Di Maria criticizes Van Gaal as worst coach after World Cup win

Angel Di Maria has publicly criticized Louis van Gaal, labeling him the worst coach he has ever worked with. This sentiment was reiterated during an interview with ESPN Argentina, where Di Maria expressed his disdain for Van Gaal's management style, particularly during his time at Manchester United from 2014 to 2016. Di Maria's struggles at United were marked by a disappointing season, scoring only four goals in 32 appearances. The tension between the two was further highlighted in Di Maria's Netflix documentary, 'Breaking Down the Wall,' where he reflected on their last encounter at the 2022 World Cup. In that match, Argentina triumphed over the Netherlands in a dramatic penalty shootout, a moment Di Maria relished while holding the World Cup trophy. He took the opportunity to mock Van Gaal, emphasizing that the Dutch coach's predictions of victory were proven wrong. Van Gaal, in response to Di Maria's criticisms, had previously stated that the player struggled to adapt to the pressures of the Premier League, despite being played in various attacking positions. This exchange of words illustrates the ongoing feud between the two, stemming from Di Maria's challenging tenure at Manchester United. Ultimately, Di Maria's comments reflect a broader narrative of his career, where he has found success in other teams but faced significant challenges under Van Gaal's management. The public nature of these criticisms suggests that the animosity between the two figures remains unresolved, even years after their professional relationship ended.