Manchester United ace Angel di Maria failed to make the Red Devils’ trip to the Levi’s Stadium to face Spanish giants Barcelona in the International Champions Cup, and though Louis Van Gaal publicly claimed to be unaware as to why the Argentine was a no-show, the Dutchman fully understands the reason behind his absence.
"He was not on the plane," said the Dutch tactician after his side's 3-1 win over Barcelona on Saturday.
"Marcos Rojo was also not on the plane. He has had a passport issue, from Angel Di Maria I don't know why. I cannot say anything."
Reports claim that the Red Devils have struck a deal with Ligue 1 champions PSG over El Fideo’s switch to France, with L’Equipe writing that all that remains for him to officially be a PSG player is contractual details between him and the club.
According to the report (per 101 Great Goals), a fee of €63m will be paid for the 27-year-old’s services, who will be hoping to join up with Le Parisiens squad, in New Jersey, by Monday once he passes his medical in the very same New York Red Bulls facility used to wrap up the signing of former Tottenham midfielder Benjamin Stambouli.
The length of Di Maria’s contract is yet to be agreed, with discussions as whether to make it four or five years still ongoing.
The Daily Mail, however, report differently. Although the British publication state that Van Gaal has informed the club of Di Maria’s inevitable Old Trafford exit, they claim that Laurent Blanc’s crew have merely proposed a deal, valued at £46.5m, and hope to finalize everything by Monday.
Blanc, who led his side to a penalty shootout defeat to Chelsea, the coach revealed his hopes of seeing the former Real Madrid ace transfer to Parc de Princes, saying:
"Of course he's a good player. There is nothing official. Of course there is anticipation that he is coming to the U.S. As to which Jersey he wears, we don't know. If he makes a choice we hope it's for PSG."
"If he does make a change hopefully it will be for Paris Saint-Germain. Right now we have to wait because there are two big clubs out there in discussion.
"There is no official news at this time, although of course there is lots of talk out there."
