5) Van Gaal’s tactics
Like it or not, even a £60m playmaker isn’t going to necessarily shine upfront or on the wing. Di Maria has played his best games in a central midfield role this season, as he did for Real last season, so that’s where he should be used. Louis van Gaal’s tactics have no doubt hindered the Argentine’s development, and it could be that the slow passing game adopted by the Dutchman isn’t really getting the best out of him either, in comparison to the fast, direct, counter-attacking play at Real Madrid.