
De Bruyne v Casemiro and Haaland v Varane – The key FA Cup final battles
Manchester City take on arch-rivals Manchester United in the FA Cup final on Saturday. Here, the PA news agency looks at some key battles ahead of the Wembley encounter. Pep Guardiola v Erik ten Hag City manager Guardiola has again underlined his status as the best coach of his generation by guiding his side to a fifth Premier League title in six years and bringing them within two wins of a glorious treble. Ten Hag, who worked alongside the Catalan at Bayern Munich for a spell, cannot match Guardiola’s success but his record at Ajax was impressive and his first season with United has been encouraging, with one trophy and Champions League qualification secured. They have both beaten each other once this season. Ruben Dias v Marcus Rashford Portugal defender Dias has been back to his best for City during the run-in. After a spell out around the turn of the year, he has recovered form and fitness to provide a rock-solid barrier at the heart of the defence. He will come up against United’s player of the year Rashford, who has bagged 30 goals in all competitions. The forward’s scoring rate may have slowed after a prolific spell in the winter, but after overcoming a recent illness, he will be United’s main threat. Rodri v Bruno Fernandes Rodri has enjoyed his best season for City and is now widely regarded as one of the best midfielders in the world. The Spaniard not only provides a defensive shield, but is a driving force who regularly initiates and supports attacks. Fernandes is an important cog in the United midfield. He finds space well, makes dangerous runs and passes incisively. He is both a creator and goalscorer, and has shown of late he can be as effective on the right as centrally. Kevin De Bruyne v Casemiro It is remarkable that De Bruyne was criticised by Guardiola just a few months ago. The Belgian playmaker had been performing well enough but the City boss clearly felt he had another level. So it has proved, with the 31-year-old outstanding in City’s charge to the title and two finals. His partnership with Haaland has been especially potent and Casemiro will aim to keep a close watch. The experienced Brazilian has made a big impact at Old Trafford this season, providing a steeliness and maturity they previously lacked. Erling Haaland v Raphael Varane Haaland’s first season at City has been absolutely sensational with 52 goals scored in all competitions and nine assists for good measure. His size, pace and strength make him difficult to contain and, after scoring so many goals this term, he will now want to add some signature trophy-winning ones. Varane will provide a good challenge. The Frenchman reads the game well, is strong on the ball and is quick himself. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live
2023-06-02 16:23

Cutting social media use to 30 minutes per day found to significantly reduce anxiety and loneliness
Scientists have found that students who cut social media use to 30 minutes per day can see significant reduction in anxiety, depression, and loneliness, an advance that can lead to better mental health interventions. A growing body of research in recent years has shown that an increase in social media use among young people is linked to their declining mental health. Researchers at Iowa State University assessed this link further in a two-week experiment with 230 college students. Half of the participants were asked to limit their social media usage to 30 minutes a day, and received automated, daily reminders. The study, published in the journal Technology, Mind, and Behavior, found that this group of participants scored significantly lower for anxiety, depression, loneliness and fear of missing out at the end of the experiment compared to the control group. These participants also appeared to have a brighter outlook on life, scoring higher for “positive affect,” which the researchers describe as “the tendency to experience positive emotions described with words such as ‘excited’ and ‘proud.’” “It surprised me to find that participants’ well-being did not only improve in one dimension but in all of them. I was excited to learn that such a simple intervention of sending a daily reminder can motivate people to change their behavior and improve their social media habits,” study co-author Ella Faulhaber said. The psychological benefits from cutting back on social media was found to extend even to participants who sometimes exceeded the 30-minute time limit. Scientists suggest it is not about being perfect, but putting in the effort that makes the difference. While previous research has assessed the effects of limiting or abstaining from social media, many of the interventions recommended in these studies require heavy supervision and deleting apps or using special applications to block or limit social media use. “When a perceived freedom is taken away, we start resisting,” says Douglas A. Gentile, another author of the study, who adds that eliminating social media completely may take away some of its benefits like connecting with friends and family. For those looking to cut back on social media use, scientists recommend setting a timer to see how much time one spends on social media. “Recognize that it’s not easy to stick to a time limit. Social media apps are designed to keep you engaged,” researchers said in a statement. However, they urge people not to give up as limiting social media use over time has real benefits for daily life. “We live in an age of anxiety. Lots of indicators show that anxiety, depression, loneliness are all getting worse, and that can make us feel helpless. But there are things we can do to manage our mental health and well-being,” Dr Gentile said. Read More TikTok allowed millions of people to see Canadian ‘helicopter’ wildfire conspiracies Reddit hit by outage as fight over its future escalates Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp all stop working Is your WhatsApp group making you anxious? Don’t worry – you’re not alone From a post-truth world to a post-trust world Why suicides among young women are rising at the fastest rate ever
2023-06-19 14:26

One year after liberation, Ukrainians in Kherson hold on to hope amid constant shelling
One year since Ukraine retook the city of Kherson from occupying Russian forces, residents have grown accustomed to the sounds of the bombs reminding them that the war is far from over
2023-11-11 19:17

They lost everything in Hurricane Ian and are bracing for Idalia. Here's what they want you to know
Less than a year after Hurricane Ian smashed into the Gulf Coast of Florida, the residents of Pine Island are still rebuilding their homes, all while waiting and watching the next hurricane.
2023-08-30 06:23

Federal judge reimposes limited gag order in Donald Trump's 2020 election interference case
The federal judge overseeing Donald Trump’s 2020 election interference case in Washington has reimposed a narrow gag order barring him from making public comments targeting prosecutors, court staff and potential witnesses
2023-10-30 09:28

The West Bank Is Being Reshaped Along With Gaza Post-Oct. 7
In the weeks since Oct. 7, Issa Amro has watched as Israeli settlers have entered his community, shot
2023-11-26 21:29

Chelsea, Man City, Man Utd and Newcastle make Khvicha Kvaratskhelia scouting trip
Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United and Newcastle United sent scouts to watch Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in Georgia's defeat to Spain in Euro 2024 qualifying on Sunday night.
2023-11-20 20:47

Actors' deal includes pay rises and intimacy co-ordinators, union says
The US actors' union says its national board has voted to back the agreement with Hollywood studios.
2023-11-11 11:21

Ohio redistricting panel adopts GOP-drawn Statehouse maps for public discussion, as Democrats object
The Ohio Redistricting Commission has adopted new Republican-drawn Statehouse maps for public discussion
2023-09-21 06:20

What is the highest-scoring offense in NFL history?
Here's a brief look at the highest-scoring teams in NFL history, covering both total points and average points per game.
2023-10-21 11:20

Harris and Sunak due to discuss cutting-edge AI risks at UK summit
U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak are set to join delegates Thursday at a U.K. summit focused on containing risks from rapid advances in cutting edge artificial intelligence
2023-11-02 17:59

'Finally lands one': Fans relieved as Nicholas Hoult enters DCU as Lex Luthor after Batman, Superman snub
Nicholas Hoult, who previously auditioned for Superman and Batman roles, has been cast as Lex Luthor in James Gunn's upcoming 'Superman: Legacy'
2023-11-21 19:26
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