Manchester United news: Rio Ferdinand backs record-signing Angel di Maria to be a hit at Old Trafford

Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has backed British record signing Angel di Maria to get over his slump and prove his critics wrong.

The Argentine winger made a blistering start to his Old Trafford career following his arrival in the summer from Real Madrid, but has fallen off the pace in recent months, for which Di Maria incurred the wrath of fans and pundits alike.

The former Real star scored three goals and provided three assists in his first five games, but has since failed to find the back of the net, which has prompted people to write him off as a flop.

However, the player has received backing from Louis van Gaal, who believes that a player moving to England from any other league will need at least one-year to settle down and find his feet.

The Argentine has now received support from yet another Premier League star in Ferdinand, who has played at the highest level for most of his career. The former Three Lions defender feels that Di Maria's playing style is perfectly suited for the Premier League and believes that he will hit form once he settles down in his new surroundings.

"I thought [Angel] Di Maria was a great signing for [Manchester] United and I still think he was a good signing because he is a top player," Ferdinand said, as quoted by the Daily Mail.

"He was arguably [Real] Madrid's best player last year, him and [Cristiano] Ronaldo were their standout players. I think he is a highly talented player."

"But it always takes time for a player to adapt to his new surroundings, especially when you go to a foreign league. Not every player can be like Ronaldo and just turn up and instantly become a superstar. Maybe it will take Di Maria a bit longer. It might take him a year, you never know," the Englishman explained.

"But his style does suit the Premier League. He is quick, runs at people, hungry to create chances and commit people. I think he is a very talented player and I like him," Ferdinand concluded.