Angel Di Maria had joined Manchester United last season and played his first game for the Red Devils in the 3rd game week, away to recently relegated side, Burnley. The Argentine did not attend United’s pre-season tour and was signed late due to his international duties with the national team in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
A lot of talk has been around regarding his first season at Manchester United; whether it was a success or a failure. Let's take a look at some of them.
Problems, Problems and Problems
The First Season Factor
Now, this is a very important fact on why Di Maria should be present at United next season as the player himself had admitted having a hard first season in every league he played. His experience with former club, Real Madrid, is one good example.
The Robbery Attempt Factor
When you arrive in a new country and play for a new league, the first thing you wish to have is stability for yourself and your family. Di Maria's family were threatened by robbery attempt, the thing which worried Louis van Gaal about how it will affect Di Maria's performances.
The Injuries Factor
Di Maria's injury problems prevented him to feature continuously for United. He played 1640 minutes of Premier League football in only 27 games and 19 starts.
The Media
Rumors, Rumors and Rumors
Ever since his adaptation problems with Van Gaal's side, there have been a lot of rumours linking the player with a move away of Old Trafford with the latest one being Laurent Blanc's interest to land the Argentine at Parc des Princes. According to ESPN, the former Manchester United defender is keen to sign the Argentine for Paris Saint Germain but is also aware that it's not going to be an easy task.
Blanc said "Di Maria, he's good. We have more freedom, but it remains a difficult project for us because we're not alone in wanting him. When you see the financial power of the English clubs, they are attacking everyone. Competition is very, very tough."
However, Blanc is sure it's a tough task "Don't forget, Manchester United paid a fortune to sign him. For us to work effectively, we have to think of other solutions. We must be proactive."
Di Maria Intends to Stay
But Di Maria has another opinion. According to Sky Sports, the former Real Madrid player confirmed that he will be wearing the Manchester United jersey next season before just leaving to feature in Copa America.
"I have just finished my first season playing for Manchester United,"
"It was a hard season for me. I think it was hard because it was another country and another league, and this league is harder than the Spanish one. So, I couldn't adapt myself as I wanted to.
"Now I will play the Copa America and then I will move back to Manchester for next season and do my best there."
Why Should He Stay?
Di Maria's records and statistics show a different opinion on what is being discussed by the media. And if he finally finds himself within the squad, expect to see a different player in the coming season. Let's take a look:
Di Maria created more chances (51) than Mata (50), Rooney (45), Young (34) and Herrera (26).
Speaking of assists, he provided more assists (10) than Young (5), Rooney (5), Herrera (4) and Mata (4).
United's number 7 averaged a pass length of 19.44 meters, scored 4 goals provided 41 key passes.
Provided the number of minutes in which he featured for the club, his stats are not bad after all, and with more confidence next season, with better players around him like Schweinsteiger, Schneiderlin, Darmian and Depay; Di Maria should charge back to his normal standard.
