United Stars Blame Van Gaal for Leicester Humiliation

Posted by African Examiner Featured, Latest Headlines, News, Sports News Monday, September 22nd, 2014

…As Players AManager ”Why Did We Substitute Di Maria”?

Manchester United stars slammed the substitution of Angel di Maria during a fiery dressing-room inquest after their shocking 5-3 defeat at Leicester.

Di Maria, who had scored an early contender for Barclays Premier League goal of the season to put United 2-0 up, was substituted when the score was 3-3.

During scenes described by one source at the King Power Stadium as ‘very heated’, a United player was heard to say: ‘Why the f*** did we substitute Di Maria?’

Van Gaal brought on Juan Mata to replace Di Maria with less than 15 minutes remaining

The Argentina forward was United’s obvious match winner after his stunning performance against QPR the previous week. But under-fire manager Louis van Gaal, who has won just one game since he took over, withdrew the £60million signing from Real Madrid in the 76th minute.

Leicester were clearly lifted when Di Maria was replaced by Juan Mata and scored twice to seal a remarkable victory.

Van Gaal openly condemned his team in the dressing room following their humiliating defeat and Rafael was also criticised by a number of players for his part in the implosion. The Brazilian defender gave away a 62nd-minute penalty that allowed Leicester to claw their way back into the game.

United left the stadium in such a hurry that they suffered abuse from Leicester fans when their team bus was stuck in traffic near the stadium.

United will not rush to sign a new centre back in January despite their alarming defensive frailties at Leicester.

The shocking manner of their collapse underlined a lack of leadership and organisation and prompted the furious reaction from Van Gaal. Their problems were compounded by an ankle injury to Jonny Evans, their most experienced defender.

United spent £156million in the summer but only £16m on a centre back, Marcos Rojo, who now plays predominantly at left back.