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Player of the Week - Angel Di Maria

Player of the Week - Angel Di Maria

Record Breaker!

In August 2014, Manchester United signed Argentinian international, Angel Di Maria, for a record Premier League transfer fee of £59.7 million (€75 million or $97 million) from Spanish team Real Madrid. The transfer fee was also the 5th highest in football history.Di Maria with Utd manager Louis van GaalDi Maria is the second Argentinian to sign for Man Utd this summer, they have also signed the defender, Marcos Rojo, from Sporting Lisbon in Portugal. Di Maria is in good form at the moment. On his home debut he scored 1 and was involved in 3 other goals in a 4-0 win against QPR. A week earlier he had scored 1 and provided the assist for another 3 goals to help Argentina beat Germany 4-2 in an international friendly. The result was a small consolation for Argentina after losing the World Cup Final to the Germans only a few months ago. Di Maria missed the World Cup Final because of injury - maybe he would have made a big difference?

What do we know about Di Maria?

Di Maria was born in February 1988 in Rosario, the 3rd biggest city in Argentina, about 300 kilometres northwest of the capital, Buenos Aires. He is from a very poor family and when he was a child he often worked at a coal yard with his parents and two sisters. His parents often found it difficult to buy Di Maria football boots, but they always believed in him.Di Maria after a goal at Brazil 2014 When he was only 6 years old, he was discovered by scouts at Rosario Central and they paid 35 footballs to a local side which Di Maria was already playing for. He is worth a little more than that these days!

"When I played for Rosario Central it took 30 minutes to get to the training ground. My mother took me by bike, I'd sit on the back and my younger sister would sit on a seat on the handlebars. It was hard during winter. Can you believe we did this for 7 years?" Angel Di Maria

How has Di Maria's career progressed?

After spending over 12 years at Rosario Central, Di Maria was discovered by Portuguese club Benfica, while playing for Argentina at the under-20 World Cup in Canada. Di Maria played for the Portuguese club for 3 seasons and helped them win 2 cups and 1 Portuguese League title. In July 2010 he moved to Real Madrid in Spain.Alex Ferguson and Di Maria at the Champions League Final He was also successful at Madrid, and helped them win 4 cup competitions, the Spanish league title and last season's Champions League. In the Champions League Final, Di Maria was Man of the Match, which was presented by ex-Manchester Utd manager Sir Alex Ferguson. 

"Angel is a world-class midfielder but most importantly he is a team player. There is no doubting his immense natural talent." Louis van Gaal

Where will Di Maria play?

Di Maria on his debut against Burnley.Di Maria can play as an attacking midfielder or as a winger and there has been lots of speculation about where his best position for Man Utd will be. The position he played most often at Real Madrid was a winger, but the Utd manager prefers to play with 3 central defenders and 2 wing-backs. Does this mean that Di Maria will play as a wing-back? He will have more defensive responsibilities in this position, but is a player who has lots of energy and stamina.

"Players often ask me where I get the strength to run so much. I have always been the same, it's just the way I am. I never stop running." Angel Di Maria

Alternatively, Di Maria might play as an attacking midfielder. At Real Madrid, Di Maria was often used behind the front 3 players and this could be his best position because he is quick and will add more pace to the United midfield. We could also see him in a number 10 position as a playmaker. We will have to wait and see!

Who else has worn the number 7 shirt at Man Utd?

Ronaldo wore the number 7 shirt for Man UtdDi Maria has been given the prestigious number 7 shirt at Manchester United. The Man Utd players that have worn number 7 include some of the best players to have played for the club. These players are not only great players but are players that will be remembered by Man Utd fans forever. Angel Di Maria joins a group of very famous players, from possibly Britain's best ever player (George Best) to Di Maria's teammate of the last few seasons (Cristiano Ronaldo). In a few years, will Di Maria be remembered in the same way? 

Famous number 7s at Man Utd
George Best
Bryan Robson
Eric Cantona
David Beckham
Cristiano Ronaldo
Angel Di Maria

"I am very happy to be joining Manchester United. I have enjoyed my time in Spain and there were a lot of clubs interested in me, but United is the only club that I would have left Real Madrid for." Angel Di Maria

Watch a video about Angel Di Maria and his career so far on Man Utd's official website.

Di Maria going past 3 Burnley defenders on his Man Utd debut, Getty.

What did you understand?

 
How much did you understand?
Activity 1: In this activity, try to answer the questions to show how much of the article you understand.

 


 

Play this game to remember some of the words from the article.
Activity 2: Have a go at this game against the clock. Can you put the words in the right order?

 


 

Did you know......?

  • When Di Maria was only 1 year old, he fell down a well and had to be rescued by his family.
  • Di Maria won a gold medal with the Argentinian football team at the Beijing Olympics in 2008.
  • Di Maria's nickname is noodle, which is a type of pasta often used in Chinese cooking.
  • Angel Di Maria became the 4th Argentinian to play for Man Utd after Juan Sebastian Veron, Gabriel Heinze and Carlos Tevez.
  • Di Maria missed the World Cup Final in Brazil because of a thigh injury.
Di Maria scores in the Spanish Cup Final against Barcelona, Getty.

Quiz

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What do you think?

 

Will Di Maria be a success at Manchester United?

What position do you think he will play?

Who do you think is the best ever Man Utd number 7?

 

 

Leave a message in the comments section below and tell us what you think.   

 

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Comentários

hsn's picture
hsn
15/12/2022
TR
5557
points

Sentence
There is no doubt he'll add more pace to win (4x4) relay race. It's worth to give him more chance than this.
Note
Hi Jack, transfer fees aren't given with exact figures in the lessons. Aren't they open to public? According to the tax regulations they have to be reported by the exact figures. Bye.


hsn's picture
hsn
15/12/2022 17:08
Turkey
Tottenham Hotspur
5557

Sentence
There is no doubt he'll add more pace to win (4x4) relay race. It's worth to give him more chance than this.
Note
Hi Jack, transfer fees aren't given with exact figures in the lessons. Aren't they open to public? According to the tax regulations they have to be reported by the exact figures. Bye.

Jack Radford's picture
Jack Radford
16/12/2022
GB
22
points

Hi Hsn

This is a very old article. I'm not sure where the transfer information came from. I think that sometimes players transfer for an 'undisclosed' fee, but I think the clubs do have to report it later.

Thanks

Jack


Jack Radford's picture
Jack Radford
16/12/2022 11:04
United Kingdom
Arsenal
22

Hi Hsn

This is a very old article. I'm not sure where the transfer information came from. I think that sometimes players transfer for an 'undisclosed' fee, but I think the clubs do have to report it later.

Thanks

Jack

Gabriel Amaral's picture
Gabriel Amaral
09/06/2021
BR
1512
points

He wasn't that succesfull as he was at Real Madrid, playing more often as a winger. The best ever Man Utd number 7 was Cristiano Ronaldo.


Gabriel Amaral's picture
Gabriel Amaral
09/06/2021 22:03
Brazil
Arsenal
1512

He wasn't that succesfull as he was at Real Madrid, playing more often as a winger. The best ever Man Utd number 7 was Cristiano Ronaldo.

mobeckham's picture
mobeckham
20/06/2020
TR
6539
points

The best ever Man United number 7 is David Beckham from my point of view.


mobeckham's picture
mobeckham
20/06/2020 21:56
Turkey
Manchester United
6539

The best ever Man United number 7 is David Beckham from my point of view.

mobeckham's picture
mobeckham
20/06/2020
TR
6539
points

Argentinian players are often unsuccessful at Man United except for Juan Sebestian Veron.


mobeckham's picture
mobeckham
20/06/2020 21:56
Turkey
Manchester United
6539

Argentinian players are often unsuccessful at Man United except for Juan Sebestian Veron.

englishman
26/08/2019
DZ
1734
points

i have done it


englishman
26/08/2019 12:25
Algeria
Manchester City
1734

i have done it

kirito2001
23/11/2017
VN
180
points

I think the best ever Man Utd is Cantona. :)
 


kirito2001
23/11/2017 13:14
Vietnam
Manchester United
180

I think the best ever Man Utd is Cantona. :)
 

kwesimanifest's picture
kwesimanifest
25/06/2016
GH
4779
points

He would have been fine playing on the right wing side of the attack


kwesimanifest's picture
kwesimanifest
25/06/2016 06:30
Ghana
Manchester United
4779

He would have been fine playing on the right wing side of the attack

kwesimanifest's picture
kwesimanifest
25/06/2016
GH
4779
points

Most of the 7 shirted players are exceptionally good


kwesimanifest's picture
kwesimanifest
25/06/2016 06:23
Ghana
Manchester United
4779

Most of the 7 shirted players are exceptionally good

kwesimanifest's picture
kwesimanifest
25/06/2016
GH
4779
points

It's sad he had to leave united after having a good start and a dwindling performance later


kwesimanifest's picture
kwesimanifest
25/06/2016 06:22
Ghana
Manchester United
4779

It's sad he had to leave united after having a good start and a dwindling performance later

HakanUslu1881's picture
HakanUslu1881
26/03/2016
TR
1761
points

I think the best ever Man Utd number 7 is Cristiano Ronaldo.


HakanUslu1881's picture
HakanUslu1881
26/03/2016 04:50
Turkey
Leicester City
1761

I think the best ever Man Utd number 7 is Cristiano Ronaldo.

HakanUslu1881's picture
HakanUslu1881
26/03/2016
TR
1761
points

I think he must play in left-wing.


HakanUslu1881's picture
HakanUslu1881
26/03/2016 04:49
Turkey
Leicester City
1761

I think he must play in left-wing.

HakanUslu1881's picture
HakanUslu1881
26/03/2016
TR
1761
points

There are lots of differences between the Premier League and The Liga BBVA


HakanUslu1881's picture
HakanUslu1881
26/03/2016 04:49
Turkey
Leicester City
1761

There are lots of differences between the Premier League and The Liga BBVA

HakanUslu1881's picture
HakanUslu1881
26/03/2016
TR
1761
points

I am not sure whether he will be succesfull or not.


HakanUslu1881's picture
HakanUslu1881
26/03/2016 04:47
Turkey
Leicester City
1761

I am not sure whether he will be succesfull or not.

assemjuve's picture
assemjuve
23/02/2016
PS
3705
points

Best.


assemjuve's picture
assemjuve
23/02/2016 15:41
Palestinian Territory
Liverpool
3705

Best.

assemjuve's picture
assemjuve
23/02/2016
PS
3705
points

He is going to play as a winger.


assemjuve's picture
assemjuve
23/02/2016 15:40
Palestinian Territory
Liverpool
3705

He is going to play as a winger.

assemjuve's picture
assemjuve
23/02/2016
PS
3705
points

No he will not.


assemjuve's picture
assemjuve
23/02/2016 15:40
Palestinian Territory
Liverpool
3705

No he will not.

nikosonris
16/12/2015
UA
2453
points

We shall see how Di Maria will perform against Chelsea in the ECL plays-off. Definitely worth watching


nikosonris
16/12/2015 14:56
Ukraine
Arsenal
2453

We shall see how Di Maria will perform against Chelsea in the ECL plays-off. Definitely worth watching

MUGEMANYI's picture
MUGEMANYI
03/12/2015
RW
2320
points

I was surprised when he move to PSG, he's a good player


MUGEMANYI's picture
MUGEMANYI
03/12/2015 13:45
Rwanda
Arsenal
2320

I was surprised when he move to PSG, he's a good player

nikosonris
04/12/2015
UA
2453
points

PSG is now collecting star players. There are rumours about Ronaldo moving to Paris)


nikosonris
04/12/2015 17:24
Ukraine
Arsenal
2453

PSG is now collecting star players. There are rumours about Ronaldo moving to Paris)

aragorn1986's picture
aragorn1986
29/11/2015
ME
3557
points

Best ever? George Best.


aragorn1986's picture
aragorn1986
29/11/2015 10:11
Montenegro
Arsenal
3557

Best ever? George Best.

nikosonris
17/11/2015
UA
2453
points

I think he failed to live up to the expectations of Man Utd fans(


nikosonris
17/11/2015 13:41
Ukraine
Arsenal
2453

I think he failed to live up to the expectations of Man Utd fans(

MUGEMANYI's picture
MUGEMANYI
03/12/2015
RW
2320
points

One season was not enough to show his talent. His move to PSG was more quick


MUGEMANYI's picture
MUGEMANYI
03/12/2015 13:47
Rwanda
Arsenal
2320

One season was not enough to show his talent. His move to PSG was more quick

aragorn1986's picture
aragorn1986
02/11/2015
ME
3557
points

He is overpayed. Good player, but that's too much money.


aragorn1986's picture
aragorn1986
02/11/2015 19:37
Montenegro
Arsenal
3557

He is overpayed. Good player, but that's too much money.

almirpereira's picture
almirpereira
26/10/2015
BR
1339
points

Very history gigling, Well done!!!!!!!!!!!!


almirpereira's picture
almirpereira
26/10/2015 17:19
Brazil
Chelsea
1339

Very history gigling, Well done!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rema's picture
Rema
23/12/2014
RS
538
points

Di Maria was played for Benfica, not for Sporting Lisbon. Anyway, great text for great player.


Rema's picture
Rema
23/12/2014 14:56
Serbia
West Ham United
538

Di Maria was played for Benfica, not for Sporting Lisbon. Anyway, great text for great player.

MUGEMANYI's picture
MUGEMANYI
03/12/2015
RW
2320
points

That's true


MUGEMANYI's picture
MUGEMANYI
03/12/2015 13:51
Rwanda
Arsenal
2320

That's true

Rich's picture
Rich
23/12/2014
ES
594
points

You're right Rema, thanks. I think I probably got confused between Rojo and Di Maria when I was checking their previous clubs. Cheers!


Rich's picture
Rich
23/12/2014 19:49
Spain
Liverpool
594

You're right Rema, thanks. I think I probably got confused between Rojo and Di Maria when I was checking their previous clubs. Cheers!

humais7's picture
humais7
16/09/2014
PK
0
points

He will be successful at manchester United. I think LVG should play him as Atacking Midfielder or Right Winger. Cristiano Ronaldo is the best ever number 7 of Manchester United .


humais7's picture
humais7
16/09/2014 18:56
Pakistan
Manchester United
0

He will be successful at manchester United. I think LVG should play him as Atacking Midfielder or Right Winger. Cristiano Ronaldo is the best ever number 7 of Manchester United .

MUGEMANYI's picture
MUGEMANYI
03/12/2015
RW
2320
points

You're right dear, Cristiano Ronaldo is the best


MUGEMANYI's picture
MUGEMANYI
03/12/2015 13:50
Rwanda
Arsenal
2320

You're right dear, Cristiano Ronaldo is the best

admin's picture
admin
15/09/2014
GB
560
points

He had a great start this weekend against QPR.


admin's picture
admin
15/09/2014 08:49
United Kingdom
Arsenal
560

He had a great start this weekend against QPR.

marcelo9723
13/09/2014
PE
0
points

bueno


marcelo9723
13/09/2014 03:42
Peru
Manchester City
0

bueno

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Goals

In this article, you will:

Practise reading.

Learn all about Man Utd's Argentinian star, Angel Di Maria, and learn some new vocabulary.

Tips

Become a better reader

Did you see that most of the titles in the article were written as questions?

For example: 'Who else has worn the number 7 shirt at Man Utd?' 

Before you read, use the question or title to predict what the text will tell you. Use your knowledge of the topic and the text will be easier to understand.

Also, use your grammar knowledge to help understand the text. 'Who else has worn the shirt?' 

Is the text going to be about who is wearing it now or who wore it in the past?

Also, use your vocabulary knowledge to understand the text. 'Who else has worn the shirt?'

Is the text going to be about Di Maria or other players?