Angel Di Maria is 'not far off David Beckham club record', Manchester United point out

However, manager Louis van Gaal warns he won't be picking the Argentina international just because he cost the club £59.7m

Angel Di Maria (left) plus David Beckham pictured in 1999 (right) (GETTY IMAGES)

He may have been heavily criticised over the last few months, but Manchester United have posted an article on their website hailing the influence of record signing Angel Di Maria this season, writing that he is on course to break David Beckham's assist record for the club in a single season.

Di Maria came on as a 70th-minute substitute in United's 3-1 win over Aston Villa on Saturday, and set up Wayne Rooney's sublime goal nine minutes later.

The Argentinian now has 10 Premier League assists for the season, five shy of Beckham's record for the club of 15, which he recorded in the league-winning 1999/2000 season.

United manager Louis van Gaal, however, has defended not starting the 27-year-old against Villa, saying that his price tag does not guarantee him a place on the team-sheet.

"I have said that already – expensive is not the issue," the Dutchman said. "Do I have to make a line-up with the most expensive players? I don’t think so.

David Beckham in action during the 1999/2000 season

"That is not an argument, in my opinion, but an argument is that he gave his 10th assist and he did not play all the games like [Ander] Herrera, so it is fantastic.

"Di Maria, his turn is coming but I have to wait for the right moment."