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It is now being widely reported in both the Spanish and British press that Manchester United have agreed a fee of £63.9M ($106M) with Real Madrid for the transfer of Angel Di Maria. It is believed the transfer could be completed within the next 48 hours, with Real manager Carlo Ancelotti telling the press: “It’s not official yet, but he came to say goodbye.”
Anybody who’s watched United’s opening two EPL fixtures won’t question the record outlay they are believed to have agreed for Di Maria’s services. United desperately need a rapier in their attacking line, with the pace and incisiveness to turn defense into attack in the blink of an eye: Di Maria is the man to deliver.
The Argentine has been one of Real’s best performers since he joined Los Blancos four years ago: the 26-year old was comfortably Man of the Match in last season’s Champions League final, and only Leo Messi is credited with more assists in La Liga since 2010. It’s clear to see why Carlo Ancelotti is so reluctant to let Di Maria go, why Real supporters overwhelmingly oppose his sale, and why United are prepared to hand over such a monstrous wad of cash for his services. Di Maria combines a work ethic with rare attacking potency: perfect for van Gaal.
The question will naturally be asked: he’s good, but is he worth north of $100M? Quite simply, United can’t afford to not sign him. Squads should be rebuilt from positions of strength, a place from which United are currently a long, long way distant. They’re now paying the price, quite literally: selling clubs smell their desperation, and players require higher wages to compensate for the lack of the Champions League’s allure. Thankfully for the Old Trafford faithful, the Glazers are biting the bullet.
