Reports are circulating that Manchester United could be about to launch a £55m bid for Real Madrid winger Angel Di Maria.

The Champions League champs could be willing to do business as they try and offset the money they’ve spent on Toni Kroos and James Rodriguez this summer and they may also try and sign Radamel Falcao from Monaco.

It could be an inspired signing for Louis van Gaal if he does decide to go after the Argentine maestro.

For me, Di Maria was the standout player in last seasons Champions League final. As Real were searching for a hero it was Di Maria who stepped up and placed Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale into the shade. He was the catalyst behind that comeback victory with his attacking intent and selfless display.

Last season proved that the twenty-six year old was also becoming a more consistent performer. In his thirty-four La Liga appearances last term he produced seventeen assists. That is a tremendous contribution for his team. It’s great having players like Cristiano Ronaldo who can finish off the chances but the top scoring strikers all need the creative stars that provide the ammunition.

Di Maria also had an impressive World Cup with Argentina. After Lionel Messi, Angel was their next best creative talent.

At Old Trafford, United probably do need a new creative spark. They have Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie but both are better when in the middle and going for goals. Juan Mata is terrific playmaker but again likes a central role and lacks pace. It looks like Shinji Kagawa isn’t going to make it at United with Van Gaal like Fergie and Moyes just not fancying the Japanese international.

For players on the wings, Antonio Valencia is the only one I’d say that offers any consistency.

Ashley Young has never realised his full potential with the ‘Red Devils’. So far his time in Manchester has been marred with diving and injuries. The English wing-man has impressed during this preseason but he needs to do it more often and in the big games too.

I think Nani’s time at United could be coming to an end. The Portuguese twenty-seven year old has the speed and the tricks but again he’s too inconsistent and injury prone. He also seems settled to live in Ronaldo’s shadow. A move to Italy could be on the cards as Van Gaal looks to move on some deadwood.

That means that a move for Di Maria would make sense. He’s versatile (can play on both sides as well as centrally), loves making key passes and plays direct attacking football that the United faithful love.

If the versatile forward is driven out of Madrid, then he should arrive at his new club with fire in his belly and a hunger to prove himself as a world-class talent.

He wouldn’t solve all of Man United’s problems. They will still need at least one more experienced centre-half and probably another talented central midfielder who can tackle.

But the arrival of Angel Di Maria could breath a new lease of life into the United attack and that could help in the charge as they try to get back into the ‘Top Four’ this campaign.

Posted on August 9th, 2014 by scott
Filed under: Article