Van Gaal admits Di Maria struggling at United

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal confessed that Angel di Maria is struggling to adjust to English football after substituting him at half-time of United's 2-0 win over Sunderland. After a promising start to his career in England, following a club-record £59.7 million (N$1.074 billion) transfer from Real Madrid, the form of the Argentina international has dipped. Di Maria has scored just once for United since the start of October and, after an ineffective first half against Sunderland at Old Trafford on Saturday, he was taken off at the interval by Van Gaal. " When a player is not in a match, I have to do that," said Van Gaal of the substitution. " I'm the manager and I cannot deny what I see. " We have to give Angel a little bit more time to adapt to the Premier League, the high English rhythm. It is not so easy." Di Maria's adaptation to life in England has not been aided by a recent attempted burglary at his home, which occurred while he, his wife and young child were on the premises. United have provided the family with security and moved them into a hotel, but Van Gaal conceded that the incident had not helped his star signing settle in Manchester. " Of course," said the Dutchman. " I have already talked about the 'total human being principle', so his environment also has an influence on him, on every human being. " But he is a top sportsman and he shall overcome this period, I hope." With Di Maria off the field, his replacement Adnan Januzaj proved far more effective, with his shot leading to Wayne Rooney scoring the second of his two goals late in the game. Earlier, Rooney had opened the scoring from the penalty spot after John O'Shea had hauled back Radamel Falcao in the Sunderland area, only for referee Roger East to send off his team-mate Wes Brown instead. " The referee told the players there were two fouls committed," said Sunderland coach Gus Poyet. " One by John O'Shea, one by Wes Brown, and he gave the Wes Brown one. Wes Brown didn't touch anyone, so I don't know what he saw. Professional Game Match Officials Limited, the body that manages Premier League referees, later released a statement explaining that East felt that Brown had also fouled Falcao and was more deserving of a red card. EPL Results Saturday, February 28 Stoke City 1-0 Hull City Burnley 0-1 Swansea City Man United 2-0 Sunderland Newcastle United 1-0 Aston Villa West Brom 1-0 Southampton West Ham United 1-3 Crystal Palace MANCHESTER-NAMPA/AFP