Manchester United’s summer signing Angel di Maria has won the ‘Player of the Year’ award in Argentina, ahead of Barcelona star Lionel Messi.
Di Maria joined United in the summer from Real Madrid for a club & British record transfer fee, and has settled into his new club nicely, playing a pivotal role in taking the Red Devils back in top four.
However, the prestigious award has been rewarded based on his outstanding performances for both club and country; the Argentine won the Champions League with Real Madrid last season and continued his rich vein of form in Brazil, picking up the runners-up medal with La Albiceleste in the FIFA World Cup 2014.
According to Aaron Flanagan of The Mirror, Di Maria picked up the award at Olimpia de Plata at a ceremony on Tuesday. It was the first time, Lionel Messi has failed to win this award since 2006.
Messi has been equally brilliant this year – scoring 56 goals for club and country and picking up World Cup player of the tournament award.
Di Maria was one of the stand out players for Real Madrid last season and gave arguably his best performance in the Champions League final against Atletico Madrid, helping the Los Blancos winning the much coveted La Decima in May.
The 26-year-old left a strong impact in the World Cup as well, scoring a last-gasp winner against Switzerland in knock-out rounds, but missed out the final against Germany due to injury.
Manchester United winger Nani, who is on loan to Sporting, has also won Sporting Lisbon Player of the Year award earlier this month.
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