Fergie's kind of player: Why Di Maria will be a huge hit at Old Trafford

Fideo, they call him in Argentina. Due to being tall and thin, Angel di Maria has inherited a nickname that translates as 'noodle'. Team-mate Fernando Gago came up with the moniker, and soon Lionel Messi, Kun Aguero & Co. were all using it. Except, of course, when team director Carlos Bilardo was within hearing distance.

“No, no! Bull, he’s a bull, you need to call him Bull,” Bilardo would yell. He was convinced that 'Noodle', a flaccid and skinny foodstuff, wasn’t the right label for someone with so much strength, stamina and energy.

Thank you for reading 5 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription

Join now for unlimited access

Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1