Di Maria And Blind Enjoying Manchester Life

Angel Di Maria and Daley Blind have spoken of their gratitude for the Manchester United fans, who have welcomed them with open arms since moving to Old Trafford in the summer.

The pair were signed from Real Madrid and Ajax respectively in late August and have caught the eye with a number of influential performances that suggest both players have already become vital cogs in Louis van Gaal's improving machine.

While neither player is yet to fully explore their new home of Manchester, one of most cosmopolitan and diverse cities in Europe, both have been impressed by the politeness of the people they’ve met so far.

"I have run into some fans in the city and it’s been very nice,” Blind told United Review. “Everybody in the city has been very kind and polite. It is not only at the club but also in Manchester when I meet people. I'm very happy and I am really enjoying it here.”

Di Maria, who has moved from Madrid, is similarly impressed by the people of Manchester. “The people here are amazing," he told ManUtd.com. "I feel really comfortable, very happy and really pleased. The way that people treat you really makes you feel good in your heart.

"I have not really had much of a chance to get to know the city very well, with the move and with my family, but I am really pleased and happy to be here. So far I have just been going to work and then going home.

"When I first arrived here, I was in the city centre for a couple of days but I have seen nothing else really, but I plan to in the future.”

Having lived in Manchester for just over two months, Di Maria is keen to repay the hospitality and support of the local fans. "When we are coming out after training or after the games, I have had a chance to meet some of the fans and it makes me happy that they love us so much and have got so much affection for us.

"I am trying to do my best to pay them back when I am on the field, so that the people are happy. They are really polite, they are always saying please and always saying thank you. That is really nice and I am really happy here.

"Having everybody behind you at Old Trafford all the time is great as well. The fans are always singing and supporting you. When things aren't going well, they still carry on supporting you and that really pushes you on and makes you want to give your most.”