MANCHESTER – Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal says British record signing Angel Di Maria should be given more time to justify his price tag and be judged on his success at Old Trafford.
Di Maria joined United from Real Madrid last summer as part of United’s re-building plans under van Gaal.
But after an encouraging start to his career in British football, the Argentina international, 27, has struggled to find his best form in a United side, which despite occupying a top-four place in the Premier League has also stuttered at times.
Di Maria was substituted at half-time during United’s unconvincing 2-0 win over Sunderland last Saturday and looked a frustrated figure.
His home near Manchester was the subject of an attempted burglary in January which also unsettled the player and his family.
Van Gaal admits that all players need time to find their feet and says it’s too early to judge Di Maria’s impact.
“I think it counts for all the players that we have bought, the first season is always difficult,” van Gaal said.
“I have explained that in the press conference after the match (against Sunderland).
“You can see it for every player we have bought, Shaw, Blind, Herrera, Falcao and also Di Maria.
“For me it is not a big surprise, it is more a big surprise when he adapted as quickly as possible.
“In Holland, Spain and Germany I had the same experience with players. We have to give him time, not just Di Maria but all the players. We wait and see.”
Van Gaal hopes that next season will see all his recent signings fulfil their potential, although he admits there is no set formula for how long it takes a player to fully settle at a new club.
