Copa America

Gerardo Martino: 'Angel di Maria key for Argentina'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 18 May 2015

Argentina boss Gerardo Martino insists that Angel di Maria's Manchester United struggles will not impact on his decision to select the attack for his country.

Argentina boss Gerardo Martino has insisted that Manchester United midfielder Angel di Maria is still a key player for his country.

Di Maria has struggled to make his mark for Man United this season after his club-record move from Real Madrid last summer.

However, Martino has said that the 27-year-old will play a key role for his country in the Copa America this summer.

"In some cases there are players with a long career playing with the national team who could be going through a rough spell at their clubs, but nobody could think of leaving them out," Martino told the Argentina Football Association's official magazine. "That's the case with Di María.

"I'd rather he be happy and continue to be a decisive player like he was for Benfica and Real Madrid, but I wouldn't think that his current situation would hurt his chances of playing at the Copa America."

Di Maria has been strongly linked with a move away from Old Trafford in recent weeks having spent the last couple of months on the bench.