Manchester United took on the recent Champions League edition finalists Paris Saint-Germain to kick start their revamped and highly anticipated European campaign. The Premier League side once again emerged victorious at the Parc des Princes by a 2-1 margin thanks to a heroic defensive display and a late goal by Marcus Rashford.Â
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer handed Alex Telles his debut for the club as the side opted for a modified formation of 3-4-1-2. Luke Shaw, Axel Tuanzebe and Victor Lindelof comprised the back three in the absence of regular starter Harry Maguire. Fred and McTominay started once again for the Red Devils leaving ace midfielder Paul Pogba on the bench for the second consecutive game.
PSG, on the other hand, named an eleven with the 4-3-3 formation. Former Manchester United player Ander Herrera started in midfield while the fabled trio of Neymar Jr, Kylian Mbappe and Angel Di Maria comprised the front three.
The contest began on an even note as the lethal front trio of PSG suffered greatly due to the lack of creativity in the midfield. Manchester United were able to press and contain the threat with physical football led by Scott McTominay.
The inexperienced PSG backline were met with a huge blow after conceding the penalty by the halfway mark of the first half. Abdou Diallo’s foul on Anthony Martial in the penalty area proved fatal as it drew the referee’s attention to award a penalty for the visitors.
While Bruno Fernandes’ initial effort was met with a superb save by veteran Keylor Navas, upon review it was determined that the goalkeeper was way off his line. The Portuguese midfielder sent Navas the wrong way in his second attempt to give Manchester United the lead.
PSG continued to probe the opposition backline and forced a couple saves from David de Gea, but failed to find the equalizer in the first half.
Manchester United and Rashford once again break Parisian heartsÂ
PSG unleashed a barrage of attempts right from the start of the second half. Manchester United kept their defence organised with de Gea also being summoned a few times to their rescue.
The hosts finally got their equalizer through an own goal from Anthony Martial. The Frenchman, while defending at the near post nodded the ball past de Gea into his own net to bring PSG back into the game.
With mere minutes remaining in the contest, Marcus Rashford, much like 2 years ago, struck in Paris to sink the hosts. Substitute Paul Pogba’s pass was received by the winger who proceeded to beat his man with ease and unleash a stunning finish past Keylor Navas to register three points for Manchester United.
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