Louis van Gaal hits back at Angel Di Maria with analogy that left Memphis Depay in stitches

Memphis Depay was in stitches at a press conference on Thursday after Netherlands manager Louis Van Gaal hit back at Angel Di Maria with a typically entertaining response.

In the build-up to this week's World Cup quarter-final between the Netherlands and Argentina, some rather bold comments made by Di Maria about former Manchester United boss Van Gaal have resurfaced.

Speaking to Argentine publication TYC Sports, the Argentine forward, who played under the Dutchman during a dismal spell at Old Trafford, let rip.

"My problem at Manchester was the coach." Di Maria said. "Van Gaal was the worst of my career. I would score, assist, and the next day he would show me my misplaced passes.

The former Real Madrid man added: "He displaced me from one day to the other, he didn't like players being more than him."

Despite a promising start to his United career, an unhappy Di Maria was sold 11 months later. United cut their losses with a £44 million sale to PSG, but tensions continued to simmer.

That being said, an upbeat Van Gaal responded to Di Maria's comments in a press conference on Thursday.

Sitting alongside Memphis Depay – a player he brought to Old Trafford from PSV in the summer of 2015 – he gave a, well, unique spin on the situation.

"Di Maria calling me the worst manager he has ever had? He's one of the few players with this opinion. I'm really sorry about this and I find it sad he said this," Van Gaal said.

"Memphis had to deal with it too at Manchester, and now we kiss each other on the mouth. That kiss on the mouth.. he [Memphis] doesn't want it, but this is fine."

“AND NOW WE KISS ON THE MOUTH” 🇳🇱 Dutch manager Louis Van Gaal continues to win hearts and minds at the World Cup, this time offering to kiss Memphis Depay on the mouth to make up for their time together at Man United. pic.twitter.com/no8cwLkVkG

— Men in Blazers (@MenInBlazers) December 8, 2022

Di Maria has often brought up Van Gaal's negative influence when speaking about his time in Manchester.

In an interview with French publication Le Parisien, the Argentine admitted his relationship with the manager played a factor in his eventual departure, as did his family struggling to adapt to life in England.

"Honestly, we were not happy," he said. "At the beginning, we were a little. But then things became complicated.

"Life in England was a bit difficult. It is not easy for a South American. Some people get on fine, and for others it is harder to adapt.

"I didn't have a great relationship with the coach, so I think the decision to join Paris was the best solution."

Jorgelina Cardoso, the player's wife, didn't have much praise for the city of Manchester either. She really didn't hold back in an interview with Argentinian TV show LAM.

Thoughts on Van Gaal's response to his former player?

Let us know in the comments.