Manchester United have no plans to reverse their decision to release veteran midfielder Casemiro at the end of the season.

The Brazilian, 34, announced in January that he would leave the club when his £350,000-a-week contract expires.

Despite his strong performances this season, United concluded they would not offer a new deal to the former Real Madrid midfielder, who will be available on a free transfer.

Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe previously voiced incredulity about Casemiro’s £18.2m annual salary, and the 73-year-old has vowed to drive down costs.

That was thought to be behind the decision not to trigger the option on Casemiro’s contract, with United wanting to make the decision early to allow them to continue with their long-term squad overhaul.

Casemiro asked for the news to be made public in order to avoid any confusion towards the end of the season.

However, since then, Casemiro has turned in a series of excellent performances.

He opened the scoring against Aston Villa on Sunday with his seventh goal of the season, six of which have been headers.

The midfielder celebrated in front of the Stretford End by pointing repeatedly to the club badge on his shirt.

Supporters sang “One more year, Casemiro” in response, and repeated it after the final whistle as the player headed for the tunnel.

Captain Bruno Fernandes and defender Leny Yoro both said after the game they hoped Casemiro would remain at the club.

However, sources have told BBC Sport that the club have no plans to reassess their decision.

Interim head coach Michael Carrick has also suggested there will be no U-turn on Casemiro’s future at Old Trafford.

“When something is decided it makes it a little bit easier and everyone understands the situation,” said Carrick.

“The impact he’s had has been terrific, through his influence within the team and with big moments and goals.

“There was a nice moment at the end with the supporters. He’ll enjoy that one.”

Spooked Kent University students speaking to the Daily Mirror have said they are seeing people fleeing for home after collecting antibiotics in the wake of the meningitis outbreak

Terrified students at Kent University are queuing for lifesaving antibiotics and then immediately getting on buses to head home.

Many are so scared of catching meningitis that they are leaving to return immediately to their families across the UK. Some have been seen waiting for buses with their packed suitcases. Ethan Norris, 24, from Canterbury who works in the housekeeping department at Tyler Court and partner Nancy O’Sullivan, 23, from Hornchurch, Essex, a primary school teacher, queued for their pills.

Nancy said: “I’m seeing social media videos of people being picked up in the middle of the night to get out of here. I’ve seen students with suitcases getting on buses now.”

READ MORE: BBC Doctor gives urgent meningitis symptom list as outbreak leaves two deadREAD MORE: Everything to know about ‘new meningitis strain’ after Kent outbreak kills two

“They are getting their anti biotics and leaving. Exams have been cancelled. What we’ve seen is a load of university students packing up their stuff, there’s panic because this has appeared so suddenly. Students are too scared to be on campus. You don’t know how far it has spread already. It’s terrifying.”

Ethan added: “I’ve seen a student taken out of the one of the blocks on a stretcher. We queued for over an hour and 40 minutes for an antibiotics pill. We’ve heard that two have people have passed away so it’s just something we needed to do. It’s scary.”

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said it had been notified of 13 cases with signs and symptoms of meningitis from Friday to Sunday in the Canterbury area of Kent. Some students at the University of Kent have been given antibiotics while others are in hospital. The specific strain of meningitis has not yet been identified.

Thomas Ibbotson, a third year studying Business and Spanish, says students have been told that the outbreak started at a Fresher’s event, which was also attended by local sixth formers. Others have spoken of the fear for their friends who are in hospital.

Thomas said: “I got told the people most exposed are freshers who were out on this night out. They started at a house party and then went on to Club Chemistry later in the evening. In all of the emails to us, the University has been saying that if you had been to Club Chemistry on Friday or Saturday, that is where you would be most at risk.

“The freshers then came back into the accommodation where it has spread. I’m not in the block that has been affected, but I live around Tyler Court where there has been a case in one block so it’s very worrying.

“I’m going home so I want to be extra safe and I’d rather get the antibiotics, that’s why I’m queueing up here. But I really don’t know if the university is doing this in the most efficient way, given the queue time is 40 minutes right now. They put a letter underneath our flat door saying if you spend time in the affected areas or had friends who lived in the affected blocks, you would need to come to the Senate to pick up antibiotics.”

Daisy Gower, a third year student studying psychology, says she was told to get the antibiotics by the university.

“I’ve just been informed that I might have been in close contact with someone who’s affected in my dance class. So we’re just here to get the antibiotic just in case. It’s really quite a concerning situation. It has caused a lot of panic here but hopefully everyone here taking the antibiotic will prevent it from spreading.”

Student Ben Segneri has spoken of his fear he has caught it after displaying symptoms this morning.

He said: “I woke up this morning with some cold symptoms, a headache and some muscle pains. It really could be anything around this time of year but I want to make sure I am protected just in case so I will be taking the antibiotic.

“I heard about the outbreak about a day before everyone else because I know someone who works at the hospital so we were warned about the cases in advance. We were just wauiting for the university to announce it and they ended up doing last night. Every single soceity and any space to socialise has been shut. People seem very very stressed about it.”

A spokeswoman for the UKHSA said: “We can confirm that UKHSA has worked with the University of Kent to provide advice letters to all 16,000 students, advising on recent cases, signs and symptoms, how to obtain antibiotics, and what to do if they feel unwell.”

Not all 16,000 students at the university will be given antibiotics, only those who are regarded as “close contacts” of those affected, such as living in the same accommodation block.

Helen Whately, the Conservative MP for Faversham and Mid Kent, told PA she was expecting to be briefed on Monday about the situation. “I’ve been in contact with the Health Secretary and I’m expecting to hear from the UKHSA this morning,” she said.

“I’m trying to get information about what is being done locally to trace contacts and identify which students and school pupils are at risk.

“Also I want schools to be given briefings on what steps they should take and the advice to give to parents.” The UKHSA said on Sunday specialists are interviewing affected individuals and their families to “help identify all close contacts and arrange antibiotics to limit spread”.

North Yorkshire Council cancelled the licence for Lewiatian, in Sackville Street, Skipton, following a day-long hearing.

The council’s three-councillor statutory licensing sub-committee met on Friday at the Civic Centre, in Harrogate, to review the store’s premises licence.

Members of the panel heard how the shop was being investigated for a number of alleged offences by North Yorkshire Police’s licensing team and the council’s trading standards department.

The committee was also told there was a coroner’s inquest due to take place following a death connected with the premises, although no further details were revealed.

The owner of the shop, Saheb Sadeqhi, did not attend the hearing due to illness, but was represented by his solicitor.

The press and public were excluded from the majority of the hearing due to evidence being presented on ongoing investigations.

The hearing took place just two days after a worker from the store appeared before Skipton Magistrates’ Court.

The staff member, Milad Karimi, 26, of North Street, Keighley, was fined £200 after he pleaded guilty to knowingly selling alcohol to someone who was drunk and selling alcohol to someone who is under 18.

Both offences took place in July 2025.

In 2024, the store was prosecuted for selling illegal vapes, while in 2022 it was fined for selling fake tobacco and falsely labelled vodka.

North Yorkshire Council declined to comment on the case due to the ongoing investigations.

The members of the panel were councillors Tim Grogan, Kevin Foster and Andrew Lee.

After the hearing, Mr Sadeqhi told the Local Democracy Reporting Service he planned to appeal the decision.

The incident took place in the doorway of a shop on Redcar High Street at 1.40pm on the afternoon of Friday, March 13.

The man is described as being in his 70s, white, wearing a green raincoat, black trousers and carrying a black bag for life with red handles. 

Any witnesses or anyone with CCTV can call 101 quoting reference SE26046539.

The BBC has announced who will replace Richard Osman as host of House of Games after he announced his plans to leave the show earlier this month.

Launched back in 2017 on the BBC, Richard Osman’s House of Games saw four celebrities playing in a series of games on five consecutive days to win daily prizes.

But after almost a decade, Richard confirmed that he is going to record one final week of House of Games, which is airing its ninth series, before handing the reins over to a new presenter.

“I am leaving House of Games. It will no longer be Richard Osman’s House of Games. It will be somebody else’s House of Games. I gladly hand over the keys. I just wanted to go on record saying how much I love it and loved it,” he shared in a statement.

Richard added: “It has been such a great pleasure, and honour, to present House of Games for the last nine years, with the absolute best team in television. But it’s time to let someone else have a go, and I’m very excited to hand over the House keys to the lucky new host!”

Now, the new host has been revealed as Michael Sheen. It marks the multi-award-winning actor’s debut as quiz show host, and it’s been confirmed that he will preside over the recording of 100 episodes that will be broadcast later this year.

Michael said in a statement as the news was announced on Monday (March 16): “Quite literally very large shoes to fill but as a huge fan of the show I’m incredibly excited to be able to move into the House and at long last see my silhouette on a fondue set.”

Tamara Gilder, Joint MD for Remarkable Entertainment, also commented: “We are thrilled to be handing Michael Sheen the keys to House of Games. The show has always been a love letter to those who adore quizzes – and we have a new host who loves them as much as we do. We can’t wait to start filming.”

Caroline O’Neill, BBC Commissioning Executive, added: “We’re delighted to have Michael Sheen stepping into the House of Games. His charisma and passion for playfulness will be a joy for audiences and we’ve no doubt he’ll relish throwing himself into a fiercely fought Answer Smash. We can’t wait to share this next era of the show with viewers at home.”

The plans by Downing College will see a city centre site next to Parker’s Piece redeveloped into 26 student rooms with restaurant space

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CambridgeshireLive readers have heard that demolition has begun on a Cambridge restaurant to make way for new student accommodation and restaurant space. The project, led by Downing College, will redevelop a city centre site next to Parker’s Piece into 26 student rooms with restaurant facilities.

Several buildings at 19-35 Regent Street, including the former Cuba Libre restaurant and bar, are set for partial demolition.

Downing College Developments Ltd submitted the redevelopment plans, which were approved by Cambridge City Council in September 2024. CMP Architects, who designed the project, described the site as containing poorly maintained buildings that had been altered inconsistently over the years.

The plans include a retail unit on the ground floor, intended to provide a restaurant serving both residents and visitors. Above this, the student accommodation will feature 26 en-suite rooms, reports CambridgeshireLive. A council officer said the development would cause a modest reduction in market housing but would provide much-needed student accommodation.

A spokesperson from Demcom Demolition, which is carrying out the work, said all demolition is being done by hand, with bricks retained for reuse. The team is also completing enabling work inside before scaffolding can be erected.

Commenter Josh A thinks: “We don’t need more of these. What we really need are shops, cafes, pharmacies and the like – far more useful than another block of student accommodation. The solution is simple: if there’s no space, don’t build here and leave the existing buildings alone.”

Rob H agrees: “If student accommodation is genuinely in such high demand, why can’t they build it on the college campuses instead? It would make sense to use existing university land rather than taking over other parts of the city, which could be put to more practical and community-friendly uses.”

Stayfocused29 replies: “I’d normally be against this, but honestly, everything that has been put into that building ends up closing, and the empty units make the place look really unattractive. It’s frustrating because it could be such a vibrant spot, though the University’s ridiculously high rents may have contributed to the businesses failing in the first place.”

Weneedqueenmeghan believes: “The antiquated university has long outlived its usefulness and really needs to be closed down once and for all. Its outdated structures and outdated practices are holding back progress, and the city could put the space and resources to far better use.”

Rodney A points out: “Everyone going on about it being student accommodation might want to consider what would happen if all the students were taken out of the rental housing market. But by all means, keep repeating your ‘it’s only for students’ line.”

John W disagrees: “Another part of Cambridge lost forever. More student accommodation? The days when people would rent out a room in their own homes are gone. Oh well, they call it progress, apparently.”

Terry J adds: “The university is completely taking Cambridge for granted for its own selfish gain. How and why have they been allowed to take over our city like this?”

Andrew C says: “It’s remarkable how universities can get planning approval but contribute nothing to the infrastructure they rely on, while adding further strain to already damaged systems.”

Diane B comments: “What a shame. Do we really need even more student accommodation? What about the people who actually work here, not the professors, who can’t afford to live in the city? Our grown-up children, both working in essential services, can’t afford to live in the city they were born in. Then there are complaints about the cars they need to get to work. No, they can’t just cycle or take buses, as the buses don’t start early enough.”

Lisa G replies: “More student accommodation – why is that not surprising! Why not build something to help the city’s homeless or projects that actually benefit the people who live and work here? Of course, that never happens. It’s all about keeping the university happy, as usual.”

Another part of Cambridge is being transformed into student accommodation while market housing is reduced. Do you think the city should prioritise students over local residents and workers? Have your say in our comments section.

You can check if you are eligible through the Nationwide website

Nationwide Building Society is encouraging people to check if they’re eligible for more than £550 in additional support. Customers can check heir eligibility for extra payments both online and over the phone.

Stephen Noakes, director of retail at Nationwide, recently spoke to a panel of MPs regarding the building society’s initiatives to improve financial inclusion. He discussed with the Treasury Committee the need to get people saving more, as well as how to ensure customers are accessing all the support they qualify for.

One resource he was eager to highlight is Nationwide’s Better Off Indicator, which can be used to determine if you’re entitled to any extra benefits, such as those from the DWP or via your local council. You simply input some information about your household situation and your finances, like your savings and income, and it will guide you towards any additional payments you might be eligible for.

Mr Noakes informed the committee: “We have calculators that can advise customers if they have additional benefits.” The provider introduced these online tools back in June 2025.

The building society chief said there have been big successes for those who have used the online benefit check. Mr Noakes said: “We only started in the last six months – but 18,000 households have looked at it and 11,000 had benefits.

“The average they have managed to gain is £560 a month. This activity can be quite life-changing.” Nationwide launched the calculator tool in collaboration with Policy in Practice.

If you’d rather discuss the support available to you over the phone, you can ring 0300 3730619. Guidance on the Nationwide website explains: “Being eligible to claim for benefits is not just for people who can’t work.

“Many people assume they are not eligible, leaving £24billion in benefits going unclaimed in the UK every year. There are lots of support payments and benefits that could help you be better off.”

Who could qualify for the extra payments?

The guidance sets out that these five groups may be eligible for some extra cash:

• You or your partner are out of work
• You are renting your home
• You have children
• You have a disability or care for someone who has a disability
• You are receiving the state pension

What extra support could I qualify for?

The information page also lists some of the benefits that you may be entitled to.

These include:

• Universal Credit
• Pension Credit
• Carer’s Allowance
• Child Benefits
• Personal Independence Payment
• Council tax discounts

Rory McIlroy’s back injury hampered his title defence at TPC Sawgrass as he finished T46 at the Players Championship, with the Northern Irishman now weighing up whether to play another event before his Masters title defence

Rory McIlroy is considering adding another tournament to his schedule before defending his Masters title next month, following a lacklustre performance at the Players Championship.

The Northern Irishman, who was defending champion at TPC Sawgrass, saw his preparations disrupted by a back injury and could only manage a disappointing tie for 46th place.

McIlroy intends to assess his physical condition over the coming days before deciding whether to compete again ahead of Augusta, where he secured the career grand slam last year.

“I’ll see how my body feels,” the world number two said.

“We’ll see how I feel in practice and at home and if I get itchy feet at home maybe add an event at some point.

“I feel like it was important to make the weekend here and play an extra couple of days. I’m happy I got through four days and my body feels good.

“I feel like my game sort of progressively got a little bit better as the week went on, even though the scores probably didn’t reflect it over the weekend.

“But yeah, really just see how the next week goes, see how once I get back to actually a full practice schedule and in the gym and stuff like that, see how my body reacts to that, and then I’ll see.”

American Cameron Young clinched his second PGA Tour title with a stunning one-shot victory from England’s Matt Fitzpatrick.

A brilliant birdie at the famous par-three 17th proved vital for Young and a brilliant tee shot on the 18th coupled with Fitzpatrick finding the pine straw before finishing with a bogey five gave Young the biggest win of his carrer to date.

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Prime among the reasons why it is such a compelling competition is the Stadium Course itself. It does what it says on the tin, delighting huge crowds with a nerve-jangling test for the best players in the world year in, year out.

“I remember when I played it, I stood on the 18th tee and was scared witless,” recalled European Ryder Cup player Oliver Wilson. “You can never, ever relax on that golf course.”

And so it came to pass that Young and Fitzpatrick arrived on that final tee box locked together with this pretigious title on the line. The vast expanse of water down the left had gobbled up Young’s ball less than 24 hours earlier.

Fitzpatrick had his own demons given his double bogey on that same hole, also in the third round.

The final day task demanded the utmost golfing courage and Young was in the mood. Of the leading contenders only he and Justin Thomas had taken on the teasing pin tight to the right edge of the island green 17th.

Young was rewarded with the birdie that drew him level with his Ryder Cup rival Fitzpatrick. Now it was time to unleash probably the furthest drive ever seen on Sawgrass’ closing hole.

At 375 yards, it was the longest to be officially recorded and crucially he found the fairway. Fitzpatrick also went with driver, but found the pine straw among the trees down the right.

If he had his time again, would a three-wood have been a better option? Decision making is something that comes under the microscope at the moments of the most intensity.

“I know Cam hits a draw, his moved a little bit,” Fitzpatrick said. “I figured mine would do the same. Obviously just went dead straight.”

Regardless of arguments over strategy, this was a big title decided by the finest of margins. Fitzpatrick could only bogey despite doing little else wrong.

Young went out and won it. This after Ludvig Aberg had thrown away his commanding position at the start of the back nine.

Again the golf course exacted demands that induced the Swede’s crucial errors as he found water on the 11th and 12th holes.

“The risk and reward of the back nine asks relentless questions and he failed pretty much immediately,” said Wilson who was part of the 5 Live commentary team in Florida.

“You can’t help thinking back to the chances he had at the end of the third round and then early on the final day. This course is always ready to bite, so you have to take advantage when you’re playing your best golf.”

And that made for a heady, suspenseful mix for those watching either on the ground or on television.

Manchester City are aiming to stage a Champions League comeback against Real Madrid and boss Pep Guardiola has taken a novel approach to his side’s preparations

Manchester City will not train the day before their Champions League clash with Real Madrid, Pep Guardiola has confirmed. The Premier League side welcome the Spanish giants to the Etihad Stadium this week for the second leg of their last-16 clash.

City are already 3-0 down ahead of that game – Federico Valverde’s hat-trick having seen Real race into a stunning lead at the Bernabeu. Despite Guardiola’s side needing an almost flawless performance to get themselves back into the tie, the Spanish coach has given his players time off due to their packed schedule.

They will not be taking to the training pitches the day before the game, with focus instead being on recovery. While Guardiola’s move is unusual given the importance of the game, it is not unprecedented. The former Barcelona boss also gave his side time off before a league stage showdown with Borussia Dortmund earlier this season.

Speaking at the time, he said: “We will train tomorrow [Monday] morning. I’ve done it a few times – maybe not a lot but a few times.

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READ MORE: Pep Guardiola tells Man City stars to ‘stay at home’ in brutal warningREAD MORE: Pep Guardiola changes tune on Man City’s title race hopes after Arsenal steal march

“Bournemouth was so demanding that I prefer they stay at home and tomorrow morning we train. No-one is going to change the schedule because we have a lot of competitions so it is what it is.”

And while Guardiola has given players time off, he has already sent his squad a strong warning. He suggested that any stars who don’t believe that the side could come back would be best served not attending the game.

Speaking after the weekend draw against West Ham United, Guardiola said: “If they don’t believe, it’s a problem. They are adults. They have good salaries.

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“If they don’t believe in that in the Champions League, go home, stay home. We have to try. What do we have to lose?

“Madrid never came back in history? I don’t know how many – 50 Champions League games, they never came back from 3-0? Of course, it’s a tough result. But we have to try, for respect for the people, for fans, for our job, you know?”

Following the clash with Real, City will then turn their attention back to their fading Premier League title hopes. Guardiola’s side currently sit nine points adrift of Arsenal after being held to a 1-1 draw by West Ham at the weekend. The Gunners beat Everton with two late goals from Viktor Gyokeres and Max Dowman.

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