Manchester United: Angel Di Maria confirms Old Trafford stay despite 'hard' season

Manchester United winger Angel Di Maria has confirmed that he will remain at Old Trafford next season despite having a difficult time adjusting to the pace and intensity of the Premier League.

The Argentine international, who is currently on national duty getting ready for the Copa America, has been heavily linked with a move away from the club after a disappointing campaign, with Paris Saint-Germain leading the race for his signature.

The 27-year-old faded after a blistering start to life in the Premier League, and was eventually dropped by the manager. The Argentine failed to start a single game after his sending off during their clash against Arsenal in the FA Cup quarter finals on 9 March.

Louis van Gaal was hoping the former Real Madrid star will remain with the club despite warning the player over his behaviour during the course of the campaign and admitting that it has been a disappointing season for his British-record signing.

However, Di Maria has refuted his manager's claim and believes that he had a good first season in England after finishing as the second highest provider of goals behind Chelsea's Cesc Fabregas, despite struggling to adapt to the Dutch manager's style of play.

"I have just finished my first season playing for Manchester United. Now I will play the Copa America and then I will move back to Manchester for next season and do my best there," Di Maria said, as quoted by ESPN FC.

"It was a hard season for me. I think it was hard because it was another country and another league, and this league is harder than the Spanish one."

"So, I couldn't adapt myself as I wanted to. La Liga and the Premier League are completely different. The Premier League is physically stronger," the former Real player explained.

"It was not easy at all. I ended playing few minutes. Under [manager Louis] Van Gaal I played in lots of positions until he decided to bench me."

"I think I did a good job, though. I finished second in assists and I scored some goals, so I definitely think I did well in my first season at Manchester United," Di Maria added.