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August 31, 2014

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No joy for van Gaal as Burnley holds United on di Maria debut

MANCHESTER United’s English Premier League frustrations continued as it was held 0-0 at promoted Burnley yesterday with British-record signing Angel di Maria unable to spark an improvement in its fortunes.

Di Maria, signed from Real Madrid for 59.7 million pounds (US$98.77 million) on Tuesday, showed flashes of his talent in a 70-minute debut, but United still looked short of attacking ideas, claiming only its second point from its opening three league games.

The Red Devils’ defense, that was ripped apart in a 0-4 League Cup defeat to third tier MK Dons on Tuesday, still looked uncomfortable with manager Louis van Gaal’s three center back system.

“We were the stronger team, certainly in the second half,” van Gaal told BT Sport.

“We created chances but you have to score. That is where we have failed. The progress is there but you have to win.

“A club like Manchester United has to win. We have two points from nine and that’s disappointing.”

Having lost its opening two games on return to the top flight, Burnley put its first point on the board in the new campaign.

The hosts could have been 2-0 up within minutes of the kickoff as former United midfielder David Jones curled a freekick against the crossbar and some woeful defending from Jonny Evans let in Lukas Jutkiewicz, who was denied by the out-rushing David de Gea.

Di Maria grew into the game and was undoubtedly United’s best player in the first half, injecting pace and direct running into its midfield while also being the main creative force with clever flicks and pin-point passes.

The Argentine was the architect of United’s best chance with a searching long ball that found Robin van Persie, who controlled brilliantly, but could not beat Burnley goalkeeper Tom Heaton, playing against his former club.

Another penetrating run from di Maria in the second half sparked panic in the Burnley ranks and led to van Persie having a shot cleared off the line, while Wayne Rooney headed a corner wide with 13 minutes remaining.

United’s frustrations were compounded in the last five minutes when Spanish playmaker Juan Mata had to go off after appearing to injure his hamstring.

Later yesterday, champion Manchester City was hosting Stoke City, while the late game sees Chelsea visiting Everton.

Elsewhere, Neil Warnock begins his second stint as Crystal Palace manager away to Newcastle United, Queens Park Rangers welcome Sunderland to Loftus Road, Swansea City hosts West Bromwich Albion, and Southampton visits West Ham United.

Earlier, United announced that it has reached an agreement to sign versatile Netherlands international Daley Blind from Ajax Amsterdam.

“MUFC has reached agreement with Ajax to sign Daley Blind, subject to a medical and personal terms,” United said in a statement on the club’s official Twitter page. “A further announcement will be made when the process is complete.”

Blind, 24, was in van Gaal’s World Cup squad in Brazil, where he helped Holland reach the semifinals, and can play at left-back and as a defensive midfielder.

A transfer fee has not been made public, but Dutch media reports say Blind will cost United around 18 million euros (US$23.6 million)

The son of former Dutch international defender Danny Blind, Daley impressed at the World Cup and played a key role as van Gaal’s side took third place behind Germany and Argentina.




 

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