Manchester

Manchester City players including Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw, Lauren Hemp, Khiara Keating and Kerstin Casparij share their confessions, including things they got away with growing up, their mid-game thoughts and what football rule they would like to change.

Watch live coverage of Everton v Manchester City on Sunday 9 November from 14:30 BST on BBC Two, BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website & app.

WATCH: ‘Defenders work harder than attackers’ – Man Utd Confession Cam‘

Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos Group took control of football operations after he bought a 27.7% stake in United in February 2024.

Since Amorim’s arrival, United have spent about £250m on new signings and while Ronaldo says they have “good players”, he feels that some of them “don’t have in mind what Manchester United is”.

“Manchester United is still in my heart,” added the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, who won seven major honours with the club between 2003 and 2009.

“I love that club. But we have all to be honest and look for ourselves and say, ‘listen, they are not in a good path’.

“So, they need to change and it’s not only about the coach and players, in my opinion.”

Ronaldo’s contract at Old Trafford was terminated after an interview with Morgan in November 2022, in which he said he felt “betrayed” by United and that he was being forced out.

He added that he did not respect then-manager Ten Hag and criticised the Dutch boss again in September 2024, saying that United must “rebuild everything”.

Ronaldo signed a new contract last summer with Al-Nassr that expires in 2027 and he is expected to play for Portugal in the 2026 World Cup.

Asked by Morgan when he might retire, Ronaldo replied: “Soon. But I think I will be prepared.

“It will be tough, of course. But Piers, I prepare my future since [the age of] 25, 26, 27 years old. So I think I will be capable to support that pressure.”

Match of the Day’s Ashley Williams and Alan Shearer look at the performance of Manchester United’s Amad Diallo and the challenge of fitting him into Ruben Amorim’s system after the Red Devils’ 2-2 draw at Nottingham Forest.

WATCH MORE: Late Amad volley earns Man Utd point in thriller at Forest

Available to UK users only.

THE government has finally revealed the new operator that could run train services to Europe alongside Eurostar.

The Office for Rail and Road has announced that Virgin Trains will be allowed to access Temple Mills International depot in East London.

This means Virgin will eventually join Eurostar to operate train services via the Channel Tunnel from the UK to Europe – and will be the first train service to rival Eurostar since it launched more than 30 years ago.

Virgin first announced plans to launch services rivalling Eurostar in January 2025, and could start running trains from 2030.

This means direct routes to Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam, with future plans for France, Germany and Switzerland.

Virgin also announced plans to restart trains from both Ashford International and Ebbsfleet International in Kent as well – which had Eurostar trains until the pandemic.

Read more on travel inspo

ALL IN

I found the best value all inclusive London hotel… just £55pp with free food & booze

TAKE THE FALL

50 half term days out and Halloween specials which are FREE or under £5

Earlier this month, the company even said that it if it won the bid, it could to run services from Manchester and Birmingham.

Virgin founder Sir Richard Branson said: “The ORR’s decision is the right one for consumers – it’s time to end this 30-year monopoly and bring some Virgin magic to the cross-Channel route.

“Virgin is no stranger to delivering award-winning rail services, and just as we have successfully challenged incumbents in air, cruise and rail, we’re ready to do it again.

“We’re going to shake-up the cross-Channel route for good and give consumers the choice they deserve.” 

Martin Jones, deputy director, access and international, said that Virgin’s plans were “more financially and operationally robust than those of other applicants”.

He added: “With this decision we are backing customer choice and competition in international rail, unlocking up to £700million in private sector investment and stimulating growth.

“While there is still some way to go before the first new services can run, we stand ready to work with Virgin Trains as their plans develop.”

Signing an agreement with Alstom, Virgin will buy 12 Avelia Stream trains, and have secured funding from Equitix, a leading European investor.

This is alongside private equity firm Azzurra.

While the access to the Temples Mills depot is a step forward, it will be a while until trains can launch.

This is because Virgin must also secure access to the tracks.

But it is good news for a competitor on the HS1 line, as this could even mean cheaper fares in the future.

Virgin’s Phil Whittingham said: “Temple Mills has been a critical bottle neck in the process to launching a new cross-Channel service, so today’s news is a significant milestone for Virgin and a pivotal turning point for international rail.

“Building on the great success of Virgin Trains, Virgin will deliver a first-class cross-Channel service that will create hundreds of jobs and support the modal shift of short-haul journeys from air to rail.” 

Eurostar has had monopoly of the Channel Tunnel since it first launched back in 1994.

And over the past months, a number of companies have stepped forward in bid to run services through the Channel Tunnel to Europe.

This includes Italy‘s state-owned FS Italiane Group and Gemini Trains (recently partnering with Uber), as well as start up Evolyn.

Currently, the only destinations Brits can get to via direct train from the UK are Paris, Lille, Brussels Rotterdam and Amsterdam.

Previous routes that have since been scrapped included Disneyland Paris, as well as Marseille and Lyon.

Eurostar recently revealed it’s £1.7billion plans to launch double decker trains for the first time.

This would mean 540 seats onboard – a 20 per cent increase.

FOOTBALLER GONE

Football League star tragically dies aged just 42 after cancer battle

CHA-CHA-CHAOS

Strictly’s Amber Davies breaks silence after pro Nikita pictured kissing her

And the train operator previously revealed future plans of new destinations across Europe including Switzerland, Germany and Italy.

Cities could include Zurich, Geneva, Milan, Frankfurt and Cologne.

England international Marcus Rashford joined Barcelona on loan from childhood club Manchester United in July.

Barcelona forward Marcus Rashford says he hopes to remain at the Spanish club beyond his loan spell from Manchester United, describing the move as the change he needed after spending his entire career in England.

Barcelona are covering Rashford’s wages during this season-long loan after the Manchester-born player accepted a pay cut with an option to buy set at about 30 million euros ($35m).

Rashford’s United contract runs through 2028, but his future at Old Trafford appears bleak after falling out with manager Ruben Amorim last year. The 27-year-old has since rediscovered his form under Barcelona coach Hansi Flick.

“For sure,” Rashford told ESPN on Thursday when asked if he wanted to remain in Barcelona. “I’m enjoying this football club, and I think for anybody who loves football, Barcelona is one of the key clubs in the history of the game. For a player it is an honour.”

The England international, who first revived his form during a short loan spell at Aston Villa last season, has gone a step further at Barcelona, scoring five goals and providing six assists in 12 appearances across all competitions.

Before what would be his first El Clasico on Sunday, Rashford said his move abroad has given him a new perspective.

“People forget this, but 23 years of my life was with Manchester United. So sometimes you just need a change. I think maybe this is the case with me, and I’m enjoying everything,” he said.

Carson was also at Liverpool when the Reds won the Champions League, FA Cup and Super Cup, while he made more than 100 appearances for Derby County and West Brom.

But it was at City where he enjoyed glittering success, including the Treble of Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League in 2023, after spending two seasons initially on loan from Derby in 2019.

Carson became a cult hero among fans, having played only 117 minutes in total as third-choice keeper behind Ederson and Stefan Ortega for much of his time at the club.

His last competitive appearance was as a late substitute in a Champions League last-16 second-leg draw with Sporting in March 2022.

Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji, currently on loan at Inter Milan, called Carson an “absolute legend” in response to his announcement, while “The Goat” was how former team-mate Fernandinho reacted.

Norwegian striker Erling Haaland was among the other City players – past and present – to comment, writing: “Miss you pal, all the best.”

Derby, where Carson spent six years, posted on Instagram: “Wishing all the best to Scott Carson. Congratulations on a magnificent career, Scott.”

Manchester Pride officials have shared an update regarding their financial difficulties.

Earlier this month, the LGBTQIA+ festival made headlines after various performers revealed that they hadn’t been paid for this year’s event, including Drag Race UK star Saki Yew.

“It’s gone too far. As performers, we’re used to waiting for money, but there’s no communication and no answer. A lot of performers are starting to give up hope of being paid,” Saki told BBC Newsbeat in October.

“We put in the hard work with weeks and weeks of rehearsals. We put in the time, so give us an answer.”

Drag Race UK star Zahirah Zapanta and Adam Ali echoed similar sentiments, with the latter publishing a letter on behalf of other acts who were awaiting payment.

Following immense backlash, Manchester Pride’s Board of Trustees released a statement on 16 October, revealing that they were in “the process of determining the best way forward” with their legal and financial advisers.

“We know that moments like this can raise questions and emotions. We want to ensure that our staff, interns, artists, contractors and suppliers, who are all a part of our community, are heard and considered,” they wrote.

After an additional week of silence and growing speculation, the event’s board of trustees confirmed that Manchester Pride had started the “legal process of voluntary liquidation.”

“A combination of rising costs, which are affecting the entire events and hospitality industries, declining ticket sales and an ambitious refresh of the format aimed to challenge these issues, along with an unsuccessful bid to host Euro Pride, has led to the organisation no longer being financially viable,” they wrote in a statement released on 22 October.

“We regret the delays in communicating the current situation; however, we were keen not to jeopardise financial opportunities while our discussions were ongoing. We were proactive and determined to identify solutions to the financial issues.

“We’ve been actively working with several partners, including legal and financial advisors, to do everything we could to find a positive solution. We had hoped to be able to find a way to continue, and, most importantly, to support our artists, contractors and partners. Despite our best efforts, sadly, this has not proved to be possible. We are sincerely sorry for those who will now lose out financially from the current situation.”

The board also revealed that the organisation’s staff team will be made redundant, adding that they were “very distressed at the position” they found themselves in.

“The Manchester Pride team have now handed over the details of suppliers and artists who are owed money to the liquidators who will be handling the affairs of the Charity and contacting everyone,” the board concluded.

In a separate statement to Sky News, Equity’s North West official, Karen Lockney, confirmed that they are “collecting contractual information to pursue all options to recoup money owed, and will begin these processes immediately.”

As for the future of Manchester Pride, the Manchester City Council confirmed that “a new chapter” for the festival will take place in August 2026.

“The council will play a full and active role in bringing together the LGBTQ community to help shape how the city moves forward to ensure a bright and thriving future for Manchester Pride,” the council added.

The 25-year-old, who has 48 caps for the Netherlands, has found love in Manchester – settling down with her partner Ruth, who she met on a dating app.

Now an openly gay woman, Casparij says the community is “close to her heart”.

“It was hard at times growing up until I got into women’s football. It was normal and openly spoken about [at Heerenveen],” she said.

“I learned a lot about myself. I didn’t have that when I was young, I had so many doubts and questions.

“I was lying awake at night thinking ‘is this weird or am I weird?’ Being able to be that role model now with my partner, for so many young girls, is so important.”

The right-back has a platform to promote inclusivity in women’s football and has taken full advantage.

She wears rainbow laces on her football boots, rainbow armbands, regularly posts messages of LGBTQ+ support on social media and in April, dedicated her goal against Everton to the transgender community.

“Why I find it really important to spread the word and stand with people is because in modern society if it’s often not against you, you won’t say anything,” said Casparij.

“It’s important that we stand up for people that need it so they feel supported. For example, the trans community. They are good people and I care about them.

“I want to show that I stand with them. I’m hoping to inspire people to do the same. I think we need more togetherness generally and a sense of community.”

She has supported numerous campaigns – most recently becoming a patron for the LGBTQ Foundation, helping to fund helplines against domestic abuse and transphobia.

“I think queer women are having a tough time at the moment and I want to help them have safe spaces,” said Casparij.

“In domestic violence, for example, queer women are often overlooked. I want to make sure they have a place to heal and someone to talk to.

“I want to be a woman that helps women.”

She is also passionate about setting an example to young, gay women – the type of representation she wished she had as a child.

“It’s nice to be able to make other people take away doubt. It’s about helping them to understand why they are feeling how they are feeling,” she added.

“I always love being surrounded by queer people. Feeling included and supported is important. All I want to do is spread love.”

Manchester United condemned Liverpool to a fourth successive defeat as Harry Maguire’s late goal sealed a 2-1 win over the spluttering Premier League champions.

After losses against Crystal Palace, Galatasaray and Chelsea, Arne Slot’s side endured their most painful setback of the season at the hands of their bitter rivals on Sunday.

Bryan Mbeumo put United in front after two minutes and although Cody Gakpo equalised in the 78th minute, Maguire grabbed his club’s first win at Anfield since 2016 with an 84th-minute header.

Maguire’s goal also secured back-to-back Premier League wins for the first time in Ruben Amorim’s tenure as United boss.

The defeat leaves Liverpool four points adrift of Arsenal at the top of the table and Arne Slot still searching for answers on how to get the right balance after splashing out nearly 450 million pounds ($604m) on new players in the transfer market.

United close to within two points of their historic football rivals and up to ninth in the table to ease the pressure on Amorim after his biggest win in nearly a year in charge.

After three consecutive defeats for the first time in Slot’s reign, Liverpool could barely have imagined a worse start on Sunday.

Mbeumo sped past Virgil van Dijk with ease before firing past Giorgi Mamardashvili from Amad Diallo’s pass after barely a minute.

The home side and support were furious that play was not stopped in the build-up after Alexis MacAllister went down with a head injury, inflicted by his own captain, van Dijk.

Slot left big-money signing Florian Wirtz on the bench for the second consecutive game as he looked in vain to find the right balance between defence and attack.

Gakpo should have levelled for the defending champions when he hit the post from Mohamed Salah’s through ball in Liverpool’s one flowing move of the first half.

Bruno Fernandes then spurned a glorious chance to double the Red Devils’ lead when he hit the outside of the post when unmarked from the edge of the area.

At the other end, Senne Lammens was rarely troubled in the first 45 minutes, but produced a big save when called upon to deny Alexander Isak his first Premier League goal since joining Liverpool for a British transfer record 125 million pounds ($168m).

A Gakpo deflected cross then came back off the post and the Dutchman rattled the woodwork for a third time early in the second half.

Slot turned to his near 200 million pounds ($268m) in forward options off the bench as Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike were introduced on the hour mark to join Salah, Gakpo and Isak in a five-man attack.

Salah has scored more goals than any other player in this fixture, but his lack of form showed in a wild finish to slice wide with just Lammens to beat at the back post.

Liverpool’s wealth of attacking talent finally broke the door down when Federico Chiesa, who had replaced Isak moments earlier, drilled in a low cross that Gakpo converted from point-blank range.

Yet, their defensive frailties meant parity only lasted six minutes as Maguire was left unmarked to head in Fernandes’s looping cross.

Gakpo should still have rescued a point when he headed wide with the goal gaping from Jeremie Frimpong’s inviting delivery.

But Liverpool fell to their first league defeat at Anfield in over a year in another blow to their hopes of usurping United with a record 21st English top-flight title.

Maguire told Sky Sports that it “meant everything” to get the win.

“It has been a long time coming to come to this ground and pick up three points,” he said.

“The old cliche is that it is only three points, but it definitely isn’t – it means a lot more than that for the club, the boys and the fans.”

Van Dijk told Sky Sports that Liverpool need to stick together to get through such a difficult period.

“It is an interesting time because we have to stick together, not just us as players but as a club and the fans who want us to win,” Liverpool’s captain said.

“We need to stay humble, stay working and keep our confidence as high as possible. When things get tough, it is important we keep the mentality of being there for each other. It is a long season,” he said.

In Sunday’s earlier Premier League game, Emi Buendia’s curling shot sealed a 2-1 comeback win for Aston Villa against Tottenham.

The victory continued Villa’s resurgence after a desperate start to the season and denied Spurs the chance to provisionally move up to second in the standings.

Buendia shimmied his way across the edge of the box in the 77th minute at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium before sweeping a perfect shot low into the bottom corner.

It was Villa’s fifth-straight win in all competitions after failing to pick up a victory in their first six games of the campaign.

It ended Spurs’ seven-game unbeaten run that looked set to continue when Rodrigo Bentancur fired the home team ahead after just five minutes.

Morgan Rogers levelled the game in the 37th before Villa went on to take all three points and consign Tottenham coach Thomas Frank to his second league loss since taking over in the summer.

Follow the build-up, analysis, and live text commentary of the game as Liverpool and Man United face-off at Anfield.

‘Legendary’, ‘pure class’ and ‘on another level’ are just some of the terms used to describe Kevin de Bruyne this week.

The Belgian is enjoying one of his best starts to a season since moving to Napoli on a free transfer this summer which begs the question, did he leave Manchester City a year too early?

The exodus of senior City players in the past year has been well documented, with the likes of Ederson, Jack Grealish, Ilkay Gundogan and Kyle Walker all leaving for pastures new.

De Bruyne was also deemed surplus to requirements – despite 16 trophies and more than 400 appearances – and the midfielder, reluctant to leave, joined Napoli when his contract expired in June.

“I was a bit surprised but I just have to accept it,” said De Bruyne back in April. “Honestly, I still think I can perform at this level like I’m showing, but I understand clubs have to make decisions.”

It turns out the 34-year-old was correct in his self-assessment.

If you’re looking for a great day out for the whole family this winter, we’ve got you covered

Lapland UK

After incredible success in the south of England, Lapland UK is coming to Cheshire this year – HOORAY! – and we cannot wait. A truly magical experience from start to end, as the name suggests the event is designed to transport visitors to Lapland, the home of Father Christmas. With incredible attention to detail, dazzling decor, mesmerising costumes, and a truly magical feel throughout, it really is core memory territory. It’s also as close as one can get to hopping on a plane to Lapland itself. Believe me, at times you’ll feel as if you’re actually there. During their visit, children (and their grownups!) can help elves make toys, have a go at ice skating, meet Father Christmas himself – and so so much more. Running between 13th Nov and the 24th Dec, Lapland UK is currently sold out BUT tickets do become available regularly through the returns portal though so it’s always worth keeping an eye out here just in case. Prices start from £60 per person.

East Lancashire Railway Santa Specials

All aboard the Santa steam train! Days out don’t get more magical than taking a trip on the East Lancashire Railway Santa Special Service. Get into the festive spirit with a mince pie as the train chugs along through the Great British countryside, with some very special guest appearances along the way. Presents are given to the kids, while grown ups can enjoy a Baileys. There are carols and music too – it’s just magical. The service, which sets off from Bolton Street Station, Bury, runs until Christmas Eve, with prices from £22.50 per person. New for this year, on 22, 23 and 29 November, ELR is also putting on a Santa Special train specially designed for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), with a quieter overall experience and a calm carriage.

Glow at RHS Bridgewater

Embrace the dark evenings and wander through the magical Glow light show with a mulled wine or hot chocolate. RHS Bridgewater will be lit up this December, with twinkles and sparkles adorning pathways, trees and bushes. It’s a real winter wonderland that the whole family will enjoy. Tickets are available from 4.30pm – 9pm, until December 30. Prices for members start at £8.25 for adults and £4.50 for children. Non-member prices start from £13.50 for adults and £7.25 for children. Under-fives go free.

Yuletide at Tatton Park

Take a walk through the world of winter folklore at Tatton Park and join in their Yuletide celebrations, with music, performance, puppets and a glittering light trail to enjoy. There will be marshmallows to roast around the fire, hot chocolate to drink and magical characters to meet, along with stories from a traditional teller. An unmissable, unforgettable, ethereal experience for the whole family. From the 15th November until 23rd December, off peak tickets (15th, 23rd, 30th Nov) cost £19 for adults and £11 for children (under twos go free), and standard tickets cost £22 for adults, £12 for children, and under twos go free.

Dunham Massey Christmas Light Trail

An enchanting after-dark experience is perfect for the whole family, this year’s Light Trail at beautiful Dunham Massey is set to be the best yet. Visitors will explore the enchanting grounds of Dunham Massey after dark, meeting the parkland’s resident deer, and marvelling at the sites 500 year old oak tree. Pause for pictures at the 30-metre-long Christmas Cathedral, marvel at new installation – ‘Tis The Season’ – which brings seven giant neon baubles to the estate’s majestic trees, enjoy Shatter, a striking collection of 50 illuminated shards up to four metres high, and delight at Fish are Jumping, a playful series of 20 leaping fish. The event runs from Friday 14 November to Saturday 3 January. Off-peak tickets are £19 for an adult, £12.50 for a child with family tickets (2 Adults & 2 Children) starting from £40. Standard tickets are £27.50 for adult, £18.50 for a child, with family tickets (2 Adults & 2 Children) starting from £60.

Christmas at the Trafford Centre

There’s plenty to enjoy at the Trafford Centre this Christmas! First up, kicking off proceedings on Nov 15th is the Christmas Parade, running from 11.30am til 2.30pm and featuring a whole host of Christmas characters – including Santa himself! Then, back for another year from Nov 22 til Dec 24, is the Trafford Centre’s beloved Grotto, where children can meet Santa himself. This year, little ones are invited on a top-secret toy-making mission as Santa prepares to launch the very first Giggle Gizmo — a magical super toy centuries in the making! Tickets cost £27 for children, which includes a gift. Adults cost £9.50. Elsewhere, there is plenty to keep families of all ages busy, from a glittering ice rink to a festive fairground. There’s lots to eat and drink too.

Oaks On Ice at McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Cheshire Oaks

Making Christmas shopping magical, this year sees the launch of Oaks On Ice, a gorgeous ice skating rink and festive experience for the whole family. Elsewhere you’ll find festive food, drinks and treats on offer, as well as music and entertainment to enjoy. Launching on October 24th, tickets start from £12.50 for adults, £9.50 for children aged four and up, and £36 for families.

A Decade Of Magic at King St Townhouse

This winter sees King Street Townhouse celebrate its 10th birthday, with a whole host of Christmassy things to enjoy. First up, there’s the Festive Afternoon Tea, launching on 17th November and starting at £35pp, with nostalgic artisanal handmade desserts (an eggnog and clementine macaron, a mulled winter berry roulade topped with a miniature gingerbread man, and a rich Belgian chocolate and pistachio tart. Elsewhere, in the hotel’s gorgeous spa, visitors can enjoy the Decad’ant Ritual, a new limited-edition treatment available throughout November and December. This restorative experience begins with two hours of blissful relaxation in the thermal suite before a 60-minute ‘Comfort and Glow’ treatment, with facial and scalp massage. Finally, cosy up for some classic Christmas films (think Love Actually and Home Alone) in the Screening Room from 15th November to 24th December. Tickets start at £15pp.

City Centre Christmas Markets

Manchester’s Christmas Markets will open across the city on Friday 7 November and close on Monday 22 December. And this year will see the reopening of a section of Albert’s Square, with A Taste Of Christmas – jam packed with tasty food, drink and treats to enjoy, as well as crafts to buy. The square will also be home to a huge ferris wheel, giving breathtaking views of Manchester’s Town Hall. As well as Albert Square, you’ll find stalls at Piccadilly Gardens, Market Street, Cathedral Gardens, St Ann’s Square, Exchange Street, New Cathedral Street. Exchange Square, King Street and The Corn Exchange.

Bar Hütte

A seasonal alpine-ski themed Christmas pop up venue in Great Northern, this season Bar Hütte will play host to cosy karaoke booths, and festive events like wreath-making mornings and Santa meet-and-greets. A wonderful meeting place for all ages, there’s plenty to enjoy throughout winter. For groups of friends, and colleagues looking for an after-work social, guests can look forward to a bustling atmosphere under the twinkling lights too. Expect live music performed by local musicians and DJ’s, oven-baked pizzas and Bombardinos; an Italian mountain classic of warm rum, cream & cinnamon shot, served topped with whipped cream.

BOXER Brad Rea has paid a gushing tribute to the late Ricky Hatton – and vowed to fight on to make his mentor proud.

Hatton – Britain’s most beloved fighter – sadly passed away aged just 46 in September – leaving behind an iconic legacy.

9

9

9

Manchester light-heavyweight Rea was inspired to take up boxing by the legendary City fan and the two grew a formidable bond together.

Hatton befriended, coached and mentored Rea up until his sad passing.

Today, on Friday October 10, 2025, Hatton is laid to rest with his funeral at the Manchester Cathedral.

Rea – who fights Lyndon Arthur on November 1 – is in attendance and opened up on his special bond with the heroic Hitman.

He told SunSport: “I was lucky that I did have a good relationship and we were friends.

“But I think so many people, even people that maybe just met him once, maybe people that just got a picture with him once, seeing him in the pub or whatever, because of the way he was, everyone feels like they have that kind of personal connection with him.

“He was just down to earth and he was just one of us at the end of the day, no matter how big he made it.

“I think that’s why it has affected so many people and everyone does kind of feel like they know him in a way because he was so down to earth.

“So it’s been a tough one for me to take. It’s been a tough one for most of the boxing scene to take.”

Despite becoming inseparable, Rea admits the novelty of Hatton’s presence in his life never wore off.

He said: “It just kind of merged into one. I was with him so much and I’d see him so often and we’d spend so much time together in the gym kind of every day.

“You do kind of forget how big he was, how loved he was, and how many people he had an effect on.

“Then every now and again you’d be out sparring or you’d be walking down a residential street somewhere and you’d go, ‘It’s Ricky.’ You know what I mean?

“It’s not just Rick, this is the Hitman and, yeah every now and again I kind of had to pinch myself a little bit and go, ‘This is Ricky Hatton I’m sat in Nando’s with.’ It was a bit surreal.”

Despite Hatton’s superstardom and unrivalled fanfare – he dreaded ever being looked at as anything other than a working class people’s champion.

Rea said: “He was just one of the boys at the end of the day.

“He was so down to earth and that was why the other side come with it he didn’t think he was better than anyone else.

9

9

“He didn’t think he was a superstar and I think they probably go hand in hand, kind of just being so down to earth and then still being taken back by all the support.”

Two-weight world champion Hatton would spend 12 hard weeks preparing for his fights – and the rest of his time down the pub with his friends.

Rea was fortunate enough to have socialised with the boxing great – preferring to leave some of their more chaotic tales forever untold.

He beamed: “Oh, there’s so many. There’s so many but all of them I’m just laughing, I’m smiling because it’s just stupid times, rubbish jokes, cracking rubbish jokes.

“I’m lucky that I got multiple different sides of him. I got him as a coach, I had him as part of my team in my corner. I had him as a friend.

“I’ve been to the football with him. I’ve been out for a beer with him, I’ve been on a weekend to Dublin with him, I’ve had all different sides of him.

“I’ve got many memories to kind of look back on. Some stories that I can tell and some I’ll probably keep to myself!”

9

9

Rea was hit with the devastating news just months before his European title defence against Arthur at the Co-Op Live Arena.

And he has since returned to Hatton’s Hyde – where emotions are high.

Rea, 27, said: “I’d not been there for a while. It is a bit surreal. It is a little bit weird.

“Every time I’ve been in there, the majority of the time he’s in there, and he’s cracking jokes, you know, he’s being Rick.

“But at the end of the day there’s me, there’s a load of other lads in there that still got a job to do and he’d be disappointed if we were moping about and we weren’t training.

“He’d want us to get back at it and he want us to crack on and. So you’ve kind of just got to keep cracking on and do what you can to try and make him proud.”

And the best way to make City super-fan Hatton proud? Beat United supporter Arthur – a friend of former sparring partner – in their hometown.

Rea chuckled: “You know what it is? It’s more how we’d react if I let myself get beat by a United fan!

“He would never let me hear the end of it. He would be on my case and I can’t do that to him. I can’t let him down on that front.”

9

9

Rock band Oasis, who Hatton adored and would later befriend, were building on Manchester’s reputation as a capital of the music world.

Manchester United were dominating English football.

Hatton was playing his part in the ring and also giving his Manchester City-supporting backers something to cheer while their team struggled in the Red Devils’ shadow.

In the city centre, a new venue opened and staged a Torvill and Dean performance on its opening night.

“It was fortunate that they built the Manchester Arena when they did,” said Speak of the indoor venue that welcomed its first customers in 1995.

This is where Hatton had 15 of his professional fights. “It would become his fortress,” Speak said.

By the time Hatton fought Kostya Tszyu in 2005, he was selling out the arena.

Hatton stopped the man who was regarded as the world’s best light-welterweight to win the IBF title.

Danny Jackson, a close friend to Hatton and Manchester City’s matchday announcer, delivered an emotional speech in memory of his pal at the recent City-United derby.

He gives Hatton credit for putting his beloved football club – now giants of the world game – in the spotlight.

“You look at Rick’s time as a boxer, there wasn’t a lot to like about City then,” Jackson said.

“Rick was a bit of a shining light in that period. He got City’s brand out there to millions of people.”

Retired world champion Anthony Crolla described the Tszyu fight as “one of the greatest nights Manchester has ever had in any sport”.

The next day, Hatton set up camp at the New Inn in Hyde for what had become a regular celebration – nicknamed the not-so-nice shirt nights.

“He didn’t want to swan off to celebrity hotspots; he wanted to be around his mates and having a laugh,” said Jackson.

Paul Smith, the Liverpool world title challenger who trained alongside Hatton, remembers one fancy dress party when Hatton dressed as ‘Ginger Spice’ Geri Halliwell.

Those kind of images would get out and help to keep Hatton in the hearts of those from Manchester, because they could see he was one of them.

That never changed. This summer, Hatton attended a friend’s stag do in Portugal.

They set him up by giving him dissolvable swimming shorts to wear in the pool.

“There were a group of lads there from Leeds by the pool idolising him and they were saying ‘I can’t believe you’re doing this to a superstar’,” said Jackson.

“He took the stick, he gave the stick, just a normal guy.”

The aircraft was forced to make an emergency landingafter issuing a ‘fuel Mayday’ as it travelled to Prestwick Airport in Glasgow from the Italian city of Pisa

A Ryanair flight was forced to make a dramatic emergency landing after coming within six minutes of “running out of fuel”. An investigation has been launched into the incident involving a Malta Air flight, operating on behalf of Ryanair.

The plane was en route from Pisa, Italy, to Prestwick Airport in Glasgow on October 3 when it issued a “fuel Mayday”.

The aircraft had to make an emergency landing in Manchester after the cockpit crew issued a 7700 squawk code – the universal signal for a general emergency. Before this, the plane made several unsuccessful attempts to land at both Prestwick and Edinburgh airports.

Nearly two hours later, it safely touched down in Manchester. Upon landing, the plane had only 220kg of fuel left – enough for just five or six minutes of flying.

Passenger Alexander Marchi revealed that the chaos began even before they took off from Pisa, as protestors managed to storm the tarmac amid a strike.

A passenger told the Ayr Advertiser: “After leaving late from Pisa because of a general strike and protesters invading the tarmac at the airport we were worried that we wouldn’t get to Prestwick before the storm hit.

“Everything was fine until we started our descent. The plane was circling a few times before trying the first time but pulling up almost immediately.”

More than 40,000 people tracked the plane as it failed to land at Prestwick before attempting to touch down in Edinburgh, again without success. The flight eventually landed in Manchester, with passengers on board eventually reaching South Ayrshire via bus 10 hours late.

Upon landing, the aircraft had just 220kg of fuel remaining in its tank – sufficient for merely five or six minutes of flight time, according to reports.

Passenger Alexander Marchi revealed the mayhem began before they’d even departed from Pisa, as demonstrators managed to breach the runway during industrial action.

He told Ayr Advertiser: “After leaving late from Pisa because of a general strike and protesters invading the tarmac at the airport we were worried that we wouldn’t get to Prestwick before the storm hit.

“We were told we would try one more time or we’d have to go to Manchester. The second time it was a very bumpy ride and we almost reached the tarmac, but at the last minute we pulled up very sharply.

“We realised how bad things had been after seeing the images after finally landing at Manchester with almost no fuel. There was a lot of relief.

“People were wanting to get off and definitely were not up for flying any time soon. “

A Ryanair spokesman said: “Ryanair reported this to the relevant authorities on Friday (Oct 3). As this is now subject of an ongoing investigation, which we are cooperating fully with, we are unable to comment.”

ROBERT Jenrick should stop lecturing the public on integration, Sir Keir Starmer has blasted.

The PM hit out at the Shadow Justice Secretary after he claimed he “didn’t see another white face” during a visit to Birmingham.

3

3

Sir Keir slammed the comment on Thursday night, saying “it’s quite hard to take anything that Robert Jenrick says seriously.”

He accused the senior Tory of “running a leadership campaign” instead of making serious political arguments.

Speaking on a flight to Mumbai, where he will meet Indian President Narendra Modi, Sir Keir said: “We’re working hard on questions of integration, but we need no lessons or lectures from Robert Jenrick on any of this.

“He’s clearly just engaging in a leadership campaign.”

The row erupted after senior Conservatives rallied behind Mr Jenrick’s claim that Britain must confront “ghettoised communities” and a “dangerous” lack of social cohesion.

Labour figures branded the comments “racist”, but Tory leader Kemi Badenoch defended her colleague, saying there was “nothing wrong with making observations.”

Shadow Cabinet Minister Claire Coutinho also backed him, saying: “If you walk through an area and don’t see a single white face, it is a sign that integration has failed.”

The controversy broke out during the Tory party conference in Manchester after The Guardian obtained a secret recording of Mr Jenrick describing a 90-minute visit to Handsworth earlier this year.

He told members at an Aldridge-Brownhills dinner: “I went to Handsworth in Birmingham the other day to do a video on Twitter and it was absolutely appalling.

“It’s as close as I’ve come to a slum in this country.

“But the other thing I noticed there was that it was one of the worst integrated places I’ve ever been to.

“In fact, in the hour and a half I was filming news there I didn’t see another white face.”

Just nine per cent of Handsworth’s population is white, with most residents of Pakistani, Indian, and Bangladeshi heritage, official data shows.

Asked if he regretted his comments, Mr Jenrick told the BBC: “No, not at all and I won’t shy away from these issues.”

3

He said he mentioned skin colour “because it’s incredibly important that we have a fully integrated society regardless of the colour of their skin or the faith that they abide by.”

He also linked the terror attack in north Manchester last week to a lack of integration.

Ms Badenoch again backed her shadow minister, saying she would take The Guardian report “with a pinch of salt.”

The Tory leader said: “What he and I both agree with is that there are not enough people integrating.

“There are many people who are creating separate communities.”

Labour last night pounced on the remarks, saying Mr Jenrick had “crossed a red line.”

ANOTHER wife of the Manchester synagogue terrorist said the attacker “raped” her and lied about being married with a child.

The woman, whose identity is being protected, told how Jihad Al-Shamie abused her mentally and sexually after they first met on Muslim dating app Muzz.

11

11

11

She had converted to Islam in 2012, ten years before meeting Al-Shamie.

The woman became trapped in a volatile cycle in which he would flip between being “vile” and then “nice” to draw her back in to their on-and-off relationship.

Eventually, Al-Shamie told the woman he was married and had a son, but confessed to keeping them secret.

In text messages seen by the M.E.N, he wrote: “I didn’t tell u because I really like you and wanted u to be my 2nd wife.”

But Al-Shamie told her men can have four wives in Islamic culture and that his first wife “accepts” it.

Within a month of entering into a relationship with him, the pair married in January 2022.

The woman said their Islamic ceremony took place over a video call because of Covid restrictions.

But the marriage was soon filled with coercive and controlling behaviour.

She claimed Al-Shamie raped her, but she did not report it to police.

The attacker’s abuse is laid out in Facebook messages between the couple.

He tells her: “Good luck getting any guy to deal with your rubbish.”

And: “You’re not worth it and I can do better – don’t need someone with your baggage and mental issues.”

To try and win her back, Al-Shamie would promise grand gestures, such as buying a property close to where she lived, although these never came into fruition.

The woman told M.E.N she thought she loved him at the beginning of their partnership.

11

11

11

“He was caring and understanding and didn’t judge my kids for their needs,” she said.

“He would say ‘I love you, I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have done that’. He was controlling and abusive.

“He did rape me multiple times, but to us we just fulfil what our husband’s say.

“He was one of them where you have got to do it there and then.”

She categorized their relationship as “his way or no way” and described him as constantly being “pushy” – telling her wives had to “obey” their husbands.

The Sun previously reported how Al-Shamie was a teenage drop-out who smoked weed and was obsessed with violent video games.

A former friend told The Sun on Sunday that killer Al-Shamie would smoke around 2g of strong skunk a day when he was a teen and frequently felt the wrath of his parents.

His obsession led him to dropping out of Liverpool John Moores University a year into his English, media and cultural studies degree course in 2011.

Meanwhile neighbours said he would spend his time lifting weights in his garage or wander around in his pyjamas and flip flops.

The woman also reflected this portrayal in her tales of Al-Shamie, who she claimed was always “between jobs” and “living with his parents”.

After their relationship ended, the last time Al-Shamie contacted her was April earlier this year, but she ignored him.

The woman also recalled her horror when she discovered he had committed the Manchester synagogue terror attack.

“My first thought was just ‘why’. He would never preach anything. The only thing he would do was pray,” she said.

“He never showed me, or said anything about, terrorism, or joining anything. It was all about the mosque and praying.”

This comes as another wife of Al-Shamie also came forward with her story after meeting him on the same Muslim dating app.

Born in Syria, Al-Shamie was granted British citizenship in 2006 when he was around 16, having entered the UK as a young child.

The 35-year-old was on police bail accused of rape when he carried out the car and knife terror attack in Manchester on October 2.

He claimed to be a devout father but cheated on his wife and married a second woman days after meeting her, The Telegraph reported.

The newspaper said that he met a young woman from Manchester after the Covid lockdown.

It’s believed that he moved in with the woman and her family in May 2022 and they married in an Islamic ceremony.

But he was unfaithful and used a dating app to meet several other women.

Al-Shamie’s first marriage reportedly fell apart six months ago after he married a second woman – but it is not known if this was legal.

Elizabeth Davis, 46, is said to have married the killer in secret and only told her family about him only after the synagogue attack.

A source told The Sun on Sunday: “Liz converted to Islam four years ago.

“Her conversion caused tensions with her family, they say she became a totally different person after that.

“She stopped communicating with relatives and friends.

“It was like she had been brainwashed.

“The family only found out that she had got married to Al-Shamie after the synagogue attack on Thursday.

11

11

11

“The family are horrified that she has been involved with someone like that.

“It’s possible she got married to him in an Islamic law ceremony.”

Another woman said she was just 18 when she dated Al-Shamie, who she said lied to her about his age.

He told her he was in his mid-twenties and reportedly encouraged her to watch “extreme videos”.

During their four-month relationship, she said he hit her and ordered her to dress more conservatively.

She even said he referenced possibly wanting to join the Islamic State.

She said he stalked her and told her about his rape fantasises.

The Times reported that Al-Shamie used fake name on his dating app accounts but kept getting banned because of his “speech and what he was sending”.

11

11

OLD TRAFFORD continues to suffer from a rodent infestation after a fan claimed to catch a live MOUSE during the game between Manchester United and Sunderland.

A travelling Black Cats supporter shared a post to social media of them claiming to have been next to someone who caught the rodent while in attendance at the ground for the game.

2

2

The social media post showed a photo of a mouse being held in a tall plastic cup.

It was partnered by a caption which said: “How dirty is Old Trafford??

“Woman behind has just caught a mouse in the away end at Old Trafford…

“I’m running out of things I’ve not seen at the match now.”

Other fans also ripped into the stunning pictures on social media, with another fan saying: “No way. Even mother nature is taking the p***.”

SunSport have approached the club for comment.

United emerged with a much-needed 2-0 win against newly-promoted Sunderland thanks to first half goals from Mason Mount and Benjamin Sesko.

There was also a noteworthy performance from new goalkeeper Senne Lammens in goal as he helped stop the leaks between the sticks with the Red Devil’s first clean sheet of the season.

BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK

Old Trafford is no stranger to hosting unwelcomed guests in the form of mice.

In February of this year one rodent was seen scurrying over the pitch when United took on Ipswich.

On that occasion a member of staff picked up the mouse before carrying it away.

The mice infestation at the ground was confirmed by hygiene inspectors during a visit to Old Trafford in December.

Mice droppings were found in a food kiosk on the concourse, which prompted a reduction in the hygiene levels at the stadium to drop from four to just TWO stars.

Unfortunately, the source of the rodent problem is believed to come from the location of the stadium itself being between a railway line and a canal.

Following the arrival of minority owners Ineos, United have announced plans to build a new 100,000-seater £2billion stadium which they have dubbed the “Wembley of the North”.

However, last month those plans hit a snag with company owing the land United wanted to build a huge canopy on refusing to budge for less than £400million – way above United’s own estimate of £50m for the lands worth.

Ruben Amorim‘s squad travel to Anfield to face Liverpool after the international break hoping to generate some momentum and pick up consecutive wins for the first time under the Portuguese boss.

Their poor form also saw a United fan refusing to cut his hair until the men’s team win five games in a row celebrate the one-year anniversary of his challenge on October 5.

What we know about the ‘new’ Old Trafford

MANCHESTER UNITED plan to build a new stadium rather than redevelop Old Trafford.

The decision was made after a number of fact-finding missions to other stadiums including the Bernabeu and Nou Camp.

The cost of the project is expected to be a staggering £2billion.

A capacity of 100,000 is expected.

It is felt that a club of United’s standing should have a new state-of-the-art facility.

The new stadium will be built on land adjacent to the Red Devils’ current home.

United are looking to not only build a stadium but regenerate the area of Trafford where the ground will stand.

There had been plans to KEEP Old Trafford rather than demolish it, and use it as a scaled down second venue.

However, it’s looking increasing likely that it will in fact be entirely demolished.

The club consulted with 30,000 fans about what to do and believe there is roughly a 50-50 split on staying or moving.

The club have appointed the architects Foster + Partners to come up with a “masterplan”. The company were behind Wembley Stadium.

Old Trafford has been United’s home since 1910.

The target is for completion by 2030.

AN EX-girlfriend of the Manchester synagogue attacker was forced to watch Isis terror videos, she has claimed.

Jihad Al-Shamie, 35, unleashed terror outside Manchester’s Heaton Park synagogue on Thursday, leaving two dead and three more in hospital.

12

12

12

The seven-minute knife rampage took place on the holiest day of the Jewish calendar – Yom Kippur – with the killer then shot dead by cops.

A former partner has now claimed she was groomed by Al-Shamie and forced into a “controlling relationship”.

The pair, who met on a Muslim dating app, were in a relationship for four months before she left him over his extremist views, and moved from the UK.

She claimed Al-Shamie told her he wanted to join Isis and also pressured her to become “dedicated to the cause”.

She said: “He used to sit there and make me watch videos – like extreme videos – that I had no interest in.

“I am Muslim and of course I love to learn more. But this stuff was things that I have been raised to not agree with.

“He used to always say I was taught the wrong way and I wasn’t taught right. He was basically just trying to groom me into what he thought.”

Meanwhile, as reported by The Mail on Sunday, it has been revealed one of the women arrested by cops over the synagogue attack was an NHS Mental health peer support worker.

The 46-year-old is a white British woman, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, and neighbours claimed she had recently converted to Islam.

“I was doing such a course, and she told me she was a peer support worker herself,” said one local.

“She said she travelled to Manchester for her shifts at a hospital.”

Al-Shamie is also believed to have been married to a British Pakistani woman in Manchester.

It is understood they share a two-year-old child, but are no longer in a relationship.

A former friend of Al-Shamie also revealed he was teenage drop-out who smoked weed and was obsessed with violent video game Street Fighter.

12

12

12

The friend told The Sun on Sunday that killer Al-Shamie would smoke around 2g of strong skunk a day when he was a teen and frequently felt the wrath of his parents.

And he said he spent hours in his bedroom playing the computer game using the name “Jiji”.

His obsession led to Al-Shamie dropping out of Liverpool John Moores University a year into his English, media and cultural studies degree course in 2011.

The former pal said: “He was a bit of a rebellious wild child. He got into a lot of trouble with his parents. He used to smoke cannabis from an early age.

“He would spend a lot of time practising Street Fighter, like obsessively practising this computer game. He was very good at it, to the point where he competed a couple of times in competitions.”

The source added: “It was probably why he dropped out of uni.

“He was spending too much time smoking weed, working out and playing video games.”

He added: “His personality type, he would latch on to one thing and get buried deep into it. The only thing I can think of is that he’s done that but with radical religion.”

Al-Shamie, whose name is said to translate as “struggle of the Syrian” became “reclusive” after dropping out of education and started to practice Islam around 2018.

Neighbours said he would spend his time lifting weights in his garage or wander around in his pyjamas and flip flops.

The pal, who lost touch with him, said: “I heard he became a bit reclusive and appeared to be very into his faith, which surprised me as he was never that kind of guy.

“There were some concerns about his mental health. I don’t know if he ever got professional help.”

He said he was worried Al-Shamie would go down a “rabbit hole”, adding: “He had an addictive personality. My suspicion is that he ended up self-radicalising.”

12

12

12

Al-Shamie moved to the UK from Syria with his family when he was a young child and was granted British citizenship in 2006.

His father Faraj is a trauma doctor who later divorced his mother Formoz and moved to France.

This comes as four people arrested in connection with the synagogue terror attack will remain in custody for extra questioning.

Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitz, 66, were killed in the rampage before Al-Shamie was shot dead by armed cops.

Six people have now been arrested on terror charges following the chaos.

Cops confirmed they have been granted custody extensions to hold four people detained in connection with the attack on the Crumpsall synagogue for a longer amount of time.

Two men, aged 30 and 32, as well as a 61-year-old woman arrested in Farnworth will remain in custody for “up to a further five days”.

The force added how an 18-year-old woman and a 43-year-old man, also arrested in Farnworth, remain in custody for questioning.

Greater Manchester Police said: “We have been granted warrants of further detention for four individuals currently in custody.

“This means they can remain in custody for up to a further five days.

“Everyone in custody has been arrested on suspicion of commission, preparation and instigation of acts of terrorism.”

Everyone in custody has been arrested on suspicion of commission, preparation and instigation of acts of terrorism.

Al-Shamie first drove into worshippers at the Heaton Park synagogue at 9.30am on Thursday morning.

He also stabbed terrified members of the public while wearing a fake “bomb vest” – killing Melvin Cravitz, 66, and Adrian Daulby, 53.

Four others were injured in the horror.

Counter-terrorism officers have since revealed the attacker was likely influenced by “extreme Islamist ideology”.

A statement from Greater Manchester Police read: “We believe Al-Shamie may have been influenced by extreme Islamist ideology.

“Establishing the full circumstances of the attack is likely to take some time.  

“We have now arrested three further people, one man and two women, aged between 18 and mid-40s.

“This brings the number of people in custody arrested on suspicion of commission, preparation and instigation of acts of terrorism to six.”

Al-Shamie was not known counter-terrorism agencies but had previous convictions.

It is not known when the alleged rape took place but the attacker was under investigation by Greater Manchester Police at the time.

GMP confirmed to The Sun Online al-Shamie was arrested but had been released pending investigation.

12

12

12