Di Maria delight

Manchester United have completed the signing of Angel Di Maria from Real Madrid for a British record transfer fee of £59.7 million. The deal sees the Argentine international sign a 5 year contract with the Red Devils and could be set to make his debut against Burnley this weekend. A Champions League winner and a world cup finalist, Di Maria brings world class quality to Old Trafford and following the dismal start to Van Gaal's reign, the arrival of Di Maria could remedy the current the situation.

Angel Di Maria is no panic purchase on the back of a poor opening campaign and a fairly inactive summer transfer window like Marouane Felliani was last season. It cannot be seen as a act of desperation to have a desire to bring in a player that has so often demonstrated why he is considered one of the best players in the world with his pace, versatility and creativity.

Angel Di Maria poses in his new strip

The Real Madrid fans in mourning at Di Maria's departure is a testimony to how integral he was at the Bernabeu and the quality he will bring in as he makes the switch to Old Trafford. It will be more than interesting to see what sort of role Di Maria will fufill under Van Gaal who is still yet to find the winning formula for his new side. Proven to be a clever number 10, a devastating winger and a technically apt central midfielder, Di Maria could do a number of jobs for United. It is the left flank that Di Maria has shown where he is the most influential, his Champions League final performance a perfect example, where Atletico Madrid just could not keep tabs on him.

So often a criticism of Manchester United last year was their inability to produce the quick and incisive attacking moves that made them formidable under Sir Alex Ferguson. Di Maria is the sort of player that could reinstate the trademark style that once existed. The capture of the Argentine also has its financial benefits as Di Maria merchandise is set to sky rocket and will cover some of the initial cost of the record breaking fee. The signing of two Argentine internationals in Di Maria and Marcos Rojo will also boost sales in Argentina.

A world cup finalist, Di Maria will add a lot of quality

Of course Di Maria will need to settle in before we see the best of him with Manchester a far cry from the sun of Madrid he is used to. The signing will be welcomed with open arms by Manchester United fans and there will be great excitement surrounding the former Benfica man. However, more signings are needed to make Manchester United a competitive force again as the side is so defensively frail and in need of reinforcements.

Di Maria is a step in the right direction for Manchester United but more signings are needed, Van Gaal needs to find a winning formation and formula and the players need to start playing with the belief of a side that fears no one. But, Di Maria is a step in the right direction, watch this space!