Does mooted Di Maria move to PSG show lack of ambition or trophy intent?

Certainly, arriving in a league of a lesser overall standard, having been an integral cog in Real Madrid’s La Decima-winning squad in 2014, playing at the peak of his powers under Carlo Ancelotti and pulling the strings behind Cristiano Ronaldo and co, can only be viewed as a step down.

However, an artist such as Di Maria needs confidence and support to flourish, especially after coming under scrutiny several times in the pressure-cooker climate of the Bernabeu, as the winger strove to carve a role for himself, before being brutally discarded despite his Champions League heroics.

Ancelotti had found a perfect fit for the flexible attacker, switching Di Maria from the wing to a central attacking role, in which he looked a leader and his skills shone in a freer and more influential position on the pitch.

Di Maria at his delightful best for Real:

The midfielder’s talents were not to Van Gaal’s tastes though, seemingly, with the Argentina international, often an inspiration for his nation, shunted back out wide, on the bench or even as a forward during his problem-plagued first Premier League campaign. When the superstar needed an arm around his shoulders, he instead found a seat on the sidelines.

Now Man Utd (20/1 for Champions League glory) are said to be searching for a marquee player, when there is one already at their disposal. Van Gaal recently came out to state “I think we still need more speed in front and also more creativity, and that is why I want Di Maria to stay, but, we don’t know that so we will have to see.” Yet, it could be too little too late.

Watch Di Maria highlights for Man Utd:

Apparently also unhappy after failing to take to the northwest of England, Di Maria could find France suits all his needs. Yes, high wages, but also the likelihood of a haul of domestic trophies, and the chance to recapture the form of his final Madrid season, or that of his dazzling displays for Benfica, when he excelled as the main creative hub. Can Old Trafford realistically offer all that?

Then there is the holy grail of the Champions League. PSG have been knocking on that door for some time, making the quarter-finals for the last three terms. Do they now have a better chance of lifting the trophy than their English counterparts? A magnificent victory with 10 men over Chelsea last season, while United did not even qualify, suggests they have just as much, if not more, promise.

A project is under construction in Paris so, while alternative England or Spain switches are off the table, with a Bayern Munich move already scotched and Italy always unlikely, France could really fit the bill for Di Maria.