Argentina winger Angel Di Maria has not held back in his criticism of former Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal, declaring him the worst manager he has ever worked with.
The 36-year-old, who has had a successful career playing for notable clubs such as Rosario Central, Benfica, Real Madrid, United, Paris Saint-Germain, and Juventus, has detailed his difficult experiences under Van Gaal during his time at Manchester United.
Di Maria’s stint at Manchester United, which spanned the 2014/2015 season, was notably challenging. Despite his successful spells at other top clubs, where he delivered impressive performances and garnered praise, his time at United was marked by struggle. He managed to score just four goals in 32 appearances, a far cry from his usual form.
In his Netflix documentary, *Breaking Down the Wall*, Di Maria openly criticized Van Gaal, who managed Manchester United from July 2014 to May 2016. Holding a replica of the World Cup trophy, Di Maria expressed his dissatisfaction with Van Gaal’s managerial style. “Louis van Gaal is the worst coach I’ve ever had and I will never get tired of saying that,” Di Maria stated unequivocally.
Di Maria’s discontent with Van Gaal was not limited to his personal experience but also extended to specific instances of conflict and disappointment. He recounted a memorable moment where Van Gaal made bold claims about his team’s performance, only for those claims to fall flat. “We beat them with penalties even though he said we wouldn’t, because he knew everything,” Di Maria said, reflecting on the coach’s overconfidence and subsequent failure.
The Argentine winger’s comments were blunt and carried a clear message of frustration. He described Van Gaal’s reaction to the loss as indicative of the manager’s inability to back up his words. “He ended up shoving his words in his…well, let’s just say he ate his words, to keep it polite,” Di Maria added, emphasizing his lack of respect for Van Gaal’s approach and decisions.
The criticism comes as part of a broader narrative in Di Maria’s career, where he has been open about his experiences with various managers. His comments about Van Gaal align with his reputation for candidness, particularly when discussing aspects of his career that did not meet his expectations or align with his professional standards.
Di Maria’s career trajectory has been characterized by success and adaptability. From his early days at Rosario Central to his standout performances at Benfica and Real Madrid, he has shown his capability to excel in diverse football environments. His time at Paris Saint-Germain further solidified his reputation as one of the top wingers in the game, and his subsequent move to Juventus continued to demonstrate his skill and resilience.
However, the contrast between his success at other clubs and his struggles at Manchester United highlights the challenges he faced under Van Gaal’s management. The difficulties Di Maria experienced at United were not unique to him; several other players and observers have noted similar frustrations with Van Gaal’s methods and approach.
In his documentary, Di Maria reflects on these experiences with a sense of resolve and honesty. By sharing his thoughts and experiences, he provides insight into the often-unseen dynamics between players and managers, as well as the impact that managerial decisions can have on a player’s performance and career.
Overall, Di Maria’s candid assessment of Van Gaal as the worst manager he has worked with sheds light on the complexities of football management and the personal experiences that shape a player’s career.
His reflections on his time at Manchester United serve as a reminder of the significant role that managerial relationships play in the success or struggles of professional footballers.
