After a miraculous comeback from Leicester on Sunday, United fans are still puzzled as to how the newly-promoted side ever got back into the game. The Reds led by a two-goal margin twice and seemed like they had the game wrapped up. So the question is: How did Leicester get back into the game? Well, according to reports coming from the Daily Mail, the United dressing room were furious at van Gaal for substituting record signing Angel Di Maria in the 76th minute.
Di Maria is yet to complete 90 minutes in a red shirt, and according to the boss, Di Maria felt a slight ‘tweak,’ and was therefore substituted. The £59.7m player has often been on the receiving end of van Gaal’s substitutions and formation changes, despite him questionably being the best player on the pitch for his 3 games for United. Against Leicester, the Argentinian international was a major threat to the home side, and scored a perfectly scooped chip, which was followed by his trademark heart celebration. Di Maria also provided an assist, which resulted in Herrera’s second goal in as many games for United. So, why was he replaced so early on in the game? Did the player have a slight injury?
Reports suggest that one unnamed player ‘swore’ at the United boss, asking ‘why the f*** did you take Di Maria off?’ If the manager is correct in saying the player felt a slight injury, then it was clearly sensible the substitute the 26-year-old. However, he was flying up and down the pitch, showing no signs of injury before he was taken off, leaving the door wide open to interpretation. Di Maria was once again the best player in a United shirt on Sunday, and his earlier than expected replacement definitely influenced the game.
There are many questions still left unanswered, and if the reports are true, this could be the first sign of an upset in the United dressing room. We will have to wait until Saturday when the Reds play West Ham at Old Trafford (K.O. at 3pm) to see if Di Maria lasts the full 90 minutes.