Can you name the Champions League winner who flopped at United?

Ángel Di María arrived at Manchester United in the summer of 2014 as one of the hottest properties in world football. Fresh from his Champions League triumph with Real Madrid and a World Cup final appearance with Argentina, the Argentine winger was expected to light up the Premier League. However, his time at Old Trafford turned into a nightmare, as a combination of injuries and a strained relationship with manager Louis van Gaal derailed his career in England.

A Galactico Move

United paid a British record fee of £59.7 million to sign Di María from Real Madrid, making him the most expensive player in Premier League history at the time. The signing was seen as a statement of intent from the club, signaling their ambition to return to the top of English football. Di María was expected to provide the creative spark that had been missing from the United team for several years.

A Rocky Start

Despite a promising start to his United career, Di María struggled to settle in England. His family was reportedly unhappy in Manchester, and the player was targeted by burglars at his home. These off-field issues, coupled with a series of injuries, disrupted his rhythm and made it difficult for him to produce consistent performances.

A Clash of Personalities

The relationship between Di María and manager Louis van Gaal was also strained. The Argentine's flair and creativity often clashed with the Dutchman's more pragmatic approach to the game. Van Gaal's rigid tactics and his insistence on playing Di María out of position limited the winger's impact on the team.

A Premature Exit

After just one season at Old Trafford, Di María was sold to Paris Saint-Germain. His departure was a clear indication that his time at United had been a failure. The Argentine's inability to adapt to the Premier League and his strained relationship with Van Gaal had made it impossible for him to fulfill his potential at the club.

A Wasted Talent

Di María's time at Manchester United is a cautionary tale about the dangers of overspending on a player and the importance of ensuring that a new signing is a good fit for both the team and the manager. The Argentine winger was undoubtedly a talented player, but his experience at Old Trafford highlights the challenges that can arise when a big-money signing fails to live up to expectations.