Angel Di Maria injury not serious, says United boss Louis van Gaal

Posted Sunday, August 31, 2014 by ESPN

Angel Di Maria injury not serious, says United boss Louis van Gaal
Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal laments his side's inability to capitalise on their chances.

The injury sustained by Angel Di Maria on his Manchester United debut is not serious, according to manager Louis van Gaal.

Di Maria suffered a kick to the calf by Burnley's Danny Ings in the second half of United's 0-0 draw on Saturday, a result that extended their winless start to the season.

The Argentina international, signed from Real Madrid for 59.7 million pounds, was substituted in the 70th minute, but Van Gaal is not concerned about his fitness.

Van Gaal said: "It was a precaution. Today, we didn't see the world-class player from Madrid, but you can't expect that yet.

"He has to adapt to the English culture and way of playing, but also to his fellow players. That needs time."

Regarding the result, Van Gaal added: "When you have two points [out of] nine that is not good enough and that is disappointing.

"The progress is there, but you have to win, a club like Manchester United have to win.

"At the moment it's certainly not a world-class team, but we have to wait, and have belief that it will come."

Asked about Robin van Persie's performance, Van Gaal said: "He played 60 minutes in his first game back, and 70 today, so I think it's a case of building up his game time.

"That's also frustrating, but that's part of football, because of the World Cup. It's a pity, but we have to do it because otherwise he wouldn't be fit."