One Premier League star who has played for both Manchester City and Leeds is unlikely to have mixed feelings on Saturday’s showdown

Former Manchester City and Leeds midfielder Kalvin Phillips will be nowhere in sight when the two clubs face off on Saturday. That’s after the Yorkshireman’s £42million transfer to City from Elland Road back in 2022 ultimately ended with a distressed phone call to his old boss.

Having built himself as a key part of Marcelo Bielsa’s iconic Leeds team, Phillips was eventually snapped up by Pep Guardiola. However, what promised to be the next phase in an endearing tale of hard work paying off petered into a period of utter stagnation.

Phillips, 30, has made just 32 first-team appearances for City as he approaches the fourth anniversary of his move to the Etihad. He’s won the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, FIFA Club World Cup and more as a City player, yet all that glitters isn’t gold.

Now on loan at Championship side Sheffield United, his third loan away in as many seasons, Phillips is attempting to resurrect the old him once more. And it was a similar sense of desperation that led him to reach out to Bielsa in April 2023 after he was found at fault for Leicester City’s only goal during a 3-1 City win.

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“I just felt s***,” said Phillips. “It was probably the low-point, confidence-wise. I spoke to Bielsa afterwards. He called me back via a translator and we had a conversation for around half an hour.

“He said he’d watched every game I’d been involved in since I moved from Leeds and he told me what he thought I should do to become the player I was at Leeds.”

Linking up with Guardiola in Manchester inevitably came with its own complications. But then Phillips had just come from a club where he thrived under Bielsa, revered as a tactical taskmaster and one who demands painstaking sacrifice in training; how bad could it be?

One particularly tough episode related to Guardiola publicly calling Phillips out for returning “overweight” after the 2022 World Cup. The England anchor later empathised with the sentiment and conceded the Catalan was likely right, though his execution left a lot to be desired.

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“He was right to do so, but there are different ways to go about it,” Phillips later told The Guardian. “I did not disagree with him, but obviously I took a big knock on my confidence and how I felt at City. And my family were not happy about it, either. Especially my mum.”

From Phillips’ perspective, he had gone from being the local hero at Leeds and the most valuable player in the squad, as his City fee would attest. Under Guardiola, however, it wasn’t long before he became just another piece of the furniture, and one that was hardly critical to his manager’s plans.

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Saturday’s Premier League clash takes place at Phillips’ former stomping ground at Elland Road. Daniel Farke’s men have made a habit in surprising some of the Premier League elite, having already taken results off the likes of Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United in recent months.

They’ll hope to repeat those heroics against the current runners-up if they’re to boost their own bid against relegation. Despite technically still being a City player today, Phillips will not be on the pitch as former club Leeds continue in trying to secure their top-flight future.

Netflix audiences have binged through the latest episodes of Regency period drama Bridgerton

Bridgerton season four, part two was finally released on Netflix and many fans have already raced through the episodes.

The new episodes arrived on Thursday, February 26, focusing on the aftermath of Benedict Bridgerton’s (played by Luke Thompson) well-intentioned but disappointing proposal to Sophie Baek (Yerin Ha) when he asked her to be his mistress.

Many may have already finished the episodes and are starting the show from the beginning as they now have an arduous wait for season five.

The next outing has already been greenlit and will focus on either Eloise Bridgerton’s (Claudia Jessie) love story or that of her sister Francesca (Hannah Dodd).

While viewers wait, here’s a look at Bridgerton’s best-ever rated episodes as per IMDb.

Bridgerton’s top 10 episodes from worst to best

10. An Unthinkable Fate – season 2, episode 5

Perhaps one of the most dramatic episodes of the Netflix period drama, An Unthinkable Fate holds an 8.1/10 rating on the site and sees Kate Sharma (Simone Ashley) left reeling after Anthony Bridgerton (Jonathan Bailey) proposes to her sister Edwina Sharma (Charithra Chandran) after confirming he didn’t want a love marriage.

9. After the Rain – season 1, episode 8

The season one finale After the Rain has an 8.1/10 rating and features a beautiful Bridgerton declaration of love from Daphne Bridgerton (Phoebe Dynevor) to her husband Simon Basset, the Duke of Hastings (Regé-Jean Page) after they finally reconcile and plan to have children. Daphne also reveals how she discovered the truth about Simon’s heartbreaking childhood and difficult relationship with his father, which prompted him to avoid having any offspring.

8. The Duke and I – season 1, episode 5

Another season one fan-favourite is The Duke and I with an 8.1/10 rating. The episode follows Simon and Daphne’s hasty marriage after persuading Queen Charlotte (Golda Rosheuvel) of their undying love. After their nuptials and their fabricated courtship, the pair then confess they’ve actually fallen for each other and utter the immortal line: “I burn for you.”

7. Tick Tock – season 3, episode 5

Tick Tock holds an 8.2/10 rating and sees Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton) announce his sudden engagement to Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan) after their steamy carriage ride, where they confessed their love for one another. The other big element of drama is Penelope’s deadline to tell Colin and the Ton that she is Lady Whistledown, all of which is scuppered when Cressida Cowper (Jessica Madsen) falsely says she is the scandal sheet writer.

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6. Harmony – season 2, episode 7

Coming in with an 8.2/10 rating, season two’s Harmony focuses on the aftermath of Edwina and Anthony’s aborted wedding, the discord between Edwina and Kate, and scandal swirling around the Bridgerton family.

5. A Bee in Your Bonnet – season 2, episode 3

Yet another season two episode to make it into Bridgerton’s 10 best episodes is A Bee in Your Bonnet, which is rated 8.2/10. Anthony tries to win over Kate in order to marry her younger sister Edwina. However, the pair end up getting closer after embarking on a competitive game of Pall Mall with the rest of the Bridgerton siblings. Later, Anthony fears for Kate’s life after a bee lands on her chest and he thinks it will fatally sting her, just like his father Edmund Bridgerton (Rupert Evans).

4. An Offer from a Gentleman – season 4, episode 4

Despite only coming out this year, season four of Bridgerton has been met with much fan praise and the midseason finale An Offer from a Gentleman holds an 8.4/10 rating. The episode in question saw Benedict deliver his indecent proposal to maid Sophie after the pair had a racy moment on a staircase.

3. The Field Next to the Other Road – season 4, episode 3

The Field Next to the Other Road from season four has ended up with an 8.4/10 rating as well and sees Benedict and Sophie falling in love while staying at My Cottage in the countryside. The pair also share a passionate kiss after Benedict emerges from a lake when an unwitting Sophie spots him while on a walk around the estate.

2. The Viscount Who Loved Me – season 2, episode 8

The season two finale of Bridgerton holds a special place in fans’ hearts after it looked like Kanthony could finally get their happy ending after much strife.

The instalment retains an 8.5/10 rating from fans, who love seeing Kate and Anthony Bridgerton finally as husband and wife after she recovers from a horse-riding accident.

1. Old Friends – season 3, episode 4

Bridgerton’s best-rated episode currently holds an 8.6/10 rating, which could change as audiences watch the fourth season.

The episode marks the midway point in Polin’s season and sees Colin finally confess his love for Penelope, before they embark on their steamy carriage moment.

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Police are appealing to witnesses after a statue of the late monarch was vandalised

PSNI have appealed to the public for witnesses after a statue of Queen Victoria was vandalised.

The vandalised statue is located in the grounds of the Belfast Hospital complex which is also named after the late monarch.

Republican group Lasair Dhearg posted a picture on social media on Friday afternoon appearing to show one of its supporters pouring red paint over the statue. In an accompanying post, the group said “Belfast activists” had paid a visit to the “Famine Queen” – a reference to the Irish potato famine of the mid-19th century.

It stated: “British monarch Victoria oversaw the Great Hunger and the decimation of the Irish population as millions perished and emigrated.

“In a socialist republic all the symbols of Empire will be stripped from the land; street names, statues, institutions and those that will stand against the people organising for a better future. Only the fight for a socialist republic can bring about the end of occupation and imperialism in Ireland.”

READ MORE: New dog park in Belfast opens using upcycled playground equipmentREAD MORE: Man charged to court after alleged kidnapping in Derry

In a statement, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said it received a report of criminal damage on the Grosvenor Road site in west Belfast on Friday afternoon.

“It was reported that paint was thrown over a statue in the area,” the PSNI said.“Inquiries are at an early stage and police would appeal to any witnesses, or anyone who might have any information which could assist us, to get in touch.”Work was under way on Friday evening to remove the paint.In a statement, the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust said: “Belfast Trust is aware of an incident in which the statue of Queen Victoria, on the Royal Group of Hospitals site, was daubed with red paint.“Trust staff are working to have this paint removed as quickly as possible. Police have been informed of the incident.”

DUP Assembly member Phillip Brett added the vandalism was an “utter disgrace”.He said those responsible wanted to “intimidate” and also “erase” British identity from Northern Ireland.

“This wasn’t ‘activism’,” he said, “it was an attack on shared space, on heritage and on basic respect.

“If they truly cared about working-class communities, they would be campaigning to improve public services, not defacing public property and intimidating others. We must be clear. Criminal damage is criminal damage. It should be condemned, investigated and those responsible held accountable before the courts without delay.

“And let me be clear to those who think they can erase British identity from Northern Ireland, we are not going anywhere.”Ulster Unionist Assembly member Alan Chambers, who is the party’s health spokesman, also condemned the incident.“The disgraceful defacing of the statue at the Royal Victoria Hospital was a completely senseless and unacceptable act of vandalism,” he said.“Whatever views individuals may hold about history or heritage, there is absolutely zero justification for targeting a healthcare facility in this manner. The Royal Victoria Hospital exists to provide care and treatment to some of the sickest people in Northern Ireland and at the most vulnerable moments in their lives.“It is a place dedicated to saving lives and supporting families – it should never be seen as an opportunity for idiotic political protest or criminal damage. Every pound that now has to be spent repairing this damage is a pound taken away from the health service. At a time when our health service is already under immense pressure, with budgets stretched, it is utterly irresponsible that scarce resources will now have to be diverted to clean up this mess.“Those responsible have shown a clear disregard not just for our shared public spaces, but for the patients and staff who rely on the Royal Victoria Hospital every day. That is why I hope they will be identified and held fully accountable. I urge anyone with information about this despicable incident to come forward.”

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An explosion was reported in Tehran on Saturday, as Israel’s defence minister said the country had launched a preventative attack against Iran.

Witnesses said they heard the blast in the Iranian capital. There was no immediate comment from the government in Tehran. Iranian state television acknowledged the blast, without providing more details.

The development comes amid heightened tensions over Iran’s nuclear programme – its long-running effort to enrich uranium, which Western powers fear could be used to produce nuclear weapons.

In Washington, the US president, Donald Trump, signalled frustration with the latest round of negotiations. Speaking to reporters, he said he was “not happy” with how discussions were progressing.

“I’d rather do it the peaceful way, but they’re very difficult people…they’re very dangerous people,” Mr Trump said.

Oman’s foreign minister Badr al-Busaidi, who has been mediating the talks, expressed hope for a positive outcome as he sought “enough space to really close these remaining areas that we need to discuss and agree upon”.

Meanwhile, staff have been withdrawn from the British Embassy in Iran, ahead of the possible US strikes. At the US embassy in Jerusalem, non-emergency US staff and their families have been told to leave Israel due to safety risks.

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Israel’s operation against Iran was coordinated with US, Israeli official says

The Israeli operation against Iran on Saturday was coordinated with the U.S., an Israeli defence official told Reuters.

The operation was planned or months and the launch date was decided weeks ago, the official added.

Holly Evans28 February 2026 07:03

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Protests in Iran continue amid threat of US strikes

People in Iran have continued to protest against the government as the US threatens military strikes against Tehran over its nuclear programme.

University students in Iran are holding protests calling for the government to be overthrown, The New York Times reported.

The new wave of anti-government demonstrations, which started last Saturday, comes after thousands were killed in Iran’s crackdown on protesters last month, per the NYT.

Namita Singh28 February 2026 07:00

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Pictures: Explosion reported in Iran as Israel launches ‘preventative attack’

Namita Singh28 February 2026 06:59

Israeli airspace closed to civilian flights, airports authority says

Israel closed its airspace to civilian flights on Saturday, the airports authority said, after Israel launched what the defence minister described as a pre-emptive attack against Iran.

Namita Singh28 February 2026 06:50

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Israel launches daylight strike on Tehran as sirens sound nationwide and US forces mass in region

Israel launched a daylight attack on Saturday on Iran’s capital, with a cloud of smoke rising from the city’s downtown.

It wasn’t immediately clear what the target was. But the attack comes as the United States has assembled a vast fleet of fighter jets and warships in the region to try to pressure Iran into a deal over its nuclear program.

Israeli defence minister Israel Katz described the attack as being done “to remove threats.” He did not immediately elaborate.

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In Tehran, witnesses heard the blast. Iranian state television later reported on the explosion, without offering a cause.

Sirens sounded across Israel at the same time. The Israeli military said that it had issued a “proactive alert to prepare the public for the possibility of missiles being launched toward the state of Israel”.

The US military declined to immediately comment on the attack.

Namita Singh28 February 2026 06:48

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Apparent strike in Iran’s capital happened near offices of supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

An apparent strike in Iran’s capital on Saturday happened near the offices of supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

State television acknowledged an explosion in the area of the offices.

It wasn’t immediately clear whether the 86-year-old Khamenei had been in his offices at the time. He hasn’t been seen publicly in days as tensions with the United States have grown.

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Namita Singh28 February 2026 06:42

Israel’s defense minister says his country has attacked Iran and declares a state of emergency

Israel launched an attack on Iran on Saturday, with the country’s defense minister declaring a state of emergency across the country.

Israel Katz made the announcement as thick smoke rose from an explosion in downtown Tehran, Iran’s capital.

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Iranian state television acknowledged the blast, without providing more details.

Sirens sounded across Israel at the same time. The Israeli military said that the “proactive alert to prepare the public for the possibility of missiles being launched toward the state of Israel”.

Namita Singh28 February 2026 06:36

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Israel military triggers sirens to prepare for possible missile attack

Israel’s military on Saturday said it had sounded air raid sirens in areas across the country “to prepare the public for the possibility of missiles being launched toward Israel”.

Namita Singh28 February 2026 06:33

IAEA flags blind spot over Iran’s 60% uranium as stockpile moved to Isfahan tunnel

The UN’s nuclear watchdog has warned that most of Iran’s highly enriched uranium is being held inside an underground tunnel complex at its Isfahan facility and has pressed Tehran to permit inspections without delay.

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In a report circulated to member states on Friday, the International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed that Iran continues to enrich uranium to 60 per cent purity – a level described as a short technical step from weapons-grade material – while raising concern about its lack of access to the Isfahan site.

Isfahan is one of three nuclear facilities that the United States said it had “obliterated” during last year’s 12-day war.

According to the agency, satellite imagery showed “regular vehicular activity around the entrance to the tunnel complex at Isfahan in which (uranium) enriched up to 20 per cent and 60 per centU-235 … was stored”.

The IAEA stressed the importance of being able to conduct inspections in Iran without further delay.

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The report also said inspectors do not know the precise location of a fourth uranium enrichment facility that Iran had stated it was establishing in Isfahan before the 12-day war. The agency added that it was unaware of whether that facility is operational or whether it currently contains nuclear material.

There was no immediate comment from Iran.

The findings were circulated a day after American and Iranian negotiators met in Geneva for a third round of indirect talks mediated by Oman. The discussions ended without a breakthrough.

Namita Singh28 February 2026 06:30

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Breaking: Explosion reported in Tehran as Israel says it has launched ‘preventative attack’ against Iran

An explosion was heard in Iran’s capital, Tehran, on Saturday, according to witnesses, as Israel’s defence minister said the country had launched a preventative attack against Iran.

There was no immediate comment from the Iranian government about the blast in Tehran.

The reported explosion comes at a time of heightened tensions between Iran and the United States over Tehran’s nuclear programme.

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Namita Singh28 February 2026 06:22

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Manchester and Salford Magistrates’ Court has granted a Closure Order under Section 80 of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 in relation to the ground floor commercial premises on Manchester Road.

The address is listed as being occupied by Walkden Minimarket Limited and Walkden Mini Market.

The order, dated February 25, 2026, states that the court is “satisfied that the use of the premises has resulted, or is likely to result, in nuisance to members of the public, or that there has been, or is likely to be, disorder near the premises associated with its use.”

Manchester and Salford Magistrates’ Court has granted a Closure Order under Section 80 of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 (Image: NQ)

It further states that the order is necessary to prevent the behaviour, nuisance or disorder from continuing, recurring or occurring.

The Closure Order came into force at 2pm on February 25, 2026, and will remain in place until 2pm on May 24, 2026.

The premises must be closed to all persons during that period, with limited exemptions.

Those permitted to enter include emergency services, police, fire and rescue or NHS staff, council officers or contractors acting on behalf of Salford City Council, and Dipal Patel, the registered leaseholder, for the purpose of carrying out urgent works.

The order also allows access to the registered freeholder for maintenance purposes.

A breach of a Closure Order is a criminal offence and can result in imprisonment for up to six months, an unlimited fine, or both.

The latest action follows a previous 48-hour closure notice issued by Salford City Council under Section 76 of the same Act.

At the time, the council said it was satisfied on reasonable grounds that the use of the premises “has resulted, or is likely soon to result, in nuisance to members of the public” or that there had been, or was likely to be, disorder near the premises.

Failure to comply with the Closure Order now in place may lead to arrest and prosecution.

Five Sisters Freeport Shopping Village in West Calder opened in 1996 with designer brands like Calvin Klein and Versace but closed in 2004 after nearby rival outlet caused footfall to decline

A shopping centre that launched with considerable excitement when it opened, drawing thousands of shoppers each week, is now a sad, deserted “ghost town” that’s gradually being overtaken by nature.

Urban explorer “Bearded Reality” visited the abandoned Five Sisters Freeport Shopping Village in West Calder, Scotland, which now serves as a stark testament to evolving consumer behaviour. “This place is insane,” he said.

Speaking of the shopping centre which first opened its doors in 1996, the YouTuber said: “Honestly, you can’t believe it’s been left.”

During its heyday, the 50,000-square-foot development boasted major high-street names including Calvin Klein, DKNY, Versace, and Levi’s. It also contained two cafés, two restaurants, and a “Leisureland” facility that included an entertainment centre and go-karts.

However, the transformation of retail, with increasing numbers of consumers turning to online shopping, combined with the launch of the neighbouring Livingston Designer Outlet in 2000, led to visitor numbers at Five Sisters plummeting dramatically.

Within 12 months of the competing outlet launching, the majority of stores at Five Sisters had shut down. The handful that survived ran clearance sales before also closing their doors. By 2004, Freeport Leisure determined it was time to shut the centre permanently, ending the entire venture.

Chairman of Freeport, Sean Collidge, acknowledged at the time that the arrival of the Livingston outlet played a role in their collapse: “This scheme was 100% let when it opened in 1996 and had four tremendous years. Then retail in Scotland became overpopulated in the central belt.”

Five Sisters was last utilised as the setting for a 2015 BBC Three reality game show, I Survived a Zombie Apocalypse, which saw contestants hiding from the “undead” as they raced to complete tasks.

When Bearded Reality visited the sprawling site, just off the M8 motorway, he discovered all 40 of its shops boarded up. There was scant evidence that Five Sisters had once been a thriving retail and leisure destination.

Whilst one fire door had been left open, it only provided access to a small, sealed-off area, and entry to the broader shopping centre proved impossible.

Although Five Sisters has been shut for over 20 years – more than twice as long as it was actually in operation – CCTV cameras and a security guard still prevent unauthorised members of the public from entering.

In 2021, West Lothian Council rejected a proposal to repurpose the land as a housing estate, although officials said they were keen to see the site redeveloped.

A council spokesperson said at the time: “The redevelopment or reuse of Westwood (Freeport), near West Calder, which previously operated as a factory outlet centre, is supported by the council.

“Leisure and tourist uses, specialised employment, starter units (Class 4), or institutional uses appropriate to a rural location will be supported.

“Some element of new or extended building outside the development envelope on-site and/or housing (very low density, with a maximum of 30 houses, meriting a rural location, all confined to the development envelope) will be considered where this is shown to be necessary for the financial viability of an appropriate scheme.”

Kyle Weinberg was flying from London Stansted Airport to Paphos, Cyprus, for a five-day getaway to enjoy some winter sun.

The 30-year-old paid £80 for his return flights, which included one small personal bag measuring 40x30x20cm that must fit under the seat.

After purchasing two bottles of aftershave in duty free, Kyle stuffed them inside his manbag to save adding another bag to his luggage and made his way to his airport gate.

Ryanair allow holidaymaker to fly without paying baggage charge – as he used this simple trick (Image: Kennedy News and Media)

But while attempting to board, Ryanair staff allegedly told the company director that his satchel had to be put inside his carry-on bag or he would be unable to board.

Baffled, Kyle explained his manbag wouldn’t fit inside his carry-on due to his duty-free purchases – and claims gate staff questioned why he didn’t get a carrier bag to avoid the extra charge.

Adamant he wasn’t stumping up an extra £60, Kyle darted to a nearby Costa Coffee for a free bag to stuff his satchel into – after which he says he was able to board without any issues.

A Ryanair spokesman said the passenger was advised to place their second bag into hand-luggage or into their duty-free bag in order to travel on the flight.

Stunned Kyle has since slammed Ryanair’s policy as a ‘stupid, money-grabbing scheme’ to make passengers cough up before boarding.

Kyle, who lives in Hornchurch, Essex, said: “It was my first time in Cyprus, I was going out there for a bit of winter sun.

“So I bought two bottles of Paco Rabanne aftershave in duty free for £72 each.

“I thought I’d just put it in my manbag. I’ve flown so many times before and never encountered any issues with it. It’s only a small satchel, it’s literally 20cm.

“When I was queuing up, the check-in lady said ‘you need to take your bag off your shoulder and put it in your main bag’.

“I said ‘I can’t do that because I bought two duty free bottles and there’s no way it’s going to fit in my carry-on bag’.

“She said ‘can you not try and squeeze it in?’ I said no and she said ‘well you can’t come on with two bags, it’s policy’.

“I said ‘it’s not really a bag and if I’d put it underneath a jacket you would never have known’. It’s not as if I’m trying to be sneaky and put a whole load of clothes in a bag.

“It literally has my boarding pass, my wallet, my phone and charger – just my necessities.”

Kyle claims airport staff refused to let him board the plane without paying a charge to upgrade his baggage allowance.

After stuffing his satchel into a free bag from Costa Coffee, Kyle says he was allowed through despite him carrying an extra bag.

Kyle said: “She told me I’d have to upgrade to priority to take on an additional bag. She asked me why I didn’t keep the duty free bag from the perfume shop.

“But why would I walk around the airport holding another bag if I can fit in my bag? I felt like I was losing brain cells trying to understand her thought process.

“Right behind my gate was a Costa Coffee stand. I went over there and asked if I could nick a bag of them so I could put my bag in a bag.

“They just gave me a bag for free. I put my manbag in the Costa bag and she said ‘that’s fine, have a safe flight’ but there’s no difference.

“She literally watched me go and get the bag.

“A lot of people would’ve just paid the upgrade fee which is about £60 to save the inconvenience. It’s not cheap.

“It’s a money-grabbing scheme. They’re just trying to make money at all costs. I’m always trying to do things to not waste material as well.

“It’s a stupid policy. I can’t see why other people don’t try it too.”

A spokesman for Ryanair said the passenger had booked a basic fare ticket that entitled them to carry one small personal bag onboard.

Ryanair says they advised the passenger that they could place their second bag into their permitted bag or into their duty-free bag in order to travel on this flight.

A Ryanair spokesman said: “This passenger booked a basic fare ticket for this flight from London Stansted to Paphos, which allowed them to carry a small personal bag onboard.

“This passenger attempted to board with an additional carry-on bag and was advised to either place their additional bag within their permitted bag, or to pay a standard gate baggage fee.

“This passenger travelled on this flight from London Stansted to Paphos.”

Manchester United face Crystal Palace on Sunday as they look to strengthen their hold on fourth place

Manchester United return to action on Sunday against a Crystal Palace side buoyed by a midweek European triumph. Oliver Glasner’s Eagles are coming off a 2-0 win over in the Conference League play-offs with the result setting up a round of 16 tie against AEK Larnaca.

United have European qualification in their sights themselves and go into this weekend’s round of fixtures occupying fourth spot in the Premier League. Rivals Liverpool could pull level on points should they defeat West Ham on Saturday afternoon, although Michael Carrick’s side hold the superior goal difference at present, while Chelsea are also ready to pounce if United slip up.

There’ll be little time for rest following Sunday’s home fixture, with Carrick’s squad travelling to St James’ Park to take on Newcastle on Wednesday. Eddie Howe’s Magpies are seeking to build momentum in the league having secured a Champions League meeting with Barcelona by clinching a play-off victory over Qarabag.

United, in the meantime, are determined to maintain their unbeaten run under interim manager Carrick. Here are our latest updates from around Old Trafford.

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Simeone in the managerial mix

Diego Simeone has surfaced as a surprise contender for the Manchester United manager’s position. It would mark the Argentine’s first venture into English football and a dramatic change for a man who is closing in on 15 years at the helm of Atletico Madrid.

Simeone clinched he La Liga title on two occasions with Atlético, seven years apart. He has also claimed the Europa League twice as manager, triumphing in 2012 and 2018, whilst guiding his side to Champions League finals in 2014 and 2016 and narrowly missing out on glory.

Luis Enrique is understood to be the preferred candidate among members of United’s hierarchy. However, there’s no certainty the Spaniard would consider a switch and some are believed to fear he might end speculation by agreeing fresh terms with current employers Paris Saint-Germain.

Thomas Tuchel and Carlo Ancelotti were also linked with the position following Ruben Amorim’s dismissal. Since then, however, both have penned contract extensions to remain in their present international roles beyond this summer.

Champions League qualification route

United will be keen to secure their place in next season’s Champions League without leaving anything to chance. Finishing fourth will guarantee them entry into the league phase, although fifth could still prove sufficient.

There are a lot of moving parts at play but, as matters stand, the Premier League is in pole position to earn one of two additional ‘European Performance Spots’ for next season’s Champions League. Newcastle United benefited last term and have already reached the last 16 this time round.

Fifth position is virtually assured of Champions League qualification thanks to six English teams reaching the round of 16 in that tournament and three more making the knockout stages in other European competitions. However, a series of round of 16 exits could jeopardise that prospect.

United still control their own destiny and have the opportunity to consolidate their grip on fourth place this weekend. That additional spot could prove a valuable safety net but even that is far from guaranteed, with just three points between fourth and sixth.

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Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle for the 2025/26 season, saving £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.

Sky shows at least 215 live Premier League games each season, an increase of up to 100, plus Formula 1, darts, golf and more.

Pakistan’s defence minister has said the ​country ‌is in an “open ​war” with neighbouring Afghanistan, after both nations launched strikes overnight.

Khawaja ‌Muhammad Asif said Islamabad’s ​patience ⁠had ⁠run out as tensions escalated, with casualties reported on both sides.

“Our cup of patience has ⁠overflowed,” he said in a social media post. “Now ​it is ​open war between ​us and ⁠you [Afghanistan].”

He alleged the Taliban had turned Afghanistan “into a colony of India”, gathered militants from around the world and had started “exporting terrorism”.

There has been no reaction from Afghan government officials to Mr Asif’s comments.

Pakistan carried out strikes on the Afghan capital Kabul and two other provinces overnight, Afghanistan government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said, just hours after Afghanistan launched a cross-border attack on Pakistan.

Security sources in Pakistan said the strikes involved air and ground strikes against Taliban posts, headquarters and ammunition depots ​along the border.

A Reuters news agency witness in Kabul said many ambulance sirens could be heard following a series of loud blasts.

Both sides reported heavy losses, issuing ‌sharply differing figures that have not been independently verified.

Afghanistan’s defence ministry said overnight that 55 Pakistani soldiers had been killed, including some whose bodies were taken into Afghanistan, and that “several others were captured alive”.

It said eight Afghan soldiers were killed and 11 wounded. The ministry also said it destroyed 19 Pakistani army posts and two bases and that the fighting ended around midnight, about four hours after it began on Thursday.

Ahmed ​Sharif Chaudhry, a spokesperson for the Pakistan military, claimed its armed forces had killed 274 members of the Taliban forces and militants.

He also said 22 Afghan military targets were hit, adding that at least 12 Pakistani soldiers were killed in the fighting.

None of these figures has been independently verified.

He added that military operations were ongoing on the orders of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

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Cross-border battles have intensified following months of tensions and skirmishes between the two nations.

The escalation threatens a fragile ceasefire along the 1,615-mile border and deepens a dispute over Islamabad’s claim that Kabul harbours Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants – an accusation ​the Taliban deny.

British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper wrote on X: “The UK is deeply concerned by the significant escalation in tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

“We urge both sides to take immediate steps toward de‑escalation, avoid further harm to civilians, and re‑engage in mediated dialogue.”