Paul Merson says he would back Liverpool to finish above Manchester United in the Premier League next season ‘all day long’.

United finished just 15th last season, 14 places and 42 points behind Arne Slot’s Premier League champions Liverpool.

Liverpool have dropped off considerably this term, however, not only failing to retain the Premier League trophy but potentially missing out on a top-four finish.

Manchester United, in contrast, are on course for a third-place finish with three games remaining after completing a double over Liverpool with a 3-2 win at Old Trafford last week.

United’s form under interim boss Michael Carrick has even led to suggestions the Red Devils could compete for the Premier League title next season.

But Merson fully expects Liverpool to restore their dominance over arch-rivals Manchester United next season and believes a return to Europe could hurt United domestically.

‘Liverpool were shocking in the first half against Manchester United last Sunday,’ Merson told Sportskeeda.

‘When they came back into the game and made it 2-2, I was expecting them to go on and win but they ended up losing the game! I’m not worried about Liverpool next season though, I think they’ll be fine.

‘If someone asks me who among Manchester United and Liverpool will finish higher in the Premier League next season, I would actually back Arne Slot’s team all day long!

‘I say that because Manchester United have played only once a week this season, and that’s a lot easier compared to what Liverpool went through.

‘Let us go through their players, Senne Lammens has been good, Benjamin Sesko is now finding some form, Bruno Fernandes incredible, Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo are shining under Michael Carrick, while Matheus Cunha has been excellent and Bryan Mbeumo has done alright.

‘Just look at Liverpool on the other hand. The two centre-backs haven’t been good enough, Milos Kerkez has been poor, they miss Trent and haven’t covered that position well enough.

‘Apart from Dominik Szoboszlai, none of their midfielders have performed well, both Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz have had their own issues and yet, if they had beaten Manchester United, they would have been level on points!

‘That says a lot and I believe Liverpool can finish above United next season.

‘Lately, there has also been noise around the lack of intensity shown by this Liverpool team. But I’m not surprised by it because I believe many of these players will have one eye on the World Cup.

‘None of them want to be injured and it is only a natural reaction, especially when Liverpool have nothing to play for at the moment.’

Manchester United will hope to continue their fine form on Saturday when they visit Sunderland, while Liverpool welcome struggling Chelsea to Anfield.

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Some 120 flights from the UK this month have been cancelled, new figures show, as jet fuel prices surge and fears of shortages grow.

Aviation analytics company Cirium said airlines have axed 120 of the 22,613 departures initially scheduled from UK airports in May, equivalent to 0.53%.

The number of outbound flights planned for June is 36 lower than a week ago.

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This represents a 0.2% reduction and means capacity for the month has fallen by 7,972 seats.

However, a new joint statement from the Department for Transport, Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, and Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office says that there is currently “no need for passengers to change their travel plans”.

It said: “UK airlines say that they are not currently seeing a shortage of jet fuel. The government is working with industry and international partners to keep passengers moving.”

Is there a shortage of jet fuel in the UK?

The statement said: “UK airlines are clear that they are not currently seeing a shortage of jet fuel. It is typically bought in advance, with airports and their suppliers keeping stocks of bunkered fuel to support their resilience.

“There is no current need to change upcoming travel plans. Government regularly meets with industry to monitor risks, understand pressures and ensure clear communication with passengers, should circumstances change.

“We recognise that families may be concerned, and that aviation and tourism businesses are operating in challenging global conditions. We are working hand‑in‑hand with industry to help flights keep operating.

“We advise passengers to continue checking with their airlines before they travel, and to check the FCDO travel advice for the latest updates. You should also ensure you have appropriate travel insurance.”

Are airlines cancelling lots of flights?

Julia Lo Bue-Said, chief executive of Advantage Travel Partnership, a network of independent travel agents, said airlines are “assessing poor performance flights and consolidating or cancelling as required”.

She added that UK departures to popular summer hotspots “remain unaffected” and insisted “customers can continue to book with confidence”.

The Government statement added: “While there has been media reporting on flights cancelled internationally in May, data from Cirium shows only 0.53% of the UK’s planned flights for the month have been cancelled. The majority of these UK cancellations are to and from the Middle East due to the conflict.

“This is within the range of the number of cancellations we would expect in a normal year, and we continue to monitor the situation. In previous years, we typically saw around 1% of all flights arriving or departing from the UK cancelled.”

The statement added that the UK Government was working with airlines, airports and fuel suppliers to ensure passengers keep moving.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said summer holiday plans will not face major disruption because of the latter.

She revealed that more fuel has been imported from America, while refineries have upped their production.

The Government has also introduced a temporary rule change allowing airlines to group passengers from different flights together on to fewer planes to save fuel.

Alex Jenkinson has been charged with two offences of using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour to harass or cause alarm or distress

A man has been charged after allegedly threatening Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor near his home on the Sandringham Estate.

The former Duke of York was out walking his dogs when the incident in Wolferton occurred shortly after 7.30pm on Wednesday, May 6, the Telegraph reported previously.

Alex Jenkinson, aged 39, of Stowmarket, Suffolk, has been charged with two counts of using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour to harass someone or cause alarm or distress.

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He has also been charged with failing to provide a specimen of blood in custody.

Mr Jenkinson is in custody and is due to appear at Norwich Magistrates’ Court on Friday.

In a tribute, he has been described as a “wonderful husband”

Police have named the man who was killed in a fire at a hotel in Cambridgeshire. David Chawapiwa died following the fire Zaheer’s Hotel on Sunday, April 26.

A dozen fire crews were called to a fire on Station Road, Odsey, Steeple Morden, at around 9.30pm. The fatal fire also saw another person taken to hospital.

Cambridgeshire Police confirmed that smoke inhalation has been given as a provisional cause of death. David’s wife, Patricia has paid tribute to him, describing him as “my wonderful husband”.

The tribute said: “In loving memory of my wonderful husband David. Of all the special gifts in life however great or small to have you as my husband was the greatest gift of all. May the wings of love blow softly and whisper in your ear.

“We love and miss you and wish that you were here. Deep in our hearts your life is kept to love and cherish, not forget. No more tomorrows we can share but yesterdays are always there. A silent thought, a secret tear keeps your memory ever near in our hearts forever. Until we meet again when Jesus comes. Amen. “

Officers arrested a 44-year-old man from Hertfordshire in connection with the fire who has been bailed until June 29.

A Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue spokesperson said at the time of the fire: “At 9.35pm on Sunday crews were called to a fire on Station Road in Odsey. Crews from Gamlingay, Cambourne, Huntingdon, Cambridge and St Neots were joined by crews from Royston, Baldock, Stevenage and Hitchin in Hertfordshire and Kempston, Biggleswade and Sandy in Bedfordshire at the scene of the fire.

“Firefighters arrived to find a well-developed fire involving a hotel and restaurant building. Wearing breathing apparatus they extinguished the fire using hose reels and jets.”

Meanwhile, forecasts suggest the Scottish Tories’ recent history of defying political gravity – initially engineered by former leader Baroness Ruth Davidson – which saw them grasp the unionist vote in Scotland and sit in second place for the past decade, could be over, with Russell Findlay’s party projected to shed votes and seats.

Wear Wheels is launching the sessions across Sunderland this May to help people build confidence on two wheels, supported by funding from Sunderland City Council through Active Travel England’s Consolidated Active Travel Fund 2026.

Peter McIntyre, executive director of economy and place at Sunderland City Council, said: “These new sessions will make a real difference for people across Sunderland.

These sessions offer residents the chance to enjoy the health and wellbeing benefits of cycling. (Image: Archant)

Mr McIntyre added: “Whether someone is learning to ride, getting back on a bike after years away, or simply looking for a healthier way to travel, Wear Wheels is giving residents the support and confidence they need.

“It is fantastic to see a community led project helping more people feel safe, active and connected as they explore our city on two wheels.”

The sessions are ideal for anyone new to cycling, returning after a break, or unsure about navigating routes on their own.

Wear Wheels, delivered by the Sunderland Community Action Group, is running the programme from May to August.

It includes fully funded cycle maintenance sessions and led rides.

The scheme is designed to help residents stay active, build confidence and enjoy safe, supported cycling around the city.

Led bike rides will take place from the St Peter’s cycling hub and are guided by friendly instructors.

Each two-hour session offers a gentle, social way to exercise while exploring Sunderland’s cycling routes.

Participants will be supported in building their cycling skills and confidence in a relaxed group environment.

Bikes are not required to take part, as Wear Wheels will provide recycled bicycles for those who need them.

The programme also includes free cycle maintenance sessions to help riders keep their bikes road-ready and safe.

In addition, funding will support Wear Wheels’ ongoing recycled bike scheme, which provides refurbished bikes to residents who do not have their own.

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Richy Duggan, project manager at Sunderland Community Action Group, said: “This funding allows us to reach more people than ever before.

“Whether someone is completely new to cycling or looking to build their skills, these sessions offer a welcoming and supportive way to get involved.

“Every recycled bike and every ride help build stronger community connections.”

Last season’s FA Cup victory earned Palace a place in the Europa League, Europe’s second-tier competition, but UEFA retrospectively demoted them to the Conference League — and saw Nottingham Forest take their place — over multi-club ownership concerns relating to their former co-owner John Textor.

Future king William could not contain his joy as his beloved Aston Villa thumped Nottingham Forest to secure a place in the Europa Cup final with at 4-0 victory

Prince William celebrated wildly after Aston Villa hammered home four goals to see them through to the Europa Cup final.

The future king leaped from his seat and punched the air in sheet delight after his beloved Aston Villa moved closer to reach their first European final in 44 years. Villans’ fan William, 43, was seen celebrating as Aston Villa took an early lead.

William’s wild celebrations were a far cry from the nervy demeanour he cut before kick-off. Villa went into tonight’s crunch fixture one goal down yet they fired home four goals against Nottingham Forest, winning 4-1 on aggregate.

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Stakes for the game were high, as the Europa League winner will secure a place in next season’s lucrative Champion’s League. The royal could not hold back the joy as he celebrated one of Villa’s goals as his fellow fans celebrated their side’s stellar performance.

William has been a keen Villa’s supporter for many years and has often been spotted at Villa Park. In 2015, he clearly laid out why he decided to follow the Claret and Blue over other more famous sides.

“I was looking around for clubs,” he told Gary Linekar. “All my friends at school were either Man United fans or Chelsea fans and I didn’t want to follow the run-of-the-mill teams.

“I wanted to have a team that was more mid-table that could give me more emotional rollercoaster moments. Aston Villa’s always had a great history.”

Aston Villa midfielder John McGinn heaped praise on manager Unai Emery following the win, telling TNT Sports: “He’s experienced a lot more European semi-finals than us. In the Conference League semi-final we probably went a little bit too gung-ho, but today we managed it.

“He’s been amazing, but so have all the managers I’ve played under. Steve Bruce gave me the confidence to play in England, Dean Smith gave me the confidence to play in the Premier League, Steven Gerrard taught me how to be a leader.”

Emery has won the Europa League four times and will secure his place as a Villa legend should he help bring back a trophy to Birmingham with a win in Istanbul, Turkey.

While Villa lost their previous chances at silverware with Emery at the helm, they will be buoyed by their performance tonight.

The UK Foreign Office has warned that deadly hantavirus is now a health concern in Argentina after the MV Hondius departed from that country before being hit by an outbreak

The Foreign Office has advised British travellers that hantavirus has emerged as a serious health risk in Argentina. The alert was triggered by a suspected outbreak aboard the MV Hondius cruise liner, which has seen five of eight suspected infections confirmed and resulted in three fatalities.

Argentinian authorities suspect a Dutch couple, regarded as the primary cases, caught the deadly virus during a birdwatching excursion. While their travels included Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay before they joined the cruise, the ship’s departure from Argentina has led investigators to focus their search for the infection’s origin there.

In a fresh development, a missing Briton who departed the vessel early has been located but remains overseas. While this individual has been traced, they have not yet arrived back in the United Kingdom, The Mirror reports.

The cruise ship is currently voyaging towards the Canary Islands after a previous scheduled stop at Cape Verde. The vessel remains at the heart of the ongoing health investigation as authorities continue to track the spread of the virus.

Under the health section of its travel advice for Argentina, the UK Foreign Office states: “Hantavirus is present in Argentina. Read more information about hantavirus in Argentina on TravelHealthPro. Further guidance on hantavirus is available from the UK Health Security Agency and Argentina’s Ministry of Health (website in Spanish).”

Tests have confirmed that at least five people who were on the ship were infected with a hantavirus found in South America, called the Andes virus.

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director-general of the WHO, said that while the risk to the public is low, there could be more cases due to the incubation period of the Andes virus.

“Given the incubation period of the Andes virus, which can be up to six weeks, it’s possible that more cases may be reported,” he said. “While this is a serious incident, WHO assesses the public health risk as low.”

He added: “I would also like to thank the ship’s operator for its co-operation, and the passengers and crew who are going through a very difficult and frightening situation.

“I’ve been in touch with the ship’s captain regularly, including this morning. He told me morale has improved significantly since the ship started moving again.”

Manchester United have ruled out a blockbuster summer move for unsettled Chelsea star Cole Palmer, according to reports.

Palmer has been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge following a frustrating season both for him and the Blues.

The 24-year-old has been a revelation since his £40m move from Manchester City in 2023, winning the Premier League Young Player of the Year award at the end of his first season in west London.

Palmer had a staggering 42 goal involvements that season and scored a further 18 goals last term as Chelsea qualified for the Champions League and won the Club World Cup and Conference League.

The England international has also hit double figures this season but failing to hit his top form has raised doubt over his place in Thomas Tuchel’s squad for this summer’s World Cup.

Reports have suggested Palmer is unsettled at Chelsea and the Daily Express say he would ‘welcome’ a move to Manchester United, the team he supported growing up, after they qualified for the Champions League.

The report adds that Palmer has been ‘impressed’ by United’s revival under Michael Carrick, who is in pole position to get the job on a permanent basis at the end of the season.

United have been strongly linked with a move for the Chelsea talisman but it is claimed Old Trafford bosses have ruled out a summer move.

While the Red Devils admire Palmer, they do not view him as a ‘primary objective’ and will instead focus on the signing of at least two central midfielders and two defenders.

Should Manchester United change their mind, the Daily Express say Chelsea would want around £90m to part ways with Palmer.

Even if United’s interest in Palmer has faded, it still appears unlikely that the playmaker will see out his contract with Chelsea, which runs until 2033.

Ex-Chelsea midfielder Andy Townsend has suggested Palmer will need to leave Stamford Bridge to ‘rediscover his game’.

‘First and foremost, Cole Palmer needs to rediscover his game,’ Townsend told BetVictor. ‘From where he was a year ago, compared to where he is now is chalk and cheese.

‘He needs something. I get the impression with Cole that he’s looking around the team and saying: “Who’s inspiring me? Who’s getting me going? Who’s really there to carry the fight with me?”

‘There aren’t too many at Chelsea. I think Joao Pedro is a real talent. His performance at Villa Park earlier this season was one of the best I’ve seen from a striker anywhere this season. It was terrific.

‘Enzo [Fernandez] looks like he’s already laying the foundations for getting out, with what’s been said and done recently.

‘So with Cole, the problem might be at a club like Chelsea when so much traffic comes and goes, he might eventually think he’s the one that has to go.

‘If you’re going to keep seeing better players come in and then go, or the best young talent being sold for profit, then sometimes after a while it can frustrate you.

‘It wouldn’t surprise me at some point if things don’t rapidly improve, that he turns around and says: “I think I might have to go elsewhere.”‘

Chelsea are just ninth in the Premier League ahead of their trip to Anfield to face reigning champions Liverpool on Saturday.

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