Former Manchester United winger Angel Di Maria has revealed that his time at the club under manager Louis van Gaal left him "hating" being a Red Devil. The Argentine international, who joined United for a then-British record fee of £59.7 million in 2014, lasted just one season at Old Trafford before being sold to Paris Saint-Germain.
Difficult Relationship with Van Gaal
Di Maria, who arrived from Real Madrid with high expectations, struggled to replicate his stellar form in English football. He claims that Van Gaal, who managed United for only two years, would frequently highlight his mistakes without ever acknowledging his strengths. "Like I said, I started really well. Everything was perfect. But then suddenly we started having lots of meetings about all the things I was doing wrong on the pitch. He never showed me what I was doing well, just the negatives, over and over. Eventually I got fed up," Di Maria told the BBC.
Off-Pitch Challenges
The winger also faced difficulties adapting to life in the north-west of England, having previously enjoyed warmer climates in Madrid and Lisbon. The early darkness and cold weather compounded his struggles. A burglary at his home further soured his experience. "Life there was very different. It gets dark really early and then the cold started. Everything kept snowballing. There was also the break-in at my house. When all of that happens; when you are not playing, when things aren't going well for you, when you have problems inside the club, it ends up affecting you a lot. It made me hate being there," he added.
In contrast, Di Maria noted that he was robbed in Paris but still stayed for several years because life there was good. "In Manchester, everything just snowballed. I wanted to prioritise my family and that is why I left."
Van Gaal's Perspective
It is understood that Van Gaal later claimed he never asked to sign Di Maria, calling it a club decision that he felt was a mistake. The Dutchman also said he could not find a position in his system where Di Maria was effective.
Post-United Success
Di Maria would go on to rediscover his form at PSG, spending seven years there and winning numerous honours. In 2022, he scored in the World Cup final as Argentina claimed glory in Qatar. His departure from United was part of a pattern of players excelling after leaving the club.
