Aboutaball :: About World Football

Football News, Articles, Statistics, Links and more…

Could Benfica's di Maria be Manchester United's Christmas Angel, but Nani heading for the exit?

Reports from both England and Portugal suggest that Angel di Maria. Benfica’s abundantly talented winger could be heading to Old Trafford over the course of the winter transfer window. Di Maria has been catching the eye this season in Portugal, and United are just one of a number of club’s tracking his recent progress.

Di Maria has been with the Lisbon�based giants since coming to global attention in the summer of 2007 after helping the Argentine youth team win the World U20 Championships in Canada whilst still with his old side Racing Club. Following in the footsteps of Lionel Messi, who had dazzled just four years earlier, Benfica beat off a host of clubs to snap up the tricky winger, but now di Maria feels it’s time he spread his wings.

Manchester United with their strong Portuguese scouting network have been following di Maria for sometime, and see him as the ideal candidate to fill the left-wing slot as Ryan Giggs winds down. Di Maria for his part as stated his intent to move on over the winter transfer window, despite the obvious reluctance of Benfica to do business, as he attempts to cement a place in the shifting sands that are the Argentine national team selection.

Indeed some reports indicate that United in an attempt to sweeten Benfica up would be willing to let Nani head in the opposite direction back to his homeland plus at least �10 million. The former Sporting schemer has been far from a qualified success at Old Trafford after arriving with the title of the New Ronaldo, and his falling out with Sir Alex Ferguson recently has done precious little to aide his cause in recent times.

Di Maria has also attracted interest from at least Chelsea as well, so United could well face a fight if they want to secure his services. He’d certainly be worth it, the 21-year-old has scored some sensational goals in recent times, and is able to beat defenders with ease both cutting inside and driving down the wing.

Posted by Walter Townsend on Wednesday, 23rd December 2009

(Average rating 9 from 2 votes. Vote)
(0 Comments)

Want to write about Football? At About a ball we're always looking out for football writiers from every corner of the World, if you think you can write interesting original articles please contact:
editor @ aboutaball . co . uk (no spaces).

We look forward to hearing from you.

Other News Stories:

African Cup of Nations, Site News, World -

The African Cup of Nations is back on Aboutaball - your Number One source for news and views from Africa's premier competition

British -

Vieira over the hill?

African Cup of Nations, World -

Nigerian fans risk Nations Cup blackout

African Cup of Nations, Previews, Profiles, World -

African Cup of Nations 2010: Tunisia Team Guide

African Cup of Nations, Previews, Profiles, World -

African Cup of Nations 2010: Zambia Team Guide

African Cup of Nations, Previews, Profiles, World -

African Cup of Nations 2010: Gabon Team Guide

African Cup of Nations, Previews, Profiles, World -