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Angel Di Maria may not hit top form until next season, says Louis van Gaal

Angel Di Maria Manchester United
Image: Angel Di Maria: The playmaker has struggled since move

Louis van Gaal says Manchester United fans may have to wait until next season before they see the best of Angel Di Maria.

The Argentine, who signed for a British transfer record fee of £59.7million from Real Madrid last summer, has faded following a promising start.

Di Maria, 27, has not scored in the Premier League since the first week of October and on Saturday against Sunderland the winger looked a frustrated figure and was substituted at half-time.

But Van Gaal feel Di Maria should be given more time to justify his price tag and has pointed out that is not the only player to have struggled at United this year.

The Dutchman believes many of his summer signings have found it hard to hit the ground running and he claims they may all take until next year to acclimatise to top flight football.

For me it is not a big surprise, it is more a big surprise (if) he (had) adapted as quickly as possible.
Van Gaal on Di Maria

"The first season is always difficult," the United boss said.

"You can say it to every player we have bought: (Luke) Shaw, (Daley) Blind, (Ander) Herrera, (Radamel) Falcao and also Di Maria.

"For me it is not a big surprise, it is more a big surprise (if) he (had) adapted as quickly as possible. In the Netherlands, Spain and Germany I had the same experience with players.

"We have to give him time, not just for him but to all the other players.

"(The time frame) is dependable on the individual as there are so many different aspects of the game, of the match but also of the culture in the country."

Van Gaal will not be able to call upon Robin van Persie for Wednesday's game against Newcastle at St James' Park and he is unlikely to risk Michael Carrick, even though he has overcome a calf problem and has trained with the squad this week.

"I think it is too early for Michael Carrick, he trained now three training sessions with us," said Van Gaal, who only put the midfielder on the bench for the 2-0 win over Sunderland because Phil Jones and Luke Shaw pulled out at the last minute through illness and injury respectively.

The duo are available for the Newcastle match.

Van Gaal was reluctant to say when he thought Van Persie would return from the ankle problem he suffered against Swansea 10 days ago.

"It's too early to say," Van Gaal said. "We have to wait and see. I cannot say anything about that but it is not a heavy injury."

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