The big news from Louis van Gaal’s weekly press conference is that Angel di Maria has trained this week after a 3 game absence with a muscle tear. But the Manchester United manager was at pains to point out that the Argentinian winger isn’t guaranteed a start against Aston Villa. He told the congregation:
Angel di Maria has trained this week with us but it’s always dependable how I have to compare with other players. Because he is not match fit after one week
…maybe I shall select him for the bench or maybe not
We all know that LvG has a great capacity to surprise. But he’s also a very honest and transparent man and, from what he said, it seems highly unlikely that Manchester United’s biggest wing weapon will start the game.
But after nearly a month on the sidelines it’s great to have him available for selection. Di Maria could still play a crucial part coming off the bench against an ever plucky Aston Villa side.
But here’s here’s our best XI for the game, with Di Maria not starting. The big question is 4-4-2 or 3-5-2? We thought that the wingback system had been consigned to the history books after a dodgy opening to the season. But it’s reared its head again of late and the results have been good. So don’t be surprised if Louis goes 3-5-2 again this weekend.
Manchester United fans: which system would you go for?
