Manchester United fans must be pinching themselves as Erik ten Hag's team have gone from a hapless shambles to an unstoppable winning force in the space of just three weeks.
Having started their Premier League campaign with defeats to Brighton and Brentford, the writing seemed to be on the wall after just two games. But a run of four straight wins, including victories against Liverpool and unbeaten Arsenal, has restored belief at Old Trafford.
The revival has coincided with the arrival of several influential players. Antony scored on a dream debut for United as he inspired a 3-1 win that ended Arsenal's perfect start to the Premier League season on Sunday.
The Brazilian was making his first appearance after signing from Ajax in a deal that could rise to €100 million. Midfielder Casemiro, who joined from Real Madrid, was a calming influence coming on as a substitute in the wins against Southampton, Leicester and Arsenal, and will be pushing for a more pivotal role.
Their next assignment is the Europa League, where United begin the campaign against Real Sociedad at Old Trafford on Thursday. Antony and Casemiro were among the players who took part in training at Carrington right after their draining contest against the Gunners.
However, the change in Manchester United's fortunes has not been kind to everyone in the squad. Harry Maguire has been sidelined and is now firmly behind Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane in the pecking order of centre-backs. Maguire will be hoping to get some minutes against Sociedad, not only to resurrect his United career but also to be in fighting shape for England ahead of the World Cup in Qatar.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
ELIO
Starring: Yonas Kibreab, Zoe Saldana, Brad Garrett
Directors: Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi, Adrian Molina
Rating: 4/5
Credit Score explained
What is a credit score?
In the UAE your credit score is a number generated by the Al Etihad Credit Bureau (AECB), which represents your credit worthiness – in other words, your risk of defaulting on any debt repayments. In this country, the number is between 300 and 900. A low score indicates a higher risk of default, while a high score indicates you are a lower risk.
Why is it important?
Financial institutions will use it to decide whether or not you are a credit risk. Those with better scores may also receive preferential interest rates or terms on products such as loans, credit cards and mortgages.
How is it calculated?
The AECB collects information on your payment behaviour from banks as well as utilitiy and telecoms providers.
How can I improve my score?
By paying your bills on time and not missing any repayments, particularly your loan, credit card and mortgage payments. It is also wise to limit the number of credit card and loan applications you make and to reduce your outstanding balances.
How do I know if my score is low or high?
By checking it. Visit one of AECB’s Customer Happiness Centres with an original and valid Emirates ID, passport copy and valid email address. Liv. customers can also access the score directly from the banking app.
How much does it cost?
A credit report costs Dh100 while a report with the score included costs Dh150. Those only wanting the credit score pay Dh60. VAT is payable on top.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Specs
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Power: 905hp
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U19 World Cup in South Africa
Group A: India, Japan, New Zealand, Sri Lanka
Group B: Australia, England, Nigeria, West Indies
Group C: Bangladesh, Pakistan, Scotland, Zimbabwe
Group D: Afghanistan, Canada, South Africa, UAE
UAE fixtures
Saturday, January 18, v Canada
Wednesday, January 22, v Afghanistan
Saturday, January 25, v South Africa
UAE squad
Aryan Lakra (captain), Vriitya Aravind, Deshan Chethyia, Mohammed Farazuddin, Jonathan Figy, Osama Hassan, Karthik Meiyappan, Rishabh Mukherjee, Ali Naseer, Wasi Shah, Alishan Sharafu, Sanchit Sharma, Kai Smith, Akasha Tahir, Ansh Tandon
