Manchester United star Angel di Maria faces a very uncertain future at the club after a really poor first season in which, for various reasons, the Argentine hasn’t settled in Manchester.
Indeed, some reports have suggested that Di Maria could leave as Manchester United have registered an interest in Sterling, who could come in to replace the South American star.
But, is there any real comparison between the two players? Despite a terrible year at the club Di Maria is still one of the leading players in the world and one who got into the FIFA World XI this season, after being one of the most prominent players at The World Cup in Brazil 2014.
Di Maria – Form temporary but class permanent
For all the excitement that Sterling can generate, he still shows little more than great promise. He’s only 20 of course. But he flatters to deceive much of the time. He looks full of menace but his final ball is regularly awry and he may never be a consistent finisher.
Sterling is like an episode of The Sopranos – you constantly sense danger without actually seeing that much. But those rare examples of danger are so brillaintly delivered that they keep you on your toes.
If Manchester United kept Di Maria it may be seen as something of a gamble. But signing Sterling for huge money would surely be a bigger one. Manchester United would be paying for potential and for a player who could well buckle under the pressure of such a big move.
He was excellent last season but he’s been off the boil this and he still has it all to prove. But Di Maria is proven class and he would surely be a better horse to back, of the two, right now. If he can settle in Manchester, Di Maria could still form a frightening front line with Rooney and Depay next season – and let’s face it, a player nominated for World Player of The Year can’t have another season this bad can he?
In short, Sterling COULD BECOME a great player but Di Maria IS a great player who’s simply off the boil. Manchester United could be much better served by sticking with their record signing.
Excellent Larry A
May 24, 2015 at 7:58 am
What makes one a good player? for now Sterling is better than Di Maria.