After last season it looked like Manchester United would need an angel to save them. It appears he has arrived, fresh from Real Madrid.
The 2013/14 season was a successful one for Angel Di Maria. Overcoming losing his place to world record signing Gareth Bale and a period of adapting to a new role, Di Maria was crucial to Real Madrid’s victory in the Copa Del Rey and was the star of the show in sealing the long sought after La Decima against their nearby Madrid rivals. His club success was shortly followed by starring as arguably Argentina’s best player at the World Cup, highlighted by his absence from the final.
The next challenge is rescuing a failing Manchester United side, after completing a move, for a British transfer record fee, to the club. But is he worth it?
After an opening day defeat to Swansea and a draw to Sunderland in his first two games, the gloss has immediately worn off of the Louis Van Gaal era. With a defence that looks incompetent at best and an ailing midfield that dramatically lacks any creativity, one thing was incredibly clear: signings were needed. And Di Maria is perfect.
Angel Di Maria is known to terrorise defences and create chances effortlessly. He can play a perfect pass, dribble around anything in his way and is no stranger to finding the net himself. His statistics are a dream for a United fan to read, with an 80% passing accuracy across last season, 2.5 key passes per match, creating over 100 chances (that resulted in 24 assists, more than anyone else in Europe’s top 5 leagues) and contributed 11 goals according to goal.com.
It is quite clear to see that, on the pitch, Di Maria will provide the creative spark that United desperately crave. However, his signing could prove to be influential beyond his playing ability.
Signing a world class player of the quality of Di Maria is also a huge boost behind the scenes. The players and staff enjoy working with someone of that quality and it signifies the club to be ambitious. By signing Angel Di Maria, Manchester United have made a statement that they want to return to their winning ways, which can only bring a positive atmosphere back to Old Trafford.
Finally securing his long sought-after marquee signing is also good news for Ed Woodward, who has struggled this window and suffered abuse from the fans. Woodward appears to have turned it around, and hopefully this can lead to more world class signings in future windows.
In conclusion, Angel Di Maria is a definite step in the right direction for Manchester United and what he will bring is a much needed boost on and off the pitch. But, is he worth his £59.7 million price tag? Simply, yes. Is he the solution? Not quite. For Manchester United, much more is needed to bring success back to Old Trafford. A turn around in performances, a boost to morale and signings in future windows are also evidently needed, however Di Maria’s capture looks to be the boost the Red Devils needed.
Thank you for reading. Support LWOS by following us on Twitter – @LastWordOnSport and@LWOSworld – and “liking” our Facebook page. Also follow our Manchester United column, Red Devils Advocate, on Twitter at @lwosrda
For the latest in sports injury news, check out our friends at Sports Injury Alert.
Have you tuned into Last Word On Sports Radio? LWOS is pleased to bring you 24/7 sports radio to your PC, laptop, tablet or smartphone. What are you waiting for? GO!
Main Photo:
