LOUIS VAN GAAL has revealed Angel Di Maria is in contention to be on the bench for Manchester United’s trip to Aston Villa on Saturday.

Di Maria has not featured since United’s 3-0 win over Hull City on 29 November due to a hamstring injury, but Van Gaal revealed in his press conference on Friday that the Argentina international has now resumed full training.

“Of course Angel Di Maria has trained this week with us, so it’s always dependable how I have to compare with other players because he’s not match fit after one week,” the Dutchman told reporters.

“So maybe I will select him for the bench or maybe not. I have to make my decision because we have to train, so one training [session] to go.”

Van Gaal also confirmed that Radamel Falcao is back in the reckoning for a starting spot against Villa, having last featured from the beginning in United’s 2-1 win over Everton on 5 October.

“He has shown fitness,” Van Gaal added when asked about Falcao. “Maybe I shall select him for the bench, maybe for the line-up.”

Bojan, the Tyne-Wear derby and Rodgers’ Reds – this weekend’s Premier League talking points

he Premier League fixtures that matter this Christmas