themanchestereveningnews--2020-10-09--Roy Keane picked the wrong target in his latest Manchester United rant

It was quite a broad group of players that Roy Keane was taking to task on Thursday night , as he accused the Manchester United squad of trying to claim another victim from the dugout .
Keane did n't hold back , unsurprisingly , when he swapped his Sky Sports studio for ITV and perhaps the terrestrial broadcaster wanted a bit of that classic Keane punditry for their buck , the type that fits perfectly into a social media video and is reproduced all across the internet , such as here .
The former United captain can be an astute @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but nobody in the business does a better Mr Angry and on Thursday he was still livid at the 6-1 defeat his old club suffered to Tottenham on Sunday .
So in his role as a pundit for an international friendly Keane was asked about United , obviously , and his brow furrowed .
The gaze became narrower and everybody knew what was coming .
“ I 've been saying it for the last 12 months , year and a half ... their performance against Spurs was disgraceful , '' he said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ football .
Some of the players were a disgrace to the Man United badge .
`` Disgraceful .
Too many bluffers and , ultimately , these players will cost Ole his job .
The players he has got there - they threw the previous manager [ Jose Mourinho ] under the bus [ and ] they will do the same to Ole . ''
It 's difficult to know exactly where to start with that diatribe , but perhaps with the assertion that Keane has been saying this `` for the last 12 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , because he has n't .
He 's said similar things to this during that period , usually when United lose .
Yet when they were winning he was praising the team , especially the forwards .
In June he launched a strong defence of Paul Pogba .
“ Obviously Pogba has had his critics because he is so talented , ” he told the Sunday Independent .
`` If you are not performing week in , week out people are going to get on your back .
I always say there is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because a player is having a difficult time doesn ’ t mean they aren ’ t giving their all .
Sometimes a player might be carrying a few knocks .
Players lose a little bit of confidence . ''
But apparently , these players are now `` bluffers '' , rather than potentially having a difficult time , or carrying a few knocks , or losing a bit of confidence .
Nobody is trying to claim this United squad is perfect .
It 's evidently not .
There are issues with the quality @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also clearly a side who have lost their confidence and are n't yet fully fit .
The performance on Sunday was an embarrassment , but it was n't just the fault of the players .
As Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has already said , the manager must take a good proportion of the blame .
The biggest problem with Keane 's claim that the players are trying to throw a second successive manager under the bus is that the squad has changed considerably since Mourinho was plucked from under the double-decker and dismissed .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ only David de Gea , Victor Lindelof , Luke Shaw , Nemanja Matic , Paul Pogba , Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial were involved in the final weeks of the Mourinho era .
A lot of those players who under-performed under Mourinho have been sold and the squad transformed with a general injection of youth .
United 's momentum from the end of last season has vanished and it could be that unbeaten run was simply masking problems that still exist .
The players are by no means blameless in this latest mess @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to accuse them of throwing another manager to the sharks .
But sometimes simplistic gets the views .

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It was quite a broad group of players that Roy Keane was taking to task on Thursday night, as he accused the Manchester United squad of trying to claim another victim from the dugout.
Keane didn't hold back, unsurprisingly, when he swapped his Sky Sports studio for ITV and perhaps the terrestrial broadcaster wanted a bit of that classic Keane punditry for their buck, the type that fits perfectly into a social media video and is reproduced all across the internet, such as here.
The former United captain can be an astute pundit when he wants to be, but nobody in the business does a better Mr Angry and on Thursday he was still livid at the 6-1 defeat his old club suffered to Tottenham on Sunday.
So in his role as a pundit for an international friendly Keane was asked about United, obviously, and his brow furrowed. The gaze became narrower and everybody knew what was coming.
“I've been saying it for the last 12 months, year and a half... their performance against Spurs was disgraceful," he said. "You all have bad days in football. Some of the players were a disgrace to the Man United badge.
"Disgraceful. Too many bluffers and, ultimately, these players will cost Ole his job. The players he has got there - they threw the previous manager [Jose Mourinho] under the bus [and] they will do the same to Ole."
It's difficult to know exactly where to start with that diatribe, but perhaps with the assertion that Keane has been saying this "for the last 12 months, year and a half", because he hasn't.
He's said similar things to this during that period, usually when United lose. Yet when they were winning he was praising the team, especially the forwards. In June he launched a strong defence of Paul Pogba.
“Obviously Pogba has had his critics because he is so talented,” he told the Sunday Independent. "If you are not performing week in, week out people are going to get on your back. I always say there is a compliment in that.
“Just because a player is having a difficult time doesn’t mean they aren’t giving their all. Sometimes a player might be carrying a few knocks. Players lose a little bit of confidence."
But apparently, these players are now "bluffers", rather than potentially having a difficult time, or carrying a few knocks, or losing a bit of confidence.
Nobody is trying to claim this United squad is perfect. It's evidently not. There are issues with the quality and the depth, but this is also clearly a side who have lost their confidence and aren't yet fully fit. The performance on Sunday was an embarrassment, but it wasn't just the fault of the players. As Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has already said, the manager must take a good proportion of the blame.
The biggest problem with Keane's claim that the players are trying to throw a second successive manager under the bus is that the squad has changed considerably since Mourinho was plucked from under the double-decker and dismissed.
Of the regulars in Solskjaer's side only David de Gea, Victor Lindelof, Luke Shaw, Nemanja Matic, Paul Pogba, Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial were involved in the final weeks of the Mourinho era. A lot of those players who under-performed under Mourinho have been sold and the squad transformed with a general injection of youth.
United's momentum from the end of last season has vanished and it could be that unbeaten run was simply masking problems that still exist. The players are by no means blameless in this latest mess, but it's far too simplistic to accuse them of throwing another manager to the sharks. But sometimes simplistic gets the views.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-10-09--Funding to protect futures of cultural gems through Covid-19 pandemic

Cultural gems and heritage organisations across Greater Manchester are set to receive lifeline Government funding .
The financial windfall is designed to help secure their futures through the coronavirus pandemic .
A share of funding worth £103million will benefit 445 heritage organisations and cherished cultural sites in total across England .
The funding is designed to enable them to carry out repair and maintenance work - and ultimately keep the venues up and running .
Iconic Victoria Baths , the Grade II-listed bathhouse in Chorlton-on-Medlock , will get £156,500 .
Opened in 1906 , Victoria Baths was described as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the Turkish Baths suite , which contained a steam room , a rest room , three hot rooms , a shampooing room , and a shower room .
After 87 years , the baths closed its doors in 1993 , leaving many residents wondering if the building would ever be reopened .
But after winning BBC series Restoration , the baths have since played host to A-list celebrities including Tom Hardy and Sean Bean , as well as being used as a location for the hit TV series Peaky Blinders .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Franciscan church and friary - and described as architect Edward Pugin 's gothic masterpiece - the monastery was deconsecrated when the Franciscans left in 1989 and left derelict for many years , until it was saved from ruin by local volunteers .
The trust responsible for Elizabeth Gaskell 's House will get £49,700 .
The popular author lived in the building at 84 Plymouth Grove in Chorlton-on-Medlock from 1850 until her death in 1865 .
The Grade II-listed property is where Elizabeth wrote some of her most famous novels , such as Cranford @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she entertained guests , including Charlotte Bronte and Charles Dickens .
An appeal to restore the author 's bedroom to the way it was has recently been launched .
- The Apostolic Order of St Hadrian of Canterbury - £21,600 Sites across the country to benefit from the Government 's Culture Recovery Fund include landmarks such as Gloucester Cathedral , Downton Abbey filming location Highclere Castle , Blackpool 's Winter Gardens and the Severn Valley Railway .
Organisations welcomed the funding as an 'essential lifeline ' to ensure heritage sites can remain open @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said : `` As a nation , it is essential that we preserve our heritage and celebrate and learn from our past .
`` This massive support package will protect our shared heritage for future generations , save jobs and help us prepare for a cultural bounceback post-Covid . ''
Grants are between £10,000 and £1m with a further round of up to £3 million due to be announced imminently .
Twelve organisations - including English Heritage , Landmark Trust , Historic Royal Palaces and the Canal and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restart construction and maintenance projects .
The Architectural Heritage Fund ( AHF ) has also been awarded a grant from the Culture Recovery Fund through Historic England .
The AHF will use the money to support charities and social enterprises occupying historic buildings to develop new business plans and strategies for organisations affected by the pandemic .
Lucy Worsley , chief curator at Historic Royal Palaces , said : `` There 's no truer way to experience the past than to walk in the footsteps of those who have lived it - that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so important . ''

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Cultural gems and heritage organisations across Greater Manchester are set to receive lifeline Government funding.
They include Gorton Monastery and Victoria Baths.
The financial windfall is designed to help secure their futures through the coronavirus pandemic.
A share of funding worth £103million will benefit 445 heritage organisations and cherished cultural sites in total across England.
The funding is designed to enable them to carry out repair and maintenance work - and ultimately keep the venues up and running.
Iconic Victoria Baths, the Grade II-listed bathhouse in Chorlton-on-Medlock, will get £156,500.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Opened in 1906, Victoria Baths was described as a 'water palace' housing three swimming pools and the Turkish Baths suite, which contained a steam room, a rest room, three hot rooms, a shampooing room, and a shower room.
After 87 years, the baths closed its doors in 1993, leaving many residents wondering if the building would ever be reopened.
Sign up to the free MEN email newsletter Get the latest updates from across Greater Manchester direct to your inbox with the free MEN newsletter You can sign up very simply by following the instructions here
But after winning BBC series Restoration, the baths have since played host to A-list celebrities including Tom Hardy and Sean Bean, as well as being used as a location for the hit TV series Peaky Blinders. A restoration project is ongoing.
Much-loved East Manchester landmark Gorton Monastery will get £691,800.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Once a Franciscan church and friary - and described as architect Edward Pugin's gothic masterpiece - the monastery was deconsecrated when the Franciscans left in 1989 and left derelict for many years, until it was saved from ruin by local volunteers.
The trust responsible for Elizabeth Gaskell's House will get £49,700.
The popular author lived in the building at 84 Plymouth Grove in Chorlton-on-Medlock from 1850 until her death in 1865.
The Grade II-listed property is where Elizabeth wrote some of her most famous novels, such as Cranford and North and South, and where she entertained guests, including Charlotte Bronte and Charles Dickens.
An appeal to restore the author's bedroom to the way it was has recently been launched.
(Image: Men)
Other beneficiaries in Manchester include:
- The Modernist Society CIC - £30,000
- The Apostolic Order of St Hadrian of Canterbury - £21,600
- Leigh Building Preservation Trust - £51,400
- Creative Mind in Bolton -£53,300
- Maysand Ltd, Oldham - £250,000
- Manchester Histories - £46,600
- Parish of Stockport and Brinnington - £33,400.
Sites across the country to benefit from the Government's Culture Recovery Fund include landmarks such as Gloucester Cathedral, Downton Abbey filming location Highclere Castle, Blackpool's Winter Gardens and the Severn Valley Railway.
(Image: PA)
Organisations welcomed the funding as an 'essential lifeline' to ensure heritage sites can remain open following the financial hit caused by Covid-19.
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said: "As a nation, it is essential that we preserve our heritage and celebrate and learn from our past.
"This massive support package will protect our shared heritage for future generations, save jobs and help us prepare for a cultural bounceback post-Covid."
Grants are between £10,000 and £1m with a further round of up to £3 million due to be announced imminently.
Twelve organisations - including English Heritage, Landmark Trust, Historic Royal Palaces and the Canal and River Trust - will receive £34m to restart construction and maintenance projects.
The Architectural Heritage Fund (AHF) has also been awarded a grant from the Culture Recovery Fund through Historic England.
The AHF will use the money to support charities and social enterprises occupying historic buildings to develop new business plans and strategies for organisations affected by the pandemic.
Lucy Worsley, chief curator at Historic Royal Palaces, said: "There's no truer way to experience the past than to walk in the footsteps of those who have lived it - that's why preserving our built heritage is so important."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-10-09--Man City are finally getting a boost from the international break

You can imagine the reaction of Pep Guardiola and Manchester City when the decision was made to squeeze in an extra fixture during the current international break .
With national football associations feeling the effects of the global pandemic as much as clubs all over the world , they were given the choice to play three games in the space of a week , rather than two .
It left a City player who was called up for his country facing the possibility of a game every three days between October and Christmas if he was picked for every squad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ never one to pass up an opportunity to criticise the amount of games that players are required to play , it 's not difficult to work out how he will have viewed the current international break - especially given City 's injury problems already this season .
So with the first round of the three fixtures completed , it 's safe to assume Guardiola 's mood will be better , with national managers seemingly aware of the pressure the extra game would place on their players .
For example , when England beat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the matchday squad .
Kyle Walker was left out completely - presumably to rest him for the upcoming Nations League games .
Although after his red card at Iceland , perhaps it was a punishment from Gareth Southgate .
Speaking of punishments , the decision not to call up Phil Foden is a wake-up call for him , but a boost for Guardiola , who has used Foden more than most in the opening five games of the season .
Two weeks rest and training can only benefit him .
The injury @ @ @ @ @ @ @ withdraw from England duty is not thought to be too serious , meaning he too can get some rest , recover , and hopefully be available for the Premier League visit of Arsenal .
Like Walker , there was no Kevin de Bruyne in the Belgium squad to face Ivory Coast on Thursday , as managers seem careful not to overwork their senior players .
In fairness , even the players who played for their countries the night before were managed carefully .
Only Joao Cancelo played the full 90 minutes in Spain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can be seen as a boost for Guardiola as the full-back has been out so far this season for City .
Bernardo , himself coming back to fitness , and Ruben Dias , both played 45 minutes , while Rodri and Eric Garcia did not complete the full game .
Ferran Torres was on the bench , while Nathan Ake played 45 minutes for the Netherlands .
Even Riyad Mahrez , who would be expected to play a key role in Algeria 's friendly with Nigeria on Friday , is only in Austria @ @ @ @ @ @ @ less travel implications to worry about .
And back at the CFA , Guardiola can see his squad getting stronger by the day .
Aymeric Laporte gets two weeks to work on his fitness after being inexplicably overlooked for France again - even when Dayot Upamecano withdrew through illness and Didier Deschamps replaced him with Kurt Zouma this week .
Sergio Aguero is back training with the team , John Stones can continue to put his head down along with Foden and Benjamin Mendy .
Ilkay Gundogan and Aleks Zinchenko are two others @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up fitness , meaning Guardiola is likely to have a stronger squad after the break than before it .
And finally , he looks to be getting some help from international managers , too .
If you submit your email in the form above you 'll receive our free daily MCFC newsletter with all the latest breaking news and analysis , sent straight to your inbox .
If you ca n't see the form above , click here .

You can imagine the reaction of Pep Guardiola and Manchester City when the decision was made to squeeze in an extra fixture during the current international break.
With national football associations feeling the effects of the global pandemic as much as clubs all over the world, they were given the choice to play three games in the space of a week, rather than two.
It left a City player who was called up for his country facing the possibility of a game every three days between October and Christmas if he was picked for every squad for club and country.
With Guardiola never one to pass up an opportunity to criticise the amount of games that players are required to play, it's not difficult to work out how he will have viewed the current international break - especially given City's injury problems already this season.
So with the first round of the three fixtures completed, it's safe to assume Guardiola's mood will be better, with national managers seemingly aware of the pressure the extra game would place on their players.
For example, when England beat Wales, there were no City players in the matchday squad. Kyle Walker was left out completely - presumably to rest him for the upcoming Nations League games. Although after his red card at Iceland, perhaps it was a punishment from Gareth Southgate.
Speaking of punishments, the decision not to call up Phil Foden is a wake-up call for him, but a boost for Guardiola, who has used Foden more than most in the opening five games of the season. Two weeks rest and training can only benefit him.
The injury to Raheem Sterling that forced him to withdraw from England duty is not thought to be too serious, meaning he too can get some rest, recover, and hopefully be available for the Premier League visit of Arsenal.
Like Walker, there was no Kevin de Bruyne in the Belgium squad to face Ivory Coast on Thursday, as managers seem careful not to overwork their senior players. In fairness, even the players who played for their countries the night before were managed carefully.
Only Joao Cancelo played the full 90 minutes in Spain's goalless draw with Portugal, which can be seen as a boost for Guardiola as the full-back has been out so far this season for City. Bernardo, himself coming back to fitness, and Ruben Dias, both played 45 minutes, while Rodri and Eric Garcia did not complete the full game. Ferran Torres was on the bench, while Nathan Ake played 45 minutes for the Netherlands.
Even Riyad Mahrez, who would be expected to play a key role in Algeria's friendly with Nigeria on Friday, is only in Austria for that game, so there are less travel implications to worry about.
And back at the CFA, Guardiola can see his squad getting stronger by the day. Aymeric Laporte gets two weeks to work on his fitness after being inexplicably overlooked for France again - even when Dayot Upamecano withdrew through illness and Didier Deschamps replaced him with Kurt Zouma this week.
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Sergio Aguero is back training with the team, John Stones can continue to put his head down along with Foden and Benjamin Mendy. Ilkay Gundogan and Aleks Zinchenko are two others who can use the time to build up fitness, meaning Guardiola is likely to have a stronger squad after the break than before it.
And finally, he looks to be getting some help from international managers, too.
If you submit your email in the form above you'll receive our free daily MCFC newsletter with all the latest breaking news and analysis, sent straight to your inbox. If you can't see the form above, click here.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-10-09--This is the mum with a 'heart of gold' who died after being hit by car

Tributes have been paid to a mum-of-four who died after being hit by a car in Oldham .
Hannah Smith , 33 , was struck by a white Vauxhall Corsa on Lees Road in the early hours of Sunday 20 September .
She was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries , where she sadly died on Tuesday ( October 6 ) .
Her family say she underwent several rounds of surgery and was placed on a life support machine for just over two weeks .
This week they made the heartbreaking decision to turn switch the machines off , after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could do for her .
Her family and close friends have paid tribute to the 'lovely ' mum , who was described as the life of every party .
Hannah , who lived with her partner Ste in Shaw , also leaves behind seven sisters and one brother .
Her older sister , Georgina Smith , said : `` She was funny and outgoing .
She was the life of the party and a bit of a joker .
`` She is one of eight sisters and a brother and we are all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ devastating for us all .
`` Hannah loved any kind of animal , especially horses as she used to have one of her own .
We are hoping to get one for her funeral . ''
Jamieleigh Jackson described her best friend as a woman with a 'heart of gold . '
`` Hannah was in hospital and had seven rounds of surgery and she was put on a life support machine , '' she said .
`` She just started to deteriorate and was n't herself anymore .
`` The family had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ best for , and the doctors said it would be best to turn the machines off .
`` She was breathing on her own for an hour and took her last breath on Tuesday .
`` As much as we knew how serious it was we all rang each other every day and there was that small glimmer of hope .
`` Although we knew to expect the worst it is still heartbreaking . ''
Jamieleigh has set up a gofundme page to help Hannah 's family pay for the costs towards a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we want to get her a horse and cart for her funeral , '' she said .
`` Obviously that costs a lot of money but we want to give her the funeral she deserves because she was such a nice person .
`` She was such a happy person , she loves her family and friends .
She adored her partner . ''
Dozens of floral tributes have been left at the scene of the collision on Lees Road , following the news of Hannah 's death .
Police said the driver @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the scene and the car had since been recovered by officers in the Oldham area .
A 22-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and was released under investigation .
Police are appealing for information about the collision , and are urging witnesses to come forward .
Sergeant Darren Hancock , of GMP 's Serious Collision Investigation Unit , said : `` Firstly , I would like to say that our thoughts have remained with the victim 's loved ones throughout what has been a devastating time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ongoing so I would like to use this opportunity to re-appeal to anyone with information or dash cam footage who has not already contacted us to do so as soon as possible . ''
Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 4741 quoting 479 of 20/09/20 or the independent charity - Crimestoppers , anonymously , on 0800 555 111 .

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Tributes have been paid to a mum-of-four who died after being hit by a car in Oldham.
Hannah Smith, 33, was struck by a white Vauxhall Corsa on Lees Road in the early hours of Sunday 20 September.
She was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries, where she sadly died on Tuesday (October 6).
Her family say she underwent several rounds of surgery and was placed on a life support machine for just over two weeks.
This week they made the heartbreaking decision to turn switch the machines off, after doctors said there was little more they could do for her.
(Image: Jamieleigh Jackson)
Her family and close friends have paid tribute to the 'lovely' mum, who was described as the life of every party.
Hannah, who lived with her partner Ste in Shaw, also leaves behind seven sisters and one brother.
Her older sister, Georgina Smith, said: "She was funny and outgoing. She was the life of the party and a bit of a joker.
"She is one of eight sisters and a brother and we are all really close - it has been absolutely devastating for us all.
"Hannah loved any kind of animal, especially horses as she used to have one of her own. We are hoping to get one for her funeral."
Jamieleigh Jackson described her best friend as a woman with a 'heart of gold.'
(Image: Jamieleigh Jackson)
"Hannah was in hospital and had seven rounds of surgery and she was put on a life support machine," she said.
"She just started to deteriorate and wasn't herself anymore.
"The family had to get together and decide what was best for, and the doctors said it would be best to turn the machines off.
"She was breathing on her own for an hour and took her last breath on Tuesday.
"As much as we knew how serious it was we all rang each other every day and there was that small glimmer of hope.
"Although we knew to expect the worst it is still heartbreaking."
Jamieleigh has set up a gofundme page to help Hannah's family pay for the costs towards a funeral.
"She loved horses so we want to get her a horse and cart for her funeral," she said.
"Obviously that costs a lot of money but we want to give her the funeral she deserves because she was such a nice person.
"She was such a happy person, she loves her family and friends. She adored her partner."
Dozens of floral tributes have been left at the scene of the collision on Lees Road, following the news of Hannah's death.
Police said the driver of the Corsa failed to stop at the scene and the car had since been recovered by officers in the Oldham area.
(Image: Jamieleigh Jackson)
A 22-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and was released under investigation.
Police are appealing for information about the collision, and are urging witnesses to come forward.
Sergeant Darren Hancock, of GMP's Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: "Firstly, I would like to say that our thoughts have remained with the victim's loved ones throughout what has been a devastating time for them.
"Our enquiries are ongoing so I would like to use this opportunity to re-appeal to anyone with information or dash cam footage who has not already contacted us to do so as soon as possible."
Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 4741 quoting 479 of 20/09/20 or the independent charity - Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-10-09--Bailly, Cavani, Tuanzebe — Man United injury latest and return dates

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be praying his Manchester United squad remains injury free when they return from international duty .
Marcus Rashford and Harry Maguire are in Gareth Southgate 's England squad at the moment , while others like Anthony Martial , Victor Lindelof and Paul Pogba are away with their national teams .
Eric Bailly played for Ivory Coast in an international friendly and revealed his withdrawal against Belgium was just a precaution due to muscle fatigue .
But here is the very latest on United 's current injury concerns and when each player is expected back in action @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when they saw Bailly go down in Ivory Coast action , given the 26-year-old 's injury record in recent years .
But he put fans ' minds at rest by revealing his hamstring injury was nothing serious .
`` Thank you for worrying about me , but I ’ m doing well .
Just fatigue , '' he said .
He could even play a part for his country in their next international friendly against Japan on Tuesday , though failing that should be fine for United 's next league game versus Newcastle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in quarantine after his arrival in the United Kingdom , as per the current covid-19 guidlines .
The Uruguayan frontman is expected to miss the Premier League clash with Newcastle as a result , though updated fans on his fitness by posting a video on social media earlier this week .
Cavani looks fit and ready to go , though United will be without both him and the suspended Anthony Martial for the visit to St James ' Park on October 17th .
His debut could come against former club Paris Saint-Germain in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The name Tuanzebe has been on these injury lists for virtually the entire year .
It has been a tough time for the young centre-back , who is highly rated by Solskjaer .
But there may finally be light at the end of the tunnel .
Tuanzebe recently opened up about his injury torment , admitting it has been tough to watch others play in his stead .
He has n't played since December .
He said : “ You ’ re just looking at the other lads progressing , the games being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ games you ’ re missing and getting messages left , right and centre , asking when you ’ re coming back and stuff .
It ’ s tough in that respect , but I ’ ve had good people around me who have kept me going . ''
The 22-year-old is training with United 's main squad again and is likely to make his return after the international break .
Jones has n't featured for United since January and an unspecified injury prevented United from being able to move him on during the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from United 's Champions League group-phase squad along with Marcos Rojo and Sergio Romero on Thursday and his playing prospects , even when he returns to fitness , look bleak .

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be praying his Manchester United squad remains injury free when they return from international duty.
Marcus Rashford and Harry Maguire are in Gareth Southgate's England squad at the moment, while others like Anthony Martial, Victor Lindelof and Paul Pogba are away with their national teams.
Eric Bailly played for Ivory Coast in an international friendly and revealed his withdrawal against Belgium was just a precaution due to muscle fatigue.
But here is the very latest on United's current injury concerns and when each player is expected back in action:
Eric Bailly
United fans understandably feared the worst when they saw Bailly go down in Ivory Coast action, given the 26-year-old's injury record in recent years. But he put fans' minds at rest by revealing his hamstring injury was nothing serious.
"Thank you for worrying about me, but I’m doing well. Just fatigue," he said.
He could even play a part for his country in their next international friendly against Japan on Tuesday, though failing that should be fine for United's next league game versus Newcastle.
Expected return date for United: October 17th
Edinson Cavani
United's new No.7 is currently in quarantine after his arrival in the United Kingdom, as per the current covid-19 guidlines.
The Uruguayan frontman is expected to miss the Premier League clash with Newcastle as a result, though updated fans on his fitness by posting a video on social media earlier this week.
Cavani looks fit and ready to go, though United will be without both him and the suspended Anthony Martial for the visit to St James' Park on October 17th. His debut could come against former club Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League three days later.
Expected return date: October 20th
Axel Tuanzebe
The name Tuanzebe has been on these injury lists for virtually the entire year. It has been a tough time for the young centre-back, who is highly rated by Solskjaer. But there may finally be light at the end of the tunnel.
Tuanzebe recently opened up about his injury torment, admitting it has been tough to watch others play in his stead. He hasn't played since December.
He said: “You’re just looking at the other lads progressing, the games being played, just counting the amount of games you’re missing and getting messages left, right and centre, asking when you’re coming back and stuff. It’s tough in that respect, but I’ve had good people around me who have kept me going."
The 22-year-old is training with United's main squad again and is likely to make his return after the international break.
Expected return date: October 17th (at the earliest)
Phil Jones
Jones hasn't featured for United since January and an unspecified injury prevented United from being able to move him on during the summer transfer window.
He was omitted from United's Champions League group-phase squad along with Marcos Rojo and Sergio Romero on Thursday and his playing prospects, even when he returns to fitness, look bleak.
Expected return date: Unknown


themanchestereveningnews--2020-10-09--Crewe Alex vs Wigan Athletic: How to watch, streaming details and match odds

Wigan Athletic are back in League One action this weekend when they travel to take on Crewe Alexandra .
John Sheridan 's Latics travel the short distance to Cheshire to take on David Artell 's men .
Wigan head into the clash aiming for their third successive victory in League One having recently claimed three points against Portsmouth and Doncaster Rovers .
They take on a Crewe side which are yet to play so far in October after last weekend 's game against Oxford United was postponed due to positive coronavirus tests being returned within the Railwaymen camp .
Four @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the illness , while Wigan defenders Nathan Cameron and Adam Long are doing the same after contracting Covid-19 , though both are asymptomatic and are feeling well .
Wigan head into the game sitting 10th , three points and 10 places ahead of Crewe , having played a game more .
Like other matches played so far this season , the game will be played behind closed doors with fans not permitted to attend .
But the game is available to watch and we 've put together a guide of how you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ match ?
The League One fixture between Crewe Alexandra and Wigan Athletic kicks off at the Alexandra Stadium at 3pm on Saturday , October 10 .
How can I watch the game ?
The match is being played behind closed doors and supporters are not permitted to attend .
However , the match is being streamed live on Latics TV .
A match pass costs £10 for fans in the UK and £7 for those watching overseas .
This can be streamed on a laptop and then hooked up to a television using @ @ @ @ @ @ @ information and to purchase a pass , click here .
What happened the last times these two sides played one another ?
These two sides last locked horns in January 2016 in League One and the honours were shared due to a 1-1 draw .
Reece Wabara gave Wigan the lead before home side Crewe equalised through Brad Inman before half-time .
It was the last meetings of three that season between the two sides .
Wigan beat Crewe 1-0 at the DW Stadium in the reverse game thanks to Michael Jacobs , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wildschut 's goal gave the Latics a 3-2 victory in the Johnstone 's Paint Trophy at Gresty Road .
Marcus Haber and Ryan Colclough replied for the Railwaymen .
What are the match odds ?
According to The Pools , a Crewe victory is priced at 6/5 , while Wigan are 21/10 to emerge from the game at full-time with all three points .

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Wigan Athletic are back in League One action this weekend when they travel to take on Crewe Alexandra.
John Sheridan's Latics travel the short distance to Cheshire to take on David Artell's men.
Wigan head into the clash aiming for their third successive victory in League One having recently claimed three points against Portsmouth and Doncaster Rovers.
They take on a Crewe side which are yet to play so far in October after last weekend's game against Oxford United was postponed due to positive coronavirus tests being returned within the Railwaymen camp.
Four Crewe players are self-isolating after testing positive for the illness, while Wigan defenders Nathan Cameron and Adam Long are doing the same after contracting Covid-19, though both are asymptomatic and are feeling well.
Wigan head into the game sitting 10th, three points and 10 places ahead of Crewe, having played a game more.
Like other matches played so far this season, the game will be played behind closed doors with fans not permitted to attend.
But the game is available to watch and we've put together a guide of how you can see it.
When is the match?
The League One fixture between Crewe Alexandra and Wigan Athletic kicks off at the Alexandra Stadium at 3pm on Saturday, October 10.
How can I watch the game?
The match is being played behind closed doors and supporters are not permitted to attend.
However, the match is being streamed live on Latics TV. A match pass costs £10 for fans in the UK and £7 for those watching overseas.
This can be streamed on a laptop and then hooked up to a television using a standard HDMI cable.
For more information and to purchase a pass, click here.
What happened the last times these two sides played one another?
These two sides last locked horns in January 2016 in League One and the honours were shared due to a 1-1 draw.
Reece Wabara gave Wigan the lead before home side Crewe equalised through Brad Inman before half-time.
It was the last meetings of three that season between the two sides.
Wigan beat Crewe 1-0 at the DW Stadium in the reverse game thanks to Michael Jacobs, while a Jordy Hiwula brace and Yanic Wildschut's goal gave the Latics a 3-2 victory in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy at Gresty Road. Marcus Haber and Ryan Colclough replied for the Railwaymen.
What are the match odds?
According to The Pools, a Crewe victory is priced at 6/5, while Wigan are 21/10 to emerge from the game at full-time with all three points.
A draw is priced at 5/2.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-10-09--When do the clocks change and go back in October 2020?

We 've reached the time of the year where the nights are drawing in and our days seems to go by in the blink of an eye .
Autumn is well and truly here after a pretty successful spring and summer of sun - even if we spent most of it in lockdown .
But it 's not just the change in weather we need to look at for as it 'll soon be time for the clocks to change too .
Every year , clocks go back in the build up to Christmas , and then go forward as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ takes place on the last Sunday of October every year and in 2020 it falls on Sunday , October 25 .
Daylight saving time ends at 2am on Sunday and clocks will go BACK one hour .
So make the most of that extra hours snooze .
Why do the clocks go back ?
The changing of the clocks goes back centuries and the initial idea was to save energy and get people out of their homes and into the big outdoors to enjoy the daylight hours .
In 1784 , it was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the clocks whilst he was in Paris .
His belief was that if people got out of bed earlier , they 'd get extra daylight .
And he makes a good point .
However , it was n't until 1916 that it was properly implemented in the UK when the first Daylight Saving Bill was brought before the House of Commons .
This is because despite it being discussed for a number of years , it was opposed the first time round .
In 1907 , a man named William Willett wrote a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hours of light during the summer called 'The Waste of Daylight ' .
As a keen golfer , he himself would become annoyed when it got too dark in the evening and he would have to stop play .
He , however , did n't get to see the change happen as he sadly died in 1915 .
It 's fair to say that for most of us , gone are the days of having to change the time by hand as we rely more and more on technology .
As long as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is connected to the Internet either by 4G or WiFi , the time will automatically change .
But do still remember to change those clocks and watches so you 're not late for any thing important you have planned .
When do the clocks go forward again ?
There 's a bit of time to wait until the clocks change again as we will move forward into British Summer Time next March .
By this time , we 'll be enjoying a bit more sunlight each day and hopefully we 'll have more @ @ @ @ @

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We've reached the time of the year where the nights are drawing in and our days seems to go by in the blink of an eye.
Autumn is well and truly here after a pretty successful spring and summer of sun - even if we spent most of it in lockdown.
But it's not just the change in weather we need to look at for as it'll soon be time for the clocks to change too.
Every year, clocks go back in the build up to Christmas, and then go forward as we approach Summer.
The important change takes place on the last Sunday of October every year and in 2020 it falls on Sunday, October 25.
Daylight saving time ends at 2am on Sunday and clocks will go BACK one hour.
So make the most of that extra hours snooze.
Why do the clocks go back?
The changing of the clocks goes back centuries and the initial idea was to save energy and get people out of their homes and into the big outdoors to enjoy the daylight hours.
In 1784, it was Benjamin Franklin who first campaigned to change the clocks whilst he was in Paris.
His belief was that if people got out of bed earlier, they'd get extra daylight. And he makes a good point.
However, it wasn't until 1916 that it was properly implemented in the UK when the first Daylight Saving Bill was brought before the House of Commons.
This is because despite it being discussed for a number of years, it was opposed the first time round.
In 1907, a man named William Willett wrote a whole pamphlet about how people wasted valuable hours of light during the summer called 'The Waste of Daylight'.
As a keen golfer, he himself would become annoyed when it got too dark in the evening and he would have to stop play.
He, however, didn't get to see the change happen as he sadly died in 1915.
Will my phone update automatically?
It's fair to say that for most of us, gone are the days of having to change the time by hand as we rely more and more on technology.
As long as your phone, tablet or other device is connected to the Internet either by 4G or WiFi, the time will automatically change.
But do still remember to change those clocks and watches so you're not late for any thing important you have planned.
When do the clocks go forward again?
There's a bit of time to wait until the clocks change again as we will move forward into British Summer Time next March.
More specifically, Sunday March 28.
By this time, we'll be enjoying a bit more sunlight each day and hopefully we'll have more time to spend outdoors.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-10-09--£250m town centre redevelopment delayed due to 'nesting kestrel'

The demolition of Bolton 's Crompton Place Shopping Centre could be delayed by five months because of a nesting kestrel in the Bolton Town Hall clock tower , a meeting has heard .
The centre is set to be cleared in 2021 to make way for a £250M new shopping housing and leisure complex .
Agreements have already been made with 66 of the 72 leaseholders or owners in the current centre to relocate or be compensated and demolition of the site , once it is vacant was due for January , 2021 .
However , a cabinet meeting heard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next March next year and any further delay would mean having to wait a further five months because of the ‘ falcon situation ’ .
Gerry Brough , Bolton Council 's director of place , told councillors : ” There ’ s a nesting kestrel in the clock tower of town hall and that determines what people can and can ’ t do in terms of noise around the vicinity of the town hall .
“ So demolition could not go ahead during the nesting season and that season runs from the end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we don ’ t meet the spring for vacant possession of the site and start demolition we will have to aim for September 2021 as clearly the nesting season will remain always remain the same .
“ It will be spring of next year or autumn .
It certainly won ’ t be summer.
” The meeting also agreed for steps to be put in place to compulsory purchase ‘ a small number of occupiers of Crompton Place whose expectations are unrealistic ’ should agreement with them not take place in the next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : “ There are 72 owners or leaseholders and we have reached agreement with 66 .
The last half dozen still have to strike a deal .
“ We ’ ve been negotiating with all the owners for some time and we ’ re at the point there ’ s just a handful left to reach a private treaty .
The compulsory purchase orders will be used if the last half dozen continue to be problematic in terms of reaching an agreement.
” Mr Brough said the timing of demolition depended on when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the Covid-19 pandemic meant that ‘ major retailers like Primark and Boots are in period of uncertainty which may encourage them to stay in centre longer than might otherwise be the case ’ .
Coun Martin Donaghy said that workers employed in the centre were ‘ in the dark ’ about when it would close .
He said : “ There were rumours circulating a few week ago staff were told this would be the last Christmas and they would be out of the building by January 2021 , then they heard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and then possibly they would still be there at the end of next summer “ How do we consult with these people in Crompton Place who seem to know nothing about the dates.
” Mr Brough , replied : “ We consult fully with owners and leaseholders not necessarily with employees of the shopping centre .
“ It ’ s for them to consult with employees and their shop manager .
Maybe they ’ re not getting information from the leaseholder.
” Plans for the site includes a 110-bedroom hotel , 150 homes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ retail , leisure , dining and events space , dubbed “ Bolton Works ” , designed for independent retailers and food operators and a dedicated space for small business start-ups .
Coun Nick Peel , leader of the council 's Labour group , told the meeting that there was public scepticism about the project and that Boltonians wanted to see ‘ cranes in the air and boots on the ground ’ with the project .
He said : “ We were told demolition would start in January and now there ’ s minimum @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could be slippage of eight months .
“ The council must be up front about any delays .
We all want this to be a resounding success .
It ’ s so important for our borough that this goes ahead.
” In response , council leader David Greenhalgh , said : “ Delays are hugely frustrating for everyone we will be as open and up front as we can .
We are doing our best to move it forward as best we can but nobody can put an accurate timescale until we have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ further contracts have been made with only a handful remaining .
We all want to silence the critics and deniers .
We deserve this project for our town .
”

newsdesk@men-news.co.uk (Chris Gee, Seamus McDonnell)

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The demolition of Bolton's Crompton Place Shopping Centre could be delayed by five months because of a nesting peregrine falcon in the Bolton Town Hall clock tower, a meeting has heard.
The centre is set to be cleared in 2021 to make way for a £250M new shopping housing and leisure complex.
Agreements have already been made with 66 of the 72 leaseholders or owners in the current centre to relocate or be compensated and demolition of the site, once it is vacant was due for January, 2021.
However, a cabinet meeting heard that had now slipped at best to next March next year and any further delay would mean having to wait a further five months because of the ‘falcon situation’.
Gerry Brough, Bolton Council's director of place, told councillors: ”There’s a nesting [peregrine falcon] in the clock tower of town hall and that determines what people can and can’t do in terms of noise around the vicinity of the town hall.
“So demolition could not go ahead during the nesting season and that season runs from the end of March until September.
“If we don’t meet the spring for vacant possession of the site and start demolition we will have to aim for September 2021 as clearly the nesting season will remain always remain the same.
“It will be spring of next year or autumn. It certainly won’t be summer.”
(Image: Copyright Unknown)
The meeting also agreed for steps to be put in place to compulsory purchase ‘a small number of occupiers of Crompton Place whose expectations are unrealistic’ should agreement with them not take place in the next few weeks.
Mr Brough, said: “There are 72 owners or leaseholders and we have reached agreement with 66. The last half dozen still have to strike a deal.
“We’ve been negotiating with all the owners for some time and we’re at the point there’s just a handful left to reach a private treaty. The compulsory purchase orders will be used if the last half dozen continue to be problematic in terms of reaching an agreement.”
Mr Brough said the timing of demolition depended on when the site would become vacant.
He said the Covid-19 pandemic meant that ‘major retailers like Primark and Boots are in period of uncertainty which may encourage them to stay in centre longer than might otherwise be the case’.
Coun Martin Donaghy said that workers employed in the centre were ‘in the dark’ about when it would close.
He said: “There were rumours circulating a few week ago staff were told this would be the last Christmas and they would be out of the building by January 2021, then they heard they would be still there and Easter and then possibly they would still be there at the end of next summer
“How do we consult with these people in Crompton Place who seem to know nothing about the dates.”
Mr Brough, replied: “We consult fully with owners and leaseholders not necessarily with employees of the shopping centre.
“It’s for them to consult with employees and their shop manager. Maybe they’re not getting information from the leaseholder.”
(Image: Copyright Unknown)
Plans for the site includes a 110-bedroom hotel, 150 homes, office space, and a mixed-use retail, leisure, dining and events space, dubbed “Bolton Works”, designed for independent retailers and food operators and a dedicated space for small business start-ups.
Coun Nick Peel, leader of the council's Labour group, told the meeting that there was public scepticism about the project and that Boltonians wanted to see ‘cranes in the air and boots on the ground’ with the project.
He said: “We were told demolition would start in January and now there’s minimum slippage of two months to March and could be slippage of eight months.
“The council must be up front about any delays. We all want this to be a resounding success. It’s so important for our borough that this goes ahead.”
In response, council leader David Greenhalgh, said: “Delays are hugely frustrating for everyone we will be as open and up front as we can. We are doing our best to move it forward as best we can but nobody can put an accurate timescale until we have full control of site.
"72 further contracts have been made with only a handful remaining. We all want to silence the critics and deniers. We deserve this project for our town.”


themanchestereveningnews--2020-10-09--John Cofie on joining Man Utd for £1m at 14, retiring at 27 and Pogba friendship

It ’ s almost lunchtime in the sleepy Ribble Valley countryside and the rain has been relentless all morning .
The picturesque Pendle Hill and surrounding fells are left to the imagination on a day like this , covered instead by dark and heavy clouds .
It ’ s the kind of day to sour the mood but inside a grey metal building with ‘ Moorland Football Academy ’ emblazoned on the side more than a dozen youngsters are pinging balls back and forth , their enthusiasm only matched by that of the coaches working with them .
Sheltered from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it ’ s creating , are Charlie Jackson , head of football at the private Moorland School in Clitheroe , and John Cofie , once a 14-year-old signed by Manchester United for £1million .
While Jackson oversees proceedings , Cofie works with a couple of youngsters , firing sharp passes back and forth , testing out their first touch , and vice versa .
He ’ s unlikely to fail in that regard .
Cofie ’ s career didn ’ t scale the heights expected of a teenager given that price tag .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ circle .
He “ fell out love ” with football and after underwhelming spells in Australia and the Philippines he ’ s called it a day , returning to the private school he attended as a teenager , serving under the coach who was a father figure to him .
Over almost an hour talking in an upstairs room above the indoor pitches the warmth between Cofie and Jackson is obvious , despite the 24-year age difference .
As we sit down the coach , who has played a vital role in developing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including Scott McTominay , chides his new coach and mentor as being a show-off when the cameras on , which causes a raised eyebrow from Cofie .
Later on Jackson will recall just how good a teenager Cofie was , before bringing the man who sits next to him back down to earth with a “ he ’ s worth about two quid now ” .
They have a natural connection .
Some might see Cofie , who played in the same United youth team as Paul Pogba , Jesse Lingard , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , returning to his old school to coach at what could have been the prime years of his career as a failure , but he doesn ’ t see it that way .
“ It wasn ’ t a hard decision , ” Cofie says of his retirement .
“ I wasn ’ t debating it for years , I just fell out of love with the game , I didn ’ t enjoy it anymore .
“ I enjoy life , I want to wake up everyday and be happy , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up and didn ’ t have any push in me going training .
I didn ’ t want to live my life like that anymore .
“ I ’ m an honest guy , I like to live my life honestly , if you know what goes on behind the scenes in football there ’ s no honesty there , it ’ s full of liars , that ’ s not something I wanted to be a part of .
I didn ’ t want to spend the rest of my life being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ myself.
” If it was as simple as a pitch , a few mates and a football Cofie said he “ would have played until he was 99 ” , but it wasn ’ t like that .
His experiences of the industry , good and bad , but definitely honest and unfiltered , will be invaluable to the students at Moorland .
It was the relationships rather than the money that Cofie , signed by United from Burnley , really valued .
That ’ s why he remains close friends with Pogba @ @ @ @ @ @ @ houses .
Their careers might have diverged but their friendship never did .
When the World Cup winner returned to United and was staying in the Lowry , one of his first nights involved a Nando ’ s with Cofie and Lingard .
“ He ’ s a normal family man , football is a job now .
He goes to work , he goes home and he ’ s there for his family , ” Cofie said of Pogba .
“ As the Paul that I know he ’ s a nice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since he walked into the changing room at United .
We kept in touch when he went to Juventus.
” Cofie still watches United and sees the way Pogba is often a lightning rod for criticism when things begin to go wrong at Old Trafford .
“ Fans think they know the game more than the players themselves , they ’ ll say whatever they want to say .
I know the kind of player he is , ” he said .
“ People seem to think United were bad today , let @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There ’ s 10 other players on the pitch , it ’ s that simple , the whole team was bad , it ’ s not just him.
” But Pogba wasn ’ t the best player Cofie played with at United .
Instead it was Ravel Morrison , a familiar answer for that crop of youngsters .
“ Any time I get asked who is the best player you ’ ve played with , it ’ s always him .
Naturally , what he can do with a ball , it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he was going to do something and he ’ d go and do it right foot or left foot , it didn ’ t matter , ” he said .
“ His talent was God-given , you couldn ’ t teach what he had .
He ’ s still in the game but he could be so much higher than he is , I don ’ t know what ’ s going wrong , but he ’ s the best player I ’ ve laid eyes on.
” For Cofie the idea of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Born in Ghana , he was spotted by Burnley during a train camp in Germany , where his father , Samuel , was serving in the army .
It was the armed forces that was initially Cofie ’ s idea of a career , until he saw what Samuel ’ s tour of duty in Iraq did to his mum , Dinah .
“ Growing up as a child football wasn ’ t part of my plans , I didn ’ t sit there and think ‘ I ’ d love to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ , ” he remembers .
“ I didn ’ t start playing properly until I was 13 .
That ’ s when I started taking it seriously .
I wanted to join the army , but that disappeared quickly when my dad went to war in Iraq , seeing how my mum was then I didn ’ t want to be a part of that.
” Instead , it was football that became Cofie ’ s calling .
He began at Moorland when he was 10 and struck up a relationship with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time .
So just how good was he ?
“ Was he better than Pogba at that time ?
In my opinion I think he was , ” says Jackson , 51 .
“ At 14 he was the best I ’ ve ever seen .
He was almost a freak , that word is used very loosely now but he was .
“ We hit it off straight away , we worked hard .
He ’ s an extremely talented kid , when you look at what he achieved I think he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think a lot of people were out there making as much as they could out of John early on , the price didn ’ t help , but as a talent he was the best .
“ To put that price on a 14-year-old is ridiculous really but it ’ s the name of the game now .
There ’ s so many things we love about football but there ’ s so many things we hate as well .
Stuff like that is detrimental to children.
” Jackson clearly knows what makes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nodding along to this assessment from Moorland ’ s head of football : “ Friendship was important to John , having that rapport with Paul and the other players and still having that now doesn ’ t surprise me , because that ’ s how he is .
I think that means more to him than playing football .
“ People don ’ t see the human side of John , they just say ‘ he ’ s failed at this ’ , but there ’ s a deeper side to John.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ give people “ the truthful story about him ” .
So why did it not work at United ?
Cofie is in no doubt that he was good enough .
“ In my career there ’ s not a single moment when I ’ ve thought I ’ m going to struggle to get in any team , ” he said .
“ I don ’ t doubt my ability for one second , I know I can play football , I play my best football when I ’ m happy .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first-team , injuries weren ’ t on my side , but right now I know if I want to go back to the game I can go and play.
” There were loans at Royal Antwerp , Sheffield United and Notts County before Cofie was released in the summer of 2013 .
A move to Barnsley didn ’ t work out and started a dizzying cycle of 10 different clubs without ever finding a home before retirement earlier this year .
“ It was no shock to me because as I was growing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ behind the scenes , going on loan I was getting an idea of what the industry was like , ” Cofie said of being released by United .
“ Nothing in football surprises me , if you ’ re good enough they will keep you , if not then it ’ s bye .
“ It wasn ’ t an issue for me when it came .
I sat down with Fergie , he was holding meetings with players anyway but I wanted to see him a few weeks earlier , he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said what I had to say and that was that .
Now back in a familiar environment , he has found his calling .
Passing on the experiences of his own career to the next John Cofie .

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It’s almost lunchtime in the sleepy Ribble Valley countryside and the rain has been relentless all morning. The picturesque Pendle Hill and surrounding fells are left to the imagination on a day like this, covered instead by dark and heavy clouds.
It’s the kind of day to sour the mood but inside a grey metal building with ‘Moorland Football Academy’ emblazoned on the side more than a dozen youngsters are pinging balls back and forth, their enthusiasm only matched by that of the coaches working with them.
Sheltered from the rain, if not the noise it’s creating, are Charlie Jackson, head of football at the private Moorland School in Clitheroe, and John Cofie, once a 14-year-old signed by Manchester United for £1million.
While Jackson oversees proceedings, Cofie works with a couple of youngsters, firing sharp passes back and forth, testing out their first touch, and vice versa. He’s unlikely to fail in that regard.
Cofie’s career didn’t scale the heights expected of a teenager given that price tag. Now 27 he’s come full circle. He “fell out love” with football and after underwhelming spells in Australia and the Philippines he’s called it a day, returning to the private school he attended as a teenager, serving under the coach who was a father figure to him.
Over almost an hour talking in an upstairs room above the indoor pitches the warmth between Cofie and Jackson is obvious, despite the 24-year age difference. As we sit down the coach, who has played a vital role in developing plenty of careers in north west football, including Scott McTominay, chides his new coach and mentor as being a show-off when the cameras on, which causes a raised eyebrow from Cofie. Later on Jackson will recall just how good a teenager Cofie was, before bringing the man who sits next to him back down to earth with a “he’s worth about two quid now”. They have a natural connection.
Some might see Cofie, who played in the same United youth team as Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard, Ravel Morisson and Will and Michael Keane, returning to his old school to coach at what could have been the prime years of his career as a failure, but he doesn’t see it that way.
“It wasn’t a hard decision,” Cofie says of his retirement. “I wasn’t debating it for years, I just fell out of love with the game, I didn’t enjoy it anymore.
“I enjoy life, I want to wake up everyday and be happy, it got to the point where I woke up and didn’t have any push in me going training. I didn’t want to live my life like that anymore.
“I’m an honest guy, I like to live my life honestly, if you know what goes on behind the scenes in football there’s no honesty there, it’s full of liars, that’s not something I wanted to be a part of. I didn’t want to spend the rest of my life being told a lie or being a liar myself.”
If it was as simple as a pitch, a few mates and a football Cofie said he “would have played until he was 99”, but it wasn’t like that. His experiences of the industry, good and bad, but definitely honest and unfiltered, will be invaluable to the students at Moorland.
It was the relationships rather than the money that Cofie, signed by United from Burnley, really valued. That’s why he remains close friends with Pogba, regular visitors to each other's houses. Their careers might have diverged but their friendship never did. When the World Cup winner returned to United and was staying in the Lowry, one of his first nights involved a Nando’s with Cofie and Lingard.
“He’s a normal family man, football is a job now. He goes to work, he goes home and he’s there for his family,” Cofie said of Pogba.
“As the Paul that I know he’s a nice man, I’ve known him since he walked into the changing room at United. We kept in touch when he went to Juventus.”
Cofie still watches United and sees the way Pogba is often a lightning rod for criticism when things begin to go wrong at Old Trafford.
“Fans think they know the game more than the players themselves, they’ll say whatever they want to say. I know the kind of player he is,” he said.
“People seem to think United were bad today, let’s look at Paul Pogba. There’s 10 other players on the pitch, it’s that simple, the whole team was bad, it’s not just him.”
But Pogba wasn’t the best player Cofie played with at United. Instead it was Ravel Morrison, a familiar answer for that crop of youngsters.
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“Any time I get asked who is the best player you’ve played with, it’s always him. Naturally, what he can do with a ball, it’s rare, he could tell you he was going to do something and he’d go and do it right foot or left foot, it didn’t matter,” he said.
“His talent was God-given, you couldn’t teach what he had. He’s still in the game but he could be so much higher than he is, I don’t know what’s going wrong, but he’s the best player I’ve laid eyes on.”
For Cofie the idea of football as a career developed quickly. Born in Ghana, he was spotted by Burnley during a train camp in Germany, where his father, Samuel, was serving in the army.
It was the armed forces that was initially Cofie’s idea of a career, until he saw what Samuel’s tour of duty in Iraq did to his mum, Dinah.
“Growing up as a child football wasn’t part of my plans, I didn’t sit there and think ‘I’d love to be a footballer when I’m older’,” he remembers.
“I didn’t start playing properly until I was 13. That’s when I started taking it seriously. I wanted to join the army, but that disappeared quickly when my dad went to war in Iraq, seeing how my mum was then I didn’t want to be a part of that.”
Instead, it was football that became Cofie’s calling. He began at Moorland when he was 10 and struck up a relationship with Jackson that would stand the test of time.
So just how good was he? “Was he better than Pogba at that time? In my opinion I think he was,” says Jackson, 51.
“At 14 he was the best I’ve ever seen. He was almost a freak, that word is used very loosely now but he was.
“We hit it off straight away, we worked hard. He’s an extremely talented kid, when you look at what he achieved I think he reached his potential too early. I think a lot of people were out there making as much as they could out of John early on, the price didn’t help, but as a talent he was the best.
“To put that price on a 14-year-old is ridiculous really but it’s the name of the game now. There’s so many things we love about football but there’s so many things we hate as well. Stuff like that is detrimental to children.”
Jackson clearly knows what makes Cofie tick, with the younger man nodding along to this assessment from Moorland’s head of football: “Friendship was important to John, having that rapport with Paul and the other players and still having that now doesn’t surprise me, because that’s how he is. I think that means more to him than playing football.
“People don’t see the human side of John, they just say ‘he’s failed at this’, but there’s a deeper side to John.”
Jackson believes this interview is important to give people “the truthful story about him”. So why did it not work at United? Cofie is in no doubt that he was good enough.
“In my career there’s not a single moment when I’ve thought I’m going to struggle to get in any team,” he said.
“I don’t doubt my ability for one second, I know I can play football, I play my best football when I’m happy.
“My aim was to push for the first-team, injuries weren’t on my side, but right now I know if I want to go back to the game I can go and play.”
There were loans at Royal Antwerp, Sheffield United and Notts County before Cofie was released in the summer of 2013. A move to Barnsley didn’t work out and started a dizzying cycle of 10 different clubs without ever finding a home before retirement earlier this year.
“It was no shock to me because as I was growing up I was picking up what happened behind the scenes, going on loan I was getting an idea of what the industry was like,” Cofie said of being released by United.
“Nothing in football surprises me, if you’re good enough they will keep you, if not then it’s bye.
“It wasn’t an issue for me when it came. I sat down with Fergie, he was holding meetings with players anyway but I wanted to see him a few weeks earlier, he said what he had to say, I said what I had to say and that was that.
“I left with my head held high.”
Now back in a familiar environment, he has found his calling. Passing on the experiences of his own career to the next John Cofie.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-10-09--Man City stance over Pep Guardiola and Sergio Aguero futures

Manchester City are remaining calm ahead of two of the most critical decisions facing the club .
Pep Guardiola and Sergio Aguero will both see their contracts expire at the end of the season and are yet to make a decision over whether to renew .
That is not how the Blues normally like to operate , with considered planning across years the norm to ensure that the squad is in the best place possible to keep hitting their objectives of trying to win the Premier League and targeting success in every competition they enter .
However , special cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of their biggest assets .
Guardiola renewed his original deal at the Etihad two years ago but is in unchartered territory in a fifth year at the same club and has said many times that he has to feel convinced that it remains the right man and the right job before he commits .
Omar Berrada , the club 's COO , believes that the transfer window is a significant hurdle cleared but insists that the relationship the manager has with senior figures at the club mean he will not be given a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new deal or not .
`` It was important for us to have a successful transfer window , which we 've had .
A lot of good decisions on the squad , the players and the competitiveness , so I think it is important for Pep and Txiki [ Begiristain ] to address that when it is the right time , '' he told M.E.N Sport .
`` Our priority is Pep staying .
so if it requires a bit of time it requires a bit of time but we want him to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of being prepared [ to make a decision ] but at the same time he has demonstrated enough and in terms of his performances as a manager and the team he has shown enough commitment and we have also shown commitment to him .
`` There 's a lot of trust in that relationship - with the chairman , with Txiki , with Ferran [ Soriano ] , Pep and his coaching staff and when you have that level of trust in the relationship the conversations are much easier .
I think we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Clearly , Pep was the best manager , is the best manager , and will continue to be the best manager in the world .
He has proven that at Barcelona , at Bayern and with us and we want him to stay and feel comfortable being with us .
This is his fifth season working with us , which he 's never done with any other club .
That is a testament to his commitment , which is great .
Those conversations will happen at the right time . ''
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the club , but has been sidelined for four months with a knee issue and City know that they will have to replace him at some point .
Those succession plans are already underway : the club could have moved for a forward this summer had the opportunity been available , and Lionel Messi could be an option next season if he leaves Barcelona .
`` I think you will see that with top players like Sergio and managers they have to feel that they can keep contributing to the team and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 're all ambitious , they 're ambitious and they want to contribute , '' said Berrada .
`` With Sergio we 're expecting another amazing season for him and then the conversation about his future will be had right now but right now we 're just focused on him getting back from his injury and performing as he has been doing up until now .
`` For every single position we have to be prepared because there can be so many things that can happen but at the same time I think we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to make that investment when required .
That 's what puts us in a position where we feel comfortable that we 'll be able to take the right decision because it also does n't mean that we 'll have to rush into anything - first because Sergio and Gabriel [ Jesus ] are performing very well , they are two of the best strikers in the world right now , and when we do decide to bring in potentially someone else , whether it is next season or the one after that , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ position to do it for the right price .
`` In normal circumstances we have the financial strength and sustainability and a base to be able to make a significant investment if we decide it is the right route to go down . ''
If you submit your email in the form above you 'll receive our free daily MCFC newsletter with all the latest breaking news and analysis , sent straight to your inbox .
If you ca n't see the form above , click here .

Manchester City are remaining calm ahead of two of the most critical decisions facing the club.
Pep Guardiola and Sergio Aguero will both see their contracts expire at the end of the season and are yet to make a decision over whether to renew.
That is not how the Blues normally like to operate, with considered planning across years the norm to ensure that the squad is in the best place possible to keep hitting their objectives of trying to win the Premier League and targeting success in every competition they enter.
However, special cases have had to be made with two of their biggest assets. Guardiola renewed his original deal at the Etihad two years ago but is in unchartered territory in a fifth year at the same club and has said many times that he has to feel convinced that it remains the right man and the right job before he commits.
Omar Berrada, the club's COO, believes that the transfer window is a significant hurdle cleared but insists that the relationship the manager has with senior figures at the club mean he will not be given a deadline to decide whether to sign a new deal or not.
"It was important for us to have a successful transfer window, which we've had. A lot of good decisions on the squad, the players and the competitiveness, so I think it is important for Pep and Txiki [Begiristain] to address that when it is the right time," he told M.E.N Sport.
"Our priority is Pep staying. so if it requires a bit of time it requires a bit of time but we want him to stay.
"There's an element of being prepared [to make a decision] but at the same time he has demonstrated enough and in terms of his performances as a manager and the team he has shown enough commitment and we have also shown commitment to him.
"There's a lot of trust in that relationship - with the chairman, with Txiki, with Ferran [Soriano], Pep and his coaching staff and when you have that level of trust in the relationship the conversations are much easier. I think we'll be fine throughout this process.
"Clearly, Pep was the best manager, is the best manager, and will continue to be the best manager in the world. He has proven that at Barcelona, at Bayern and with us and we want him to stay and feel comfortable being with us. This is his fifth season working with us, which he's never done with any other club. That is a testament to his commitment, which is great. Those conversations will happen at the right time."
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Aguero's future is also undecided.
The club record scorer has never not performed for the club, but has been sidelined for four months with a knee issue and City know that they will have to replace him at some point. Those succession plans are already underway: the club could have moved for a forward this summer had the opportunity been available, and Lionel Messi could be an option next season if he leaves Barcelona.
"I think you will see that with top players like Sergio and managers they have to feel that they can keep contributing to the team and being important for the squad. We're all ambitious, they're ambitious and they want to contribute," said Berrada. "With Sergio we're expecting another amazing season for him and then the conversation about his future will be had right now but right now we're just focused on him getting back from his injury and performing as he has been doing up until now.
"For every single position we have to be prepared because there can be so many things that can happen but at the same time I think we have the financial strength and system ability to make that investment when required. That's what puts us in a position where we feel comfortable that we'll be able to take the right decision because it also doesn't mean that we'll have to rush into anything - first because Sergio and Gabriel [Jesus] are performing very well, they are two of the best strikers in the world right now, and when we do decide to bring in potentially someone else, whether it is next season or the one after that, then we will be in a financial position to do it for the right price.
"In normal circumstances we have the financial strength and sustainability and a base to be able to make a significant investment if we decide it is the right route to go down."
If you submit your email in the form above you'll receive our free daily MCFC newsletter with all the latest breaking news and analysis, sent straight to your inbox. If you can't see the form above, click here.