Manchester United: Angel Di Maria confident of thriving on big stage in Arsenal FA Cup showdown

Manchester United midfielder Angel Di Maria has warned Arsenal, ahead of their FA Cup quarter-final showdown, that he thrives on the big occasion.

Di Maria, who became the Premier League's most expensive signing of all time in the summer of 2014, has faced criticism in recent weeks following a serious of underwhelming performances for Louis van Gaal's side.

The Argentina international has been hauled off by the Dutchman in the club's last two games but will be hoping to retain his place in the starting line-up for the visit of Arsene Wenger's side.

Di Maria's penchant for rising to the occasion may help convince his manager of handing him that chance, having played instrumental roles in Real Madrid's Copa del Rey and Champions League successes last term.

"I always like to play in big games when you have the chance to play against great players who are high in quality," Di Maria told United Review.

"When you play against a top side it is even more enjoyable and it is even more of a source of motivation. So when you win big games like this it's a good thing both individually and for the group as a whole.

"Let's hope that things continue to go well for me in big matches as I have got some great memories."

United's squad has been vocal in their desire to end their 11-year wait for another FA Cup success this season, with Di Maria determined to help deliver silverware to Old Trafford in his first season at the club.

"It is not so much how you would feel as an individual, but the impact it would have on the whole group," Di Maria continued. "It would make everybody happy, having worked for a whole season to try and attain an objective.

"Here's hoping I can bring this kind of joy to all the fans, but we know that we have a difficult stumbling block ahead of us in Arsenal so I really hope that we can make that next step and get through to the next round."