Di Maria Humbled By FIFPro World XI Honour

Angel Di Maria says it was “truly humbling” to be voted into the FIFPro World XI at the Ballon d’Or awards ceremony earlier this week.

The Argentinian attended the event in Zurich and witnessed former Real Madrid team-mate and ex-Reds winger Cristiano Ronaldo collecting the premier prize, but his inclusion in the World XI, as voted by more than 20,000 professional players, was a huge honour.

“It was a privilege and an honour to be named in the FIFPro World XI at the Ballon d’Or ceremony in Zurich on Monday,” Di Maria told ManUtd.com. “To be named among the world’s elite players is truly humbling.

“Since I was a young boy, all I have ever wanted to do is play football, so to receive awards like this is an added bonus. It was a great night and I’d like to thank everyone who voted for me.”

The 26-year-old helped Real Madrid to La Decima (a record 10th success) in the Champions League and starred for Argentina in the World Cup before his summer move to Old Trafford and, talking earlier to ManUtd.com, says he wants to help put United back at the top of the game.

"From the start of the season to now, you can see we've grown," he says. "We weren't great at the beginning but we've started getting a few victories under our belts.

“There are some people saying that we're not playing in a particularly good style or that it's not the old Manchester United - but it's not. We're beginning something new here. We've got a new style, we've got a new manager and we're all working hard to make sure we're putting Manchester United back where it belongs."