Argentina superstar Angel Di Maria is set to join Manchester United on their tour of the United States today, amid much media speculation that the 27-year-old is close to joining Paris Saint Germain.
Reports had suggested that Di Maria was close to signing for the Ligue 1 champions, with the deal set to be announced this weekend or sometime next week. However, to the contrary the former Real Madrid star has told Manchester United manager Louis Van Gaal that he would be joining the squad, after he was allowed an extended break due to his participation in the Copa America.
Di Maria, Marcos Rojo and Javier Hernandez have responded – Louis Van Gaal on players returning after extended breaks
Manchester United signed Di Maria from Spanish giants Real Madrid for a British record fee of A?59.7 million, however, the winger has struggled since his move to Old Trafford, having been dropped by Van Gaal in the latter stages of last season, due to his poor form. Speaking at the press conference yesterday, the 63-year-old Dutch manager said:
“I expect him tomorrow.
“We have communicated on that. Di Maria, Marcos Rojo and Javier Hernandez have responded.”
Manchester United have already beaten Club America and San Jose Earthquakes so far in their pre-season tour, however, they are to play treble winners FC Barcelona later tonight, followed by playing PSG on Wednesday, in what would be their last game of the pre-season tour of United States. The former FC Barcelona manager, also shed some light on transfer stories, he said:
“I never answer the question because I cannot. I want to but it is not good for Manchester United, for the players and for me.
“Every word is one word too much. I have read a lot of interesting players that Manchester United could buy. It is not true with every player but I cannot say that.”
Van Gaal, who was at the press conference with captain Wayne Rooney also confirmed that Real Madrid target David De Gea will also be seen in action against the Catalan giants, after having missed the opening two games of the pre-season due to injury. However, new signing Bastian Schweinsteiger would miss the game, confirmed the 63-year-old.
Is Di Maria staying with the Red Devils?
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However, the media reports point to the contrary to what the Red Devils manager said, it might just as well be possible, that Di Maria joins with the squad and trains, only to leave when a final deal has been agreed between the two clubs, with Manchester United willing to sell the Argentine as they look to bring in FC Barcelona‘s Pedro to the club, in what would be the club’s fifth summer signing so far. PSG are reportedly close to agreeing on a A?45 million deal for the 27-year-old Argentine.