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Revolutionising Business Efficiency: Top Strategies for Success

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Revolutionising Business Efficiency: Top Strategies for Success

Efficiency is not just a goal—it’s a necessity for survival and growth. Businesses in Manchester and across the UK are constantly seeking ways to streamline operations, reduce waste, and enhance productivity, all while maintaining the highest standards of service and product quality. This guide explores practical steps to improve efficiency within your business, from harnessing technology to refining operational processes.

Embrace Technological Solutions

The first step towards improving efficiency is often through the adoption of technology. Innovative software and automation can revolutionise how tasks are performed, significantly reducing the time and resources required.

Implementing Technology:

  • Automation Software: Automate repetitive tasks such as invoicing, payroll, and customer emails. This not only speeds up processes but also reduces the risk of human error.
  • Project Management Tools: Utilise project management software to keep track of deadlines, assign tasks, and monitor progress. These tools can be a major time-saver and can reduce stress too.
  • Cloud Computing: Adopt cloud services for data storage and application hosting. This facilitates easier access to information, supports remote work, and often offers more scalable and cost-effective solutions than traditional IT infrastructure.

Streamline Communication Channels

Efficient communication is vital to the smooth operation of any business. Streamlining how information is shared among team members, departments, and with clients can drastically reduce delays and misunderstandings.

Improving Communication:

  • Consolidate Communication Platforms: Reduce confusion and inefficiency by adopting a unified communication platform that integrates instant messaging, video calls, and document sharing.
  • Establish Clear Protocols: Define clear communication protocols, including when to use email versus instant messaging and how to document decisions.
  • Encourage Open Feedback: Foster an environment where employees feel comfortable providing feedback on communication practices. This can lead to continuous improvement and more effective information exchange.

Look At Your Warehouse Management

For businesses that deal with physical products, warehouse management is a critical area where efficiency gains can have a direct impact on customer satisfaction and the bottom line.

Optimising Warehouse Operations:

  • Adopt a Warehouse Management System (WMS): Implementing a WMS can dramatically improve inventory tracking, reduce errors in order fulfilment, and streamline the picking and packing process. Streamline your business with a warehouse management system like the Korber WMS and you’ll see results very quickly. The team at Balloon One can help you to find the perfect solution for your business.
  • Review Layout and Organisation: Regularly assess the layout of your warehouse to ensure it is optimised for efficient workflow. This may involve reorganising storage areas to minimise travel time and streamline restocking.
  • Invest in Training: Ensure that staff are properly trained on warehouse procedures and the use of any relevant technology. Skilled workers can perform their tasks more quickly and accurately, contributing to overall efficiency.

Enhance Employee Training And Development

Investing in your workforce through targeted training and development programs is essential for maintaining a high level of efficiency. Well-trained employees are not only more productive but also better equipped to identify areas for improvement in their day-to-day tasks.

Key Strategies for Workforce Empowerment:

  • Identify Skills Gaps: Skills gaps are a major issue in the UK at the moment. Regularly assess the skills and knowledge of your workforce to identify areas where additional training could enhance efficiency.
  • Offer Continuous Learning Opportunities: Create a culture of continuous improvement by offering access to training sessions, workshops, and online courses that can help employees stay current with industry trends and technologies.
  • Encourage Knowledge Sharing: Facilitate platforms or meetings where employees can share best practices and learn from each other’s experiences. This can lead to innovative solutions and process improvements.

Monitor And Improve Processes Continuously

The quest for efficiency is ongoing. Implementing a system for continuous monitoring and improvement of business processes ensures that your operations remain as streamlined as possible.

Implementing a Cycle of Improvement:

  • Adopt Lean Principles: Use lean methodologies to identify and eliminate waste in your processes. This can include unnecessary steps that do not add value to the customer or the business.
  • Use Process Mapping: Map out all key processes to visualise where bottlenecks or inefficiencies occur. This can highlight areas ripe for optimisation.
  • Embrace Feedback Loops: Implement feedback mechanisms that allow employees to report issues or suggest improvements. This frontline insight can be invaluable for enhancing efficiency.

Prioritise Customer Feedback For Service Improvement

Listening to your customers is not just good practice for customer service; it can also be a powerful tool for improving business efficiency. Customer feedback can provide direct insights into where your processes may be lacking and what aspects of your product or service could be streamlined.

Leveraging Customer Insights:

  • Implement Structured Feedback Systems: Use surveys, feedback forms, and social media monitoring to gather customer opinions and experiences systematically.
  • Analyse Feedback for Actionable Insights: Regularly review the feedback to identify common themes or issues that could indicate inefficiencies in your service or product delivery.
  • Integrate Changes Responsively: Act on the feedback by implementing changes where necessary. This not only improves efficiency but also boosts customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Cultivate A Flexible Work Environment

Flexibility in work arrangements can significantly contribute to business efficiency, and there has been new legislation designed to protect it. By allowing employees to work in environments that best suit their productivity preferences, businesses can tap into higher levels of performance and job satisfaction.

Promoting Workplace Flexibility:

  • Consider Remote Work Options: Where possible, offer employees the option to work remotely. This can reduce commuting time, lower office maintenance costs, and increase employee satisfaction.
  • Implement Flexible Hours: Allowing flexible working hours can help employees work at times when they are most productive, further improving efficiency.
  • Invest in Communication Tools: Ensure that your team has access to effective communication and collaboration tools that support flexible working arrangements without compromising on productivity.

Invest In Quality Control Systems

Maintaining high quality in your products or services is essential for minimising waste, reducing rework, and avoiding the costs associated with dissatisfied customers. Implementing robust quality control systems can help ensure that your business operates efficiently by getting things right the first time.

Ensuring Consistent Quality:

  • Adopt Quality Management Standards: Consider implementing recognised quality management frameworks, such as ISO 9001, to systematise quality control processes.
  • Use Technology to Aid Inspection and Monitoring: Leverage technology solutions for real-time monitoring and analysis of production quality, identifying issues before they become costly problems.
  • Train Employees in Quality Assurance: Ensure that all employees understand their role in maintaining quality standards and are trained in identifying and addressing quality issues.

Foster Innovation And Adaptability

In a rapidly changing business environment, the ability to innovate and adapt quickly to new challenges, technologies, and market trends is crucial for maintaining operational efficiency. Encouraging a culture of innovation can lead to more efficient processes, products, and services.

Encouraging a Forward-Thinking Culture:

  • Promote a Safe Space for Idea Sharing: Create an environment where employees feel encouraged to propose new ideas without fear of criticism or failure.
  • Implement Fast Prototyping and Feedback Loops: When new ideas arise, quickly prototype, and test these concepts, gathering feedback to refine and improve.
  • Stay Informed on Industry Trends: Regularly research and discuss the latest trends in your industry. Being aware of potential disruptors and innovations allows you to adapt and integrate new practices that can improve efficiency.

Real Madrid v Man City: Rudiger excited to face Haaland in Champions League quarter-final

Ben Miller
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Real Madrid v Man City: Rudiger excited to face Haaland in Champions League quarter-final

Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger has spoken of his anticipation for taking on Premier League top scorer Erling Haaland when the Liga leaders host Manchester City in the first leg of the Uefa Champions League quarter-finals on Tuesday.

Haaland’s six goals make him the leading marksman in this season’s competition alongside Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane, Atletico Madrid’s Antoine Griezmann and Paris St-Germain’s Kylian Mbappe, having made one less appearance than his fellow top-scorers.

“I’m really looking forward to the duel with him,” said Rudiger. “He’s obviously a great forward. You dream about these games.

“It’s amazing to be a part of this. Against Erling Haaland or whoever… they have a lot of great players, not just Haaland.”

Read our other football news stories here:
Manchester United 2-2 Liverpool: Reds relinquish control of title race
Ten Hag has mixed emotions after draw
IPL 2024: Chennai Super Kings v Kolkata Knight Riders – preview, free bets and offers

Rudiger was part of the Chelsea side who beat City in the 2021 Champions League final, more than a year before Haaland joined the Cityzens from Borussia Dortmund.

The 31-year-old does not see parallels between his former team and the most successful competitors in the history of the Champions League.

“With all due respect to every other club I’ve played for – and they were also big clubs – I don’t think you can compare them to Real Madrid,” he said, having also represented Roma and Stuttgart.

“They’ve won 14 [titles]. It’s always about winning the Champions League here – you don’t have to say it. You feel the pressure, of course. I experienced it for the first time last year.”

Madrid v City ‘all about winning’

Madrid drew 1-1 at home to City in the first leg of the semi-final between the teams last season but their title defence came to a forgettable end when they lost the return match 4-0.

“You have to be ready to go right to the end,” said Rudiger. “It’s all about winning here. Draws or defeats are simply not an option.

“Self-confidence is important; how you feel at any given moment. You have to provide the team with confidence as a defensive leader.

“For me, those are the most important things: making noise and reassuring the team.”

Transform Healthcare Ushers in New Leadership with Comprehensive 10-Point Plan

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Transform Healthcare Ushers in New Leadership with Comprehensive 10-Point Plan

Transform Healthcare, renowned as one of the UK’s most prominent Cosmetic Surgery providers and the leading figure in European Bariatric Surgery, has welcomed a new CEO. With its operations housed in two cutting-edge hospitals in Manchester and Bromsgrove, this new appointment heralds an era ripe with innovation and expansion.

The company has made public the appointment of Dr. Sayani Sainudeen as CEO, coupled with the rollout of an extensive 10-point plan aimed at revolutionising healthcare delivery standards across the UK.

Succeeding Tony Veverka, Dr. Sainudeen has expressed, “I express my gratitude to Tony Veverka for his exemplary leadership and tireless dedication to Transform Healthcare”. Tony Veverka will continue to contribute to the business in an advisory role while spearheading pivotal initiatives at Y1 Capital, the parent company of Transform Healthcare.

With a legacy that spans over five decades, Transform Healthcare has consistently been at the forefront of cosmetic and bariatric surgery. Yet, the unforeseen challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic and shifting market dynamics have called for a recalibration of strategies. Under Dr. Sainudeen’s stewardship, the company is set to navigate through these changes, striving for unparalleled excellence.

Dr. Sainudeen shared his enthusiasm, stating, “I am thrilled to join the Transform Healthcare family and to lead our team through this transformative journey. Our goal is simple yet ambitious: to modernize our services, enhance patient experiences, and drive sustainable growth in a rapidly evolving landscape.”

Central to the transformative agenda is a pledge to improve affordability, accessibility, and the calibre of care. Efforts range from revamping pricing models to investing in the latest facilities and technology, scrutinizing every facet of the company’s operations.

Dr. Sainudeen further elaborated, “We recognize the importance of delivering value to our patients while maintaining the highest standards of care. By optimizing costs, standardizing processes, and introducing new services, we aim to create a healthcare experience that is second to none.”

Emphasizing patient-centric care, Dr. Sainudeen remarked, “The service needs to be delivered around the needs of the patient and that will be a key priority”. She plans to immerse himself in every department, understanding the business from the ground up.

The transformation plan spearheaded by Dr. Sainudeen includes critical initiatives such as:

  • Competitive Pricing and Simplified Structures: A thorough reassessment of pricing to ensure market competitiveness and clarity.
  • Enhanced Client Experiences: The rollout of premium service options and streamlined procedures to ensure a smooth patient journey.
  • Expansion of Service Offerings and Locations: Launching new in-demand services and broadening geographical reach to enhance accessibility.

As Transform Healthcare embarks on this pivotal journey, it reaffirms its commitment to core principles of excellence, integrity, and empathy. With strategic investments, operational improvements, and a steadfast focus on patient-first care, Transform Healthcare is on the brink of reshaping the future of healthcare services.

Dr. Sainudeen concluded, “We are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead and remain steadfast in our commitment to serving our patients and communities. Together, we will build a healthier, brighter future for all.”

With a clear roadmap, a devoted team, and a pledge to excellence, Transform Healthcare is on course to establish new standards in the healthcare sector and positively impact lives.

ikas Secures $20M in Series A Funding Led by IFC and Re-Pie

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ikas Secures $20M in Series A Funding Led by IFC and Re-Pie

ikas, the trailblazing e-commerce platform, has successfully secured $20 million in a Series A funding round. The investment round, spearheaded by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) of the World Bank and Re-Pie Asset Management, is notable for being the IFC’s largest-ever investment in a Turkish startup. This significant funding round is a strong endorsement of ikas’s swift growth trajectory and underscores its pivotal role in bolstering small businesses.

In a landmark achievement for Turkey’s startup landscape, ikas has clinched a $20 million Series A funding, with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and Re-Pie Asset Management at the helm. This financial boost is a testament to ikas’ standout performance in Turkey’s e-commerce sector within a mere two-year span. With this fresh capital, ikas is poised to assert its dominance in Europe and other strategic markets.

ikas’s journey of exponential growth has not gone unnoticed, securing its position in the Deloitte Technology Fast 50 program in 2023 as one of the fastest-expanding tech entities in Turkey. Additionally, the company has hit a remarkable SaaS landmark, scaling its Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) from $1M to $10M in just 16 months, with an eye on the ambitious target of $100M in the foreseeable future.

At the heart of ikas’s success is its dedication to providing SMEs and entrepreneurs with a user-friendly e-commerce platform, enabling effortless online store management without the need for technical expertise. The youthful and dynamic ikas team, boasting an average age of 28, reflects the company’s deep-seated commitment to innovation and excellence. Mustafa Namoğlu, ikas’s Co-Founder and CEO, expressed gratitude towards the unwavering support from customers, the team, investors, and all involved parties.

Dr. Emre Çamlıbel, Re-Pie Asset Management’s Chairman of the Board, shed light on the investment philosophy, stating, “Re-Pie invests in ventures with high growth potential, technology and innovation-oriented business models and we continue to grow our portfolio. This investment was executed through a dedicated GSYF (Venture Capital Investment Fund) issued by Re-Pie. Having opened its office in Germany at the end of 2022, Ikas is well-positioned to hit its target of becoming one of the leading brands in Europe in its vertical by 2030.”

Wiebke Schloemer, IFC’s Director for Türkiye and Central Asia, highlighted ikas’ significant impact, noting, “Boosting innovation and the growth of smaller businesses, particularly women-owned and-led businesses, is a priority for IFC,” she remarked. “ikas’ innovative software has the potential to transform e-commerce in Türkiye, enabling smaller businesses to access new markets, boost their online sales and productivity, and better adapt to the rapidly changing business landscape.”

Namoğlu outlined the strategic intent behind the funding, stating, “We intend to leverage the new funding to expedite our international expansion. While this round of investment significantly excites us, it also serves as a reminder that we are just at the beginning of our journey, with much work ahead.“

ZES and electrip Collaborate with Hubject to Expand Global EV Charging Network

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ZES and electrip Collaborate with Hubject to Expand Global EV Charging Network

In a significant move to bolster e-roaming capabilities, ZES and electrip, both ventures of Zorlu Enerji & WrenHouse under the banner of Electrip Global Ltd, have forged a strategic partnership with Hubject, the leading global provider of electric vehicle (EV) charging networks.

ZES, renowned as one of Turkey’s premier charge point operators (CPOs), together with electrip, a burgeoning CPO in the European sector, are delighted to announce their business alliance with Hubject, the preeminent global charging network provider for EVs. This collaboration, sealed on 21st March by İ. Sinan Ak, CEO of Electrip Global Ltd, and Christian Hahn, CEO of Hubject, integrates approximately 4000 ZES stations across Turkey and electrip stations in various European nations including Italy, France, Bulgaria, Greece, Croatia, Montenegro, and Poland with Hubject’s expansive network. This integration facilitates a seamless charging experience for EV drivers across Europe, connecting them with a vast array of e-mobility service providers.

İ. Sinan Ak, CEO of Electrip Global Ltd, remarked on the partnership: “We launched ZES in 2018 to support electric vehicle owners in Turkey with our intra and intercity charging stations, and recently introduced “electrip” in Europe to speed up the electric vehicle revolution. As state-of-the-art brands, we are glad to sign this valuable partnership with Hubject. This collaboration will help us to make electric vehicles more accessible and usable throughout Turkey and European countries. This is an essential part of our overall plan to reduce carbon emissions and protect our planet with our contribution to the expansion of e-mobility ecosystem.”

Adding to this, Hubject CEO Christian Hahn stated: “We’re happy to welcome ZES and electrip into the inter-charge CPO network. This partnership will help them to strengthen their infrastructure in the countries where they operate. It means thousands of EV drivers will be able to easily find and use ZES and electrip charging stations and others that are part of Hubject’s e-roaming network, which in turn is a big step in the right direction of encouraging drivers to switch to electric.”

This landmark partnership signifies a pivotal step towards enhancing the EV charging infrastructure and promoting sustainable transportation across Europe.

Revolutionising Internet Speeds in Ditton Priors, Shropshire

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Revolutionising Internet Speeds in Ditton Priors, Shropshire

In Shropshire’s more secluded locales, nearly 200 residences and businesses are now connected to ultra-fast gigabit broadband, thanks to a partnership involving Kloud9, the UK Government, and Shropshire Council’s Connecting Shropshire initiative. This significant upgrade was facilitated by the government’s Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme, aimed at bringing gigabit-speed broadband to some of the UK’s most remote areas.

This scheme heralds a new chapter in digital connectivity for the rural expanses of Shropshire, particularly enhancing the lives and operations in Ditton Priors by providing access to exceptionally fast Gigabit broadband.

The project, spearheaded by Kloud9 in August 2023, was aimed at ensuring that the community of Ditton Priors wasn’t left behind in the digital evolution, now offering Gigabit broadband speeds, an essential service for modern living.

“Gigabit broadband has become a necessity rather than a luxury. Rural villages like Ditton Priors are in real danger of being left in the broadband dark ages. It was a pleasure to work so closely with the community,” Julie Bushell, the Community Engagement Manager at Kloud9, remarked on the project’s impact.

A Ditton Priors resident shared their experience, noting the project’s swift completion, which connected most homes by the festive season. The upgrade included the local village hall and Willows Café, enhancing the café’s service capabilities with seamless card transactions and free Wi-Fi for customers, thus elevating the overall patron experience.

“The work Kloud9 did for the café has made a real difference. The broadband was so bad that the café staff used to struggle to take card payments. However, Kloud9 installed some free wireless access points, which also allowed customers to browse the internet while enjoying the great coffee and delicious cakes available at the café,” a local resident explained the transformation.

This initiative in Ditton Priors is part of Kloud9’s wider strategy to improve digital infrastructure throughout Shropshire and the UK, with many more projects on the horizon as part of the Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme.

Reflecting on the project, Alex Jackson, CEO of AJ Technology, shared his satisfaction with the team’s efforts, particularly the opportunity to connect with the community and deliver a reliable network in time for Christmas.

Kloud9 has already replicated this success in Cleehill and Cressage and is planning four additional projects in the region.

Cllr. Robert Macey, Portfolio Holder for Culture & Digital at Shropshire Council, expressed his enthusiasm for the project: “I’m really pleased that AJ Technology has benefitted from Shropshire Council top-up funding of DSIT’s Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme. This additional funding has enabled AJ Technology to work at pace to install their full-fibre broadband network in some of Shropshire’s more rural communities, bringing them into the digital fast lane.”

Man Utd vs Liverpool: Ten Hag left with ‘mixed emotions’ after thrilling draw

Harry Carr
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Man Utd vs Liverpool: Ten Hag left with ‘mixed emotions’ after thrilling draw

Erik ten Hag admitted to having “mixed emotions” after Manchester United and Liverpool played out a thrilling 2-2 draw on Sunday, as the Red Devils fell further behind the Premier League’s top four.

Wondergoals from Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo put United on the brink of another huge victory over the Reds, less than a month after they dumped their old rivals out of the FA Cup at the quarter-final stage.

However, Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s clumsy trip on Harvey Elliott allowed Mohamed Salah to slot home from the penalty spot late on, though Liverpool failed to grab a winner which would have taken them top of the table.

Read our other football news stories here:
Manchester United 2-2 Liverpool: Reds relinquish control of title race
IPL 2024: Chennai Super Kings v Kolkata Knight Riders – preview, free bets and offers
F1: Wolff says Verstappen won’t be caught as Mercedes woes continue in Japan

While United could take some consolation from denting Jurgen Klopp’s hopes of a farewell league title, they have now dropped seven points from winning positions in their last three games.

United conceded a 99th-minute equaliser in last week’s 1-1 draw with Brentford before two stoppage-time goals from Cole Palmer condemned them to a 4-3 defeat at Chelsea on Thursday, and Ten Hag was frustrated to see further points slip through their fingers.

“That’s what I told the players – it’s mixed emotions,” Ten Hag said when asked for his thoughts on the result.

“On one side, we’re very disappointed. Again, we gave a win away, out of our hands by making a not very clever mistake, like on Thursday and like last Saturday.

“We’ve lost seven points in one week, when we should have had nine points. That makes a huge difference.

“On the other side, I’m very proud of this team and we have young players coming in and giving these performances at this level. It shows the future for Manchester United is very bright.

“In the first half, we were bullied by Liverpool. The young players were sometimes overwhelmed but in the second half, they stepped up and you saw the improvement. They were convinced we could get a win.”

Later on Sunday, Tottenham beat Nottingham Forest 3-1 to leapfrog Aston Villa into fourth place, with both teams now 11 points clear of United.

Asked whether Champions League qualification is now beyond his team, Ten Hag said: “I don’t know. We will keep fighting.

“We could and should have won all three games this week. Brentford was our worst performance, we didn’t deserve to win there.

“But in the other two games, if you are in a winning position, then you should take the win and that makes the difference.

“We’ll fight and then we will see where we end up. It’s clear we are far behind but we will fight for every point.”

Manchester United 2-2 Liverpool: Reds relinquish control of title race with thrilling draw

Harry Carr
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Manchester United 2-2 Liverpool: Reds relinquish control of title race with thrilling draw

Liverpool relinquished control of the Premier League title race despite Mohamed Salah’s late penalty salvaging a 2-2 draw against Manchester United in a thrilling encounter at Old Trafford.

Salah beat Andre Onana from the spot with 84 minutes played after Aaron Wan-Bissaka tripped Harvey Elliott, denying United a stirring comeback win.

Liverpool had earlier gone ahead through Luis Diaz, only for Bruno Fernandes to equalise from near the halfway line before 18-year-old Kobbie Mainoo bent a sumptuous finish beyond Caoimhin Kelleher to put United 2-1 up.

Read our other sports news stories here:
Wolff says Verstappen won’t be caught as ‘atrocious’ start costs Mercedes in Japan
IPL: Chennai Super Kings v Kolkata Knight Riders – preview, free bets and offers
Japanese Grand Prix: Verstappen says Red Bull win ‘couldn’t have been better’

The Red Devils were unable to hold on for a win which would have boosted their Champions League hopes, though they succeeded in denting Liverpool’s title aspirations, with Jurgen Klopp’s team missing the chance to leapfrog Arsenal at the summit.

Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City are now separated by a single point with seven matches remaining for each team, while United are 11 points adrift of the top four with a game in hand.

Alejandro Garnacho thought he had put United ahead after just two minutes, only to be flagged offside when rounding Kelleher to tap home, before Liverpool began to dominate.

Their breakthrough came with 23 minutes played. United were static as Darwin Nunez flicked Robertson’s in-swinging corner onto Diaz, who was given the freedom of the six-yard box to beat Onana with an acrobatic finish at the far post.

Salah blazed over when in space on the right side of the area as Liverpool failed to extend their lead before half-time, which arrived without United attempting a single shot.

However, Liverpool’s wastefulness was punished as United levelled five minutes into the second half. Jarell Quansah passed straight to Fernandes, and he spotted Kelleher off his line to find the net from inside the centre-circle.

With United a team transformed, the game became increasingly stretched, and it was the Red Devils who took advantage of the chaos.

Turning on Wan-Bissaka’s pass near the edge of the area, Mainoo bent a wonderful effort into the top-right corner, prompting wild scenes at the Stretford End and a furious outburst from Klopp on the sideline.


Salah somehow missed on the rebound after Onana was worked by Diaz with 11 minutes remaining, but the Egyptian got another chance to level when Wan-Bissaka dangled a leg to fell substitute Elliott.

He sent Onana the wrong way from 12 yards, but Liverpool couldn’t find a winner in seven minutes of stoppage time as they dropped two potentially costly points, Diaz volleying over when presented with their best opportunity.

Japanese Grand Prix 2024: Wolff says Verstappen won’t be caught as ‘atrocious’ start costs Mercedes

Harry Carr
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0
Japanese Grand Prix 2024: Wolff says Verstappen won’t be caught as ‘atrocious’ start costs Mercedes

Toto Wolff acknowledged no driver on the grid will be able to match Max Verstappen this season, after an “atrocious” first stint cost Mercedes at the Japanese Grand Prix.

Verstappen made it three wins from four races this year at Suzuka on Sunday, beating team-mate Sergio Perez by more than 12 seconds as Red Bull managed their third one-two of 2024.

A fourth straight world championship now looks inevitable for the Dutchman, who sits 13 points clear of Perez and 18 ahead of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc at the top of the drivers’ standings.

Read our other sports news stories here:
IPL 2024: Chennai Super Kings v Kolkata Knight Riders – preview, free bets and offers
Japanese Grand Prix: Verstappen wins in Red Bull one-two after Albon, Ricciardo crash
Japanese Grand Prix: Verstappen says Red Bull win ‘couldn’t have been better’

Wolff does not believe any driver is capable of mounting a consistent challenge to Verstappen’s dominance, saying: “No-one is going to catch Max this year.

“His driving and the car are just spectacular. You can see it by the way he manages the tyres. This season is about being the best of the rest. That is the fight that is on.”

Mercedes team principal Wolff has come under fierce pressure amid the team’s struggles with their W15 car this season, and they were well off the pace again in Japan.

George Russell finished seventh while Lewis Hamilton came in ninth, with the seven-time world champion letting his team-mate pass him on lap 14 as they traded starting positions, having suffered early damage to his car.

Both Mercedes appeared to struggle on the hard tyres early on, and Wolff accepted that had cost them.

“We ended up where we started,” Wolff told Sky Sports F1. “It was just very difficult.

“We had a second that was super quick and we would have been racing for the podium but we had an atrocious first stint. We need to find out what it was. Was it too hot? Were we overmanaging?”

However, Wolff does believe Mercedes have made positive steps in response to their awful showing at the Australian Grand Prix two weeks ago, when neither Russell nor Hamilton finished.

“I think it’s much better than it looks with the final result. Also in qualifying, there is lots that we learned. It’s going to get better from here,” Wolff insisted.

“We need to be quick on all circuits. There’s no excuse with temperatures or track layouts. We have to sort it out.

“This is live testing for us. We have changed things massively and this is reflected in the result. The car is becoming quicker.”

Man United v Liverpool: Kambwala given full home debut as Antony, Mount, Eriksen on bench

Ben Miller
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Man United v Liverpool: Kambwala given full home debut as Antony, Mount, Eriksen on bench

Manchester United gave 19-year-old Willy Kambwala his full home debut in Erik ten Hag’s team to face Liverpool on Sunday, positioning the centre-back at the heart of a defence tasked with trying to stop the likes of Mohamed Salah, Darwin Nunez, Luis Diaz and Mac Allister among their opponents’ prolific ranks.

France youth international Kambwala’s only previous start for United came in their 2-0 defeat at West Ham on December 23, but he was restored to the line-up in the absence of the likes of Raphael Varane, Jonny Evans, Lisandro Martinez and Victor Lindelof through injury.

Ten Hag had handed Kambwala a total of 47 minutes on the pitch since his debut, including two appearances lasting a minute.

Liverpool arrived a point behind leaders Arsenal with a game in hand, having won twice in succession since their 4-3 extra-time defeat at Old Trafford in the FA Cup quarter-finals.

Read our other sports stories here:
IPL: CSK v KKR preview
Verstappen wins in Japan
Verstappen reflects on win

The Reds had been linked with a move for Sochaux academy product Kambwala before the Democratic Republic of Congo-born prospect joined United in October 2020.

Kambwala sustained an injury in a friendly against Salford City shortly after he joined, ruling him out of action for 11 months.

Willy Kambwala on his ‘dream’

Kambwala’s senior home bow came with a brief outing in United’s 3-2 win over Aston Villa on December 26, which he called “the best experience I’ve had in football”.

“I know I started against West Ham but playing at Old Trafford is something else,” he added to the club. “To be able to be on the pitch that day – what a game.

“The dream was about Man United, and that’s it. No other club. I wasn’t thinking about [playing in] England, I was just thinking about Man United.

“I don’t know why but, since as far back as I can remember, it was just Man United. I couldn’t watch [that much] football but it was Man United, Man United all the time.

“That’s the dream I had. So to be here was just so special to me because it was the thing I wanted.”

Sixth-placed United are 22 points behind Liverpool and nine shy of the fifth position which is likely to ensure Uefa Champions League football in 2024/25, depending on co-efficient rankings.

Mason Mount, who is returning from injury, joined winger Antony and playmaker Christian Eriksen among the senior players on United’s bench as they aimed to recover from a last-gasp 4-3 defeat at Chelsea and win for the first time in three Premier League matches.

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