The full English is a British staple and one that we all know and love – but one food lover recently put the Asda cafe breakfast to the test and was left with serious questions about whether it was worth the £11.50 price tag
Reach’s Laura Zilincanova has consumed her fair share of English breakfasts since relocating to England during her late teens, she has cultivated a real fondness for this staple of British dining. Laura was consequently eager to assess the full English breakfast at Asda Cafe.
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While she harboured some reservations – knowing superior establishments for this type of meal – Laura stayed hopeful. Being associated with an affordable supermarket chain, Laura anticipated decent value for money.
What she experienced, though, proved more underwhelming than anticipated.
The cafe, situated within one of Asda’s London superstores, was practically deserted on a Friday morning, making ordering simple – Laura was in fact first in line.
The menu provides an extensive range, featuring smashed avocado on toast, bacon baps, breakfast wraps, and additional options. For those preferring something sweet, there were muffins, carrot cake, cookies, and scones with jam available.
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Despite the appealing alternatives, Laura remained committed to her initial choice and ordered a full English breakfast (£7.72), incorporating mushrooms for an extra £1.36, reports the Express.
Altogether, including a Fanta, the total reached a substantial £11.50. By contrast, Morrisons provides a comparable meal (minus the beverage) for £7.25.
Laura told herself it would likely justify the cost. The food arrived in less than five minutes. She began with the baked beans and hash brown, purely because that pairing is her personal preference.
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However, Laura could scarcely detect any flavour. The beans were remarkably bland, as though they were swimming in mildly seasoned water.
While the hash brown boasted a proper golden appearance and looked quite encouraging, it possessed a faintly burnt flavour and, once more, minimal taste generally.
The bacon delivered the most flavour, as anticipated, but it carried a distinct meaty taste that Laura doesn’t especially care for. Nevertheless, it was arguably the least underwhelming component on the plate and paired with the beans she would award it a 6/10.
Considerably worse was the sausage, which was practically flavourless and completely mushy. Absolutely no texture.
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The tomato appeared more akin to a tinned product, nearly like a purée, tasting excessively acidic. And goodness, the mushrooms. What a pointless inclusion. They tasted like rubber.
The egg was passable, though it lacked seasoning and failed to provide the gratifying runny yolk effect, as it was rather small. A genuine cherry on top? The toast, thoroughly soggy.
To be fair to Asda, there were redeeming qualities too. Firstly, the café is roomy, exceptionally clean, and bathed in natural light. They certainly have potential.
Within under half an hour, the space was occupied by roughly seven contented couples with infants, though Laura found herself hoping they wouldn’t offer them the full English.
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An older gentleman seated close by told Laura he loves the breakfast at Asda. While he described the prices as “competitive”, he enjoys the atmosphere and apparently really appreciates the café’s branding.
Perhaps the sole means of truly savouring the meal is by combining all the elements together. Individually, however, the components were somewhat lacking in flavour.
While the breakfast certainly provided sustenance and kept hunger at bay throughout the morning, one nagging thought remained: how exactly had Laura managed to part with £11.50 for that breakfast?
Michael Carrick will name his first team as Man United’s permanent head coach this afternoon against Brighton and Hove Albion
Manchester United will end their Premier League season with a new permanent head coach as they travel to Brighton and Hove Albion this afternoon. Michael Carrick has signed a two-year deal with the Reds to extend his stay in Manchester. The former midfielder has lost just two matches since returning to Old Trafford.
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In his pre-match press conference, Carrick spoke about needing to take this game seriously but admitted it could be an opportunity for younger players to gain some valuable first-team experience. It is hard to predict how Carrick will find that balance but it is safe to assume changes are coming.
First could be in goal. Senne Lammens has been superb but Sunday could be the chance for his back-up Altay Bayindir to play. The Turkey international looks set to leave the club this summer so Carrick could hand him one final appearance for the Reds.
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The defence should remain consistent despite options being available to Carrick. Harry Maguire hit the headlines this week after he missed out on the World Cup and he will be desperate to show Thomas Tuchel what he is missing. Luke Shaw also missed out on the England squad and will have started every single Premier League game if he is named in the starting XI.
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In midfield, we know Casemiro will not be part of the squad. Kobbie Mainoo is the future of United’s midfield and could be the experienced head today. Tyler Fletcher will help the Scotland World Cup squad before they fly to America and starting him with Mainoo will be a great test for the youngster.
In attacking midfield, Bruno Fernandes is almost guaranteed to start. He still needs one assist to surpass Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne’s joint record for the most assists in a single Premier League season. After the campaign he has had, it would be cruel of Carrick not to give him the opportunity to smash that record.
Matheus Cunha has been in fine form recently and should start on the left. On the right, this could be the time to give Shea Lacey another shot.
He has not played for the senior team since his red card against Brighton in the FA Cup. Today would be a great chance to banish those demons. Mbeumo can lead the line.
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United predicted XI vs Brighton: Bayindir; Dalot, Maguire, Martinez, Shaw; Mainoo, T. Fletcher; Lacey, Fernandes, Cunha; Mbeumo
The inspector wrote in a report that they had to leave the pub without inspecting it.
A Cambridgeshire pub has been given a zero food hygiene rating after an inspector was refused entry. The Railway Vue in Impington was visited by the food hygiene inspector on Saturday, March 21, but left without assessing the premises.
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According to the food hygiene report, the inspector was told that the owner had “recently took over the business”. The report said the owner suggested the inspection was for the previous food business operator and that they considered the inspection ‘irrelevant’ to them.
The inspector was also told that the kitchen was “not ready for inspection”. The owner told the inspector they “did not want an inspection on a weekend”, as they had never had an inspection on a weekend after 25 years of being in the trade.
The owner was told these are “not valid grounds” to refuse entry and the owner reportedly became ‘threatening’. The inspector noted that the pub was open and serving food at the time of the visit.
The inspector left the pub without assessing it and did not offer the owner a chance to sign off on the report for “safety reasons”. As a result, the Railway Vue was given a hygiene rating of zero.
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Punch Pubs & Co, who look after the Railway Vue, said it expects its pubs to “meet the highest standards of food safety and hygiene”. The company will work with the pub’s team to “ensure all required improvements have been completed swiftly” and wants the Railway Vue to “achieve a significantly improved rating upon re-inspection”.
Punch Pubs & Co Operations Manager, David Hill, confirmed that The Railway Vue pub will be under new management from June. He said the company would like to thank the former manager for his hard work and wish him success.
He continued: “We know how much this pub means to the local community, so it remains our priority to keep the doors open. We will therefore continue trading as the transition takes place.
“We would like to reassure our guests that the pub will continue to operate as normal, with the addition of a new food offering coming in the near future. We look forward to updating the community in the coming weeks.”
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola spoke about what the next manager needs to do after he is gone
Pep Guardiola has two words of advice for the next Manchester City manager: be yourself. As one of the greatest coaches in the game says goodbye to the Etihad after ten years, he believes the next man should leave him in the past.
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Enzo Maresca is expected to be the successor, having gone on to have success with Leicester and Chelsea in recent years after time with City in their academy and then as one of Guardiola’s assistants during the Treble season. The Italian has been out of work since leaving Stamford Bridge in January is expected to come in for the toughest job since David Moyes stepped into Sir Alex Ferguson’s shoes at United.
Guardiola has taken on an ambassadorial role within the City Football Group as he leaves Manchester, but his priority is rest. Friends do not believe he can go more than three months without itching to be back involved in the game, yet that is another personal challenge he is determined to win.
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That space should give Maresca the opportunity to be his own man at City, and that is exactly what Guardiola thinks he needs to be. The 55-year-old leaves because he does not think he will have the energy to keep going next season, and believes that changes are needed to keep the club fresh.
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“Be themselves. A manager has to be himself. Unique,” he said when asked for words of advice for the next manager. “The club will be there to support him unconditionally. Like they have done it to me, they will do it to him and his staff.”
Guardiola has said previously that City would be his last club role in coaching while indicating that he would be interested in international management. Two of the upcoming major tournaments will be in countries he knows well, with England one of the hosts for Euro 2028 and Spain for the World Cup in 2030.
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He did not rule anything out on Friday when asked about a City return or the England job in his future. His first priority, though, is trying to get some focus for Sunday’s game with Aston Villa as he looks for a big farewell.
Get ready for a new week (Picture: Getty/Metro.co.uk)
Full Moon week and the last full week of May, which is the last full month of spring before the transition to summer begins.
There’s a strong sense of completion, full circle, fulfilment in the air. What are you ready to round up, finish off, and draw to a close?
Make a plan and set to it, make each day include something that unhooks you from whatever you wish to release.
The process of ending is important. Deliver clarity and consistency to whomever needs it. Tick every box for closure. Then celebrate, raise a toast, and let go of a situation in the full knowledge nature abhors a vacuum and will bring new options to replace whatever was released.
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This is the natural life cycle rhythm. But what are you drawing to a close this week? Let the tarot cards guide you.
Meaning: Something in your realm that was infused with forcefulness is now softening, and you can let go of the iron grip you yielded over it. This might be an ambition, a stand off, an uneasy relationship or bubbling situation.
Step back a little. Simmer down. Let things be as they naturally are without your force or watchful gaze or control. You can trust this more now, you can let it be as it is, and you can relinquish your role as guard/watchman/boss. And that, trust me, will bring blessed relief and liberation. You can divert to other things happily and in good spirit — your shift is done.
Closure for you this week is found with The Fool (Picture: Getty/Metro.co.uk)
Tarot card for Taurus for this week: The Fool
Meaning: The beginning is over! The fresh start or new endeavour or era you embarked on earlier this year is now becoming ‘the new normal’, and there is comfort in that. Mark the new phase by accepting this newness is now a part of your daily life and how things are.
Maybe you can look at your habits or routine a little closer, think about what is most sustainable, easy and efficient given this is the new status quo. Maybe even think about how you could help or advise others going through what you have, or what you’ve learned about your capabilities and nature from going through this process. Reflect, consolidate and celebrate the end of the beginning!
Closure for you this week is found with Strength (Picture: Getty/Metro.co.uk)
Tarot card for Gemini for this week: Strength
Meaning: There is courage needed to face hard endings well, with dignity, grace and patience. Something has been winding down, and maybe continues to, in your life, for a long time — maybe a source of work, a poorly relative or friend, an ambition you can see no future to. It’s hard to accept, but no amount of wishful thinking can make things different.
When you can’t change the circumstances, you have to change your attitude and outlook around them. Getting your mind right. You have a busier mind than most so this process has been both fast and slow… you process thinks quickly mentally, but slower emotionally. And your heart has felt heavy.
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This week, you will turn a corner here, you will feel more at peace with things, and even start to see silver linings, glimmers of new hope, or a better way ahead. The dark before the dawn is nearly over, my friend.
Closure for you this week is found with the Queen of Coins (Picture: Getty/Metro.co.uk)
Tarot card for Cancer for this week: Queen of Coins
Meaning: There is a practical project, role or task (that you’ve been largely in charge of) that needs attention. Something is no longer feasible and needs booting off the agenda, so that something more urgent, important and deliverable can enter into the fray.
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You are the boss, so to speak, so you get to call this out, persuade whoever has a vested interest, and get balls rolling generally. Doing so will make you feel good, this has been bugging you for a while, it just hasn’t sat right, and you’ve known decisions were needed. So get to it because if not you, then who? Be the boss you were made to be — you are a cardinal sign, born to lead.
Closure for you this week is found with the Nine of Wands (Picture: Getty/Metro.co.uk)
Tarot card for Leo for this week: Nine of Wands
Meaning: A struggle you’ve been tussling with for at least a couple of months is going to wrap up nicely, better than you could’ve hoped. So stick to it, Leo, and get this over the line. One last push and the Universe will match your exertion and bring about circumstances that magically enable a good ending to the drama.
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You have worked hard here, tried when no one else really did, and put the work in. When this is done, make sure you celebrate, make sure you recognise your sterling efforts, and make sure the people with power know about it! A job well done. Rewards are due.
Closure for you this week is found with the Ten of Coins (Picture: Getty/Metro.co.uk)
Tarot card for Virgo for this week: Ten of Coins
Meaning: Something that has been a very very long-term fixture, like a piece of the furniture in your realm, is coming to the end of its natural life cycle. This has given you great rewards over the years, but the well is dry and it’s time to find a new source of reward. This could be related to health, wealth, work or home.
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It’s not a sad end, as such, and not a shock. You have noted the need to reboot this area of your life for a while, been looking at options, researching possible ways ahead. And that will all come together this week, allowing you to bid farewell to your ‘old friend’ happily, knowing you’re moving onto the next page.
Closure for you this week is found with the Three of Wands (Picture: Getty/Metro.co.uk)
Tarot card for Libra for this week: Three of Wands
Meaning: Closure for you this week is found with the Three of Wands. A surprise ending is coming your way — a good one. Don’t worry, this is something you’ve longed to see the back of; a toxic boss maybe, a frenemy making waves, a bad neighbour, a task on your to-do list that you dread.
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Don’t overthink it and don’t go looking for it, but keep a side-eye out for unusual movements because this will all happen fast and unexpectedly. Seize the moment when it arises and don’t hesitate to back the idea of whatever it is moving along elsewhere. Be positive and steadfast, don’t shapeshift or hedge your bets. You wanted rid of this, and now this is your chance.
Closure for you this week is found with the Knight of Wands (Picture: Getty/Metro.co.uk)
Tarot card for Scorpio for this week: Knight of Wands
Meaning: Something that has been exciting but also chaotic, thrilling but maybe a little too risky, fun but frivolous, will draw to a close, its energy spent. It was much like a shooting star — full of vigour and sparkle as it arose, but then exploding into vapour and disappearing.
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Don’t try and chase it. Let it go. Make this a happy memory, a funny story, an interesting interlude, and one that was never meant to stay the course in your life. Our life stories are, if we’re lucky, full of such strange people, events and places. Enjoy it whilst it lasted, and then let it go with a big smile.
Closure for you this week is found with the Six of Swords (Picture: Getty/Metro.co.uk)
Tarot card for Sagittarius for this week: Six of Swords
Meaning: A powerful, meaningful and much-welcomed ending is going to come about in the next seven days and you couldn’t be happier. This has been a long time coming. It could be as seamless as a change of heart or opinion, or as major as a toxic role or relationship.
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You have been hoping for this turn of events for at least six months, and the even better news is that it will all go so smoothly. Everyone is ready, everyone has already done their teeth-gnashing and grieving and shouting. What remains is a universal desire for closure. And that will be delivered now. Thank god.
Closure for you this week is found with the Knight of Coins (Picture: Getty/Metro.co.uk)
Tarot card for Capricorn for this week: Knight of Coins
Meaning: Time to take a break. Close the laptop, put the out of office on, take a day or so off, wind down the phone calls, cancel the meetings. Closure is needed on a phase of very hard work that has been draining, although also rewarding.
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You need to reset, recharge and rejuvenate, and that can’t be done ‘on the job’. Come away from the furnace, seek a cool running stream, and lie down beside it- mentally and physically. You are the hardest worker in the zodiac and you need regular chill zones to keep that infamous energy sustained. You can’t pour from an empty jug!
Closure for you this week is found with the Seven of Cups (Picture: Getty/Metro.co.uk)
Tarot card for Aquarius for this week: Seven of Cups
Meaning: Whatever has been on your mind now needs to manifest IRL. Stop thinking and start doing. Write down your plans, schedule them wisely, seek support, and set off into the execution phase. If you linger too long in daydreaming then nothing will get done and the momentum, and appetite, will fizzle.
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Kick-start your wild ideas! You can do this, you can make it happen, but the imagination phase is over with, so push yourself into action whether you feel ready or not. Time’s a ticking!
Closure for you this week is found with the Three of Swords (Picture: Getty/Metro.co.uk)
Tarot card for Pisces for this week: Three of Swords
Meaning: Hallelujah, it’s time to clear house. Purge the realm of the backstabbers, frenemies, mean girls, bullies and sly foxes who seek to unsettle and undermine you. Block, side-step, avoid, withdraw.
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You are the kindest soul in the zodiac and, sadly, often attract vultures and vampires who feed on you and use you. Notice who this applies to. Notice their actions and how they make you feel in their presence. And then act accordingly. Seek to protect yourself. Draw their reign to an end. Boundaries are important, they are vital to your wellbeing. Establish them and hold them.
Kerry King has been reading, teaching and creating tarot for 30 years. Join her magical, exclusive Tarot Club for forecasts, predictions, lessons and readings straight to your inbox. Enjoy one month free for all Metro readers (no lock-in or commitment) over on Patreon.
Your daily Metro.co.uk horoscope is here every morning, seven days a week (yes, including weekends!). To check your forecast, head to our dedicated horoscopes page.
Cork and Clare go head to head in the final round of the Munster Hurling Championship on Sunday 24 May, with a place in the Munster Final on the line — here’s what TV channel it’s on, throw-in time and the latest betting odds
Cork and Clare face each other in the final round of the Munster Hurling Championship today.
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Following a turbulent championship so far, there are three possible Munster Final pairings that could emerge; Cork v Clare, Cork v Limerick or Clare v Limerick.
Cork sit top of the table with three victories from three matches, and a draw against the Banner County would be sufficient to secure their place in the Final. Even in defeat, they would still reach the final if Tipperary overcome Limerick, though a clean sweep would help the reigning champions maintain their momentum.
Clare are currently in third position, and if they draw with Cork they will reach the final provided Limerick are defeated. They have already secured their place in the knockout stages following the final. Clare’s last Munster Championship triumph came in 1998.
Should Clare win and Limerick win, the top three sides would all be level on points and score difference would determine the top two, reports the Irish Mirror.
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Here’s everything you need to know about the match:
Date
The match takes place this Sunday the 24th of May.
Throw-in time
The action begins at 4pm.
Venue
The fixture is at Supervalu Páirc Uí Chaoimh in Cork.
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TV and stream information
The match will be broadcast live on RTÉ 2 and GAA+.
The Moses Gate Supersaver is coming to town from Saturday, May 23 to Sunday, May 31.
Visitors can ride most attractions for £1 per ride when purchasing a £2.50 wristband, which organisers believe is “one of the best-value family days” out in the area this summer.
The fair will feature rides designed for all ages, games, food stalls, and various other attractions.
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A spokesperson from the organising team said: “At a time when many families are feeling financial pressure, we wanted to create something affordable that local people can still enjoy together.”
They added: “Our family has worked in the fairground industry for generations, and keeping fairs accessible and affordable for local communities has always been important to us.”
An event poster states: “Please bring cash. Due to poor service our card readers are not reliable at this event.”
Cristian Mungiu’s Norway-set drama about political polarization, “Fjord,” has won the Palme d’Or, handing the Cannes Film Festival ’s top honor for the second time to Mungiu, the Romanian director of “4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days.”
At a 79th Cannes Film Festival that saw few films cause a stir, “Fjord” found wide admiration for its engrossing tale of what Mungiu called “left-wing fundamentalism.” It stars Sebastian Stan and Renate Reinsve as Romanian Evangelicals who move to Norway, but soon after have their children taken from them by child services for spanking them.
“Today the society is split. It’s divided. It’s radicalized,” said Mungiu. “This film is a pledge against any type of fundamentalism. It’s a pledge for these things we quote very often, like trauma and inclusion and empathy. These are lovely words but we need to apply them more often.”
Mungiu becomes just the 10th filmmaker to win the Palme d’Or twice. His “4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days,” a Romanian abortion drama, won the award in 2007.
Cristian Mungiu, winner of the Palme d’Or for ‘Fjord,’ poses for photographers at the awards ceremony photo call during the 79th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 23, 2026. (Photo by Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP)
Cristian Mungiu, winner of the Palme d’Or for ‘Fjord,’ poses for photographers at the awards ceremony photo call during the 79th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 23, 2026. (Photo by Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP)
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‘Minotaur’ wins Grand Prix
The Grand Prix, or second prize, went to “Minotaur,” Andrey Zvyagintsev’s domestic thriller set against Russia’s war with Ukraine. Loosely based on Claude Chabrol’s 1969 film “The Unfaithful Wife,” “Minotaur” is about a Russian businessman suspicious of his wife’s indiscretions. At the same time, he’s tasked with conscripting 150 of his workers for Vladimir Putin’s war machine.
“The only person who can stop this butchery is you, Mr. President of the Russian Federation,” Zvyagintsev said, accepting his award. “Put an end to this slaughter. The whole world is waiting for this.”
By wide consensus, it wasn’t a banner festival. Hollywood largely sat out this year’s edition. Many of the selections struggled to bowl over critics. The global buzz that Cannes typically generates was fitful at best.
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But the awards handed out Saturday as the 79th Cannes drew to a close will significantly raise the international profiles of the winners. Last year’s Cannes produced a long string of Oscar nominees, including “Sentimental Value” and “The Secret Agent.”
The nine-member jury that decided the awards was headed by Korean filmmaker Park Chan-wook. Demi Moore, Chloé Zhao and Stellan Skarsgård were also jurors. Chan-wook, a Cannes regular including last year with his satirical thriller “No Other Choice,” joked that he preferred not to give away the Palme.
“To be honest, I didn’t want to award the Palme d’Or to any of the films, because it’s an award I myself have never gotten,” Chan-wook told reporters after the ceremony. “But I had no other choice.”
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Jury president Park Chan-wook, third from left, poses with jury members Chloe Zhao, from left, Ruth Negga, Demi Moore and Isaach de Bankolé upon arrival at the awards ceremony during the 79th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 23, 2026. (AP Photo/John Locher)
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Jury president Park Chan-wook, third from left, poses with jury members Chloe Zhao, from left, Ruth Negga, Demi Moore and Isaach de Bankolé upon arrival at the awards ceremony during the 79th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 23, 2026. (AP Photo/John Locher)
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Awards are split and shared
Two films won for best director: the Polish filmmaker Pawel Pawlikowski, for his postwar drama “Fatherland,” and the Spanish creative duo Javier Ambrossi and Javier Calvo for “The Black Ball,” a generation-spanning queer epic “The Black Ball.”
It was Pawlikowski’s second time winning the same Cannes prize in as many films, following his “Cold War” in 2018. But the award marked a breakthrough for Ambrossi and Calvo in their first Cannes entry.
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“No one knew us. Thierry didn’t know us,” Ambrossi told reporters, referring to Thierry Fremaux, Cannes artistic director. “It was just that the movie spoke.”
Virginie Efira and Tao Okamoto, the two stars of Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s “All of a Sudden” shared the best actress award. In the elegantly empathetic drama, the two play women brought together in friendship out of their mutual sense of care for others.
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Virginie Efira, left, and Tao Okamoto, winners of the award for best actress for ‘All of a Sudden,’ pose for photographers at the awards ceremony photo call during the 79th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 23, 2026. (AP Photo/John Locher)
Virginie Efira, left, and Tao Okamoto, winners of the award for best actress for ‘All of a Sudden,’ pose for photographers at the awards ceremony photo call during the 79th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 23, 2026. (AP Photo/John Locher)
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The jury also split the best actor prize. They chose Emmanuel Macchia and Valentin Campagne, the two stars of “Coward,” Lukas Dhont’s drama about young Belgian men sent to the front lines of World War II.
The prize for best screenplay was awarded to Emmanuel Marre for “A Man of His Time,” a French drama about a Nazi collaborator in Vichy France. Marre based it on the experiences of his own great-grandfather.
The jury prize, or third place, went to German filmmaker Valeska Grisebach’s “The Dreamed Adventure,” a crime drama set in a Bulgarian border town.
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Saturday’s ceremony was missing its tribute honoree. Barbra Streisand was to receive an honorary Palme d’Or, but a knee injury prevented her from attending. Isabelle Huppert nevertheless celebrated Streisand during the ceremony, and Streisand appeared in a taped video message.
The Camera d’Or, Cannes’ award for best first film, went to Marie Clémentine Dusabejambo’s post-genocide drama “Ben’Imana,” the first Rwandan film to be officially selected for the festival.
The Liverpool player was upset and refused to stay with Liverpool
Sepp van den Berg rejected Arne Slot’s request to stay at Liverpool after battling “dark days” in Merseyside. The Brentford defender is expected to return to Anfield on Sunday afternoon to face his former club on the final day of the 2025/26 season.
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Van den Berg was signed by the Reds from Eredivisie side PEC Zwolle in 2019 and made his debut that year in an EFL Cup clash with MK Dons. The Dutchman’s time with the club descended into a living nightmare, however, as he was dropped to the reserves after four cup appearances and came to feel forgotten while living on his own in a new country.
Then a mere 17-year-old, he was overwhelmed by loneliness and his mental health took a blow to the point where he didn’t want to go in for training, even recalling crying on his way home sometimes. He found his footing with several loan spells, including to Preston North End, Schalke and Mainz, during which he endured challenges like injuries and relegation.
Van den Berg was offered a second chance at Anfield in the summer of 2024 after Slot was appointed as manager. The Reds boss hails from the same town and, remarkably, his first job had been with the PEC Zwolle Under-13s, where Van Den Berg played under him.
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The 24-year-old recalled Slot speaking to him as if he had a future under the new manager – but by that point he had mentally checked out and was ready to leave Liverpool. Van den Berg said: “It was a little bit awkward. It was just funny… coming from the same hometown, he’d coached me when I was a kid and now he’s the guy at Liverpool.
“He was just like,‘ How’s your off-season been? Have you been working? Are you ready for pre-season?’
“I said, ‘Yes, of course.’ But in my own head, I was thinking,‘Yeah, I’m ready but hopefully I’m not even coming back for pre-season,’ because I wanted to leave.”
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The centre-back signed a five-year deal with Brentford in August 2024 for a fee of up to £25million. He added: “It was definitely dark days. As a 17-year-old boy coming in from a different country, you’re not the priority.
“I was going home crying at some points and then not speaking to anyone. Do you call this depressed? I think it’s a bit too heavy a word. But I wasn’t feeling well. I wasn’t in the head space you are supposed to be in. I had no confidence and that really affected me as a footballer. I was just constantly doubting myself, like I was not good enough. I didn’t want to go to training, which is not me. Then, you know you are really down low.
“Looking back, if someone had taken care of me as a young player, it would have helped me, for sure. For young guys going abroad, going to big clubs, I’d say to parents: ‘Be careful. Make sure the kid is OK.’ I have lovely parents, my mum FaceTimes me every day but still she didn’t know 100% how I felt. And for the clubs, definitely look out more for the younger players.
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“On the other hand, I did learn a lot from the situation. It made me the guy I am today. My injury at Schalke, as well – it makes you stronger. You learn so much because you go into such a dark space. It feels like your whole world dies in front of you because football is your world. Luckily, I survived it.”
Van den Berg has been key for Brentford this season, making 37 appearances, including the 3-2 win over Liverpool at home back in October.
Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package
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Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.
Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.
Mark Summers didn’t realise that he was talking to a decoy when he struck up the online conversation with teenager ‘Clio’.
The 53-year-old soon turned the chat sexual before the police were informed about his online behaviour, Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court heard.
Jade Houston, prosecuting, said: “He had been in contact with the decoy online, who was posing as a 15-year-old, and he asked her for pictures.
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“Throughout the conversation, he calls her beautiful and then goes on to talk about sex with her.”
Miss Houston said the defendant has three previous convictions for five offences but none were relevant to his current case.
Summers, of Park Place, Darlington, pleaded guilty to attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child on April 18 last year.
John Clish, mitigating, said his client does have some level of learning difficulty and is struggling to come to terms with his offending.
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He said: “The position the defendant has taken in his probation service interview isn’t helpful.
“What he tells me is that he panicked – he understands it’s a serious offence and what the sentence could be.”
Deputy District Judge Anna Moran sentenced Summers to eight months in custody suspended for 18-months and ordered him to attend 30 rehabilitation activity requirement days.
She said: “This is a serious offence which is why the court treats it as such.
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“I realise that this was an attempt charge, there was no actual child on the receiving end, but that was not by design on your part.”
Summers was also ordered to sign on the sex offenders’ register for ten years and pay £272 towards court costs.
News round-up as Manchester United look to the future with Michael Carrick
As the Premier League campaign reaches its conclusion, attention at Manchester United has shifted to what looks set to be a hectic summer and Michael Carrick’s first complete season in charge.
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United conclude their fixtures away at Brighton on Sunday with third spot and Champions League qualification already guaranteed. The match comes 48 hours after Carrick’s permanent appointment as manager on a two-year contract was announced.
Meanwhile, Bruno Fernandes has additional motivation to impress at the Amex Stadium as he sits just one assist short of the Premier League’s all-time benchmark. MEN Sport brings you a summary of the latest United developments…
Get MEN Premium now for just £1 HERE – or get involved in our United WhatsApp group by clicking HERE. You can also join our United Facebook page by clicking HERE and don’t miss out on our brilliant selection of newsletters HERE.
Atalanta admission
The first signing of the Carrick era is reportedly nearing completion, with Atalanta midfielder Ederson apparently heading to Old Trafford. United have conducted discussions over the Brazilian, with a proposal of £34.5million – plus an additional £4.3m in add-ons – submitted.
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Atalanta, who have grown familiar with watching their leading players depart for larger clubs, are prepared to bid farewell to the 26-year-old, who remained an unused substitute in Friday’s 1-1 draw with Fiorentina.
While boss Raffaele Palladino refrained from mentioning United specifically, he acknowledged Ederson didn’t feature due to an imminent move. He said: “Ederson out? It was a decision we agreed with the boy because there’s something going on in the transfer market. The fact that such a player is being followed by such a big club should be a source of pride.”
Get Man United’s new 2026/27 home kit
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Manchester United have launched their new home kit for the 2026/27 season, inspired by the club’s heritage and featuring a classic polo collar with iconic adidas details.
Exit announced
A United player has said an emotional goodbye to the club after 14 years. Sonny Aljofree, who spent the opening half of the campaign on loan at League Two side Notts County, has failed to break into the United first team, though he was invited to train with the squad by Carrick amid a defensive injury crisis.
It appears the 21-year-old hasn’t done enough to prolong his time at the club and seems destined to move down the divisions to gain regular first-team action.
In a farewell post on Instagram, Aljofree wrote: “After 14 years at this amazing football club, my second home, and the place I’ve grown from a boy to man.
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“I can’t thank the staff, players and everybody who has helped me enough for everything they have helped me with throughout my time. I’ve made brothers for life and I will always appreciate what this club have given me.
“I wish everybody at the club the absolute best. Ready to kick on and keep growing as a person and as a player. Once a red, always a red.”
Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package
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Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.
Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.
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