UNITED KINGDOM: FOOTBALL / SOCCER - Mixed reactions from United fans to expected Di Maria move

Record ID: 190401

  • Title: UNITED KINGDOM: FOOTBALL / SOCCER - Mixed reactions from United fans to expected Di Maria move
  • Date: 26th August 2014
  • Summary: MADRID, SPAIN (AUGUST 18, 2014) (REUTERS) REAL MADRID WINGER ANGEL DI MARIA TRAINING WITH TEAM MATES
  • Embargoed: 10th September 2014 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: United Kingdom
  • Country: United Kingdom
  • Topics: Sports
  • Reuters ID: LVA8ZHZQTB3GWNR611VCWX48MJC7
  • Story Text: Manchester United have agreed a British record transfer fee of 59.7 million pounds ($99 million) to secure Angel di Maria from Real Madrid and are set to announce his transfer officially on Tuesday, British media reported.
    The Argentina winger arrived in Manchester on Monday (August 25) and was expected to have a medical test later on Tuesday, British newspapers said.
    The transfer fee outstrips the 50 million pounds English Premier League rivals Chelsea paid Liverpool for Spain striker Fernando Torres in 2011.
    Manchester United fans in the city on Tuesday were divided over the potential signing.

    "I think he's overpriced, but he's a Latino-based player so he's fast, I've seen him play for Real Madrid, can't go wrong. I think we need a winger. Ashley Young, I don't think he cuts the mustard and Nani is gone now. I think we need someone that's as fast as Giggs used to be, one that's going to mae a difference, one that's going to create goals. I think he might be the right guy but I think 60 million is a bit too much," said one.

    "Yes, but I think we need to go for defence as well, really, now. And we've lost Vidic obviously and Evra, a massive loss, both of those. So I don't necessarily - he wouldn't have been my choice," said another.

    "I think it's a brilliant signing, just what United need. The price - he doesn't pay the price, we don't, but he's certainly going to be a great addition to the squad," said another.

    "Well, it's a lot of money, actually - how much did Liverpool pay for Balotelli? For 16 million we could've got four Balotellis, potentially, so there's that to think of, I suppose. A lot to spend on one player. My one view is that, perhaps, bought two or three players, perhaps, not the same standard, but of a very good standard and that probably may have helped more," said another.
    Di Maria cost Real 20 million pounds from Benfica in 2010 and he was a key part of the team that won the club's 10th European Cup last term but he was omitted from the squad for the Spanish Super Cup last week.
    The 26-year-old turned down a new deal at the Bernabeu and Real coach Carlo Ancelotti said on Sunday he had bade farewell to players and staff.
    Di Maria's signing would provide a boost for Louis van Gaal-coached United, who have taken only one point from their opening two games of the Premier League season.
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