Football is, we suppose, a numbers game.
Even the very best get it wrong sometimes and Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal can’t be expected to sign a winner with every purchase.
But something felt awry with the Angel di Maria to Manchester United deal from the moment the speculation started.
soccersweep thought it was a bad move for an overrated and erratic footballer.
And, even before he signed, we felt that he would have preferred to go to Paris St. Germain.
At the time PSG were under serious financial constraints after breaking UEFA regulations – so they probably couldn’t sign him without further sanctions.
Furthermore there was a feeling that the player didn’t want to leave Real Madrid in the first place. He felt undervalued there and wasn’t getting the contract he wanted. After signing for Manchester United, he said:
“There has been a desire all along to attribute to me a desire to leave the club, something that has never been the case. Unfortunately it would seem I am not the type of footballer that appeals to one person in particular.
“In the four years that I have had the honour of wearing the shirt I have felt nothing but pride for everything that has occurred and that I have achieved together with my team mates.
“Sadly the time has come for me to leave, but I would like to make it clear that it was never my wish.”
Hardly the best way to enamour yourself to your new fans.
By moving to PSG there is a sense that, while Di Maria isn’t exactly giving up on football, that his career is very much taking a back seat in his list of priorities.
Of course PSG is a top team and will go far in The Champions League again. But France could never be described as one of the most competitive leagues in Europe with only Monaco and, sometimes Lyon, able to remotely compete with the might of the Paris club. In many ways, it’s a bit like moving to Scotland.
The enduring feeling with this one will be disappointment. Disappointment from Manchester United fans whose club saw fit to smash their transfer record, only for the player to move on again less than 12 months later.
He should consider his last three months at the club as a personal and professional embarrassment. Because, when one of the great teams in the world sees fit to spend £60m, the least you can do is to leave your heart and soul on the football field.
Donoptimist
Jul 27, 2015 at 12:22 am
It’s really hurt seeing Di Maria leaving for PSG after just One season. I will really miss his clinical movement’ so energetic, I will forever remain your fan.