Manchester United yet to make approach for Real Madrid star

Manchester United are interested in Real Madrid midfielder Ángel di María, though are yet to make a formal approach for the Argentine. That's according to a report from the Times' northern football correspondent James Ducker this evening (£), who describes United as "maintaining a watching brief." The articles plastered across the interweb today suggesting he'd been offered a contract by Ed Woodward appear to be false.

There's nothing hugely surprising in this report, as only a few less-than-reputable sites were suggesting a move was imminent. However, while there's nothing to get too excited about, it's pleasing to see Ducker confirm our interest. There's no doubt that di María is one of the best players in the world at the moment, and would be a great signing for United

Not only would he offer a versatile option on both flanks, but over the last season at Real Madrid he's established himself as a more than capable central midfielder. It's in this position he's able to exert the most influence over the game; causing havoc with pace and trickery in the final third. Meanwhile, his industry means he's more than capable of playing in a 4-3-3 without being a defensive liability.

At present, Arturo Vidal would be probably a slightly better fit at Old Trafford, though this third of TBB certainly wouldn't be complaining if we ended up with di María. Come to think of it, both would be quite nice ...