Angel Di Maria is used to cutting through defences and the Argentine attacker wasted little time in stating his primary target for new club Manchester United… Champions League qualification.
The former Real Madrid winger was bought for £59.7million on a five-year deal by United, to make the 26-year-old the most expensive UK transfer.
Di Maria said he dreamed of playing in the famous red shirt when growing up in Argentina and now, after winning the Champions League with Real last season, he is eager for another go in Europe’s top club competition after hopefully helping United regain come confidence after a poor start to their season.
“When I was young in Argentina I used to look at the Premiership and I was drawn to Manchester United, so I have always thought it would be a nice club to come to,” Di Maria told MUTV.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in Spain and there were a lot of clubs interested in me, but United is the only club that I would have left Real Madrid for.
“I want to achieve great things with Manchester United and I would like to win many trophies with them. One of the objectives and one of the goals would be to actually get back into the Champions League.”
Di Maria and manager Louis van Gaal got a good look at each other in the summer’s World Cup, as Argentina beat the Dutch on penalties in the semi-final, though now their minds are very much focused on working together.
“Louis van Gaal is a fantastic coach with a proven track record of success and I am impressed by the vision and determination everyone has to get this club back to the top – where it belongs. I now just cannot wait to get started,” said Di Maria.
Van Gaal was equally excited to begin working with, on his day, one of the game’s most eye-catching forward talents.
“Angel is a world-class midfielder but most importantly he is a team player. There is no doubting his immense natural talent,” said the 63-year-old.
“He is a tremendously fast and incisive left-footed player who puts fear into the most accomplished defence. His dribbling skills and his ability to take on and beat opponents are a joy to watch.”
Main image courtesy of MUTV, with thanks.
