Before he has even set foot on a pitch as a Manchester United player, latest signing Angel Di Maria has been touted a miracle worker.
As the talented 26-year-old attacker was putting pen to paper to complete a British record £59.7million move from Real Madrid, United were being pasted by a team two divisions below them and with no real history to speak of.
Embarrassing. Enter Di Maria, and suddenly… exciting.
Trouble is, ahead of his debut against Burnley later on Saturday, he has big boots to fill.
“I said to him ‘Number seven is a big responsibility’ but I think he will be able to take that shirt because he’s a fantastic player,” said former United winger Cristiano Ronaldo.
“He’s going to do well at Manchester United. United is one of the best clubs in the world and it’s going to be good for him and I wish the best of luck to him.”
It’s not just Ronaldo who dazzled in the iconic no. 7 shirt, as before him David Beckham (1992-2003), Eric Cantona (1992-97), Bryan Robson (1981-94) and George Best (1963-74) all established themselves as greats of their respective eras.
“I was aware of the importance of the no. 7 shirt,” said Di Maria, confirming Ronaldo had informed him of the heads up.
“I wanted to wear this shirt and do as much for the club as Ronaldo and the others could do.
“The club also wanted me to wear it so I want to live up to it.”
Manager Louis van Gaal and Wayne Rooney are in little doubt the Argentine will be a hit at Old Trafford.
“He has impressed me. The first training session was with all the boys and he was very impressive. The second was a little bit less so but he has to adapt to the culture and the players with whom he shall play,” the Dutchman told MUTV.
“I believe he is ready to play. He is fit enough. He played a match in Madrid and he is ready to play.
“He is a very modest guy. He wants to work for the team so I am very curious about his first appearance.”
Rooney added: “You could see the qualities he has as, for me, he is the right person for this club. It’s great for everybody. It lifts everyone as it shows the intention the club has got to bring in a player of that quality.
“It’s a lot of money to spend on one player but he’s worth that money. Having seen him in the last couple of days in training, I’ve seen the quality he has got and he will be a great signing for us. He is great to have in the team.”
Main image courtesy of MUTV via YouTube, with thanks.
