Manchester United secured the signing of playmaker
Angel di Maria from Real Madrid for a fee of £59.7 million on the 26 of August.
United fans rejoiced when the official announcement was published on the United
website, after a summer of rumours and speculation it was finally true. So why
are there some fans that think United paid £59.7 million on a player who has
been labelled as ‘average’?
Angel di Maria was previously playing with Real
Madrid in La Liga, a league which has stars riddled throughout almost every
team. Ronaldo, Modric, Xabi Alonso, Fabregas, Xavi, Iniesta, Neymar, Messi, and
Gareth Bale to name but a few. So, was he overlooked in this star studded
league, or did United overpay for him?
Even with these stars competing in the same league
as him, Angel di Maria recorded the highest assists in La Liga for the 2013/14
season with a total of 17 assists in 27 starts for the Spanish club. The season
before that wasn’t Angel’s best, however he did contribute in big moments, most
noticably assisting Ronaldo’s goal against Manchester United on 13 February. di
Maria only managed 7 goals and 6 assists for the 2012/13 season, but in the
2011/12 season he racked up 15 assists in La Liga.
Angel di Maria made his debut for United against
Burnley at Turf Moor, and was immediately put into the starting lineup by new boss
Louis van Gaal. Even though the match ended 0-0, and di Maria was substituted
off after 70 minutes when he took a cramp, it was clear United had bought
sensibly. After 14 minutes played, di Maria played a beautiful long diagonal
ball over the Burnley defence to land the ball inch perfect for Robin van
Persie, who failed to finish the chance after controlling the ball so well on
his chest.
Angel di Maria has only been with Manchester United
for a month and already has made two
assists, and scored two goals for his new side. One of these goals was the
beautiful chip he scored against Leicester City after he picked the ball up
from just inside United’s half. That’s not a bad return from a player in a new
league, and a new team which has spiralled downward drastically.
If there’s anyone to save Manchester United you
would have to look at Angel di Maria, who seems to have fitted in nicely with
his new club. The Argentinian may have made a nice start to life at Manchester
United, but the question is will he continue these amazing performances, match
after match? Looking back at his stats from not only his time at Real Madrid,
but also his time with Benfica, you would have to say he’s relatively
consistent.
In conclusion, I think Manchester United have broken
the British record for a transfer fee for a good reason, £59.7 million for one
of the most under-rated playmakers in European football isn’t a bad buy, and
Angel di Maria may just be the attacking midfielder United have been desperate
for. Here’s to hoping he continues how he’s started!
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