Fletcher backs Di Maria to be key for Manchester United

 

The Argentina international came off the bench to score a fine goal against Yeovil Town on Sunday and his team-mate believes that he will have a big impact in 2015

Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher has backed Angel Di Maria to be a key player in the second half of the season.

The Argentina international missed much of December with calf trouble before a subsequent pelvic injury but he made a goalscoring return in Sunday's FA Cup third-round win over Yeovil Town, coming off the bench to score a fine counterattacking goal in the final moments of the 2-0 victory.

Fletcher has been impressed by what he has seen from Di Maria following his £59.7 million summer transfer from Real Madrid and is confident there is more to come from the World Cup finalist.

He told MUTV: "It was a touch of class to dink it over the goalkeeper, a fantastic goal, so credit to him.

"He showed exactly what he's all about. He's learning quickly and he makes great, intelligent runs as well.

"He always wants the ball, he gets kicked and he just keeps getting up – he's that strong.

"We have missed him but hopefully he's back now and he can kick on for the second half of the season and be the really important player we know he's going to be."