Former Manchester United defender Danny Higginbotham says Louis van Gaal needs to change his tactics to rescue Angel di Maria's form.

Higginbotham, 36, believes Van Gaal's side must create more time and space for the Argentina ace.

He said: "It's very difficult to bring the best out of Di Maria with the way they are playing.

"He had the most assists in La Liga last season with 17, four clear of Cesc Fabregas and look at what he is doing with Chelsea.

"What you have to do when you have players like Di Maria is get them time on the ball and space.

"Every time he gets the ball he has someone really close and more often than not is facing his own goal.

"You need someone to stretch the game.

"You've got Wayne Rooney, Radamel Falcao and Robin van Persie up top who want to drop deep and wingers on opposite sides who want to come infield - Di Maria with his left foot and Ashley Young with his right.

"All of a sudden, you've got four of your most attacking, dangerous players, in the space of about 15 yards."