Di Maria taking 'step up' by joining PSG

Cape Town - Manchester United status as one of the biggest clubs in the world has come under scrutiny from Paris St Germain captain Thiago Silva. 

Paris St Germain captain Thiago Silva believes the French Ligue 1 champions are a "step up" from Manchester United, according to talkSPORT.

According to Silva, Angel Di Maria's arrival in Paris is proof that the club has risen above the Red Devils. 

“I think that people now need to respect PSG as a club, and our position as one of the big clubs in Europe,” said the Brazilian defender.

“Real Madrid and Barcelona are probably on another level, but after that if you are joining PSG it means you are probably taking a step up.”

Di Maria is on the verge of completing a £45 million move to PSG from Manchester United, a year after joining the Premier League club for a British transfer record fee of £59.7 million.

Last season, PSG knocked Chelsea out of the Champions League at the quarter-final stage.