Manchester United started their Champions League campaign against Paris-Saint-Germain(PSG) on 21.10.2020. Prior to this game, PSG were on a rich vein of form in their domestic League beating both their respective opponents 6-1 and 4-1 respectively.
Manchester United on the other hand were not having a great season till now. Their position in the English Premier League is currently 15 but they could take solace from the fact that PSG were missing a few key men. Juan Bernat the Left back was out due to a knee injury. The midfield duo of Marco Veratti and Leandro Paredes too were absent from the starting lineup.
Two years ago, when these two sides met in this competition, Manchester United won due to a controversial Penalty so PSG would be looking to get back at them.
Lineups
Manchester United: David De Gea, Axel Tuanzebe, Victor Lindelof, Luke Shaw, Aaron Wan Bissakha, Scott McTominay, Fred, Alex Telles, Bruno Fernandes, Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford.
Substitutes: Paul Pogba, Juan Mata, Daniel James, Timothy Fosu- Mensah, Odion Ighalo, Dean Henderson, Facundo Pellestri, Nemanja Matic, Brandon Williams and Donny Van De Beek.
PSG: Keylor Navas, Alessandro Florenzi, Abdou Diallo, Presnel Kimbembe, Lavyin Kurzawa, Ander Herrera, Danilo Pereira, Idrissa Gueye, Angel Di Maria, Kylian Mbappe, Neymar.
Substitutes: Marquinhos, Rafinha, Sergio Rico, Moise Kean, Pablo Sarabia, Julian Draxler, Mitchell Bakker, Alexandre Letellier, Colin Dagba, Timothy Pembele, Kays Ruiz Atil, Bandiougu Fadiga.
First Half.
The first few minutes of this game was a cagey affair. Both sides played well and had their chances. David De Gea made two brilliant saves in the 12th and 13th minute to deny PSG.
In the 20th minute, Anthony Martial was fouled by Abdou Diallo in the Penalty area. After consulting VAR, a penalty was given. Bruno Fernandes who had a record of scoring penalties stepped up to take it. His effort was saved by Navas. But the penalty had to be retaken as Navas was deemed to be off his line. This time Bruno Fernandes scored. Manchester United took the lead against PSG in the 23rd minute. In the remaining of the first half, both the teams had their chances but failed to capitalize on them.
Second Half.
Manchester United played well in the first half to keep PSG at bay but they needed to maintain their concentration for the remainder of the game. PSG were expected to play better this half.
The first few minutes of the second half had some action. In the 48th minute, Bruno Fernandes played a lofted pass to Rashford and now PSG were in trouble as Martial and Rashford doubled up on their defender but the final ball from Rashford was lacking. Manchester United missed a good chance here. Immediately next minute, Mbappe cut in from the left and found some space for a shot but De Gea made a brilliant save.
In the 55th minute, Kurzawa won a corner for PSG. Neymar who took it put in a good ball. Anthony Martial was looking to clear it but somehow he headed the ball into his own goal and PSG were level.
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| Source: PSG Talk |
In the 58th minute, Rashford found himself free on the right. He decided to test Kimpembe but he took far too long to make a decision and the defender caught up with him to take the ball away.
In the 61st minute, PSG had a penalty appeal turned down. Aaron Wan Bissakha who played brilliantly tonight tackled Mbappe but it was a clean one.
In the 67th minute, Telles who didn't disappoint tonight with his crosses and corners was substituted for Paul Pogba. Rashford was livewire tonight. In the 69th minute, Rashford found some space from 22 yards out and went for the low shot but was denied by a strong save from Navas.
Again in the 79th minute, Rashford did some brilliant work on the right but his final ball was not up to the mark. United continued to push for a winner. Solksjaer sent his side out tonight with only one thing on his mind. A win. Credit has to be given to Navas here for pulling out yet another top save to deny Rashford in the 80th minute.
Phew! What a game this is turning out to be. In the 82nd minute, De Gea made a brilliant save to deny PSG and in the next minute, Diallo tackled Martial in the PSG box.
Finally Manchester United scored their second goal for the night. From the end of the PSG box, Rashford went with a low shot which got past Navas into the net. He kept trying to influence the game tonight and he finally got his reward.
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Source: Football365.com
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Result
Manchester United won the game 2-1.
Conclusion
It was a good game. Manchester United came on top once against PSG. It was a test for their defense who had to deal with top players like Kylian Mbappe, Neymar, Angel Di Maria. Solksjaer will definitely feel a lot better after this. When your team is in 15th position, You are bound to be under some sort of pressure. The Manchester United players needed this win. Like their manager, they also were under pressure.
The most pleasing thing to see was Axel Tuanzebe. He made his first appearance after many months and he was thrown straight into the fire. He was not fazed by it and contained PSG's defense brilliantly.
As for PSG, they can look at this as a one-off loss. They tried hard but could not get a win. I am sure they will come back well in their next games.
Stay tuned for further updates in the world of sports.
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