How Manchester United Can Get the Best out of Angel Di Maria in 2015/16

In an interview with the Copa America website (h/t Goal.com), Angel Di Maria shed a little light on one of the central reasons that Manchester United did not see the best of him last season.

Di Maria said of his national side's run to the final of the World Cup:

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We made history. We weren't able to become legends, but we gave a lot of joy to the Argentines. The Angel di Maria from before the World Cup and after the World Cup changed so much because we gave everything we had on the pitch. Now we will keep trying to win a title.

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It is clear from his words that the emotions of the personal and collective near misses he experienced took their toll on him. He missed the semi-final and final through injury. His side missed out on the big prize by a whisker.

It is much to be hoped, then, that Argentina do either very well or very poorly at the Copa America. An emotionally taxing deep run leading to ultimate failure would certainly be the worst-case scenario in terms of getting the best out of Di Maria next season.

Given they look all but certain to qualify from their group, United fans who do not support one of their direct rivals will be hoping they go all the way.

Of course, getting the best out of Di Maria next time will not simply be a question of morale.

Alastair Grant/Associated Press

In order to get consistent performances from his expensive star, Louis van Gaal has to decide where and how he wants Di Maria to play.

He sent mixed messages on the subject last season, playing the Argentinian on the left and right wings, in attacking and deeper midfield positions and even, most inexplicably and perhaps least successfully, as a second striker.

It was an attempt to get Di Maria to recreate the Arjen Robben role from the Netherlands' own World Cup run. A quick glance at their respective goalscoring records would have been enough to show how much better suited to that role Robben is.

When Di Maria was finally accommodated back into the United side following his side-lining in spring, it was in place of Marouane Fellaini. However, it was not a direct swap. In fact, Van Gaal brought Ashley Young inside and allowed Di Maria free reign on the left wing.

Jon Super/Associated Press

Looking at the successful 4-3-3 that proved so fruitful against United's arch-rival Manchester City in their tough March and April run, it would appear there are three natural spots in which Van Gaal could fit Di Maria.

The first is on the left wing. Harsh on Young, perhaps, after a reasonable season, but surely if both men are in form, it is not a tough call. The second would be on the right wing, cutting in on to his left foot. This would change the balance of United's side, removing the talents of their false right-winger Juan Mata.

Mata could perhaps be moved inside, playing alongside Ander Herrera in place of Fellaini.

Of course, Di Maria himself could also play there alongside Herrera, with Mata on the right and Young or Memphis Depay on the left. This would change the balance of the side considerably. It would add a great deal of creativity but would come with risk.

Hopefully that risk would be mitigated by the addition of defensive talent over the summer. With a more solid platform to build on, Van Gaal could allow Di Maria freedom without compromising his team's structure.

Natacha Pisarenko/Associated Press

Wherever he plays, Di Maria needs licence to express himself—to play his game. While this may be something of an anathema in a Van Gaal side, it is nonetheless key to getting the best out of the Argentinian. In his first Copa America game, some ring rust was evident, but he nonetheless hit the ground running—with the ball at his feet.

Confidence, a settled life off the pitch and a settled role on it, within which he is allowed to be something of an exception to Van Gaal's rules. The synergy of these factors will get the best out of Di Maria, something that would bring great joy to United fans across the globe.