Louis van Gaal sympathises with struggling Manchester United star Angel Di Maria

LOUIS VAN GAAL has revealed that he is trying to show his compassionate side to Manchester United's Angel Di Maria.

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The Argentina international has struggled for form since joining the Red Devils from Real Madrid for British transfer record fee of £59.7million last summer.

Reports have linked Di Maria with a move away from Old Trafford in recent times, with the player and his family apparently unsettled following a burglary on their new property in Manchester.

Van Gaal has already appealed to United fans for patience, and speaking exclusively to the Telegraph, the Dutchman admitted that he takes a keen interest in the personal lives of his players, adding that he is happy for Di Maria to take time off in order to rebuild his confidence.

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Angel Di Maria has failed to justify his price tag since arriving at Man Utd

I am interested in my players, not only in the player that kicks the ball from A to B, but also in their family, their wife, their kids

Louis van Gaal

Van Gaal explained: "When I make a decision, it is not 'my' decision. I take the decision for the group and my staff. I'm not cold. I'm very warm to all my players.

"Yes, then I can be cool because I have to measure risk. I am interested in my players, not only in the player that kicks the ball from A to B, but also in their family, their wife, their kids.

"Yes. I try to show (more compassion). I can give him [Di Maria] a lot of days free."

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