Manchester United flop Angel Di Maria is on the verge of a move to Paris St Germain, Pedro is the likely replacement, but David Beckham squeezes into the No.7 shirt before anyone else.
Manchester United star Angel Di Maria, the most expensive signing in English footballing history, is leaving the club after a dismal 12-months. He will be joining Paris St-Germain in a deal believed to be worth £44m.
French rag L’Equipe is calling the Argentinian ‘The Messiah.’ I’m sure the Stretford End has some nicknames of their own.
Di Maria arrived at United for an English club record of £59.7m at the beginning of last season. It was seen as a sign of strength for Louis van Gaal to pick up such a world-renowned star when the rest of the glitterati seemed to be stuck in their positions. And he was a world-renowned star. The only caveat that crept into everyone’s little caves was why did Real want to sell him in the first place?
After 40 appearances and six goals, United maybe have a better idea as to why. But it’s too late. He will be sold for a £15.7m loss after hardly kicking a ball of any note. Is 12-months a little too early? Of course it is. Does anyone remember Thierry Henry? That skinny little winger that came to Arsenal looking like Bambi on roller skates before becoming one of the most feared forwards of his generation?
The Premier League is different gravy. Players need time to adapt to the physicality of the league, and that’s without time to settle in if you are from a foreign country. Manchester isn’t exactly well known for its beautiful weather, and having people try and break into your new home hardly eases matters.
So Di Maria is off (subject to crossing of T’s and dotting of I’s). Who will be replacing him?
The #7 jersey is iconic in Manchester. Previous incumbents include George Best, Bryan Robson, Eric Cantona and Cristiano Ronaldo. There is still rumor circulating over a possible move for Gareth Bale that may involve David De Gea heading in the opposite direction. I don’t think too many United fans would turn their nose up at the Welshman slipping on the #7 shirt.
But it seems the smart money is on the Barcelona star Pedro. According to reports United have agreed to meet the stars £22.5m buy-out clause, and Van Gaal has promised him a special role in the United front line. Former Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola told The Times that Pedro is ‘one of the best players you could imagine,’ and that he could, ‘play for any team in the world.’
So it’s Pedro taking over the #7 shirt?
Not so fast.
It seems as if the jersey has already been taken.
Former United legend, and one of the greatest players to ever wear #7, David Beckham, has been pictured on Instagram wearing a brand new United kit with the #7 shirt and ‘Beckham’ emblazoned on the back.
Oh how United fans would love to see a man of Beckham’s stature back at the club.
