How Much Did Di Maria Cost Manchester United?
When Angel Di Maria arrived at Old Trafford in August 2014, the transfer made headlines across Europe. The Argentine winger left Real Madrid for a fee that set a new record for Manchester United and placed the club among the most expensive spenders in Premier League history.
Official Transfer Fee
According to the club’s financial statements and multiple reputable sources, Manchester United paid:
- £59.7 million (approximately €75 million at 2014 exchange rates) as the base transfer fee.
- An additional £5 million in performance‑related add‑ons, triggered by Di Maria’s appearances for United and Real Madrid’s progress in European competition.
The total outlay therefore reached roughly £64.7 million, making Di Maria the most expensive signing in United’s history at that time.
Contractual Terms and Wage Bill
Di Maria signed a five‑year contract worth:
- £190,000 per week in base salary.
- Performance bonuses that could add up to £2 million per season.
- A signing‑on fee reported to be around £4 million.
These figures meant that, beyond the transfer fee, Di Maria’s annual wage cost was close to £10 million, a significant commitment for a club already operating near the Premier League’s salary cap.
Why Manchester United Fans Still Question the Cost
Ten years after the transfer, a persistent narrative among United supporters is that Di Maria did not deliver the value expected for his price tag. The sentiment is rooted in several measurable factors.
On‑field Performance vs. Investment
During his single season (2014‑15) at Old Trafford, Di Maria’s Premier League statistics were modest:
- 32 league appearances (24 starts).
- 2 goals and 1 assist.
- Average of 1.4 key passes per game, well below his Real Madrid average of 2.8.
In all competitions, he featured in 39 matches, scoring three times. While his technical ability was undeniable, the numbers illustrate a gap between his cost and tangible contribution.
