Why Manchester United should avoid signing Angel Di Maria
As per Calciomercato (h/t The Sun), Paris Saint-Germain are willing to offer winger Angel Di Maria to Manchester United as a part of the deal to sign Paul Pogba.
Di Maria, 32, enjoyed a four-year successful spell at Real Madrid before moving to Old Trafford in the summer of 2014. However, he endured a dreadful time with United and moved to the French capital, where has been excellent.
In 218 appearances for the French champions, he has scored 80 goals and provided 90 assists, winning three Ligue 1 titles. However, he just has one more year left on his contract at Parc des Princes. As the report suggests, he could return to Manchester United as PSG are keen to sign Pogba.
Meanwhile, the Red Devils have been brilliant in the second half of the campaign, going unbeaten in their last 11 games. United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has put his faith in youngsters in the squad and they have done a decent job so far.
The likes of Marcus Rashford, Daniel James, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Mason Greenwood, Brandon Williams have been excellent in their roles so far. United are currently 5th in the league standings and are hoping to qualify for the Champions League.
United boss Solskjaer has managed to form a strong attacking unit with the youngsters in the squad, led by Rashford. The Englishman has scored 14 goals so far before he picked up a major injury and in his absence, Anthony Martial has performed well.
In the wide areas, Welsh speedster James has also done enough with 4 goals and 7 assists in 37 games across all competitions. Given this is his first season in the top-flight, the former Swansea City man has impressed and could go on to get better in the future.
Jesse Lingard and Tahith Chong are also available on the flanks and Juan Mata is also capable of operating on the wing. Thus, with plenty of forwards, United accepting PSG’s offer of Di maria would make no sense.
Di Maria is already 32 and may not have much to provide in the future. The fact that he had felt homesick in his time at United would also not help him if he joins them. At the moment, the Argentine is in good form but he may not be able to cope with the pace of the Premier League as he is ageing.
Read more
- Why Manchester United should end their pursuit of James Rodriguez
- Why Manchester United should keep their eyes off Ousmane Dembele
Verdict
Given Solskjaer’s vision of building a team for the future, signing Di Maria would only waste their resources. The Argentine international is reaching the back end of his career. Thus, United should avoid signing him and instead focus on bringing young and in-form players who can represent the side in the long run.
