Weeks don’t come much better for Liverpool football club.
Not only have our Merseyside neighbours whisked Man City off their throne to become Premier League champions for the first time in their history, they’ve also usurped Man Utd as the most popular club in British football.
After analysing data from around the world via Google Trends, football price comparison site Footy.com discovered that Jurgen Klopp’s side have amassed an enormous global backing that’s turned them into the world’s new favourite team.
A silver lining for the Old Trafford faithful, however, is that United have still enjoyed the most interest out of any English side over a longer timeframe of ten years.
The following table shows the popularity of each Prem club over the last decade, ranked across different continents around the world:
Footy.com spokesperson Ben Hyde said: “As you can imagine, Manchester United’s place on the top spot is to be expected, given their dominance of the Premier League during the Fergie era.
“However, the club does appear to have fallen from grace somewhat since Alex Ferguson’s retirement back in 2013.
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“When you look specifically at the stats from more recent years, Manchester United’s popularity seems to be fading. In fact, in 2019, Liverpool overtook United as the most popular Premier League team worldwide.”
The image below shows the figures from 2019 – showing how Liverpool have toppled United to take the “most popular” trophy award to go along with their shiny new Premier League medals.
Reflecting on the data, Ben says: “This is perhaps unsurprising given Liverpool’s Champions League success last summer.
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“However, Manchester United fans will be frustrated to see yet more evidence that their team is continuing to fall further behind their historic rivals.”
Is this the beginning of a new chapter in Premier League football where Merseyside rule supreme?
Mancunians, red and blue, are praying hard that isn’t the case…
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Police appeal as woman left in ‘critical condition’ after falling off bridge into River Irwell
Emily Sergeant
A police appeal for information has been issued after a woman has been left in a critical condition after falling off a bridge.
The incident took place at Burrs Country Park in Bury.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) explained that, at around 6:30am yesterday morning (3 December), officers were called to a concern for welfare where a woman was reported on the wrong side of the bridge at the Country Park.
The woman, who has not been named, subsequently fell into the River Irwell and is now in a critical condition.
She was been taken to hospital, where she is currently being treated for her injuries, and at this time, police say there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the incident.
#APPEAL | Officers are appealing for information after a woman has fell into the River Irwell at Burrs Country Park, #Bury at around 6:30am this morning.
There are no suspicious circumstances.
Any info? Call us on 101 quoting log 522 of 03/12/25.
With an investigation currently ongoing and proceeding at pace, GMP are now appealing to the public for help.
If you’re not familiar with Burrs Country Park, it’s located just one mile north west of Bury town centre and lies on the River Irwell, covering an area of 36 hectares of scenic countryside – with wide variety of different wildlife habitats and spots for outdoor activities.
Police are appealing for anyone with any information to come forward, and this includes any witnesses, or anyone who may have CCTV or dashcam footage.
Can you help? You can contact GMP on 101, quoting log 522 of 03/12/2025, or the LiveChat function online at www.gmp.police.uk.
Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Featured Image – Wikimedia Commons
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Manchester Christmas Parade 2025 – all you need to know-ho-ho
Danny Jones
Now we’re into December, the Manchester Christmas Markets have returned both to the city and even to Albert Square for 2025, not to mention it’s bloody COLD, we think it’s fair to say the holiday season is well and truly underway – plus, the annual parade is now just around the corner.
Time to wrap up warm, pick your perfect spot, grab a hot drink and watch as a train of coloured ribbons and giant puppets flood the streets.
Yes, that’s right: not only can Mancs enjoy the return of the festive firework display this winter, but this year’s Christmas parade is taking place this weekend, and the fun-for-all-ages event is promising to be as magical as ever.
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the 2025 edition.
We managed to catch it right at the start last year. (Credit: The Manc)
MCR Christmas Parade 2025 – all the important info
When is the Manchester Xmas Parade this year?
For starters, if you’re wondering what time the Manchester Christmas Parade starts this weekend, the fun will be kicking off from 1pm on Sunday, 7 December and will last around an hour from start to finish.
MCR Xmas Parade route
As for where it will be heading and when, the procession will follow a circular route that starts and ends back at Manchester Cathedral, before heading through the city centre, running along some major roads and passing notable landmarks.
It is as follows: Manchester Cathedral – Victoria Street – Deansgate – John Dalton Street – Cross Street – Market Street – St Mary’s Gate – Deansgate – Victoria Street – Manchester Cathedral.
There will be two accessible viewing areas available on a first-come basis – one on Cross St (outside Boots) and one on Deansgate (outside House of Fraser).
You can see a full map of the Manchester Christmas Parade route for 2025 down below.
Credit: Manchester City Council (supplied)
People coming into the city centre for the parade should note that the busiest sections of the parade route are likely to be previously mentioned Cross St and St Mary’s Gate.
Manchester city centre road closures for Sunday (7 Dec)
8am-5pm
Victoria Street (Deansgate to Cathedral Approach)
Cateaton Street (Deansgate to Exchange Square)
11am-3pm
Victoria Bridge Street (Chapel St to Deansgate)
Deansgate (Victoria St to John Dalton St)
John Dalton Street (Southgate to Clarence St)
Cross Street (John Dalton St to Corporation St)
Market Street (Cross St to Exchange St)
St Mary’s Gate (Exchange St to Deansgate)
11am-6pm
St Ann’s Street (Deansgate to Cross St)
As well as the city now having entered what is expected to be one of its busiest periods, it’s also worth reminding that the Metrolink tram service is scheduled for more strikes this weekend, so plan accordingly when heading into town.
It’s also worth noting that these closures will obviously affect parking and bus lanes, as well as some trams and taxi ranks.
There are, of course, always new additions each year, and there’s more never-before-seen content coming for 2025, too.
With even more community groups now taking part than ever, the completely free, family-friendly parade will not only be led by the usual ‘Reindeer Ensemble’ – a talented troupe of eight synchronised dancing reindeer – but a new fantastic ‘Festive Fantasy Candyland Castle’.
Think Christmas meets Willy Wonka, meets Sugar Rush from Wreck-It Ralph and more.
Standing more than four metres tall and surrounded by a giant cavalcade of stilt walkers and dancers, the spectacularly decorated castle slowly rotates as it glides along and is sure to be a particularly must-see moment for the youngsters this year.
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Credit: Supplied)
We’re not going to spoil too much else for you this year, as we always find it’s more fun to be surprised by what we see whilst stopping roadside.
Let’s just say there’ll be plenty more Christmassy characters and fantastical festivities in store.
Local councillor Pat Karney, Christmas spokesperson for MCC, said of the 2025 parade: “Manchester is one hundred per cent the best city in the world when it comes to celebrating the festive season.
“There is nowhere that does Christmas quite like we do, and our iconic Christmas Parade has been a big part of our celebrations over the last three years, helping make magical memories for thousands upon thousands of Mancunians.
“It’s the heartwarming event of the season and our special Christmas gift to the city. Grab your Santa hat and some tinsel, and come down and join us. Don’t miss it!” There’s plenty more on this week, too…
The Manc -
26th June 2020 
