Van Gaal Hails 'Team Player' Di Maria

Louis van Gaal has stressed that Manchester United's record signing Angel Di Maria may be a star but he is also very much a team player.

The Argentina international is one of the top footballers on the planet but has an adaptability and work ethic that looks certain to endear himself further to the Old Trafford faithful.

After training with his new colleagues this week, the South American was unveiled to the media on Thursday and could make his debut at the weekend against Burnley.

"I am very pleased that we can have such a class player in our squad," enthused the boss. "You have many class players but, for me, it is important that he is a team player. That is what I like in Di Maria, not only his class.

"He can accelerate the game for us but he can also play in the interest of the team. That is why we have chosen this player and I hope he shall give us good results. But we cannot expect after two days of training that he is the miracle, which is what I have already read [in the press]. You have to work for the miracle and he knows that.

"He fits into our philosophy. What he can do more to fit in our philosophy is that I can change the system with him and maybe we shall do that in the future, during a match or something like that, which I did against Swansea City. He played in Real Madrid not only as a wide wing player but also in midfield. That is also a reason why we are convinced that he shall succeed."

Van Gaal was asked if Di Maria can become a magical presence at United and lift the supporters with his exciting play.

"Maybe not in his first matches," the manager replied. "Because he has been with us for two days and I think, not only has he to adapt to the team but the team has to adapt to his qualities. But I think he will be a player who the fans can enjoy and that is also a reason why we have chosen him.

"When you see his answers in this press conference, he is a very modest guy and he wants to work. It comes though in every sentence. He showed that last year. He played 52 matches and he gave 22 assists. How many players can say that? 22 assists. Then he is also a very social human being and, in the football world, that is not always the case."