Wayne Rooney to start in Manchester derby for United... but Radamel Falcao is OUT for City clash at Old Trafford

Wayne Rooney will start Sunday’s Manchester derby but United manager Louis van Gaal will once again be without Radamel Falcao, who is still injured.

Rooney is back from suspension and fit to captain United against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium after being seen limping at Old Trafford earlier this week.

Colombia striker Falcao remains sidelined, however, after the knock he picked up in training a week ago. 

United boss Louis van Gaal was all smiles during the session as he embarks on his first Manchester derby

Juan Mata, Michael Carrick, Wayne Rooney, Ander Herrera and Robin van Persie (left to right) train

Radamel Falcao misses out again having been sidelined for the draw with Chelsea at Old Trafford on Sunday

Van Gaal told a press conference on Friday afternoon: 'Rooney is fine, he was never injured.

'Maybe he was wearing his shoes too tight.

'He is my captain and he will start the game.

'Falcao is still injured but [Antonio] Valencia is back.'

Rooney joined the rest of his United team-mates at the launch of the club's sponsorship with Bulova watches and he also wore a Matalan Alphabet scarf  in support of Alder Hey Children's Hospital Charity

Manchester United captain Rooney has been suspended since his red card against West Ham last month

Carrick (front) is in contention to play his first game of the season for United after an ankle injury

Van Gaal, looking forward to his first Manchester derby, says it will be the biggest local rivalry that he has managed, and recognises what it means to the city.

'This is the biggest derby that I shall manage. It is one of 38 [league] matches we have to play, but for the fans it is unbelievably big as a rivalry and I have felt that also with a lot of the players in the squad, but also especially with Ryan Giggs.

'When he presented the analysis on City, I felt more tension with him. It was good to see.' 

Angel di Maria appeared in a relaxed mood during Manchester United's training session on Friday

Marcos Rojo (left) and Antonio Valencia could be two of many South Americans involved at the Etihad

The return of Rooney (left) to the line-up is likely to mean Mata (right) will be dropped to the bench against City

The Dutchman also recognises that the derby is up for grabs, with City without a win in three games.

They lost in midweek to Newcastle and at the weekend to West Ham, having disappointingly only drawn in CSKA Moscow after leading 2-0. 

Van Gaal admits City are there to be beaten. 

He said. 'That is our goal, to win. It is possible, we are growing, we are developing ourselves. What we have seen of City in the last few matches was not so good. You never know.' 

Marouane has had a resurgence in recent weeks, and could start against City on SUnday

One player who could be key to United's chances is Marouane Fellaini, whose performances over the past two games have seen him back to his best. Van Gaal things so too.

'He has made a great contribution and also the assist for the [Chelsea] goal.

'He has had a lot of time out injured but when he is fit I have played him. He has to continue with that because then I am very pleased.'

United lost their two clashes with City by an aggregate score of 7-1 last term; 4-1 at the Etihad and 3-0 at Old Trafford under David Moyes.

United attempt to regroup at the Etihad during last year's 4-1 defeat to their cross-city rivals

Yaya Toure was on song as United were beaten 3-0 by City towards the end of last season

"Nigerian Artistes Should Learn From Me” – Eedris Abdulkareem

One time top Nigerian rapper, Eedris Abdulkareem has beckoned on other budding music stars to learn from him and his style of music.

Eedris analysed the kind of music making waves now and as well condemned the young stars for singing about nothing more boob, butts and drinks.
According to him, “for me, music is a call from God; He asked me to speak to the people, I speak for the voiceless. I don’t know about the other guys, but for me the music they play today is always talking about boobs, booty and all that. For me I think music should be educative, it should be a platform where you can educate people.
Some wouldn’t know what education is all about but when they listen to music they learn. If you listen to my music 12years ago, I talked about the ills in the society.”
He also recalled what his music of yesteryears did for him and Nigeria music industry in general.
“I also remembered then when I came back from Egypt when I represented Nigeria at the Olympic Torch with Prof Pat Utomi, late Dora Akunyili, Chief Olusegun Odegbami and others, I came back and sang about the ills in the society. “Mr Lecturer” was one of them, Jaga-jaga was another.
Those are the kinds of songs that I do and for me I think that is the best way to educate the people. There are lots of things to talk about; there is rape, there is insecurity and lot of more things to talk about. So why would you waste time singing about boobs and booty? It’s crazy.” He said.

Mario Balotelli firework damage revealed as pictures emerge of maverick Liverpool striker's charred house three years on

The full extent of the damage caused to Mario Balotelli's home after fireworks were set off in the bathroom in 2011 can finally be revealed.

These stunning pictures show the shocking destruction to the bedroom and hallway in the £3million-valued home following the Halloween prank while he was a Manchester City player.

Ten firefighters used breathing apparatus as they put out the blaze, which was described as 'a substantial fire' at the house he rented for £7,500-a-month for in Mottram St Andrew, Cheshire, leaving him with a repair bill of £400,000.

VIDEO Scroll down to watch some of Mario Balotelli's maddest, baddest and best moments 

+16

Mario Balotelli's house in Cheshire was badly damaged by fireworks in October 2011 - the fire was so intense it melted the bath (above)

+16

+16

Balotelli's bathroom is shown to be badly charred by the new photographs, with extensive damage that required repairs

+16

The smoke damage reached into other rooms of the house, leaving a thick layer of black soot across walls, floors and furnishings

As Sportsmail’s exclusive pictures show, the blaze was so intense that it melted the bath, destroying the bathroom and leaving adjoining rooms ruined by smoke damage.

The incident, on October 23, 2011, came the night before his famous 'Why Always Me' T-shirt celebration after scoring the second of his two against Manchester United in City's famous 6-1 win at Old Trafford.

A City spokesman at the time said: 'We can confirm there was an incident at Mario’s house which the fire brigade attended.

'Nobody was injured and Mario trained as normal with the rest of the squad on Saturday morning.'

Sportsmail's maddest, baddest and best moments of Mario Balotelli

+16

This picture shows the damage to the ceiling and walls inside Balotelli's former home, which spread from the bathroom to the hallway

+16

These were the fireworks used by on that night in October 2011 that caused £400,000 worth of damage to Balotelli's rented home

+16

The fire and smoke damage spread to this bedroom in the house

+16

Debris can be seen on the surfaces of Balotelli's home. Overall, £400,000 worth of damage was done

+16

+16

Balotelli's garage with motorbikes, mountain bikes remote control cars and other boys' toys 

+16

The Italian striker had a number of bikes and scooters in his garage but was forced to move out after the damage

A police spokesman said: 'The cause of the fire is being examined by fire investigators and the police. However, it is not thought to be suspicious.'

Balotelli has been the subject of controversy since being in English football, playing for Manchester City before being sold back to AC Milan.

He was disciplined by the club for throwing darts at a youth team player in 2010, while he was also pictured trading punches on the training ground with former team-mate Jerome Boateng. He paid a total of £300,000 in club fines.

+16

Balotelli posted a picture of himself on Instagram wishing his followers a good morning in both English and Italian 

+16

Balotelli scored for Manchester City from the penalty spot the day after the incident

+16

Balotelli had only shortly before appeared in a safety advert regarding misuse of fireworks

+16

The Italian striker celebrates scoring against Swansea in the Capital One Cup in midweek

+16

Balotelli jokes with his team-mates at Liverpool's Melwood training ground earlier this week

VIDEO Rogers dismisses Balotelli questions with a smile 

In April 2011, it was reported Balotelli had spent £10,000 in parking fines and had his sports car impounded 27 times.

He once crashed his sports car soon after arriving and it was reported that police found £5,000 in cash in his back pocket.

The striker was also reprimanded for throwing darts at the training ground.

Balotelli, now a Liverpool player following his departure from City and short spell with AC Milan, has struggled since re-joining the Premier League and is yet to score in the competition for his new club.

Pressure has been increasing on the £16m summer signing after a series of frustrating performances. he has netted twice for Brendan Rodgers' side - once in the Champions League against Ludogorets, the other in the League Cup against Swansea. 

Mario's Misdemeanors 

Sportsmail takes a look at some more of Balotelli's on and off-field incidents during his time in English football.

CAR CRASH (August 2010)

Just days after signing for City, Balotelli hits the headlines after crashing his Audi R8 en route to the club's training ground. Balotelli is found to be carrying £5,000 in cash at the time of the accident and when police ask why, he reportedly replies: 'Because I am rich.'

FIRST RED CARD (November 2010)

Balotelli scores his first Premier League goals in a 2-0 win at West Brom but the achievement is marred when he is sent off following a clash with Youssouf Mulumbu.

WILSHERE SNUB (December 2010)

City boss Roberto Mancini says Balotelli must change his attitude following his claims he had never heard of Jack Wilshere after beating the Arsenal midfielder to FIFA's Young Player of the Year award.

DART-THROWING INCIDENT (March 2011)

Balotelli again hits trouble after it emerges he threw a dart at a City youth team player. No one was hurt in the incident and he escapes punishment.

SECOND RED CARD (March 2011)

Balotelli apologises to his team-mates after he is sent off during a Europa League tie with Dynamo Kiev for a reckless challenge on Goran Popov.

BACK-HEEL BLUNDER (July 2011)

Balotelli is immediately substituted by an enraged Mancini after performing a pirouette and back-heeling wide when clean through on goal in a pre-season friendly against the Los Angeles Galaxy.

THIRD RED CARD (November 2011)

The third red card of Balotelli's City career arrives in a league match against  Liverpool, the 21-year-old dismissed for two yellow cards.

BREAKING CURFEW (December 2011)

Balotelli breaks a club 48-hour curfew by visiting a curry house ahead of a match against Chelsea.

RICHARDS CLASH (December 2011)

Just days after Balotelli's curfew lapse, he again attracts negative headlines after pictures emerge of a training-ground bust-up with team-mate Micah Richards.

PARKER CLASH (January 2012)

Balotelli is charged with violent conduct by the Football Association, and subsequently handed a four-match ban, after appearing to stamp on the head of Tottenham's Scott Parker during a Premier League match.

INTER PRESS CONFERENCE (March 2012)

Balotelli gatecrashes the press conference to announce the appointment of Andrea Stramaccioni as Inter Milan's new coach.

FOURTH RED CARD (April 2012)

Balotelli is sent off for two bookable challenges on Arsenal full-back Bacary Sagna. Also guilty of a shocking knee-high challenge on Gunners midfielder Alex Song.

CLASH WITH MANCINI (January 2013)

Balotelli clashes with Mancini during training with the pair pulled apart by coaches. 

Pic:Annie Idibia writes heart-touching Message to Single Mothers

Yesterday being Throw Back Thursday, Actress and Wife of Legendary Singer 2face, Annie Idibia shared the above throw back photo of herself when she used to be a single mother.

Annie had a love child for her present hubby, 2face.
She shared the above photo with the caption below

Tbt #2011 #singledays # singlemum …. A big S/O to all the single mums out there,it not easy,ve been a single mum B4 n i know about all the challenges of trying to b mummy and daddy at the same time..it so hard… God bless u all and my prayers goes to u this morning

Chris Martin takes his mind off Jennifer Lawrence split as he parties with scantily-clad actress Sara Foster at Kate Hudson's Halloween bash

His short-lived romance with Jennifer Lawrence has officially been over for just a few days, but he doesn't appear to be locking himself away in mourning.

On Thursday night, Chris Martin, 37, was spotted at Kate Hudson's star-studded Halloween bash looking jovial as he partied the night away with a host of revellers.

And as he stood with fellow guests outside Kate's mansion in Brentwood, California, it was hard not to notice scantily-clad actress Sara Foster, who he was seen chatting with.

Scroll down for video 

+11

All smiles: Chris Martin was seen chatting with a scantily-clad Sara Foster at Kate Hudson's Halloween bash in Los Angeles on Wednesday night

+11

Leggy beauty: The 90210 actress displayed her shapely legs in her risque ensemble of choice

Gwyneth Paltrow tenderly strokes Chris Martin's head

Wearing what appeared to be a skimpy leotard under a black jacket, displaying much of her shapely buttocks, the actress married captivated the Coldplay frontman's attention as they chatted intently.

And while the pair's chat raised eyebrows, it seems that there's no budding romance on the horizon for Chris, as Sara, 33, is happily married to tennis player Tommy Haas, with whom she has a four-year-old daughter, Valentina.

The 90210 star is also the sister of Erin Foster, 32, who has been romantically linked to One Direction heart-throb Harry Styles.

+11

Love and marriage: The blonde screen beauty is happily married to tennis player Tommy Haas

+11

Family ties: Her sister Erin Foster has been romantically linked to One Direction heart-throb Harry Styles

The two were even seen together at a pumpkin patch in Los Angeles on October 8. 

Chris, who is currently separated from Oscar-winning actress Gwyneth Paltrow, grinned broadly as he stood on a porch, while appearing to forgo fancy dress altogether.

Wearing a turquoise cap, a navy sweater and beige trousers, the father-of-two looked at ease among the sea of wild and eye-catching costumes dominating the party.

+11

All eyes on you: The Coldplay frontman, who recently split from actress Jennifer Lawrence after just three months, chatted intently with Sara, as well as another guest

Yummy mummy: Sarah is the mother of one daughter, four-year-old Valentina

Also at the bash were a host of stars, including Jessica Alba, Katy Perry, Courteney Cox, Nicole Richie, Lily Allen and Gwen Stefani and her husband Gavin Rossdale.

The night before the party, Chris made his first public performance since his split with Oscar-winning beauty Jennifer, when he served as a surprise performer at the AmfAR gala in Los Angeles.

Gwyneth hosted the event and kicked off the night by bringing Martin and his band mate Jonny Buckland on stage to perform the band’s hit songs Paradise and Viva La Vida.

Centre of attention: Chris and Sara chatted enthusiastically as the party raged on inside the palatial property

Shapely: The screen star showed off her pert derriere as she mingled with the party's guests

Jennifer Lawrence tries to go unnoticed at Coldplay gig (archive)

She to the crowd that Martin is the 'father of the year,' according to E!.

'This brilliant singer-songwriter has sold 8 million records,’ Paltrow said. ‘[He] has won every single award that there is to be won, especially Father of the Year, which he has won consecutively since 2004.’

‘I am speaking of Chris Martin,’ she clarified according to People, ‘and the incredibly talented Jonny Buckland, who together make up one-half of the legendary band Coldplay.’

+11

Star-studded: A host of stars turned out for the party, including Jessica Alba, Nicole Richie and Gwen Stefani

1artying the night away: As security stood guard, the musician appeared to enjoy a mellow chat on the porch

Chris and Jennifer's split - announced last week - came just days after Chris was spotted on a family dinner at a sushi restaurant in Los Angeles with his estranged wife, 42, who was seen tenderly stroking his face.

That same night, a glum Jennifer was pictured elsewhere in in the city having dinner with a friend.

A source told MailOnline: 'Jen got tired of watching Chris play happy families with Gwyn and was annoyed that he was trying to keep her hidden away.'

The 'consciously uncoupled' pair - who have two children together, daughter Apple and son Moses - have been spotted together on several occasions since their split in March this year.

The ex factor: Chris' close relationship with estranged wife Gwyneth Paltrow is said to have been a contributing factor to the end of his romance with Jennifer

That gives a whole new meaning to ‘headstrong’! Photographer travels world to document the talents of those who can carry loads on their head

A photographer has travelled the world to showcase the talents of people who can carry heavy loads on their heads.

Floriane de Lassée, from France, went to some of the world's most remote landscapes, from East Africa to South America, in search of subjects for her photo series, 'How Much Can You Carry'.

The 37-year-old took on the project after becoming fascinated with the long lines of walkers carrying objects on their heads on roads around Africa.

So far she has pictured 70 people and travelled through 15 regions within seven countries to compile the spectacular images.

Her aim was to stage each person balancing the items that mean the most to them and her subjects ranged from children in Bolivia to tribesmen in Ethiopia.

She said: 'Leaving misery on the side, the models show a unique sense of curiosity, fun, and pride in staging themselves, proud to put forward what can be considered in lots of cases as their only survival means.'

Scroll down for video 

A tribesman (left) from Ethiopia holds a rifle between his knees and balances a microwave box, Coca Cola crate, metal pot and a plant on his head. In another picture (right), a young girl from Ethiopia balances three large bundles of wood with a baby goat perched on top

Headstrong: Pictured left, a Rwandan man shifts his body around as he carries four large suitcases on his head while an Indonesian woman balances a huge blue sack on her head as a child sits on top (right)

Having a ball: Pictured left, a young girl takes the strain as she carries three children on her shoulders under a basketball hoop in her native Nepal. Pictured right, a footballer from Brazil concentrates while balancing a bag of balls

Balancing act: A child, pictured left, from Ethiopia appears untroubled by the huge bundle of water bottles he is carrying on his head. Pictured right, a woman from Ethiopia smiles as she balances a pile of red cushions

Man climbs ladder whilst balancing a motorbike on his head

more videos

• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4

• • Watch video
    Homeless man plays incredible music on public piano
    
  • Watch video
    Typhoons scramble as sonic boom was heard across Kent
    
  • Watch video
    Warning from RAF typhoon to MITAVIA1605
    
• • Watch video
    Woman catcalled 108 times while walking in New York
    
  • Watch video
    Crying bride disguised as old lady creates bizarre scene in...
    
  • Watch video
    You can bet your Bionic Boots these will take you far!
    
• • Watch video
    Dogs entrapped in cages before they're killed for meat in...
    
  • Watch video
    Unbelievable moment KITTEN gets dragged by FISH into pond
    
  • Watch video
    Sarah Payne's mum reacts to killer's reduced jail term...
    
• • Watch video
    Kid Rock fan gets the birthday surprise of a lifetime!
    
  • Watch video
    Watch the flight path of Russian jet intercepted by RAF
    
  • Watch video
    Huge blaze at fireworks factory in Stafford
    

A woman named Jessica from Bolivia uses a hand to steady a heavy load of tools and brushes (left) while a young man from Nepal uses a head strap to carry foliage while carrying a bundle of sticks with his hands

An elderly woman from India uses a small orange cushion to help her balance a large wooden structure on her head (left). Pictured right another woman from India shows off her ability to carry items on her head. French photographer Floriane de Lassée travelled to some of the world's most remote landscapes to capture the images

The 37-year-old photographer pictured 70 people including a youngster in Ethiopia carrying a baby goat (left) and a Bolivian girl balancing bags of clothes on her head (right)