Manchester United midfielder Angel Di Maria has been struggling for form in recent months. The Argentine international signed from Real Madrid for £60M in the summer, and initially impressed in the early league games. But things have since gone stale, and his price tag has been questioned as a result.
The 27-year-old has scored and created just two goals in his last 11 games in all competitions, and continues to disappoint week after week recently. Di Maria has been operating in a central midfield role, which could well be limiting his influence in attack, but his form has also diminished, let alone goal contribution.
Manchester United run in the Premier League has considerably picked up while Di Maria’s form has worsened, and there’s no doubt he’s not being regarded as the biggest flop of the season so far, given how much was spent. At Real Madrid, the natural winger was afforded license to roam forward with the ball, and he was encouraged to whip balls into the box.
Under Louis Van Gaal, Di Maria’s creativity has been stifled in exchange for industry in the middle of the park, as well as ball retention. It seems a major waste having a player like Di Maria, who last season proved just how valuable he can be if treated like a playmaker, and at Old Trafford he’s not being utilised to the fullest.
He’s not the only new Manchester United struggling for form in his debut season, with Radamel Falcao and Ander Herrera both having received criticism all through the campaign. It’s perhaps led Van Gaal to actively pursue a central midfielder, so Di Maria can push further forward into a more recognised position.
For £60M, Manchester United supporters wanted a player who contributions with goals, and excites the supporters. They instead have a seemingly burned out player, who doesn’t get on with the club’s current system. There are many other new Premier League arrivals that will make the “flop of the season” shortlist, but the ex-Benfica man has to top the list.
His deal to United was the largest made by an English club, but his manager isn’t using him in a role that can see him pay back his transfer fee. Di Maria’s best form always comes when allowed to attack and find space to be a threat. Such discipline is having a negative impact on his game, but is he the biggest flop this season?
