Manchester United 'cannot afford to lose' Angel Di Maria, says Paul Scoles

The Argentina international has been linked with a move away

Manchester United winger Angel Di Maria

(Getty Images)

Manchester United "cannot afford to lose" Angel Di Maria, according to Paul Scholes, despite a season of "disappointment" from the £59.7m signing.

The Argentina international has been linked with a move away, just a year after arriving from Real Madrid for a British transfer record fee. A return to his previous club or a switch to Paris St Germain have been mooted.

The speculation comes after a woeful campaign for the 27-year-old, who arrived at Old Trafford with a reputation as one of the most lethal wingers in world football.

However, despite concerns over Di Maria's form, Scholes says Manchester United should retain faith in him.

In his exclusive column for The Independent, the former Manchester United midfielder wrote: "A good start but, for £59.7m, the hope was that he would give United much more. 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."

Scholes continued: "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."