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Rediff.com  » Sports » EPL Updates: United's Van Gaal says Di Maria won't provide instant fix

EPL Updates: United's Van Gaal says Di Maria won't provide instant fix

Last updated on: August 27, 2014 15:43 IST
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EPL Updates: United's Van Gaal says Di Maria won't provide instant fix

Manchester United's Angel Di Maria with coach Louis van Gaal. Photograph Courtesy: Manchester United/Twitter

Manchester United's new winger Angel Di Maria will not change the course of their troubled season straight away following his British record transfer from Real Madrid, manager Louis van Gaal said on Tuesday.

League Cup: MK Dons humiliate Manchester United

The Dutchman was speaking after United's humiliating 4-0 loss at third-tier Milton Keynes Dons in the League Cup second round had compounded their terrible start to the campaign.

"I think that he (Di Maria) can contribute and that is very important but we don't have to expect that from tomorrow our world has changed," van Gaal told Sky Sports after the Argentina international signed for 59.7 million pounds ($98.77 million).

"He has to adapt to the culture of England, the culture of the Premier League and the philosophy of Manchester United.

"He shall contribute very much in our way of playing. He is a creative player. I can change the system with Di Maria. He can play as a winger and he can also play in midfield," he added.

The experienced Van Gaal has yet to fashion a win during his three competitive matches in charge of United this season.

United's next game is a trip to promoted Burnley in the Premier League on Saturday.

Everton bolster attack with experienced Eto'o

Everton bolster attack with experienced Eto'o

Samuel Eto'o of Cameroon. Stu Forster/Getty Images

Everton have bolstered their attacking options with the signing of Cameroon's seasoned striker Samuel Eto'o, who was a free agent after leaving Chelsea at the end of last season.

The 33-year-old, crowned African Player of the Year a record four times, scored nine league goals in 21 games at Stamford Bridge after joining from Russia's Anzhi Makhachkala.

Eto'o, who has won 118 caps and scored a record 56 goals for Cameroon, signed a two-year deal at Goodison Park.

"I have been very impressed by the style of play Everton adopt," Eto'o said on the Premier League club's website, having been lured by manager Roberto Martinez's footballing philosophy.

"I was impressed with his enthusiasm but also by the knowledge of football that Roberto Martinez carries, his vision of football and how he reads football. I still think I can learn a great deal from him here," he added.

Eto'o has won four league titles, seven domestic cups, a FIFA Club World Cup medal and three Champions League, two with Barcelona and one with Inter Milan where he became the first player to win consecutive European continental trebles.

Eto'o moved to Russia in 2011 where he was reported to be the world's best-paid player.

Eto'o is the third player with Chelsea connections to sign for Everton in the close season after fellow forward Romelu Lukaku joined permanently following his loan spell last term.

Winger Christian Atsu has also joined on a temporary basis.

Arsenal striker Giroud out of Besiktas clash

Olivier Giroud of Arsenal

Olivier Giroud of Arsenal. Michael Regan/Getty Images

Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud will miss Wednesday's Champions League playoff second leg against Besiktas with an ankle injury, manager Arsene Wenger said.

Giroud, 27, was hurt late in his side's 2-2 Premier League draw with Everton on Saturday, with media reports suggesting the France forward could be out for up to three months.

Wenger said he would definitely not play against Besiktas at the Emirates Stadium, with an assessment by a specialist the same day likely to shed light on how long he may be out.

"Olivier will not play against Besiktas and will see a specialist, then we'll make an announcement of how long he'll be out," Wenger told reporters on Tuesday.

"It can be (a long term injury). We'll see tomorrow. I don't know (if it's broken). It's sad for us but we are focussed on the game."

The first leg finished 0-0.

Theo Walcott is still returning to full fitness after a long layoff and Wenger said he was yet to give thought as to whether he would delve into the transfer market should Giroud, who was hurt shortly after scoring Arsenal's 90th minute equaliser at Goodison Park, be a long-term absentee.

Midfielder Mikel Arteta is also out through injury, while Aaron Ramsey is suspended after being sent off in the first leg.

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