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The Forgotten Dead

BBC Radio Manchester explore the case of a woman whose partially mummified body was found in Bolton in 1982

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  1. Southgate adresses Rashford's England exclusionpublished at 14:36

    Wolves' Nelson Semedo up against Marcus Rashford and Luke shaw Image source, Getty Images

    After Marcus Rashford's exclusion from England's provisional 33-man Euro 2024 squad, Gareth Southgate was asked about the Manchester United forward in a news conference: "These are difficult calls. With Marcus, I just feel other players in that area have had better seasons. It's as simple as that."

    On Luke Shaw's inclusion: "[Luke Shaw's] up against it. He's missed a lot of football. The fact that he has been our first choice in that position means we've probably given him a lot longer than we would have done [others].

    "I'm not sure what's realistic at this time. I have to say, he's a long shot."

  2. Will Southgate play Foden in his best position?published at 14:18

    Phil McNulty banner
    Phil Foden of England makes a pass during the UEFA EURO 2024 European qualifier match between North Macedonia and England at National Arena Todor Proeski on November 20, 2023Image source, Getty Images

    BBC Sport's chief football writer Phil McNulty is answering all of your footballing questions.

    Finlay asked: How important is it that Phil Foden plays in central midfield, rather than on the wing, considering he has played there all season?

    Phil answered: This is going to be a really thorny problem for Gareth Southgate to solve because Foden's best position is clearly centrally - but the team simply has to be, and will be, built around Jude Bellingham, with Harry Kane as the central striker.

    Does Southgate find a way to get Foden in alongside Bellingham in the centre or does he play him on the left with licence to roam and come inside?

    One thing is for sure, Foden has to be in the team. In the central position would be ideal but this would need some tactical tweaking by Gareth Southgate and, at the moment, Bellingham looks to be the perfect number 10.

    Follow McNulty's Q&A and other England provisional squad announcement news

  3. England's provisional Euro 2024 squad announcedpublished at 14:06

    England's Euro 2024 provisional squad list: Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), Jordan Pickford (Everton), Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal), James Trafford (Burnley). Defenders: Jarrad Branthwaite (Everton), Lewis Dunk (Brighton), Joe Gomez (Liverpool), Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Harry Maguire (Manchester United), Jarell Quansah (Liverpool), Luke Shaw (Manchester United), John Stones (Manchester City), Kieran Trippier (Newcastle), Kyle Walker (Manchester City) Midfielders: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Conor Gallagher (Chelsea), Curtis Jones (Liverpool), Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United), Declan Rice (Arsenal), Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace). Forwards: Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Jarrod Bowen (West Ham), Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace), Phil Foden (Manchester City), Jack Grealish (Manchester City), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), James Maddison (Tottenham), Cole Palmer (Chelsea), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Ivan Toney (Brentford), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa).
  4. 'This season Rashford has struggled badly'published at 13:57

    Simon Stone
    Chief football news reporter

    Marcus Rashford of Manchester United looks dejectedImage source, Getty Images

    Marcus Rashford's huge dip in form encapsulates Manchester United's season.

    Last term, he scored 30 goals for United. The idea of him not making England's squad this summer would have been non-existent.

    But this season, Rashford has struggled badly. He has lacked confidence at times and was carrying an injury for long stretches of the campaign.

    He has scored eight goals, and none since March. He featured for 15 minutes in England's friendly against Brazil, as a substitute for Anthony Gordon.

    Rashford came on as a substitute against Newcastle United last week when Gordon caused the home side huge problems.

    Little wonder it looks likely Gordon has got the nod.

  5. Grealish set to make England's Euro 2024 squadpublished at 13:28

    Dan Roan
    Sports editor

    ack Grealish of Manchester City celebrates with the Preack Grealish of Manchester City celebrates with the Premier League Trophymier League TrophyImage source, Getty Images

    Jack Grealish is set to be named in Gareth Southgate's provisional England squad when it is announced at 14:00 BST.

    The midfielder has made 39 appearances for Manchester City this season, as Pep Guardiola's side secured a fourth Premier League title in a row.

    However, he did not play in any of the final three matches, including the decisive win over West Ham on Sunday.

    The 28-year-old only played 20 Premier League matches this season, half of which has been as a substitute due to injuries.

    Grealish has scored three goals and provided one assist, giving him an average goal contribution average in the league of one every 251 minutes.

    However, of all players with over 1,000 league minutes this term, Grealish is the most fouled per 90 minutes, winning 3.7 of decisions per 90 minutes.

    He may feature for City in their FA Cup final with rivals Manchester United this weekend.

  6. 'Walker's leadership qualities are there for everybody to see'published at 13:27

    Media caption,

    Leicester defender Conor Coady on Manchester City captain Kyle Walker's impact on the Premier League champions:

    "He's incredible. I think he's a leader because of how he leads on the pitch and how he plays the game. As a person, he has such respect from everyone.

    "He's leading by example for younger players. This year with how he plays, you can't leave him out for a full-back inside so Pep Guardiola has started changing to a centre-back stepping into midfield with John Stones or [Manuel] Akanji because you have to have Walker in that team.

    "His leadership qualities are there for everybody to see."

    Listen to more reaction to Man City's title win on BBC Sounds

  7. Rashford set to miss out on England's Euro 2024 squadpublished at 12:56

    Simon Stone
    Chief football news reporter

    Marcus RashfordImage source, Getty Images

    Marcus Rashford is set to miss out on a place in Gareth Southgate's England squad.

    The 26-year-old has scored nine goals in 49 appearances for club and country this season.

    In the Premier League, Rashford registered seven goals and two assists in 33 games last term.

    That's a goal contribution every 253 minutes - way off Cole Palmer's goal or assist every 80 minutes.

    He's likely to feature for United in their FA Cup final with rivals Manchester City this weekend.

  8. 'Can I suggest the East Stand be renamed in Pep's honour?'published at 12:01

    Nigel Rothband
    Fan writer

    Manchester City fan's voice graphic

    After last season’s Treble and five trophies in the calendar year, critics still say Manchester City have not been at their best. However, despite the season not being over yet, there was so much to celebrate at the Etihad on Sunday.

    No other team in the history of the game has ever won four top-flight titles in a row - even the great Huddersfield Town side of the mid-1920s only ever managed three in a row!

    We also celebrated the outstanding talent of footballer of the year Phil Foden, a second Golden Boot award for Erling Haaland, Kyle Walker’s 300th game in a City shirt and Rodri’s outstanding milestone of 50 unbeaten games…. the list goes on.

    A win at Wembley on Saturday would also give City a double double and would surely be the catalyst for Pep Guardiola to decide to finally move on when his contract expires at the end of next season. After all, what else is there left for him to achieve?

    How do you begin to recognise Pep for his unbelievable achievements? Well you can’t move for statues outside the stadium so can I suggest the East Stand be renamed in his honour.

    Let’s get over the line at yet another Wembley final on Saturday first.

    Nigel can be found at The Man City Show podcast, external

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  9. What is going on with McKenna's future?published at 11:20

    Phil McNulty banner
    Kieran McKennaImage source, Getty Images

    BBC Sport's chief football writer Phil McNulty is answering all of your footballing questions.

    Chris asked: Where do you think Kieran McKenna is best off being next season? As an Ipswich Town fan who already has reservations about being back in the Premier League, I would be completely hacked off if our manager is poached before a ball is kicked.

    Phil answered: I can fully understand your emotions around this after what McKenna has achieved at Portman Road.

    The problem would be that a club like Brighton seems such a perfect fit for him, although links with Chelsea and Manchester United would be a step too far for him at this stage, in my opinion.

    I actually hope he is still Ipswich manager at the start of the next Premier League season, but there is no escaping the lure of a more established top-flight club, and one that will give him time to build would be a big one.

    It is a very big decision for him and Ipswich, should Brighton make a move, and maybe he will feel loyalty to the club that gave him his big chance in management – but I can see why you are concerned.

    Read more of the McNulty Q&A here

  10. Will Ten Hag start the season?published at 11:01

    The Devils' Advocate logo

    The team on BBC Radio Manchester's The Devils' Advocate podcast have been pondering what will happen next at Old Trafford after an eighth-placed finish in the Premier League and whether Erik ten Hag will keep his job.

    Presenter Joe said: "Do the board know something we don't? That Ten Hag has struggled this season and when this new staff arrive they will take things off him so he can solely focus on being a great coach?"

    His co-presenter Gaz responded: "I think - it's an excuse and I am sick of hearing Ten Hag blame the whole season on injuries - but it has been absolutely ridiculous this season, especially in defence. That, coupled with the fact there aren't many other options out there. Also, it's a new structure at Man Utd now and I am curious to see how any manager does under it.

    "At the same time I would understand if Ten Hag did get sacked. It would almost make sense if you finish in that position.

    "I think they are going to give him the start of next season. He needs to be right up there at Christmas. I mean right in the top four. A comfortable season where we finish in the top four. Otherwise I think he will be gone after that."

    Listen to the latest episode here

  11. 'Guardiola built a club to his exact specifications'published at 10:51

    Pep Guardiola, manager of Manchester City, congratulates staffImage source, Getty Images

    New York Times journalist says the "perfect environment" curated at Manchester City may lead to Pep Guardiola extending his stay at the club.

    Guardiola's City sealed an unprecedented fourth Premier League title in a row on Sunday - making it six in the Spaniard's seven years in England - and could become the first side to win back-to-back doubles with victory over Manchester United in the FA Cup final on May 25.

    The 53-year-old has one more year to run on his current deal and told Match of the Day he is closer to leaving City than completing another seven years in charge.

    "I think the main thing that keeps him at City is that he has been built a club to his exact specifications and I think he can't imagine a better environment to coach in," Smith told the Monday Night Club.

    "Everything there is as Guardiola would like it to be. I don't know what other club he could possibly go and coach now.

    "If you go to one of the big teams in Europe, there's politics to deal with, there's lots of outside influences and everything's slightly chaotic. Bayern Munich just cannot find a manager, Barcelona is an endless kind of storm of politics and stuff.

    "I think he knows he's in a perfect environment. I think that's the thing that keeps him at City, he knows for what he wants to do, there's no better environment, but it's also enabled him to create this perfect vision of what he wants football to be."

    City's domination of English football under Guardiola has been criticised as damaging to the competition. However, Smith believes they are edging closer to becoming "the perfect football team".

    "I think his Barcelona teams were better to watch than this Manchester City team by quite a long way," he said. "They were much more thrilling, but they were more thrilling because they were slightly flawed.

    "You felt you could get at Barcelona. You knew they had the majesty up front but there was always that sense that you could get at them - often it was wrong.

    "This City team are a masterpiece of control and Guardiola basically every year, like a Formula One engineer has been able to say, "That bit doesn't work quite as well as it could - what about if we just do this and see what happens?".

    "He's tweaked, he's twiddled and he's fiddled and they just keep getting more refined."

    Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

  12. Time running out to pick your player of the seasonpublished at 10:00

    Alejandro Garnacho, Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo and Scott McTominay

    There are about 24 hours to go before Manchester United's player of the season vote closes.

    If you are yet to make your choice, you have until 10:00 BST on Wednesday to decide who has impressed you the most from our shortlist.

    The candidates have been chosen by United fan writer Dale O'Donnell from Stretty News, external.

    Find out the reasons behind his selections and cast your vote here

  13. 'I might be putting this up as number two or three'published at 08:24

    We're Not Really Here podcast graphic

    Presenter Natalie Pike has been discussing Manchester City's record breaking fourth successive Premier League title on the We're Not Really Here podcast: "It is definitely up there in where it ranks among our titles because I feel like the way we have played this season has been so different.

    "I've really enjoyed seeing the resilient side of Manchester City and how they have had to dig deep. To have not had Kevin de Bruyne for most of the season, to have lost Erling Haaland for parts of it means this one is definitely up there.

    "Nothing will ever beat the first one, but I might be putting this up as number two or three."

    BBC Radio Manchester commentator Mike Minay agreed, adding: "You can't take 2012 away for what it was as the first and the manner in which City won it.

    "They have had final-day drama since but having lost such key players in the summer in Ilkay Gundogan, Riyad Mahrez and Aymeric Laporte and then lose Kevin de Bruyne 23 minutes into the season for six months as one of the most influential players you will have...

    "On top of that, they lost Erling Haaland for two months and still banged in the goals. To have not lost since 6 December during a transitional season with Josko Gvardiol, Jeremy Doku, Matheus Nunes coming in, it has to be close to second, if not actually second on the list."

    Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

  14. City have overcome - is this title their best?published at 17:27 20 May

    Mike Minay
    BBC Radio Manchester reporter

    Man City expert view banner

    It is their eighth Premier League title, but the 2023-24 season has to be up there with one of Manchester City's best.

    No title is any less special - as Phil Foden said yesterday, it never gets boring.

    It is fair to say 2012 will be always significant for the manner in which it was won and the fact it was their first. Then 2018, the Centurions year broke a record as they hit 100 points. Of course 2019 and 2022 have their final day dramas too.

    But I think this season has to live strong for the fact that it never was City at their best. Injury-hampered, a change in personnel losing some really influential players in the summer and yet they still got over the line.

    I cannot recall many complete 90 minute performances from Manchester City yet they still found ways to win and when they were set back, many stepped forward.

    Lose Kevin De Bruyne, step up Phil Foden. Lose Erling Haaland, Julian Alvarez carries the mantle.

    Did Arsenal lose the title? Rodri seemed to think so in his post-match yesterday and it is hard to argue against that point. Drawing 0-0 at the Etihad in a really disappointing Arsenal performance where they failed to really challenge City was key as a win would have seen them win the league.

    But I do not think you can reflect on just one game. Since 6 December 2023 Manchester City have not lost. They stepped it up, won crucial games - including the last nine - and are deserved winners.