Football
Kevin Palmer 9y

Di Maria on Messi, Ronaldo level says Manchester United teammate Rojo

Marcos Rojo believes his Argentina and Manchester United teammate Angel Di Maria will cement his status as one of the world's best players in his second season with the Old Trafford club.

Di Maria struggled in his first season at United after a £59.7 million move from Real Madrid last summer, with reports in recent weeks suggesting that Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich were among the clubs eager to sign him ahead of the new season.

Yet he has looked back to his best in Argentina colours during their Copa America, and Rojo is convinced that Di Maria is still capable of matching the likes of Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and the rest of the world's top stars.

"He's one of the best in the world and on his day can do things like Messi and Ronaldo, that's the level he's on," Rojo said, in quotes appearing in the Daily Mirror.

"People forget Di Maria last season was adapting to a new league. They just saw a big transfer fee, and maybe didn't think about England being very different from Spain -- it's a lot more physical. I'm sure this coming season we will see very special things from him."

Rojo went on to back United boss Louis van Gaal to drive the club back into trophy contention next season, with the Dutchman making a positive impression on the Argentine defender who arrived at Old Trafford from Sporting Lisbon last summer.

"From the first training session he took we could tell he was a winner," Rojo added. "He's very demanding. He's not only looking to improve the team, but also looking to improve you as an individual. He made me a better player.

"Being demanding and asking a lot is a sign of a real winner, and it will only be a short time before Manchester United are winning trophies again.

"When we're out socially he's a funny guy, always making jokes. But when it comes to the success of the team, business is business. That's why he commands so much respect from his players."

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