Di Maria signs with United in record deal

Manchester United announced on Tuesday it has signed Argentina winger Angel di Maria from Real Madrid for a British-record transfer fee of 59.7 million pounds ($98 million).

The 26-year-old's move, on a five-year contract, shatters the previous British-record fee of 50 million pounds paid by Chelsea to sign Spain striker Fernando Torres from Liverpool in 2011.

"Manchester United is delighted to announce that Angel di Maria has completed his transfer for a British-record fee of 59.7 million (pounds). Angel joins on a five-year contract," said a club statement.

United manager Louis van Gaal said: "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 defense.

"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."

Di Maria said it was van Gaal's "vision" for the English giant that had persuaded him to move to Old Trafford, even though United is not playing in Europe after its seventh-place finish in last term's Premier League.

"I am absolutely delighted to be joining Manchester United," di Maria said.

"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."

Di Maria, who can play as a winger or in midfield, came through one of the most celebrated youth academies in Argentine soccer at hometown club Rosario Central.

In 2007, he joined Portuguese giant Benfica, where he won one league title and two League Cups before joining Real Madrid in 2010.

He won the La Liga title with Madrid in 2012 and was named man of the match after it beat city rival Atletico Madrid 4-1 in last season's Champions League final in Lisbon.

The Argentina international has scored 10 goals in 52 appearances for his country and was shortlisted for the Golden Ball at this year's World Cup despite missing the semifinal and final due to injury.

His arrival in Manchester is the headline deal of United's overhaul under new manager van Gaal, who had already spent heavily on England leftback Luke Shaw, Spanish midfielder Ander Herrera and di Maria's Argentine teammate Marcos Rojo.

Di Maria could make his debut at Burnley on Saturday as van Gaal looks to revitalize a United team still without a win after the first two games of the new Premier League campaign.

Van Gaal said that although di Maria's versatility would prove useful, the 26-year-old would have to adapt quickly to his new surroundings.

"I think he shall contribute very much in our way of playing," the Dutchman told Sky Sports.

(China Daily 08/28/2014 page23)