Manchester United signs Argentina midfielder Angel Di Maria for $99 million

Manchester United has signed Argentina midfielder Angel Di Maria from Real Madrid for a British-record fee of $99 million. Di Maria, 26, joined on a five-year contract, taking United’s spending to about $215 million in the summer transfer window as England’s most successful club seeks to revive its fortunes under new manager Louis van Gaal. Di Maria was one of Madrid’s key players last season when the Spanish team became European champion for a 10th time, but rejected the offer of a new contract during the offseason. The left-footed winger scored 11 goals and assisted on 26 in all competitions for Real last season. Di Maria’s transfer fee breaks the previous British record of $81 million, set in 2011 when Fernando Torres joined Chelsea from Liverpool. – AP