United break British record to sign Di Maria

United break British record to sign Di Maria

Manchester United have confirmed the arrival of Argentine international Angel Di Maria from Real Madrid.

The 26-year-old joins the club for a British record transfer fee of £59.7million (around €75m) and signs a five-year contract with the Premier League side.

Di Maria played a vital part for Madrid last season as they won the Copa del Rey and the Champions League. 

"I am absolutely delighted to be joining Manchester United," he told the club's official website. 

"I have thoroughly 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.

"Louis van Gaal is a fantastic coach with a proven track record of success and I am impressed by the vision and determination everyone has to get this club back to the top – where it belongs."

Paris Saint-Germain had been the front runners to sign Di Maria this summer, but Madrid's asking price and their problems with the FFP regulations meant they had to cool their interest.

United boss Van Gaal described Di Maria as a "world-class midfielder but most importantly a team player who is tremendously fast".

Di Maria is expected to go straight into the squad for the game against Burnley at Turf Moor this Satuday.