themanchestereveningnews--2020-07-21--Jack Grealish responds to United transfer links after Aston Villa win

Jack Grealish says he is not too sure over what his future holds .
Manchester United are keen to sign the Aston Villa star following an impressive season in the Premier League for his boyhood club .
Tottenham Hotspur have also been linked with the 24-year-old but United are favourites to sign him .
Grealish played a key role in Villa 's 1-0 win over Arsenal that boosted their survival hopes and , post-match , was asked by Sky Sports whether it was his final game in claret and blue at Villa Park .
The midfielder admitted he did not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his focus was on Villa 's Premier League survival .
`` I 'm not too sure at the moment , '' he said .
`` I have one aim and that 's to keep this club in the Premier League .
`` This whole stadium and whole fanbase knows it 's where we belong .
`` So that 's all I 'm thinking about at the moment , keeping this club in the Premier League , and hopefully we can do that on Sunday . ''
A boyhood Villa fan , Grealish says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would rank as a proud achievement .
He said : `` It would mean everything to me .
`` Since we 've been back I probably have n't been as effective as I was before .
`` Pressure is a privilege , my old coach used to say that to me .
`` Since we 've been back , I probably have n't felt as fit as I was before the break but that 's no excuse .
`` I just need to do what I know I can do and I think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was unlucky not to get an assist in the end . ''

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Jack Grealish says he is not too sure over what his future holds.
Manchester United are keen to sign the Aston Villa star following an impressive season in the Premier League for his boyhood club.
Tottenham Hotspur have also been linked with the 24-year-old but United are favourites to sign him.
Grealish played a key role in Villa's 1-0 win over Arsenal that boosted their survival hopes and, post-match, was asked by Sky Sports whether it was his final game in claret and blue at Villa Park.
The midfielder admitted he did not know what his future held but that his focus was on Villa's Premier League survival.
"I'm not too sure at the moment," he said.
"I have one aim and that's to keep this club in the Premier League.
"This whole stadium and whole fanbase knows it's where we belong.
"So that's all I'm thinking about at the moment, keeping this club in the Premier League, and hopefully we can do that on Sunday."
A boyhood Villa fan, Grealish says keeping the club in the Premier League would rank as a proud achievement.
He said: "It would mean everything to me.
"Since we've been back I probably haven't been as effective as I was before.
Sign up to our free MUFC email newsletter Get the latest breaking Manchester United transfer news and analysis every day direct to your inbox with our free MUFC newsletter Sign up here - it only takes a few seconds.
"Pressure is a privilege, my old coach used to say that to me.
"Since we've been back, I probably haven't felt as fit as I was before the break but that's no excuse.
"I just need to do what I know I can do and I think I've done it today, I was unlucky not to get an assist in the end."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-07-21--How Manchester United plan to improve squad in the transfer window

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says Manchester United intend to enhance their squad through signings and academy products .
The transfer window for Premier League clubs opens on Monday and United will be able to conduct business quicker with Champions League football to offer if they secure a top four finish .
United have earmarked Borussia Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho and Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish as two of the main options to improve their attack and the club would have more spending power in the market with the guarantee of Champions League revenue .
Solskjaer is open to offloading squad players @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rojo , and Jesse Lingard , as well as highest earner Alexis Sanchez , and has already reiterated his commitment to youth by promoting Teden Mengi and Ethan Laird , both 18 , to first-team training .
`` There are two games left now of the season and we 've been playing non-stop since the restart , '' Solskjaer said .
`` We 've enjoyed it .
Most of players have had a chance , most of them have done well .
I 'm very happy with the squad .
`` It 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ great momentum when we 've played and we did n't get any injuries , so we 've played more or less the same team and they performed really well .
`` But as a club we 're always looking at promoting kids and adding players that are better than our squad anyway .
Let 's just focus on these next two first . ''
United 's last hope of a domestic trophy ended with their subdued FA Cup semi-final defeat to Chelsea on Sunday , although they could secure their second Europa League @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Solskjaer was criticised for his team selection against Chelsea at Wembley , where he made five changes in a week when Champions League qualification appeared to take precedence .
`` We can sit back and see after the league is finished and when the Europa League is done to see how we 've done , '' Solskjaer added .
`` And then we can evaluate from where did we start ?
How did we end up ?
`` Of course , at Man United you want to win trophies , that 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a semi-final , we 're that close , we 've come one step further .
Unfortunately , it was n't to be .
`` I would have loved to have a cup final to look forward to in a couple of weeks . ''

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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says Manchester United intend to enhance their squad through signings and academy products.
The transfer window for Premier League clubs opens on Monday and United will be able to conduct business quicker with Champions League football to offer if they secure a top four finish.
United have earmarked Borussia Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho and Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish as two of the main options to improve their attack and the club would have more spending power in the market with the guarantee of Champions League revenue.
Solskjaer is open to offloading squad players Chris Smalling, Phil Jones, Marcos Rojo, and Jesse Lingard, as well as highest earner Alexis Sanchez, and has already reiterated his commitment to youth by promoting Teden Mengi and Ethan Laird, both 18, to first-team training.
"There are two games left now of the season and we've been playing non-stop since the restart," Solskjaer said. "We've enjoyed it. Most of players have had a chance, most of them have done well. I'm very happy with the squad.
"It's just that feeling of we've got great momentum when we've played and we didn't get any injuries, so we've played more or less the same team and they performed really well.
"But as a club we're always looking at promoting kids and adding players that are better than our squad anyway. Let's just focus on these next two first."
United's last hope of a domestic trophy ended with their subdued FA Cup semi-final defeat to Chelsea on Sunday, although they could secure their second Europa League triumph when the competition resumes next month.
Solskjaer was criticised for his team selection against Chelsea at Wembley, where he made five changes in a week when Champions League qualification appeared to take precedence.
"We can sit back and see after the league is finished and when the Europa League is done to see how we've done," Solskjaer added. "And then we can evaluate from where did we start? How did we end up?
"Of course, at Man United you want to win trophies, that's a given. But when you lose a semi-final, we're that close, we've come one step further. Unfortunately, it wasn't to be.
"I would have loved to have a cup final to look forward to in a couple of weeks."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-07-21--Man United manager Solskjaer refuses to confirm if David de Gea will start

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer refused to confirm whether David de Gea will start for Manchester United against West Ham .
De Gea , 29 , has endured a chastening season and was guilty of another high-profile error in Sunday 's FA Cup semi-final defeat to Chelsea at Wembley , where he started ahead of Sergio Romero .
Romero had lined up in all four of United 's previous FA Cup ties but De Gea has not been dropped in favour of Romero since the start of the 2015-16 season , when Louis van Gaal withdrew the Spaniard from selection amid his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the recently signed Romero .
De Gea has been blameworthy for goals against Crystal Palace , Watford , Everton , Tottenham , and Chelsea this season and Solskjaer is prepared to make big calls in United 's last two Premier League games with four points needed to qualify for the Champions League .
`` No , because I do n't want to talk about it , '' Solskjaer replied when asked if De Gea would start against West Ham .
`` We stick together as a group .
Of course we 're going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as I said he 's proven before he 's mentally strong .
We 'll stay together and we 'll see the team on Wednesday night .
`` You have to [ make big calls ] .
Every position is a big one here so you 've got to do what is right for the team and the club .
We 'll do that on Wednesday , we 'll do that on Sunday and then when the season 's finished we 'll make more decisions .
`` Everything we talk about is between ourselves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ every player can trust me to keep that confidential . ''
De Gea has only sat out 10 of United 's last 264 Premier League games and been picked in every one under Solskjaer .
Sir Alex Ferguson dropped De Gea after errors against Blackburn and Fulham in his first two seasons but he ended both campaigns impressively and has won the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award in four of the last six years .

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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer refused to confirm whether David de Gea will start for Manchester United against West Ham.
De Gea, 29, has endured a chastening season and was guilty of another high-profile error in Sunday's FA Cup semi-final defeat to Chelsea at Wembley, where he started ahead of Sergio Romero.
Romero had lined up in all four of United's previous FA Cup ties but De Gea has not been dropped in favour of Romero since the start of the 2015-16 season, when Louis van Gaal withdrew the Spaniard from selection amid his desire to join Real Madrid and picked the recently signed Romero.
De Gea has been blameworthy for goals against Crystal Palace, Watford, Everton, Tottenham, and Chelsea this season and Solskjaer is prepared to make big calls in United's last two Premier League games with four points needed to qualify for the Champions League.
"No, because I don't want to talk about it," Solskjaer replied when asked if De Gea would start against West Ham. "We stick together as a group. Of course we're going to stick together as a group and as I said he's proven before he's mentally strong. We'll stay together and we'll see the team on Wednesday night.
"You have to [make big calls]. Every position is a big one here so you've got to do what is right for the team and the club. We'll do that on Wednesday, we'll do that on Sunday and then when the season's finished we'll make more decisions.
"Everything we talk about is between ourselves. We keep that relationship open and every player can trust me to keep that confidential."
De Gea has only sat out 10 of United's last 264 Premier League games and been picked in every one under Solskjaer. Sir Alex Ferguson dropped De Gea after errors against Blackburn and Fulham in his first two seasons but he ended both campaigns impressively and has won the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award in four of the last six years.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-07-21--Watford goalkeeper Ben Foster was not happy with Man City penalty

Ben Foster says he told his Watford teammates to avoid any reckless tackles in the area during the defeat to Manchester City , as he admitted he was relieved to only concede four goals .
Watford are still in relegation trouble heading into the final day of the Premier League season after the defeat to City , which put them level on goal difference to rivals Bournemouth .
Foster produced a number of important saves , but could do nothing about Raheem Sterling 's thunderous opener .
He then saved a penalty from Sterling , but the City man reacted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ former England goalkeeper admitted he was more frustrated at the award of the penalty , as he had advised his teammates not to give City players any encouragement to go down in the area .
`` I do n't know , '' he said , when asked by Sky Sports if he agreed with the penalty decision .
`` I just saw the foul , I thought it was a foul at the time and I 've not seen a replay .
When they 're coming in the box like that you do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
You do n't dangle a foot , dangle a leg , anything like that .
You do n't do it , because they 're so quick and fast , you 're just asking for trouble . ''
With goal difference set to be crucial going into the final day , with two of Watford , Aston Villa and Bournemouth to be relegated , Foster was asked if the Hornets were looking at keeping the score down in the second half .
`` We did n't want it to be , but it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continued .
`` That 's the way it looked from where I was standing , and where you were standing as well .
That for me is not right .
I do n't think you should go into any game looking for damage limitation , it 's ridiculous .
You 've got to give it a go and we did n't do that today .
I think we looked scared and like you say , damage limitation . ''
And when Foster was reminded that Watford conceded eight in their last meeting with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pleased to hold out until 29 minutes when Sterling opened the scoring .
He said : `` I 'll take the 4-0 then !
Mate , I 've been on the receiving end of eight earlier on in the season .
We were 5-0 down after 18 minutes and I remember looking at the clock after 18 minutes and thinking 'well , that 's five less than last time ! '
`` That 's the problem with Man City .
As a goalkeeper they 're your worst nightmare .
You know they can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 're on it and really on pomp they can put six , seven , eight past you easily . ''

Ben Foster says he told his Watford teammates to avoid any reckless tackles in the area during the defeat to Manchester City, as he admitted he was relieved to only concede four goals.
Watford are still in relegation trouble heading into the final day of the Premier League season after the defeat to City, which put them level on goal difference to rivals Bournemouth.
Foster produced a number of important saves, but could do nothing about Raheem Sterling's thunderous opener. He then saved a penalty from Sterling, but the City man reacted quickest to convert the rebound.
The former England goalkeeper admitted he was more frustrated at the award of the penalty, as he had advised his teammates not to give City players any encouragement to go down in the area.
"I don't know," he said, when asked by Sky Sports if he agreed with the penalty decision.
"I just saw the foul, I thought it was a foul at the time and I've not seen a replay. When they're coming in the box like that you do not dive in, simple as that. You don't dangle a foot, dangle a leg, anything like that. You don't do it, because they're so quick and fast, you're just asking for trouble."
With goal difference set to be crucial going into the final day, with two of Watford, Aston Villa and Bournemouth to be relegated, Foster was asked if the Hornets were looking at keeping the score down in the second half.
"We didn't want it to be, but it definitely looked like that," he continued.
"That's the way it looked from where I was standing, and where you were standing as well. That for me is not right. I don't think you should go into any game looking for damage limitation, it's ridiculous. You've got to give it a go and we didn't do that today. I think we looked scared and like you say, damage limitation."
And when Foster was reminded that Watford conceded eight in their last meeting with City, he joked that he was pleased to hold out until 29 minutes when Sterling opened the scoring.
He said: "I'll take the 4-0 then! Mate, I've been on the receiving end of eight earlier on in the season. We were 5-0 down after 18 minutes and I remember looking at the clock after 18 minutes and thinking 'well, that's five less than last time!'
"That's the problem with Man City. As a goalkeeper they're your worst nightmare. You know they can do it to you, if they're on it and really on pomp they can put six, seven, eight past you easily."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-07-21--Prison guards chained themselves to a lifer, 72, after jail heart attack

A prison guard chained themselves to a 72-year-old lifer moments after the frail inmate had suffered a fatal heart attack before escorting him from the jail to hospital , a watchdog report has revealed .
Brian Matthews , a convicted murderer from Oldham , collapsed outside his cell at the high-security HMP Frankland in County Durham in October and died later in hospital .
He was jailed in 2004 and told he would serve a minimum 30 years behind bars for planning the ambush and brutal murder of a drug dealer before burying his body at a remote farm .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Probation Ombudsman criticised the prison for deciding that the ageing prisoner should be chained to a guard - one of two guards who escorted him to hospital .
The 'escort chain ' , a chain with a handcuff at either end , was removed at the hospital and Matthews died the next day in hospital .
The Ministry of Justice said it had issued new guidance to prisons following the incident .
`` We are surprised that healthcare staff considered that a man of 72 , who had just had a heart attack @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ability to escape unaided from two escort officers , '' the watchdog 's report said .
`` Despite that advice , the senior manager assessed that Mr Matthews posed a low risk of escape .
In these circumstances we are concerned that he decided that Mr Matthews should be restrained . ''
A 2007 High Court ruling found that using handcuffs or other restraints on terminally ill or seriously ill prisoners was inhumane unless justified by security considerations .
Matthews was jailed for orchestrating the brutal killing of Andrew Green in Manchester @ @ @ @ @ @ @ serve at least 30 years of his life sentence , alongside the likes of Ian Huntley and The Yorkshire Ripper .
He died in the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle in October last year .
The watchdog 's report revealed he suffered a heart attack at the prison and his son Warren - a fellow inmate - rushed to his side .
Matthews was taken to hospital but had given up hope of ever tasting freedom again , it was said .
Despite suffering a series of strokes and heart attacks , diabetic Matthews @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time inside the County Durham jail , according to Chronicle Live .
`` Mr Matthews told his key worker that he was not interested in participating in rehabilitation programmes as he would be in his 90s before he was eligible for parole and 'would be dead by then ' , '' states the report .
Instead , he enjoyed perks afforded to him as a Category B prisoner .
His 'enhanced regime ' included daily visits from family while he spent his time enjoying hobbies such as cooking .
But shortly after 2.40pm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ collapsed .
The report said a fellow inmate helped him up onto his bed , where an officer found him 'breathing , conscious , distressed , disorientated and looking unwell ' .
An ambulance was called while staff checked him over .
`` He was breathing but unresponsive , cold and clammy with a grey pallor .
A slight pulse was detected .
Healthcare staff gave Mr Matthews oxygen , '' the report said .
`` His blood pressure was low so they sat him up and raised his legs .
`` Healthcare @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vital signs .
They did an electrocardiogram which indicated that Mr Matthews had had a heart attack .
`` Mr Matthews became more alert and started to talk .
He said that he had a pain in his chest and was given aspirin under his tongue .
His blood pressure remained low . ''
At this point his son was called from the gym to be by his side .
Paramedics finally made their way to him , 13 minutes after arriving at the prison , before he was taken to Newcastle 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ removed when he was in the hospital bed .
He died the next day with his family by his side .
The Ombudsman has now urged the prison 's governor to understand the legal position , and that assessments fully take into account the health of a prisoner and are based on the actual risk the prisoner presents at the time .
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Justice said : “ The use of restraints during hospital visits is based on a robust risk assessment and designed to keep the public safe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issued on how this should be used.
” As the Manchester Evening News reported at the time Brian Matthews organised the brutal killing of Mr Green , 34 , following a drug feud .
He enlisted son Warren Matthews and another man , Mark Morris , to help and Mr Green , of Blackley , went missing on May 14 , 2004 .
Mr Green was murdered after he left a bin-bag full of drugs with Brian Matthews .
A court heard the haul went missing and Brian Matthews , who thought he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ planned to have Mr Green killed .
Police believe his son Warren Matthews was the 'executioner ' while Morris was the driver who took the victim to the scene of the murder .
Mr Green was shot at least twice in the head with a Spanish-made revolver on a dirt track near Coal Pit Lane in Hathershaw , the murder trial heard .
His body was then bundled into the back of a car and later disposed of in a landfill site at Whitfield Dairy Farm in Shaw .
Witnesses near to Coal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the day of the murder and reported hearing three gunshots and seeing a man being assaulted .
Officers went to the scene and a cigarette with blood on it was recovered .
Forensics showed it to match the DNA of Andrew Green .
Two days later , on 16 May , 2004 , police received a report that a gun had been found in long grass near the edge of the water at the Red Hill Fishing Lodge .
Forensic examination of the gun revealed a partial DNA sample matching that of Andrew @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not found until nine months later , in February 2005 , after the men had been charged following a huge police investigation that included accessing the phone records of the three defendants to trace their movements on May 14 and 15 , 2004 .
All three men were found guilty of Mr Green 's murder following a nine-week long trial at Manchester Crown Court .
Morris , of Birch Lane , Failsworth , was ordered to serve at least 25 years in jail Brian Matthews , of Birch Avenue , Limeside , was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years , and Warren Matthews , also of Birch Avenue , Limeside , was ordered to serve a minimum of 32 years in jail .
Mr Justice David Clarke told Brian Matthews : `` This was a carefully planned killing , a deliberate execution of a man who became a serious threat to you because you double-crossed him over a quantity of drugs . ''
After the men were jailed , Mr Green 's partner Debbie Sidlow said : `` I miss him dearly .
He was the father of our child , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Andy last saw him .
`` I would like to thank everybody involved in the investigation . ''

newsdesk@men-news.co.uk (John Scheerhout, Ian Johnson)

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A prison guard chained themselves to a 72-year-old lifer moments after the frail inmate had suffered a fatal heart attack before escorting him from the jail to hospital, a watchdog report has revealed.
Brian Matthews, a convicted murderer from Oldham, collapsed outside his cell at the high-security HMP Frankland in County Durham in October and died later in hospital.
He was jailed in 2004 and told he would serve a minimum 30 years behind bars for planning the ambush and brutal murder of a drug dealer before burying his body at a remote farm.
But a report by the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman criticised the prison for deciding that the ageing prisoner should be chained to a guard - one of two guards who escorted him to hospital.
The 'escort chain', a chain with a handcuff at either end, was removed at the hospital and Matthews died the next day in hospital.
The Ministry of Justice said it had issued new guidance to prisons following the incident.
(Image: BBC)
"We are surprised that healthcare staff considered that a man of 72, who had just had a heart attack and was still very ill, had the ability to escape unaided from two escort officers," the watchdog's report said.
"Despite that advice, the senior manager assessed that Mr Matthews posed a low risk of escape. In these circumstances we are concerned that he decided that Mr Matthews should be restrained."
A 2007 High Court ruling found that using handcuffs or other restraints on terminally ill or seriously ill prisoners was inhumane unless justified by security considerations.
Matthews was jailed for orchestrating the brutal killing of Andrew Green in Manchester in 2004.
He was ordered to serve at least 30 years of his life sentence, alongside the likes of Ian Huntley and The Yorkshire Ripper. He died in the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle in October last year.
The watchdog's report revealed he suffered a heart attack at the prison and his son Warren - a fellow inmate - rushed to his side.
Matthews was taken to hospital but had given up hope of ever tasting freedom again, it was said.
Despite suffering a series of strokes and heart attacks, diabetic Matthews 'consistently refused' medical help during his time inside the County Durham jail, according to Chronicle Live.
"Mr Matthews told his key worker that he was not interested in participating in rehabilitation programmes as he would be in his 90s before he was eligible for parole and 'would be dead by then'," states the report.
Instead, he enjoyed perks afforded to him as a Category B prisoner.
His 'enhanced regime' included daily visits from family while he spent his time enjoying hobbies such as cooking.
But shortly after 2.40pm on October 12 last year, he collapsed. The report said a fellow inmate helped him up onto his bed, where an officer found him 'breathing, conscious, distressed, disorientated and looking unwell'.
An ambulance was called while staff checked him over.
"He was breathing but unresponsive, cold and clammy with a grey pallor. A slight pulse was detected. Healthcare staff gave Mr Matthews oxygen," the report said.
"His blood pressure was low so they sat him up and raised his legs.
"Healthcare staff continued to monitor Mr Matthews’ vital signs. They did an electrocardiogram which indicated that Mr Matthews had had a heart attack.
"Mr Matthews became more alert and started to talk. He said that he had a pain in his chest and was given aspirin under his tongue. His blood pressure remained low."
At this point his son was called from the gym to be by his side. Paramedics finally made their way to him, 13 minutes after arriving at the prison, before he was taken to Newcastle's Freeman Hospital.
Eventually the restraints were removed when he was in the hospital bed. He died the next day with his family by his side.
The Ombudsman has now urged the prison's governor to understand the legal position, and that assessments fully take into account the health of a prisoner and are based on the actual risk the prisoner presents at the time.
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Justice said: “The use of restraints during hospital visits is based on a robust risk assessment and designed to keep the public safe.
"New guidance has since been issued on how this should be used.”
As the Manchester Evening News reported at the time Brian Matthews organised the brutal killing of Mr Green, 34, following a drug feud.
He enlisted son Warren Matthews and another man, Mark Morris, to help and Mr Green, of Blackley, went missing on May 14, 2004.
Mr Green was murdered after he left a bin-bag full of drugs with Brian Matthews.
A court heard the haul went missing and Brian Matthews, who thought he was in danger from underworld figures, planned to have Mr Green killed.
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
Police believe his son Warren Matthews was the 'executioner' while Morris was the driver who took the victim to the scene of the murder.
Mr Green was shot at least twice in the head with a Spanish-made revolver on a dirt track near Coal Pit Lane in Hathershaw, the murder trial heard.
His body was then bundled into the back of a car and later disposed of in a landfill site at Whitfield Dairy Farm in Shaw.
Witnesses near to Coal Pit Lane contacted police at 10.52pm on the day of the murder and reported hearing three gunshots and seeing a man being assaulted. Officers went to the scene and a cigarette with blood on it was recovered.
Forensics showed it to match the DNA of Andrew Green.
Two days later, on 16 May, 2004, police received a report that a gun had been found in long grass near the edge of the water at the Red Hill Fishing Lodge.
Forensic examination of the gun revealed a partial DNA sample matching that of Andrew Green.
Mr Green's body was not found until nine months later, in February 2005, after the men had been charged following a huge police investigation that included accessing the phone records of the three defendants to trace their movements on May 14 and 15, 2004.
All three men were found guilty of Mr Green's murder following a nine-week long trial at Manchester Crown Court.
Morris, of Birch Lane, Failsworth, was ordered to serve at least 25 years in jail
Brian Matthews, of Birch Avenue, Limeside, was told to serve a minimum of 30 years, and Warren Matthews, also of Birch Avenue, Limeside, was ordered to serve a minimum of 32 years in jail.
Mr Justice David Clarke told Brian Matthews: "This was a carefully planned killing, a deliberate execution of a man who became a serious threat to you because you double-crossed him over a quantity of drugs."
After the men were jailed, Mr Green's partner Debbie Sidlow said: "I miss him dearly. He was the father of our child, who was only one year old when Andy last saw him.
"I would like to thank everybody involved in the investigation."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-07-21--Pep ignores Sterling goals mark to slam Man City inconsistency

Twice Pep Guardiola was offered the chance to sing the praises of Raheem Sterling ’ s goalscoring achievements .
And twice he swiftly turned it into a round condemnation of his team ’ s frustrating inconsistency this season .
Sterling took his season ’ s tally in all competitions to 29 , easily the best of his career , and going into the final Premier League game against Norwich , he has his sights on catching Jamie Vardy for the Golden Boot trophy – the Leicester striker is currently two ahead of him on 23 .
Sterling bagged two more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ invited at the post-match press conference to celebrate the feat , he shied away .
Asked about the fact that Sterling is now a goalscorer of merit , Guardiola replied : “ It 's important to score a goal for Raheem - but we can not forget we finished far away from the champions .
“ So this season was not good for us in the Premier League .
It was much better than the other 18 teams , but it is not enough .
“ So the personal achievements always must be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And it was not perfect.
” Another questioner tried to get Guardiola back on topic by pointing out that he has scored more this season than in any other campaign .
Guardiola was having none of it , saying “ I love … we were far away from Liverpool .
“ I think it is the first time we are able to win four games ( in a row ) in the Premier League .
Two seasons ago we made 18 , last season 14 , and this is the first time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ That is how poor our consistency was this season because we are the same people and it happens because something was wrong .
”

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Twice Pep Guardiola was offered the chance to sing the praises of Raheem Sterling ’s goalscoring achievements.
And twice he swiftly turned it into a round condemnation of his team’s frustrating inconsistency this season.
Sterling took his season’s tally in all competitions to 29, easily the best of his career, and going into the final Premier League game against Norwich, he has his sights on catching Jamie Vardy for the Golden Boot trophy – the Leicester striker is currently two ahead of him on 23.
Sterling bagged two more at Watford, but when Guardiola was invited at the post-match press conference to celebrate the feat, he shied away.
Asked about the fact that Sterling is now a goalscorer of merit, Guardiola replied: “It's important to score a goal for Raheem - but we cannot forget we finished far away from the champions.
“So this season was not good for us in the Premier League. It was much better than the other 18 teams, but it is not enough.
“So the personal achievements always must be related to the performance of the team. And it was not perfect.”
Another questioner tried to get Guardiola back on topic by pointing out that he has scored more this season than in any other campaign.
Guardiola was having none of it, saying “I love … we were far away from Liverpool.
“I think it is the first time we are able to win four games (in a row) in the Premier League. Two seasons ago we made 18, last season 14, and this is the first time we got four in a row.
“That is how poor our consistency was this season because we are the same people and it happens because something was wrong.”


themanchestereveningnews--2020-07-21--Guardiola hails Joao Cancelo transformation at Man City ahead of Real

Joao Cancelo can help Manchester City for years to come if he can keep his current attitude , according to Pep Guardiola .
The Portugal international signed from Juventus for £60m last summer aiming to take over from Kyle Walker at right-back but it has been such a largely frustrating campaign that even his future at the club has been left uncertain .
Guardiola has previously done little to suggest Cancelo could leave , but mentioned recently that the player had changed his attitude and expanded on the transformation after City 's 4-0 thumping of Watford at Vicarage Road .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ League game , Cancelo was used at left-back against the Hornets with the manager suggesting he wanted to have a look at what the 26-year-old could offer given he already knows the qualities of Aleks Zinchenko .
`` The most incredible thing from Joao is now he is a completely different individual from when he arrived .
We needed time to understand each other , him to me and the team and me to him too , '' said Guardiola .
`` What I want is his behaviour that he is doing after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he was the best player in the training session and was incredible and then unfortunately had a little problem on the dangerous part of his leg and he was stopped for a while , but all I want with Joao is this happiness in the training session , relation with the mates and that he enjoys it because we know the quality that he has .
`` With his happiness in the training sessions he is going to help us a lot in the next seasons .
`` He understands us better than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Sometimes you need time and now he is happy .
He is an incredible communicator , we are delighted in the last few months what he is doing with us . ''

Joao Cancelo can help Manchester City for years to come if he can keep his current attitude, according to Pep Guardiola.
The Portugal international signed from Juventus for £60m last summer aiming to take over from Kyle Walker at right-back but it has been such a largely frustrating campaign that even his future at the club has been left uncertain.
Guardiola has previously done little to suggest Cancelo could leave, but mentioned recently that the player had changed his attitude and expanded on the transformation after City's 4-0 thumping of Watford at Vicarage Road.
With Benjamin Mendy suspended for the Champions League game, Cancelo was used at left-back against the Hornets with the manager suggesting he wanted to have a look at what the 26-year-old could offer given he already knows the qualities of Aleks Zinchenko.
"The most incredible thing from Joao is now he is a completely different individual from when he arrived. We needed time to understand each other, him to me and the team and me to him too," said Guardiola.
"What I want is his behaviour that he is doing after the restart. When we came back he was the best player in the training session and was incredible and then unfortunately had a little problem on the dangerous part of his leg and he was stopped for a while, but all I want with Joao is this happiness in the training session, relation with the mates and that he enjoys it because we know the quality that he has.
"With his happiness in the training sessions he is going to help us a lot in the next seasons.
"He understands us better than the beginning and we understand him better. Sometimes you need time and now he is happy. He is an incredible communicator, we are delighted in the last few months what he is doing with us."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-07-21--Sterling explains why he took penalty in Watford win instead of De Bruyne

Raheem Sterling has revealed that he took the penalty in Manchester City 's 4-0 victory over Watford instead of regular taker Kevin De Bruyne because he was eager to bolster his goal tally and score another hat-trick .
City bounced back to winning ways following their disappointing defeat in the FA Cup semi-final against Arsenal on Saturday as they once again battered the Hornets and put a dent in their Premier League survival hopes .
Sterling was the star of the show as he opened the scoring with an emphatic finish into the top corner and he had the chance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spot nine minutes later .
Ben Foster made an outstanding save to keep the spot-kick out , but the ball fell kindly for Sterling who was able to save his blushes by converting the rebound .
While it proved inconsequential as the goal was eventually scored - with Phil Foden and Aymeric Laporte going on to add a third and fourth in the second-half - it was yet another penalty miss for the Blues , who have failed to score six times from the spot this season .
Scoring penalties became a real @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as Sterling again , Sergio Aguero , Ilkay Gundogan and Gabriel Jesus twice all missed and it was n't until De Bruyne took over the responsibility did they become a virtually-guaranteed goal again , with the Belgian scoring all four of his .
Yet Sterling revealed he wanted to take it at Vicarage Road as he looks to reach the 20-goal mark .
`` I seen I was on , I scored the first one and knew I was on 18 , I knew if I got the second one and I was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I had another chance of getting a hat-trick , '' Sterling explained to Sky Sports after the game .
`` So I wanted to try and get a hat-trick today but it did n't happen but I 'm really happy with the two goals .
`` A winger to score 20 in the Premier League is a great achievement , we have one more game left and hopefully I can do it then . ''
City will conclude their domestic season when they welcome already relegated Norwich City to the Etihad on Sunday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weeks to prepare for the return of the Champions League and Real Madrid .
Although City hold a 2-1 advantage in the last-16 tie , Sterling has warned that it 's going to be a tough game .
`` The more games we have before that , we 've only got one now , we 've got to really take all we can from these games because Madrid 's going to be a massive game , '' he said when asked if the win over Watford was good preparation for the La Liga @ @ @ @ @ @ @ season brilliantly , they 've won the league and we know it 's going to be a strong test because they 're a strong team . ''

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Raheem Sterling has revealed that he took the penalty in Manchester City's 4-0 victory over Watford instead of regular taker Kevin De Bruyne because he was eager to bolster his goal tally and score another hat-trick.
City bounced back to winning ways following their disappointing defeat in the FA Cup semi-final against Arsenal on Saturday as they once again battered the Hornets and put a dent in their Premier League survival hopes.
Sterling was the star of the show as he opened the scoring with an emphatic finish into the top corner and he had the chance to double the lead from the penalty spot nine minutes later.
Ben Foster made an outstanding save to keep the spot-kick out, but the ball fell kindly for Sterling who was able to save his blushes by converting the rebound.
While it proved inconsequential as the goal was eventually scored - with Phil Foden and Aymeric Laporte going on to add a third and fourth in the second-half - it was yet another penalty miss for the Blues, who have failed to score six times from the spot this season.
Scoring penalties became a real problem for City earlier in the campaign as Sterling again, Sergio Aguero, Ilkay Gundogan and Gabriel Jesus twice all missed and it wasn't until De Bruyne took over the responsibility did they become a virtually-guaranteed goal again, with the Belgian scoring all four of his.
Yet Sterling revealed he wanted to take it at Vicarage Road as he looks to reach the 20-goal mark.
"I seen I was on, I scored the first one and knew I was on 18, I knew if I got the second one and I was on the pitch for 90 I knew I had another chance of getting a hat-trick," Sterling explained to Sky Sports after the game.
"So I wanted to try and get a hat-trick today but it didn't happen but I'm really happy with the two goals.
"A winger to score 20 in the Premier League is a great achievement, we have one more game left and hopefully I can do it then."
City will conclude their domestic season when they welcome already relegated Norwich City to the Etihad on Sunday and then they will have nearly two weeks to prepare for the return of the Champions League and Real Madrid.
Although City hold a 2-1 advantage in the last-16 tie, Sterling has warned that it's going to be a tough game.
"The more games we have before that, we've only got one now, we've got to really take all we can from these games because Madrid's going to be a massive game," he said when asked if the win over Watford was good preparation for the La Liga champions.
"They've finished the season brilliantly, they've won the league and we know it's going to be a strong test because they're a strong team."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-07-21--Kevin De Bruyne showed how much he wants assists record in Man City win

Jamie Redknapp says Kevin De Bruyne is desperate for the Premier League assists record .
The Belgian midfielder pulled the strings in Manchester City 's win over Watford , creating chance after chance for his side .
He set up one goal , curling in a fine free-kick for Aymeric Laporte to head home .
That took him to 19 assists for the season , just one away from Thierry Henry 's record of 20 wth just one game left this season .
Redknapp noticed how often De Bruyne was trying to create chances against Watford and , speaking on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be passing up easy scoring chances in order to break the record .
`` He 's on 19 now , '' Redknapp said .
`` He wants to get onto 20 - Thierry 's got 20 .
`` They 've got Norwich on the last day , I 'll tell you he 's playing .
`` He wants Thierry 's record big time - I reckon if he 's a yard from goal he 's still going to square it to someone as he wants it that much . ''
Whilst City have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , they put in a dominant display against Watford .
The Hornets parted company with manager Nigel Pearson over the weekend , leaving caretaker Hayden Mullins in charge of the club 's relegation battle .
Redknapp argued that De Bruyne 's determination to break the assists record is one of the reasons City have not switched off in matches that have little riding on them .
`` It was so hard for Hayden Mullins , '' the pundit said .
`` You could have done a manager swap and given Pep Guardiola the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impossible .
`` There was such a gulf in class .
`` The way they set about the game , we questioned before whether they 'd have a bit of a hangover after losing the FA Cup semi-final .
`` They did n't , they were really at it .
`` You 've got players like Raheem Sterling and then Kevin De Bruyne going for the assist record . ''

newsdesk@men-news.co.uk (Bobby Vincent, David Byrom)

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Jamie Redknapp says Kevin De Bruyne is desperate for the Premier League assists record.
The Belgian midfielder pulled the strings in Manchester City's win over Watford, creating chance after chance for his side.
He set up one goal, curling in a fine free-kick for Aymeric Laporte to head home.
That took him to 19 assists for the season, just one away from Thierry Henry's record of 20 wth just one game left this season.
Redknapp noticed how often De Bruyne was trying to create chances against Watford and, speaking on Sky Sports, joked that he will be passing up easy scoring chances in order to break the record.
"He's on 19 now," Redknapp said.
"He wants to get onto 20 - Thierry's got 20.
"They've got Norwich on the last day, I'll tell you he's playing.
"He wants Thierry's record big time - I reckon if he's a yard from goal he's still going to square it to someone as he wants it that much."
Whilst City have nothing to play for in the league, they put in a dominant display against Watford.
The Hornets parted company with manager Nigel Pearson over the weekend, leaving caretaker Hayden Mullins in charge of the club's relegation battle.
Redknapp argued that De Bruyne's determination to break the assists record is one of the reasons City have not switched off in matches that have little riding on them.
"It was so hard for Hayden Mullins," the pundit said.
"You could have done a manager swap and given Pep Guardiola the Watford team but it would have been impossible.
"There was such a gulf in class.
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"The way they set about the game, we questioned before whether they'd have a bit of a hangover after losing the FA Cup semi-final.
"They didn't, they were really at it.
"You've got players like Raheem Sterling and then Kevin De Bruyne going for the assist record."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-07-21--Man Utd to make 'take-it-or-leave-it' offer for Sancho and more rumours

Manchester United are reportedly preparing to make a 'take-it-or-leave-it ' offer of £80million to Borussia Dortmund for Jadon Sancho .
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is hoping to add attacking reinforcements to his squad this summer to build upon the progress made this year and turn them into Premier League title contenders .
United would ideally like to recruit a centre-midfielder and playmaker in the window but winger Sancho is the priority target after another excellent season in Germany , with 20 goals and 20 assists in 38 appearances .
M.E.N .
Sport understands that United are long-term admirers of the 20-year-old @ @ @ @ @ @ @ man after failing in bids to sign him in 2017 and last summer .
However , Dortmund 's reluctance to lower their asking price in a post-coronavirus market could potentially scupper a deal .
According to The Star , United do n't want the transfer saga to drag out through the shortened off-season and potentially impact their preparations for the next campaign .
So , it 's reported , the club will offer £80million to Dortmund and believe that the fee will be enough to weaken the Bundesliga club 's resolve and conclude @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United will make the offer next week when , if all things go to plan , they should have their spot in next season 's Champions League confirmed .
United will move into fourth over Leicester City with a victory against West Ham on Wednesday and would also have a goal difference advantage over the Foxes ahead of meeting them on the final day of the season .
Meanwhile , United have made an enquiry for Paris-Saint Germain midfielder Idrissa Gueye , according to reports .
United are keen to sign a centre-midfielder @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new targets after losing out on Jude Bellingham to Borussia Dortmund .
Le 10 Sport , via SportWitness , claim the Reds are interested in former Everton midfielder Gueye as a potential long-term replacement for Nemanja Matic .
However , such a move would seem unlikely given the Senegalese is 30 years old , which is well outside of United 's ideal age range for new signings .

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Manchester United are reportedly preparing to make a 'take-it-or-leave-it' offer of £80million to Borussia Dortmund for Jadon Sancho.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is hoping to add attacking reinforcements to his squad this summer to build upon the progress made this year and turn them into Premier League title contenders.
United would ideally like to recruit a centre-midfielder and playmaker in the window but winger Sancho is the priority target after another excellent season in Germany, with 20 goals and 20 assists in 38 appearances.
M.E.N. Sport understands that United are long-term admirers of the 20-year-old and are confident of finally getting their man after failing in bids to sign him in 2017 and last summer. However, Dortmund's reluctance to lower their asking price in a post-coronavirus market could potentially scupper a deal.
According to The Star, United don't want the transfer saga to drag out through the shortened off-season and potentially impact their preparations for the next campaign.
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So, it's reported, the club will offer £80million to Dortmund and believe that the fee will be enough to weaken the Bundesliga club's resolve and conclude a deal.
It's claimed that United will make the offer next week when, if all things go to plan, they should have their spot in next season's Champions League confirmed. United will move into fourth over Leicester City with a victory against West Ham on Wednesday and would also have a goal difference advantage over the Foxes ahead of meeting them on the final day of the season.
Meanwhile, United have made an enquiry for Paris-Saint Germain midfielder Idrissa Gueye, according to reports.
United are keen to sign a centre-midfielder this summer but will have to identify new targets after losing out on Jude Bellingham to Borussia Dortmund.
Le 10 Sport, via SportWitness, claim the Reds are interested in former Everton midfielder Gueye as a potential long-term replacement for Nemanja Matic.
However, such a move would seem unlikely given the Senegalese is 30 years old, which is well outside of United's ideal age range for new signings.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-07-21--Man Utd evening headlines as rivals prepared to make bumper Henderson offer

Here are your Manchester United evening headlines for Tuesday , July 21 .
Chelsea are prepared to offer Dean Henderson double his current wages in order to persuade him of a move to Stamford Bridge .
The MEN understands that representatives of the Manchester United goalkeeper , currently on loan at Sheffield United , have been contacted by the Blues with the club interested in acquiring his services .
Chelsea would be willing to pay as much as £170,000-a-week for the English shot-stopper who is viewed as a viable replacement for Kepa Arrizabalaga who has been out of touch between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ understood to be unwilling to sit on Manchester United ’ s substitute bench behind David De Gea , a move from Chelsea could provide a fascinating narrative in the upcoming transfer window .
Moyes believes Solskjaer had more time to get things right at United Former United manager David Moyes believes that he didn ’ t get the same amount of time to succeed at Old Trafford as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer .
The now West Ham boss was sacked just 10 months into a six-year deal at United with him being the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ club .
However , speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of facing his former side , Moyes outlined a key difference to his tenure to the current United boss .
He : `` It 's a wonderful club and a brilliant place to be , and the biggest club in the world , for me .
`` It 's always a special place to go and I 'm looking forward to going back .
`` Ole had a difficult start , but the difference between Ole and me is that he 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ players in from the Academy , which Manchester United has always stood for .
They 've got some really exciting young players of their own now . ''
What Pogba said to Bailly after defender ’ s return to training Paul Pogba welcomed Eric Bailly back to training in open arms on Tuesday after the defender was sent to hospital following a clash of heads against Chelsea .
The centre back collided with United captain Harry Maguire in the 3-1 defeat on Sunday but has now returned to the club ’ s training @ @ @ @ @ @ @ filmed as one of the first to greet the defender upon his return and posted on his Instagram story with the following interaction .
`` My soldier is back , how is my fighter doing ? ''
to his United teammate .
Bailly replied : `` I 'm good '' to which Pogba said : `` My man got a knock on his head and was ready to stay on the pitch . ''

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Here are your Manchester United evening headlines for Tuesday, July 21.
Chelsea prepared to double Henderson’s Man Utd wages
Chelsea are prepared to offer Dean Henderson double his current wages in order to persuade him of a move to Stamford Bridge.
The MEN understands that representatives of the Manchester United goalkeeper, currently on loan at Sheffield United, have been contacted by the Blues with the club interested in acquiring his services.
Chelsea would be willing to pay as much as £170,000-a-week for the English shot-stopper who is viewed as a viable replacement for Kepa Arrizabalaga who has been out of touch between the sticks this season.
With Henderson understood to be unwilling to sit on Manchester United’s substitute bench behind David De Gea, a move from Chelsea could provide a fascinating narrative in the upcoming transfer window.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
Moyes believes Solskjaer had more time to get things right at United
Former United manager David Moyes believes that he didn’t get the same amount of time to succeed at Old Trafford as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
The now West Ham boss was sacked just 10 months into a six-year deal at United with him being the first manager since Sir Alex Ferguson left the club.
However, speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of facing his former side, Moyes outlined a key difference to his tenure to the current United boss.
He said : "It's a wonderful club and a brilliant place to be, and the biggest club in the world, for me.
Sign up to our free MUFC email newsletter Get the latest breaking Manchester United transfer news and analysis every day direct to your inbox with our free MUFC newsletter Sign up here - it only takes a few seconds.
"It's always a special place to go and I'm looking forward to going back.
"Ole had a difficult start, but the difference between Ole and me is that he's being given time. He's bringing players in from the Academy, which Manchester United has always stood for. They've got some really exciting young players of their own now."
What Pogba said to Bailly after defender’s return to training
Paul Pogba welcomed Eric Bailly back to training in open arms on Tuesday after the defender was sent to hospital following a clash of heads against Chelsea.
The centre back collided with United captain Harry Maguire in the 3-1 defeat on Sunday but has now returned to the club’s training ground complex at Carrington.
Pogba was filmed as one of the first to greet the defender upon his return and posted on his Instagram story with the following interaction.
"My soldier is back, how is my fighter doing?" said Pogba to his United teammate.
Bailly replied: "I'm good" to which Pogba said: "My man got a knock on his head and was ready to stay on the pitch."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-07-21--Man City goalscoring blitz against Watford goes on as Raheem Sterling strikes

Watford fans might want to thank the football gods that Pep Guardiola decided to give Raheem Sterling a rare afternoon off back in September .
Last night , the Blues striker began another cruel hammering of the Hornets with two first half goals as Manchester City roared back into form .
And you wonder what extra damage he might have inflicted had he not remained on the bench for the 8-0 home win , way back in September , when the Blues ran riot .
Maybe Guardiola torments his players with Elton John 's Greatest Hits in the dressing room @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , his City side have developed a ruthlessness against the Londoners which borders on sadistic .
After that record 6-0 walloping in last season 's FA Cup final came the 8-0 demolition at the Etihad Stadium , and then this .
Sterling now has nine goals in his last six appearances against Watford , even though he only watched that Etihad massacre from the bench .
He clearly has one eye on chasing down Jamie Vardy , currently in pole position for the Premier League Golden Boot award , and now just two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thrashing means City have scored 37 in their last seven meetings with Watford , conceding just three .
It was all looking suspiciously familiar for City , at first .
By the time the 18th minute had come and gone , the Blues had racked up 83 per cent of the possession , and had hijacked the opposition nickname by buzzing around the home side like a swarm of hornets .
But , in stark contrast to the reverse fixture at the Etihad Stadium in September , the Blues had not scored five @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Watford back then were a different prospect .
They were rock bottom of the Premier League and looked doomed .
Nigel Pearson had taken them to the position they were in last night , which was one win away from safety – until the manager became the victim of impetuous owner Gino Pozzo , and was ludicrously sacked .
Rodri ’ s shot , which deflected off Gabriel Jesus ’ back and was well saved by Ben Foster , was the only difficult moment for the keeper in that one-sided opening spell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ genius by Gabriel Jesus for switching the striker with Phil Foden against Bournemouth last week , a tweak which brought the decisive second goal .
Guardiola was at it again , swapping Foden from right to left , with Sterling going in the opposite direction .
Call it luck , or genius , or just the kind of tactical re-jig which managers have been trying since the ball was a pig ’ s bladder , it worked for Pep .
Again .
Sterling tucked in narrow , leaving plenty of space outside for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made use of it .
The muscular cross was either aimed at the melee of players towards the far post , or it was a case of Walker showing more faith in Sterling ’ s first touch than perhaps his England teammate has in it himself .
But the ball , fired at pace , was instantaneously controlled by Sterling , who then rifled it high into the far corner for a stunning opener .
Sterling was not done yet , and when City were awarded a penalty , he grabbed the ball @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the usual penalty taker these days .
The front man had an argument .
After all , he had actually won the spot kick in the first place , drawing a foul from Will Hughes after a smart piece of work on halfway from Foden , who dived in to hook the ball away from Tom Cleverley as the Watford man looked to counter-attack .
With the game as good as won by half time , City stepped it up .
The curious thing about a bright and constructive first half was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an incidental part .
Since reaching 18 assists , two shy of Thierry Henry 's Premier League record , the Belgian one-man supply line has stalled .
City fans are hoping that his last few performances - he was downright poor at Wembley - have been the calm before the stormer , against Real Madrid in a little over a fortnight .
He was coasting at Vicarage Road , and did not even have the heart to remind Sterling that he should be taking the spot kicks .
To show there were no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ teed up Sterling for what was almost his hat-trick goal , early in the second half , with Foster again acrobatically keeping his drive out .
The keeper then denied De Bruyne himself , turning over a beautiful strike from a 25-yard free kick which was steamng into the top corner .
But City were in the mood , as they always seem to be against poor old Watford .
And when De Bruyne teed up Sterling again , his shot was again kept out by the magnificent Foster , only for Foden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bruyne had re-discovered his radar and was tormenting the hosts - he scribed an arc of ballistic beauty from a free kick to find the head of Aymeric Laporte , and the Blues were four up .
After the listless win against Bournemouth and a desire-free defeat by Arsenal in the FA Cup semi-final , City found their mojo again .
That bodes ill for Norwich on the final day of the domestic season on Sunday , but is a good omen for the Blues as they sharpen up for Real Madrid 12 @ @ @

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Watford fans might want to thank the football gods that Pep Guardiola decided to give Raheem Sterling a rare afternoon off back in September.
Last night, the Blues striker began another cruel hammering of the Hornets with two first half goals as Manchester City roared back into form.
And you wonder what extra damage he might have inflicted had he not remained on the bench for the 8-0 home win, way back in September, when the Blues ran riot.
Maybe Guardiola torments his players with Elton John's Greatest Hits in the dressing room before these fixtures.
Whatever the reason, his City side have developed a ruthlessness against the Londoners which borders on sadistic.
After that record 6-0 walloping in last season's FA Cup final came the 8-0 demolition at the Etihad Stadium, and then this.
Sterling now has nine goals in his last six appearances against Watford, even though he only watched that Etihad massacre from the bench.
He clearly has one eye on chasing down Jamie Vardy, currently in pole position for the Premier League Golden Boot award, and now just two ahead of Sterling.
And this one-sided thrashing means City have scored 37 in their last seven meetings with Watford, conceding just three.
It was all looking suspiciously familiar for City, at first.
By the time the 18th minute had come and gone, the Blues had racked up 83 per cent of the possession, and had hijacked the opposition nickname by buzzing around the home side like a swarm of hornets.
But, in stark contrast to the reverse fixture at the Etihad Stadium in September, the Blues had not scored five goals, for all of their dominance.
Watford back then were a different prospect. They were rock bottom of the Premier League and looked doomed.
Nigel Pearson had taken them to the position they were in last night, which was one win away from safety – until the manager became the victim of impetuous owner Gino Pozzo, and was ludicrously sacked.
Rodri’s shot, which deflected off Gabriel Jesus’ back and was well saved by Ben Foster, was the only difficult moment for the keeper in that one-sided opening spell.
Pep Guardiola was hailed as a genius by Gabriel Jesus for switching the striker with Phil Foden against Bournemouth last week, a tweak which brought the decisive second goal.
Guardiola was at it again, swapping Foden from right to left, with Sterling going in the opposite direction.
Call it luck, or genius, or just the kind of tactical re-jig which managers have been trying since the ball was a pig’s bladder, it worked for Pep. Again.
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Sterling tucked in narrow, leaving plenty of space outside for Kyle Walker, and the right back made use of it.
The muscular cross was either aimed at the melee of players towards the far post, or it was a case of Walker showing more faith in Sterling’s first touch than perhaps his England teammate has in it himself.
But the ball, fired at pace, was instantaneously controlled by Sterling, who then rifled it high into the far corner for a stunning opener.
Sterling was not done yet, and when City were awarded a penalty, he grabbed the ball ahead of Kevin De Bruyne, who is the usual penalty taker these days.
The front man had an argument. After all, he had actually won the spot kick in the first place, drawing a foul from Will Hughes after a smart piece of work on halfway from Foden, who dived in to hook the ball away from Tom Cleverley as the Watford man looked to counter-attack.
With the game as good as won by half time, City stepped it up.
The curious thing about a bright and constructive first half was that Kevin De Bruyne had only played an incidental part.
Since reaching 18 assists, two shy of Thierry Henry's Premier League record, the Belgian one-man supply line has stalled.
City fans are hoping that his last few performances - he was downright poor at Wembley - have been the calm before the stormer, against Real Madrid in a little over a fortnight.
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He was coasting at Vicarage Road, and did not even have the heart to remind Sterling that he should be taking the spot kicks.
To show there were no hard feelings, a reinvigorated De Bruyne teed up Sterling for what was almost his hat-trick goal, early in the second half, with Foster again acrobatically keeping his drive out.
The keeper then denied De Bruyne himself, turning over a beautiful strike from a 25-yard free kick which was steamng into the top corner.
But City were in the mood, as they always seem to be against poor old Watford.
(Image: MCFC)
And when De Bruyne teed up Sterling again, his shot was again kept out by the magnificent Foster, only for Foden to snap up the rebound.
De Bruyne had re-discovered his radar and was tormenting the hosts - he scribed an arc of ballistic beauty from a free kick to find the head of Aymeric Laporte, and the Blues were four up.
After the listless win against Bournemouth and a desire-free defeat by Arsenal in the FA Cup semi-final, City found their mojo again.
That bodes ill for Norwich on the final day of the domestic season on Sunday, but is a good omen for the Blues as they sharpen up for Real Madrid 12 days later.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-07-21--Man City player ratings as Raheem Sterling and Phil Foden excellent

Ederson : Barely had anything to do , and Watford seemed prepared for his knack of finding City attackers rapidly on the counter .
A very quiet evening .
7 Walker : With Cancelo , on Sarr duty to ensure that Watford could never catch City on the break .
Used his pace well and comfortable roaming forward whenever City attacked , crossing for the first .
An extra point for the way he passed Guardiola 's instructions onto the team and led from the back .
8 Garcia : Almost caught early on in a dangerous position but remaining @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Knows how to keep out of trouble even against a speedy Watford attack that should have troubled him .
7 Laporte : Another clean sheet on another outing for the promising partnership with Garcia - it seemed significant that they started together again after Arsenal - and a goal as well , nodding in De Bruyne 's free-kick .
7 Cancelo : A surprise start at left-back with Mendy and Zinchenko on the bench - does that put him in the fray for Real Madrid ?
Contained Sarr well and useful going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his left foot .
7 Rodri : Nearly rewarded for shooting from distance but denied by a sprawling Foster early on .
In regular communication with Guardiola as he was looked to to control the game - and he did just that .
8 Bernardo : Significant that he played inside with Foden wide , and he was usually found deeper than De Bruyne .
A quietly effective performance that should encourage him at the end of a difficult season .
7 De Bruyne : Another assist to keep him in the race @ @ @ @ @ @ @ times where it looked like he was looking more for teammates than the goal , but given the number of good chances they have missed from him in recent games he 's probably allowed .
7 Foden : A slow start on the right wing but was electric when he switched in the first half and played a pivotal role in earning City 's penalty before finishing tidily in the second .
Increasingly , he looks a player capable of regularly injecting the rapid quality needed to punish opponents .
8 Sterling : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nobody in the league ( in the game ? )
can ghost into dangerous space like Sterling can and his finishing was miles more emphatic than Wembley .
Another penalty missed , but kept his composure to net the rebound for his second .
9 Jesus : A classic Jesus performance .
He led the line well , made sure life was never easy for Ben Foster , and played his part in a successful attacking performance , albeit without being able to find the net himself .
7 Mahrez ( for Sterling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ask to shine with the game already won and made little impact .
6 Zinchenko ( for Walker , 64 ) : Some decent deliveries into the box from the left .
7 Stones ( for Laporte , 74 ) : Looked as though Sarr could have bested him but a well-worked offside trap .
6

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Ederson: Barely had anything to do, and Watford seemed prepared for his knack of finding City attackers rapidly on the counter. A very quiet evening. 7
Walker: With Cancelo, on Sarr duty to ensure that Watford could never catch City on the break. Used his pace well and comfortable roaming forward whenever City attacked, crossing for the first. An extra point for the way he passed Guardiola's instructions onto the team and led from the back. 8
Garcia: Almost caught early on in a dangerous position but remaining fully committed to the tackle saved him. Knows how to keep out of trouble even against a speedy Watford attack that should have troubled him. 7
Laporte: Another clean sheet on another outing for the promising partnership with Garcia - it seemed significant that they started together again after Arsenal - and a goal as well, nodding in De Bruyne's free-kick. 7
Cancelo: A surprise start at left-back with Mendy and Zinchenko on the bench - does that put him in the fray for Real Madrid? Contained Sarr well and useful going forward, albeit far from natural on his left foot. 7
Rodri: Nearly rewarded for shooting from distance but denied by a sprawling Foster early on. In regular communication with Guardiola as he was looked to to control the game - and he did just that. 8
Bernardo: Significant that he played inside with Foden wide, and he was usually found deeper than De Bruyne. A quietly effective performance that should encourage him at the end of a difficult season. 7
De Bruyne: Another assist to keep him in the race for that individual record. There were times where it looked like he was looking more for teammates than the goal, but given the number of good chances they have missed from him in recent games he's probably allowed. 7
Foden: A slow start on the right wing but was electric when he switched in the first half and played a pivotal role in earning City's penalty before finishing tidily in the second. Increasingly, he looks a player capable of regularly injecting the rapid quality needed to punish opponents. 8
Sterling: Reminiscent of a young Thomas Muller, nobody in the league (in the game?) can ghost into dangerous space like Sterling can and his finishing was miles more emphatic than Wembley. Another penalty missed, but kept his composure to net the rebound for his second. 9
Jesus: A classic Jesus performance. He led the line well, made sure life was never easy for Ben Foster, and played his part in a successful attacking performance, albeit without being able to find the net himself. 7
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Substitutes
Mahrez (for Sterling, 64): Always a tough ask to shine with the game already won and made little impact. 6
Zinchenko (for Walker, 64): Some decent deliveries into the box from the left. 7
Stones (for Laporte, 74): Looked as though Sarr could have bested him but a well-worked offside trap. 6
Not used: Carson, Gundogan, Silva, Mendy, Fernandinho, Otamendi


themanchestereveningnews--2020-07-21--Watford vs Machester City highlights

Watford vs Machester City highlights

Manchester City recorded their fourth league win in a row for the first time this season against Watford tonight as @ @ @ @ @ FA Cup defeat at the weekend in style .
A first half brace from Raheem @ @ @ @ @ second half goals from Phil Foden and Aymeric Laporte in a professional performance that denied @ @ @ @ @ Premier League survival tonight .
City took the lead through a thunderbolt from Sterling , @ @ @ @ @ and converted at the second attempt .
Sterling 's shot was then saved into the @ @ @ @ @ made it three , before Aymeric Laporte headed in a fourth .
Watford went into @ @ @ @ @ Nigel Pearson at the weekend , with under-23 coach Hayden Mullins taking charge tonight .
@ @ @ @ @ made four changes from the FA Cup semi-final defeat to Arsenal , with Joao Cancelo @ @ @ @ @ Bernardo Silva coming into the starting XI .
Follow below for build-up , live match @ @ @ @ @ Vicarage Road .

Manchester City recorded their fourth league win in a row for the first time this season against Watford tonight as they bounced back from the FA Cup defeat at the weekend in style.
A first half brace from Raheem Sterling was added to by second half goals from Phil Foden and Aymeric Laporte in a professional performance that denied Watford the chance to secure Premier League survival tonight.
City took the lead through a thunderbolt from Sterling, who then won a penalty and converted at the second attempt. Sterling's shot was then saved into the path of Phil Foden who made it three, before Aymeric Laporte headed in a fourth.
Watford went into the game having sacked manager Nigel Pearson at the weekend, with under-23 coach Hayden Mullins taking charge tonight.
City boss Pep Guardiola said made four changes from the FA Cup semi-final defeat to Arsenal, with Joao Cancelo, Rodri, Foden and Bernardo Silva coming into the starting XI.
Follow below for build-up, live match updates and post-match reaction from Vicarage Road.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-07-21--A massive hole in the ground has got bigger...traders fear shops will collapse

A huge hole which opened up outside a parade of shops has got bigger and bigger and locals fear it could cause serious damage to their properties .
United Utilities has apologised for the problem on Moss Lane in Hale , which bosses say has been caused by a leaking water pipe .
But now - a week after a crack in the pavement first appeared - traders say the problem is worse than ever .
“ Our wall is moving and moving , ” says Ian Tootill .
“ Over the last two days it has just been getting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crack appeared on my gable wall .
It ’ s bending the gas pipe .
“ I ’ m asking United Utilities to guarantee the safety of the building and they won ’ t .
Ian - who owns Evolve Health and Wellness on Moss Lane - says there has been “ significant movement ” to his property .
He says one resident has had foul water pouring into their cellar , while two others have suffered damage to their walls as a result of the leak .
“ This is also affecting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has collapsed and they ’ ve had foul water running into the house , ” he says .
Engineers from United Utilities have been on the scene for several days but Ian says they seem “ flummoxed ” by the problem .
“ We have had to shut for the equivalent of about two and a half days because of this , ” he says .
“ This morning I arrived at the shop and there was no walkway to my shop - it ’ s just rubble .
Patients would not have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ They moved the rubble and made good the pavement in front of the shop .
“ The hole has been temporarily tarmaced so we have access but they will have to dig it all up again .
“ This movement is visual .
The wall is moving and it ’ s very worrying .
“ The United Utilities guys just seem flummoxed by it.
” Ian Flood is renovating a house next door to Evolve .
He says four inches of water has poured in underneath his floorboards and he believes the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They keep changing between saying if it 's foul water or fresh water , '' he says .
`` I have got the floorboards up in the house as we 're renovating it so I can see the water is four inches deep .
`` I only bought the house four months ago .
`` It 's been impossible to pin down anyone who will give you a straight answer . ''
The hole appeared on Moss Lane on the morning of Saturday July 11 .
It was initially fixed , but the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around midday on Thursday July 16 and workers had to pump water from the basement of the premises with some residents finding brown water running from the taps .
Big pools of water could be seen on the affected area as diggers were drafted in as part of the ongoing repair operation .
Since then the hole has grown .
United Utilities last week hired an independent chartered building surveyor to 'investigate concerns that damage has occurred to neighbouring properties ' .
A UU spokesperson previously told the M.E.N that engineers worked through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of water main in front of the affected shops to prevent any further leaks .
They said : “ We are very sorry for the problems a leaking water pipe has caused to customers on Moss Lane in Hale this week .
“ Our investigations have indicated there may be another source of water in the area , not part of our networks , and we ’ re now in the process of checking this and all of our water and wastewater assets to make sure this issue is fully resolved.
” On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Utilities said : “ We are very sorry that business owners on Moss Lane in Hale are still experiencing flooding issues .
`` Our engineers are continuing to check all of our pipes and sewers in the area and we are investigating the possibility that the flooding may also be from another source that is not part of our water and wastewater network .
`` In the meantime , we ’ ve sent a structural engineer to survey the properties and are providing support and assistance to the property owners while we work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the One Trafford Partnership said : “ Due to an ongoing water leak , our Structural Engineering team have visited the site to assess any further circumstantial damage to the properties nearby .
“ We have not recorded any risks including subsidence or imminent danger to the integrity of the properties .
“ We understand that United Utilities are on site and are continuing to deal with the leak which has caused damage to the foul network .
”

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A huge hole which opened up outside a parade of shops has got bigger and bigger and locals fear it could cause serious damage to their properties.
United Utilities has apologised for the problem on Moss Lane in Hale, which bosses say has been caused by a leaking water pipe.
But now - a week after a crack in the pavement first appeared - traders say the problem is worse than ever.
(Image: STEVE ALLEN)
“Our wall is moving and moving,” says Ian Tootill.
“Over the last two days it has just been getting worse.
“Just today a big crack appeared on my gable wall. It’s bending the gas pipe.
“I’m asking United Utilities to guarantee the safety of the building and they won’t.
Ian - who owns Evolve Health and Wellness on Moss Lane - says there has been “significant movement” to his property.
(Image: Ian Tootill)
He says one resident has had foul water pouring into their cellar, while two others have suffered damage to their walls as a result of the leak.
“This is also affecting the property next door, their cellar has collapsed and they’ve had foul water running into the house,” he says.
“I’m really worried.”
Engineers from United Utilities have been on the scene for several days but Ian says they seem “flummoxed” by the problem.
“We have had to shut for the equivalent of about two and a half days because of this,” he says.
(Image: STEVE ALLEN)
“This morning I arrived at the shop and there was no walkway to my shop - it’s just rubble. Patients would not have been able to get to me.
“They moved the rubble and made good the pavement in front of the shop.
“The hole has been temporarily tarmaced so we have access but they will have to dig it all up again.
“This movement is visual. The wall is moving and it’s very worrying.
“The United Utilities guys just seem flummoxed by it.”
(Image: Ian Tootill)
Ian Flood is renovating a house next door to Evolve.
He says four inches of water has poured in underneath his floorboards and he believes the house has sunk two inches.
"They keep changing between saying if it's foul water or fresh water," he says.
"It's a buck passing thing.
"I have got the floorboards up in the house as we're renovating it so I can see the water is four inches deep.
"I only bought the house four months ago.
(Image: Ian Tootill)
"It's been impossible to pin down anyone who will give you a straight answer."
The hole appeared on Moss Lane on the morning of Saturday July 11.
It was initially fixed, but the water main began to leak again at around midday on Thursday July 16 and workers had to pump water from the basement of the premises with some residents finding brown water running from the taps.
Big pools of water could be seen on the affected area as diggers were drafted in as part of the ongoing repair operation.
Since then the hole has grown.
(Image: Ian Tootill)
United Utilities last week hired an independent chartered building surveyor to 'investigate concerns that damage has occurred to neighbouring properties'.
A UU spokesperson previously told the M.E.N that engineers worked through the night to lay a new section of water main in front of the affected shops to prevent any further leaks.
Follow reporter Beth Abbit on social media To follow Beth on Twitter, click here Or to like her Facebook page and keep up to with the latest news, click here Here's the link to the M.E.N's main Facebook page where we share our latest stories.
They said: “We are very sorry for the problems a leaking water pipe has caused to customers on Moss Lane in Hale this week.
“Our investigations have indicated there may be another source of water in the area, not part of our networks, and we’re now in the process of checking this and all of our water and wastewater assets to make sure this issue is fully resolved.”
On Tuesday (July 21) a United Utilities said: “We are very sorry that business owners on Moss Lane in Hale are still experiencing flooding issues.
"Our engineers are continuing to check all of our pipes and sewers in the area and we are investigating the possibility that the flooding may also be from another source that is not part of our water and wastewater network.
"In the meantime, we’ve sent a structural engineer to survey the properties and are providing support and assistance to the property owners while we work to resolve the situation.”
A spokesperson for the One Trafford Partnership said: “Due to an ongoing water leak, our Structural Engineering team have visited the site to assess any further circumstantial damage to the properties nearby.
“We have not recorded any risks including subsidence or imminent danger to the integrity of the properties.
“We understand that United Utilities are on site and are continuing to deal with the leak which has caused damage to the foul network.”


themanchestereveningnews--2020-07-21--Man Utd could face Leicester in Champions League play-off in unlikely scenario

This bizarre and elongated Premier League season could take yet one more crazy twist as it 's possible , though extremely unlikely , that Manchester United and Leicester City could compete in a play-off to earn the final Champions League place .
United and Leicester , along with Chelsea , are all gunning for the final two spots in the top four which would see them qualify for Europe 's top competition next season .
United are currently level on points and goal difference with Leicester but have a game in hand against West Ham United following their exploits in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This makes United odds-on to clinch fourth spot as , if they defeat West Ham , especially by a big goal margin , they will move three points clear of the Foxes and ahead on goal difference before the two sides meet on the final day of the season .
However , if a particular set of results occurs then they would be forced to play each other again in a winner-takes-all play-off for the final Champions League place .
For this to occur United would need to defeat the Hammers 5-3 on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the King Power , which would mean both teams would finish the season on the same number of points , the same goal difference , the same number of goals scored and conceded .
Chelsea would also have to take at least three points from their final pair of matches .
Such a scenario would be unprecedented and would also likely complicate United 's preparations for the return to Europa League action , as they are set to face LASK on August 5 for their last 16 second leg at Old Trafford @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pass , however , seems minuscule with odds for both results to happen being a massive 1,260/1 - but stranger things have happened .

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This bizarre and elongated Premier League season could take yet one more crazy twist as it's possible, though extremely unlikely, that Manchester United and Leicester City could compete in a play-off to earn the final Champions League place.
United and Leicester, along with Chelsea, are all gunning for the final two spots in the top four which would see them qualify for Europe's top competition next season.
United are currently level on points and goal difference with Leicester but have a game in hand against West Ham United following their exploits in the FA Cup semi-final on Sunday.
This makes United odds-on to clinch fourth spot as, if they defeat West Ham, especially by a big goal margin, they will move three points clear of the Foxes and ahead on goal difference before the two sides meet on the final day of the season.
Sign up to our free MUFC email newsletter Get the latest breaking Manchester United transfer news and analysis every day direct to your inbox with our free MUFC newsletter Sign up here - it only takes a few seconds.
However, if a particular set of results occurs then they would be forced to play each other again in a winner-takes-all play-off for the final Champions League place.
For this to occur United would need to defeat the Hammers 5-3 on Wednesday but then lose 1-0 to Leicester at the King Power, which would mean both teams would finish the season on the same number of points, the same goal difference, the same number of goals scored and conceded. Chelsea would also have to take at least three points from their final pair of matches.
Such a scenario would be unprecedented and would also likely complicate United's preparations for the return to Europa League action, as they are set to face LASK on August 5 for their last 16 second leg at Old Trafford.
The likelihood of it coming to pass, however, seems minuscule with odds for both results to happen being a massive 1,260/1 - but stranger things have happened.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-07-21--Wagamama to reopen sites in Manchester tomorrow with list of new safety measures

Two of Wagamama 's branches in Greater Manchester are welcoming diners back tomorrow after months in lockdown .
The restaurant group announced that its 'benches are back ' for customers wanting to dine in at the Middlebrook in Bolton and Parrs Wood in Didsbury from July 22 - five days earlier than the chain originally planned .
The news comes after the popular pan-Asian chain began reopening some locations earlier this month , trialling new safety measures inspired by 'traditional Japanese architecture ' which are being rolled out across the country .
Wagamama initially said that the two Manchester branches @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the return of the Trafford Centre , Stevenage and Swindon restaurants , among others , the date has been moved forward .
The restaurants in Bolton and Didsbury will now have sliding screens installed to carve up its long communal tables and bench seating to comply with the new '1m plus ' distancing guideline .
The Japanese-style partitions sit on tiny rollers and can be moved up and down the full length of the tables to discreetly separate groups of guests from one another .
Design director Mark Standing said : “ Sliding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very heart of the Japanese architectural aesthetic .
They have been used for hundreds of years to divide spaces in buildings and rooms .
I took my inspiration for the design of screen dividers for our long sharing tables and benches from this tradition . ''
Other measures being put in place include distanced queuing and disposable menus on place mats .
A cashless payment system will also be used , with a simple pay on phone mechanic at the end of the meal to minimise staff and customer contact .
The system @ @ @ @ @ @ @ request of taking the name and phone number of at least one person in the group visiting the restaurant , to aid NHS Test and Trace efforts .
Wagamama plans to have 18 restaurants fully open by the end of July , followed by a phased return of its entire estate by early September .
Some restaurants are also opened for click and collect delivery .
When the restaurants began reopening at the beginning of July , CEO Emma Woods said : “ The main question we have been working on as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safe but still have a communal wagamama experience , sitting on our benches .
`` The team have applied our philosophy of kaizen - good change - to this challenge and I am delighted we have found a design solution which provides social distancing for our guests in a way which is true to the design ethos of the brand .
“ We are looking forward to getting our guests back in and obtaining their feedback in the first 18 sites .
If these tests go well , we will reopen the remainder @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” The full list of Wagamama restaurants reopening in July

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Two of Wagamama's branches in Greater Manchester are welcoming diners back tomorrow after months in lockdown.
The restaurant group announced that its 'benches are back' for customers wanting to dine in at the Middlebrook in Bolton and Parrs Wood in Didsbury from July 22 - five days earlier than the chain originally planned.
The news comes after the popular pan-Asian chain began reopening some locations earlier this month, trialling new safety measures inspired by 'traditional Japanese architecture' which are being rolled out across the country.
(Image: Parrs Wood Entertainment Centre)
Wagamama initially said that the two Manchester branches would reopen on July 27.
After the return of the Trafford Centre, Stevenage and Swindon restaurants, among others, the date has been moved forward.
The restaurants in Bolton and Didsbury will now have sliding screens installed to carve up its long communal tables and bench seating to comply with the new '1m plus' distancing guideline.
The Japanese-style partitions sit on tiny rollers and can be moved up and down the full length of the tables to discreetly separate groups of guests from one another.
(Image: Wagamama)
Design director Mark Standing said: “Sliding screens (shoji) are at the very heart of the Japanese architectural aesthetic. They have been used for hundreds of years to divide spaces in buildings and rooms. I took my inspiration for the design of screen dividers for our long sharing tables and benches from this tradition."
Other measures being put in place include distanced queuing and disposable menus on place mats.
A cashless payment system will also be used, with a simple pay on phone mechanic at the end of the meal to minimise staff and customer contact. The system will also fulfil the government’s request of taking the name and phone number of at least one person in the group visiting the restaurant, to aid NHS Test and Trace efforts.
Wagamama plans to have 18 restaurants fully open by the end of July, followed by a phased return of its entire estate by early September. Some restaurants are also opened for click and collect delivery.
When the restaurants began reopening at the beginning of July, CEO Emma Woods said: “The main question we have been working on as a team is how can our guests feel safe but still have a communal wagamama experience, sitting on our benches.
"The team have applied our philosophy of kaizen - good change - to this challenge and I am delighted we have found a design solution which provides social distancing for our guests in a way which is true to the design ethos of the brand.
“We are looking forward to getting our guests back in and obtaining their feedback in the first 18 sites. If these tests go well, we will reopen the remainder of our restaurants throughout August and September.”
The full list of Wagamama restaurants reopening in July
Now open for dine in
Royal Festival Hall, Stevenage, Manchester Trafford Centre, Swindon, London Westfield Stratford, Bluewater, Cheshire Oaks, London Great Marlborough Street, Exeter
Opening July 22
Bolton, Didsbury, Chelmsford, Kensington, Wimbledon, Camden, Bristol Cribbs Causeway
Opening July 23
Gateshead Metrocentre, Lincoln