Di Maria addressed himself to the press for the first time since signing a five-year deal with his new club. The World Cup silver medallist stated:
“I'm very pleased to play for Manchester United. I want to help the team get into the Champions League.
“I've come to United to help the team raise their game and become an important team once again. I want to win many trophies with them.”
But the biggest curiosity lies in Angel di Maria’s ability to shoulder expectations as Manchester United’s new number 7 player. Speaking about this topic, the Argentine star declared:
“Cristiano Ronaldo spoke to me at [Real] Madrid and explained how important it is. I hope I can live up to it.”
Louis van Gaal, whose side enjoyed a great preseason winning the 2014 International Champions Cup in the United States, is yet to taste victory this season. He saw Manchester United lose 2-1 to Swansea on the opening day of the 2014/15 English Premier League campaign.
The Red Devils then stumbled to a 1-1 draw away to Sunderland on Matchday 2 before suffering a humiliating 4-0 defeat to MK Dons in the Capital One Cup. Will the presence of Angel di Maria have an instant impact and transform Manchester United’s misfortunes into success? Van Gaal had this to say:
“He can accelerate our play and he fits in our philosophy. At Madrid he played not only as a winger but also in midfield. That's also a reason why we're convinced he shall succeed.
“Maybe not in his first matches... he has to adapt to the team and the team to him.”
Ángel Di María's £59.7m move to Man Utd broke the British transfer record. pic.twitter.com/pSdMvhSGDy
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) August 28, 2014
At £59.7m, Ángel Di María is the most expensive Argentinian footballer in history and the most expensive sale in Spanish football history.
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) August 28, 2014
This is Di Maria
Di Maria joins the club of Man United’s number 7 idols
Manchester United printing Di Maria’s new shirt
