Argentina manager Gerardo Martino has backed Manchester United winger Angel Di Maria to improve following an indifferent first season at Old Trafford.

Di Maria joined the Reds in a British record transfer deal last summer, but gradually faded from Louis van Gaal's starting XI despite an impressive beginning to the season.

"Speaking about Angel, these kind of decisions are personal. It's hard to give an opinion and help him. It has to be decided by him and his family," said Martino, according to Goal.com.

"I can tell that, taking into account the kind of player we're talking about, there's no doubt that he has pride and will to improve.

"It's logical, he wants to offer his best performances at Manchester United. He had a season when the ending was not good but his beginning was really good. His form went from high to low, that's clear. He knows that and is willing to change this image. Whatever makes him happy, we will be by his side."

United signed Di Maria from Real Madrid for a fee in the region of £60m.