At 9 p.m. at Manchester, the atmosphere at Old Trafford was filled with excitement as reborn Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s Manchester United were to take on Paris-Saint Germain, with an injured Neymar Jr and Edinson Cavani. Yet, PSG would prove that they could still win one of the best teams in Europe with just ONE midfielder and Striker.
The match kicks off. Just 2 minutes into the match, Manchester United have the ball in PSG’s penalty area, showing that they could win over an expensive squad; at first. Even within 6 minutes, Rashford is seen sprinting towards PSG’s goal, guarded by legendary 41-year-old goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon. However, before Buffon can even make an attempt to save the ball, PSG’s tough defense comes into Rashford’s way and win the ball.
Another proof that PSG had the upper hand in the match is that just 30 seconds later, former United player and attacking midfielder Ángel Di María, takes a beautiful shot that is missed by barely a yard.
However, Manchester United may have just proven my statement wrong if Marcus Rashford, from a tight angle at the right side of the pitch did not take a shot but instead pass the ball to possibly be 1-0 up. The ball is saved by Italian legend Buffon, who is not planning to retire at the end of this season.
Man United’s possible Ballon d’Or contender Paul Pogba was running near the goal. His ‘shot’ was once again blocked by Buffon. Manchester United, who would dominate during the first half, had a powerful pass by Captain Ashley Young to be headed out by 23-year-old Presnel Kimpembe, proving that age is just a number.
23rd minute. PSG are threatening to score at this point, however, Di Maria’s pass is defended. Manchester united are also possessing more at this point. Man United are counter attacking through Striker Jesse Lingard. Lingard passes the ball to Anthony Martial, another striker, who bottles the pass and does not manage to receive the ball, allowing it to go into PSG’s control. 3 minutes later, Pogba is booked with a yellow card- after a rather simple but disgusting foul on central midfielder Marco Verratti. Soon, wonderkid Kylian Mbappe passed the ball to Di Maria, only for it to be defended.
However, at the 28th minute, Mbappe strikes again-after a pass by Di Maria. However, his shot is just barely missed. 7 minutes later, a pass by a PSG player to Di Maria is bottled when the pass is too powerful. Again, Di Maria receives a pass. The goal is open- but De Gea saves the ball in time. Another Situation involving Di Maria- Ashley Young a him are racing for the ball. Young pushes Di Maria, sending him into the edge of the stands. He is in pain but not for long. A low shot by Manchester United’s Victor Lindelof nearly makes it 1-0 united. Half-time, 0-0. Sanchez replaces Jesse Lingard for the only half-time substitution.
49 minutes in. A pass by Rashford to Sanchez finds it bottled again, due to too much power. 4 minutes pass. PSG are threatening Manchester United’s defense. A pass by Dani Alves allows Mbappe to head the ball- only to be barely save by De Gea. The ball is out for a corner which would change the tide of the match.
Corner is taken and everyone misses except… KIMPEMBE! He takes a jump, springing from the crowd. Using a legs for the ball to go in, it finds itself at the back of the net. 1-0 PSG. Away. Old Trafford is stunned into silence.
Motivated, PSG show every possible weakness of Man United’s defence. Di Maria threatens again. However, Young defends the ball.
60th minute. The commentators are constantly shouting Di Maria’s name as he threatens The Red Devils’ defense. He Passes to Mbappe…. 2-0 PSG! The French Wonderkid nutmegs De Gea and scores.
The last part of the match. 89 minutes in. Paul Pogba ‘fouls’ and sees red as a Valentine’s day card.
ITS ALL OVER! PSG triumph over United, displaying key flaws of its defense. An added bonus of 2 away goals; and playing at home with Cavani on March 6, Manchester United’s chances of going through are slim-at best. Will PSG win the UCL with an amazing squad, or will their efforts go to waste? What defender does Manchester United need to sign? Ramos? Marcelo? Kimpembe? Make use of the comment section and answer me if possible!