Argentina World Cup winner Angel Di Maria says his Manchester United spell soured because Louis Van Gaal focused only on his shortcomings. United paid a British record £59.7m for the winger in August 2014, and he opened with three goals and four assists in six games. By season’s end the partnership had collapsed, leaving the Argentine feeling alienated at Old Trafford under the pressure of a title‑challenging campaign.

Van Gaal shuffled Di Maria across the wing, centre‑midfield and number‑10 roles, insisting he wasn’t delivering the tasks assigned. Criticism meetings, a break‑in at his Cheshire home and his wife Jorgelina’s disgust with Manchester life strained the relationship. His family’s safety concerns grew as winter darkness set in, making the English climate feel hostile. After a month on the sidelines, Di Maria rejected United’s pre‑season tour and secured a £44.3m move to Paris Saint‑Germain.

Despite the turmoil, Di Maria recalls the stadium atmosphere, fan support and camaraderie inside the club as highlights he never regrets. He admits the Premier League experience left a “good feeling” and thanks teammates who helped him settle. He left United with a modest trophy cabinet but no lasting legacy, underscoring how managerial philosophy and personal wellbeing can derail even high‑profile transfers.