Football
Richard Jolly, ESPN.com writer 9y

Tata Martino backs Man United's Angel Di Maria to rediscover form

Argentina manager Tata Martino insists Angel Di Maria's recent slump in form is only to be expected.

Di Maria made a superb start to his Manchester United career, scoring three goals and creating three more in his first four appearances after completing his British record move from Real Madrid.

But the 59.7 million-pound man has failed to exert the same influence in recent games against Chelsea, Manchester City and Crystal Palace.

However, Martino believes the abnormal element was the remarkable way Di Maria began at Old Trafford and feels it will take him time to get used to his new surroundings.

He said in a news conference ahead of Argentina's game against Portugal at Old Trafford: "I have to say that Angel is one of the very top players in world football. His start was exceptional and the fact that generally when players go to a new club and have to get used to a new league, a new team, a different style of football and different teammates.

"I think the form that he is showing now is possibly more typical of a player going to a new club than the very first few games when he burst onto the scene and did so well."

Di Maria has been shifted between various positions by United manager Louis van Gaal and after starting off on the left of a midfield diamond, he is now operating as a winger.

Martino feels his versatility is one of his great strengths and is confident the 26-year-old can adjust to the United manager's demands.

He added: "With regards to his position, I would say that Angel is the type of player who can play a number of different roles expertly. You only have to look a few seasons back when he played on the right side for Real Madrid and in the season just gone, he featured more on the inside-left in a slighter freer role.

"Obviously, in the World Cup, he did very well when he played wide left so really, in terms of positioning, he can adapt to anywhere where the manager asks him to play."

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