Manchester United Fans Vote for Angel Di Maria to Be Dropped at Newcastle

Manchester United fans want Louis van Gaal to drop Angel Di Maria against Newcastle on Wednesday night, with a supporters poll urging the exclusion of the record signing.

Rob Dawson of the Manchester Evening News said the newspaper's website has recorded that fans want to see Adnan Januzaj and Ashley Young in the wider roles for the next fixture after their strong performances against Sunderland:

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The fans who voted on the M.E.N. website have decided to drop Angel Di Maria for the trip to Newcastle. They want to see Louis van Gaal line up with Adnan Januzaj and Ashley Young on the wings with Wayne Rooney and Radamel Falcao paired up front.

They picked a back four of Antonio Valencia, Luke Shaw, Marcos Rojo and Chris Smalling with Daley Blind and Ander Herrera paired in midfield.

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Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

Di Maria has looked confused in a United shirt since his recent return from injury, and his tactical productivity hasn't come close to matching that of his Real Madrid contributions. 

The Argentine was British football's costliest signing last summer, as Van Gaal looked to build an exciting attacking unit.

The winger's initial displays caused excitement among fans, but the fire has burned out quickly, with the Red Devils playing a turgid brand of football.

But Di Maria's overall stats are not a disaster. Currently, the player has three goals and eight assists to his name in 18 league starts, per WhoScored.com. 

Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

And Dawson believes Di Maria deserves time to work out his issues in United's first team, urging Van Gaal to continue to pick him ahead of Januzaj:

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Angel Di Maria has looked a shadow of himself for a while now, but he deserves a chance to put things right after he was taken off at half-time against Sunderland. Leaving him on the bench will only keep the issue running. And Louis van Gaal needs him to be playing well if United are going to finish in the top four.

It's harsh on Adnan Januzaj, who was good when he came on against Sunderland. But Ashley Young has to start after his performance at the weekend.

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Jon Super/Associated Press

Van Gaal also commented on Di Maria's lack of form, per Tim Rich of The Independent, saying we may not see the best of the player until next term: "We have to give him time, not just Di Maria but the other players as well. Generally, it takes one year but you can’t give a general answer, it is not scientifically proven."

It is true Di Maria has struggled, but so have the vast majority of United's players, whether that be through a lack of fitness or general form.

Much was expected of the Argentine after his arrival at United, but LvG's problems have emerged over the last few months, with the side trying to find a defensive platform in order to not give points away cheaply.

Di Maria is stifled in Van Gaal's tactical approach. At Los Blancos, the team was geared to counter-attack and the Argentine was allowed to run freely with the ball.

This was also apparent in the early part of the season as United played 5-3-2, and this was displayed in the player's wonderful solo effort against Leicester City.

But United lost that game 5-3, and it is fair to say we have seen little from Di Maria since that day.

If the attacker is to be a success at United, Van Gaal must find a way of freeing the player from his chains and give him the confidence to be a success in the Premier League.