Angel Di Maria has revealed he struggled during his first season at Manchester United because of a tough summer spent at the World Cup with Argentina.

The 27-year-old made a blistering start to his career at Old Trafford following his £59.7m move from Real Madrid, scoring three goals in his first five games.

But his formed slumped during the second half of the season and he started just one of United’s final 10 games.

His first season at Old Trafford was so disappointing he’s been linked with a move away just a year after his British record move. Di Maria says Argentina’s run the World Cup final - which he missed because of a thigh injury - was the high point of his career so far.

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But he’s revealed the exhausting summer in Brazil impacted his first season at United.

He’s set to miss the bulk of United’s pre-season schedule again this summer with Argentina competing in the Copa America in Chile.

He told Goal: “The Angel Di Maria from before the World Cup and after the World Cup changed so much because we gave everything we had on the pitch.

“It was my happiest moment. That was the most special thing that has happened to me. We weren’t able to win, but we gave everything on the pitch and we made history.

“Argentina were back in a World Cup final. We always said we wanted to become legends and we couldn’t do it. But that stays with us.”

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