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The Mancunian Way: Desperate for a winPLUS World Cup in Manchester? AND The Boss takes down Trump…againNewsBeth Abbit Mancunian Way newsletter editor09:00, 22 May 2025Hello, Those of you who

powered through the Great Manchester Run last weekend are no doubt still nursing your blisters and aching calves. Sympathy and respect to you all.

Friends of mine who took part promised they would cross the finish line together, holding hands. But at the final ten yards, my mate was imbued with an intense sense of competition and

suddenly mustered all her strength to zip past her partner.

‌ “My ankles were completely shot but I was suddenly desperate for a win. I’ll trip him up next time,” she boasted, later.

‌(Image: Jason Roberts /Manchester Evening News) Those of you who took part can look for yourselves cheering and waving - or elbowing loved ones out of the way - in our gallery here.

While we’re on the subject of sport, can you see our city hosting World Cup matches? It’s an ambition of Andy Burnham, who wants the new Old Trafford to be ready for such an event within the

next decade.

Article continues below The mayor says games for the FIFA Women’s World Cup could be hosted ‘at a rebuilt Old Trafford’ stadium in 2035, essentially putting Manchester United on a 10-year

deadline.

Old Trafford(Image: Getty Images) Both the government and Mr Burnham’s Greater Manchester Combined Authority have ruled out giving public money for the project - but leaders hope to build a

new neighbourhood around the arena by spending taxpayer cash on new infrastructure.

‌ As a comparison, thousands of homes, a retail park, a public park, an indoor arena and food and drink spots have opened in the capital since 18 years since ‘new Wembley’ opened.

Could a similar set up be coming to Manchester? Local democracy reporter Ethan Davies has the answers.

The Boss in My Hometown Bruce Fever has swept Manchester in recent days.

‌ Bruce Springsteen has certainly made an impact during his short stay in the city, during which he took over the entirety of the 40-bedroom Stock Exchange Hotel.

Die-hard fans camped outside the Grade II listed hotel in the hope of catching a glimpse or a photo with the Glory Days star.

Bruce Springsteen springs onto his car to greet a crowd of adoring fans outside his Manchester hotel the Stock Exchange, before being whisked off to his Co-op Live gig on Tuesday, May

20.(Image: @HeShootsTheyScore)‌ And they were in luck as The Boss sprang onto the side of a car to greet them yesterday afternoon. The 75-year-old jumped onto his limo to wave to fans and

shake hands before being whisked over to Co-op Live ready to entertain 23,000 fans on Tuesday night. And as our chief reporter Neal Keeling admits, his performance made ‘even Salford's

toughest weep’.

During his three-night run at Manchester’s newest music venue, Springsteen took the opportunity to lampoon US President Donald Trump, who later retorted by calling the superstar an

‘obnoxious jerk’.

Bruce has been spotted around Greater Manchester and beyond, including on a visit to Marks & Spencer and Selfridges, a stroll at Heaton Park and a meal out with his actor pal Stephen Graham

in Huddersfield.

‌ And he stunned staff when he popped into Stockport recording studio. In fact, owner Martin King had to race 300 miles back home from holiday after getting a call on Sunday telling him the

veteran rocker was there.

“What made me laugh is I asked him if I could take some photos with him and I just haven’t got the technology skills to take a selfie, I couldn’t get it to work, and he said to me with a

smile on his face, ‘Let me do it, I’m good at these’”,” Martin said.

‌ You can read that story here.

Put yer money where yer mouth is(Image: Simon Emmett) Oasis fans are expected to spend an eye-watering £766.22 on average on tickets, travel, accommodation and merchandise for the Live ’25

reunion tour.

‌ That’s according to Barclays’ Wonderwallets research, which predicts a total spend of £1.06 billion over the course of the14-date UK tour.

That exceeds the £997m that Barclays estimated would be spent on the UK legs of Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour in 2024.

What’s On editor Jenna Campbell has the details here.

‌Not-to-be-missed While we’re on the subject of Liam and Noel, we can report that a guitar signed by the Gallagher brothers will form part of a major city centre event this summer.

‘Music for the Senses' will host a not-to-be-missed guitar-led takeover with guitar-themed artworks, exhibitions and other installations on Manchester’s streets and squares from July 7 to 31

August.

You can read about it here.

‌The Stone Roses have served as inspiration for the trail too(Image: Sean Hansford | Manchester Evening News)'I dreamt of working this job for years’ North west nurses are debating sanctions

against those who attack NHS staff.

It follows horror stories of workers getting abused 'on a daily basis'.

‌ Our health reporter Helena Vesty has been speaking to Karen - a nurse who attended a Royal College of Nursing conference on the issues - about the realities of the job.

(Image: PA) "I've been punched in the head numerous times,” the mental health nurse said. "While working as a nurse I've also been bitten in the head, I was then asked if I really had to go

to A&E because it would leave the ward short-staffed.

‌ "I've been intimidated, pushed and shoved by both patients and their families. I've been told by one patient that they would 'quite happily kill me'. I have scratches all over my body. I

am verbally, physically, racially assaulted on a daily basis."

You can read Helena’s illuminating piece here.

Headlines Warning: Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust has been issued an urgent warning from the health and care watchdog after an inspection of its hospital wards. It was visited by the Care

Quality Commission (CQC) following safety concerns from whistleblowers and people using the units between June and October 2024. Details here.

‌ Investigation: Vile anti-Jewish graffiti is being covered with kindness and love in a welcome community stand against the evil of racism. Police are investigating multiple reports around

the Kings Road and Bury Old Road areas of Prestwich, in Bury, over the weekend. More here.

Pay: Salford city mayor Paul Dennett could pocket £98,000 a year if councillors approve plans to raise their allowances. An independent panel has proposed a £1,200 uplift to bring basic

allowances for councillors in Salford up to £14,000 a year from the current rate of £12,790. Mr Dennett is paid seven times the basic allowance, so would earn the £98,000 sum if the panel’s

recommendation is voted through during a council meeting on May 21. More here.

Tents: Homeless tents have been put up in Stockport opposite the town hall. Two blue tents have appeared on Edward Street outside the offices of Stockport Homes, a social housing landlord

managing properties on behalf of the council. Details here.

‌Weather Thursday: Overcast changing to sunny by lunchtime. 18C.

Roads: A572 St Helens Road southbound, Leigh, closed due to roadworks from A578 Twist Lane to Bonnywell Road. Until June 30.

A6 Chapel Street westbound, Salford, closed due to long-term roadworks from A6041 Blackfriars Road to A34 New Bailey Street. Until January 19.

‌Worth a readNational Highways North West control centre feature Inside a bustling hub off the M6 near Newton-le-Willows is a 24-hour control room that never sleeps; with huge screens

displaying the north west's busy road network in real-time.

James Holt visited the hub to speak to the people keeping our roads safe.

Article continues below You can read his fascinating piece here.