Sport

Marcus Rashford becomes youngest person to receive honorary doctorate from the University of Manchester

Rashford becomes just the third Man Utd representative to receive the award - following in the footsteps of Sir Alex Ferguson and Sir Bobby Charlton.

The Manc The Manc - 15th July 2020
Wikimedia Commons

Marcus Rashford is set to become the youngest recipient of an honorary doctorate from the University of Manchester later this summer.

The Manchester United striker, 22, is being recognised for both his achievements in sport and ongoing campaign to combat child poverty – which resulted in the extension of free school meals for children throughout summer.

Rashford becomes just the third Old Trafford representative to receive the award – following in the footsteps of Sir Alex Ferguson and Sir Bobby Charlton.

It is the highest honour the university can provide.

Rashford said he was “very humbled” by the gesture, with university President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell calling him an “extraordinary young man.”

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The striker took a moment on Twitter to share his gratitude, before sharing an article that revealed kids eligible for free school meals may be blocked from benefitting from other voucher schemes.

“We still have a long way to go…”, tweeted Rashford.

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The footballer’s fight to help children from low-income backgrounds is seemingly far from over.

He’ll still be battling on. Only now, he’ll be armed with an honorary degree.

Sport

Etihad Stadium showcases City Hall, the new beating heart of Manchester City match days 

Lonnie Bowes Lonnie Bowes Etihad Stadium showcases City Hall, the new beating heart of Manchester City match days 

There’s a particular kind of Manchester buzz you only get pitch-side. If you’re a seasoned Cityzen this one’s for you – one of three major new hospitality options for your next game day at the Etihad Stadium. 

Tucked in the heart of the new Pep Guardiola Stand, directly behind the goal, we have the brand-new City Hall.

City Hall is built for people who actually want to watch football in comfort, and with a massive 500 capacity hall a stone’s throw from the pitch, it’s a hard one to pass up.

Doors open a full two hours before the match, and that early access turns the day into an occasion rather than a scramble.

There’s time to properly soak up the atmosphere in what is a genuinely lively, buzzing bar, and I have to say potentially one of the best I’ve come across on a match day.

Food and drink are where the local flavour really comes through. The street food menu leans into Manchester’s own identity with a modern twist. 

The catering is relaxed and doesn’t take itself too seriously, let’s just say having a chip barm and chicken madras pie on the run-up to a kick-off is my idea of heaven.

Inside City Hall at the Etihad Stadium
Inside City Hall at the Etihad Stadium

Every guest gets an inclusive drink as part of your booking, too. You get to pick from a selected wine, beer or soft drink which you can claim at any point during your visit.

It’s a setup that suits everyone, whether you’re in it for a proper pre-match pint with your mates or meal with your family before a day of making pitch side memories.

The little touches matter too. A matchday programme is a nice, old-school addition in an era where so much matchday content has gone digital. 

And crucially, the experience doesn’t end at the final whistle: with an hour’s access after the match, there’s no need to bolt for the exits the second the referee blows for full-time. You can sit and finish your drink, and let the ground empty out around you instead of fighting through it.

Put it all together and City Hall feels like hospitality done with an actual sense of place. 

Manchester street food, a proper buzzing bar, and one of the best seats in the house, all wrapped around a schedule that respects the fact that match day is about more than just the 90 minutes. 

For anyone looking to upgrade how they watch City this season, it’s well worth a look.

Have a look and make a booking at City Hall at the Etihad Stadium HERE. 

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Featured image: The Manc Group

Sport

The road to the Super League Grand Final at Old Trafford has been confirmed

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson The road to the Super League Grand Final at Old Trafford has been confirmed. Credit: Olly Hassell/SWpix.com

The road to one of the biggest nights in rugby league has officially been mapped out, with the 2026 Betfred Super League Grand Final set to return to Manchester’s Old Trafford this October.

Following the final round of regular-season action, the four play-off ties have now been confirmed as the battle for a place at the home of Manchester United enters its final stages.

And there’s plenty for Greater Manchester sports fans to get excited about.

Wigan Warriors have secured the League Leaders’ Shield after an emphatic 50-12 victory over Catalans Dragons, with Matt Peet’s side running in nine tries to finish top of the table.

The result keeps Wigan’s hopes of an incredible treble alive, having already lifted the Betfred Challenge Cup back in May.

They’ll now have a week off while the opening play-off ties take place, as will second-placed Leeds Rhinos.

The first eliminator sees Wakefield Trinity welcome Leigh Leopards on Friday 18 September, with kick-off at 8pm.

Then, on Saturday 19 September, Warrington Wolves take on Hull KR at 5.30pm.

The winners of those games will progress to the semi-finals, while the losing sides will face the two highest-ranked teams in the competition.

The road to the Super League Grand Final at Old Trafford has been confirmed. Credit: Simon Wilkinson/SWpix.com
The road to the Super League Grand Final at Old Trafford has been confirmed. Credit: Simon Wilkinson/SWpix.com

Leeds will host the highest-ranked eliminator loser on Friday 25 September at 8pm.

Then, 24 hours later, Wigan will welcome the lowest-ranked loser to the Brick Community Stadium for their semi-final, with that one kicking off at 5.30pm on Saturday 26 September.

For Wigan, it represents a huge opportunity to take another step towards an historic treble – and ultimately a return to Old Trafford.

The Grand Final itself takes place on Saturday 3 October, with the action getting underway at 6pm.

As ever, the biggest prize in Super League will be decided under the lights at Old Trafford, with the two remaining sides battling it out in front of what is expected to be another huge crowd in Manchester.

The full play-off schedule

  • Friday 18 September: Wakefield Trinity v Leigh Leopards – 8pm, Sky Sports
  • Saturday 19 September: Warrington Wolves v Hull KR – 5.30pm, BBC Sport and Sky Sports
  • Friday 25 September: Leeds Rhinos v highest-ranked eliminator loser – 8pm, Sky Sports
  • Saturday 26 September: Wigan Warriors v lowest-ranked eliminator loser – 5.30pm, BBC Sport and Sky Sports
  • Saturday 3 October: Betfred Super League Grand Final, Old Trafford – 6pm, Sky Sports

So, with just three weeks standing between the play-off opener and the Grand Final, the race for Old Trafford is officially on.

And for Wigan, there’s potentially one more piece of silverware standing between them and a remarkable treble.

Tickets are available HERE.

Featured image: Supplied, Olly Hassell/SWpix.com

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