Riquelme has challenged Perez in the election – the first time in 20 years Perez has not stood unopposed – following two seasons in which the club has won no major trophies.

The 37-year-old has run on a campaign of vast giveaways, including a promise to build a members’ city for fans of the club in the area surrounding the training base, and reducing the annual membership fee by up to 50% if the team does not win the Champions League next season.

He also opposes Perez’s decision to hire Jose Mourinho as the club’s manager. That appointment can only be formally confirmed if Perez wins the election.

Riquelme, and the team behind his campaign, has hinted that former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is their main target for the position.

When asked about Klopp in an interview with The Athletic last month, Riquelme said: “Naturally, I would love for profiles of that calibre, and others like them, to coach this club.”

Just under 100,000 members are eligible to vote in the election, which is scheduled to take place on Sunday, 7 June.

The vote was called by Perez himself, in an attempt secure a renewed mandate following a period of on-field unrest and disapproval in the stands at the Santiago Bernabeu. He is considered the overwhelming favourite to win.

More to follow.

Man Utd midfielder Manuel Ugarte is set to feature for Uruguay at the World Cup, which begins next week.

“In recent months, my focus has been 100 per cent on the World Cup,” said Manuel Ugarte at a Uruguay national team press conference last week.

Ugarte played just over 1,000 minutes for Manchester United this season. His final appearance of the campaign came against Leeds as the West Yorkshire club won a league match at Old Trafford for the first time since 1981.

It was put to Michael Carrick that Ugarte had won just one of 10 starts this term. Carrick still defended the midfielder’s form, but it spoke volumes that he didn’t give him a single minute for the remainder of the season.

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“This year wasn’t my best at Manchester United,” Ugarte added. “But at one point, I had a realisation and said my focus is on the World Cup. I did everything for the World Cup. The minutes I played were with the World Cup in mind.

“The training sessions I did, both the hard sessions and the rest sessions, were all with the World Cup in mind. I feel great, I’m very excited and focused. The idea for us is to try to arrive in the same form we had at the Copa América, where the preparation was crucial.

“We have a few days to try and reach that level. Playing in a World Cup is a privilege for anyone. The players who are chosen are privileged, and we have to go in there with everything we’ve got.”

Ugarte declined to comment on whether he would change clubs after the World Cup. “I’m not thinking about what will happen next because when you finish your career, the best thing is to play in a World Cup for your country. I want to enjoy it and push myself to the limit,” he said.

“Manchester United is one of the best clubs in the world. The World Cup is going to be crucial in determining everything. I’m open to whatever comes. This year wasn’t great in every sense, but I learned a lot mentally.

“I was surrounded by good people, and I’m trying to take the positives from it. We’ll see what happens at the World Cup. Whatever happens, I think it will be good.”

United need to sell Ugarte just as much as he needs to find a new club. It will be mutually beneficial for both parties to part ways this summer, and the World Cup should only help to boost what United can get for him.

Ugarte has been a major disappointment since he arrived from Paris Saint-Germain for £42.3m, with a further £8.5m in add-ons, and the Reds will do well to find a buyer for around £20m despite committing to a deal worth over £50m just two years ago.

The World Cup should increase the chance of finding a buyer for Ugarte, though. He continues to be a starter for his nation, despite his lack of involvement at United, and performing on the biggest stage of them all is an opportunity for him to send a reminder of what he can do to European clubs.

Ugarte has struggled in the Premier League due to its intensity, while distributing the ball effectively is not a strength of his, a trait which has become increasingly important for deep-lying midfielders in England’s top-flight.

That doesn’t make him a bad player; it just means he is a bad fit for the country in which he is currently playing, so Ugarte can still have a decent career in Europe if he completes a move away from United.

Ugarte will relish the chance to show he can still cut it at a high level at the World Cup this summer, and Uruguay’s record at major tournaments bodes well for the midfielder putting himself in the shop window.

Uruguay finished third in the 2024 Copa America and reached the quarter-finals of that competition in the two tournaments prior.

They did not progress from the World Cup group stage at the last tournament, but they reached the quarter-finals in Russia in 2018, the Round of 16 in Brazil in 2014, and came fourth when South Africa hosted the 2010 World Cup.

Uruguay are managed by former Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa, who still values Ugarte in the national team set-up, and they should progress from a group that includes Spain, Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde.

United are prepared to wait for offers for Ugarte to land this summer. In an ordinary window without the World Cup, interest would be thin, and perhaps a loan deal with an option included would have to be negotiated.

The prospect of Ugarte performing well at the World Cup means a better offer could arrive.

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.

Bridge works on the M80 near Junction 7 Haggs will see contraflows and reduced speed limits in place.

Motorists are being warned to expect disruption as major works begin on the M80 this weekend. Bridge refurbishment works will be taking place north of Junction 7 Haggs which will see a contraflow and reduced 40mph speed limit in place across five weekends in June and July.

Work on the bridge, which carries the M80 over Station Road, Longcroft, forms part of a series of works being carried out on the motorway this summer. Work on the bridge will be carried out by trunk road operator BEAR Scotland and will begin this weekend from 7.30pm on Friday, June 5.

A contraflow will be in place on the M80 between Junction 6 Old Inns and Junction 9 Pirnhall on the weekends of June 5 to 8, June 12 to 15, June 26 to 29, July 3 to 6 and July 10-13.

Traffic will be restricted to a single lane in both directions from 7.30pm each Friday evening until 6am on the Monday morning and a reduced speed limit of 40mph will be in force.

BEAR Scotland have said that consultations were carried out with emergency services and other relevant stakeholders to share information about this project in advance.

The refurbishment work is weather dependent and BEAR Scotland have also said that it could be postponed, cancelled or rearranged depending on the condition of the existing structure which can’t be fully understood until works commence and intrusive investigations are carried out.

David Bishop, BEAR Scotland’s South East Unit bridges manager, said: “The project to refurbish and re-waterproof this bridge is essential to ensuring that it continues to provide a safe and reliable service for years to come. This should reduce the need for reactive closures of the M80 to repair defects caused by underlying bridge deck issues.

“The full extent of concrete repairs required will not be known until the existing surfacing is removed, however every effort will be made to ensure that the M80 is fully open to traffic each Monday morning at the end of the weekend working.

“These works are also weather dependent and so could be postponed and rearranged at short notice depending on weather forecasts.

“We thank motorists in advance for their patience and understanding. Our advice is to check the latest travel updates, allow extra travel time for journeys, and consider using alternative routes during weekend contraflows.”

The full programme of planned restrictions on the M80 can be viewed on the BEAR Scotland website at www.bearscot.com/M80works.

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The discovery was made during archaeological investigations at land north of Radcliffe Road, where housing is planned by Westchurch Homes.

The work was carried out after planners required an assessment of any surviving remains linked to the former Moss Lane Colliery, which operated on the site between 1927 and 1935.

(Image: Bolton Council)

Excavations revealed the brick foundations of a boiler house that once powered operations at the pit, established by Samuel Scowcroft & Sons during the final decades of coal mining in the area.

Archaeologists from Civic Heritage initially opened two trial trenches targeting buildings shown on historic maps.

While one trench revealed little more than a gravel surface and drainage feature, the second uncovered part of a substantial brick structure.

Drone image superimposed with extent of Trench 1 (left) and Trench 2 (right) (Image: Bolton Council)

The excavation area was subsequently expanded, exposing the full extent of what was identified as the colliery’s boiler house.

In their report, archaeologists said: “The single boiler house recorded at Darcy Lever represents a valuable example of a relatively late structure dating to the first half of the 20th century.”

The building measured around 11 metres long and 3.7 metres wide and was designed to house a Lancashire boiler – a type commonly used to generate steam for industrial processes.

Opening to entrance compartment within north side of west wall 219, looking west (Image: Bolton Council)

Researchers believe the boiler powered electrical motors used to operate equipment including coal screens, picking belts and ventilation systems at the mine.

Detail of boiler seating block on south side of central boiler flue (Image: Bolton Council)

The remains included firebrick-lined flues, boiler seating blocks, brick flooring and evidence of a chimney structure.

Several bricks bore the stamp “Taylor Brookfield Bolton”, linking the site to the former Brookfield Brickworks in Tonge Fold.

Taylor Brookfield Bolton stamped brick, retrieved from curvilinear brick feature 202 (Image: Bolton Council)

Among the finds recovered from demolition debris were fragments of refractory brickwork, a possible coal shovel head and a metal fork believed to have been associated with the boiler’s operation.

Coal shovel and metal fork retrieved from demolition backfill 203 in central flue of boiler house (Image: Bolton Council)

A watching brief was also maintained around the former mine shafts, where archaeologists recorded part of a brick-lined shaft measuring almost three metres in diameter.

The report highlights the significance of the discovery, noting: “The short lifespan of the colliery, operational from 1927 to 1935, means the structural remains uncovered provide an accurate snapshot of the plant as it existed during this period.”

Truncated chimney area 207 at eastern end of boiler house, looking north-west (Image: Bolton Council)

Archaeologists concluded that the remains are of particular interest because the colliery operated for less than a decade before closing in 1935.

They added: “The single Lancashire boiler house recorded at Darcy Lever represents a valuable example of a relatively late boiler house from the first half of the 20th century, purpose built to power electrical motors on a colliery site.”

The findings are expected to contribute to research into the development of power production and industrial technology in the North West during the early 20th century.

Boys who killed two ducks and left multiple ducklings injured after shooting them with catapults have been branded ‘feral monsters.’

The birds were found dead at The Fleet on Sheppey, Kent, over the weekend.

Kent Police confirmed two ducks had been killed and a number of ducklings injured. They want to speak to two boys, aged between 12 and 14 with dark hair, who were in the area at the time.

A statement from Sheerness Town Council said: ‘These innocent animals have suffered horrific and completely unnecessary deaths.

‘Based on the injuries sustained, it is believed that catapults may have been used.

‘This level of cruelty is sickening, unacceptable, criminal, and will not be tolerated.

‘If you think killing animals is amusing, entertaining, or somehow justified, then you need to take a long, hard look at yourself.

‘The deliberate targeting of defenceless wildlife is not a prank. It is not a game – it is an act of cruelty.’

The town council added: ‘Parents also have a responsibility. If you are aware of this behaviour and choose to ignore it, excuse it, or turn a blind eye to it, you should seriously reflect on the example you are setting.

‘We want to be absolutely clear. Anyone responsible for these acts should expect to face the consequences of their actions.’

It is not illegal to possess a catapult in public in England but police can act if one is used to cause damage or harm, or if police believe there is intent to do so.

People have also condemned the incident online, describing it as ‘absolutely disgusting’, with those responsible referred to as ‘feral monsters’.

Sheerness Town Council said work is under way to prevent similar incidents and CCTV is being installed at The Fleet.

‘We are also working with Kent Police and other partner agencies to put measures in place to tackle this behaviour and protect the wildlife at The Fleet for the future,’ they said.

‘We are asking the public to remain vigilant. If you witness anyone attacking wildlife, using catapults, or engaging in any act of animal cruelty, call 999 immediately. Do not assume someone else has reported it.

‘Our community should be a safe place for people and wildlife alike.
“The senseless killing of defenceless animals has no place in Sheerness. Enough is enough.’

Police confirmed investigations were under way. A spokesman said: ‘Kent Police is appealing for information after two ducks were found deceased and a pair of ducklings were injured near a Sheerness waterway.

‘Officers attended The Fleet near Hawthorn Avenue after the incident was reported at around 11.30am on Saturday.

‘Steps were taken to safeguard remaining wildfowl, and an investigation was commenced that included the examination of available CCTV footage.’

Inspector Julia Bassindale said: ‘We suspect the birds were injured by a catapult and officers are working to identify those responsible.

‘We want to speak to two boys who were seen in the area at the time. They are described as being aged between 12 to 14 with dark hair and were wearing shorts and grey t-shirts.’

A spokesperson for the RSPB said: ‘The intentional illegal killing of any wild bird is a criminal offence which on conviction carries a prison sentence. We are appalled by this incident and urge anyone with information to contact the police.’

A spokesperson for the RSPCA said: ‘We are really concerned by any incident targeting animals with weapons. It is totally unacceptable to shoot animals for “fun” – or to harm an animal for target practice.’

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The scheme would allow airlines to share information about disruptive individuals, with the potential to bar them from travelling with any carrier.

Currently, a person banned by one airline can still book flights with another.

A government source told the BBC: “Everyone should be able to enjoy a pint at the airport, but antisocial behaviour on flights is totally unacceptable.

“It threatens the safety of passengers and crew, and disrupts hard-earned holidays.”

Officials from the Department for Transport are due to meet airlines this month to explore how the plan could be implemented.

The proposal would involve creating a national database of disruptive passengers, co-operatively managed by the government and the airline industry.

Such a scheme would not require changes to existing laws, but there are questions around how it would operate under current data protection rules.

Passenger information cannot currently be shared between airlines under GDPR, which is why someone banned from one carrier can still fly with another.

The government source said: “There are already tough laws in place to deal with offences committed on flights, but we are exploring with industry how we can better address this issue, ensuring we crack down on people who persistently cause chaos.

“Everyone should be able to fly without fuss.”

Disruptive behaviour has long been a concern for airlines, with criminal prosecution used in the most serious cases.

In April, a court heard how a drunken passenger forced a Ryanair pilot to abort a landing at Bristol Airport.

Stephen Blofield, 61, was jailed for 10 months after being found guilty of abusive behaviour on a flight from Krakow in November last year.

In a separate incident, Jet2 issued lifetime bans to two passengers after a mid-air brawl forced an emergency landing in Brussels.

The two men were arrested for intentional assault and battery.

Jet2 has backed the government’s proposal and said it has been calling for a national ban list for some time.

Phil Ward, chief operations officer, said: “The creation of a national database will mean that, as well as being banned from flying with us, disruptive passengers can also be banned from flying with other UK airlines.”

Airlines UK, the industry body, also supports the idea and said it will work with the government to develop the scheme.

A spokesperson said: “Additional measures for the most serious cases of disruption, including the creation of a national ban list, is an important next step ensuring a tiny minority of passengers cannot disrupt air travel for the majority.”

Would you support this ban? Let us know in the comments

The airport will welcome its first-ever JD Wetherspoon pub to Terminal 2 later this year

Manchester Airport has announced that its first-ever JD Wetherspoon pub will open this September, making it the final major food and drink venue to open its doors as part of the airport’s decade-long £1.3bn transformation plan of Terminal 2.

The pub will be located within the Terminal 2 Departures lounge and will have more than 300 covers, with an area of 338 square metres. It will be named The Belle Vue, after the city’s historic showground that housed a pub, zoological gardens, greyhound racing and speedway track.

The Belle Vue stadium was a focal point of social life in the city from the Victorian period right until 2020, when it hosted its final event. Now it will lend its name to the airport’s first Wetherspoons pub.

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Stephen Turner, Chief Commercial Officer at Manchester Airport, said: “We’re very excited to be able to reveal more detail about Terminal 2’s new JD Wetherspoon pub The Belle Vue, which will encapsulate the spirit and traditions of sporting entertainment in Manchester. This will be the first JD Wetherspoon pub at Manchester Airport and it is fantastic to have yet another household name taking its place among those opening units in the terminal, as part of its £1.3bn transformation.”

A specific opening date is yet to be announced but airport bosses confirm that it will be open in September. The airport has released artistic impressions of the space show a clubhouse style design with a blend of classic and modern features, complete with sports memorabilia adorning the walls, taking inspiration from the sporting culture of the North West.

Richard Jackson, Retail Director at the airport, said: “From the outset of the transformation programme, we were keen to ensure we had a varied food and drink offering in the terminal with a strong sense of place and the Belle Vue will complement the existing bars and pubs in Terminal 2, expanding the choice on offer to passengers, with something to suit all tastes and budgets. Our new Boutique Mall in Terminal 2, featuring a number of fashion’s big names, will open this summer too – so it is shaping up to be an exciting few months.”

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JD Wetherspoon Chief Executive, John Hutson, added: “We are looking forward to opening at Manchester Airport. “We believe our new pub will prove popular with travellers of all ages and be an asset to the new terminal.”

The opening of The Belle Vue will be one of the final stages of the airport’s transformation plan, which has seen Terminal 2 double in size and become the beating heart of the airport. In recent months new features have opened up, including the Great Northern Market and the Boutique Mall, home to the Fever Tree bar and luxury retailers.

The extension of Terminal 2, which opened in 2021, was even recognised by the prestigious Prix Versailles architecture award. As well as the expansion of Terminal 2, the transformation project has also seen Terminal 1 close, while Terminal 3 is undergoing a multi-million pound revamp which has included the opening of a new 470-seat sports bar, Sporting Chance.

For more of the latest What’s On news, click here.

Enrique Riquelme hopes to become Real Madrid president and he claimed he would bring Manchester City star Erling Haaland to the club if elected.

Manchester City have released a statement saying claims of a possible Erling Haaland transfer to Real Madrid are “untrue”.

In an appearance on Spanish television programme El Hormiguero, Madrid presidential candidate Enrique Riquelme claimed he would bring the City star to the Bernabeu if he is elected, holding up a Real Madrid shirt with Haaland’s name and the No.9 printed on the back. Riquelme also vowed to bring Haaland’s City teammate Rodri to the club.

City have released a statement reacting to Riquelme’s Haaland claim, saying there is “no chance of this happening”.

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“The stories which have emerged from Spain regarding the future of Erling Haaland are untrue,” the statement read. “There is no chance of this happening and there is no contractual clause to enable it.

“We are considering legal action for the use of our player image in this context.”

Haaland has regularly been linked with a move to Real since signing for City in 2022. In January last year the Norwegian striker signed a 10-year deal that will keep him at the Etihad until 2034.

Rodri is another who has been linked with a move to La Liga, with the Ballon d’Or winner yet to sign a new deal at City. The Spanish midfielder only has one year remaining on his current contract.

Speaking about his future after linking up with the Spanish national team ahead of the World Cup, Rodri said: “I understand there might be some noise, but for me I’m obviously going to focus on the World Cup. I’m not going to dedicate my time to that, and then after the World Cup let’s see.”

YORK Hospital parking is not just a ‘York Hospital’ problem, nor is it just a ‘city council’ problem.

I understand that there are many constraints on land ownership, development, planning regulations, road layouts etc but isn’t it time to start thinking outside the box?

Surely there are opportunities that would benefit York and the surrounding area by just looking at what may already be available.

For instance…

1. Move the coach parking from Clarence Street to the currently disused area formerly occupied by Sainsburys and Great Outdoors adjacent to Foss Bank

2. Develop the freed-up Clarence Street area and the old Nurses Home car park Into “extra’ hospital parking, possibly using a moving walkway

3. Re-consider the development of the Bootham Park grounds. Are the proposed football pitches a necessity? Why not extend the hospital grounds?

These ideas may not be the ultimate solution but why not give them consideration

Martin Benson,

St Mary’s Walk,

Hambleton,

Selby

—

Henry’s death must not be politicised

THE bodycam footage of Henry Novak’s last moments of his very short life is incredibly chilling to watch.

He informed the police officers attending that he couldn’t breathe nine times, that he’d been stabbed four times, and he still was not believed. Henry was treated inhumanly to say the very least. Handcuffed and cautioned and he lay dying.

The courage Henry’s father showed in his speech outside court after his killer had been sentenced was incredibly brave and humbling to watch.

I really hope that this incident brings about positive change in how the police must not use colour or religion in determining who is believed and who isn’t anymore.

Mr Novak’s wishes are where he doesn’t want his son’s death politicised must also be adhered to.

Politicians’ ‘race-baiting’ will not help bring about the change we need.

Politicians must try to unite the country and not try to divide us over this most senseless death.

My thoughts and prayers are with Henry’s family and friends at this very sad time.

John Jones,

Russet House,

Birch Close,

York

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There were reports of unauthorised development activity in the area

Caravans must be removed from a Cambridgeshire site after a court order was extended. An “unauthorised” development near Moor Drove in Histon over the recent bank holiday weekend was the subject of an injunction.

The Greater Cambridge Shared Planning’s compliance team secured an interim High Court injunction on Sunday, May 24, following reports of unauthorised development activity at the Histon site. The interim injunction was served the next day (Monday, May 25) but expired on Wednesday, June 3.

When the interim injunction was granted, construction activity on the site was limited to groundworks. When the injunction was served the following day, five caravans were present, according to the planning team, but there are now reportedly 17 caravans on the land.

At a High Court hearing on June 3, the South Cambridgeshire District Council sought to secure a full, longer-term injunction. Her Honour Judge de Bertodano presided and granted a year-long injunction to prevent any further development, other works, or caravans being brought onto the land west of Moor Drove.

It also requires the removal of all caravans brought on after the interim injunction was served. This means that all but the initial five caravans present on the land must be removed.

Cllr Henry Batchelor, lead cabinet member for planning for South Cambridgeshire District Council, said: “The Council and in particular our Greater Cambridge Shared Planning Compliance team moved swiftly over the bank holiday weekend to secure an interim injunction and restrict further development.

“Those efforts have continued since, and today’s hearing reflects our determination to maintain that momentum by seeking stronger, longer‑term powers from the Court. We will continue to act decisively and in accordance with the Court’s directions to ensure this matter is resolved as quickly and effectively as possible.

“Planning rules exist to protect our communities, and it is important everyone follows them, so development takes place fairly and appropriately.”