Angel Di Maria can still play an important role in Manchester United's quest for success this season, according to assistant manager Ryan Giggs.
The 27-year-old Argentine winger became the most expensive player signed by a British club when he arrived in the Premier League last summer with United paying £59.7 million (Dh331.1m) to Real Madrid. But after scoring three times in his first five league matches, he has not found the net since January and has struggled to make an impact on games.
“He’s a quality player and we’ll be looking for him to produce because it is big game after big game now,” Giggs said ahead of United’s FA Cup quarter-final against Arsenal at Old Trafford on Monday.
“Players get used to different leagues, sometimes quickly and sometimes it takes a bit of time.
“He had a really good start to the season, but with players who take risks and who can win games, it’s always difficult to be consistent because they will try things that other players won’t do.
“They’re capable of doing that and that’s why they’re match-winners and the best players.”
While things have not gone well on the field for the Argentine, they have been even worse off it.
The £4m house he was renting was attacked by burglars in January who used scaffolding poles to try to smash in doors while he and his young family were eating inside.
The thieves fled empty-handed after triggering an alarm system.
Di Maria and his family moved into a luxury hotel after the incident with round-the-clock security and the house was put up for sale by the owner last week.
United, who are fourth in the Premier League, face a tough run of matches as they bid to finish in the top four and ensure Uefa Champions League football returns to Old Trafford after a season’s absence.
After playing Arsenal, their next five games are against Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool, Aston Villa, Manchester City and Chelsea.
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