GOAL

Louis van Gaal has leapt to the defence of under-fire Manchester United winger Angel di Maria, claiming it could take up to a year for him to settle in England.

Di Maria arrived at Old Trafford in August among much fanfare in a British-record £59.7million transfer from Real Madrid.

However, the Argentina international has flattered to deceive at times this season and has managed just three goals in 19 Premier League appearances.

Di Maria was hauled off at half-time of Saturday's 2-0 victory over Sunderland, but manager Van Gaal stated that moving to a new team has been a learning curve for all his signings - not just Di Maria.

"I think it counts for all the players that we have bought in the first season it is always difficult," he said.

"I have explained that in the press conference after the match [against Sunderland] and you can see it through every player we have bought - [Luke] Shaw, [Daley] Blind, [Ander] Herrera, [Radamel] Falcao, also Di Maria.

"For me it's not a big surprise. It's more a big surprise when he adapts as quickly as possible. [I experienced it] in the Netherlands, Spain, Germany.

"I had the same experience with players so we have to give him time. I have already said not just about Di Maria but to all the players.