Argentina came close to crashing out of the World Cup, but thanks to the heroism of star player Lionel Messi, they managed to beat Mexico 2-0 in their second World Cup game.
From Manchester United’s point of view, Lisandro Martínez’s performance was exemplary and far removed from the nervousness of the previous game that invaded the bottom line.
And while the United defender was one of the best players in Argentina, another former United star, Angel di Maria, failed to reach the heights expected of him.
Argentina wins, Di Maria fails
The winger is not at all popular with the United faithful for his constant comments criticizing the club and for leaving the club after just one season, citing how difficult it was to adjust to the city of Manchester.
On Saturday, the former Real Madrid star did his best to no avail, failing to dribble past a single opposition player and failing to have a shot on goal in the game.
Of five attempted crosses from the right flank, he managed just one successful cross into the box and lost possession a total of 12 times.
“He is the biggest disappointment to ever come to Manchester United!” ????@GNev2 and Roy Keane have something to say about Ángel Di María… ????
????️ @markpougatch #ITVFútbol | #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/ZcugUMiUa7
– ITV Football (@itvfootball) November 26, 2022
United legends Gary Neville and Roy Keane were highly critical of the Juventus winger, mentioning that he is heartless and guaranteed to give the ball away due to his poor end product.
“He’s the biggest disappointment to ever come to Manchester United…he has no heart,” Neville told ITV (via Daily Mail).
It would break your heart, I’m not sure I have one. Go and do something. He’s guaranteed to give it away (the ball),” Keane added.
“He comes across bodies, he doesn’t raise his head. Look at his career…she’s had some big moves, she’s gone for a lot of money, but look at him out there.
One of the worst United signings in history
Take it off. His final product and decision making for an experienced player is very poor.”
Post-match stats showed the 34-year-old had the third fewest passes in the game for his side at 24, just one more than Emiliano Martinez in goal.
Di María spent just one season in United colors in 2014-15 before leaving for Paris Saint-Germain. During his stint at Old Trafford, the Argentina international managed just four goals and 12 assists in 32 games.
While fans will be delighted by Messi’s brilliance and the introduction of Martínez into the starting line-up, Di María’s abject failure will once again demonstrate just how poor the transfer was for the 20-time English league champions.
