Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal confessed that Angel di Maria is struggling to adjust to English football after substituting him at half-time of United’s 2-0 win over Sunderland.
After a promising start to his United career, following a club-record £59.7 million ($92.2 million, 82.3 million euros) transfer from Real Madrid, the form of the Argentina international has dipped.
Di Maria has scored just once for United since the start of October and, after an ineffective first half against Sunderland at Old Trafford on Saturday, he was taken off at the interval by Van Gaal.
“When a player is not in a match, I have to do that,” said Van Gaal of the substitution. “I’m the manager and I cannot deny what I see.
“We have to give Angel a little bit more time to adapt to the Premier League, the high English rhythm. It is not so easy.”
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Di Maria’s adaptation to life in England has not been aided by a recent attempted burglary at his home, which occurred while he, his wife and young child were on the premises.
United have provided the family with security and moved them into a hotel, but Van Gaal conceded that the incident had not helped his star signing settle in Manchester.
“Of course,” said the Dutchman. “I have already talked about the ‘total human being principle’, so his environment also has an influence on him, on every human being.
“Me, as a manager, also I have to manage that environment. That takes more time for him? OK, give him that time.
“The difficulty, not only with Angel, but all players, is they have to adapt to the Premier League. He has to adapt to the culture also.
“We have to give him time to adapt, to lift his confidence again because that is also important. He’s also a human being, like me, like you. You can make mistakes.
“But he is a top sportsman and he shall overcome this period, I hope.”
With Di Maria off the field, his replacement Adnan Januzaj proved far more effective, with his shot leading to Wayne Rooney scoring the second of his two goals late in the game.
Earlier, Rooney had opened the scoring from the penalty spot after John O’Shea had hauled back Radamel Falcao in the Sunderland area, only for referee Roger East to send off his teammate Wes Brown instead.
“I’m always happy when a player scores,” said Van Gaal of Rooney, who moved into double figures for the campaign.
“He said to me that normally he shoots the penalties high, but with this one he shot it along the floor. I think with this tall goalkeeper (Costel Pantilimon), that was a very good decision.
“I’m very happy that he shot the penalty like that.”
United were without Luke Shaw, who had a slight hamstring problem, and the ill pair Phil Jones and Victor Valdes.
Goalkeeper David de Gea also picked up a slight foot injury by kicking the ground during the game, but all four are thought to have a good chance of being available for Wednesday’s trip to Newcastle United.
Sunderland, meanwhile, visit Hull City on Tuesday with manager Gus Poyet contemplating whether to appeal against Brown’s red card in order for him to be available for that fixture.
“The referee told the players there were two fouls committed,” said Poyet. “One by John O’Shea, one by Wes Brown, and he gave the Wes Brown one. Wes Brown didn’t touch anyone, so I don’t know what he saw.
“We will put everything on the table and speak to the players and make a decision whether to appeal.”
Professional Game Match Officials Limited, the body that manages Premier League referees, later released a statement explaining that East felt that Brown had also fouled Falcao and was more deserving of a red card.
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The specs
Engine: 1.5-litre 4-cyl turbo
Power: 194hp at 5,600rpm
Torque: 275Nm from 2,000-4,000rpm
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Founder: Ayman Alashkar
Started: Established in 2020
Based: Dubai International Financial Centre, Dubai
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Here, Dr Mohamed El Abiary, paediatric consultant at Al Zahra Hospital Dubai, shares some advice for parents whose children are fasting during the holy month of Ramadan:
Gradual fasting and golden points - For children under the age of 10, follow a step-by-step approach to fasting and don't push them beyond their limits. Start with a few hours fasting a day and increase it to a half fast and full fast when the child is ready. Every individual's ability varies as per the age and personal readiness. You could introduce a points system that awards the child and offers them encouragement when they make progress with the amount of hours they fast
Why fast? - Explain to your child why they are fasting. By shedding light on the importance of abstaining from food and drink, children may feel more encouraged to give it there all during the observance period. It is also a good opportunity to teach children about controlling urges, doing good for others and instilling healthy food habits
Sleep and suhoor - A child needs adequate sleep every night - at least eight hours. Make sure to set a routine early bedtime so he/she has sufficient time to wake up for suhoor, which is an essential meal at the beginning of the day
Good diet - Nutritious food is crucial to ensuring a healthy Ramadan for children. They must refrain from eating too much junk food as well as canned goods and snacks and drinks high in sugar. Foods that are rich in nutrients, vitamins and proteins, like fruits, fresh meats and vegetables, make for a good balanced diet
Company Profile
Name: Thndr
Started: 2019
Co-founders: Ahmad Hammouda and Seif Amr
Sector: FinTech
Headquarters: Egypt
UAE base: Hub71, Abu Dhabi
Current number of staff: More than 150
Funds raised: $22 million