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Di Maria no silver bullet for troubled Manchester United

BIG FISH: Manchester United's Angel di Maria poses with manager Louis van Gaal at Aon Training Complex in Manchester on Tuesday Photo: John Peters/ Getty Images
BIG FISH: Manchester United's Angel di Maria poses with manager Louis van Gaal at Aon Training Complex in Manchester on Tuesday Photo: John Peters/ Getty Images

LONDON - Manchester United's new winger Angel di Maria will not change the course of their troubled season straight away following his British record transfer from Real Madrid, manager Louis van Gaal said.

The Dutchman was speaking after United's humiliating 4-0 loss at third-tier Milton Keynes Dons in the League Cup second round had compounded their terrible start to the campaign.

"I think that he [Di Maria] can contribute and that is very important but we don't have to expect that from tomorrow our world has changed," Van Gaal said after the Argentina international signed for £59.7 million (R1-billion).

"He has to adapt to the culture of England, the culture of the Premier League and the philosophy of Manchester United.

The experienced Van Gaal has yet to fashion a win during his three competitive matches in charge of United this season.

Their thrashing by MK Dons followed a 2-1 defeat against Swansea City and a 1-1 draw against Sunderland in the Premier League.

Van Gaal praised the reaction he got from the Old Trafford faithful during the reverse to Swansea and urged them to remain patient.

"[The fans] have to believe in our philosophy," he said. "We are building up a team that you cannot make in one month or even one year.

"It [Tuesday's defeat] is very disappointing but I hope they shall maintain their confidence in the club because our philosophy takes time. We know exactly what we are doing."

United's next game is a trip to promoted Burnley in the Premier League on Saturday.

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