Around 11:00 EST/16:00 BST, English news source Sky Sports reported that the World Cup 2014 finalist had just passed his medical at Man United’s training centre.
It was understood that personal terms had been agreed and that the contract was just about to be signed as issues over image rights were yet to be solved. Sky Sports also reported that the public could expect Di Maria’s first press conference as a Manchester United player on Thursday or Friday.
Sky Sports breaking the news about Di Maria’s medical
Manchester United then officially confirmed the news on their website and Twitter account.
“I am absolutely delighted to be joining Manchester United. United is the only club I would have left Real Madrid for. I’m impressed by the vision & determination everyone has to get this club back to the top,” Di Maria declared.
“Angel is a world-class midfielder… there’s no doubting his immense natural talent,” coach Louis van Gaal stated.
Angel Di Maria wears the number 7 on his Albiceleste jersey for Argentina and he has been handed the same iconic number at Manchester United – putting him under pressure to instantly make a positive impact in England. Antonio Valencia and Michael Owen carried this heavy shirt for a while but none could make justice to it as Cristiano Ronaldo did during his six-year spell at Old Trafford.
In Di Maria, Louis van Gaal will hope to have found the angel that will sanctify the struggling Red Devils. The Argentine could inscribe his name in the club’s history like George Best, David Beckham and other number 7 shirt icons have done.
Angel di Maria could make his debut for the club against Burnley this weekend, just like ex-La Liga star Diego Costa – who is now at Chelsea – did. At a fee of 75M Euros, Di Maria is not only Real Madrid's most expensive selling but also English football's most expensive signing.
DONE DEAL: Di Maria with Ed Woodward
