Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal said he did not know the reason for Angel Di Maria’s absence
Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal claims he “does not know why” Angel Di Maria has not joined up with his team on their pre-season tour.
French paper L’Equipe reported that United had agreed a £46.5m deal with Paris St-Germain for the Argentine.
But it is understood talks are continuing between the two clubs, with a fee yet to be agreed.
“He was not on the plane,” said Van Gaal of Di Maria after his team’s 3-1 pre-season win over Barcelona.
“Marcos Rojo was also not on the plane. He has had a passport issue, from Angel Di Maria I don’t know why. I cannot say anything.”
Van Gaal said on Friday that Di Maria would join United on their pre-season tour despite speculation about a move to PSG.
However, it has now been claimed that the 27-year-old, who joined United last summer for a British record £59.7m, will travel to New Jersey – where PSG are based during their tour of America – for a medical with the French club.
Will De Gea stay? You never know
Goalkeeper David De Gea – strongly linked with Real Madrid over the summer – started against Barcelona and looked impressive.
He was replaced after 62 minutes as Van Gaal changed his entire starting XI – and afterwards Van Gaal was keen to praise the Spain international.
“He has showed his quality I think,” said Van Gaal. “The first chance was for Barcelona. When you stop the first chance, then you can score the first goal, what we have done also.
“That is always the difference in the game. Of course I do hope that David De Gea shall stay but in this world of football you never know.”
Second-string impress Van Gaal
Van Gaal changed his entire team after 62 minutes, with Jesse Lingard and Adnan Januzaj finding their way on to the scoresheet.
“I was very happy with the reaction of the youngsters,” said the United boss. “They were more aggressive. That is what I want, always.
“Sometimes you make the wrong choices and you step in and then you are always the loser. But that is also the youth. It was a team with spirit. We created chances. We scored two goals with the youngsters. I am very happy.
“Adnan Januzaj was very good. He always gives an option for his midfielders and defenders and scored a wonderful goal. That is also important. He had to fight with two defenders but he did it well. But it was more easy for him in a defence without Gerard Pique.”
Barca could not cope with Depay and Rooney
Wayne Rooney, starting up front, scored the opening goal. Memphis Depay played him in the number 10 role, before both were withdrawn as part of the whosesale changes Van Gaal made after the break, reports the BBC.
“I think they try to do their best to do their utmost best to look for each other, sometimes too much,” said the United boss.
“It should be better when we have a wider orientation. But I think they are always a threat. That is very important.
“Barcelona could not cope with the threat of Depay and Rooney. But I have to say Adnan was also a big threat to them in 30 minutes that he played as a striker. That is good to see.”
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