[jem]

I just rewatched the QPR game from the beginning of the season. Di Maria was absolutely lethal in that game, and not particularly wasteful either. Granted QPR were obliging opponents, but the runs Di Maria makes are breathtaking, and usually from quite deep, central positions (and he's shredded much better opponents in much the same way, playing for Real and Argentina.)

I've been as frustrated as anyone by his performances recently, but it would be worth trying to tap into whatever it was that allowing him to perform at that level. It's worth noting that both Mata and Herrera were playing, so getting him to perform in this way wouldn't necessarily have to be at the expense of these two.

Sidenote: it's quite a bittersweet affair watching the QPR match. Rafael was doing his thing at RB (I'll never understand how Valencia could be preferred to him,) and Falcao received a pretty rousing reception when he started warming up.

 

[Cheesy]

I just rewatched the QPR game from the beginning of the season. Di Maria was absolutely lethal in that game, and not particularly wasteful either. Granted QPR were obliging opponents, but the runs Di Maria makes are breathtaking, and usually from quite deep, central positions (and he's shredded much better opponents in much the same way, playing for Real and Argentina.)

I've been as frustrated as anyone by his performances recently, but it would be worth trying to tap into whatever it was that allowing him to perform at that level. It's worth noting that both Mata and Herrera were playing, so getting him to perform in this way wouldn't necessarily have to be at the expense of these two.

Sidenote: it's quite a bittersweet affair watching the QPR match. Rafael was doing his thing at RB (I'll never understand how Valencia could be preferred to him,) and Falcao received a pretty rousing reception when he started warming up.

It's a difficult one. He looked like a completely different footballer to the one we've seen lately in those few games, and looked a class above the rest of our squad in the Burnley game.

 

[jem]

It's a difficult one. He looked like a completely different footballer to the one we've seen lately in those few games, and looked a class above the rest of our squad in the Burnley game.

It's tough, because on the one hand, we recently seem to have discovered a good formula that emphasizes possession play, one which has produced good results (with the exception of the Everton game,) and which does seem particularly suited to accommodating Di Maria; on the other hand however, you can't help but wonder if we shouldn't tailor our game to him somewhat, given his talent (and by this, I mean letting him play a bit deeper and more centrally, where he has looked far more dangerous.)

The player on display in the early part of the season certainly appears to be worth making concessions for. The question, of course, is whether he has it in him to take the reins should they be offered to him (talent-wise there's no doubt that he does, but there are question marks about his attitude/happiness, etc.)

 

[NL Max]

It's tough, because on the one hand, we recently seem to have discovered a good formula that emphasizes possession play, one which has produced good results (with the exception of the Everton game,) and which does seem particularly suited to accommodating Di Maria; on the other hand however, you can't help but wonder if we shouldn't tailor our game to him somewhat, given his talent (and by this, I mean letting him play a bit deeper and more centrally, where he has looked far more dangerous.)

The player on display in the early part of the season certainly appears to be worth making concessions for. The question, of course, is whether he has it in him to take the reins should they be offered to him (talent-wise there's no doubt that he does, but there are question marks about his attitude/happiness, etc.)

Not gonna happen under van Gaal. He's not changing away from his possesion based football for 1 footballer, he's going to find a way for Di Maria to fit in though.

This is more likely as winger than as CM, because van Gaal's instructions for his midfielders will limit Di Maria's strenghts severely. He would need to play him as the only attacking midfielder (the only position in midfield we're stocked on - it'll be more expensive to replace the other midfielders than Di Maria was) for it to work. He can't change his 'philosophy' to just put a worldclass attacking gung-ho Di Maria in midfield who's most important role is to keep possesion at all costs. We would get outscored every match.

On the wing he can take risks and be given a more free role in van Gaal's otherwise rigid team to use him to great effects. We haven't seen Di Maria in midfield for how long now? I think he gave up on the idea pretty quickly.

 

[jem]

Not gonna happen under van Gaal. He's not changing away from his possesion based football for 1 footballer, he's going to find a way for Di Maria to fit in though.

This is more likely as winger than as CM, because van Gaal's instructions for his midfielders will limit Di Maria's strenghts severely. He would need to play him as the only attacking midfielder (the only position in midfield we're stocked on - it'll be more expensive to replace the other midfielders than Di Maria was) for it to work. He can't change his 'philosophy' to just put a worldclass attacking gung-ho Di Maria in midfield who's most important role is to keep possesion at all costs. We would get outscored every match.

On the wing he can take risks and be given a more free role in van Gaal's otherwise rigid team to use him to great effects. We haven't seen Di Maria in midfield for how long now? I think he gave up on the idea pretty quickly.

Oh I'm sure you're right. I just wish it wasn't so set in stone, as the player on display earlier this season was a real game-changer (and actually not nearly as loose in possession as he has been lately.) Hopefully those same strengths can be harnessed on the wing.

 

[Devil may care]

The biggest issue if he doesn't end going to PSG despite the stories that he's happy, is which wing to use him on and if we can get more goals out of him, as in a 4-3-3 you need all of the front 3 to weigh in with goals and that is not really his strength.

 

[SonnyTheHaloPro]

He needs to turn it up next year big time, and by that I mean he needs to maintain his early 2014/15 form for the whole of next season.

Right now this is looking like one of the biggest transfer flops in history. He is a world class player and I believe he can turn it around.

 

[Red Comet]

He needs to turn it up next year big time, and by that I mean he needs to maintain his early 2014/15 form for the whole of next season.

Right now this is looking like one of the biggest transfer flops in history. He is a world class player and I believe he can turn it around.

Di Maria has got 10 assists and 3 goals from his limited outings. He hasn't been a trial-blazer but it's hardly a "flop" by any account.

Balotelli is a flop.

 

[SonnyTheHaloPro]

Di Maria has got 10 assists and 3 goals from his limited outings. He hasn't been a trial-blazer but it's hardly a "flop" by any account.

Balotelli is a flop.

Di Maria cost £60million and is getting benched by Young. Since early March Di Maria has been on the bench for us.

Ballotelli has been a flop too, of course albeit a less expensive one.

 

[NoPace]

He's very talented, but I think he'd be better off playing for a manager who will use him as the most attacking player in a 4-3-3, which Van Gaal seems unlikely to do. He's best running from deeper and having options up ahead.

The role Kuba plays Dortmund in their 4-3-3, for example, would suit him perfectly.

It won't happen, but Di Maria + 15M for Koke would improve us massively (with Koke taking Fellaini's spot) and Simeone would get an Argentinian with La Liga experience to create for Manzukic/New Striker + Griezmann up top.

If PSG buy him, I think he'll produce as he does here, since he will be pushed up the field by virtue of their personnel; Motta, Verrati and Matuidi are simply more productive than Lucas, Cavani, Lavezzi and Pastore. But whenever one of those first 3 CM's was missing, Di Maria could take Matuidi's role, for which he is well suited.

 

[Bobcat]

Unless we get the same money we paid for him, we would be mad to let him go this summer. As good as Young have been this year he is not world class anf Di Maria is more than capable to fill that position.

Yes he has done some dumb shit, but his stats speak for themselves. Have Fellaini bully the players around him and the left back bomb forward and i am sure he would thrive in that LFW role

 

[Pogue Mahone]

It's tough, because on the one hand, we recently seem to have discovered a good formula that emphasizes possession play, one which has produced good results (with the exception of the Everton game,) and which does seem particularly suited to accommodating Di Maria; on the other hand however, you can't help but wonder if we shouldn't tailor our game to him somewhat, given his talent (and by this, I mean letting him play a bit deeper and more centrally, where he has looked far more dangerous.)

The player on display in the early part of the season certainly appears to be worth making concessions for. The question, of course, is whether he has it in him to take the reins should they be offered to him (talent-wise there's no doubt that he does, but there are question marks about his attitude/happiness, etc.)

With the benefit of hindsight, those early season performance were nowhere near as good as we thought at the time. There was, at most, two games where he put in a really good performance and they were against really crap opposition. Never once looked a threat against anyone decent and in games where he looked good going forward, individually, we got utterly dominated in the centre of the park for most of the game. Everton, Leicester and West Ham being the obvious examples.

"Solving a problem like Di Maria" is far more tricky than just sticking him in central midfield. He's struggled with the physicality, pace and the refereeing of the PL from the outset and when you're in central midfield there's nowhere to hide. He didn't even play as a proper CM at Madrid. Was more like a winger being asked to drift infield. Hopefully he'll come good next season but that's going to have to be in the position he's played for almost his entire career to date, out wide.

 

[jem]

With the benefit of hindsight, those early season performance were nowhere near as good as we thought at the time. There was, at most, two games where he put in a really good performance and they were against really crap opposition. Never once looked a threat against anyone decent and in games where he looked good going forward, individually, we got utterly dominated in the centre of the park for most of the game. Everton, Leicester and West Ham being the obvious examples.

"Solving a problem like Di Maria" is far more tricky than just sticking him in central midfield. He's struggled with the physicality, pace and the refereeing of the PL from the outset and when you're in central midfield there's nowhere to hide. He didn't even play as a proper CM at Madrid. Was more like a winger being asked to drift infield. Hopefully he'll come good next season but that's going to have to be in the position he's played for almost his entire career to date, out wide.

Well I think he was excellent in those two or three games (Burnley, QPR and Leicester - first half.) But you're right: the opposition, particularly QPR, couldn't have been much more obliging.

I also agree that he'll have to make his impact from the wing. I just wish he could find a happy medium between the gung-ho early season performances, with the incredible pace he injected into our attack (something that has been sorely lacking over the past few years,) and the more controlled tempo he's had to play at from the wing (of course without the all-too frequent losing of the ball.) Of course, if the Di Maria problem is to be solved, then 90% of the solution will have to come from the player himself. I feel for him with what he's been through, but it's time to draw a line under that, and get on with becoming a key member of the starting 11.

 

[Kill 'em all]

This is the same as Mata, people are too quick to right off a player. He joined a very physically demanding league after a world cup year and we've seen glimpses of his best during the early parts of the season. We will see the real Di Maria next season and believe me he will be spectacular. A world class player doesn't turn to shit overnight for no reason at all. This is the same player who played a huge role in winning that 10th Champions league trophy for Real Madrid.

Di Maria is one of the best players in the world and we would be stupid to get rid of him.

 

[RedorDead21]

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/fo...n-for-Angel-di-Maria-with-45-million-bid.html

 

[BennyBlanco]

If PSG offered 45mill this summer I would take it, seriously, I never thought that highly of him in Mourinho's Real team, I dont think he has the consistency on the wings for a 60mill type player, through the middle may be a different story, but if LvG isn't prepared to structure the team around him then its best to recoup our money, particuarly if his private life still isnt settled in Manchester.

 

[Raoul]

He will improve next year and if we're serious about the league and CL, we need players like him to stay.

 

[Varun]

If PSG offered 45mill this summer I would take it, seriously, I never thought that highly of him in Mourinho's Real team, I dont think he has the consistency on the wings for a 60mill type player, through the middle may be a different story, but if LvG isn't prepared to structure the team around him then its best to recoup our money, particuarly if his private life still isnt settled in Manchester.

He's not a 60mil winger, no doubt about that. But the price we paid for him was for his performances in the middle of the park, its not his fault if we intend to play him out wide. I don't understand the sell him for 45mil bit though especially after just 1 season. Our spending this summer is not reliant on any sales. Why sell him now rather than give him another year?

 

[BennyBlanco]

He's not a 60mil winger, no doubt about that. But the price we paid for him was for his performances in the middle of the park, its not his fault if we intend to play him out wide. I don't understand the sell him for 45mil bit though especially after just 1 season. Our spending this summer is not reliant on any sales. Why sell him now rather than give him another year?

Honestly, his form has flatlined since that attempted robbery, If his wife is that unhappy here... then just let him go, dont get me wrong, I think he's a class player and an absolute assist machine if afforded the right circumstances to perform, but is LvG with his strict criteria for each position going to consider him centralish? if he's not then it's probable we're not going to see the Real Madrid Di Maria of last year, coupled with the idea if his private life isnt settled we could well be lumbered with an underperforming player.

We could reinvest that 45mill in someone such as a Bale, who you'd know would be instantly settled in the North West and in the Premier League.

 

[matt23]

I've been pretty critical of him for most of the season but I agree with those saying keep him (if he genuinely wants to stay) and see what he can do next year. We made our bed when we spunked the record fee on him, trying to get grab some change from PSG would look poor imo.

 

[Varun]

Honestly, his form has flatlined since that attempted robbery, If his wife is that unhappy here... then just let him go, dont get me wrong, I think he's a class player and an absolute assist machine if afforded the right circumstances to perform, but is LvG with his strict criteria for each position going to consider him centralish? if he's not then it's probable we're not going to see the Real Madrid Di Maria of last year, coupled with the idea if his private life isnt settled we could well be lumbered with an underperforming player.

We could reinvest that 45mill in someone such as a Bale, who you'd know would be instantly settled in the North West and in the Premier League.

For Van Gaal to get a more creative player central, he needs a proper 8 in the middle. I think he's definitely going to buy one which will leave Fellaini's slot up for grabs for a proper no 10. I think it'l be one of Mata or Herrera though which still leaves Di Maria out wide. But, play him on the right and he's a top player. What he needs is confidence and a good run in the side. He's new to the PL, its very different in terms of the demand on the player to the Spanish League. When you get a top player like Di Maria, you do everything possible to let him make an impact, not sell him on after a season.

As I said, if Bale was available and we wanted him, we wouldnt need to sell Di Maria to get him. We make too much money. Which is why I dont see any reason to sell a player like him without giving him a proper go.

 

[BennyBlanco]

For Van Gaal to get a more creative player central, he needs a proper 8 in the middle. I think he's definitely going to buy one which will leave Fellaini's slot up for grabs for a proper no 10. I think it'l be one of Mata or Herrera though which still leaves Di Maria out wide. But, play him on the right and he's a top player. What he needs is confidence and a good run in the side. He's new to the PL, its very different in terms of the demand on the player to the Spanish League. When you get a top player like Di Maria, you do everything possible to let him make an impact, not sell him on after a season.

As I said, if Bale was available and we wanted him, we wouldnt need to sell Di Maria to get him. We make too much money. Which is why I dont see any reason to sell a player like him without giving him a proper go.

I take your view, honestly I do, I suppose I just see it more likely his form wont improve dramatically next year... if his home life isn't settled, but at the end of the day, I dont personally know his home life issues or if they've been overblown, if thats the case then yea I would be more comfortable in keeping him here next year.

On the fact we wouldnt need to sell to buy a Bale type, of course thats true too, but I find it puzzling we're now thought of as a club who's comfortable with throwing our financial clout around suddenly, we've always been a very frugal club historically in comparisson to the big spenders, even before the Glazers, under Edwards, this 20+ year model seems to have been eroded in everyones mind due to the last couple of years expenditure.

We're still a club who runs on a tight business model to stay at the top as much as anything we do on the field, and getting a 45million return on what could be; an unhappy, underperforming player would surely make good business sense.

Thats just my take on the situation, but again, my opinion on the matter is based on the fact I see his home life in turmoil just now. (and could well be wrong on the fact)

 

[Zoo]

 

[Sam]

Hardly convincing!

I reckon if a big bid comes in, and he wants to go, we'll let him.

 

[Raoul]

Probably a deliberate attempt to squash rumors to the contrary.

 

[Sied]

Very high praise for Carrick in that article about Di Maria!

 

[C'est Moi Cantona]

Really hope he stays and proves himself, but if we are serious about going for Bale then we are going to need to sell a player that is actually worth something significant, if Bale looks a goer, and someone (PSG) offers £50 m for Di Maria then it'd be hard to say no.

 

[Striker10]

We can exchange for players we want but we won't be selling to that annoying club. It's pointless. They can bleep off

 

[JPRouve]

I'm maybe reading to much into it, but it seems that Di Maria wants to leave and the club tries to convince him to stay.

 

[Raoul]

I'm maybe reading to much into it, but it seems that Di Maria wants to leave and the club tries to convince him to stay.

I doubt they would bother to make a public tweet about expecting him to stay in that case. All talks would take place privately.

 

[NL Max]

Hardly convincing!

I reckon if a big bid comes in, and he wants to go, we'll let him.

I'm convinced tbf. Van Gaal is a gentleman, he doesn't lie - he never has done. He will truly believe Di Maria wants to fight for his place and he believes in him. Of course he can't completely rule out a transfer since you never know, but I very much doubt van Gaal wants to lose Di Maria after one season when he's shown in glimpses of what he can do. The only way Di Maria would leave is if he really wants out, so far there have been no official reports/statements that he's that unhappy so I doubt it. The club won't be keen to sell him anyways, we don't need to so it won't be for a loss.

 

[Raoul]

I think Van Gaal is savvy enough to know that he will need players of Di Maria's quality if he plans on making a serious run at the league and CL next year.

 

[JPRouve]

I doubt they would bother to make a public tweet about expecting him to stay in that case. All talks would take place privately.

Yeah, maybe your right, but the fact that the club put all departure possibility in Di Maria's hands is a bit weird, why say that the decision is his ?

 

[PlayerOne]

Yeah, maybe your right, but the fact that the club put all departure possibility in Di Maria's hands is a bit weird, why say that the decision is his ?

It's not the first LVG has something like this, he said this back in March:

Van Gaal, when asked if he would let Di Maria leave on compassionate grounds, said: "I am always like that. When you see my history, that's part of my philosophy. A player is not just a man who kicks the ball from A to B. His environment is influencing him.

"I shall always be open but I know that the commercial interests of the club and we have to respect that. You cannot give a lot of money for a player and next season put him out of your selection."

 

[JPRouve]

It's not the first LVG has something like this, he said this back in March:

I know, he is insisting on the 'it's the player decision' mantra.

 

[NL Max]

I know, he is insisting on the 'it's the player decision' mantra.

Basically he's referencing to his 'totale mens principe' (total human picture?). He believes a happy player is a better player - that's why he always tries to keep them happy. As a family man he gives them much more priviledges to visit family for example - wifes and children are always welcome, he gives them holidays like with Christmas, he will even congratulate the players on the birthdays of their family. If a player really isn't happy he will be sold, because it's bad for the team spirit, he'll perform worse and because he's a family man himself. If a player wants out, he's always free to go and van Gaal will never stand in their way.

Doesn't mean he wants Di Maria to leave, he just won't stop him if he wants to.

 

[wiz4231]

Good luck and all the best...I wonder where he'll be next season, PSG?
I hope he gets the #7 shirt, wouldn't want that tattoo going to waste

 

[Sam]

I'm convinced tbf. Van Gaal is a gentleman, he doesn't lie - he never has done. He will truly believe Di Maria wants to fight for his place and he believes in him. Of course he can't completely rule out a transfer since you never know, but I very much doubt van Gaal wants to lose Di Maria after one season when he's shown in glimpses of what he can do. The only way Di Maria would leave is if he really wants out, so far there have been no official reports/statements that he's that unhappy so I doubt it. The club won't be keen to sell him anyways, we don't need to so it won't be for a loss.

It just sounded as if LVG was leaving the door open somewhat, so if Di Maria really wanted to leave he'd let him. Not that he'd want that to happen.

 

[JPRouve]

Doesn't mean he wants Di Maria to leave, he just won't stop him if he wants to.

That's not what I said, if Di Maria wants to stay and the club wants to keep him, there is no decision to make. I'm under the impression that Van gaal and the club don't know what Di Maria wants, otherwise it would be simple and the message would be 'circulate, nothing to see'.

 

[Sam]

That's not what I said, if Di Maria wants to stay and the club wants to keep him, there is no decision to make. I'm under the impression that Van gaal and the club don't know what Di Maria wants, otherwise it would be simple and the message would be 'circulate, nothing to see'.

I don't think its that far fetched to suggest he's probably not particularly pleased to be here right now.