2 min read
Football Insider

The Troubled Spell of Angel Di Maria at Manchester United

Discover the reasons behind Angel Di Maria's deep dissatisfaction with his time at Manchester United, where a high-profile transfer and iconic jersey number did little to pave the way for success.

Premier LeagueChampions LeagueSoccerLaligaSerie ALigue 1BundesligaFootballPopular TeamsLeague Standings
The Troubled Spell of Angel Di Maria at Manchester United

Why Angel Di Maria ended up ‘hating’ Manchester after failed £59.7m United transfer saw World Cup winner flop in fabled No.7 jersey

1

The Ill-Fated Transfer

Angel Di Maria's move to Manchester United in 2014 was met with great anticipation. As the club's then-record signing at £59.7 million, expectations were high for the talented Argentine winger. However, the reality of his time at Old Trafford proved far removed from the initial excitement.

2

Struggles with Tactical Disagreements

One of the key factors that soured Di Maria's experience at Manchester United was the discord he faced in terms of tactical approach. The player's preferred style of play did not align with the strategies employed by the team, leading to a lack of synergy on the pitch.

3

The Weight of the No.7 Shirt

To compound matters, Di Maria was burdened with the prestigious No.7 jersey, previously donned by club legends such as George Best, Eric Cantona, and Cristiano Ronaldo. The pressure to live up to this esteemed legacy proved to be overwhelming for the Argentine.

4

Personal Trauma and Turmoil

Beyond the footballing challenges, Angel Di Maria also faced personal trauma during his time in Manchester. Reports of a break-in at his family home further marred his experience in England, adding to the sense of unease and disconnection he felt.

5

The Fallout: Di Maria's Admission

In a candid reflection on his time at Manchester United, Di Maria revealed that the combination of tactical struggles, the weight of expectations, and personal difficulties led him to 'hate' his tenure at the club. The failure to find his footing in the Premier League ultimately resulted in a premature departure.

Published on May 26, 2026