Scholes believes one is worth the risk, while the other deserves the boot.
Angel Di Maria helped Real Madrid win the Champions in May 2014 and was one of the sole bright sparks from Manchester United’s middling start to the Premier League season. He now finds himself, in May 2015, in a position where most United fans would not lose sleep if he was sold in the summer.
In his latest column with London’s Independent, the former Manchester United midfielder names his team of the season and hands out some baubles.
His Team of the Season contains few real surprises – Ryan Bertrand and Jose Fonte in defence and no room for Philippe Coutinho – while his favourite goal was the crisps finish from Andre Schurrle against Burnley.
The most interesting part of Scholes’ latest offering is his take on the season’s two biggest disappointments. In his view, that is Angel Di Maria and Mario Balotelli.
He argues that Di Maria started well at United, following his £59.7m transfer, before his form disappeared. Scholes writes:
‘I accept he has had problems off the pitch settling into life in Manchester, but there is no way he can see the season as anything other than a disappointment. This was, after all, the best player in last season’s Champions League final.
‘Nevertheless, the quality is there and I don’t think United can afford to lose him. They need that kind of player if they are to compete at the highest level in the Champions League. Let’s see what next season brings.’
There is no such sympathy for Balotelli following his return of one Premier League goal for his £16m transfer fee.
Scholes felt Liverpool had made an astute signing, last August, but believes injuries and “sulking” have blighted the Italian’s time at Anfield.
He comments, ‘Rodgers wants hard-working, quick strikers. Balotelli may be quick but there is no way he is hard working. Perhaps next season he might flourish but I don’t think he’ll get a second chance.’
Scholes seems confident Balotelli will be turfed out. Someone should tell the forward’s agent.
