was introduced as a 'police officer from London ' .
He actually worked for Greater Manchester Police - and quit the force before the show started .
In his video introduction , he said : `` My name is Mike , I 'm 24 years old and I 'm a police officer from London .
`` I have been mistaken for a stripper on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I 'm not a stripper , I just make the uniform look good .
`` I think it 's illegal to be as sexy as me so if I see anyone as sexy as me they 'll probably get locked up to .
`` Although my head has been turned in the past I can assure any girl in the villa that they can definitely trust me .
`` I 'll be that guy , that officer Mike that you can lean on . ''
Mike - who also played for Eagley @ @ @ @ @ @ @ phrase 'to serve and protect ' on his profile bio on Instagram , however that has now been removed .
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police told the Manchester Evening News : `` Mr Boateng is no longer a GMP officer .
He was with GMP for under three years and left the organisation prior to taking part in the show .
`` Mr Boateng expressed his desire to take part in the show .
`` However as a serving officer , he was advised that taking part in a reality TV show @ @ @ @ @ @ @ therefore Mr Boateng made a decision to resign from GMP . ''
Viewers demanded answers after the launch episode of the first winter series .
One said : “ So is Mike a police officer in London or Manchester ?
?
?
” A second said : “ Mike said he ’ s from Manchester with a London accent and that he used to play footy .
The lies have started.
” A third commented : “ Mike keeping the streets of London safe but is a police officer in Manchester.
” Another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and he says he ’ s from ‘ like Manchester ’ one of my biggest pet peeves that .
Just say Bolton.
” We have a dedicated Facebook page bringing you all the latest TV , entertainment and features from the Manchester Evening News .
To keep up to date with all that is happening , and to join in the discussion , follow the page here .

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Love Island is back - and one islander in particular has caught the attention of viewers.
But not just because of his looks - but because of his confusing VT.
Mike Boateng, 24, was introduced as a 'police officer from London'. He actually worked for Greater Manchester Police - and quit the force before the show started.
In his video introduction, he said: "My name is Mike, I'm 24 years old and I'm a police officer from London.
"I have been mistaken for a stripper on many occasions but let me tell you, I'm not a stripper, I just make the uniform look good.
(Image: PA)
"I think it's illegal to be as sexy as me so if I see anyone as sexy as me they'll probably get locked up to.
"Although my head has been turned in the past I can assure any girl in the villa that they can definitely trust me.
"I'll be that guy, that officer Mike that you can lean on."
(Image: Instagram)
Mike - who also played for Eagley Football Club in Bolton - had the phrase 'to serve and protect' on his profile bio on Instagram, however that has now been removed.
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police told the Manchester Evening News : "Mr Boateng is no longer a GMP officer. He was with GMP for under three years and left the organisation prior to taking part in the show.
"Mr Boateng expressed his desire to take part in the show.
"However as a serving officer, he was advised that taking part in a reality TV show would be a conflict of interest and therefore Mr Boateng made a decision to resign from GMP."
(Image: ITV)
Viewers demanded answers after the launch episode of the first winter series.
One said: “So is Mike a police officer in London or Manchester???”
A second said: “Mike said he’s from Manchester with a London accent and that he used to play footy. The lies have started.”
A third commented: “Mike keeping the streets of London safe but is a police officer in Manchester.”
Another blasted: “Mike moved to Bolton and he says he’s from ‘like Manchester’ one of my biggest pet peeves that. Just say Bolton.”
Love Island continues tonight from 9pm on ITV2.
MANCHESTER ENTS
We have a dedicated Facebook page bringing you all the latest TV, entertainment and features from the Manchester Evening News.
To keep up to date with all that is happening, and to join in the discussion, follow the page here .


themanchestereveningnews--2020-01-13--Kevin De Bruyne explains secret to Man City striker Sergio Aguero's success

Sergio Aguero scores goals and then shrinks from the limelight … and that helps to make him a special Manchester City player .
The Blues legend bagged a record 12th Premier League hat-trick to become the highest-scoring foreign striker in English football history , overtaking Arsenal great Thierry Henry .
But Kevin De Bruyne said that the side of the Argentina ace which the public does not see is the humble , unassuming personality who prefers to steer clear of the twin impostors of success and failure .
De Bruyne was brilliant himself as City won 6-1 at Villa Park @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s goalscoring exploits , and afterwards said : “ I ’ ve been playing with Sergio for five years , and the record he has got speaks for itself .
“ The way he acts is really good - know he 's not like somebody you hear about all the time .
“ He just plays football and for the rest he keeps himself to himself , so that 's nice .
“ People know about Henry .
He was also my coach in Belgium so I know him a little bit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to compare but the records for both of them speak for themselves .
“ It 's not always necessary to compare people , just be happy and maybe grateful that these guys play here .
“ He 's been here for nine or 10 years , so to come and do this on a consistent basis for nine or 10 years is unbelievable.
” De Bruyne said that Kun ’ s demeanour in the dressing room afterwards did not even betray whether he knew about the record – although he did .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and all the things that are said he probably knew about , but it 's nice for him you know in this way to have a hat-trick and to break the record is really nice , ” he said .
Aguero was also teamed up with Gabriel Jesus , for only the second time this season , and the Brazil ace also scored .
They have now helped the Blues to score 40 goals in the 11 games in which both have started , and have helped themselves to 22 of those with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They constituted two of the six changes City made , which shows just how adaptable and versatile Pep Guardiola ’ s squad is .
Said De Bruyne : “ I guess it went pretty well !
I play with whoever needs to play , and they did really well , Gaby playing on the left , which he 's not used to really , and he scored a goal today .
“ We can change a lot and still perform really well and I think that 's what going forward will happen - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and whoever who comes in , try to perform at the best possible and people are doing that .

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Sergio Aguero scores goals and then shrinks from the limelight … and that helps to make him a special Manchester City player.
The Blues legend bagged a record 12th Premier League hat-trick to become the highest-scoring foreign striker in English football history, overtaking Arsenal great Thierry Henry.
But Kevin De Bruyne said that the side of the Argentina ace which the public does not see is the humble, unassuming personality who prefers to steer clear of the twin impostors of success and failure.
De Bruyne was brilliant himself as City won 6-1 at Villa Park, but he was eclipsed by Aguero’s goalscoring exploits, and afterwards said: “I’ve been playing with Sergio for five years, and the record he has got speaks for itself.
“The way he acts is really good - know he's not like somebody you hear about all the time.
“He just plays football and for the rest he keeps himself to himself, so that's nice.
“People know about Henry. He was also my coach in Belgium so I know him a little bit personally but it’s so difficult to compare but the records for both of them speak for themselves.
“It's not always necessary to compare people, just be happy and maybe grateful that these guys play here.
“He's been here for nine or 10 years, so to come and do this on a consistent basis for nine or 10 years is unbelievable.”
(Image: Getty Images)
De Bruyne said that Kun’s demeanour in the dressing room afterwards did not even betray whether he knew about the record – although he did.
“He probably would know with social media and all the things that are said he probably knew about, but it's nice for him you know in this way to have a hat-trick and to break the record is really nice,” he said.
Aguero was also teamed up with Gabriel Jesus, for only the second time this season, and the Brazil ace also scored.
They have now helped the Blues to score 40 goals in the 11 games in which both have started, and have helped themselves to 22 of those with Aguero getting 14 and Jesus eight.
They constituted two of the six changes City made, which shows just how adaptable and versatile Pep Guardiola’s squad is.
Said De Bruyne: “I guess it went pretty well! I play with whoever needs to play, and they did really well, Gaby playing on the left, which he's not used to really, and he scored a goal today.
“We can change a lot and still perform really well and I think that's what going forward will happen - we will change it up every game and whoever who comes in, try to perform at the best possible and people are doing that.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-01-13--Storm Brendan hits UK with high wind warnings across west of the country

High winds of up to 80 miles per hour could hit coastal areas of the UK as Storm Brendan sweeps in , leading to a Met Office yellow weather warning .
The Republic of Ireland is likely to bear the brunt of the storm with an orange wind warning in force for the entire county - which could mean structural damage to properties and transport disruption - and the highest red warning in coastal parts .
In the UK , a weather warning is in place for Monday and Tuesday , with strong winds chiefly affecting the western coastal areas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ likely to batter Ireland until 9pm tonight , bringing with it a significant risk of coastal flooding while in western parts of England , Scotland and Wales the warning is of `` a very windy period '' .
Winds of 40 to 50 miles per hour are possible even in eastern coastal regions .
The Met Office warning is in place from 10am on Monday to midnight and throughout the day and evening on Tuesday until midnight , where the country will be more extensively affected .
It says there could be some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ transport , particularly for high-sided vehicles on exposed routes and bridges .
The Met Eireann in Ireland said : `` Storm Brendan will bring extreme winds and heavy rain today .
Status Orange wind warnings in force for all counties with status Red warnings in operation for marine areas .
`` Winds may reach stronger levels locally and for limited time periods .
Gale force southerly winds will extend.. '' Some bus and train journeys could be affected with delays to journeys and coastal routes , sea fronts and coastal communities could be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There may be short-term loss of power in places and other services .
The winds will persist on Tuesday as the storm continues to move east .
The Met Office said the spell of heavy rain and gales will reach many western areas by lunchtime `` with local severe gales '' .
`` Rain and strong winds reach eastern parts later , showery by then further west . ''
Tonight sees rains and gales clearing the east , followed by clear spells and scattered showers .
`` Showers heaviest and most frequent in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ snow and an ice risk . ''
On Tuesday , the north west corner will `` stay showery .
Elsewhere , bright skies soon giving way to another batch of wet , very windy weather , especially across England and Wales . ''
Get breaking news first on the free Manchester Evening News app - download it here for your Apple or Android device .
You can also get a round-up of the biggest stories sent direct to your inbox every day with the MEN email newsletter - subscribe here .
And you @ @ @ @ @ @ @

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High winds of up to 80 miles per hour could hit coastal areas of the UK as Storm Brendan sweeps in, leading to a Met Office yellow weather warning.
The Republic of Ireland is likely to bear the brunt of the storm with an orange wind warning in force for the entire county - which could mean structural damage to properties and transport disruption - and the highest red warning in coastal parts.
In the UK, a weather warning is in place for Monday and Tuesday, with strong winds chiefly affecting the western coastal areas and further inland.
Storm Brendan is likely to batter Ireland until 9pm tonight, bringing with it a significant risk of coastal flooding while in western parts of England, Scotland and Wales the warning is of "a very windy period".
Winds of 40 to 50 miles per hour are possible even in eastern coastal regions.
(Image: Met Office)
The Met Office warning is in place from 10am on Monday to midnight and throughout the day and evening on Tuesday until midnight, where the country will be more extensively affected.
It says there could be some delays to road, rail and ferry transport, particularly for high-sided vehicles on exposed routes and bridges.
The Met Eireann in Ireland said: "Storm Brendan will bring extreme winds and heavy rain today. Status Orange wind warnings in force for all counties with status Red warnings in operation for marine areas.
"Winds may reach stronger levels locally and for limited time periods. Gale force southerly winds will extend.."
Some bus and train journeys could be affected with delays to journeys and coastal routes, sea fronts and coastal communities could be affected by large waves and spray.
There may be short-term loss of power in places and other services.
(Image: PA)
The winds will persist on Tuesday as the storm continues to move east.
The Met Office said the spell of heavy rain and gales will reach many western areas by lunchtime "with local severe gales".
"Rain and strong winds reach eastern parts later, showery by then further west."
Tonight sees rains and gales clearing the east, followed by clear spells and scattered showers. "Showers heaviest and most frequent in the north west, with some hill snow and an ice risk."
On Tuesday, the north west corner will "stay showery. Elsewhere, bright skies soon giving way to another batch of wet, very windy weather, especially across England and Wales."
Get breaking news first on the free Manchester Evening News app - download it here for your Apple or Android device. You can also get a round-up of the biggest stories sent direct to your inbox every day with the MEN email newsletter - subscribe here . And you can follow us on Facebook here.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-01-13--British backpacker, 21, dies after falling from popular selfie spot in Australia

A British backpacker has died after falling from a popular selfie spot in Sydney .
In the early hours of Sunday , emergency services were called to the Diamond Bay clifftops in Sydney 's eastern suburbs following reports a woman had fallen off the cliff , Mirror Online reports .
Australian media have reported that the woman was 21-year-old Madalyn Davis - a make-up artist from Lincoln - who had only been in Australia for a few weeks .
Police , Fire and Rescue New South Wales and NSW Ambulance paramedics searched with the assistance of PolAir and the Marine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a woman was retrieved from the water about four hours later .
It is understood Madalyn had been at a party on Saturday night and went to the nearby cliffs with seven friends to watch the sunrise .
The coastal reserve has become a notorious spot for tourists wanting to take photographs .
Tributes have poured in on social media by friends and family , describing Madalyn as 'beautiful inside and out ' .
One person wrote : `` I really don ’ t know how to process this Maddie , last time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ago and now you are gone .
`` I will never ever forget the times we shared together the giggle fits we had in town .
I will forever miss you , angel . ''
Another posted : `` It was a pleasure knowing you Maddie , you were beautiful inside as well as outside . ''
The young backpacker had travelled to Thailand in November before heading to Sydney .
She shared an image of herself with a monkey on Phi Phi Island to her Instagram , captioned : `` phi phi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ excited for bali ! ''
.
In another post , she shared the message : `` TB 1 month ago just after the full moon festival , can ’ t believe I ’ ve been travelling for a whole month now !
`` Not looked back at my old life once ( miss my job though ) and I am super excited for my future abroad '' .
In August last year , another woman , 27 , fell to her death while posing for a photo at the same spot .

newsdesk@men-news.co.uk (Tanveer Mann, Saffron Otter)

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A British backpacker has died after falling from a popular selfie spot in Sydney.
In the early hours of Sunday, emergency services were called to the Diamond Bay clifftops in Sydney's eastern suburbs following reports a woman had fallen off the cliff, Mirror Online reports .
Australian media have reported that the woman was 21-year-old Madalyn Davis - a make-up artist from Lincoln - who had only been in Australia for a few weeks.
Police, Fire and Rescue New South Wales and NSW Ambulance paramedics searched with the assistance of PolAir and the Marine Area Command, and the body of a woman was retrieved from the water about four hours later.
Police are investigating the circumstances.
(Image: needpix.com/DroneImagineNation)
It is understood Madalyn had been at a party on Saturday night and went to the nearby cliffs with seven friends to watch the sunrise.
The coastal reserve has become a notorious spot for tourists wanting to take photographs.
Tributes have poured in on social media by friends and family, describing Madalyn as 'beautiful inside and out'.
One person wrote: "I really don’t know how to process this Maddie, last time we saw each other was three years ago and now you are gone.
"I will never ever forget the times we shared together the giggle fits we had in town. I will forever miss you, angel."
Another posted: "It was a pleasure knowing you Maddie, you were beautiful inside as well as outside."
The young backpacker had travelled to Thailand in November before heading to Sydney.
She shared an image of herself with a monkey on Phi Phi Island to her Instagram, captioned: "phi phi island you have my heart...so excited for bali!".
In another post, she shared the message: "TB 1 month ago just after the full moon festival, can’t believe I’ve been travelling for a whole month now!
"Not looked back at my old life once (miss my job though) and I am super excited for my future abroad".
In August last year, another woman, 27, fell to her death while posing for a photo at the same spot.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-01-13--Section of Deansgate in Manchester city centre shut in both directions after person hit by motorbike

Section of Deansgate in Manchester city centre shut in both directions after person hit by motorbike - latest updates

A person has been hit by a motorbike in Manchester city centre A section of Deansgate is shut in both directions following the incident at around 8.30am .
One person is believed to have suffered head injuries .
The road has been closed between Blackfriars Street and Bridge Street .
Read more of today 's top stories here A spokeswoman for Greater Manchester Police said : `` There has been a road traffic collision between a motorbike and a pedestrian .
`` It was reported to us at 8.30am and emergency services are present . ''
We 'll bring you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Follow us on and for the latest news .
We are also on .
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Available on iPhone and Android , the app can be tailor-made to bring you the latest on what matters to you .
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Our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to you first .
Download it on iPhone and Android here .

A person has been hit by a motorbike in Manchester city centre
A section of Deansgate is shut in both directions following the incident at around 8.30am.
One person is believed to have suffered head injuries.
The road has been closed between Blackfriars Street and Bridge Street.
Buses have been diverted.
A spokeswoman for Greater Manchester Police said: "There has been a road traffic collision between a motorbike and a pedestrian.
"It was reported to us at 8.30am and emergency services are present."
We'll bring you the latest in the live blog below.
Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for the latest news. We are also on Instagram .
If you are on the go, the M.E.N. app helps bring you closer to the latest news where you live. Available on iPhone and Android , the app can be tailor-made to bring you the latest on what matters to you.
Breaking news, the latest on your football club, the pick of the week’s events and the latest travel - you can tailor the app to suit you. Our push notifications help highlight the biggest stories to you first.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-01-13--How Sergio Aguero surprised Man City teammates after Atletico transfer

Sergio Aguero added to his outstanding legacy on Sunday when he claimed two more Premier League records with three goals at Aston Villa .
The Manchester City striker overtook Thierry Henry to become the most prolific overseas player in competition history and can also boast that he has more hat-tricks than Alan Shearer and anybody else to have played in the league .
Even those that took a goal Aguero scored on debut with the Blues - a lovely strike against Swansea - as an indication that he was going to be a terrific signing can not have forecast that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an incredible career .
And his teammates at the time , including Micah Richards , certainly did not see the fuss about the Argentine as they took some time to realise that his application in training was very different to how he behaved in matches .
`` We had spent a lot of money on him - around £35m - and he had arrived with a big reputation , but in those first few sessions he did not look particularly special , '' Richards told BBC Sport .
`` It is not as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dribbling past four or five players or anything , but I was marking him a lot of the time and he did not really do anything at all .
`` He looked lethargic and was actually quite lazy if I am being totally honest .
I was wondering what all the hype was about .
`` I did not realise just how good he really was until he played his first game for us .
He came alive in matches , and everything about him was different . ''

Sergio Aguero has called time on his career because of health problems during a press conference held at Barcelona.
The former Manchester City striker holds the record as the most prolific overseas player in Premier League history and can also boast that he has more hat-tricks than Alan Shearer and anybody else to have played in the league.
Even those that took a goal Aguero scored on debut with the Blues - a lovely strike against Swansea - as an indication that he was going to be a terrific signing cannot have forecast that he would go on to have such an incredible career.
And his teammates at the time, including Micah Richards, certainly did not see the fuss about the Argentine as they took some time to realise that his application in training was very different to how he behaved in matches.
"We had spent a lot of money on him - around £35m - and he had arrived with a big reputation, but in those first few sessions he did not look particularly special," Richards told BBC Sport.
"It is not as if I was expecting him to be dribbling past four or five players or anything, but I was marking him a lot of the time and he did not really do anything at all.
"He looked lethargic and was actually quite lazy if I am being totally honest. I was wondering what all the hype was about.
"I did not realise just how good he really was until he played his first game for us. He came alive in matches, and everything about him was different."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-01-13--Harry and Meghan: Royals set to hold crunch talks over couple's future

The Queen and senior royals are meeting at Sandringham later today to thrash out the future roles of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle .
The meeting will be attended by Prince Harry , Prince William and Prince Charles as well as the monarch , with Meghan joining via a phone call from Canada .
Last week , the couple released a bombshell statement on Instagram announcing their intention to step back as senior members of the royal family and to work towards financial independence .
But their attempt at carving out a progressive new role within the royal family is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the table are likely to be what funding the couple will receive , whether they will retain their titles of Duke and Duchess of Sussex and what royal duties they will be expected to carry out .
The Prince of Wales currently pays for most of their official duties and some of their privates costs through his £21m a year income from the Duchy of Cornwall .
Taxpayers foot the bill for official travel through the Sovereign Grant .
They will need to work out how many official engagements they will carry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be spent on royal duties , and what will happen to their Commonwealth roles , charities and patronages .
A major issue is avoiding cashing in on their royal status - as the Countess of Wessex and Sarah , Duchess of York both faced criticism on this issue in the past .
This led to Sophie Wessex having to give up her PR job and work as a royal full-time .
Where they will live is also another issue and who will pay for their base in North America .
Frogmore Cottage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ footed by the taxpayer last year .
The Sandringham summit will be the first time the Queen has spoken in person to her grandson , Prince Harry , since the announcement .
Prince Charles has returned from Oman for the discussions after he attended a condolence ceremony after the death of Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said .
Prince Harry will travel to Sandringham from Frogmore Cottage in Windsor .
The couple 's statement on Wednesday , released on Instagram , announced their intention to `` step back '' as senior royals and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also plan to divide their time between the UK and North America , while `` continuing to honour our duty to the Queen , the Commonwealth , and our patronages '' .
If a deal is agreed in the next few days , it will take time to implement .
Meghan is currently in Canada with the couple 's baby son , Archie .
The family spent an extended six-week break in Canada over Christmas and the New Year .
In October 2019 , the couple revealed their struggles in the media spotlight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the couple made an application to trademark their Sussex Royal brand across items including books , calendars , clothing , charitable fundraising , education and social care services and they launched a new website last week .
Get breaking news first on the free Manchester Evening News app - download it here for your Apple or Android device .
You can also get a round-up of the biggest stories sent direct to your inbox every day with the MEN email newsletter - subscribe here .
And you can follow us on Facebook @ @

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The Queen and senior royals are meeting at Sandringham later today to thrash out the future roles of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
The meeting will be attended by Prince Harry, Prince William and Prince Charles as well as the monarch, with Meghan joining via a phone call from Canada.
Last week, the couple released a bombshell statement on Instagram announcing their intention to step back as senior members of the royal family and to work towards financial independence.
But their attempt at carving out a progressive new role within the royal family is fraught with questions.
Among the issues on the table are likely to be what funding the couple will receive, whether they will retain their titles of Duke and Duchess of Sussex and what royal duties they will be expected to carry out.
The Prince of Wales currently pays for most of their official duties and some of their privates costs through his £21m a year income from the Duchy of Cornwall.
Taxpayers foot the bill for official travel through the Sovereign Grant.
(Image: PA)
They will need to work out how many official engagements they will carry out and what proportion of their time will be spent on royal duties, and what will happen to their Commonwealth roles, charities and patronages.
A major issue is avoiding cashing in on their royal status - as the Countess of Wessex and Sarah, Duchess of York both faced criticism on this issue in the past.
This led to Sophie Wessex having to give up her PR job and work as a royal full-time.
(Image: David Dyson)
Where they will live is also another issue and who will pay for their base in North America.
Frogmore Cottage was renovated at a cost of £2.4m footed by the taxpayer last year.
The Sandringham summit will be the first time the Queen has spoken in person to her grandson, Prince Harry, since the announcement.
Prince Charles has returned from Oman for the discussions after he attended a condolence ceremony after the death of Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said.
Prince Harry will travel to Sandringham from Frogmore Cottage in Windsor.
(Image: sussexroyal/Instagram)
The couple's statement on Wednesday, released on Instagram, announced their intention to "step back" as senior royals and work towards becoming financially independent.
They also plan to divide their time between the UK and North America, while "continuing to honour our duty to the Queen, the Commonwealth, and our patronages".
If a deal is agreed in the next few days, it will take time to implement.
(Image: Getty Images)
Meghan is currently in Canada with the couple's baby son, Archie.
The family spent an extended six-week break in Canada over Christmas and the New Year.
In October 2019, the couple revealed their struggles in the media spotlight in an ITV documentary.
Last month, the couple made an application to trademark their Sussex Royal brand across items including books, calendars, clothing, charitable fundraising, education and social care services and they launched a new website last week.
Get breaking news first on the free Manchester Evening News app - download it here for your Apple or Android device. You can also get a round-up of the biggest stories sent direct to your inbox every day with the MEN email newsletter - subscribe here . And you can follow us on Facebook here .


themanchestereveningnews--2020-01-14--Manchester United have the perfect matchwinner to face Liverpool FC

This weekend , Manchester United will be faced with arguably the toughest test in the Premier League at the moment .
Liverpool are currently top of the table by a whopping 14 points .
Jurgen Klopp 's side have won 20 of their 21 fixtures and are yet to taste defeat this campaign .
Moreover , Liverpool have n't lost at Anfield in league competition since Crystal Palace 's visit on April 23 , 2017 .
Obviously , the task at hand appears very difficult for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer yet the United boss may seek inspiration from one player in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ club have remained unbeaten for such an extended period largely because the team have a distinct lack of weaknesses .
Virtually every side has a fairly obvious downfall on the pitch .
Manchester City , for example , are similar to Liverpool in the sense that opposing teams are usually dominated .
Pep Guardiola 's men tend to shoot roughly 18.4 times per game in the Premier League this season , and face only 7.5 on the defensive side .
However , when those opposing shots do come , they tend to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opportunities usually come through breaking City 's press and counter-attacking into space , as shown below .
That is often the biggest downside to playing with an aggressive press without the ball but Klopp 's team are different .
Liverpool are arguably the best around when it comes to employing a high defensive line while also restricting the opposing team to shots that are difficult to convert .
Only 55 shots have found the target against the Anfield club this season , which is the best in the division .
For context , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by City on 70 .
When Liverpool faced Tottenham recently , Jose Mourinho 's players missed two relatively clear-cut opportunities within the space of eight minutes .
Son Heung-Min was the first to be presented with a scoring chance before hitting over the bar , and then Giovani Lo Celso hit wide despite taking his shot within the vicinity of the six-yard box , as shown below .
Liverpool only tend to allow opposing teams to take around 8.7 shots per match based on this season .
When those chances materialise , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Reds are to be stopped .
The mistakes are infrequent but when they happen , Klopp 's side simply have to be punished .
Who 's capable of making the difference against Liverpool ?
Marcus Rashford is the player in question .
The United man is capable of finding the net from tight angles , and he 's showcased his finishing ability previously against Sunday 's opponents .
When the two rivals last met at Old Trafford in October , Rashford took two shots with one of those being scored .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against Liverpool and both found the net .
He has also settled a number of other big games , including against City in 2016 and Tottenham in 2019 .
Also , since the start of last season , he 's scored as many Premier League goals from outside the box as he has from inside the six-yard box .
Rashford tends to hit the target with his shots around 48.5 per cent of the time , and he 's also capable of striking the ball cleanly with power and technique .
Ultimately , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ although that does derive from their defence , it also stems from the lack of composure and poor finishing of opposing attackers .
If United are to return from Merseyside on Sunday with something to show for their efforts , then it 's crucial that any shots created are converted , as those do n't often emerge , especially at Anfield .

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This weekend, Manchester United will be faced with arguably the toughest test in the Premier League at the moment.
Liverpool are currently top of the table by a whopping 14 points. Jurgen Klopp's side have won 20 of their 21 fixtures and are yet to taste defeat this campaign.
Moreover, Liverpool haven't lost at Anfield in league competition since Crystal Palace's visit on April 23, 2017.
Obviously, the task at hand appears very difficult for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer yet the United boss may seek inspiration from one player in particular, but who?
The Merseyside club have remained unbeaten for such an extended period largely because the team have a distinct lack of weaknesses.
Virtually every side has a fairly obvious downfall on the pitch. Manchester City, for example, are similar to Liverpool in the sense that opposing teams are usually dominated.
Pep Guardiola's men tend to shoot roughly 18.4 times per game in the Premier League this season, and face only 7.5 on the defensive side.
However, when those opposing shots do come, they tend to be clear-cut and relatively easy to score because opportunities usually come through breaking City's press and counter-attacking into space, as shown below.
That is often the biggest downside to playing with an aggressive press without the ball but Klopp's team are different.
Liverpool are arguably the best around when it comes to employing a high defensive line while also restricting the opposing team to shots that are difficult to convert.
Only 55 shots have found the target against the Anfield club this season, which is the best in the division. For context, Chelsea are second-best on 65, followed by City on 70.
When Liverpool faced Tottenham recently, Jose Mourinho's players missed two relatively clear-cut opportunities within the space of eight minutes.
Son Heung-Min was the first to be presented with a scoring chance before hitting over the bar, and then Giovani Lo Celso hit wide despite taking his shot within the vicinity of the six-yard box, as shown below.
Liverpool only tend to allow opposing teams to take around 8.7 shots per match based on this season. When those chances materialise, it's imperative that they are taken if the Reds are to be stopped.
The mistakes are infrequent but when they happen, Klopp's side simply have to be punished.
Who's capable of making the difference against Liverpool? Marcus Rashford is the player in question.
The United man is capable of finding the net from tight angles, and he's showcased his finishing ability previously against Sunday's opponents.
When the two rivals last met at Old Trafford in October, Rashford took two shots with one of those being scored. In March 2018, Rashford hit two shots against Liverpool and both found the net. He has also settled a number of other big games, including against City in 2016 and Tottenham in 2019.
Also, since the start of last season, he's scored as many Premier League goals from outside the box as he has from inside the six-yard box.
Rashford tends to hit the target with his shots around 48.5 per cent of the time, and he's also capable of striking the ball cleanly with power and technique.
Ultimately, Liverpool aren't punished often enough and although that does derive from their defence, it also stems from the lack of composure and poor finishing of opposing attackers.
If United are to return from Merseyside on Sunday with something to show for their efforts, then it's crucial that any shots created are converted, as those don't often emerge, especially at Anfield.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-01-14--This is what will happen to Platinum Business Park site

Buildings last used by an arms manufacturer are set to be knocked down to make way for four new industrial units .
The site in Lostock Industrial Estate , known as Platinum Business Park , was previously occupied by MBDA Missile Systems but has been vacant since the company relocated some years ago .
Now an office furniture building wants to expand its business by creating a new purpose-built unit next to its existing office .
The application submitted by Gresham Office Furniture has now been approved by the council .
A further three units have been proposed on a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the application submitted by Gresham Office Furniture .
It said : “ The proposals constitute sustainable development by reusing this existing brownfield site to deliver high quality design in both appearance and layout which will secure the long term future of this employment site.
” “ The development will also create significant employment opportunities in an accessible location within a borough where unemployment figures remain higher than both the Greater Manchester and UK averages.
” The 2.3-hectare site east of the M61 sits between Middlebrook Retail and Leisure Park and the University of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bolton Wanders ’ football academy on the other .
It is located to the south of Destinology , a luxury , tailor-made holiday company .

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Buildings last used by an arms manufacturer are set to be knocked down to make way for four new industrial units.
The site in Lostock Industrial Estate, known as Platinum Business Park, was previously occupied by MBDA Missile Systems but has been vacant since the company relocated some years ago.
Now an office furniture building wants to expand its business by creating a new purpose-built unit next to its existing office.
The application submitted by Gresham Office Furniture has now been approved by the council.
A further three units have been proposed on a “speculative basis”, according to the application submitted by Gresham Office Furniture.
It said: “The proposals constitute sustainable development by reusing this existing brownfield site to deliver high quality design in both appearance and layout which will secure the long term future of this employment site.”
(Image: Google)
“The development will also create significant employment opportunities in an accessible location within a borough where unemployment figures remain higher than both the Greater Manchester and UK averages.”
The 2.3-hectare site east of the M61 sits between Middlebrook Retail and Leisure Park and the University of Bolton Stadium on one side and the Bolton Wanders’ football academy on the other.
It is located to the south of Destinology, a luxury, tailor-made holiday company.
The previous occupant, MBDA Missiile Systems, employs more than 10,000 people across Europe and produces 45 different products - including surface-to-air missiles which are used by UK and US military as well as countries around the world.
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To keep up to date with all that is happening in the area, and to join in the discussion, follow the page here.