Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal says he can’t be ‘definite’ that Angel di Maria will stay at Old Trafford, although does not expect that the record acquisition will be leaving the club.
Di Maria was signed from Real Madrid for almost £60 million during the summer transfer window and, so far, has failed to live up to expectation in a Manchester United side that has struggled for fluency.
The Argentine’s dismissal in the defeat to Arsenal last Monday evening led to more speculation about his long-term future, with Paris Saint-Germain linked once more, and there have been claims he is unhappy in Manchester.
Burglary
Di Maria’s home was burgled shortly after his move from Madrid and former Manchester United captain Gary Neville has stated that this is likely to have proved detrimental to the player’s performances on the pitch.
Van Gaal, however, is not concerned by suggestions that Di Maria would look to leave Manchester United, although concedes he cannot be completely certain that the 27-year-old will indeed stay.
"Despite [the burglary] he is very pleased to be here at Manchester United," Van Gaal told reporters.
"I am always compassionate about a player's needs and although I cannot say anything for definite about his future, I don't think he will move."
Stay or go?
It would be difficult to fathom Di Maria leaving the club after only one season, even if he has struggled to adapt to life in a new country.
On the field he has failed to convince on a regular basis but much of this can be owed to the decisions of the manager. Van Gaal does not yet know his best team and this, of course, is of no use to the players.
Manchester United fans will be hoping that a second season at the club will prove to be a better one for both Van Gaal and Di Maria and both, in theory, should produce the goods following a year in the Premier League.
Manchester United fans: Are you confident Angel di Maria can turn things around?
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