What will the arrival of Memphis Depay mean for Angel Di Maria? Martin Laurence of WhoScored.com looks at their stats this season...
Manchester United stole a march on a long line of rivals in the race to sign Memphis Depay from Eredivisie champions PSV, making a significant statement not only to the rest of the Premier League but also a number of the players in their own squad.
The young Dutchman's arrival could spell trouble for the likes of Juan Mata and, in particular, Angel Di Maria, who this time last year was gearing up for a starring role in the Champions League final with Real Madrid.
Oh how the mighty have fallen, with the Argentine now very much playing second fiddle to Ashley Young, who, while Di Maria was helping Madrid to La Decima, was struggling to command a first-team place at Old Trafford.
It remains to be seen whether Depay will be the Red Devils' real marquee signing this time around but comparisons can certainly be drawn between the youngster and United's record signing last summer, with WhoScored.com crunching the numbers.
In terms of similarities between Depay and Di Maria, there aren't all that many, despite the fact that both have tended to be fielded in an attacking position on the left flank.
Depay is already of a muscular build and packs real power into a short frame, while Premier League footballers don't come any more slight than Di Maria.
The Dutchman is more of a direct threat, too, opting to go for goal at any given opportunity, while Di Maria is a traditional creator, looking to utilise his trickery before teeing up a team-mate. As much is evident in the WhoScored.com characteristics of the two, with Depay excelling statistically when it comes to long shots and dribbling, while Di Maria is 'very strong' at key passes.
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Gary Neville told Monday Night Football what Manchester United fans can expect from Eredivisie top scorer Memphis Depay.
It would be harsh to write off Di Maria as a flop in his first season at Old Trafford. A statistical rating of 7.04 is respectable after all, and more so when considering seven of his 26 appearances in the league have come as a substitute.
The former Real Madrid man has 10 assists to his name, which is a mightily impressive return for someone whose playing time has been so restricted this season. Indeed, Di Maria has registered an assist every 162 minutes on average this season, which is only marginally worse than Cesc Fabregas, who - on 18 - is still aiming to break the league record for assists in a single season.
Depay's figures in this regard are far less impressive, with a modest four assists to his name, though it should be said it's not for want of trying - he's produced an average of 2.1 key passes per match.
With a frankly massive 5.4 shots per game, however, Depay's game is very much focused on stealing the limelight himself, and comparisons have been drawn with former United favourite Cristiano Ronaldo.
Eredivisie is considered to be an inferior league to England’s top flight, but with 22 goals to his name from 29 appearances, it's abundantly clear that Depay is a star in the making.
Some would say he's already made it to that status. A phenomenal rating of 7.95 in the 2014/15 Eredivisie season suggests as much, but the 21-year old's arrival should not necessarily bring what has been a frustrating time at United for Angel Di Maria to a premature end.
The two have qualities that are very different and may well be able to complement one another in turn. However, fitting so many attacking players into an XI has proven an issue already for Louis van Gaal this season, so there will no doubt be casualties in the United squad.
Depay the first of many?
If it's cash they're after, offloading Di Maria could yet be the decision taken. Despite his struggles to settle in England thus far, that would be a real shame.
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