Angel Di Maria and Ander Herrera Symbolise a New Era at Manchester United

Manchester United have made a sluggish start to the season. One win from five Premier League games is simply not good enough. In Angel Di Maria and Ander Herrera, however, Louis van Gaal has two players who can rejuvenate the current squad.

They symbolise the new era at Old Trafford.

Di Maria has looked sharp right from the off. The Argentine has two goals in three games and has made a number of devastatingly effective runs from box to box. His second goal, which came in the 5-3 loss to Leicester City, was a stunning lob that will be among the finest goals of the season come next May.

Herrera, less flashy but more industrious than Di Maria, having also scored two goals in three games, looks to be the player United have missed for years. He can pass, tackle and control the game from central midfield. The Spaniard has been brilliant.

They may be two very different players but their similarities when positioned on either side of a midfield diamond become clear. Comfortable in possession, tenacious off it, both Di Maria and Herrera combine skill with defensive rigour. 


Di Maria Will Dazzle for United

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Di Maria is a wonderfully gifted footballer.

What’s so refreshing about the Argentine is that his first instinct is to attack. Whether it’s a quick 20-yard dribble or a probing, incisive pass, he’s always looking to move forward.

Where United were lethargic and predictable last season, Di Maria will inject energy and pace this season. There’s no question that United have signed a special player, someone who will reinvigorate a side that has struggled in the last year.

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PIC: Angel Di Maria celebrates his sumptuous goal at Leicester. Have you seen a better strike this season? #MUFClive pic.twitter.com/gbgi57RT6M

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) September 21, 2014"

In the two games since he made his debut at Burnley, Di Maria has sparkled.

He was at the heart of everything that was good about United in the 4-0 win over Queens Park Rangers and he scored a breathtaking goal against Leicester. His scooped lob over Kasper Schmeichel will unquestionably be a goal-of-the-season contender.

Every time he gets the ball, no matter where he is on the pitch, he poses a threat.


Ander Herrera Is the Man to Revive United’s Midfield

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In the loss to Leicester, Herrera finished the game with more touches of the ball, more passes and more tackles than any other United player, per WhoScored.com.

That tells you everything you need to know about the Spaniard’s style of play. He’s constantly involved, whether it’s breaking up play in front of the defence or making an impact in the final third.

Herrera may not be the combative midfielder United still require, but he’s a clever, intuitive type of player, one who uses the ball very effectively. His all-round game will revive a midfield that has looked tired in recent times.

Herrera has been a breath of fresh air so far. His indefatigability over the course of a 90-minute game of football is admirable.

He was superb in the win over QPR, neat on the ball and relentless in trying to win it back when United weren’t in possession. It’s been some time since a crowd at Old Trafford has witnessed a midfielder play like that.

Rarely do players couple an intense work rate with such effortless skill, but Herrera manages it. Though United capitulated against Leicester, Herrera's wonderful flick to put his side 3-1 up was excellent.


Di Maria and Herrera Will Turn Things Around at United

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If United are to claw their way back up the Premier League table, Di Maria and Herrera will be key.

Di Maria will terrorise opposition defences, while Herrera will look to be effective from box to box. Together, particularly if Van Gaal sticks with a diamond in midfield, their form will dictate how quickly United recover from a poor start.

Both embody everything that is good about the modern-day footballer. They are technically sound, yet athletic. United have longed for players like that.

There’s no question that the dynamism provided by Di Maria and Herrera is very much symbolic of a new United.


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