Angel Di Maria has not quite made the impact that everyone expected at Manchester United this season. Coming with a £60 million price-tag, there was always going to be pressure on the midfielder to perform, but after a sparkling start, those stars have faded quite a bit, with the former Real Madrid man's season ending in barely a whimper.
With failed performances – albeit some of them more perceived, considering he is right up there near the top of the list of assist-makers -- naturally come transfer rumours and the team that Manchester United beat to sign Di Maria last summer – PSG – are reportedly keen on taking him to Paris.
In order to do that and stay within the Financial Fairplay Rules -- which will be eased soon anyway – the Ligue 1 champions are ready to offer Gregory Van Der Wiel as part of the deal, according to leading French publication L'Equipe.
Right-back is one of the positions that Louis Van Gall will look to strengthen in the summer, with the manager playing Antonio Valencia in that spot for most of the season. Rafael does not seem to have convinced the manager too much, and Manchester United have been constantly linked in the transfer market with right-backs, chief of them being Dani Alves of Barcelona, Southampton's Nathaniel Clyne and Seamus Coleman of Everton.
However, if Van Gaal decides that Di Maria is not the right fit for his formations and Manchester United and decides to cash-in on the Argentina international, especially with PSG reportedly so keen, asking for Van Der Wiel to come the other way might not be such a bad idea.
Not too long ago, Van Der Wiel was seen as one of the brightest young centre-backs in Europe, but his move to PSG has not quite worked out. Working with a fellow Dutchman in Van Gaal might help Van Der Wiel fulfil the potential he so often showed during his Ajax days.
However, selling Di Maria, a season after signing him, is a mighty big decision to make, and the most likely scenario is the player staying for at least another season. Things might change, though, if Di Maria feels his future is best suited at PSG, forcing Manchester United into considering the deal.
