10 Things Man Utd Fans Need To Know About Angel Di Maria

9. Known As 'Noodle,' He Fell Down A Well As A Baby

Di Maria grew up in Argentina, though times were tough as he was raised by his family in relative poverty. He was encouraged into football as a youngster because of his hyperactive tendencies. His mother would have liked to have seen him expend his energy doing something else, especially after a young Angel broke everything in sight. Football was the recommended prescription from a doctor. But the 26-year-old, known from his youth as 'Noodle' because of his skinny frame, may not have even been around to get into the game. At just a year old, Di Maria was playing outside with the aid of a baby walker, but he somehow managed to fall into a well in the back garden of his home. He was obviously saved, but he considers himself lucky and grateful for his gift today given his humble upbringing. After getting into the game, remarkably the first transfer fee that was ever paid for him was 35 footballs.