It is not difficult to understand why the two clubs have decided to keep news of the move as secret as possible. Louis van Gaal’s men battled with the Ligue 1 champions yesterday in their final pre-season friendly before the start of the new Premier League season, and it seems unlikely that they would have been happy for confirmation of the signing to overshadow the fixture, which United would lose 2-0.
After the game, PSG boss Laurent Blanc said that a deal was close to completion (via Sky Sports) and that was quickly followed by Louis van Gaal claiming that he didn’t know where the player was (via Daily Telegraph).
However, they will be relieved that the deal is now finally done, and that they have received a considerable amount for the Argentinian.
His struggles following his £59.7m move (via the club’s official website) arguably should have seen his value plummet, as you would probably have to go back to one of his first games for the Red Devils if you wanted to find a performance that the former Real Madrid man would be happy with.
But, the move will allow United to strengthen ahead of the new campaign, as well as get a player off their books that they never managed to get the best out of, and will allow Di Maria another chance to prove that he can be one of the world’s best wingers.