The 26-year-old Argentinian who constantly represents van Gaal's team since arriving in August, had twice almost made a move for Etihad over the last year.
When Bale and Isco signed contracts with Los Blancos in summer 2013, Angel's position in the club was at stake. Well, by that time, City were one of few whose offer would have reached the price for Argentinian's departure.
Only FIFA financial fair-play regulations stopped them from signing the winger in August 2013. They eventually went for much cheaper Jesus Navas who was brought for £17m, according to Transfermarkt.
The idea of signing Di Maria reappeared at the club by the end of the 2013-14 season, which the Citizens won. Sepp Blatter and co., have again, stopped Pellegrini when the transfer deal ending was close. Due to disrespecting the fair-play agreement, Arabs were obligated to pay the fine (€62.5m) which ruled them out from further negotiations with the Madrid club.
It just wasn't meant to be. Theatre of Dreams is where he shows how the most expensive player of the Premiership should perform. This Manchester derby is a chance for United's no.7 to make the Citizens envy their everlasting rivals.
Source: DSG
