Crystal Palace goalkeeper Julian Speroni is adamant that out-of-form Manchester United winger Angel di Maria will prove to be well worth the club-record £59.7m.
The Argentine ace has struggled to scale the heights expected of him in his first season at Old Trafford, netting four times in 31 appearances.
Speculation has mounted that a summer exit could be on the cards, having found himself on the substitutes' bench lately, but Speroni, who comes up against United on Saturday, says that class is permanent.
"We all know what sort of player he is," Di Maria's compatriot is quoted as saying by ESPN. "We all know how good he is, what he has done for Real Madrid and the national team as well.
"It's a tough period for players when they first come to the country because there are a lot of things that they need to adapt to, from the language to the weather, everything.
"Some players adapt quicker than others and I think it has probably taken him a little longer than others to adapt to this country and league. But you have to be patient because we all know what sort of player he is. If you can do that, you will see the real player he is."
United sit fourth in the Premier League table, four points clear of Liverpool.
Shane Callaghan
