PEDRO GO GO
Di Maria’s exit clears United to swoop for £22m Barcelona ace
LOUIS van Gaal is ready to swoop for Pedro after Angel di Maria ended his woeful year with United.
The Argentine’s departure to Paris St-Germain on a four-year deal should now pave the way for the Reds to sign Pedro from Barcelona for £22m, along with the possible addition of a marquee signing.
By selling Di Maria, Nani and Robin van Persie, and not extending Radamel Falcao’s loan, United have knocked around £885,000 off their weekly wage bill. Di Maria, 27, has left Old Trafford for £44.3m just 12 months on from his British record £59.7m arrival at United.
“I am very proud, and can’t wait, to wear the colours of Paris SaintGermain,” said Di Maria, who revealed the deci- sion to leave Manchester was a joint one between himself and the Reds.
“Things didn’t quite work out at Manchester United for various reasons, but that’s in the past. Now it’s the present.
“I want to win every competition we enter, both in France and Europe. I want to win the Champions League, which is a dream for all footballers, for a second time.
“We will do everything we can to bring Europe’s biggest trophy to France and the fans of Paris Saint-Germain.”
In November, Di Maria indicated he would have preferred to join PSG from Real Madrid, rather than United, last year.
Di Maria scored four goals in 32 games for the Reds and was shown a costly red card in the FA Cup quarter-final defeat to Arsenal.