Manchester United Transfer News: Angel Di Maria Sale Tipped to Fund Gareth Bale
Manchester United are said to be hatching a plan to cash in on Angel Di Maria to facilitate a summer bid for Gareth Bale, according to the Daily Express.
This surprising story builds on reports that United would offer their newly signed Argentina international in a swap deal for Bale, per James Orr of The Independent.
David Manasseh, Bale's agent, recently rubbished suggestions his client could leave the Bernabeu. "It is not true," he said of the former Tottenham man heading to Old Trafford, per Calciomercato (h/t Orr). Even so, reports continue to suggest both Bale and Di Maria will soon be on the move.
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The latter's recent poor form has perhaps heightened speculation. Despite posting an excellent start to his United career, disappointing performances against Chelsea, Manchester City and Crystal Palace have led to criticism.
Louis van Gaal suggested Di Maria's display against Neil Warnock's side—in which he held onto the ball too often—"was not good for the balance of the team," according to David McDonnell of the Daily Mirror.
The former Madrid man has scored three and assisted five in nine Premier League matches, per WhoScored.com, but anything less than a world-class display sees him placed under pressure.
Di Maria's decision to tell Telefoot (h/t Simon Rice of The Independent) a move to Paris Saint-Germain "would have been a great experience" lends greater fuel to such a story. Paul Scholes' theory that Di Maria "doesn't seem to be in the same happy" mood he often showed at Madrid, per Ben Jefferson of the Express, also adds weight to outside suggestions he could move.
Jorgelina Cardoso, the player's wife, was quick to deny such allegations. "You are free to think whatever you want, but in fact, Angel is absolutely happy of being in Manchester United... Buenas noches," Cardoso wrote on Instagram. She also attached the following image:
Di Maria's qualities were recently assessed by Rob Dawson of the Manchester Evening News, who chatted to B/R UK's Ryan Bailey:
Bale has also come under pressure after having his first-team spot challenged at the Bernabeu. The emergence of Isco and James Rodriguez's arrival provides Carlo Ancelotti with potential match-winners all over the pitch.
More pressingly, the side have often enjoyed greater balance without Bale. Even so, Ancelotti describes him as "one of the most important players in this squad," per AS (h/t Dermot Corrigan of ESPN FC).
Despite the overwhelming feeling that Di Maria was let go against Ancelotti's will, the Madrid boss has more than enough firepower than to worry about losing the creative winger. Bale offers a level of power, pace and directness that only Cristiano Ronaldo surpasses in the team.
He is a scorer of important goals—none more so than last year's winner in the Copa del Rey final and the strike which put Madrid ahead in the Champions League final—meaning his defensive shortcomings are easy to overlook. Di Maria worked hard to improve this side of his game in the Spanish capital, and Bale can do the same.
United would be insane to sell a player who recently set them back £59.7 million, particularly as Di Maria's performances have largely been important. There's little chance Madrid would accept his return for more than United paid, meaning an obvious loss would be made. Add in Bale's wages, and you've got yourself a deal that would lead many to question Ed Woodward's suitability as executive vice-chairman.
The best way both players can end such speculation is by working hard on the pitch. Improvements and commitment to the cause will see both shrug off recent doubts.
Di Maria, in particular, is a victim of his own high standards in this regard. Should he fire United to victory over Arsenal on Saturday, criticism of his form is likely to be banished alongside rumours of his departure.
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