Dare Manchester United fans use the F-word when it comes to Angel di Maria? No, not that F-word, the other one. Flop.
The Argentine joined Man United in a £59.7m move last summer making him the fifth most expensive player in the history of football only behind James Rodriguez, Luis Suarez, Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale.
Di Maria enjoyed a blistering start to life at Old Trafford, scoring three goals in five games. It looked like he had hit the ground running but a pelvic injury stunted his progress in the run up to Christmas.
Since returning from the injury, the 27-year-old has looked anything but a £59.7m player. Against Sunderland last weekend, he was hauled off by Louis van Gaal at half time following another ineffectual performance. We asked our Twitter followers to give their thoughts on the situation:
@PeoplesPerson_ not worried. Just a symptom of whole team not really knowing that they're doing
— Adje (@Adje_O) March 3, 2015
@PeoplesPerson_ normal thing. He will get back soon. He has contributed to so many of our goals that have been going unnoticed. World class.
— Pasha (@Pash021) March 3, 2015
@PeoplesPerson_ Not worried. The formation changed around so much that he hasn't stuck to his natural position consistently. Just a blip.
— H (@GoGetMyCoffee) March 3, 2015
@PeoplesPerson_ i'm more concerned that LvG hasn't found a spot for him and kept him there.
— Joey Daniels (@JoeyDaniels_) March 3, 2015
@PeoplesPerson_ Been poor all season… Ppl are deluded to think otherwise
— Jamario (@jamarioMUFC) March 3, 2015
@PeoplesPerson_ settling in, just had 2-3 poor games after injury, which is normal. Sure he will be a hit.
— ManUtd fan (@99_manutd) March 3, 2015
@PeoplesPerson_ don't have a reason to be worried …. everyone needs a time to settle like Di Maria will come in form after a season ..
— SuLaV UnitED (@SuLavUTD) March 3, 2015
The majority of United fans seem to think that Di Maria’s dip in form is just a blip and that he is too good a player not to be a success at the club. That being said, there were a few voices who raised concerns about being very underwhelmed by a player who cost a record £59.7m.
United face a tough run of fixtures in March and April and they will need Di Maria to get back to his best if they are to qualify for next season’s Champions League.