Manchester United signs Di Maria

Published February 05, 2015

Manchester, England (SportsNetwork.com) - Manchester United announced Tuesday that the club has signed midfielder Angel Di Maria from Real Madrid on a five- year contract for a British record fee of $98.9 million.

Di Maria becomes United's second signing since new manager Louis van Gaal officially assumed control of the first team, joining fellow Argentina international Marcos Rojo in making the move to Old Trafford.

"I am absolutely delighted to be joining Manchester United," Di Maria said. "I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in Spain and there were a lot of clubs interested in me, but United is the only club that I would have left Real Madrid for.

"Louis van Gaal is a fantastic coach with a proven track record of success and I am impressed by the vision and determination everyone has to get this club back to the top - where it belongs. I now just cannot wait to get started."

The 26-year-old began his professional career at Rosario Central before making the switch to Benfica in 2007. He joined Real Madrid in 2010 and helped guide the Merengues to the Champions League title last season. With 52 caps and 10 international goals to his name, Di Maria was also a key figure in helping Argentina to a second-place finish at the 2014 World Cup.

"Angel is a world-class midfielder but most importantly he is a team player," Van Gaal said. "There is no doubting his immense talent.

"He is a tremendously fast and incisive player who puts fear into the most accomplished defense. His dribbling skills and his ability to take on and beat opponents are a joy to watch. He is an excellent addition to the team."

Di Maria becomes the latest in a string of additions as United continues to rebuild its squad. Along with Rojo, the club also added defender Luke Shaw from Southampton and midfielder Ander Herrera from Athletic Bilbao this summer.

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