Manchester United’s revolution under Louis van Gaal continues to take shape and has been represented no better than by Angel Di Maria’s big-money move to Old Trafford. Goal assesses just how successful the transfer has been so far and what the future holds…
After spending €76 million in a June flurry on Ander Herrera and Luke Shaw, many expected United to radically overhaul their squad, but after a quiet July and August the pressure built on Ed Woodward to pull out a marquee signing.
So along came Angel Di Maria for an eye-catching record fee of €75.7m as Van Gaal enhanced his attacking options and put to bed any doubts over the club’s global appeal.
Despite the acquisition of Di Maria and Radamel Falcao, the former Netherlands boss largely neglected his back-line, leading to first-team breakthroughs for Tyler Blackett and Paddy McNair as well as the collapse at Leicester, but Van Gaal did maintain throughout the summer that the club had to add quality out wide. “We don't have wingers of the highest level," he said.
Speculation ramped up in early August as Van Gaal dropped a hint that Di Maria was precisely the type of player he required but it wasn’t until August 21 and Carlo Ancelotti’s revelation that the Argentine had requested to leave Real Madrid that the wheels were put in motion.
Paris Saint-Germain looked like the early frontrunners until president Nasser Al-Khelaifi put the mockers on a deal, describing Di Maria as ‘too expensive, ” leaving United with a free run at the Liga star.
Fast-forward a week and the Red Devils had snared their man, a deal later described by Argentina national team boss Tata Martino as a bargain. "I think that the club directors got [Di Maria] on the cheap because he is such a versatile player – he can adapt to any position on the field, on either wing or through the middle. Angel is one of the most relevant players that Argentina have had in recent years. ”
Di Maria has slipped into the famous No.7 shirt with consummate ease, immediately vitalising United after a slow start, despite drawing on his debut at Burnley.
Aside from that 0-0 draw, Di Maria shone on his home debut against QPR as United took Harry Redknapp’s side to pieces in their most impressive showing of the season. The 26-year-old opened the scoring as his cross-cum-shot beat Rob Green at his far post before Juan Mata pounced on his shot at goal to ensure the newboy left the field with a goal and assist.
Di Maria has returned these figures in three of his five Manchester United games, doing similar damage at Leicester (including a brilliant chipped goal) before the second half collapse and at home to Everton where he steered home Mata’s lay-off.
He has adapted to the pace of the Premier League incredibly well and the influence he has on United’s style is already obvious. Without him they lack pace in transitions as well as quality out wide - though he is far from restricted to the left flank.
Since his arrival Van Gaal has tinkered with formations and styles, starting with three at the back before moving to a 4-4-2 diamond. Though Di Maria is sometimes seen as a more conventional winger, early signs suggest a deeper role - from a wide position - give him more space to run into and hurt the opposition.
Though he arrived from Madrid with an exemplary assists record the pervading feeling across the country is surprise. Few knew he was as good as he has shown in his early outings for United.
It is testament to Di Maria’s qualities that he’s already one of the first names on Van Gaal’s team-sheet and the most exciting player at the club. He has immediately become the talk of Manchester and the primary attraction at Old Trafford.
As Van Gaal said: "He is a tremendously fast and an incisive left-footed player who puts fear into the most accomplished defence. His dribbling skills and ability to beat opponents are a joy to watch.”
The Argentine endeared himself to supporters almost immediately when he said: “United is the only club that I would have left Real Madrid for.” And they will be delighted to have secured him for the best years of his career.
Whilst the money may be spectacular (he is earning a little less than Wayne Rooney's €380,000 per week), Di Maria will be judged by his displays on the pitch. He seems popular with his team-mates, Tyler Blackett said the younger players are in awe of him, we are only beginning to see what Di Maria brings to the Premier League. His signing is vital for the attraction of the top-flight but absolutely essential in United's pursuit of the game's top honours again.
| THE DEAL |
After spending €76 million in a June flurry on Ander Herrera and Luke Shaw, many expected United to radically overhaul their squad, but after a quiet July and August the pressure built on Ed Woodward to pull out a marquee signing.
So along came Angel Di Maria for an eye-catching record fee of €75.7m as Van Gaal enhanced his attacking options and put to bed any doubts over the club’s global appeal.
Despite the acquisition of Di Maria and Radamel Falcao, the former Netherlands boss largely neglected his back-line, leading to first-team breakthroughs for Tyler Blackett and Paddy McNair as well as the collapse at Leicester, but Van Gaal did maintain throughout the summer that the club had to add quality out wide. “We don't have wingers of the highest level," he said.
Speculation ramped up in early August as Van Gaal dropped a hint that Di Maria was precisely the type of player he required but it wasn’t until August 21 and Carlo Ancelotti’s revelation that the Argentine had requested to leave Real Madrid that the wheels were put in motion.
Paris Saint-Germain looked like the early frontrunners until president Nasser Al-Khelaifi put the mockers on a deal, describing Di Maria as ‘too expensive, ” leaving United with a free run at the Liga star.
Fast-forward a week and the Red Devils had snared their man, a deal later described by Argentina national team boss Tata Martino as a bargain. "I think that the club directors got [Di Maria] on the cheap because he is such a versatile player – he can adapt to any position on the field, on either wing or through the middle. Angel is one of the most relevant players that Argentina have had in recent years. ”
| THE STORY SO FAR |
Di Maria has slipped into the famous No.7 shirt with consummate ease, immediately vitalising United after a slow start, despite drawing on his debut at Burnley.
Aside from that 0-0 draw, Di Maria shone on his home debut against QPR as United took Harry Redknapp’s side to pieces in their most impressive showing of the season. The 26-year-old opened the scoring as his cross-cum-shot beat Rob Green at his far post before Juan Mata pounced on his shot at goal to ensure the newboy left the field with a goal and assist.
Di Maria has returned these figures in three of his five Manchester United games, doing similar damage at Leicester (including a brilliant chipped goal) before the second half collapse and at home to Everton where he steered home Mata’s lay-off.
He has adapted to the pace of the Premier League incredibly well and the influence he has on United’s style is already obvious. Without him they lack pace in transitions as well as quality out wide - though he is far from restricted to the left flank.
Since his arrival Van Gaal has tinkered with formations and styles, starting with three at the back before moving to a 4-4-2 diamond. Though Di Maria is sometimes seen as a more conventional winger, early signs suggest a deeper role - from a wide position - give him more space to run into and hurt the opposition.
Though he arrived from Madrid with an exemplary assists record the pervading feeling across the country is surprise. Few knew he was as good as he has shown in his early outings for United.
| THE FUTURE |
It is testament to Di Maria’s qualities that he’s already one of the first names on Van Gaal’s team-sheet and the most exciting player at the club. He has immediately become the talk of Manchester and the primary attraction at Old Trafford.
As Van Gaal said: "He is a tremendously fast and an incisive left-footed player who puts fear into the most accomplished defence. His dribbling skills and ability to beat opponents are a joy to watch.”
The Argentine endeared himself to supporters almost immediately when he said: “United is the only club that I would have left Real Madrid for.” And they will be delighted to have secured him for the best years of his career.
Whilst the money may be spectacular (he is earning a little less than Wayne Rooney's €380,000 per week), Di Maria will be judged by his displays on the pitch. He seems popular with his team-mates, Tyler Blackett said the younger players are in awe of him, we are only beginning to see what Di Maria brings to the Premier League. His signing is vital for the attraction of the top-flight but absolutely essential in United's pursuit of the game's top honours again.
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