Angel Di Maria is the marquee signing for United

Source: manutd.com

Manchester United’s acquisition of Real Madrid winger Angel Di Maria is the marquee signing that the Old Trafford faithful have craved for years.

Not since Cristiano Ronaldo left for the Spanish capital in 2009 has a player generated so much excitement amongst the fans, with the tricky winger billed by many to be the hero of United’s sluggish season.

Finally, United have an heir to the Ronaldo throne in their ranks. Adnan Januzaj has talent and tenacity, but the youngster is not quite the finished article just yet.

However, Di Maria is. The Argentine may have had to watch Ronaldo and Gareth Bale share the spotlight as Madrid scooped the Copa Del Ray and Champions League last season, but his virtuoso display in May’s final showcased what a spectacular footballer he is.

It was a display of guts and guile, and one that recently prompted Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone to label him as Madrid’s best player. It may have been the case of one Argentine complimenting another but there is method behind the madness.

One of Sir Alex Ferguson’s last major acts as United manager was snaring Robin Van Persie from Arsenal, but despite a stunning debut season at the club injuries have seen him fail to hit the same heights since.

As David Moyes clung to his job last year he desperately swooped for Juan Mata, yet despite an impressive goal return since the Spaniard has failed to convince in a red shirt.

What Di Maria will bring is devastating pace and an eye for the sublime – two things that will instantly make him a fan favourite and conjure fantastical images of him single-handedly ending United’s spell in the dark ages. 

He has the potential to take the Premier League by storm. Van Gaal needed an angel, and now he has one of the best of them all.

– Jack (@ginjajack)