Manchester United have smashed the British transfer record to sign Angel di Maria from Real Madrid.

United confirmed the signing of the Argentina winger yesterday evening after he completed a medical.

United have paid £59.7 million for the former Benfica player, who has signed a five-year contract with his new club.

The fee eclipses the previous British transfer record of £50 million, which Chelsea paid for Fernando Torres in 2011.

It also exceeds the £37.1 million sum United paid for Juan Mata in January.

Di Maria said: “I am absolutely delighted to be joining Manchester United.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in Spain and there were a lot of clubs interested in me, but United is the only club that I would have left Real Madrid for.

“Louis van Gaal is a fantastic coach with a proven track record of success and I am impressed by the vision and determination everyone has to get this club back to the top – where it belongs.

“I now just cannot wait to get started.”

The 26-year-old, who cost Real around £28 million when they signed him from Benfica in 2010, is regarded as one of the best attacking midfielders in the world. His signing is a statement of intent from new manager Van Gaal too.

“Angel is a world-class midfielder but most importantly he is a team player.

“There is no doubting his immense natural talent,” he said.

“He is a tremendously fast and incisive left-footed player who puts fear into the most accomplished defence. His dribbling skills and his ability to take on and beat opponents are a joy to watch.

“He is an excellent addition to the team.”