Manchester United managers of past and present Sir Alex Ferguson and Erik ten Hag were pictured having dinner together ahead of a crucial few days for the club.
Snapped on Tuesday night, Sir Alex and ten Hag looked to be enjoying an intimate conversation over a meal and a glass of wine in Cibo, Wilmslow and, much to the delight, it just so happened to be right around the time Liverpool were being battered 5-2 by Real Madrid in the Champions League.
‘Dessert’, if you will.
With United set to face Barcelona in the decisive second leg of their Europa League tie on Thursday evening, not to mention the Carabao Cup final against Newcastle on Sunday, it’s safe to say they won’t have struggled for conversation topics.
With plenty of fans dying to know what the two discussed during the intimate meeting, social media has obviously lapped the picture up.
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Moreover, being shared just hours before ten Hag was set to face the media ahead of the Barcelona game, reporters wasted no time in quizzing the Dutchman on what Sir Alex had to say.
Responding to what it’s like to have such clear support from the United and football legend, he said: “It is massive [to have his support]. I always enjoy speaking with people who have a lot of knowledge, a lot of experience. He wants to share it, he wants to help and support.
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Oh, to be a fly on the wall.
🗣 "I always enjoy it, to speak with people who have a lot of knowledge, a lot of experience."
As you can see, as well as describing it as a “great night” and opportunity to sit down and absorb wisdom from one of the greatest football managers of all time, he went on to add that “you feel Manchester United is his club” and he “look[s] forward to the next night with him”.
As for his answers regarding the first of his two massive games ahead and the credit he’s received for the Reds’ rejuvenation thus far, “it’s not about credit, it’s about trophies. We have the opportunity but the first focus point is always the next game and in [the Europa League] we can’t win a trophy this week…
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“Every day we want to give a better version of ourselves and when you face such big teams as Barcelona, you have to play your best… tomorrow we have to give our best performance of the season”.
Can they advance to the next round in Europe and pick up their first piece of silverware since 2017 in the next few days?
Featured Image — Oliver Critchlow/Manchester United (via Twitter)
Sport
Alex Sanderson summons Rudyard Kipling as Sale Sharks scrape into the semi-finals
Danny Jones
Director of Rugby Alex Sanderson referenced the famous Rudyard Kipling after Sale Sharks managed to book their place in the playoffs of this year’s Gallagher Premiership following a nail-biter of a fixture against Exeter Chiefs.
The Sharks sealed their spot in the semi-finals with a 30-26 win over the Chiefs on Saturday night, with a trio of tries, a singular pen and calmness when it came to conversions proving just enough to make it to full time.
Speaking on the narrow score at Sandy Park, Sanderson himself applauded that same composure during his post-match duties, casually quoting Kipling ahead of the next big game.
Writing on social media after nerves had just about settled, the club simply said: “Apologies for raising the heart rate, Sharks Family… but Saturday we go again.”
Beginning with an expression of that same defiant spirit that has seen them across the line on so many occasions, the 45-year-old told TNT Sports, “We got another Monday in us.”
The Sale Sharks coach went on to add: “So if you can keep your head, when everybody else is losing theirs – I think that’s the old Rudyard Kipling poem – you’re in such a better place on the back of that, knowing what we can fix from the Leicester game and what we can do better from today.”
It’s not every day you hear sportsmen calling up the poetic words of the beloved British-India writer, but it certainly impressed plenty of supporters, though Sanderson has always been popular among fans for his candour and charisma in interviews.
Ultimately, it was Rekeiti Ma’asi-White, Bevan Rodd, Luke Cowan-Dickie and George Ford that the Greater Manchester outfit had to thank for the electrifying finish
You can see how much it meant, clear as day…
Not done yet…
Thank you for your support Sharks Family, it’s truly appreciated!
Sale Sharks will now take on Leicester Tigers (who the local side finished just behind in third place following the result against the Chiefs) in the Premiership semis as they look to get revenge for previous painful meetings
Are you feeling hopeful, Sharks Family?
You can see the full highlights from Sale Sharks’ tense victory over the Exeter Chiefs down below.
Alex Sanderson channelled Rudyard Kipling and Sale scrapped like true Sharks.
Luxury Manchester gym Blok confirms permanent closure after weeks of uncertainty
Daisy Jackson
Blok Manchester has announced its permanent closure, weeks after the doors to the premium fitness facility mysteriously closed.
Around a fortnight ago, members began to arrive to their classes to find the gym on Ducie Street locked up and a forfeiture notice on the door – but at the time, Blok said that it was fighting to reopen.
Sadly, in an email sent to members today, its founder has confirmed that the studio is now permanently closed.
Blok – which has several very successful sites down in London – said that its relationship with its landlord has ‘broken down to a point where trust has been lost’.
The gym wrote that it’s been left with ‘no workable way forward’.
They said: “BLOK Manchester was a space built by our loyal and dedicated community. Whether you joined us for one class or one hundred, we are deeply grateful. You helped create something genuinely special in an incredible city.”
In the immediate future, they said they’ll be supporting the team of fantastic trainers who worked here, as well as looking after members.
Members will be contacted within a few hours with options and refunds owed.
Blok Manchester has announced its permanent closure. Credit: The Manc Group
CEO and founder Ed Stanbury said: “While this marks the end of a chapter, we don’t see it as the end of our story in Manchester. We’re already speaking with developers about potential future sites and remain committed to returning to the city when the time is right.
“Thank you for being part of our story so far. Let’s shape the future of wellness. The mission continues.”
Commenting on Blok’s Instagram post – its first in almost a fortnight – people have been sharing their sadness at the closure of its Manchester site.
One person wrote: “beautiful space, beautiful staff and beautiful community.”
Another said: “Sending love to all the instructors !! :(((( gutted”
Someone else commented: “THE BEST CLASSES. I’m gutted.”
Danny Jones -
22nd February 2023 
