PSG vs Manchester United 1-2 Summary
Manchester United did it again in Paris! Goals from Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford saw PSG off in the first Group Stage match of the Champions League. United defended excellently and countered against a weakened PSG defence. Ole’s tricky reds demonstrated their ability to play against one of the best sides in Europe. Something that will come under scrutiny in the next few matches.
Many impressed in Paris especially with key players missing such as Harry Maguire, Eric Bailly and new addition Edinson Cavani. The defending was calm and composed. The midfield was energetic, robust and clinical. The attackers may have missed a few big chances but played their part excellently. But who came out on top in this match’s player ratings:
PSG vs Manchester United Player Ratings:
David de Gea 9/10
Magnificent performance again! Four big saves from David de Gea to keep United in the game. Most notably, the point-blank save to deny Layvin Kurzawa from a corner and a tip round the post to deny Kylian Mbappe. No chance for the own goal. His distribution was excellent and a few long kicks did almost create a few chances! It would seem Henderson has pushed the Spaniard to play his best football. Long may it continue!
Aaron Wan-Bissaka 9/10
A brilliant defensive performance from the Spider. He was robust, energetic and brave in all his challenges. A lot of pressure on the young fullback off the pitch but he left everything on the pitch in Paris.
Axel Tuanzebe 10/10
His first performance since December but you wouldn’t think it! He dominated at the back and kept the PSG stars at bay. Two strong challenges against Mbappe in which he had to use all his intuition, strength and pace to prevent the Frenchman from causing bigger problems. I think he may have played his way into the team against Chelsea. His fitness may be a concern though, we may see.
Victor Lindelof 8.5/10
A lot of pressure on Lindelof to perform without Maguire and Bailly. He was commanding, composed and excellent all game. Perhaps without a target man to deal with, he could dominate aerially and play out with ease. A huge confidence booster for the Swede who will be in contention for Saturday’s game.
Luke Shaw 8/10
A good performance from Shaw. He is great as a LCB in a back three but I would not say he could play in a two. He had a license to get forward now and then but did not really create like Telles. When the Brazilian came off he moved to left back and while there was more space down United’s left, he was very solid throughout. I expect him to start against Chelsea in the same position.
Alex Telles 8/10
A great debut for Telles. Solid defensively and caused problems in attack. His crossing from live and dead balls were excellent and created big chances for United. Already a big hit and the only way is up with a massive game against Chelsea.
Scott McTominay 8.5/10
Man-marked Neymar for a lot of the game and dealt with the Brazilian well. He broke up play and used his strength and smart position to stop PSG attacks and bring United forward. Booked early on which I was worried about but played smartly throughout. Keeping Matic out of the team for now and deserves a lot of praise.
Fred 9/10
Dominant display from the Brazilian. He loves this stadium! Energetic, aggressive and utterly brilliant. He may have been dribbled past a few times but his determination to win the ball back redeemed him. Big display again for Fred and he is keeping Pogba out of the team for now. It remains to be seen if Fred keeps out Pogba against Chelsea but I hope there is a way to play both.
Bruno Fernandes 8.5/10
Again thought it was going to be one of those days when Bruno missed again. Karma came back after the Palace penalty and Bruno tucked it away the second time. He created another couple of chances and had two more for himself. A captain’s performance, more of that on Saturday please!
Marcus Rashford 8.5/10
A mixed bag for Rashford. He had a couple of good chances to cause problems but made the wrong decisions and spurned them. His movement was exceptional and caused PSG problems all night long but his decisions could have cost United tonight. He played much better in the second half and tested Navas with a good long range shot and won the game with a similar strike. A big moment for him in Paris again and his fourth goal of the season.
Anthony Martial 7.5/10
A relatively quiet night. A disappointing own goal but the positives outweighed the negatives for Martial. His hold up play was excellent and he brought players into the game. He won the penalty with a smart turn and was crucial in United’s build-up play. Martial will be sorely missed against Chelsea but crucial for the Leipzig game next Wednesday.
Substitutes:
Paul Pogba 8/10
Created three chances in 22 minutes, the joint highest in the game. He came on and changed the formation to a diamond in midfield on the left hand side. His passing was crisp and his link up was crucial in United’s attacks. Of course Pogba got the winning assist and his strength and nous was used to see off the game. I would like to see him start against Chelsea perhaps in a diamond but realistically, United will operate with a back five at The Bridge.
Donny Van De Beek and Daniel James N/A
Saw off the game and defended well but did not do enough for a rating.
Man of the Match: Axel Tuanzebe
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer 10/10
He changed the formation to a back five for this match and it was the right decision by the manager. When PSG equalised, United still looked solid but needed to try and win the game with PSG’s weaknesses ready for the taking and brought on Pogba to change the formation to a 4-1-2-1-2 and it caused PSG even more problems as Pogba got in dangerous positions and ultimately got the winning assist. Solskjaer then changed it to a 4-2-3-1 when ahead for the second time with Van De Beek and James coming on and finished the game off professionally. A deserved win and great tactics with some big absentees. Can’t keep calling him a PE teacher when he gets results like this eh?
