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Blackpool Illuminations will be switched back on next Wednesday

The iconic spectacle will burst into light once again to "bring some Christmas cheer across the town".

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 26th November 2020
Visit Blackpool

It has been confirmed this morning that Blackpool Illuminations are to officially be switched back on next Wednesday 2nd December.

The Illuminations season was extended this year to run through Christmas and New Year for the first time in history, but the world’s biggest light festival was sadly suspended “with regret” earlier this month ahead of England entering into its second national lockdown.

But now, the iconic spectacle will burst into light once again to “bring some Christmas cheer across the town” from next week.

The display is also set to return as part of a “much-enhanced winter offer” too.

This year’s Illuminations display – which has been presented under a theme of Bring On The Light – is a celebration of the unstinting work of the NHS, key workers and other outstanding individuals during the coronavirus pandemic, with the famous Golden Mile featuring a display of hearts and rainbows.

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And on top of that, this winter-themed offering will also include some new Christmas lighting displays in the town centre, and a 40ft tree in St John’s Square.

The iconic Blackpool Tower has remained lit during lockdown and will also be illuminated throughout the extension to the Illuminations season.

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The displays are also set to run nightly until 3rd January 2021.

Speaking on the return of the Blackpool Illuminations, Cllr Gillian Campbell – Cabinet Member for Tourism & Culture for Blackpool Council – said: “This is about giving our local residents some much-needed festive cheer.
 
“Months of restrictions have put a dampener on a large part of this year [and] the return of the Illuminations, complemented by a significant investment in town centre lighting, will definitely help lift the mood in the run-up to Christmas.”
 
Michael Williams – Chair of the Town Centre BID – added: “We are delighted to be supporting the new-look Christmas lights in the town centre [and] given the circumstances of this year, it is important that our town centre businesses get the best possible chance to recoup some of the losses incurred during lockdown in the run-up to Christmas.

“We encourage everyone in Blackpool to shop local and support our retailers.”

You can find more information here.

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Marcus Rashford reportedly sheds light on his future

Danny Jones Danny Jones Marcus Rashford Manchester United future transfer updates

Manchester United star and current Aston Villa loanee Marcus Rashford has reportedly shed some light on his future, i.e. whether or not it remains at Old Trafford.

Wythenshawe’s world-famous winger and England international has spent the last few months on loan at Villa after being sidelined by Man United head coach Ruben Amorim.

Since arriving in Birmingham, he’s managed to discover some of the form that made him one of the Premier League‘s most talented players and still one of the most sought-after in Europe, registering four goals and 5 assists in 16 games under new manager Unai Emery.

Having already labelled him ‘one of the world’s dangerous attackers’ before his arrival at Villa Park was confirmed, going on to insist that he is steadily “regaining confidence”, it’s clear that his new gaffer would happily keep and it seems like Rashford now feels a permanent move elsewhere might suit him.

While BBC Sport’s Simon Stone reported that Rashford is “not in any hurry” to decide where he goes next, the football writer and reliable transfer source did note that the 27-year-old at least “feels it is unlikely he will play for Manchester United again under Ruben Amorim.”

It is thought that the Portuguese ex-midfielder and former Sporting CP boss had taken issue with Rashford over his effort levels in training and application in games, the suggestion being that the lifelong Red Devil wasn’t quite buying into his ideas.

As a result, Stone goes on to add that “while his United contract is due to run until 2028, and it is not completely out of the question Rashford might return, sources close to the player do not see an obvious way back into the Old Trafford fold.”

Not unlike the situation between Erik ten Hag and Jadon Sancho, with the fellow forward being ousted from the squad following a fall-out, leadership might prove a similar obstacle in this case as well.

That being said, and given the fact that Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS are looking to build around their new manager as opposed to starting from square one yet again, a reconciliation between Amorim and Rashford would be required. Given how much he’s enjoying his football at Villa, it seems doubtful.

What little we do know regarding Rashford‘s future is that he looks to have ruled out a move to London and would prefer to settle at a team playing Champions League football, with Aston Villa in with a strong chance of finishing in the European places once again.

Villa are said to have an option buy clause worth around £40 million; other continental clubs said to still be interested in his signature include Barcelona and PSG.

Meanwhile, Rashford staying or going could also play into how aggressively United pursue a potential deal for Matheus Cunha, who incidentally also wears the number 10.

You can watch the highlights from Rashford’s last game against familiar rivals Manchester City, in which he grabbed yet another goal for Villa, down below. He could have had two, were it not for the post…

Do you think Rashford should try and make a Villa move permanent, return home or look elsewhere?

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Featured Images — Loco Steve (via Flickr)/Aston Villa (screenshot via YouTube)

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Manchester United reportedly leading the race for Matheus Cunha after multiple ‘hints’

Danny Jones Danny Jones

Manchester United may have come crashing back down to reality after their 1-0 loss at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday, but they may have left with a consolation prize as multiple so-called ‘hints’ and the latest transfer rumours have it that Matheus Cunha is in their sights.

Cunha has been one of the best players in a struggling Wolves side over the past couple of seasons and was one of the most effective on the pitch once again as the visitors did the double over Man United for the first time since 1979/80.

It may have been an impressive free kick from Pablo Sarabia that got Vitor Pereira’s squad over the line after the home team missed a number of chances in front of goal, but many fans felt it was somewhat of a second audition for Cunha, who scored and assisted for both goals in the reverse fixture.

Notwithstanding his latest performance, if you’re inclined to believe the latest transfer rumblings from reliable sources such as Fabrizio Romano and The Athletic, it sounds like United are pushing hard for Matheus Cunha already and that the signs are looking promising.

Even prior to Stockport-born United journalist Laurie Whitwell’s report on Tuesday morning, numerous outlets were quick to hop on what is becoming an increasingly intriguing saga.

Transfer expert Romano had already claimed that there were “good feelings” following early contact between the two clubs, noting that discussions around personal terms are underway with United fully aware that Cunha will have plenty of suitors given his relatively reasonable release clause in this climate.

Speaking on his YouTube Channel, the Italian reporter went on to insist that the club are now leading the race and pushing hard to get a deal done early, adding that a source has told him there “great connection” between all interested parties.

Cunha, 25, was also at the centre of a mini media storm of his own making earlier this month too, after sharing an Instagram post which read: “Time to be happy. I will follow my dreams and yours… So stay cool.” It was deleted shortly after.

Romano also went on to state that “the feeling between Matheus Cunha and Ruben Amorim is excellent”, with supporters from both clubs spotting that the fellow Portuguese speaker was quick to put his arm around the Wolves number 10 once again after the full-time whistle.

Whether or not the Man United head coach was putting in his own additional effort to try and tap up Cunha or at least bend his ear on the situation, only time will tell, but it seems with the microscope fully on the Brazilian attacking midfielder, virtually everything he does is being closely scrutinised.

For instance, other eagle-eyed fans noticed that the former Red Bull Leipzig star and Olympic gold medallist did something rather intriguing when walking out onto the pitch at Old Trafford before kick-off this past weekend.

Make of that what you will…

The fact that he was spotted not just waving and acknowledging supporters both before and after the game, but even stopping to take pictures outside Old Trafford, has also added fuel to the fire.

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All evidence appears to point towards transfer and player contract talks already progressing, even if they are still in their early stages, and there seems to be a belief that Cunha himself would be keen on the move, especially with Wolves lingering just above the drop zone.

More crucially, however, how the INEOS leadership group will finance a potential move given Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s recent revelations about the club’s financial state is another obstacle entirely.

At the very least, it’s clear that there will need to be outgoings in order for Man United to undergo any real activity in the upcoming summer transfer window.

The question is, would you like to see Cunha swap ‘old gold’ for red?

You can watch the highlights from the defeat at Old Trafford down here.

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — Sky Sports (screenshots via YouTube)/Bex Walton (via Flickr)

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