Manchester United F.C. Creating New Style, Says Angel di Maria
Manchester United were renowned for swashbuckling wing play under legendary former manager Alex Ferguson, but under Van Gaal it is the wing-backs who provide the width, with the midfielders playing narrowly.
Manchester United winger Angel di Maria on Wednesday urged supporters to support the new style being introduced by manager Louis van Gaal and stop harking back to bygone glory days. (Also read: Arsene Wenger abuse 'totally unnecessary', says Thierry Henry)
United were renowned for swashbuckling wing play under legendary former manager Alex Ferguson, but under Van Gaal it is the wing-backs who provide the width, with the midfielders playing narrowly. (Swansea's Wilfried Bony signs for Manchester City)
United have struggled since Ferguson's departure in May 2013, finishing seventh in the Premier League last season and currently lying fourth, but £59.7 million ($90.6 million, 77.1 million euros) record signing Di Maria has urged the club's fans to keep the faith.
"There are some people saying that we're not playing in a particularly good style or that it's not the old Manchester United -- but it's not," the Argentina international told in-house television channel MUTV.
"We're beginning something new here. We've got a new style, we've got a new manager and we're all working hard to make sure we're putting Manchester United back where it belongs.
"We're focusing on growing as a team, working hard and getting as many points as we can.
"We all know the Premier League is difficult, but all we're focusing on now is meeting our objectives and our targets for the year.
"So whether it's qualifying for the Champions League, making sure that we do well in the FA Cup or getting as high in the league as possible, these are things we are going for now."