Manchester United sign Angel Di Maria for record fee

Sport360 staff 22:18 26/08/2014
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  • All smiles: Manchester United's new man Angel Di Maria.

    Manchester United have completed the signing of Argentina midfielder Angel Di Maria for a British transfer record £59.7m (Dh363.4m).

    Di Maria signs for Louis van Gaal's side on a five-year contract and will be available for United's trip to Burnley in the Premier League on Saturday.

    The fee eclipses the previous British transfer record of £50million (Dh304m), which Chelsea paid for Fernando Torres in 2011 and also exceeds the £37.1million (Dh225.8m) sum United paid for Juan Mata in January.

    In a statement on the club's official website, Di Maria said: "I am absolutely delighted to be joining Manchester United. 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 Argentinian won the man of the match award for his role in Real Madrid's victory over Atletico Madrid in the Champions League final last season. He also made the most assists (17) in the Spanish league last season.

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

    "He is a tremendously fast and incisive left-footed player who puts fear into the most accomplished defence. 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."

    United's summer spending total now stands at over £130million (Dh791.1m) following the signing of Di Maria.

    Marcos Rojo, Luke Shaw and Ander Herrera have already joined the club, and more signings are expected before the transfer window shuts on Monday night.

    Daley Blind, Arturo Vidal and Kevin Strootman are understood to be on United's radar.

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