Manchester United Transfer News: Angel Di Maria Future Reportedly in the Balance

Angel Di Maria is "seriously considering" exiting Manchester United, according to Jonathan Green of the Daily Star.

Green cites "reports in Spain" for the line and suggests that, despite only arriving last summer, Di Maria is ready to call time on his Old Trafford career.

One possible reason is the recent incident that saw burglars attempt to break into his Cheshire home, reported by BBC News. As reported by The Sun (via Green), "his wife is too scared to return to the house." It is also suggested that Di Maria and his family have moved into The Lowry Hotel in Salford, despite indications that "round-the-clock" security is now being provided, per Anthony Hay of the MailOnline.

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Di Maria's performances continue to range in quality. He posted an excellent start to life at United but has suffered with injuries in recent weeks. This has seen his performance level drop and sloppiness creep into his game, but he remains the most creative outlet in Louis van Gaal's side.

The Argentinian has produced four goals and six assists in 18 appearances, so he regularly contributes with a telling influence, per WhoScored.com.

For what it's worth, Mark Payne of ESPN FC highlighted Di Maria's display against Cambridge United in the FA Cup fourth-round replay as his "best" of 2015: "His performance grew in menace as it went along; he enjoyed several shots from distance but was unable to cap his performance with a goal. ... This run-out bodes extremely well for the coming weeks, though."

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United are currently one point ahead of Southampton and Arsenal in third. Just five points separate the Red Devils and seventh, however, which is currently occupied by a Liverpool side who haven't lost inside 90 minutes during their last 13 matches across all competitions.

Van Gaal's side travel to West Ham United on Sunday, a fixture that is destined to test. Sam Allardyce's men have enjoyed an excellent first half of the season and will be looking to gain momentum after losing to Liverpool last time out. United's questionable defence can expect a physical tie at the Boleyn Ground, while the visitors cannot start slowly and expect to grab a result—as they have in recent weeks.

Di Maria will be vital to the club's standing at the end of the season, but consistent rumours linking him with a switch are likely to frustrate many supporters.

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Paris Saint-Germain were favourites for his signature before they backed down over UEFA's Financial Fair Play limits. Green believes the Ligue 1 champions "could test United's resolve with a summer bid," but it would be disappointing to see Britain's most expensive player depart so soon.

This is particularly true when you consider Van Gaal is currently working to figure out his most effective formation.

Di Maria has been shunted around the pitch, from central midfield to left wing and up front, but he is likely to improve his consistency when United's shape finds some of its own. He is a marquee player for the club—someone who can attract other stars—and should be deemed essential for the future.