themanchestereveningnews--2020-05-09--Neville names Man United star most likely to win Ballon d'Or

Gary Neville believes Paul Pogba is the Manchester United player most likely to win the Ballon d'Or during their playing career .
United have had four winners of the Ballon d'Or award during the club 's illustrious history , with Cristiano Ronaldo the most recent recipient back in 2008 .
Ronaldo followed in the footsteps of legendary United trio Sir Bobby Charlton , George Best and Denis Law who all won the award during the 1960s .
United have n't had a true contender for the award since Sir Alex Ferguson retired seven years ago , and Neville believes Pogba @ @ @ @ @ @ @ win it from the current squad .
Taking part in an impromptu Twitter Q & A session on Saturday morning the former United defender answered a range of questions from his playing time , the best of which are listed below Favourite away day other than Anfield ?
( RedFlagFlying ) : Villa park and pitch invasions !
How far can Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood go ?
( SuperNordufus ) : With a fair wind the whole way !
600 plus appearances for United and hundreds of goals .
They have to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Who would you like to see United buy in the summer ?
( mikestanley88 ) : Not a name but I like the 20-25 year olds .
The ones that have that next level in them type of signing .
If Pogba gets his head down and starts playing to a level we expect , and with Bruno Fernandes doing what he has , where do you think we could go as a team ?
( sin7m ) : They could be amazing together if they compromise and work to help each other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
( JBatehup ) : Asking the wrong bloke mate .
At what age did you stop bathing with Phil ?
( ObiwanWinton ) : Since lockdown .

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Gary Neville believes Paul Pogba is the Manchester United player most likely to win the Ballon d'Or during their playing career.
United have had four winners of the Ballon d'Or award during the club's illustrious history, with Cristiano Ronaldo the most recent recipient back in 2008.
Ronaldo followed in the footsteps of legendary United trio Sir Bobby Charlton, George Best and Denis Law who all won the award during the 1960s.
United haven't had a true contender for the award since Sir Alex Ferguson retired seven years ago, and Neville believes Pogba is the current star most likely to win it from the current squad.
Taking part in an impromptu Twitter Q&A session on Saturday morning the former United defender answered a range of questions from his playing time, the best of which are listed below
Favourite moment at United? (_fwkelly): Nou Camp 1999.
Favourite away day other than Anfield? (RedFlagFlying): Villa park and pitch invasions!
How far can Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood go? (SuperNordufus): With a fair wind the whole way! 600 plus appearances for United and hundreds of goals. They have to be nonstop for 15 years everyday!
Who would you like to see United buy in the summer? (mikestanley88): Not a name but I like the 20-25 year olds. The ones that have that next level in them type of signing.
If Pogba gets his head down and starts playing to a level we expect, and with Bruno Fernandes doing what he has, where do you think we could go as a team? (sin7m): They could be amazing together if they compromise and work to help each other.
Biggest regret in football? (LeeBazza): England and tournaments.
How would you get into coaching? (JBatehup): Asking the wrong bloke mate.
At what age did you stop bathing with Phil? (ObiwanWinton): Since lockdown.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-05-09--Manchester United are making the right decision with Dean Henderson

Manchester City supporters crow 'United ran away ' and the only running away they did in the March derby was to jubilantly celebrate their two goals .
This season was a modern Mancunian milestone for United ; a first domestic double over City in nine years and victory in an Old Trafford league derby for the first time since 2015 .
United won three of the four fixtures in Manchester within 92 days and two were in that dormant undefeated run .
United sent City packing and can not consider ordering Dean Henderson to packs his bags .
Sheffield United @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a game in hand , have conceded three in one match this season - against United when the on-loan Henderson was ineligible .
The two-month stretch without football and its possible restart has raised the issue of Henderson 's future at Bramall Lane .
His loan ends on June 30 and the Premier League will continue into July , provided its resumption is a success , so United could deprive a 'rival ' of one of their most decisive players in the challenge for Champions League qualification .
United have no intention @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would be small-time from a club whose followers sing about 'kicking a blue ' and hating Scousers .
Granting Henderson permission to extend his loan is hardly akin to selling Denis Law to City nine months before his backheel confirmed United 's relegation .
It would also drive a wedge between United and Henderson .
The 23-year-old is joint-second in the clean sheet table and a candidate to make the team of the year ; more feathers to stuff into an already fluffy cap without playing for his parent club .
United have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a run-in , signed a rookie custodian from Southend United in January and gave Lee Grant a new contract .
David de Gea is not as fragile as he was in the winter and United recorded nine shut-outs in their last 11 games .
Romero was responsible for four of them .
Henderson is so ambitious he is only prepared to countenance a return to United on the guarantee he is the number one starter .
He is still a way off that entitlement and a third straight season on loan with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thibaut Courtois spent three years with Atletico Madrid , lifting the Uefa Cup , the Copa del Rey , and the Primera Liga title in each season prior to a World Cup appearance before he usurped Petr Cech at Chelsea .
Henderson has another year to oust the foam-handed Jordan Pickford .
United need to be mindful Henderson does not have as strong an attachment to them as some of his academy teammates .
He does not hail from Wythenshawe or Salford but Cumbria , and arrived from Carlisle as a 14-year-old in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with those who fill up his senses at Bramall Lane and the supporters of Shrewsbury Town he mingled with in the Wembley stands after the 2018 Play-off final defeat .
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will have to make an allowance for some indulgence .
A United goalkeeper has not played for England since Ben Foster , another whom thrived during a lengthy loan at a club that were promoted from the Championship to the Premier League .
He then crumbled amid expectations at United .
`` There is no question in my mind that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Sir Alex Ferguson said on the eve of the 2009-10 season .
`` There is nobody better .
I am absolutely convinced of that . ''
Foster bottled his audition to replace an injured Edwin van der Sar and Rob Green , David James , and Joe Hart were named in the England World Cup squad ahead of him .
Henderson is a cockier character who would gather shots in training at Shrewsbury and pretend to sign it before tossing it back .
It is no surprise his idol was Hart , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before his peak and is due to be released by Burnley next month at the age of 33 .
During the Under-21 European Championship in the summer , Henderson brazenly liked a tweet ridiculing De Gea but dropped a clanger against Romania in the next game and England were eliminated .
He has recovered resoundingly in a season only blemished by a howler against Liverpool .
He did not run away .

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Manchester City supporters crow 'United ran away' and the only running away they did in the March derby was to jubilantly celebrate their two goals.
This season was a modern Mancunian milestone for United; a first domestic double over City in nine years and victory in an Old Trafford league derby for the first time since 2015. United won three of the four fixtures in Manchester within 92 days and two were in that dormant undefeated run.
United sent City packing and cannot consider ordering Dean Henderson to packs his bags. Sheffield United are seventh, two points behind United with a game in hand, have conceded three in one match this season - against United when the on-loan Henderson was ineligible.
The two-month stretch without football and its possible restart has raised the issue of Henderson's future at Bramall Lane. His loan ends on June 30 and the Premier League will continue into July, provided its resumption is a success, so United could deprive a 'rival' of one of their most decisive players in the challenge for Champions League qualification.
United have no intention of recalling Henderson. To do so would be small-time from a club whose followers sing about 'kicking a blue' and hating Scousers. Granting Henderson permission to extend his loan is hardly akin to selling Denis Law to City nine months before his backheel confirmed United's relegation.
It would also drive a wedge between United and Henderson. The 23-year-old is joint-second in the clean sheet table and a candidate to make the team of the year; more feathers to stuff into an already fluffy cap without playing for his parent club.
United have the best Spanish and Argentinian goalkeepers ready for a run-in, signed a rookie custodian from Southend United in January and gave Lee Grant a new contract. David de Gea is not as fragile as he was in the winter and United recorded nine shut-outs in their last 11 games. Romero was responsible for four of them.
Henderson is so ambitious he is only prepared to countenance a return to United on the guarantee he is the number one starter. He is still a way off that entitlement and a third straight season on loan with Sheffield United is worthy of consideration.
Thibaut Courtois spent three years with Atletico Madrid, lifting the Uefa Cup, the Copa del Rey, and the Primera Liga title in each season prior to a World Cup appearance before he usurped Petr Cech at Chelsea. Henderson has another year to oust the foam-handed Jordan Pickford.
United need to be mindful Henderson does not have as strong an attachment to them as some of his academy teammates. He does not hail from Wythenshawe or Salford but Cumbria, and arrived from Carlisle as a 14-year-old in 2011.
Henderson has a stronger bond with those who fill up his senses at Bramall Lane and the supporters of Shrewsbury Town he mingled with in the Wembley stands after the 2018 Play-off final defeat. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will have to make an allowance for some indulgence.
A United goalkeeper has not played for England since Ben Foster, another whom thrived during a lengthy loan at a club that were promoted from the Championship to the Premier League. He then crumbled amid expectations at United.
"There is no question in my mind that he will be England's goalkeeper," Sir Alex Ferguson said on the eve of the 2009-10 season. "There is nobody better. I am absolutely convinced of that." Foster bottled his audition to replace an injured Edwin van der Sar and Rob Green, David James, and Joe Hart were named in the England World Cup squad ahead of him.
Henderson is a cockier character who would gather shots in training at Shrewsbury and pretend to sign it before tossing it back. It is no surprise his idol was Hart, who got too big for his boots before his peak and is due to be released by Burnley next month at the age of 33.
During the Under-21 European Championship in the summer, Henderson brazenly liked a tweet ridiculing De Gea but dropped a clanger against Romania in the next game and England were eliminated. He has recovered resoundingly in a season only blemished by a howler against Liverpool. He did not run away.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-05-09--Four Bundesliga centre-backs Man City should be scouting

The Bundesliga is set to return on May 16 as the first major European league to resume following the coronavirus outbreak .
Manchester City ’ s current options at centre-back are depleted with Fernandinho deputising in the role for much of the 2019-20 season amid Aymeric Laporte ’ s injury woes .
With the resumption of the German top flight , here are four centre-backs City should be scouting on the league ’ s return to action : It is no secret that RB Leipzig centre-back Dayot Upamecano has been tracked by Europe ’ s elite clubs this season .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ s best progressive passers from deep , with only a handful of players including Joshua Kimmich and Thiago Alcántara completing more passes into the final third in the Bundesliga this season .
It is an aspect of centre-back play that Pep Guardiola likes , as he expects his defenders to start moves rather than simply carrying out their defensive duties .
Upamecano has been a revelation for RB Leipzig , having signed for the East German club from FC Red Bull Salzburg three seasons ago .
The Frenchman has displayed his abilities as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Champions League , particularly this season .
His contract expires at the end of the next campaign , which could be of considerable interest to teams when this summer ’ s window opens .
Currently on-loan at FC Schalke from Barcelona , Todibo has impressed in the few games he has played since joining in January .
The 20-year-old initially impressed at Ligue 1 club Toulouse last season , earning him a move to the Spanish giants .
While on loan in the Bundesliga , Todibo has showcased his defensive attributes , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the league .
In many other aspects , Todibo has impressed including his aerial prowess and adapting to his third top five league in the space of 18 months .
His time on the pitch may represent a small sample size , but his all-round play has been superb for Die Königsblauen so far and should it continue , City should be keeping a keen eye on him .
Another player who joined the Bundesliga in January is Edmond Tapsoba .
The Burkina Faso international signed for Bayer Leverkusen for an initial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ running with his new club .
Although a move so soon after relocating to Germany remains unlikely , City should be tracking his progress over the next few years as the 21-year-old promises to be one of Europe ’ s best in seasons to come .
His rise from Vitória Guimarães ’ B side to Bundesliga standout has been sharp and immense .
While he is much less of a ball-player than Todibo and Upamecano , his ability to switch the point of attack with accurate long balls could be of interest to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ centre-backs City should be watching is FC Bayern München ’ s David Alaba .
Guardiola worked with the Austrian during his time at the Bavarian club and knows of the versatility he possesses .
This season in a centre-back role , Alaba has excelled , strolling through games and becoming the league ’ s most prolific progressive passer .
The 27-year-old averages almost ten passes into the final third per game and is exactly what Guardiola demands from his centre-backs .
He is another player whose contract expires in June 2021 and a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offing considering Alaba has spent the last decade with Bayern .

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The Bundesliga is set to return on May 16 as the first major European league to resume following the coronavirus outbreak.
Manchester City ’s current options at centre-back are depleted with Fernandinho deputising in the role for much of the 2019-20 season amid Aymeric Laporte ’s injury woes.
With the resumption of the German top flight, here are four centre-backs City should be scouting on the league’s return to action:
Dayot Upamecano
It is no secret that RB Leipzig centre-back Dayot Upamecano has been tracked by Europe’s elite clubs this season. The 21-year-old remains one of Europe’s best progressive passers from deep, with only a handful of players including Joshua Kimmich and Thiago Alcántara completing more passes into the final third in the Bundesliga this season.
It is an aspect of centre-back play that Pep Guardiola likes, as he expects his defenders to start moves rather than simply carrying out their defensive duties.
Upamecano has been a revelation for RB Leipzig, having signed for the East German club from FC Red Bull Salzburg three seasons ago.
The Frenchman has displayed his abilities as a top class defender in the Bundesliga and Champions League, particularly this season.
His contract expires at the end of the next campaign, which could be of considerable interest to teams when this summer’s window opens.
(Image: ANP Sport via Getty Images)
Jean-Clair Todibo
Currently on-loan at FC Schalke from Barcelona, Todibo has impressed in the few games he has played since joining in January. The 20-year-old initially impressed at Ligue 1 club Toulouse last season, earning him a move to the Spanish giants.
While on loan in the Bundesliga, Todibo has showcased his defensive attributes, and is yet to be dribbled past in the league.
In many other aspects, Todibo has impressed including his aerial prowess and adapting to his third top five league in the space of 18 months.
His time on the pitch may represent a small sample size, but his all-round play has been superb for Die Königsblauen so far and should it continue, City should be keeping a keen eye on him.
Edmond Tapsoba
Another player who joined the Bundesliga in January is Edmond Tapsoba. The Burkina Faso international signed for Bayer Leverkusen for an initial €18 million and has hit the ground running with his new club.
Although a move so soon after relocating to Germany remains unlikely, City should be tracking his progress over the next few years as the 21-year-old promises to be one of Europe’s best in seasons to come. His rise from Vitória Guimarães’ B side to Bundesliga standout has been sharp and immense. While he is much less of a ball-player than Todibo and Upamecano, his ability to switch the point of attack with accurate long balls could be of interest to Guardiola.
David Alaba
The most-established of the Bundesliga centre-backs City should be watching is FC Bayern München’s David Alaba. Guardiola worked with the Austrian during his time at the Bavarian club and knows of the versatility he possesses. This season in a centre-back role, Alaba has excelled, strolling through games and becoming the league’s most prolific progressive passer.
The 27-year-old averages almost ten passes into the final third per game and is exactly what Guardiola demands from his centre-backs. He is another player whose contract expires in June 2021 and a change of scenery could be in the offing considering Alaba has spent the last decade with Bayern.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-05-09--Manchester United vs West Ham simulated on FIFA 20

This weekend would have seen Manchester United host West Ham United at Old Trafford , in what would have been the penultimate game of the 2019/20 Premier League campaign .
But with the UK lockdown still in force , football all over the country has been postponed for the foreseeable future , with no confirmation yet on when it could resume .
But with fans having no football to look forward to watching this weekend , we decided to play the game anyway using FIFA 20 , to see what the score could have been had the game taken place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ score have been ?
We used FIFA 20 to find out - just for fun .
To set up this simulation , we used kick-off mode within FIFA 20 but did n't select a team to control ; we then selected the teams and watched the match play out by itself , to give us a unique prediction .
The AI difficulty was set to legendary , with the line-up updated with the latest transfers , injuries and suspensions .
We predict that Manchester United could have set up in a 4-3-3 formation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ De Gea ; Wan-Bissaka , Lindelof , Maguire , Shaw ; Fred , Pogba , Fernandes ; Greenwood , Martial , James .
We predict that West Ham could have set up in a 4-4-2 formation , with the line-up as follows : Fabianski ; Ngakia , Diop , Ogbonna , Cresswell ; Bowen , Noble , Rice , Fornals ; Antonio , Haller .
FIFA 20 predicts that United would have scored the only goal of the game after just 10 minutes , with a rare bit of quality lighting up what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
With ten minutes on the clock , Paul Pogba got hold of the ball in midfield , beat Declan Rice and Mark Noble with lovely bits of skill , before spotting the movement of Anthony Martial in front of him .
The Frenchman then produced a fantastic pass with the outside of his foot into the path of the United striker , who took the ball in his stride and finished past Fabianski at his near post .
Real quality on show from Pogba and Martial in the build-up to the goal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ five minutes later , with Bruno Fernandes trying his luck with a free-kick from distance , but the Portugal international 's effort flew just over the crossbar .
The rest of the game lacked quality and it was a classic end of the season affair , although United were clearly the better side on the day , with West Ham camping in their own half for most of the game .
The lack of highlights and chances to bring you says it all , Martial 's goal sealed the win for United in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the full-time match stats .
This FIFA 20 simulation predicts that United would have secured a 1-0 win against West Ham United at Old Trafford this weekend , with Pogba and Martial combining to score early on , in what would have been the only goal in a poor game for the neutrals .
What do you think the score would have been ?
When real-life football is n't possible , football on the virtual pitch is the next best thing .

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This weekend would have seen Manchester United host West Ham United at Old Trafford, in what would have been the penultimate game of the 2019/20 Premier League campaign. But with the UK lockdown still in force, football all over the country has been postponed for the foreseeable future, with no confirmation yet on when it could resume.
But with fans having no football to look forward to watching this weekend, we decided to play the game anyway using FIFA 20, to see what the score could have been had the game taken place.
So, what would the final score have been?
We used FIFA 20 to find out - just for fun.
Manchester United vs West Ham on FIFA 20
To set up this simulation, we used kick-off mode within FIFA 20 but didn't select a team to control; we then selected the teams and watched the match play out by itself, to give us a unique prediction.
The AI difficulty was set to legendary, with the line-up updated with the latest transfers, injuries and suspensions.
We predict that Manchester United could have set up in a 4-3-3 formation, with their line-up as follows: De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Maguire, Shaw; Fred, Pogba, Fernandes; Greenwood, Martial, James.
We predict that West Ham could have set up in a 4-4-2 formation, with the line-up as follows: Fabianski; Ngakia, Diop, Ogbonna, Cresswell; Bowen, Noble, Rice, Fornals; Antonio, Haller.
FIFA 20 predicts that United would have scored the only goal of the game after just 10 minutes, with a rare bit of quality lighting up what was otherwise a poor game of football.
With ten minutes on the clock, Paul Pogba got hold of the ball in midfield, beat Declan Rice and Mark Noble with lovely bits of skill, before spotting the movement of Anthony Martial in front of him.
The Frenchman then produced a fantastic pass with the outside of his foot into the path of the United striker, who took the ball in his stride and finished past Fabianski at his near post. Real quality on show from Pogba and Martial in the build-up to the goal.
United could have doubled their lead five minutes later, with Bruno Fernandes trying his luck with a free-kick from distance, but the Portugal international's effort flew just over the crossbar.
The rest of the game lacked quality and it was a classic end of the season affair, although United were clearly the better side on the day, with West Ham camping in their own half for most of the game.
The lack of highlights and chances to bring you says it all, Martial's goal sealed the win for United in an otherwise bleak affair.
Follow Esports and gaming writer Nathan Bliss on social media To follow Nathan on Twitter, click here. To follow Reach Gaming on Twitter, click here. To follow Nathan on Facebook, click here.
Full-time score: Manchester United 1-0 West Ham
Here are the full-time match stats.
This FIFA 20 simulation predicts that United would have secured a 1-0 win against West Ham United at Old Trafford this weekend, with Pogba and Martial combining to score early on, in what would have been the only goal in a poor game for the neutrals.
What do you think the score would have been?
When real-life football isn't possible, football on the virtual pitch is the next best thing.
Stay safe everyone.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-05-09--Coronavirus LIVE: UK government prepares to reveal plans to ease lockdown

Reopening garden centres , encouraging the public to use bikes and quarantining travellers arriving in the UK could be part of the first stage of easing the coronavirus lockdown , according to new reports .
Prime minister Boris Johnson is set to reveal a “ road map ” setting out the stages for lifting the lockdown during an address to the nation on Sunday evening .
Downing Street has confirmed that a quarantine for foreign visitors is being “ looked at ” as a way of guarding the country against a second peak in the transmission rate .
Meanwhile , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ received confirmation that garden centres will be allowed to open their doors to customers from Wednesday , May 13 , with strict social distancing measures in place .
During yesterday 's press conference , Environment Secretary George Eustice reiterated calls for people to stay at home for the remainder of the bank holiday weekend and to respect social distancing rules .
Today ( Saturday ) is expected to be the hottest day of the year , according to the Met Office , with temperatures in some places reaching 26 degrees .
Ministers have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been made ahead of the weekend , which means people can still only leave their homes for an essential reason .
Police forces have warned that patrols will be out in public ensuring that restrictions are not being breached .
On Friday , NHS England confirmed that a six-week-old baby with underlying health problems had died after testing positive for the virus , believed to be the youngest known victim in the UK .
The total number of deaths in all settings is now 31,241 , according to the Department of Health , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Statistics , which include suspected Covid-19 cases put the figure at more than 36,000 .
The government has set a target of reaching a testing capacity of 200,000 tests a day by the end of May - despite missing its initial target of carrying out 100,000 tests a day for the sixth day in a row .
We 'll have the latest updates on the coronavirus pandemic and the UK lockdown throughout the day .
Scroll down for more .

Reopening garden centres, encouraging the public to use bikes and quarantining travellers arriving in the UK could be part of the first stage of easing the coronavirus lockdown, according to new reports.
Prime minister Boris Johnson is set to reveal a “road map” setting out the stages for lifting the lockdown during an address to the nation on Sunday evening.
Downing Street has confirmed that a quarantine for foreign visitors is being “looked at” as a way of guarding the country against a second peak in the transmission rate.
Meanwhile, the PA news agency says it has received confirmation that garden centres will be allowed to open their doors to customers from Wednesday, May 13, with strict social distancing measures in place.
During yesterday's press conference, Environment Secretary George Eustice reiterated calls for people to stay at home for the remainder of the bank holiday weekend and to respect social distancing rules.
Today (Saturday) is expected to be the hottest day of the year, according to the Met Office, with temperatures in some places reaching 26 degrees.
Ministers have warned that no changes to lockdown have been made ahead of the weekend, which means people can still only leave their homes for an essential reason.
Police forces have warned that patrols will be out in public ensuring that restrictions are not being breached.
On Friday, NHS England confirmed that a six-week-old baby with underlying health problems had died after testing positive for the virus, believed to be the youngest known victim in the UK.
The total number of deaths in all settings is now 31,241, according to the Department of Health, but figures from the Office for National Statistics, which include suspected Covid-19 cases put the figure at more than 36,000.
The government has set a target of reaching a testing capacity of 200,000 tests a day by the end of May - despite missing its initial target of carrying out 100,000 tests a day for the sixth day in a row.
We'll have the latest updates on the coronavirus pandemic and the UK lockdown throughout the day.
Scroll down for more.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-05-09--Fears 'two-metre rule' will close Manchester's smallest pub

The landlord of Manchester ’ s smallest pub says social distancing could kill his tiny city centre boozer .
Under the current social distancing rules , a two metre space between customers would mean only eight people at a time could fit inside the Circus Tavern , on Portland Street .
And licensee Barry Hayes fears the pub wo n't survive if he also has to pay rent while the pub is closed .
He has asked landlord Star Pubs for a nine month rent break to allow time to recover once lockdown measures are lifted .
Star Pubs says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pubs 'on an individual basis ' and is suspending the collection of any rent until at least June , or whenever pubs reopen .
Barry says : “ My rent is over £5,000 a month .
If you can ’ t open how can you pay that ?
“ We ’ re one of the most iconic pubs in town .
A lot of places are in the same position .
“ I think I ’ ll be able to get about eight people inside , nine maximum , if the social distancing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ room is about three and a half square metres.
” Government ministers have already warned that pubs , restaurants and bars are likely to be the last to reopen after lockdown .
Many in the hospitality industry are lobbying the government for a nine month ‘ national time out ’ on rental payments .
The Manchester Hospitality Network is urging people to get behind the plans .
In a letter to landlords last week the Network stated that 'the social fabric of our country will never be the same again ' if these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Barry says times were tough for pubs even before lockdown , but the situation has put the future of many watering holes in jeopardy .
“ At the end of the day we ’ re just looking for help somewhere , ” he says .
“ I know of two landlords who will just go bust and it ’ s as simple as that .
“ If they go with this two metre rule I ’ m going to be absolutely goosed .
“ I ’ ll be working for nothing .
My @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out how we could make it work .
“ I proposed to Star that perhaps I could defer the rent payments until next year and start paying rent again and add those payments to the end of my contract.
” Barry closed the pub doors when ordered by the government back in March and furloughed two staff members .
At the time he had just increased his stocks in preparation for St Patrick ’ s Day and Mother ’ s Day .
“ We had to get supplies in for those usually busy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” he says .
“ So we ’ ve got £8,000 of beer that is wasted now .
“ I ’ m also refurbishing at the moment at a big cost .
“ My sister works here too so it ’ s a family run business .
“ I have put a hell of a lot into it and I want to keep it going.
” Lawson Mountstevens , Managing Director of Star Pubs and Bars said : “ We are and will continue to do as much as we can to help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Government ’ s waivers and grants to help cover rent , salaries and other fixed costs , Star Pubs & Bars is providing rent reductions to pubs on an individual basis and suspending the collection of any rent until at least June or whenever pubs reopen .
“ Once the restrictions are lifted , we want to see all of our pubs open , trading and operating as viable businesses as soon as possible .
“ We know the rent relief , which represents a significant investment on behalf of Star Pubs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whole industry , and the support we provide on a pub by pub basis will have a significant bearing on the future sustainability of our licensees ’ businesses – and clearly we want to see our pubs thrive in the long-term .
”

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The landlord of Manchester’s smallest pub says social distancing could kill his tiny city centre boozer.
Under the current social distancing rules, a two metre space between customers would mean only eight people at a time could fit inside the Circus Tavern, on Portland Street.
And licensee Barry Hayes fears the pub won't survive if he also has to pay rent while the pub is closed.
He has asked landlord Star Pubs for a nine month rent break to allow time to recover once lockdown measures are lifted.
(Image: ABNM Photography)
Star Pubs says it’s providing rent reductions to pubs 'on an individual basis' and is suspending the collection of any rent until at least June, or whenever pubs reopen.
Barry says: “My rent is over £5,000 a month. If you can’t open how can you pay that?
“If I can’t sell beer I can’t make money.
“We’re one of the most iconic pubs in town. A lot of places are in the same position.
“I think I’ll be able to get about eight people inside, nine maximum, if the social distancing rules stay the same.
“Each room is about three and a half square metres.”
(Image: ABNM Photography)
Government ministers have already warned that pubs, restaurants and bars are likely to be the last to reopen after lockdown.
Many in the hospitality industry are lobbying the government for a nine month ‘national time out’ on rental payments.
The Manchester Hospitality Network is urging people to get behind the plans.
In a letter to landlords last week the Network stated that 'the social fabric of our country will never be the same again' if these measures are not put in place.
Barry says times were tough for pubs even before lockdown, but the situation has put the future of many watering holes in jeopardy.
“At the end of the day we’re just looking for help somewhere,” he says.
“I know of two landlords who will just go bust and it’s as simple as that.
“If they go with this two metre rule I’m going to be absolutely goosed.
(Image: ABNM Photography)
“I’ll be working for nothing. My head is working overtime trying to work out how we could make it work.
“I proposed to Star that perhaps I could defer the rent payments until next year and start paying rent again and add those payments to the end of my contract.”
Barry closed the pub doors when ordered by the government back in March and furloughed two staff members.
At the time he had just increased his stocks in preparation for St Patrick’s Day and Mother’s Day.
“We had to get supplies in for those usually busy days but nobody was coming in,” he says.
“So we’ve got £8,000 of beer that is wasted now.
“I’m also refurbishing at the moment at a big cost.
“My sister works here too so it’s a family run business.
“I have put a hell of a lot into it and I want to keep it going.”
(Image: ABNM Photography)
Lawson Mountstevens, Managing Director of Star Pubs and Bars said: “We are and will continue to do as much as we can to help our pubs.
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.
“In addition to the Government’s waivers and grants to help cover rent, salaries and other fixed costs, Star Pubs & Bars is providing rent reductions to pubs on an individual basis and suspending the collection of any rent until at least June or whenever pubs reopen.
“Once the restrictions are lifted, we want to see all of our pubs open, trading and operating as viable businesses as soon as possible.
“We know the rent relief, which represents a significant investment on behalf of Star Pubs & Bars during challenging times for the whole industry, and the support we provide on a pub by pub basis will have a significant bearing on the future sustainability of our licensees’ businesses – and clearly we want to see our pubs thrive in the long-term.”


themanchestereveningnews--2020-05-09--Man Utd great Roy Keane's ex coach makes Liverpool and Man City transfer claim

Manchester United legend Roy Keane once penned a letter asking Liverpool to sign him , his former coach has stated .
The former United captain is a club icon , having won seven Premier League titles during a glittering career at Old Trafford .
However , former coach Alfie Hale has revealed that Keane wrote to Liverpool , along with Arsenal , Manchester City and other Premier League big-hitters , to ask them to come and watch him play for Hale 's side , Cobh Ramblers .
Brian Clough 's Nottingham Forest were the only club to respond , writing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no thanks . '
`` He said that Forest at least had the courtesy to respond to him , '' Hale told The42 .
Of course , Nottingham Forest did eventually sign Keane from Cobh Ramblers before he eventually moved to United in 1993 , despite the initial rejection .
By the time Forest reacted , though , other big clubs had noticed Keane 's talent and there was competition for his signature .
`` When it came down to signing him , other clubs dashed in , '' Hale said .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me called John Hollins , he was the captain at Chelsea and I said : ‘ John , I told you three or four times and you never listened ! '
.
I said : ‘ You ’ re only listening now because someone else has come in for him ’ .
`` He said : ‘ Can I talk to him , will you listen to me ?
’ I said : ‘ You can , ' but nothing came of it .
Roy Keane had made up his mind : ‘ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' [ Forest ] gave Cobh 20 grand , plus add-ons but it could have been 50 grand if they pushed it enough and if they put in more add-ons and all the little conditions attached to it , they could have made a fortune . ''
He continued : “ Roy at 17 was basically just a youthful Roy Keane as you know him today .
Nothing fanciful .
Straight passing .
Give it , go , get on it again , get on the end of it and if you have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` And when it ’ s in your half , you bloody well win it .
That ’ s him .
Always committed .
A very quiet lad . ''

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Manchester United legend Roy Keane once penned a letter asking Liverpool to sign him, his former coach has stated.
The former United captain is a club icon, having won seven Premier League titles during a glittering career at Old Trafford.
However, former coach Alfie Hale has revealed that Keane wrote to Liverpool, along with Arsenal, Manchester City and other Premier League big-hitters, to ask them to come and watch him play for Hale's side, Cobh Ramblers.
Brian Clough's Nottingham Forest were the only club to respond, writing back to say: 'Thanks, but no thanks.'
"He said that Forest at least had the courtesy to respond to him," Hale told The42.
Of course, Nottingham Forest did eventually sign Keane from Cobh Ramblers before he eventually moved to United in 1993, despite the initial rejection.
By the time Forest reacted, though, other big clubs had noticed Keane's talent and there was competition for his signature.
"When it came down to signing him, other clubs dashed in," Hale said.
"There was a lad that played for me called John Hollins, he was the captain at Chelsea and I said: ‘John, I told you three or four times and you never listened!'. I said: ‘You’re only listening now because someone else has come in for him’.
"He said: ‘Can I talk to him, will you listen to me?’ I said: ‘You can,' but nothing came of it. Roy Keane had made up his mind: ‘I’m going to Forest.’
"[Forest] gave Cobh 20 grand, plus add-ons but it could have been 50 grand if they pushed it enough and if they put in more add-ons and all the little conditions attached to it, they could have made a fortune."
He continued: “Roy at 17 was basically just a youthful Roy Keane as you know him today. Nothing fanciful. Straight passing. Give it, go, get on it again, get on the end of it and if you have a shot at goal, great.
"And when it’s in your half, you bloody well win it. That’s him. Always committed. A very quiet lad."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-05-09--Stam explains what Man United must do to challenge Liverpool FC

Jaap Stam has praised the addition of Bruno Fernandes but says Manchester United must add 'more quality players ' if they really want to challenge for the Premier League .
After a disappointing start to the season United have found momentum under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer with a run of games which saw them go 11 unbeaten while keeping nine clean sheets .
United have been reinvigorated by the January additions of both Bruno Fernandes and Odion Ighalo with Stam praising the 'new dimensions ' the former has brought to the team .
Treble winner Stam believes Fernandes is the perfect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doing at Old Trafford , but says more additions are needed if they are to truly transform into title challengers again .
“ There was a lot of talk about Ole when he came , ” Stam told Goal .
“ He had that great run , then when he signed his contract and lost certain games people were a little bit sceptical about the choice .
“ But I think everyone at the club knew that the players who had come in needed time to adjust to the club , the pressure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ole wanted to do .
“ Now you see players are getting used to the way of playing and by bringing in Fernandes , a quality player , it ’ s given them that extra dimension of creativity going forward which makes it easier at times for other players to get on the ball and get into scoring positions .
“ So I ’ m delighted for Ole that it ’ s getting better and better .
Unfortunately for him it ’ s stopped now because for the last period of the season @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Against City they have had a good run of results .
But you can ’ t look at individual games and say we can go for winning the league because we ’ ve beaten them several times .
“ I think you need to be very stable as a team throughout the whole league , which Liverpool is .
You need to play in a certain way now and build your squad in a certain way , then eventually you can build that challenge for winning the league again .
“ If I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they still need some more quality players in the squad to make that challenge .
”

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Jaap Stam has praised the addition of Bruno Fernandes but says Manchester United must add 'more quality players' if they really want to challenge for the Premier League.
After a disappointing start to the season United have found momentum under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer with a run of games which saw them go 11 unbeaten while keeping nine clean sheets.
United have been reinvigorated by the January additions of both Bruno Fernandes and Odion Ighalo with Stam praising the 'new dimensions' the former has brought to the team.
Treble winner Stam believes Fernandes is the perfect example of the work Solskjaer has been doing at Old Trafford, but says more additions are needed if they are to truly transform into title challengers again.
“There was a lot of talk about Ole when he came,” Stam told Goal. “He had that great run, then when he signed his contract and lost certain games people were a little bit sceptical about the choice.
“But I think everyone at the club knew that the players who had come in needed time to adjust to the club, the pressure of playing for the club and what Ole wanted to do.
“Now you see players are getting used to the way of playing and by bringing in Fernandes, a quality player, it’s given them that extra dimension of creativity going forward which makes it easier at times for other players to get on the ball and get into scoring positions.
“So I’m delighted for Ole that it’s getting better and better. Unfortunately for him it’s stopped now because for the last period of the season they were looking very good.
“Against City they have had a good run of results. But you can’t look at individual games and say we can go for winning the league because we’ve beaten them several times.
“I think you need to be very stable as a team throughout the whole league, which Liverpool is. You need to play in a certain way now and build your squad in a certain way, then eventually you can build that challenge for winning the league again.
“If I look at it now, I think they still need some more quality players in the squad to make that challenge.”


themanchestereveningnews--2020-05-09--Man City morning headlines as De Bruyne names best ever teammate

Here are the Manchester City morning headlines on Saturday , May 9 .
City partner with NHS as Etihad is transformed Manchester City have formed a partnership with the NHS and Manchester Council , ramping up their efforts to help the local community in the battle against the ongoing coronavirus pandemic .
With football currently postponed , City have been in touch with the relevant authorities about transforming the Etihad Campus as a space for more than 26,000 frontline NHS workers in Greater Manchester .
The changes at the ground include : The stadium being opened to allow for training @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including those working in the Nightingale Northwest Hospital and local community care .
A rest , relaxation and exercise centre for NHS and social care staff , which will also have gym equipment and a café space for employees .
A “ click and collect ” service for the staff members to pick up groceries and household supplies that they need .
A drive-through coronavirus testing service at the club car park , that will be open for at least three months , with more than 1,000 tests per day being carried out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more information on the changes at the Etihad .
How Premier League table would look if it was decided on points-per-game City would finish in second-place if the Premier League was decided on points-per-game amid the coronavirus pandemic .
Clubs from the Premier League , and elsewhere across the UK , are still waiting on a final decision over the rest of the season and if it will be concluded .
The plan has always been to try and finish the season , but only once it is safe to do so , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in constant dialogue with members of the government and other relevant authorities .
However , for teams in lower divisions , the news isn ’ t so good , with some reports League One and Two games will be scrapped next week .
The rest of the 2019/20 season could be decided on a points-per-game basis , if clubs vote for this .
If this was the system used by the Premier League , then the top two would be exactly the same , with Liverpool comfortable winners .
Liverpool would win the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while City would finish runners-up on 77.85 points .
Leicester City would complete the top three , with Chelsea fourth and Manchester United in fifth-place .
Read more on how the table would look on a points-per-game basis .
De Bruyne names David Silva as best ever teammate Kevin De Bruyne has named David Silva as his best-ever teammate and has detailed one rather unexpected quality that the Spaniard possesses .
Silva is set to leave City at the end of the season , with the 34-year-old out of contract at the Etihad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
His teammate De Bruyne has played with Silva for five years now and in that time has been so impressed with the playmaker ’ s ability to master the fundamentals of the game .
“ Somebody with the best fundamentals in the game , and has the things that you need , for me is David Silva , ” the Belgian midfielder said to Bleacher Report .
“ In every sport you can do flashy things , but to do the basics so well is amazing .
Even in training , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ training you can ’ t take the ball off him , it ’ s incredible to see because in England they say you need power and speed but you work with your brain and the rest comes .
“ He ’ s won everything as well , trophies here , titles in Spain .
I think he ’ s played 125 times for Spain with Xavi and Andreas Iniesta , if you ’ re playing that much in that team , it says enough .
”

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Here are the Manchester City morning headlines on Saturday, May 9.
City partner with NHS as Etihad is transformed
Manchester City have formed a partnership with the NHS and Manchester Council, ramping up their efforts to help the local community in the battle against the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
With football currently postponed, City have been in touch with the relevant authorities about transforming the Etihad Campus as a space for more than 26,000 frontline NHS workers in Greater Manchester.
The changes at the ground include:
The stadium being opened to allow for training for more than 350 nursing staff – including those working in the Nightingale Northwest Hospital and local community care.
A rest, relaxation and exercise centre for NHS and social care staff, which will also have gym equipment and a café space for employees.
A “click and collect” service for the staff members to pick up groceries and household supplies that they need.
A drive-through coronavirus testing service at the club car park, that will be open for at least three months, with more than 1,000 tests per day being carried out at the moment.
Click here for more information on the changes at the Etihad.
How Premier League table would look if it was decided on points-per-game
City would finish in second-place if the Premier League was decided on points-per-game amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Clubs from the Premier League, and elsewhere across the UK, are still waiting on a final decision over the rest of the season and if it will be concluded.
The plan has always been to try and finish the season, but only once it is safe to do so, with the organisers from the English top-flight in constant dialogue with members of the government and other relevant authorities.
However, for teams in lower divisions, the news isn’t so good, with some reports League One and Two games will be scrapped next week.
The rest of the 2019/20 season could be decided on a points-per-game basis, if clubs vote for this.
If this was the system used by the Premier League, then the top two would be exactly the same, with Liverpool comfortable winners.
Liverpool would win the title with a tally of 107.21, while City would finish runners-up on 77.85 points.
Leicester City would complete the top three, with Chelsea fourth and Manchester United in fifth-place.
Read more on how the table would look on a points-per-game basis.
De Bruyne names David Silva as best ever teammate
Kevin De Bruyne has named David Silva as his best-ever teammate and has detailed one rather unexpected quality that the Spaniard possesses.
Silva is set to leave City at the end of the season, with the 34-year-old out of contract at the Etihad after over a decade with the club.
His teammate De Bruyne has played with Silva for five years now and in that time has been so impressed with the playmaker’s ability to master the fundamentals of the game.
“Somebody with the best fundamentals in the game, and has the things that you need, for me is David Silva,” the Belgian midfielder said to Bleacher Report.
“In every sport you can do flashy things, but to do the basics so well is amazing. Even in training, he does everything so well, even in training you can’t take the ball off him, it’s incredible to see because in England they say you need power and speed but you work with your brain and the rest comes.
“He’s won everything as well, trophies here, titles in Spain. I think he’s played 125 times for Spain with Xavi and Andreas Iniesta, if you’re playing that much in that team, it says enough.”


themanchestereveningnews--2020-05-09--Murder investigation as body of 67-year-old woman found in a house

A police cordon is in place after the body of 67-year-old woman found in a house in Levenshulme .
A murder investigation was launched after the grim discovery was made on Westminster Street at around 8.30pm on Thursday ( May 7 ) .
GMP confirmed a 67-year-old woman was pronounced dead at the scene .
Officers are now searching for a Leroy Panton , 41 , who is believed to have lived at the same address as the deceased .
They said they are becoming 'increasingly concerned ' for his welfare and urged anyone with information about his whereabouts to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , of GMP ’ s Major Incident Team , said : “ This is a tragic incident in which a woman has sadly lost her life and I want to extend my sincere condolences to her family and friends .
`` Our specialist officers are currently supporting the woman ’ s family at this incredibly difficult time .
“ I would like to reassure the public that this is being treated as an isolated incident , and we have an increased police presence in the Manchester area while we gain a fuller understanding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Our dedicated team of detectives are working tirelessly to establish the full circumstances surrounding this tragic death .
“ If you have any information at all , no matter how insignificant you feel it may be , please contact police immediately .
`` Even the smallest piece of information could be vital in helping officers to complete their enquiries.
” A police cordon remained in place outside a house on Westminster Street on Friday evening ( May 8 ) .
A police car was also parked up on the road .
GMP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so far .
Anyone with any information can contact police on 0161 856 5018 , quoting incident number 2855 of 7/5/2020 .
Reports can also be made anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 .

newsdesk@men-news.co.uk (Benjamin Blosse, Ashlie Blakey)

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A police cordon is in place after the body of 67-year-old woman found in a house in Levenshulme.
A murder investigation was launched after the grim discovery was made on Westminster Street at around 8.30pm on Thursday (May 7).
GMP confirmed a 67-year-old woman was pronounced dead at the scene.
Officers are now searching for a Leroy Panton, 40, who is believed to have lived at the same address as the deceased.
They said they are becoming 'increasingly concerned' for his welfare and urged anyone with information about his whereabouts to come forward.
Detective Inspector Benjamin Cottam, of GMP’s Major Incident Team, said: “This is a tragic incident in which a woman has sadly lost her life and I want to extend my sincere condolences to her family and friends.
"Our specialist officers are currently supporting the woman’s family at this incredibly difficult time.
“I would like to reassure the public that this is being treated as an isolated incident, and we have an increased police presence in the Manchester area while we gain a fuller understanding of exactly what has taken place.
“Our dedicated team of detectives are working tirelessly to establish the full circumstances surrounding this tragic death.
(Image: ASP)
“If you have any information at all, no matter how insignificant you feel it may be, please contact police immediately.
"Even the smallest piece of information could be vital in helping officers to complete their enquiries.”
A police cordon remained in place outside a house on Westminster Street on Friday evening (May 8).
Officers were picture guarding a house.
A police car was also parked up on the road.
GMP confirmed that no arrests have been made so far.
Anyone with any information can contact police on 0161 856 5018, quoting incident number 2855 of 7/5/2020.
Reports can also be made anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-05-09--Manchester United morning headlines as De Gea warned and Dalot praises teammate

Here are the Manchester United morning headlines on Saturday , May 9 .
Manchester United full-back Diogo Dalot has named his teammate Anthony Martial as the most difficult opponent he has ever faced .
However , Dalot has never actually faced Martial in a competitive game , with the 21-year-old presumably speaking about training sessions where the pair have faced each other .
Asked by SoccerBible to name the toughest attacker he has come up against , the Portuguese defender said : “ I would say this man right here ( Martial ) .
“ I think he doesn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s a fantastic player.
” Martial has been a key figure for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer ’ s team this season , scoring 11 goals in 23 Premier League appearances for United .
Former United goalkeeping coach Eric Steele fully expects Sheffield United goalkeeper Dean Henderson to be challenging David de Gea at Old Trafford next season .
Henderson has spent the season on loan at the newly-promoted Blades – sitting joint-second in the clean sheets table – with Chris Wilder ’ s men challenging for a European place .
The 23-year-old ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some calls from fans for him to return to Manchester next season and challenge De Gea for the number one spot .
Steele believes Henderson will at some point return to Solskjaer ’ s side and will be determined to take the Spaniard ’ s place in goal .
“ Knowing Dean Henderson as I do , he will expect to walk into that Old Trafford dressing room and make the No .
1 jersey his own , now , ” Steele told the I .
“ I signed him at 14 and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a great attitude .
David will have known there was always going to be a young pretender to come and challenge him and that is what Dean will do .
“ Should contracts permit , United need to say to him ( Henderson ) , ‘ you are not going out on loan , you are here to compete with David ’ .
He will value the experience at Sheffield United – he is better prepared now to take that challenge on.
” Sacha Lord , one of Andy Burnham ’ s advisors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Angel Di Maria ’ s wife made about Manchester .
Jorgelina Cardoso called Manchester “ s -- - “ and “ horrible ” in a foul-mouthed rant about the city following her husband ’ s unsuccessful spell at Old Trafford from 2014-15 .
“ I didn ’ t like anything about it , not a thing .
The women are all pasty-faced and white , prim and proper – weird .
You ’ re walking down the street and you don ’ t know if they ’ re going to kill you or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interview with Los ángeles de la mañana .
Lord has responded to Cardoso ’ s comments about Manchester , and did not hold back in doing so .
“ I read Jorgelina ’ s comments regarding Manchester yesterday and her attack on our culture and women , ” Lord said .
“ Before I comment on that particular bit , I do agree with her on one point .
Having been a Man United supporter all my life , I also found that period quite depressing .
Her husband was bought for almost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ £44m and was undoubtedly one of Man United ’ s biggest flops .
“ Having said that , at least he showed continuity , by returning to Old Trafford , playing for PSG , but again leaving a loser .
“ As for women always being dolled up , it may have helped if she had ventured out of the leafy suburbs of Alderley Edge at some point during that period .
”

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Here are the Manchester United morning headlines on Saturday, May 9.
Dalot names Martial as toughest opponent
Manchester United full-back Diogo Dalot has named his teammate Anthony Martial as the most difficult opponent he has ever faced.
However, Dalot has never actually faced Martial in a competitive game, with the 21-year-old presumably speaking about training sessions where the pair have faced each other.
Asked by SoccerBible to name the toughest attacker he has come up against, the Portuguese defender said: “I would say this man right here (Martial).
“I think he doesn’t need any introductions. He’s a fantastic player.”
Martial has been a key figure for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s team this season, scoring 11 goals in 23 Premier League appearances for United.
De Gea’s former coach sends warning
Former United goalkeeping coach Eric Steele fully expects Sheffield United goalkeeper Dean Henderson to be challenging David de Gea at Old Trafford next season.
Henderson has spent the season on loan at the newly-promoted Blades – sitting joint-second in the clean sheets table – with Chris Wilder’s men challenging for a European place.
The 23-year-old’s impressive performances at Bramall Lane have sparked some calls from fans for him to return to Manchester next season and challenge De Gea for the number one spot.
Steele believes Henderson will at some point return to Solskjaer’s side and will be determined to take the Spaniard’s place in goal.
“Knowing Dean Henderson as I do, he will expect to walk into that Old Trafford dressing room and make the No. 1 jersey his own, now,” Steele told the I.
“I signed him at 14 and stayed close to him – he has a great attitude. David will have known there was always going to be a young pretender to come and challenge him and that is what Dean will do.
“Should contracts permit, United need to say to him (Henderson), ‘you are not going out on loan, you are here to compete with David’. He will value the experience at Sheffield United – he is better prepared now to take that challenge on.”
Lord hits back at Di Maria’s wife’s Manchester comments
Sacha Lord, one of Andy Burnham’s advisors, has responded to the comments that Angel Di Maria’s wife made about Manchester.
Jorgelina Cardoso called Manchester “s---“ and “horrible” in a foul-mouthed rant about the city following her husband’s unsuccessful spell at Old Trafford from 2014-15.
“I didn’t like anything about it, not a thing. The women are all pasty-faced and white, prim and proper – weird. You’re walking down the street and you don’t know if they’re going to kill you or what,” Cardoso said in an interview with Los ángeles de la mañana.
Lord has responded to Cardoso’s comments about Manchester, and did not hold back in doing so.
“I read Jorgelina’s comments regarding Manchester yesterday and her attack on our culture and women,” Lord said.
“Before I comment on that particular bit, I do agree with her on one point. Having been a Man United supporter all my life, I also found that period quite depressing. Her husband was bought for almost £60m and sold a year later for £44m and was undoubtedly one of Man United’s biggest flops.
“Having said that, at least he showed continuity, by returning to Old Trafford, playing for PSG, but again leaving a loser.
“As for women always being dolled up, it may have helped if she had ventured out of the leafy suburbs of Alderley Edge at some point during that period.”
Read the full interview here.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-05-09--Manchester United news and transfers LIVE

Manchester United expect Paul Pogba to be available to play if the Premier League season restarts next month .
Pogba @ @ @ @ @ started a game since September 30 due to separate ankle injuries and underwent surgery at @ @ @ @ @ Ole Gunnar Solskjaer predicted Pogba would be sidelined for up to four weeks but it @ @ @ @ @ have returned in March before the season was suspended .
`` I definitely think so @ @ @ @ @ asked if Pogba would be fit to feature .
`` Paul 's had a difficult @ @ @ @ @ 's said that himself .
Of course Marcus as well is getting back , so @ @ @ @ @ them a chance to start on a par or even ahead of other players , @ @ @ @ @ going . ''
On the transfer front , United have been linked with a move @ @ @ @ @ but are prioritising the signing of Jadon Sancho from Borussia Dortmund .

Manchester United expect Paul Pogba to be available to play if the Premier League season restarts next month.
Pogba, 27, has not started a game since September 30 due to separate ankle injuries and underwent surgery at the start of January. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer predicted Pogba would be sidelined for up to four weeks but it was uncertain whether he would have returned in March before the season was suspended.
"I definitely think so," Solskjaer replied when asked if Pogba would be fit to feature. "Paul's had a difficult season with injuries, he's said that himself. Of course Marcus as well is getting back, so for them two this gives them a chance to start on a par or even ahead of other players, if and when we get going."
On the transfer front, United have been linked with a move for Napoli star Hirving Lozano but are prioritising the signing of Jadon Sancho from Borussia Dortmund.
Follow our live blog for latest United news.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-05-09--It's Bolton's best known house but the owner couldn't sell it for £10

It remains Bolton 's most well-known property , years after the death of its famous owner .
Celebrity steeplejack Fred Dibnah bought his iconic home in Radcliffe Road in the sixties , and turned it into a steam-powered workshop .
The property ’ s huge back yard and its collection of oil-stained machinery became a familiar site , featuring in many of Fred ’ s TV documentaries celebrating Britain 's industrial heritage and the golden age of steam .
More than 15 years on from his death in 2004 , it remains a shrine to his life and work .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of visits from enthusiasts over the years , it 's current owner wants to move on , but has n't been able to sell it .
Even an attempt to offload it in a £10 a ticket Spot the Ball competition failed .
According to Leon Powsney , who bought the home with his wife Jan before turning it into a heritage centre , families who view it often leave divided in opinion .
`` It is a fabulous property but an acquired taste , '' said Mr Powsney .
`` Guys love @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much .
`` It has been a fantastic experience and I have learned a lot , but it is time to move on .
I am 73 now .
`` I was not a Fred fan at first , but the place is like the house in The Shining .
It takes over you , it is a wonderful place steeped in history . ''
Built in 1851 , the home comes complete with a 50ft-tall chimney stack , a working mineshaft and a steam-powered workshop .
Known to locals as 'Two Cats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the banks of the River Tonge , not far from Bolton town centre .
When Mr Powsney purchased the Grade II-listed property for a £185,000 in 2009 , after it had failed to sell at auction , he saw it as a ideal place to live after a dream move abroad fell through .
`` We originally intended to move to Spain , '' Mr Powsney explained .
`` We sold our house but the credit crunch came so we bought that instead .
`` I had no intention of turning it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that many people wanting to look around . ''
That gave Mr Powsney the idea of opening the Fred Dibnah Heritage Centre , which soon became a site of pilgrimage for fans of one of Bolton 's most famous sons .
In 2012 , the centre was put on the market for £1.25m , with the couple ready to let go due to their age .
But , unable to find a buyer , Mr Powsney remained there until 2018 when he decided to close the centre and sell off Fred 's machinery @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since have also proved unsuccessful .
In 2018 Mr Powsney put it up as a prize in a 'spot the ball ' competition he organised , with entrants told they could get their hands on it for just £10 - the cost of a single entry .
But no one ever did .
The competition failed to reach anywhere near the minimum number of entries , which was set at 50,000 , and Mr Powsney had to give the winner a £7,000 cash prize instead .
`` The spot the ball competition was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` It cost me thousands .
There was such a low take up that I ended up having to put money into it myself to pay the winner .
`` For a tenner , someone could have owned it with no mortgage .
It could have given someone the chance to get on the housing ladder . ''
The house was then put up for auction last September with a guide price of £320,000 , but failed to sell again .
In a fresh attempt to find a buyer , the home is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for £350,000 .
While Mr Powsney says he would be willing to sell to whoever meets the asking price , he believes it would be ideal for one of Bolton 's Men 's Shed groups .
The groups are a type of community hub for men that have become increasingly important in the fight against loneliness and social isolation .
Mr Powsney hopes a business or individual may buy the home and pass on , or rent , it to such a group .
`` The work they do is wonderful , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think of a better place than this for them .
`` I can not just give it away , though .
This is my life savings and my home . ''

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It remains Bolton's most well-known property, years after the death of its famous owner.
Celebrity steeplejack Fred Dibnah bought his iconic home in Radcliffe Road in the sixties, and turned it into a steam-powered workshop.
The property’s huge back yard and its collection of oil-stained machinery became a familiar site, featuring in many of Fred’s TV documentaries celebrating Britain's industrial heritage and the golden age of steam.
More than 15 years on from his death in 2004, it remains a shrine to his life and work.
But, while it has had plenty of visits from enthusiasts over the years, it's current owner wants to move on, but hasn't been able to sell it.
Even an attempt to offload it in a £10 a ticket Spot the Ball competition failed.
(Image: Manchester Evening News.)
According to Leon Powsney, who bought the home with his wife Jan before turning it into a heritage centre, families who view it often leave divided in opinion.
"It is a fabulous property but an acquired taste," said Mr Powsney.
"Guys love it, but the women not so much.
"It has been a fantastic experience and I have learned a lot, but it is time to move on. I am 73 now.
"I was not a Fred fan at first, but the place is like the house in The Shining. It takes over you, it is a wonderful place steeped in history."
Built in 1851, the home comes complete with a 50ft-tall chimney stack, a working mineshaft and a steam-powered workshop.
Known to locals as 'Two Cats', it is set in woodland on the banks of the River Tonge, not far from Bolton town centre.
When Mr Powsney purchased the Grade II-listed property for a £185,000 in 2009, after it had failed to sell at auction, he saw it as a ideal place to live after a dream move abroad fell through.
"We originally intended to move to Spain," Mr Powsney explained. "We sold our house but the credit crunch came so we bought that instead.
"I had no intention of turning it into a business, but we had that many people wanting to look around."
(Image: Manchester Evening News.)
That gave Mr Powsney the idea of opening the Fred Dibnah Heritage Centre, which soon became a site of pilgrimage for fans of one of Bolton's most famous sons.
In 2012, the centre was put on the market for £1.25m, with the couple ready to let go due to their age.
But, unable to find a buyer, Mr Powsney remained there until 2018 when he decided to close the centre and sell off Fred's machinery.
Attempts to sell the landmark property since have also proved unsuccessful.
In 2018 Mr Powsney put it up as a prize in a 'spot the ball' competition he organised, with entrants told they could get their hands on it for just £10 - the cost of a single entry.
But no one ever did. The competition failed to reach anywhere near the minimum number of entries, which was set at 50,000, and Mr Powsney had to give the winner a £7,000 cash prize instead.
"The spot the ball competition was dreadful," Mr Powsney said.
(Image: Manchester Evening News.)
"It cost me thousands. There was such a low take up that I ended up having to put money into it myself to pay the winner.
"For a tenner, someone could have owned it with no mortgage. It could have given someone the chance to get on the housing ladder."
The house was then put up for auction last September with a guide price of £320,000, but failed to sell again.
In a fresh attempt to find a buyer, the home is now being marketed by Hunters estate agents for £350,000.
While Mr Powsney says he would be willing to sell to whoever meets the asking price, he believes it would be ideal for one of Bolton's Men's Shed groups.
The groups are a type of community hub for men that have become increasingly important in the fight against loneliness and social isolation.
Mr Powsney hopes a business or individual may buy the home and pass on, or rent, it to such a group.
"The work they do is wonderful," he said. "I cannot think of a better place than this for them.
"I cannot just give it away, though. This is my life savings and my home."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-05-09--Solskjaer tactical tweak has changed how Man United attack

It feels like Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been the Manchester United manager for an age but , with this season not yet over , he is yet to preside over a full campaign in charge .
Solskjaer , of course , took over as interim boss in December 2018 and was initially tasked with steadying the ship following the departure of Jose Mourinho .
However , a run of standout performances both domestically and in Europe was enough to see United hand him the job on a full-time basis .
Throughout the course of this season , we have seen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his footballing ideologies onto the United team .
United 's form this season has fluctuated from excellent to awful but the campaign could still go down as a success , with the Reds in strong contention to secure qualification for next season 's Champions League .
One of the more notable adjustments made by Solskjaer has been his choice to instruct United keeper David de Gea to play more short balls from goal-kicks .
Last season , the distance of United ’ s goal-kicks averaged out at 60.5 meters , that ranked as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
However that average has dramatically decreased this season .
As we can see in the above graphic , United have actually had the joint-shortest goal-kick average in the Premier League this season with an average of 36.40 metres , which illustrates their favour to go short from these restarts .
This ability to play out from the back has been aided by the recruitment of Harry Maguire and Aaron Wan-Bissaka last summer , both of whom are extremely comfortable in possession under pressure , and , of course , the implementation of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ goal-kicks no longer have to leave the penalty area before a teammate can touch the ball .
The benefits of playing out from the back are that possession tends to be retained easier compared to when a team opts to send the ball long and potentially miss out on the initial header and subsequent second ball .
However , risks associated with the approach tend to increase when facing sides who look to press aggressively from the front .
Teams like Liverpool and Manchester City tend to lead the way in this regard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from goal-kick situations .
To avoid being caught in possession by these pressing forwards , good short combination play is key to bypassing the press .
Luckily , United have demonstrated the ability to do that on various occasions , and the below example of this is taken from United ’ s 2-0 derby victory vs Manchester City .
De Gea plays a short pass out to Maguire .
Note how Sergio Aguero charges towards him ( this is called a pressing trigger ) and signals to his team-mates behind to start pushing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United 's defenders .
Under pressure from Aguero , Maguire goes back to De Gea as City ’ s front line continues to press forward .
Cleverly though , Wan-Bissaka pushes ahead and behind City ’ s press , this opens an angle for De Gea to play a lofted pass to the wing-back who can launch a United attack .
Through their initial short passing , United enticed City ’ s attacking players forward before clipping the ball over their head and eliminating them as defenders in the attacking sequence .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reasons why Solskjaer has opted to introduce short distribution from goal-kicks .
With the upgraded personnel in the defence , as well as De Gea ’ s improving abilities with the ball at his feet , it ’ s a tactic that makes sense .

newsdesk@men-news.co.uk (David Alexander Hughes)

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It feels like Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been the Manchester United manager for an age but, with this season not yet over, he is yet to preside over a full campaign in charge.
Solskjaer, of course, took over as interim boss in December 2018 and was initially tasked with steadying the ship following the departure of Jose Mourinho. However, a run of standout performances both domestically and in Europe was enough to see United hand him the job on a full-time basis.
Throughout the course of this season, we have seen the Norwegian begin to implement facets of his footballing ideologies onto the United team. United's form this season has fluctuated from excellent to awful but the campaign could still go down as a success, with the Reds in strong contention to secure qualification for next season's Champions League.
One of the more notable adjustments made by Solskjaer has been his choice to instruct United keeper David de Gea to play more short balls from goal-kicks. Last season, the distance of United’s goal-kicks averaged out at 60.5 meters, that ranked as the tenth longest in the Premier League. However that average has dramatically decreased this season.
(Image: @DAHughes_)
As we can see in the above graphic, United have actually had the joint-shortest goal-kick average in the Premier League this season with an average of 36.40 metres, which illustrates their favour to go short from these restarts.
This ability to play out from the back has been aided by the recruitment of Harry Maguire and Aaron Wan-Bissaka last summer, both of whom are extremely comfortable in possession under pressure, and, of course, the implementation of a new rule last year which means goal-kicks no longer have to leave the penalty area before a teammate can touch the ball.
The benefits of playing out from the back are that possession tends to be retained easier compared to when a team opts to send the ball long and potentially miss out on the initial header and subsequent second ball.
However, risks associated with the approach tend to increase when facing sides who look to press aggressively from the front. Teams like Liverpool and Manchester City tend to lead the way in this regard and will look to press teams aggressively from goal-kick situations.
To avoid being caught in possession by these pressing forwards, good short combination play is key to bypassing the press. Luckily, United have demonstrated the ability to do that on various occasions, and the below example of this is taken from United’s 2-0 derby victory vs Manchester City.
De Gea plays a short pass out to Maguire. Note how Sergio Aguero charges towards him (this is called a pressing trigger) and signals to his team-mates behind to start pushing forward and closing down passing angles for United's defenders.
Under pressure from Aguero, Maguire goes back to De Gea as City’s front line continues to press forward.
Cleverly though, Wan-Bissaka pushes ahead and behind City’s press, this opens an angle for De Gea to play a lofted pass to the wing-back who can launch a United attack.
Through their initial short passing, United enticed City’s attacking players forward before clipping the ball over their head and eliminating them as defenders in the attacking sequence.
This clever play is just one of the reasons why Solskjaer has opted to introduce short distribution from goal-kicks. With the upgraded personnel in the defence, as well as De Gea’s improving abilities with the ball at his feet, it’s a tactic that makes sense.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-05-09--From the  Primark ballroom to Deansgate Tunnel - inside the city's hidden rooms

Behind the closed doors of some of Manchester 's best-known buildings lie some of its most-interesting and historic rooms .
Did you know there ’ s a ballroom above Primark , for instance ?
Or a roof terrace on the Midland Hotel and a tunnel under Deansgate ?
Here we take a look inside Manchester 's hidden rooms .
When its opened on the corner of Piccadilly Gardens in 1877 Lewis ’ s was one of Manchester first department stores – and arguably its most luxurious .
It sold almost anything you can think of .
And it even had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ complete with sprung dancefloor .
It was used just four times a year for staff dances , but also doubled up as an exhibition hall .
The building is now a huge Primark , but the ballroom is still there today in all its faded glory .
Hidden deep beneath the streets of the city , the existence of this secret reinforced tunnel network wasn ’ t officially acknowledged until 1968 – 14 years after it was built .
Designed to protect vital communications against a potential Cold War atom bomb , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was redundant almost from the off , as advances in nuclear technology meant the defences were no longer suffcient .
The tunnels are still in use today , housing telecommunications cables .
And if you know where to look there are several nondesript entrances across the city centre , with perhaps the most visible being a brick building on George Street .
For decades shoppers calling in at Kendals could dash between different bits of the shop via a subway .
The department store used to be split across two buildings on either @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parts , now occupied by House of Fraser and Waterstones , were linked by an underground tunnel .
Work began on the subway in 1921 and it opened on July 4 in the same year .
At one time there was a stall selling flowers and plant shop based in the underground corridor .
But it closed for good in 1981 when Kendals sold one of its buildings to Waterstones .
It is no longer possible to walk from one side to the other , but the subway does still exist .
Speaking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ historian who has written extensively about Manchester ’ s tunnels , says the last time he accessed the subway in 2009 it was being used as storage for shoe boxes .
Nowadays , when they want to see or be seen , the city 's high-flyers head to the likes of Restaurant MCR or The Ivy .
But at the turn of the 20th Century the place in town was the rooftop of the Midland Hotels .
Afternoon tea was the order of the day .
And , if you wished to partake @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , fancy bonnets and a suit and tie - were required .
But the terrace 's heyday lasted just seven years - until 1910 - when hotel bosses decided to close off the roof as the soot from Edwardian Manchester 's chimneys was making it a rather grimy affair for the fashionable elite .
Sadly it 's remained closed to the public ever since .
And while the hotel has toyed with plans to reopen the roof in some way - modern health and safety rules ( and the fact the original railings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Grade II listing of the building ) mean it may never be enjoyed in quite the same way again .
It 's doubled up as a suitably atmospheric backdrop for TV shows and films such as Frankenstein , Jack the Ripper and Sherlock Holmes .
But the cobbled courtyard at Manchester town hall has been closed to the public for years - even before the building 's ongoing multi-million pound refurb .
Surrounded by dozens of ornate leaded windows , it 's one of many jaw-dropping features of Alfred Waterhouse 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Street , the underground Market Centre was a goldmine of music and fashion in the 1970s and 80s .
It was home to fashion boutiques including Stolen From Ivor - the first shop in the north of England to stock Levi 's jeans - and music stores including Manchester Underground Records Import .
It closed in the late 1980s and the main entrance on Brown Street has long since been concreted over while the shops to the right of the main escalator entrance were torn down long ago to make way for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But the subterranean market hall still exists .
Last year an urban explorer posted photos of the tiled walls and crumbling pipework after sneaking underground .
The Royal Exchange is one of Manchester 's best-known landmarks - but lesser known is the roof garden that sits on top of the grade II listed building .
Overlooking St Ann 's Square and with views of the building 's beautiful baroque turret , the terrace is a peaceful retreat from the busy shopping streets below , with an artificial grass lawn surrounded by decking and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part of a multi-million pound refurbishment in 2016 and is used by employees of some of the businesses based within the building .
The space is n't open to the public but has hosted the odd event over the years .
`` Not many people know it 's here , '' Royal Exchange spokeswoman Karen Monks told the M.E.N .
in 2018 .
`` Most people I 've shown around here have been quite surprised .
It 's lovely in summer and has been used a lot for barbecues this year with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bit of an urban myth this last one .
Rumours that the shopping centre had a secret unused extra level , ready for any future expansion have swirled round for years .
Comments from Trafford Centre developer John Whittaker have added to the speculation .
In a 2011 Financial Times interview , John Whittaker said the mall is 'future-proofed ' , with what the paper paraphrased as 'prepped areas for additional floors , mezzanines and extensions ' .
`` We could keep expanding Trafford Centre ; its got growth written into it .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a spokesperson for the shopping centre scotched the rumour , saying : `` There isn ’ t an additional or an unused level . ''
Get breaking news first on the free Manchester Evening News app - download it here for your Apple or Android device .
You can also get a round-up of the biggest stories sent direct to your inbox every day with the MEN email newsletter - subscribe here .
And you can follow us on Facebook here .

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Behind the closed doors of some of Manchester's best-known buildings lie some of its most-interesting and historic rooms.
Did you know there’s a ballroom above Primark, for instance?
Or a roof terrace on the Midland Hotel and a tunnel under Deansgate?
Here we take a look inside Manchester's hidden rooms.
(Image: Manchester History Revisited)
The Primark ballroom
When its opened on the corner of Piccadilly Gardens in 1877 Lewis’s was one of Manchester first department stores – and arguably its most luxurious.
It sold almost anything you can think of.
And it even had a full-scale ballroom on the fifth-floor, complete with sprung dancefloor.
It was used just four times a year for staff dances, but also doubled up as an exhibition hall.
The building is now a huge Primark, but the ballroom is still there today in all its faded glory.
(Image: Mirrorpix)
Guardian telephone exchange
Hidden deep beneath the streets of the city, the existence of this secret reinforced tunnel network wasn’t officially acknowledged until 1968 – 14 years after it was built.
Designed to protect vital communications against a potential Cold War atom bomb, it cost £4m to build.
But it was redundant almost from the off, as advances in nuclear technology meant the defences were no longer suffcient.
The tunnels are still in use today, housing telecommunications cables.
And if you know where to look there are several nondesript entrances across the city centre, with perhaps the most visible being a brick building on George Street.
Deansgate tunnel
For decades shoppers calling in at Kendals could dash between different bits of the shop via a subway.
The department store used to be split across two buildings on either side of Deansgate.
And the two parts, now occupied by House of Fraser and Waterstones, were linked by an underground tunnel.
Work began on the subway in 1921 and it opened on July 4 in the same year.
(Image: Mirrorpix)
At one time there was a stall selling flowers and plant shop based in the underground corridor.
But it closed for good in 1981 when Kendals sold one of its buildings to Waterstones.
It is no longer possible to walk from one side to the other, but the subway does still exist.
Speaking in 2017 Keith Warrender, a local historian who has written extensively about Manchester’s tunnels, says the last time he accessed the subway in 2009 it was being used as storage for shoe boxes.
Midland Hotel roof terrace
Nowadays, when they want to see or be seen, the city's high-flyers head to the likes of Restaurant MCR or The Ivy.
But at the turn of the 20th Century the place in town was the rooftop of the Midland Hotels.
Afternoon tea was the order of the day.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
And, if you wished to partake, formal dress - ballgowns, boaters, fancy bonnets and a suit and tie - were required.
But the terrace's heyday lasted just seven years - until 1910 - when hotel bosses decided to close off the roof as the soot from Edwardian Manchester's chimneys was making it a rather grimy affair for the fashionable elite.
Sadly it's remained closed to the public ever since.
And while the hotel has toyed with plans to reopen the roof in some way - modern health and safety rules (and the fact the original railings can’t be changed as part of the Grade II listing of the building) mean it may never be enjoyed in quite the same way again.
(Image: Mark Waugh)
Manchester town hall courtyard
It's doubled up as a suitably atmospheric backdrop for TV shows and films such as Frankenstein, Jack the Ripper and Sherlock Holmes.
But the cobbled courtyard at Manchester town hall has been closed to the public for years - even before the building's ongoing multi-million pound refurb.
Surrounded by dozens of ornate leaded windows, it's one of many jaw-dropping features of Alfred Waterhouse's neo-gothic masterpiece.
(Image: Manchester Evening News.)
Market Centre
Situated just off Market Street, the underground Market Centre was a goldmine of music and fashion in the 1970s and 80s.
It was home to fashion boutiques including Stolen From Ivor - the first shop in the north of England to stock Levi's jeans - and music stores including Manchester Underground Records Import.
It closed in the late 1980s and the main entrance on Brown Street has long since been concreted over while the shops to the right of the main escalator entrance were torn down long ago to make way for the Tesco store that stands there today.
But the subterranean market hall still exists.
Last year an urban explorer posted photos of the tiled walls and crumbling pipework after sneaking underground.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Royal Exchange roof garden
The Royal Exchange is one of Manchester's best-known landmarks - but lesser known is the roof garden that sits on top of the grade II listed building.
Overlooking St Ann's Square and with views of the building's beautiful baroque turret, the terrace is a peaceful retreat from the busy shopping streets below, with an artificial grass lawn surrounded by decking and topiary planters.
It was added as part of a multi-million pound refurbishment in 2016 and is used by employees of some of the businesses based within the building. The space isn't open to the public but has hosted the odd event over the years.
"Not many people know it's here," Royal Exchange spokeswoman Karen Monks told the M.E.N. in 2018.
"Most people I've shown around here have been quite surprised. It's lovely in summer and has been used a lot for barbecues this year with the lovely weather we've had."
The Trafford Centre's hidden floor
Bit of an urban myth this last one.
Rumours that the shopping centre had a secret unused extra level, ready for any future expansion have swirled round for years.
Comments from Trafford Centre developer John Whittaker have added to the speculation.
In a 2011 Financial Times interview, John Whittaker said the mall is 'future-proofed', with what the paper paraphrased as 'prepped areas for additional floors, mezzanines and extensions'.
"We could keep expanding Trafford Centre; its got growth written into it." he added.
But last year a spokesperson for the shopping centre scotched the rumour, saying: "There isn’t an additional or an unused level."
Get breaking news first on the free Manchester Evening News app - download it here for your Apple or Android device. You can also get a round-up of the biggest stories sent direct to your inbox every day with the MEN email newsletter - subscribe here. And you can follow us on Facebook here.