Man United vs PSG ended in a 0-2 defeat for the home team and it is no longer news that French champions are one foot into the quarter final of the Champions League.
The defeat meant that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer suffered his first loss as interim boss of Man United.
However, the performance on the night, which saw United lose their first game out of 12 has now put the Red Devils’ progress to the quarter final rounds in jeopardy.
Two quick goals – six minutes by the pair of Presnel Kimpembe and Kylian Mbappe in the 53rd and 60th minute was enough to see the French champions cruise to a comfortable win over their hosts.
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In this report, four reasons are highlighted why Man United failed to come to the party despite PSG missing the services of their most fearsome attackers - Neymar and Edinson Cavani.
1.Tough and challenging contest in the midfield
The encounter was decided mainly in the middle-of-the-pack during the first stanza but PSG defence line played a key role in the final outcome of the contest.
Man United on their part tried controlling the ball in the midfield, but failed to penetrate PSG defence, who appeared comfortable, sitting back before getting across their opponent’s vital area in fast pace counter-attacks.
United pair of Martial and Rashford struggled to break down experienced PSG defenders though the wings and veteran goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon was virtually on vacation during the first stanza.
In addition, Marco Verrati and Marquinhos kept to PSG game plan by remaining in their own half to keep off Man United strikers.
Although, Lingard assisted in defending and picking up loose balls, but after pulling a muscle his absence was greatly felt in the second stanza.
2. Man United and PSG opted for tactical change in the second stanza
After battling to a barren draw in the second stanza, Man United reversed to their familiar 4-3-3 formation while PSG opted for 4-4-2 with the pair of Mbappe and Angel Di Maria operating as strikers.
But as the game progressed, PSG employed a more tactical formation - 3-5-2, with Dani Alves shinning after returning to his familiar role as a wing-back.
Ashley Young had his moments with his crosses but they were well dealt with by PSG defence.
3. A 10-minute bombardment from PSG left Man United in disarray
PSG stars turned the game in their favour within 10 minutes as they left United players ball-watching.
De Gea was able to deal with the initial danger from an Alves cross but the Spaniard could not do much to stop Kimpembe netting the opener.
And within six minutes, PSG over powered United in the middle-of-the-pack and on the wings despite the presence of Pogba and Mata, who were also offering support to the wingbacks.
However, it was a very fast move with Di Maria connecting the ball to Mbappe, who saw off Eric Bailly to apply the coolest of finish.
A performance that saw the French star net his 23rd goal of the campaign in style.
4. Man United strikers failed to shine
Indeed, one of the major problems that worked against United on the night was the failure of Marcus Rashford and Sanchez to shine on the night.
The duo allowed PSG defenders win must aerial duels involving the inside their own penalty box.
Ander Herrera also found it tough battling against PSG players, who appeared smatter winning aerial battle with the trio of Silva, Kimpembe and Kehrer keeping it tight.
Sanchez also had a bad game again and did not add to his previous 5 goals in 37 games for United.
Pogba’s avoidable red card for his tackle on Alves was the final straw that broke the Camel’s back on the night.
And Man United boss Solskjaer revealed at the end that PSG were a better side going the reverse fixture in the French capital.
Earlier, Legit,ng reported that Angel Di Maria screamed at the top of his voice at Manchester United supporters after the Ligue 1 champions netted the opening goal in Tuesday’s Champions League clash at Old Trafford.
The La Albiceleste star, who spent a season at Old Trafford after leaving Real Madrid, was subjected to barrage of attack from Red Devils fans in the first stanza.
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Source: Legit.ng