Di Maria to join United tour of U.S. – LvG
Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal insists Angel Di Maria will join up with his side’s preseason tour of the United States on Saturday.
The former Real Madrid winger, who cost United a record £59.7 million last year, is a target of Paris Saint-Germain but Van Gaal’s comments appear to contradict rumours that the two clubs are set to announce a deal.
Di Maria missed the start of United’s preseason programme after he was given time off following the Copa America. But he, Marcos Rojo and Javier Hernandez will fly in to the United States on Saturday, although Van Gaal said Di Maria will not be involved in the game against Barcelona later that day.
“I expect him tomorrow [Saturday] because we have communicated that and they have responded on that,” Van Gaal said in a news conference in San Jose.
Van Gaal said Di Maria needs more time on the training pitch before he is ready to take part in a match.
“He cannot play in the game [against Barcelona] because we have to build him up,” he added. “When you come out of your holidays you cannot play immediately a game so that is out of the question.”
Van Gaal declined to answer questions about United’s interest in Di Maria’s former Real teammate Sergio Ramos and Barcelona winger Pedro.
But the former Barcelona manager is looking forward to meeting their current coach, Luis Enrique, who played for him during his time in charge at the Nou Camp.
“I have a fantastic memory of Luis Enrique,” he added. “He was my player. He played always for me and he played always 100 percent — more or less like Wayne Rooney.
“And he scores a lot of goals also for me. He played in the No. 10 position. I think a No. 10 has to score always and he did it. As a person, I like him very much.”
Van Gaal believes Saturday’s fixture gives United a chance to assess how far they have progressed in comparison to the Champions League winners.
“It is fantastic to play against Barcelona because then you know a little bit if you are at a certain level, to win the Champions League. Our aim this season is not to win the Champions League but to be close.”
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