Di Maria: A New United Will Emerge

Angel Di Maria was back in Manchester United's starting line-up for the first time since November when Southampton provided the opposition at the weekend.

Of course, the result was a disappointing one but it was at least heartening to see the record buy at Old Trafford again. Performing in an advanced forward's role, he showed plenty of dash and purpose and can never be criticised for failing to attempt to make things happen. Much of his work is direct, whether pinging passes or accelerating into space, as he often takes the shortest route to goal.

Although he was withdrawn with 20 minutes left, which was always Louis van Gaal's intention, there is an anticipation among the Reds faithful that he will have a crucial role to play in the coming weeks and months. His exact position in the side is still to be confirmed, with the boss admitting as much to MUTV recently, but there is no doubting his quality wherever he is asked to perform.

Di Maria's cameo at Yeovil Town whetted the appetite as he instantly looked head and shoulders above the opposition, wasting little time in claiming his fourth goal since the move from Real Madrid, and his first since 5 October. That is largely due to his spell on the sidelines and he was pleased with his return from injury in the FA Cup third round.

"It is difficult for a player, especially when you come to a new club," he told MUTV. "You just want to arrive and you want to show them how well you can play. So when these things happen, it is unfortunate but, that said, the important thing was that when I came back, I needed to make sure that I could help the team and that's what I did. It's important for me and important for the team to be really doing my best and showing what I am capable of."

Di Maria, named in the 2014 FIFPro World XI on Monday, was speaking before the 1-0 reverse to the Saints but was already preaching patience before kick-off. United may have surrendered third spot to Ronald Koeman's men but the defeat ended an 11-match unbeaten run and there is still reason for optimism ahead of upcoming trips to QPR and Cambridge United.

Progress is clearly still being made and the Argentinian was keen to point out that the style of play will be different under van Gaal to his predecessors. A possession-based game should help the Reds to thrive at the highest level and, after all, change rarely takes place smoothly. But the spark Di Maria provides should ensure more of a goal threat going forward than Southampton managed to comfortably contain on Sunday.

"From the start of the season to now, you can see that we've grown," he says. "We weren't so great at the beginning but we've started getting a few victories under our belts. There are some people saying that we're not playing in a particularly good style or that it's not the old Manchester United - but it's not. We're beginning something new here. We've got a new style, we've got a new manager and we're all working hard to make sure we're putting Manchester United back where it belongs."

The defeat illustrates the challenges that remain for the club. The Saints confirmed their status as genuine contenders for a Champions League spot, performing admirably in both games against van Gaal's charges. Arsenal are certain to mount a strong bid to extend their excellent record of top-four finishes, while Tottenham and Liverpool will also fancy their chances. West Ham are in the mix, too, and United visit Upton Park in February's first fixture.

The FA Cup is also an attractive target, with many fans excited by the possibility of van Gaal taking the team all the way to Wembley in his first season. Another tie on the road, at Cambridge, will be taken with the respect it deserves and a run in the competition is certainly on Di Maria's mind during his first crack at the prestigious trophy.

"We're focusing on growing as a team," he replied, when asked about the team's aims. "Working hard and getting as many points as we can. We all know the Premier League is difficult but all we're focusing on now is meeting our objectives and our targets for the year. So whether it's qualifying for the Champions League, making sure that we do well in the FA Cup or getting as high in the league as possible, these are things we are going for now."

Sunday's loss was a setback but there is still all to play for. Di Maria is not alone in being determined to ensure United's targets are reached, starting with victory in the capital at Loftus Road this weekend. As he regains full fitness, he is out to reproduce the sparkle he has already displayed in the red shirt.