Angel Di Maria Reveals Why He Chose Manchester United

Despite the fact that Manchester United are one of the most famous soccer sides in the world, it was still a surprise when Angel di Maria made the decision to join them just a few weeks ago.

di Maria has been in superb form over the last 12 months, especially for his previous club Real Madrid. He ended the 2013/2014 campaign as the top assist maker in La Liga, beating out the likes of Lionel Messi, Gareth Bale, Cristiano Ronaldo, Xavi and Andres Iniesta to the award, while he also picked up the man of the match accolade for his performance in the 2014 UEFA Champions League Final too.

So not only was it a shock when Madrid confirmed that they were willing to sell the midfielder, it was equally preposterous when the Argentinian international revealed he was willing to join a club that hadn’t even qualified for the Champions League.

di Maria has now been discussing his reasons behind the move to Old Trafford, and he’s revealed that the chance to work with Louis Van Gaal, who replaced David Moyes in Manchester earlier this summer, was one of the main reasons why he chose England.

“Van Gaal was really important for me in order to come here,” di Maria told Perform, according to The Guardian. “[He] was one of the first [people] who spoke about bringing me here. The coach always has the last word about the players he wants. I am really grateful to him because, thanks [to] him, I am now playing for United.”

The former Benfica winger went on to insist that he will “keep trying to improve every day,” and it was this motivation that convinced him United was the place where he will adapt and improve as a player.

“I needed to change my life,” he candidly admitted. “I will try my best to play the right way. I will try my best every match and show my arrival at Old Trafford was worthy.”

United fans are already delighted with what they’ve seen from di Maria. On his home debut for the club against Queens Park Rangers, not only did he have a hand in 3 out of the 4 goals that were scored, he curled in a delightfully dangerous free-kick that evaded everyone in the box and then nestled into the far corner.

Red Devil devotees are now beginning to dream that because of di Maria’s arrival, as well as the addition of Daley Blind, Marcos Rojo, Radamel Falcao, Luke Shaw, and Ander Herrera to the squad, United can once again return to the summit of the Premier League. A place that they used to call home under Sir Alex Ferguson.

[Image via Daily Star]