Angel Di Maria: 12 reasons why Manchester United are making a massive mistake selling winger to PSG

COMMENT: The Argentina international is on the verge of leaving Old Trafford, just a year after his arrival

Simon Rice
Friday 31 July 2015 14:46 BST
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Angel Di Maria is on the verge of leaving Manchester United, with a £44m deal taking him to PSG set to be announced soon.

The transfer will see the most expensive signing in Premier League history depart Old Trafford just 12 months after his arrival.

Here, we analyse the many reasons why it could be argued Manchester United are making a massive mistake letting the Argentina international depart...

1. He's among the very best players on the planet

When Di Maria arrived at Old Trafford he had just played a massive role in taking Argentina to a World Cup final. Despite Lionel Messi winning the player of the tournament award, Di Maria beat the little magician to Argentina's player of the year award, thus proving his worth to the national team and his standing in the global game.

Di Maria is congratulated by Messi after scoring against Switzerland in the World Cup
Di Maria is congratulated by Messi after scoring against Switzerland in the World Cup (Getty Images)

2. Man of the match in the 2014 Champions League final

His final game for Real Madrid came in the Champions League final victory over Atletico Madrid in which he put in a man-of-the-match performance that helped deliver La Decima. United signed a player that had just proved himself capable of being the best player in an amazing team on the biggest stage of them all.

Di Maria at Real Madrid
Di Maria at Real Madrid (Getty)

3. At the peak of his career

At the age of 27, Di Maria is arguably hitting the peak of his career. It seems likely the Argentinian will show his best ever form in the coming few years.

4. Versatile

Louis van Gaal likes to tinker with his team, regularly switching formations and personnel in his first season at Manchester United. Di Maria has proved he can play in various positions, thus offering the Dutch coach a great option when picking his team.

Angel Di Maria gestures during a game for Manchester United
Angel Di Maria gestures during a game for Manchester United (Getty Images)

5. Assist king

Despite by most accounts enduring a tough first season at Old Trafford, Di Maria still managed an impressive 10 assists in the Premier League. That was only bettered by Santi Cazorla and Cesc Fabregas.

(Getty Images)

6. Box office

Di Maria's goal at the King Power Stadium against Leicester was one of the best moments of the season and highlighted why this is a player unlike most others. Running from deep, he was fed the ball by Wayne Rooney as he entered the box. When anyone else would have blasted it, Di Maria had the audacity to scoop the ball over the head of Kasper Schmeichel. Even if he never returns to the Premier League, this one moment at least means he left his mark.

7. Summer arrivals could have seen Di Maria thrive

In his final year at Real Madrid, Di Maria moved into a central position, playing among three deeper lying midfielders. He excelled in the role, seeing more of the ball and thanks to more defensively minded players alongside him, was given the freedom to work magic all over the park. Louis van Gaal regularly played Di Maria away from that position last season, but with the arrivals of Bastian Schweinsteiger and Morgan Schneiderlin this summer, could have utilised the Argentinian in his preferred position and really got the best out of him.

Morgan Schneiderlin and Bastian Schweinsteiger
Morgan Schneiderlin and Bastian Schweinsteiger (GETTY IMAGES)

8. Less pressure

Having arrived for £59.7m, Di Maria was the most expensive signing in British transfer history. That's quite a title to live up to. 12 months on, there would be much less pressure and hype surrounding him this season, arguably making it easier for him to play to his best levels.

Di Maria after signing for United
Di Maria after signing for United (Getty Images)

9. Off-field problems are over

Di Maria's house was burgled midway through last season, a distressing incident for anyone to deal with, let alone someone in a new country and with a young family. It's impossible to separate this incident with reports of Di Maria being unsettled in Manchester. That's now in the past though, meaning Di Maria could put his full focus on the pitch this term.

Di Maria with Argentina
Di Maria with Argentina (GETTY IMAGES)

10. They've let too much attacking talent leave already

Van Gaal has allowed Robin van Persie to join Fenerbahce and opted not to sign Radamel Falcao on a permanent basis, robbing his team of two proven, experienced goalscorers (albeit who both struggled last term). If Di Maria departs, Rooney will be the only forward remaining who's proved he can cut it at the top. A dangerous move.

Robin van Persie has left Manchester United to join Fenerbahce
Robin van Persie has left Manchester United to join Fenerbahce (Getty Images)

11. Financial loss

If Di Maria leaves for £44m, the club with have lost £15.7m on a player in just one season.

12. Exposure of failings

The departure of Di Maria will appear an admission that Manchester United got it wrong and invite questions over their transfer policy at a time when the club are spending huge swathes of cash in a bid to start winning trophies again.

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