Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal must decide whether to recall Radamel Falcao to his starting line-up against Aston Villa on Saturday after the Colombia striker rediscovered his scoring form on international duty.
Falcao scored three goals in two games — against Bahrain in Manama and Kuwait in Abu Dhabi — over the last week and although those teams are hardly international heavyweights, his clinical performances can only have helped his confidence after a miserable spell at Old Trafford.
The 29-year-old hasn’t started for United since late February, has just four club goals all season and seems almost certain to leave when his season-long loan from Monaco expires at the end of the current campaign.
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But with United in the thick of the race for a top four finish in the Premier League, which guarantees a Champions League place, van Gaal must decide whether Falcao’s recent goal-scoring flurry is worthy of a first team call-up at Old Trafford this weekend.
Falcao himself is certain his form would improve with a prolonged run in van Gaal’s side.
“I need to play,” Falcao said. “I need minutes and I am confident about myself, about my fitness.”
A number of United players enjoyed successful international outings, most notably England pair Wayne Rooney and Michael Carrick, along with in-form Belgium midfielder Marouane Fellaini, who scored three goals in Belgium’s wins over Cyprus and Israel.
United are also in buoyant mood having gone into the international break on the back of a memorable 2-1 win at Liverpool, although captain Rooney has warned his side must avoid failing to capitalise on that result when they face Villa.
“Yes, it was a six-pointer at Liverpool but that means nothing if we don’t beat Aston Villa on Saturday,” Rooney said.
“Obviously Arsenal play Liverpool as well so if we can get the win against Villa that will be an even better result than Liverpool was for us.
“There are still eight games left but we are in a good position at the minute so it’s in our own hands, we have to make sure we do it.”
United should have defender Chris Smalling available against Villa, despite him coming off while on England duty due to illness.
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Pupils in Abu Dhabi are learning the importance of being active, eating well and leading a healthy lifestyle now and throughout adulthood, thanks to a newly launched programme 'Healthy Lifestyle'.
As part of the Healthy Lifestyle programme, specially trained coaches from City Football Schools, along with Healthpoint physicians have visited schools throughout Abu Dhabi to give fun and interactive lessons on working out regularly, making the right food choices, getting enough sleep and staying hydrated, just like their favourite footballers.
Organised by Manchester City FC and Healthpoint, Manchester City FC’s regional healthcare partner and part of Mubadala’s healthcare network, the ‘Healthy Lifestyle’ programme will visit 15 schools, meeting around 1,000 youngsters over the next five months.
Designed to give pupils all the information they need to improve their diet and fitness habits at home, at school and as they grow up, coaches from City Football Schools will work alongside teachers to lead the youngsters through a series of fun, creative and educational classes as well as activities, including playing football and other games.
Dr Mai Ahmed Al Jaber, head of public health at Healthpoint, said: “The programme has different aspects - diet, exercise, sleep and mental well-being. By having a focus on each of those and delivering information in a way that children can absorb easily it can help to address childhood obesity."
The White Lotus: Season three
Creator: Mike White
Starring: Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, Natasha Rothwell
Rating: 4.5/5
The specs: 2019 Mini Cooper
Price, base: Dh141,740 (three-door) / Dh165,900 (five-door)
Engine: 1.5-litre four-cylinder (Cooper) / 2.0-litre four-cylinder (Cooper S)
Power: 136hp @ 4,500rpm (Cooper) / 192hp @ 5,000rpm (Cooper S)
Torque: 220Nm @ 1,480rpm (Cooper) / 280Nm @ 1,350rpm (Cooper S)
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic
Fuel consumption, combined: 4.8L to 5.4L / 100km
Election pledges on migration
CDU: "Now is the time to control the German borders and enforce strict border rejections"
SPD: "Border closures and blanket rejections at internal borders contradict the spirit of a common area of freedom"
A MINECRAFT MOVIE
Director: Jared Hess
Starring: Jack Black, Jennifer Coolidge, Jason Momoa
Rating: 3/5
Ovo's tips to find extra heat
- Open your curtains when it’s sunny
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- Have a cuddle with pets and loved ones to help stay cosy
- Eat ginger but avoid chilli as it makes you sweat
- Put on extra layers
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The specs: 2018 Mercedes-Benz E 300 Cabriolet
Price, base / as tested: Dh275,250 / Dh328,465
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder
Power: 245hp @ 5,500rpm
Torque: 370Nm @ 1,300rpm
Transmission: Nine-speed automatic
Fuel consumption, combined: 7.0L / 100km
