Intro:

Louis van Gaal maintains that "the first season is always difficult" and that there is no issue with Angel di Maria at United.

Script:

SOUNDBITE: (English) Louis van Gaal, Manchester United manager (Q: What do you remember from playing Newcastle United at Old Trafford earlier in the season?)

"We played a good match and we won very deservedly. We could have won (by) more but it's always like that.

SOUNDBITE: (English) Louis van Gaal, Manchester United manager (Q: You substituted Angel di Maria at half time in the last game. Is it a concern that he's taking a long time to settle down?)

"I think it counts for all the players that we have bought. The first season is always difficult. I have explained it in the press conference after the match and you can see it to every player we have bought. (Luke) Shaw, (Daley) Blind, (Ander) Herrera, (Radamel) Falcao and also (Angel) di Maria. So for me, it's not a bit surprise.

SOUNDBITE: (English) Louis van Gaal, Manchester United manager (Q: Arsene Wenger has suggested that the battle for Champions League places will come down to the last matches of the season and that 72 points should be enough for fourth place. What do you make of that?)

"I don't think how many points but he is more experienced in Premier League (than I am) so I want to believe him but it's going to (go) until the last week. I know that also and I have said that already."