Louis van Gaal Backs Di Maria To Adapt

Louis van Gaal is convinced Angel Di Maria will adapt to the rigours of the Barclays Premier League and display his best form for Manchester United.

The club's record signing made his debut against Wednesday's opponents Burnley last August and, almost six months on, is likely to face the Clarets again at Old Trafford.

Although the Argentinian has shown glimpses of his world-class ability on a number of occasions, there is much more to come from him in the view of his manager.

"Di Maria has to adapt to the English rhythm of the game," van Gaal told MUTV during his pre-match interview at the Aon Training Complex. "That's a high standard and the big difference with other countries. He shall do that. I'm convinced of it."

As well as Di Maria, who will celebrate his 27th birthday on Saturday, van Gaal expects other members of his first-team squad to reach their potential as the campaign wears on.

"You can always improve," the boss insists. "You can never have a perfect match which I have said once before in the press conference. You have to improve and every team has to improve, which is why we are training.

"I am happy with the results but I also think we can still improve, that is also the process we have talked about already from my first day. But we have to improve."