Player Focus: Di María Not the Priority but Still a Necessity for United

It was the breakthrough Manchester United had so badly needed, and the type of transfer they had been waiting all summer for - if not two years.

The wonder now is whether Ángel Di María will finally help provide a breakthrough in the team’s attack, as well as new manager Louis van Gaal’s systems. They've been waiting for something there, too.

Of course, the Argentine doesn’t yet solve the club’s most important problems: those holes in defence and midfield. Yet, for all the debate about both his £60m price and how pressing his transfer actually was, it should not be overlooked that the arrival of a player like Di María was badly needed - and not just because of the glamour attached to such a name.

The complete absence of thrust and pace was one of the most obvious flaws in Manchester United’s opening two league games of the season. It also continues an issue that has become more pronounced over the past two years, even if it remains far too early to even begin making any judgements about Van Gaal’s approach.

Some trends have been evident in that 2-1 defeat to Swansea City and the ponderous 1-1 draw at Sunderland, however, and it quickly becomes clear what is lacking: proper penetration and any kind of running from deep.

Otherwise, United are starting to get some of the Van Gaal basics right. Only 19% of play has been in their third in the two games so far, which is the lowest in the Premier League. From there, they have the fifth highest possession at 57.3%. You can see the overall plan. The execution and extra dimension have just been lacking.

There was a telling moment in stoppage time of that 1-1 at the Stadium of Light. As United mounted one last attack, the ball fell to Antonio Valencia at the edge of the box in between two Sunderland defenders. With a bit more guile, a bit more accuracy, and a bit more ingenuity, a chance might have been fashioned.

Instead, for all his other admirable qualities, Valencia could only offer two clumsy touches and a poor attempt at a delivery. It was not enough. The winger has always been a threat when allowed to directly run and use his power, but never quite to the same level when a bit more craft is required.

This is relevant for two reasons, and not just to single out Valencia, who Van Gaal values. For a start, a remarkable 41% of United’s play so far has gone down the right, where Di María is expected to slot in - whether that be in a 3-5-2 or 4-3-3. The Argentine is also better than virtually anyone in the world at linking the defensive unit with attack through his running, offering that sudden penetration from deep United so clearly lack. It was repeatedly proven at Real Madrid.

Secondly, situations like that which Valencia found himself in are exactly when Di María revels. His dribbling - and ability to get out of tight spaces - is among the best in the game. His delivery is difficult to doubt, especially given the now well-rehearsed stat that he provided more assists - 17 - than any other player in Europe’s top five leagues last season.

It is not the only figure that illustrates just how much he will bring to United.

Judging from last season’s stats, Di María would offer significant improvements in perceptive passes and dribbles. That would make a big difference. He is well ahead of any United player in terms of key passes (2.7 per game), assists and accurate crosses (2.1 per game). Meanwhile, he completed a dribble (1.4 per game) more than anyone except Januzaj (1.9).

Given these stats, it’s essentially impossible not to imagine that Di María will bring a radical improvement in the level of United’s attacking, making them much more dangerous. That Van Gaal possession will surely have more end product, particularly if the Dutch coach’s plan is to utilise him in that Arjen Robben type role the Netherlands play.

The figures are clear. Di María may not be the most necessary signing, but what he offers is still badly needed.

How well do you think Ángel Di María will do at United and where do you think he'll play? Let us know in the comments below