Football
9y

Angel Di Maria may return for United vs. Villa, Radamel Falcao could start

Angel Di Maria is closing in on a return to the Manchester United team and could be on the bench for Saturday's game at Aston Villa, while Radamel Falcao could be granted his first start in more than two months.

British record signing Di Maria, 26, has missed United's last three games with the hamstring injury he sustained in the 3-0 win over Hull last month.

However, Red Devils manager Louis van Gaal has confirmed that the Argentina international is back in contention as he debates whether to change a team that has won its last six fixtures.

Van Gaal told a news conference: "[Di Maria] has trained this week with us but he's not match-fit after one week. Maybe I shall select him for the bench, or maybe not. I have to make my decision because we have one training [session] to go."

Falcao, 28, has been on the bench for United's last four games after overcoming a calf problem, but has not begun a match since the 2-1 win over Everton on Oct. 5, when he scored his only goal since joining on loan from Monaco in the summer.

Van Gaal added: "He has shown fitness in the training sessions. Maybe I shall select him for the bench, maybe for the lineup."

Youngster James Wilson was preferred to Falcao for a place in the starting XI for Sunday's 3-0 victory over Liverpool, when the Colombia international came off the bench.

Meanwhile, left-back Luke Shaw is nearing a return after straining ankle ligaments in the 2-1 win over Arsenal in November, although he will not be involved at Villa Park on Saturday.

In Shaw's absence, Ashley Young has deputised effectively as a left-back or left wing-back.

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