Football

Di Maria suffered a setback in training just before Christmas but van Gaal said that he is making positive steps forward.

West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce believes it is acceptable for players to "make a meal out of" contact if it helps them win penalties and free kicks.

Diving is once again a hot topic in the Premier League after three Chelsea players, Cesc Fabregas, Diego Costa and Willian, were all booked for simulation recently.

English Premier League strugglers West Bromwich Albion have sacked Irvine, the club announced on their website late on Monday.

Clubs in the EPL begin a traditionally frenzied spell of fixtures that excites fans, exhausts players, tests managers, and potentially defines campaigns.

Mourinho said maximisation of talent have been one of the key features that made Ferguson one of most successful mangers of all time.

None of United's injured players are likely to be fit for the next Premier League match against Newcastle United, manager van Gaal said.

Zico had questioned the wisdom of putting the controversial Uzbekistani referee at the helm of the crucial ISL second leg semi-final play-off match.

Liverpool will play Chelsea in the League Cup semi-finals after Raheem Sterling netted twice in a 3-1 victory over second-tier Bournemouth.

FC Goa, after dominating the game, lost on penalties (2-4) to Atletico de Kolkata as the latter gear up to take on Kerela Blasters in the final of ISL.

Kerala Blasters await the winners of the semi-final between Kolkata and Goa in Margaon on Wednesday after the two sides played a goal-less first leg.

Lazio and Genoa are each one point ahead of Sampdoria in the race for third place and the final Champions League berth.

Barcelona say Neymar will miss Saturday's Spanish league match against Getafe as a precaution because of a sore left ankle.

Cristiano, who has won the award twice before, has been shortlisted for this year's prize alongside his long-time rival Messi and Bayern Munich goalkeeper Neuer.

Roma's fate is in their own hands as a win will be enough for them while a draw, paradoxically, could send either themselves or City through, depending on CSKA's performance.

Delhi Dynamos now face the herculean task of continuing the momentum in the must-win encounter against table-toppers Chennaiyin FC.