Carlo Ancelotti feels Real Madrid made the right decision in letting Angel di Maria leave Manchester United because the club were unwilling to match his wage demands.

The Argentinian winger became United’s most expensive ever signing at £59.7m and has been absolutely outstanding since joining with three goals and assists in his first five appearances.

Many were surprised Madrid let Di Maria go given that he is one of the best players in the world but Ancelotti has defended his decision, insisting the club was right to say no.

He told Cadena COPE: “Di Maria? I was in agreement with the club. There are times when the club needs to say no. You can’t change the policies of the club for one player.

“Di Maria asked for a lot of money and preferred to leave to go find it. The club couldn’t give him the money he wanted. They say that I’m the manager of the club; of course, I coach for the club, not for the players.”

Madrid’s loss is United’s gain and Di Maria has completely lived up to his price tag so far. For a club where money is usually no issue, it’s a marked change in tact from Madrid who were unwilling to match Di Maria’s demands.

An alternative approach could see Madrid selling Di Maria as funding for the signings of Toni Kroos and James Rodriguez in much the same fashion as selling Mesut Ozil to Arsenal last year helped pay for Gareth Bale.

From United’s perspective, the club spent an unprecedented £150m+ on new signings and Di Maria will no doubt be one of the top earners at the club but after years of lucrative sponsorships not being reflected in the transfer market, it is about time United re-invested some of their cash instead of the Glazers taking it out of the club.

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