VAN GAL I LIKE DI MARIA AS MUCH AS MESSI AND VIDAL

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal refused to confirm the club's move for Angel Di Maria, but admitted he classes the Argentine among the best players in the world.

Van Gaal revealed he would like to sign Di Maria as much as he would like to see Lionel Messi and Arturo Vidal arrive at Old Trafford.

Goal understands United are nearing a move for the Real Madrid winger while Los Blancos' boss Carlo Ancelotti has revealed the winger has already said goodbye to his team-mates at the Santiago Bernabeu.

And though Van Gaal wasn't willing to comment on whether the deal was close to completion, he does hold the 26-year-old in high regard.

"I think always the club has to announce it [the transfer]. When we think it is the right time then we will come to you. At this time we cannot say anything," he told Sky Sports.

"Yeah [I like Di Maria]. But I like Messi also and Vidal also. There are a lot of players who I like. But they cannot always come to Manchester United."

The mention of Juventus midfielder Vidal is also curious following weeks of continued interest from United, though the club continue to deny any approach for the Chilean inspite of suggestions from Italy and South America.

The former Netherlands coach was speaking after his side's 1-1 draw against Sunderland, and he believes his team is lacking a creative spark.

Juan Mata gave the Red Devils the lead before Jack Rodwell's header equalised for the home side, leaving the 20-time English champions still without a win from their opening two Premier League matches of the season.

"I think that in the first half we played an equal match with Sunderland. We didn’t create so much," he said.

"But we have already warned our players about giving set pieces away, and then they go and score from a set piece. That’s disappointing.

"In the second half we played much better but in the final third we lacked the creative pass.

"Last week [against Swansea City] we created more chances. Football has been played for creating chances.

"I have to say probably we had more ball possession and were more dominant than the last match.