Angel Di Maria couldn’t be arriving at Old Trafford at a worse time. Manchester United are in the middle of a full blown crisis. It’s hard to see any kind of way out.
When you get humbled by a League One side, you know things are bad. Manchester United’s 4-0 defeat by MK Dons felt like the lowest point in the club’s on-going slump. Let’s just hope that this is the nadir and that things only get better from here.
Angel Di Maria, with his £60m price-tag, will be expected to stop the slump, steady the ship and get Manchester United rocking again. That’s a lot of pressure to place on his shoulders, even if he’s proved worthy before.
Players like Marouane Fellaini and Juan Mata have already tried and failed to help The Red Devils turn things around. Will Angel Di Maria be any different?
With players like Alexis Sanchez struggling to adapt to Premier League action, there’s no reason to expect Di Maria to make an instant impact. Having high expectations could lead to disappointment.
I’d also have to question whether the player’s head is in the right place. I’m sure you saw the letter he issues to Manchester United fans. Check out some choice quotes:
“Unfortunately today I have to go, but I want to make clear that this was never my desire… I went to the World Cup with the hope of receiving a new contract, which never came. Many things and many lies were spoken. They always wanted to attribute the initiative to me to leave the club, but did not.”
These reluctance-tinged words signal a player who wasn’t ready to move on. He clearly liked being a Real Madrid player. Is he truly ready to embrace a new challenge at Manchester United?
Here’s his thoughts on that topic:
“I hope to progress at Manchester United, one of the biggest clubs in the world, where I wish to make history.” (Source: The Metro)
That’s more like it. His earlier comments are still a little worrying. If he was forced out, then moving to Manchester United wasn’t necessarily his choice. He may not be ready for the battle ahead. Not yet any way.
Let’s just hope he ends up feeling just as at home at Old Trafford as he once did at The Bernabeu.
What’s your take? How long will it take Angel Di Maria to make his mark at Old Trafford?
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