Manchester United’s mega spend is likely to kick into the next gear over the coming weeks, with Louis van Gaal now officially at Old Trafford following his World Cup duties with the Netherlands.

£60m has already been spent to add Ander Herrera and Luke Shaw to the Red Devils’ squad, and Angel di Maria is thought to be one of the next names on LVG’s hit list. The Argentine helped to fire his nation to the final in Brazil, slotting in well alongside Gonzalo Higuain and Lionel Messi to help create a fearsome attacking set-up.

But despite his form for country and club of late, Real Madrid are thought to be willing to sell for the right price. United, here are six reasons di Maria is the player needed…

[ffc-gallery]CLICK ON THE MAN HIMSELF TO REVEAL THE SIX REASONSAngel di Maria

[/ffc-gallery]

Price

Angel Di Maria (Argentina):

It’s not often world class players are available for £40m, but according to rumours, that is what Real are asking for for di Maria. With United possessing a transfer budget of up to £200m, the funds are firmly in place to snap up the attacker, making this deal a tempting one for van Gaal.

Creativity

Angel di Maria

The stats tell the full story here with di Maria, so lake a look…

Di Maria stats1
Di maria stats 2

Di Maria topped La Liga’s assist rankings as Real finished the season third, thriving in a central role for the latter half o the campaign between Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo. He also averaged almost three key passes per game while drawing in numerous fouls to win set-pieces. A useful player to have!  

Goals

Angel di Maria 1

Seven goals across the season last term may not have been prolific form, but through his career di Maria has shown that he can stick the ball in the back of the net when needed. His game is not all about scoring, but it’s a handy trait to have as an attack-minded star… //www.youtube.com/embed/UY9nmZopDhM

Marquee factor

Di Maria

After a woeful season and two signings that cannot be put in the ‘blockbuster’ category, United need something, or someone, to announce their arrival back at the very top. As a seasoned pro with bags of potential and class, di Maria could be the answer. At around £40m from one the world’s best teams after an impressive summer for his country, snapping up the 26-year-old would send a message to all others in the Premier League.

Big game mentality

Angel di Maria

Big games define seasons, and di Maria has a pretty decent record in showpiece clashes. United are sure to have a number of ‘crunch ties’ next term despite being out of Europe, and it will be up to big players to decide the outcome.

As di Maria proved against Switzerland in extra-time at the World Cup, he can keep his cool on the biggest stage.

Keep him away from rivals

Angel Di Maria

If United don’t sign di Maria, chances are someone else will. Arsenal have been linked with the Argentine, while Liverpool may swoop as they plot to replace Luis Suarez. Chelsea have a habit of coming in for the biggest names, as do Manchester City, then there is also outside interest from Tottenham – who have been aligned with the player in the past.

If di Maria moves to a rival, it could indirectly weaken United.