Just 12 months ago Angel Di Maria was putting in a man of the match performance for Real Madrid in a European final as they ended their long wait for another Champions League crown with a famous victory over rivals Atletico.
But fast forward a year and the change in fortunes for the Argentine is quite remarkable as he continues to struggle with life at Manchester United.
The Red Devils pulled of a major coup last summer when they agreed the £59m signing of one of the world’s best players, an exciting skilful midfielder who looked set to light up Old Trafford.
And although the new number seven has delivered the odd moment of magic, he has looked a shadow of the man we saw become such a big part of the Spanish giants during his time in La Liga.
His performance in United’s latest defeat to West Brom last Saturday summed up his career at the club so far, and he looks like a player severely lacking in confidence; a real shame considering the undoubted he ability we know he has.
His poor run of form has seen him reduced to substitute appearances of the last couple of months, with the performances of Ashley Young keeping him out of the team; not something many would have foreseen not long ago.
But the reality for Di Maria for whatever reason is that his performances have warranted his exclusion from the team and he has to make a vast improvement if he is to win over regain his place in the first team and revive his United career.
And although he is less than a season into life in Manchester, it may already be worth considering a move away from Old Trafford in order to get back on track.
Having been sent on to help rescue the Red Devils against West Brom, he continued to look out of sorts, producing a number of wasteful crosses and misplaced passes highlighting just how much his confidence has been effected.
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He continues to be dispossessed easily when trying to dribble past players, and it’s almost as if he is trying too hard to make something happen that he has lost his ability to do what he became so well known for.
After helping Argentina to the World Cup final last year, before subsequently moving to England, it could be argued that he is feeling the effect of a lack of recovery, and perhaps a decent preseason will see him come back refreshed and rejuvenated ready for the next campaign.
But the impending arrival of Dutch star Memphis Depay has only increased speculation over his future at the club, and recent performances may have him considering a move away from the Premier League.
PSG are said to be keen to secure his signature for as much as £45m this summer, an offer than United may well consider given the disappointing return on their investment so far.
Having failed to settle on as well as off the pitch after an attempted break in at his family home in February, a move to Paris is something Di Maria should certainly consider.
It would be a shame to see him leave however, and it would be great to see him stick around and fight for his place in the team given just how good we know he can be.
Louis van Gaal is thought to be intent on keeping him at Old Trafford for another season at least and he will certainly have a big decision to make should the French side come calling.
Players can often be excused for taking time to adjust to life in the Premier League, and Di Maria should be no exception. With the support of the manager and a decent rest over the summer it would be no surprise to see him kick on next season and start producing the type of football that saw him become England’s record signing.
But fail to deliver again next year, and not only will his time at the club be over, but he will go down as arguably the biggest transfer flop in Premier League history.
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