Louis van Gaal: 'Angel di Maria could return against Aston Villa'

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has revealed that midfielder Angel di Maria could take a place on the substitutes' bench against Aston Villa.

Di Maria hasn't featured since suffering a hamstring problem against Hull City at the end of November, but while he insisted that the Argentine isn't ready to start a match, Van Gaal has admitted that he could make a second-half appearance at Villa Park.

The Dutchman told reporters: "He has trained this week with us but he's not match fit after one week.

"Maybe I shall select him for the bench, or maybe not. I have to make my decision because we have one training session to go."

The former Real Madrid winger has netted three times in 11 matches during the current campaign.