Burnley 0 - Man Utd 0: Van Gaal made to wait for win as Di Maria cannot stop jitters

IN THESE humble parts a glass of Tia Maria would prove a luxury – so what price a Di Maria?

Angel Di Maria sits on the Turf Moor pitchAngel Di Maria had a rough time on his United debut at Turf Moor[GETTY]

To be precise – a mind boggling £59.7million, which is around £14m more than Burnley have paid out in transfers since they came into existence in 1882.

But Angel Di Maria swapped the Bernabeu for Burnley and just about survived the culture shock to bring some industry and invention to a Manchester United midfield which has stuttered alarmingly so far this season.

Turf Moor at full throttle can be a foreboding arena for visitors of a nervous disposition and the claret bedecked patrons were determined to make certain the world’s fifth-most expensive player would remember his Premier League baptism.

It was a mixed bag from the former Real Madrid star, some sharp running, intuitive flicks and plenty of energy, but also a number of stray passes and moves aborted by snapping tackles with the message ‘welcome to England’ stamped all over them.

Arms aloft after being hustled unceremoniously over the touch line by Scott Arfield there was no response from referee Chris Foy while the home fans shouted their derision with taunts of ‘what a waste of money’. 

It is a lot of cash even in the current crazy spiralling world where ordinary players exchange hands for up to £20m.

Van Gaal: United s attack wasteful [AMBIENT]

But Di Maria is a class act even if surgery is needed in defence rather than further forward, with the back three again looking like strangers caught in a rain storm without a single umbrella.

He will produce, but until manager Louis van Gaal abandons his three-at-the-back policy then United are likely to continue to stutter.

Burnley, who left Van Gaal still waiting for his first United victory, proved that spirit and a prodigious work ethic can narrow the gap between the haves and have nots, manager Sean Dyche having assembled yesterday’s line up for just £4.83m.

The little corner shop against the superstore but Burnley are very much in business – and there could have been an even greater reward than their first point of the season.

Robbie Blake’s appearance on the pitch at half-time recalled the steamy August night in 2009 when his goal sent Sir Alex Ferguson’s team away from this ground smarting from a shock 1-0 defeat.

Ferguson was again watching on, no doubt wondering what has happened since he let go of the reins of power.

He must have been choking on his cornflakes in midweek reading that he should take some of the responsibilty for United’s demise. A bit like blaming Lord Reith for Eastenders.

Few will remember in the golden Ferguson years shaky defensive displays which have plagued Van Gaal’s introduction to English football. United had survived a torturous start with a reckless Phil Jones challenge setting up David Jones to send a free-kick against the bar with David de Gea rooted to the spot.

Man Utd players defend doggedlyMan Utd were under pressure for prolonged spells in the game [GETTY]

As Van Gaal’s defence again looked nervy and vulnerable, especially in the centre, the keeper had to be alert to block the quick running Danny Ings. 

But one flash of Di Maria magic had Burnley in retreat, Robin van Persie in on goal only for former Old Trafford junior Tom Heaton to block with his chest. 

Van Persie still appears a shadow of the razor sharp striker whose goals helped land United the title two seasons ago. With new skipper Wayne Rooney failing to make a real impact despite plenty of grit and effort United rarely threatened, although Juan Mata should have done better when presented with an inviting opportunity from Di Maria only to slip over at the crucial moment.

The Argentine was instrumental in fashioning a chance, skipping past Kieran Trippier, the ball spinning out to Van Persie whose low strike was cleared off the line by Dean Marney.

Van Persie headed over from Darren Fletcher before their were vociferous United claims for a penalty when an Ashley Young shot appeared to hit substitute Ashley Barnes on the arm. That would have been tough on Burnley who went on to achieve their first clean sheet in 30 Premier League games.

United and Van Gaal were left to contemplate that money doesn’t always guarantee success.

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