How does Angel di Maria compare to the best South American players signed by Manchester United…
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Manchester United completed the signing of Argentine winger Angel di Maria from Real Madrid on Tuesday. The move will be viewed as something of a risk, considering both the near £60m fee, as well as the Old Trafford side’s somewhat mixed record surrounding the purchasing of South American players.
For those wondering, there have been 12 first-team South American players at the club. Below CaughtOffside reviews the top ten. The players to miss out are the uninspiring Rodrigo Possebon and José Kléberson.
10) Fabio
Struggled to live up to the speed of his twin brother’s development. Spent a year on loan at QPR before making a permanent switch to Cardiff City in January. Made 56 United appearances, scoring thee times.
9) Anderson
The Brazilian has endured a desperate spell at Old Trafford, and his form has been getting steadily worse in recent seasons. Had made 180 appearances for the club, but never fulfilled the potential that was hoped of him.
8) Juan Sebastian Veron
So much was expected of the Argentine when he joined the club from Lazio in 2001. But despite making 82 appearances and scoring 11 goals in all competitions during two years with the club, he never found his best form at Old Trafford.
7) Diego Forlan
Despite scoring goals for fun either side of his spell with Manchester United, the Uruguayan forward never managed to find his best form for the Red Devils. He managed 17 goals in 98 appearances between 2001 and 2004.
6) Antonio Valencia
The Ecuadorian winger joined from Wigan in 2009, and has proved a decent player for United – a useful utility player who has had his moments of brilliance. He has hit 21 goals in 192 games thus far.
5) Gabriel Heinze
The Argentine international joined the club from PSG in 2004, eventually leaving for Real Madrid three years later. He made a total of 83 appearances, but injuries restricted his influence at the club.
4) Rafael
A useful right-back for United in recent years, although he is admittedly not in the same class as his predecessor – Gary Neville. He has made 158 appearances for the club, scoring five times.
3) Marcos Rojo
A new arrival at United this summer. He will be under pressure to help solve United’s current defensive crisis, and the club will be hoping he can immediately rediscover the World Cup form he showed for Argentina.
2) Carlos Tevez
Not a hugely popular figure at Old Trafford these days, following his spell at rivals Manchester City, but the Argentine was an excellent player for United during a two year spell between 2007 and 2009. He scored 34 goals in 99 games.
1) Angel di Maria
Louis van Gaal will be hoping that the Argentine is the answer to his problems after a miserable start to life at Old Trafford. The former Benfica and Real Madrid man is currently regarded as one of the best players in the world.
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