Manchester United: Gary Neville backs Angel Di Maria to rediscover form after disappointing season

Gary Neville has backed Angel Di Maria to be a star player for Manchester United next season.

The 27-year-old arrived from Real Madrid for a British record fee of £59.7m ($93.5m) in the final week of the last summer. He had a very good start to his Red Devils career, scoring on his Old Trafford debut against Queens Park Rangers.

However, things have not gone as expected as Di Maria started in only 19 league games thus far. Despite that, he has managed to score goals and register 10 assists. The former United defender believes United need wingers and the Argentine international can be a better player under Louis van Gaal next campaign.

"Is Di Maria going to do better under Van Gaal? United do need wide players," Neville told Sky Sports.

"Ashley Young has had a fantastic season but, as much as he's done well out there in recent months, Juan Mata isn't a wide right player. It will be interesting to see what happens with Di Maria as well."

"Actually, I believe in Di Maria as a player. We've watched him a lot for Real Madrid and you could see his level of performance was outstanding."

"That's not happened this season and you're thinking Ashley Young has done better this season, (Maraoune) Fellaini's been better, Mata's done better," the Old Trafford legend stressed.

Earlier reports suggested that Di Maria has been linked with a move away from United. However, the former Real star has put those speculations to bed and has committed his future to his current employers.

The winger expressed his disappointment after a tough start to his life in England. However, he has vowed to show his worth as he has set sight on winning the Premier League and the Champions League with the Red Devils.

"I'm not happy with my first year in England. I moved here from Real to win titles and this season has been very bad for me. I'm frustrated because I want to do better," Di Maria explained.

"The fans in England have not seen the real Di Maria. I know I can offer a better level. This year was not good enough. Adapting to English football is not easy. People told me the first year for a foreigner here is hard. And that's true."

"My challenge is not for one year, but to become part of the history of Manchester United."

"The stadium is unique, the fans sensational – it is a fantastic club. My only frustration is that we haven't offered the fans our best face every week. My dream at United is still to win the Premier League and Champions League," he concluded.