Daley Blind feels content in his development at Manchester United this season, one he admits for the club has featured many "ups and downs".
Blind, who turns 26 on Wednesday, has been playing in the centre of United’s defence, a unit that has seen mixed success this season. And, he says, he is pleased with his individual form in what is his second season with United. He is also more than happy to continue the development with a busy fixture schedule the rest of the way.
“If I look to me personally, I feel I’ve played a good season, a consistent season,” said Blind.
“I feel good in that position at the moment. I’ve improved a lot this season in the centre.
“I have showed it’s not only about strength but also about quick thinking and being in the right position.”
United as a team remain in two cups, facing Liverpool away this Thursday then at home a week later in the first and second legs of their Europa League last-16 tie, either side of Sunday's FA Cup quarter-final against West Ham United at Old Trafford.
In the Premier League they are still in the hunt for a top-four spot, although their hopes suffered a blow with Sunday's 1-0 loss at West Bromwich Albion.
It left them sixth, three points off fourth-placed Manchester City, who have 10 league games left while United have nine.
The defeat at The Hawthorns followed a run of four straight wins in all competitions which had suggested United were finally starting to find some proper rhythm again in what has been a troubled campaign.
Read more: Marcus Rashford example is Manchester United way with youth – would Jose Mourinho get it right?
Also see: Richie Wellens interview – Onetime Manchester United hope talks Alex Ferguson and almost making it
Blind admits it has been a trying season, but is feeling positive looking at how it might pan out from here, particularly given the club’s lengthy injury list is starting to reduce.
"I think it's a season with ups and downs. We have played many good games but we lost a few as well," Blind told United Review.
“I think we are improving as a team and can move on from here.
“The most important thing is this team sticks together. We have done all season, even when we’ve had bad results. That shows the strength of the dressing room.”
A top-four finish, he said, “is not out of reach”.
“Still, anything is possible.
“We have some players coming back now from injuries, which enables us to have a bigger squad again.
“We are still in the race for a trophy and the top four. We can finish strongly and I have a lot of faith in us doing that.”
Regarding the matches coming up, starting with Thursday’s Anfield clash, Blind added: “It is always better to play lots of games as I always like it more to play a game rather than train.
“So I am happy with how many games we are playing. I am fit and am going to be ready for them.
“Liverpool will be a great game to play in, especially as it’s now in the Europa League.
“It’s very important for us. They will say it’s important for them too so we have to show that we want it more.
“I’ve definitely got some good memories against Liverpool – I hope we can create some more.”
Meanwhile, Guillermo Varela has expressed his desire to be part of the United side long-term.
The 22-year-old right-back - who recently received a maiden call-up to the Uruguay national squad – broke into the United first team earlier this season and has made eight senior appearances so far.
And Varela told MUTV: “I feel enormous pride in being able to play for a club like Manchester United.
“I want to keep working to keep a regular place in the team so that in time I can reach 50, 100 or 200 games in the shirt.”
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8 UAE companies helping families reduce their carbon footprint
Greenheart Organic Farms
This Dubai company was one of the country’s first organic farms, set up in 2012, and it now delivers a wide array of fruits and vegetables grown regionally or in the UAE, as well as other grocery items, to both Dubai and Abu Dhabi doorsteps.
www.greenheartuae.com
Modibodi
Founded in Australia, Modibodi is now in the UAE with waste-free, reusable underwear that eliminates the litter created by a woman’s monthly cycle, which adds up to approximately 136kgs of sanitary waste over a lifetime.
www.modibodi.ae
The Good Karma Co
From brushes made of plant fibres to eco-friendly storage solutions, this company has planet-friendly alternatives to almost everything we need, including tin foil and toothbrushes.
www.instagram.com/thegoodkarmaco
Re:told
One Dubai boutique, Re:told, is taking second-hand garments and selling them on at a fraction of the price, helping to cut back on the hundreds of thousands of tonnes of clothes thrown into landfills each year.
www.shopretold.com
Lush
Lush provides products such as shampoo and conditioner as package-free bars with reusable tins to store.
www.mena.lush.com
Bubble Bro
Offering filtered, still and sparkling water on tap, Bubble Bro is attempting to ensure we don’t produce plastic or glass waste. Founded in 2017 by Adel Abu-Aysha, the company is on track to exceeding its target of saving one million bottles by the end of the year.
www.bubble-bro.com
Coethical
This company offers refillable, eco-friendly home cleaning and hygiene products that are all biodegradable, free of chemicals and certifiably not tested on animals.
www.instagram.com/coethical
Eggs & Soldiers
This bricks-and-mortar shop and e-store, founded by a Dubai mum-of-four, is the place to go for all manner of family products – from reusable cloth diapers to organic skincare and sustainable toys.
www.eggsnsoldiers.com
Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction
Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.
Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.
Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.
Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.
Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.
What are the guidelines?
Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.
Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.
Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.
Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.
Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.
Source: American Paediatric Association
RESULTS
4pm: Al Bastakiya Listed US$250,000 (Dirt) 1,900m
Winner: Yulong Warrior, Richard Mullen (jockey), Satish Seemar (trainer)
4.35pm: Mahab Al Shimaal Group 3 $200,000 (D) 1,200m
Winner: Jordan Sport, Adrie de Vries, Fawzi Nass
5.10pm: Nad Al Sheba Conditions $200,000 (Turf) 1,200m
Winner: Jungle Cat, William Buick, Charlie Appleby
5.45pm: Burj Nahaar Group 3 $200,000 (D) 1,600m
Winner: Kimbear, Patrick Dobbs, Doug Watson
6.20pm: Jebel Hatta Group 1 $300,000 (T) 1,800m
Winner: Blair House, James Doyle, Charlie Appleby
6.55pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round-3 Group 1 $400,000 (D) 2,000m
Winner: North America, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar
7.30pm: Dubai City of Gold Group 2 $250,000 (T) 2,410m
Winner: Hawkbill, William Buick, Charlie Appleby.
Banned items
Dubai Police has also issued a list of banned items at the ground on Sunday. These include:
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Political flags or banners
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Bikes, skateboards or scooters
More from Neighbourhood Watch
Formula Middle East Calendar (Formula Regional and Formula 4)
Round 1: January 17-19, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 3: February 7-9, Dubai Autodrome – Dubai
Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 5: February 25-27, Jeddah Corniche Circuit – Saudi Arabia
Top 5 concerns globally:
1. Unemployment
2. Spread of infectious diseases
3. Fiscal crises
4. Cyber attacks
5. Profound social instability
Top 5 concerns in the Mena region
1. Energy price shock
2. Fiscal crises
3. Spread of infectious diseases
4. Unmanageable inflation
5. Cyber attacks
Source: World Economic Foundation
Jeff Buckley: From Hallelujah To The Last Goodbye
By Dave Lory with Jim Irvin
Tips from the expert
Dobromir Radichkov, chief data officer at dubizzle and Bayut, offers a few tips for UAE residents looking to earn some cash from pre-loved items.
- Sellers should focus on providing high-quality used goods at attractive prices to buyers.
- It’s important to use clear and appealing photos, with catchy titles and detailed descriptions to capture the attention of prospective buyers.
- Try to advertise a realistic price to attract buyers looking for good deals, especially in the current environment where consumers are significantly more price-sensitive.
- Be creative and look around your home for valuable items that you no longer need but might be useful to others.
Uefa Champions League last 16 draw
Juventus v Tottenham Hotspur
Basel v Manchester City
Sevilla v Manchester United
Porto v Liverpool
Real Madrid v Paris Saint-Germain
Shakhtar Donetsk v Roma
Chelsea v Barcelona
Bayern Munich v Besiktas
