Manchester United continue their preparations for the return of the Premier League in April

Manchester United supporters will have to wait a bit longer for club football as the international break continues. Numerous first-team players are on national team duty, with Michael Carrick keeping the non-internationals hard at work at Carrington.

Club captain Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot are away with Portugal, while Harry Maguire and Kobbie Mainoo have joined Marcus Rashford, who is currently on loan, in the England squad. Other international stars include Senne Lammens, Casemiro, Matheus Cunha and Manuel Ugarte.

Carrick will carry on with crucial work at Carrington as United prepare for Leeds’ visit on Monday, April 13. With the Premier League’s return still some time away, plans for the summer transfer window are also well in progress.

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Club receives new manager update

United have suffered a significant setback in their search for a new manager as Luis Enrique appears set to sign a new contract at Paris Saint-Germain. The Spaniard is on the club’s shortlist as they consider options for a new boss, but details have surfaced about his immediate future.

The i paper reports that club president Nasser Al‐Khelaifi is eager to retain Enrique for the foreseeable future. The 55-year-old currently has a contract that runs until 2027, but it is reported that deal is set to be extended in due course.

It is claimed the acquisition of Dro Fernandez in January was viewed as a ‘sweetener’ to retain Enrique for the long term. This development has reportedly left Carrick ‘closing in’ on the permanent role as he was expected to keep the position warm for a new arrival in the summer.

The interim manager has been impressive since replacing Ruben Amorim in January with supporters urging for his appointment to be made permanent.

Bruno Fernandes ‘gives green light’

Club captain Fernandes has reportedly endorsed the signing of Sandro Tonali from Newcastle as United edge closer to midfield reinforcements. United are eager to strengthen in the centre of the park and the Italian has been linked with an exit from the north east – with Arsenal also said to be interested.

With Newcastle almost certain to miss out on Champions League qualification next season – and United continuing to maintain a European position in the table – key players like Tonali could leave for new opportunities.

The Daily Mail reports that United could lodge a formal offer for the former AC Milan star. Fernandes is said to have backed the pursuit as Tonali, with the report claiming the Italian will be favoured over other targets like Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton.

talkSPORT reports that a fee of between £80million and £100m could be sufficient to convince the Magpies to part with a vital component of their midfield. Newcastle paid £52m for the 25-year-old three years ago and are planning to make a profit if they are to lose his services.

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MP David Davis accused Cheshire Constabulary of having “cherrypicked” statistics in the Lucy Letby case that resulted in her conviction for killing several babies

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The force that discovered Lucy Letby’s murderous spree against babies in the hospital she worked in has issued a scathing statement after a former Tory cabinet minister accused officers of ignoring or breaking the rules while working on the case.

MP Sir David Davis sensationally accused the force of having turned a blind eye to the fact Letby’s ward in Chester Hospital was failing – and of having “cherrypicked” statistics to use against her. The Conservative went on to call for a retrial of her convictions for murder and attempted murder during the parliamentary debate in the House of Commons on Thursday.

However, Cheshire Constabulary has slammed those “attempting to destroy reputations” in a strongly-worded statement and said it remains “confident in the integrity of the investigation”, reports The Mirror.

The statement said: “Cheshire Constabulary strongly refutes all the points made during the adjournment debate. It implied impropriety on the part of Cheshire Constabulary where none whatsoever has been established.

“We remain confident in the integrity of the investigation, the conduct of the prosecution, and the decisions reached by the courts. Over the past two years, the force has come under constant criticism and has been intensely scrutinised and subject to unpleasant opinion from a core group of individuals who appear to pride themselves on spreading misinformation, making baseless claims and attempting to destroy reputations.

“While scrutiny of policing is legitimate and welcome, it is essential that such scrutiny is grounded in fact and does not inadvertently cut across due process, ongoing legal considerations, or the independence of the judiciary. The constant noise surrounding this case, inaccurate or partial information being presented as fact and attempts to hijack the perceived narrative risk undermining public confidence not only in this case, but in the wider criminal justice system.”

Letby, 36, from Hereford, is serving 15 whole-life orders after being convicted of murdering seven infants and attempting to murder seven others between June 2015 and June 2016. The babies were attacked by various means while Letby worked as a nurse on the neonatal unit at the Countess of Chester Hospital.

Sir David had told fellow MPs he would write to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to call for a review into the conduct of the force, having previously branded the case “one of the major injustices of modern times”. The former Brexit Secretary also called for the force to release a series of documents, including investigators’ policy books and decision books, records of identified lines of inquiry and minutes from meetings.

He added the case had been reviewed privately by ex-Assistant Chief Constable Dr Steve Watts and ex-Det Supt Stuart Clifton, who believed Letby guilty until they examined “the hard facts”. And he told MPs both men, who helped him analyse the case, now believe her to be the victim of a “serious miscarriage of justice”.

Letby’s conviction is separately being reviewed by the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC), after judges rejected Letby’s bids to challenge her convictions. The case was the focus of a high-profile Netflix documentary last month, which included footage of her being interviewed by detectives.

She was seen telling them she felt “it was all spiralling out of control” when they quizzed her about the babies’ murders. Officers had found notes she wrote then stashed in a black bin liner at home which read: “Murderer”, “Murder”, “I am evil”, “I did this”, “I killed them” and “I am a horrible evil person”. Letby said she wrote them as “everything had got on top of me”.

The scribblings were used during her trial by the prosecution, who claimed they were a form of confession. Her defence said she was told to write down her feelings and her faults as a form of therapy after being given counselling at the Countess of Chester Hospital.

Letby also wrote: “Not good enough”, “Why me?”, “I haven’t done anything wrong”. After her arrest she said “no comment” to many of the cops’ questions, but did open up when she was quizzed about the notes. She said: “I just wrote it because everything had got on top of me.

“It was when I found out I’d been removed from the unit. I felt like they were blaming my practice. That I might have hurt [the babies] without knowing… I was blaming myself, but not because I’d done anything – because of the way people were making me feel.

“I felt like I’d only done my best for those babies and then people were trying to say my practice wasn’t good… I just couldn’t cope with it. I did just not wanna be here any more. I felt it was all spiralling out of control. I just didn’t know how to feel about it.”

The programme also told how Letby emailed officers in charge of the investigation to say: “I am happy to be contacted if you wish to discuss anything.” But she was less forthcoming in the interviews themselves. When told 887 babies had been treated at the neonatal unit since she left and none had died or deteriorated, she replied: “No comment.”

Cheshire Constabulary today added: “Public confidence is best served by evidence-based discussion and responsible commentary – not ill-informed personal opinions and inaccurate details. We are committed to victim-focused justice, public confidence and the rule of law. Our thoughts remain with the families of the babies, who have always been at the heart of this case.”

It’s been nearly three decades since Sherrie Hewson departed Corrie as Maureen Webster.

First known for her relationship with supermarket manager Reg Holdsworth, the much-loved character.

She also went on to marry the legendary Fred Elliott and Bill Webster, before she departed from the ITV soap in 1997.

But now, speaking to new online bingo brand Zingo Bingo, Sherrie has opened up on the potential love interest she’d like to see for Maureen if she were to return to the cobbles.

Sherrie – who has since gone on to star in both Hollyoaks and Emmerdale – lifted the lid on why she’d love to make a Corrie comeback.

She told Zingo Bingo: “I loved every second of Coronation Street. It was a wonderful show to be part of. I still watch it now. I love it, and I’d go back in a heartbeat.

“Maureen’s still alive, and I think my character lives in Germany? I married Fred Elliott.

“Then I married Kevin Webster’s father, Bill Webster, and we went to Germany. I’m Sally Webster’s ex-mother-in-law, so I still belong.

“Bill Webster owned the garage, so I believe Maureen has part of that garage. I think Kevin Webster owes her some of that garage, and I could go back and demand part of the garage, so there’s a storyline!

“I always tell people, when they go into soaps, take your year’s contract. That’s all you’ve got, and if you get another year, it’s a bonus.

“You’re very lucky if they go, we like this character, we’ll write for this character, and we’ll keep this character.

“That is luck, and it’s fabulous, but it might not happen. I was there for a long time. I was very sad to leave and sad to say goodbye to everybody. I was terribly sad to leave, but in these soaps, you don’t go in them for life.

“That’s how everybody should look at it and go, it’s been great to be here, but I understand if my stories come to an end or the writers feel that there isn’t anything else to write about.”

Emmerdale and Coronation Street to see schedule changes this week

The England v Uruguay match will air from 7pm on ITV1 on Friday, March 27, with kick-off at 7.45pm.

Since it crosses over into the soap slots, Emmerdale and Corrie have both changed their usual schedules.

Emmerdale fans tune into the soap from 8pm on ITV1 on Monday through to Friday but this week, the Friday episode on March 27 will not air.

Instead, fans can look forward to an episode at 6pm on Sunday, March 29.

Coronation Street usually airs from 8.30pm on the same channel on Monday through to Friday but Friday’s episode won’t air.

Who would you love to see return to Coronation Street? Let us know in the comments

Tap water may be safe to drink, but if you’re dealing with London’s notoriously hard water, full of chlorine and heavy metals, you’ll notice the effects in your hair and skin.

Curo Skin removes 99 per cent of these impurities through its filters that work effectively, even with hot water, for 90 days. The design-led showerhead, available in gold, silver and black finishes to suit most interiors, and eco-friendly, replaceable filter takes minutes to attach to standard shower rails and looks pleasingly high-end, upgrading your bathroom aesthetic as well as your water quality.

“We have been stressing so much over how we were going to pay to help keep me alive, now we have a way.”

A newlywed battling an aggressive tumour has been left “overwhelmed” after a fundraising drive for life-extending treatment smashed £125,000 in just three days.

Bryan Peterson, 49, and wife Karlin were braced for an uncertain financial fight to fund pioneering immunotherapy treatment in Germany after he received a stage 4 Glioblastoma diagnosis on July 10 last year.

The couple, from Shetland, cried tears of joy after an incredible response from the public on a GoFundMe page.

Bryan, an independent councillor for Shetland South, admitted he was reluctant to launch the donations page, fearing it would burden others.

But speaking from his home, he told the Record: “We have been stressing so much over how we were going to pay to help keep me alive, now we have a way.”

Bryan’s devastating diagnosis came after a seizure at work. He was rushed to hospital on the island where MRI scans revealed a lesion on his brain.

He underwent brain surgery, which he was awake for, in Aberdeen, and began chemotherapy – but was given between just 12 and 16 months to live.

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He recalled: “I had my seizure and immediately had an MRI. They noticed a lesion on my brain. They didn’t frighten us with the word cancer but one month later, on my wedding anniversary, we were told it was a cancerous tumour.

“When the life expectancy was laid out to us, my wife was shattered and bawling her eyes out. That’s when it became real.

“She was so upset but that’s when you have two decisions; fight on or fall away. We chose to fight.”

Now, the couple are pinning their hopes on cutting-edge immunotherapy at a specialist clinic in Cologne, Germany – a treatment not available on the NHS.

The treatment involves a personalised vaccine designed using Bryan’s own tumour cells, offering hope of extending his life beyond current expectations.

But the couple face medical bills upwards of £100,000 for the first six-month treatment. They launched a fundraiser to raise £150,000 to cover their costs, including ongoing care, travel and monitoring.

Bryan admits predicting how much time it could give him is difficult. He continued: “It is such a personalised treatment so it’s difficult to give an accurate number of months or years which receiving this procedure can add to my lifespan.

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“It should add at least double what I was predicted to live through the NHS.

“We were trying to fight on as much as we could ourselves but the Shetland community has been amazing. I don’t have the words to express my gratitude and relief. We have raised £125,000 in three days, it’s crazy.

“I was hesitant at first because I didn’t want to burden people with my family problem.

“My wife is a jeweller who even made Kate Middleton’s wedding earrings. She had to leave work early on Friday because she was crying so much at everyone’s generosity.”

After his immunotherapy, Bryan will move onto the next phase of treatment, which involves keeping on top of the forever mutating tumour and adjusting the treatments to suit, which will continue for the duration of his life.

To donate to the fundraiser, visit their GoFundMe page here.

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TUV Councillor asks “What genders are they proposing?”

A Sinn Féin proposal to detail gender inequality at Belfast City Council has led to strange and tense exchanges between a TUV councillor and council officials at City Hall.

At the council’s March meeting of its Standards and Business Committee, a motion titled “Gender Budgeting” by Councillor Áine McCabe was sent to the council’s important Strategic Policy and Resources Committee for further discussion.

The motion states: “This council acknowledges the potential benefits of gender budgeting in addressing systemic gender inequalities for all in our society, as well as improving equality for those whom we are providing services for, through thoughtful and deliberative financial planning.”

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The motion proposes the officials perform a “gender data audit” to ensure “maximum impact of data” and to understand what gaps exist relating to the scale of gender inequality at City Hall, with the aim of “achieving better equality outcomes and more targeted resource allocation.”

It adds: “Annual review of progress will determine further steps in auditing and where progress allows for the phased adoption of gender budgeting tools.”

While the debate of motions is not permitted at the Standards and Business Committee, when the item was tabled, there were a series of unusual exchanges between elected representatives and officials.

When the item was raised, TUV Councillor Ron McDowell said: “Just for the purposes of clarity, what genders are they proposing?”

The City Solicitor, Nora Largey, said: “It would be my understanding that it could be confined to male and female. It depends on the gender audit what the outcomes of that would be in terms of any issues in the workforce.”

Councillor McDowell said: “If it is male and female, is that comprehensive, of everyone who works for the council?” The City Solicitor replied: “It would be an audit of all council staff.”

Councillor McDowell returned: “Where do we stand if people are asked what their gender is, and if they are uncomfortable with the question?”

The City Solicitor said: “The detail of the proposal is that we work with the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee, and it would be for them to set the terms and references for it.”

Councillor McDowell said: “There is so much presumption in the proposal we don’t have the full detail, and you are adding to the detail based on what you think, rather than what you know is in the proposal.”

Sinn Féin Councillor Ronan McLaughlin raised a “point of order” and said: “This is not the forum to discuss motions.” He added: “It has been referred to the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee, and I am sure Councillor McDowell can make himself free on a Friday if he chooses, but this is not the remit of this committee to get into the minutiae of the motion.”

Green Party Councillor Anthony Flynn, who chairs the Standards and Business Committee, said Councillor McLaughlin was correct, and said proceedings would “move on.”

At this point, DUP Alderman Dean McCullough said: “I don’t know where it says that in the standing order, but I want you to make it clear, you are denying me my democratic right.” Councillor Flynn replied: “To be fair, your party started this committee, it is your baby, not mine.” Another official confirmed the motion could not be debated at that level, and the committee moved on.

The Standards and Business Committee was created at City Hall in April 2021, pushed through on Sinn Féin and DUP votes, and designed to fast-track, refer, or dismiss motions without ratification from the full council, and without debate. It was described by People Before Profit as an attempt “to shut the voices of smaller parties,” and was looked upon with suspicion by Alliance, the SDLP and the Green Party.

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Six groups of people automatically qualify for the Motability Scheme to lease a car, wheelchair-accessible vehicle, powered wheelchair or scooter

People facing mobility challenges often find transport costs mounting rapidly, whether they’re using their own car or depending on taxis for journeys. However, support is accessible through a programme designed to assist disabled people experiencing mobility difficulties.

The Motability Scheme enables individuals to lease a car, a wheelchair-accessible vehicle, a powered wheelchair, or a scooter to enhance their ability to travel independently. The scheme operates throughout the United Kingdom, with certain groups automatically meeting the eligibility criteria for a vehicle. It’s vital to understand this isn’t a “free car” arrangement – rather, participants exchange some or all of their enhanced mobility component from a qualifying disability benefit such as Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Disability Living Allowance (DLA).

Recent statistics reveal approximately 815,000 people are currently benefiting from the scheme. Citizens Advice has outlined the eligibility requirements and application process. The guidance is for people living in England, however the rules are similar for the rest of the UK, reports the Mirror.

In Northern Ireland, a rule change in January 2026 means some cars sold in Great Britain will no longer be approved for sale in Northern Ireland (NI), but Motability say this will only affect a few models available to lease through its scheme, with many options available. People living in Scotland can also access the service through the Accessible Vehicles and Equipment Scheme which is identical to the Motability Scheme and run by the same organisation, Motability Operations.

Citizens Advice explained how the scheme works and who qualifies: “If you receive a benefit because you have a disability or illness that makes it hard for you to get around, you can use it to pay for a vehicle from a charity called Motability. You can choose from lots of different vehicles, for example cars, mobility scooters or powered wheelchairs.

“You’ll only be paying for the lease of the vehicle – it won’t belong to you. If you stop receiving your benefit, you’ll have to return it.”

Who automatically qualifies?

There are six groups of people who automatically qualify for the scheme. These are those eligible for:

• the higher rate of the mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance
• the higher rate of the mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
• Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP)
• War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement
• the enhanced rate of the mobility component of Adult Disability Payment
• the higher rate of the mobility component of Child Disability Payment

It advises: “When you apply for a Motability vehicle, you must have at least 12 months left before your benefit ends – check your benefit decision letter if you’re not sure. You can’t apply for a Motability vehicle if you’re getting DLA and the Department for Work and Pensions ( DWP ) has sent you a letter saying you need to apply for PIP. You won’t be affected if you already have a Motability vehicle.

“If you don’t drive, you can still get a Motability vehicle and choose someone else to drive it. You can choose up to two people to drive on your behalf.”

How the scheme works

Those who qualify can use some or all of their mobility componant to pay for a vehicle from a charity called Motability. There is a wide range of different vehicles to choose from including cars, mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs.

Anyone using the scheme pays for the lease of the vehicle which means it does not belong to them. When the benefit stops it must be returned.

The claimant’s benefit goes directly to the Motability Scheme every month which pays for the lease. The amount of benefit that goes towards the vehicle depends on which one they select.

People might need to make a payment up front if they choose a more expensive vehicle. Some help might be available with this depending on individual circumstances. You can find additional information on this by visiting the Motability website.

What you will get

In addition to your vehicle, you will also get:

Will it affect my benefits?

The Motability Scheme will not affect your benefits as it is not means-tested. This means it is not affected by your income, savings, or other financial circumstances.

It might be darker mornings but the nights will start to be lighter

Sunday will see the clocks change as British Summer Time begins, heralding the way for brighter nights across the UK. Many have already begun to get accustomed to later daylight hours with the arrival of spring just days ago.

However the big change comes at 1am on Sunday, March 29, when the clocks “spring forward” pushing the daylight away from the start of the day to later in the evening. While it will mean darker mornings it will also see sunset jumping forward an hour – plus the few extra minutes it grows by naturally.

Timeanddate.com explains we gain just under four minutes of extra daylight each day in March. While the exact timings differ slightly depending on where you live, in London on March 28, the eve of British Summer Time beginning, sunrise is at 5.45am and sunset at 6.26pm, resulting in daylight lasting 12 hours, 41 minutes and 50 seconds.

On March 29, accounting for the clock change, the sun rises at 6.42am and sets at 7.28pm. This equates to 12 hours, 45 minutes and 47 seconds of daylight.

Meanwhile, further north in Scotland, people in Edinburgh will have about four and a half minutes more daylight each day during March. By Saturday, the day before British Summer Time, sunrise is at 5.54am with sunset at 6.42pm, meaning daylight lasts for 12 hours, 48 minutes and 37 seconds.

Following the clock change, on Sunday, sunrise will be at 6.51am with sunset at 7.44pm. This will deliver 12 hours, 53 minutes and 17 seconds of daylight.

Do we get more time in bed this weekend?

Sadly no, as the Royal Observatory Greenwich explains. It said: “Unfortunately, the clocks moving forward means that we lose an hour in bed.”

It added: “An easy way to remember which way the clocks change at which time of year is to remember that the clocks ‘spring forward’ in spring, and ‘fall back’ in autumn.”

Marcus Rashford was lively against Uruguay, while Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon currently appears favourite to start in that position at the World Cup, with Arsenal forward Noni Madueke also comfortable on both flanks.

Tuchel has spoken about Foden as an unorthodox deputy for captain Harry Kane as a central striker, but this would surely be too much of a stretch. The World Cup is no place for wild experiments.

It all leaves Foden as one of the players whose place on the plane to the United States is uncertain, wondering if a big opportunity had passed him by against Uruguay.

England’s struggle to impose themselves on Uruguay meant it was a testing night for those wanting to impress.

“There’s no-one out there in a red shirt that looked over to the bench and said, ‘I’m ready. I’m going to America. I want a ticket for that plane’,” said ex-England goalkeeper Paul Robinson on BBC Radio 5 Live.

Manchester United’s Harry Maguire made the most of his recall in defence with a solid display, capped by two brave, crucial blocks in the closing stages as Uruguay pressed for an unlikely winner.

He is now a serious contender for the squad, especially with fitness doubts continuing to surround John Stones. Tuchel may also find Maguire’s experience at major tournaments crucial.

James Trafford had little to do on his debut in goal, while another making his first full appearance, Everton’s James Garner, was tidy and made a good impression. Whether it is enough for a World Cup place is another matter.

Tottenham Hotspur striker Dominic Solanke worked hard in attack as he pressed his claim to be understudy to Kane, but Leeds United’s Calvert-Lewin – whose last appearance was five years ago – will bitterly regret his missed opportunity with the scoreline goalless.