Bruno Fernandes is one assist away from equalling the all-time record for a single Premier League season as Manchester United prepare to face Liverpool on Sunday

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has rubbished rumours that he could pass the ball for one of his teammates to score a penalty as he chases the single-season assist record. The midfielder has 19 Premier League assists to his name this term and is now just one away from the joint-record held by Thierry Henry and Kevin de Bruyne before Sunday’s game against Liverpool.

The 31-year-old has been a talismanic figure for Michael Carrick’s side as they look to secure a place in next season’s Champions League. The Portugal international registered his most recent assist during Monday’s 2-1 win over Brentford at Old Trafford.

United now need just a single point to mathematically qualify for Europe’s elite competition for the first time in three years. It means Carrick’s men can secure Champions League football this weekend against their fierce rivals from Merseyside.

Fans at M16 will be hoping to see Fernandes play a key role with an assist to edge closer to the Premier League’s single-season record in that statistic.

Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: “I’m too afraid of missing, so I will take my penalty as normal as always.

“Obviously, it’s something that I think about [the record] because we’re talking about Kevin and Thierry. They were two of the best players that the Premier League has seen in a long, long time.

“Obviously, having the chance to be up there with their names for this category, let’s not talk about the rest they have done in the Premier League, for this category it’s very good, and I’m proud of that.”

There will be more to follow. We’ll bring you the very latest updates on this breaking news story.

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The 2019 film is perfect for period drama and history fanatics

A ‘must watch’ biopic about one of history’s most inspiring figures is streaming on BBC iPlayer.

Starring Oscar nominee Felicity Jones, On the Basis of Sex sheds light on the story of late U.S Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

It follows Ruth as a young attorney struggling to progress in her career because of her gender.

When she takes on a major case with her husband and fellow attorney, Martin, Ruth realises it could influence the way courts view sex-based discrimination.

Directed by Mimi Leder, this period drama dives into hefty themes like gender inequality in the legal field and the evolution of feminist efforts.

Jones is joined by seasoned actor Armie Hammer, who you’ll recognise from The Social Network and Call Me by Your Name. He plays her husband Martin, the late tax lawyer.

Considering this talented cast, it’s no surprise On the Basis of Sex was a hit with viewers, although critics weren’t completely impressed.

It bagged a 72% Rotten Tomatoes score, with the critics’ consensus stating: “On the Basis of Sex is nowhere near as ground-breaking as its real-life subject, but her extraordinary life makes a solid case for itself as an inspirational, well-acted biopic.”

Many praised Jones and Hammer’s performances but felt the biopic was too predictable.

Meanwhile casual moviegoers showered the drama with praise. “Excellent subject matter and acting.

“Some of the directorial choices fell below the height of the content. Still a must-see for the true story of a real life super hero,” wrote a Rotten Tomatoes user.

A second added: “We loved it. It had us both cheering and crying. Provided often forgotten insights into the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s and how many of the same issues are still with us today! We highly recommend it.”

Someone else chimed in with: “One of the most enjoyable movies I’ve seen in a long time,” while a fourth fan said: “One of the best most inspiring movies I have seen.

“The acting is phenomenal, the story is beautifully heart-breaking. This is a story about real live super heroes.”

On the Basis of Sex is streaming now on iPlayer

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.

Patrick Dorgu flourished under Michael Carrick before a hamstring injury and has now had his say on criticism levelled at him by his former Manchester United boss, Ruben Amorim

Patrick Dorgu admits he was stung by criticism from Ruben Amorim after the former Manchester United boss claimed you could ‘feel the anxiety’ when the left-back touched the ball during his final weeks at Old Trafford.

The former Sporting Lisbon manager was sacked by United back in early January following a disappointing 14 month reign with results and performances improving under Michael Carrick after the former Red Devils midfielder was handed the reins on an interim basis.

It was back in November that Amorim questioned Dorgu, a £25million signing from Lecce last year, after a 1-0 loss against Everton. “You can feel the anxiety every time Patrick touches the ball,” he said. “I can feel the anxiety.”

Reflecting on those comments almost four months on from Amorim’s departure, Dorgu acknowledges that the criticism affected him but also that he used it as fuel to try and improve his performances.

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“It hit me a little bit when Amorim says that because when the coach speaks bad about you [criticises you], it is always going to affect you a little bit. I just took it in the best possible way and tried to improve my game,” the 21-year-old told The Telegraph.

“Even before [Amorim] got sacked in the last couple of games, I started to get into a rhythm as people [team-mates] started going to Afcon. I had a good moment.

“I just had to take that confidence into [the regimes of Darren] Fletcher and Carrick. I just tried to play with a bit more confidence and express myself.”

Prior to this week, Dorgu had been sidelined since January after sustaining a serious hamstring injury in the 3-2 victory away at Arsenal, a game in which he scored. The Denmark international was one of the standout performers during the early weeks of Carrick’s tenure before getting hurt.

Under Carrick, United have all but secured a return to the Champions League next season with the 44-year-old a serious contender for the permanent job. On Amorim’s comments, Dorgu admits it came at a time where he was bereft of confidence amid the team’s struggles.

“I don’t think that was the word he [Amorim] was looking for,” Dorgu added. “Anxious? I don’t think it was that. I just think I didn’t have any confidence and the team was not in a good moment at that time.

“I think he said it at the wrong time because I played well in the national team. I don’t see how I can play well in one and play bad in the other, and all of a sudden I am anxious.”

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The inquest published findings on Thursday that two British Army soldiers “overreacted and lost control” when they shot dead five people in Belfast almost 54 years ago.

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The finding that two soldiers “lost control” when they shot dead five people in Belfast more than 50 years ago has delivered “a measure of justice”, a Catholic bishop has said.

Bishop of Down and Connor Alan McGuckian said the truth “restores” the dignity of the victims and the publication of the truth “is of profound importance”.

The Springhill/Westrock inquest published findings on Thursday that two British Army soldiers “overreacted and lost control” when they shot dead five people in Belfast almost 54 years ago.

A Catholic priest, a father-of-six and three teenagers were shot dead in the Springhill and Westrock areas of west Belfast on July 9 1972.

Mr Justice Scoffield said that Father Noel Fitzpatrick, 42, father-of-six Patrick Butler, 38, and teenagers David McCafferty and Margaret Gargan were unarmed and posed no risk when they were shot.

In the case of 16-year-old John Dougal, the coroner said he was unable to conclude whether he was armed when he was shot, but said he was likely running away when he was shot in the back and the level of force used was not reasonable.

The coroner said that the two soldiers who shot them, known only as Soldier A and Soldier E, had “overreacted and lost control”, and fired prematurely without carrying out a risk assessment.

Bishop McGuckian told a congregation gathered at the Corpus Christi Parish on Sunday morning that it was “abundantly clear” that the legacy of conflict in Northern Ireland continues to cast “a long shadow”.

He paid tribute to the families who had “courageously sought truth and justice” while carrying “loss for generations”.

“The findings of this inquest acknowledges that this is a moment of deep significance for the families of these unlawful killings, your wider parish community and for all who carry the memory of what happened here on 9th July 1972,” he said.

He said the findings that the soldiers had used a level of force that was “unreasonable and unjustified” restored the victims’ dignity and delivered “a measure of justice”.

“While no legal finding can ever undo the pain of such loss, the public naming of this truth is of profound importance,” he said.

“Truth restores dignity to the deceased, and it brings a measure of justice to those who grieve.

“I want to speak directly to the families who have carried this loss for generations.

“I pay tribute to each of you who have courageously sought truth and justice for your loved ones carrying the cross of grief, misinformation and injustice.

“You have lived too long with silence. You have borne your suffering with remarkable restraint and dignity.

“Your perseverance in the search for truth and justice has been vindicated.”

The bishop also paid tribute to Father Fitzpatrick, who he said had stood with the community “in a time of fear and violence”.

The inquest found that the priest was likely tending to the dead, dying or injured, and was being helped by Mr Butler when they were both shot in the head with the same bullet.

The coroner said the priest, who was shot first, was “recognisable” as a priest at the time and said the soldier had “fired prematurely”.

Bishop McGuckian said: “Alongside parishioners and neighbours, he ministered in the Church and on the streets to children and families, placing himself in harm’s way out of faith, love and solidarity.

“His life and death remain a powerful witness to the Gospel values of service, compassion, and reconciliation in the midst of conflict.”

He said that he hears from families and the wider community who still seek “truth and justice, not for revenge”.

“The path towards reconciliation and recovery in Northern Ireland can only be achieved by walking together in the light of truth and justice,” the bishop said.

“Confronting the legacy of pain and suffering and working towards reconciliation remains essential because families still suffer, communities still mourn, and there are many who still seek truth, accountability and justice.

“In my ministry as Bishop of Down and Connor, I continue to hear the voices of families and the wider community who fearlessly cry out longing for truth and justice, not for revenge.

“Your witness reminds us all, politicians and wider society, that reconciliation is not built on forgetting or denial, but on honesty and mutual recognition of suffering.

“While peace and stability are precious achievements, they must never come at the cost of excluding victims or silencing their voices.

“Where truth remains hidden or unresolved, it continues to erode trust and hinder reconciliation.

“Credible, independent, and transparent processes that enable the pursuit of truth and justice are not obstacles to peace; they are its necessary and indispensable foundation.

“To you, the parishioners of Corpus Christi, whose streets and homes continue to carry these memories and scars: I thank you for the quiet strength with which you have sustained one another over the years.

“I pray that the findings of this recent inquest, like the earlier findings into the Ballymurphy Massacre, may bring some peace and consolation, and that it may renew our shared commitment to building a better future for our children and young people.”

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.

Drink driving

A man was banned from the roads after drink driving.

Jordan Aldcroft, 34, admitted to Manchester and Salford Magistrates Court that he had driven a Peugeot Panel Van on Pilkington Road, Bolton while over the legal limit for cocaine.

This was on August 14 last year.

Aldcroft, of Coalshaw Green Road, Chadderton, was banned from driving for 12 months and fined £438.

He was also ordered to pay costs of £85 and a surcharge of £175.

Fighting dog

A man was fined after having custody of a fighting dog.

Craig Davenport, 32, admitted to Tameside Magistrates Court that he had custody of an XL Bully on December 8 last year.

This was against the terms of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.

Davenport, of Back Wellington Street North, Farnworth was fined £60 and ordered to pay costs of £85 to the Crown Prosecution service with £400 to Greater Manchester Police.

Magistrates gave a contingent destruction order for the dog unless an exemption order applied.

Racially aggravated 

A man was ordered to pay after racially aggravated behaviour towards a police officer.

Luke Madeley-Bell, 27, admitted to Wigan and Leigh Magistrates Court that he had caused racially aggravated alarm or distress to a Police Constable in Bolton.

This was on September 30 last year.

Madeley-Bell, of Coniston Avenue, Farnworth, was ordered to pay a compensation of £50 and a fine of £1000.

Offensive phone calls

A man was fined after making offensive phone calls.

Wayne Cohen, 43, admitted to Wigan and Leigh Magistrates Court that he had sent offensive, indecent, obscene or menacing messages.

This was by making grossly offensive or indecent phone calls in Bolton on August 8 last year.

Cohen, of Barton Road, Farnworth, was fined £120 and ordered to pay costs of £85 with a surcharge of £48.

Driving ban 

A man was banned from the roads after drink driving.

Brett Holt, 44, denied drink driving when appearing before Manchester and Salford Magistrates Court.

But he was found guilty of driving a Ford transit van while over the legal limit for alcohol on Long Lane, Bolton on October 6, 2023.

Holt, of Long Lane, Bolton, was banned from driving for 36 months with a reduction period of 36 weeks if he completes a course by October 6, 2028.

He was also fined £1,200 and ordered to pay costs of £620 with a surcharge of £480.

Mohammed Ali Hussain has links to Manchester city centre

Police are urgently appealing to find a man wanted for recall to prison.

Mohammed Ali Hussain, 25, is wanted for failure to appear at court, breach of a court order and recall to prison.

Greater Manchester Police have said he has links to Manchester city centre, as well as Bedford, Birmingham, Coventry and Stoke-on-Trent.

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Anyone with information is urged to call the police or contact Crimestoppers anonymously. They have also shared a photo of Hussain as part of the appeal.

Posting on social media, the force wrote: “We are appealing for information to help locate Mohammed Ali Hussain (16/12/2000), who is wanted on recall to prison.

“He is wanted for recall to prison, failure to appear, warrant, and breach of a court order.“He has links to the #CityCentre area of Greater Manchester, as well as #Clapham in Bedford, #Birmingham, #Coventry, #ApplebyMagna, #Hanley in Stoke-on-Trent as well as connections to #Bedfordshire, #Gwent and #SouthYorkshire.”Anyone with information is asked to call 0161 856 0804 or 101 quoting CRI/06A2/0006811/24, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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Today, after a week of warning’s from the government over the financial impact of the war in Iran – is the reality starting to hit home?

Adam, Chris and Faisal are joined by Ailbhe Rea Political Editor of the New Statesman to discuss how the financial effects could be felt all over the country? It comes after the Bank of England warns interest rates could rise this year following a “significant energy price shock”.

And, with economic uncertainty looking set to continue – could this put off Labour MPs from launching a challenge to Keir Starmer?

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Joe Burton is standing for the Green Party in the ward, which has returned Conservative councillors for more than 20 years. He believes changes in the area mean voters may now be open to something different.

Mr Burton said the area has seen a shift in its population in recent years. He pointed to more family homes replacing older properties and bringing in younger residents.

He said: “Bromley Cross is a fantastic place to live, but I’m hearing on the doorstep that people might be looking for something new.

 “There’s a younger, more family-oriented population in Bromley Cross now, and that can bring different priorities.”

Green Party candidates this election. (Image: Supplied)

Mr Burton works in the charity sector and has done so for around 15 years. He is part of the leadership team at a national youth organisation that supports young people getting into the arts.

He also volunteers with Bolton Lads and Girls Club.

Amy Cowen has decided to give up her spot as a conservative ward councillor ahead of the 2026 May local elections, with a view to Charlotte Cadden being handed the baton.

Traffic congestion is one of the main issues Mr Burton has heard about. He said problems on the surrounding roads often affect Bromley Cross.

He said: “If anything happens in Astley Bridge or Tonge Moor, it has a knock-on effect and Bromley Cross can get backed up very quickly.

 “There can be long queues along Blackburn Road, and it causes frustration for people trying to get to work.”

He said: “It is about having a more joined-up approach so that plans in other wards take Bromley Cross into account.”

Joe Burton. (Image: Supplied)

Mr Burton said he would not promise quick fixes but would push for better coordination across the area.

He also raised concerns about development in the area.

He said Tong Fields is one of the main sites that residents are worried about

Mr Burton said: “People are concerned about the impact development could have on the community and the roads.”

He added: “It is not about being against development but making sure the community is involved in decisions.”

Mr Burton aims to bring a different perspective if elected, working with existing councillors but also offering new ideas.

He said: “After many years of the same representation, even one different voice can bring new thinking.

“I would like to build that momentum so people see the Green Party as a real presence in Bromley Cross.”

Cllr Nadim Muslim, currently representing the ward, said: “At the end of the day, we’re getting a strong team working hard with Charlotte.

“Some candidates are inexperienced and speak of national issues. We are not bringing them into this campaign and keeping it local instead.

Nadim Muslim, currently representing Bromley Cross and Egerton (Image: Public)

“We are prioritising local issues.

“This is for Bolton Council. It should be voting about what we are going to do, like having more police on our streets.”