A Progress Report on the Early-Season Form of Manchester United's Angel Di Maria

There was a lot of excitement swirling around Old Trafford when Manchester United smashed the British transfer record to sign Angel Di Maria. Excitement, but also an understandable trepidation. So impressive with Real Madrid, would the player be able to bring his best form over to England? 

With just a handful of games under his belt for the Red Devils, it is too early to make a definitive judgement. But first impressions could not be more promising for the Argentine speedster. To put it simply, Di Maria has been carrying United through a tricky beginning to 2013/14. 

Fideo's first few matches have exceeded the wildest expectations, with few negatives to report on. This feat is even more impressive considering that the star missed the conclusion of the World Cup with injury, failing to play in either the semi-final or final thanks to a muscle injury. 

His recovery and adaptation in such a short period have been nothing short of admirable. 

Jon Super/Associated Press

The Story so Far

Appearances: 6

Goals: 3

Assists: 3

With United only having the Premier League to contend for this season (although an FA Cup campaign awaits in the new year), Di Maria has enjoyed a gentle introduction to English football. Certainly, compared to the rigours of fighting on three fronts for Real Madrid in 2013/14 and preparing for the World Cup, this year will be far more relaxed for a man who played a total of 65 matches in all competitions last term. 

After a promising, if somewhat low-key debut, the winger really came to the fore with a virtuoso display against Queens Park Rangers in the following game. A fortunate free-kick got him off the mark, but it was his assist to set up Juan Mata that really brought his game into focus. 

A brilliant strike of his own could not save leaky United from going down to Leicester City in the next match, but another goal and assist, this time for Radamel Falcao, helped the Red Devils grab a narrow 2-1 win over Everton. Indeed, six of the 13 goals scored by the club since Di Maria made his debut have come from his boot or from an assist laid on by the Rosario native. 

Key Statistic

It is easy to think of Di Maria as a player who charges up and down the left flank, out of touch with his team-mates. But that opinion is hopelessly dated. As the star's passing statistics (via WhoScored.com) demonstrate, he is a real asset to his side. 

With an average of 49 passes completed at an accuracy of 80.6 percent per game so far, Di Maria participates at the heart of the United midfield effort. But even more impressive is the number of key passes the winger contributes: three per game. This makes him by far the most creative, dangerous generator of play in the Red Devils squad. 

As a point of comparison, Wayne Rooney averages just 0.8 key passes, despite dropping back to a playmaking position this season. Fellow attacking talents Juan Mata, Robin van Persie and Antonio Valencia trail behind the Argentine, with only the Dutchman averaging over one per game. 

Potential Weakness

As that unforgettable run against Atletico Madrid to settle the Champions League in extra time proved, Di Maria has almost limitless levels of energy. But there have been subtle signs since joining United that the toils of last season are still taking their toll. 

On his debut against Burnley and again in Monday's 2-2 draw with West Bromwich Albion, the winger was withdrawn early and appearing to suffer from muscular complaints. Indeed, since that last knock, the Argentine is working against the clock to recover in time to play against Chelsea (ESPN). 

If he does make it, United may have to take gradual steps to get their record signing up to pace, rather than relying too much on a player who, when fully fit, is a candidate for the title of best attacking wide man in the world. 

Early-Season Grade: A- 

Angel Di Maria has had a brilliant start to his United career, and if he can shrug off those muscular niggles, he has the potential to fight for the Player of the Year award in his maiden Premier League season.