English Premier League: Louis van Gaal wants more from Angel di Maria
Winger could have contributed more in 4-0 win over QPR, says United manager
MANCHESTER:
Manager Louis van Gaal urged Angel di Maria to give even more after he inspired Manchester United to a 4-0 victory over Queens Park Rangers (QPR) on his home debut.
The Argentina international, United's record signing, upstaged debutant Radamel Falcao in Sunday's game at Old Trafford with a goal, an assist and a hand in the home side's two other goals.
He came off in the 82nd minute after suffering cramp and although Van Gaal heralded his contribution, he said that he expected the £59.7 million winger to get even better.
"Di Maria is all right, but he has cramp,” said Van Gaal. “Normally you have to play 90 minutes without cramp, but that's also a positive symbol that he gave everything.
"When you prepare three goals and you score the first goal yourself, you cannot play bad. But he had a lot of unnecessary losses, so we, including Di Maria, can do better.”
Having seen his side go four games without winning prior to Sunday's game, Van Gaal rejigged his line-up by introducing a four-man defence and a diamond midfield.
But despite the impressive nature of United's performance, the former Netherlands coach said the decision to jettison his 3-4-1-2 formation had been imposed upon him by circumstance.
"I could hardly play with five defenders because [Chris] Smalling and [Phil] Jones were injured," explained Van Gaal.
"So I was more or less forced to play with four defenders, but it's also because of the quality of players that I changed the system."
Van Gaal dismissed suggestions that this could be the most attacking side he has ever coached.
"I've worked already more than 35 years and I've played always on the attack," said the former Ajax, Barcelona and Bayern Munich coach.
QPR manager Harry Redknapp, who has never picked up a point in 15 league visits to Old Trafford, said his side were short of fitness.
"We need to get a few of the players up to speed and if we do, I think we've got a great chance,” said Redknapp.
Manager Louis van Gaal urged Angel di Maria to give even more after he inspired Manchester United to a 4-0 victory over Queens Park Rangers (QPR) on his home debut.
The Argentina international, United's record signing, upstaged debutant Radamel Falcao in Sunday's game at Old Trafford with a goal, an assist and a hand in the home side's two other goals.
He came off in the 82nd minute after suffering cramp and although Van Gaal heralded his contribution, he said that he expected the £59.7 million winger to get even better.
"Di Maria is all right, but he has cramp,” said Van Gaal. “Normally you have to play 90 minutes without cramp, but that's also a positive symbol that he gave everything.
"When you prepare three goals and you score the first goal yourself, you cannot play bad. But he had a lot of unnecessary losses, so we, including Di Maria, can do better.”
Having seen his side go four games without winning prior to Sunday's game, Van Gaal rejigged his line-up by introducing a four-man defence and a diamond midfield.
But despite the impressive nature of United's performance, the former Netherlands coach said the decision to jettison his 3-4-1-2 formation had been imposed upon him by circumstance.
"I could hardly play with five defenders because [Chris] Smalling and [Phil] Jones were injured," explained Van Gaal.
"So I was more or less forced to play with four defenders, but it's also because of the quality of players that I changed the system."
Van Gaal dismissed suggestions that this could be the most attacking side he has ever coached.
"I've worked already more than 35 years and I've played always on the attack," said the former Ajax, Barcelona and Bayern Munich coach.
QPR manager Harry Redknapp, who has never picked up a point in 15 league visits to Old Trafford, said his side were short of fitness.
"We need to get a few of the players up to speed and if we do, I think we've got a great chance,” said Redknapp.