Manchester United are in need of some impetus to their slow-starting season and former players Gary Pallister and Lee Sharpe see the Angel Di Maria signing as the perfect moment for Louis van Gaal’s men to get hot again.
Losses to Swansea City and MK Dons in the Premier League and Capital One Cup respectively have taken the tiny bit of gloss off United’s away point at Sunderland in the top flight to leave fans scratching their heads again.
While Van Gaal is pleading for time to fix the post-Sir Alex Ferguson malaise, Pallister said Di Maria’s short-lived frustrations at Real Madrid, where he was battling to command similar wages to those of Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo, show the attacker is hungry for on pitch action rather than moaning about where he plays.
“In the past Di Maria has played on the right, the left and on the left of a midfield three. He’s clearly a very versatile player and as the manager says he’s a team player,” defender Pallister told the club’s website.
“He won’t spit the dummy out if he’s asked to play here, there or wherever and you’re going to get 100% from him whenever he puts the shirt on.
“He’s an incisive player with plenty of pace which is something that we’ve maybe been lacking.
“We’ve brought in a creative player that possesses boundless amounts of energy, so I think he’s someone that is going to excite the fans.”
Sharpe said while he and United prospered in a unique era where big signings weren’t always necessary, the acquisition of Di Maria was a bold move by the 20-times English champions.
“It is a statement of intent and it’s exactly what the club has been looking for. It’s a big marquee signing that’s states a presence and a claim in the league,” the ex-winger said.
“His pace will get people on the edge of their seats, he’ll excite the crowd, create chances and score goals. I think he’s exactly what the club need.”
First up for the talented and nippy winger could be promoted Burnley on Saturday if Di Maria is able to prove his fitness in time to Van Gaal.
From Madrid to Manchester: Angel Di Maria is now a Red. #WelcomeDiMaria pic.twitter.com/f7CoqDnebf
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 27, 2014
Di Maria has been training with his new teammates for the first time today, undoubtedly a welcome boost after the dismal trip to Milton Keynes last night.
Main image courtesy of TVP via YouTube, with thanks.
