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Louis van Gaal: Angel di Maria can leave Manchester United

Image: Angel di Maria & Louis van Gaal: could they part ways?

Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal has said that he is prepared to let Angel di Maria leave Old Trafford if the player has become unsettled after an attempted break-in at his home.

Di Maria has failed to sparkle after a £59.7million move from Real Madrid last summer, and the attempted burglary in January has led to renewed speculation over his future.

The intruders were foiled but the incident unsettled the Argentina international to such an extent that he has moved his family into an apartment owned by the former United defender Phil Neville.

A player is not just a man who kicks the ball from A to B. His environment is influencing him.
Louis van Gaal

Van Gaal, when asked if he would let Di Maria leave on compassionate grounds, said: "I am always like that. When you see my history, that's part of my philosophy. A player is not just a man who kicks the ball from A to B. His environment is influencing him.

"I shall always be open but I know that the commercial interests of the club and we have to respect that. You cannot give a lot of money for a player and next season put him out of your selection."

Di Maria will sit out Sunday's Sky Sports live game against Tottenham following his sending off against Arsenal last Monday.

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Van Gaal is adamant that he can go on to achieve success at Old Trafford and confound the naysayers, who have yet to be convinced by his management style or footballing philosophy.

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He said: "When I think that the chemistry between the players and the manager is not good enough anymore then I go. But when I see the chemistry between myself and the players now then I don't have any doubts. We have to continue in our process.

"Of course we have had disappointing moments but we can survive and we have the confidence to qualify for the Champions League."

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