Di Maria: A new United will emerge

Angel Di Maria was back in Manchester United's starting line-up for the first time since November when Southampton provided the opposition at the weekend.
Of course, the result was a disappointing one but it was at least heartening to see the record buy at Old Trafford again. Performing in an advanced forward's role, he showed plenty of dash and purpose and can never be criticised for failing to attempt to make things happen. Much of his work is direct, whether pinging passes or accelerating into space, as he often takes the shortest route to goal.
Although he was withdrawn with 20 minutes left, which was always Louis van Gaal's intention, there is an anticipation among the Reds faithful that he will have a crucial role to play in the coming weeks and months. His exact position in the side is still to be confirmed, with the boss admitting as much to MUTV recently, but there is no doubting his quality wherever he is asked to perform.
Di Maria's cameo at Yeovil Town whetted the appetite as he instantly looked head and shoulders above the opposition, wasting little time in claiming his fourth goal since the move from Real Madrid, and his first since 5 October. That is largely due to his spell on the sidelines and he was pleased with his return from injury in the FA Cup third round.
"It is difficult for a player, especially when you come to a new club," he told MUTV. "You just want to arrive and you want to show them how well you can play. So when these things happen, it is unfortunate but, that said, the important thing was that when I came back, I needed to make sure that I could help the team and that's what I did. It's important for me and important for the team to be really doing my best and showing what I am capable of."
Di Maria, named in the 2014 FIFPro World XI on Monday, was speaking before the 1-0 reverse to the Saints but was already preaching patience before kick-off. United may have surrendered third spot to Ronald Koeman's men but the defeat ended an 11-match unbeaten run and there is still reason for optimism ahead of upcoming trips to QPR and Cambridge United.