Van Gaal’s cup hopes shattered

Van Gaal’s dream of landing a trophy in his first season at Old Trafford went up in smoke as United lost 2–1 to the Gunners last night.

The hosts ended the game with 10 men after the latest episode in Di Maria’s disappointing Red Devils career unfolded in the 77th minute.

After being cautioned for simulation, Di Maria remonstrated with referee Oliver and then grabbed his shirt and yelled at the official when he had turned his back on him.

Replays showed the first booking on Di Maria may have been harsh and Aaron Ramsey had pulled the player back, but the £59.7million man’s actions thereafter deserved sanction, according to his own manager.

“I think he’s touched the referee and that’s forbidden in every country, so he has no excuses,” the United manager said. “In Spain he knows that he doesn’t touch the referee, but that is also in his

emotion. I’ve already spoken with him, he knows my opinion.”

Di Maria started the game reasonably well, setting up Wayne Rooney for an equaliser after Nacho Monreal’s opener. But his dismissal clearly angered his manager and the player himself, who refused requests for an interview post–match.

When asked whether he would discipline Di Maria, Van Gaal said: “No, I don’t think so.”

The Dutchman admitted United handed Arsenal victory on a plate with the second goal.

Antonio Valencia, who had been the best United player on the pitch, sold David de Gea short with a poor back–pass, leaving Danny Welbeck to knock the ball past the goalkeeper and into an empty net.