PSG vs Man Utd | Build-up Thread | Return leg Wednesday 06.03

[Adam-Utd]

We will use ole’s counter attacking style. I have faith we can counter attack them well enough to score home and away.

Stopping them scoring won’t be easy though, but if we play like we did against arsenal we’ve got a great chance.

 

[Ecstatic]

Then pur your money where your mouth is and bet heavily on United I say.

I am against gambling.

 

[GhastlyHun]

How the tables have turned. I believe this is now at least 50:50, if not 60:40 in United's favor.

Ah and nothing new in Bayern-Liverpool, I guess. I still believe they'll spank us.

 

[crossy1686]

Neymar will play some part in this tie, sounds like a mind game to me.

Rashford to turn up and get a brace, showing Mbappe up in the process. Pogba to boss the midfield.

We're going to win this.

 

[Pally]

No one on here has mentioned Angel Di Maria as yet...? I think he will play out of his skin at OT. I hope not but lets see

 

[charlenefan]

Mbappe has been poor in the CL this year though.
He's not this unstoppable force just yet.
I'll say it now, I think our attack is better than theirs without Neymar. Considerably so as well.

Come on be serious Lingard better than Mbappe? Rashford better than Cavani? Martial better than whoever they play on the left in Neymar's absence? I realise man for man isn't the way to judge who's a bigger attacking threat but its hard to argue that as an attacking unit we're better either. I always gave us a chance in this tie even under Mourinho and even more now under Ole and now even more given their injuries

 

[Ødegaard]

Come on be serious Lingard better than Mbappe? Rashford better than Cavani? Martial better than whoever they play on the left in Neymar's absence? I realise man for man isn't the way to judge who's a bigger attacking threat but its hard to argue that as an attacking unit we're better either. I always gave us a chance in this tie even under Mourinho and even more now under Ole and now even more given their injuries

Di Maria by the looks of it last night will be on the left.

There was another injury,but can't remember which player. It looked pretty bad.

 

[Don Alfredo]

How the tables have turned. I believe this is now at least 50:50, if not 60:40 in United's favor.

Ah and nothing new in Bayern-Liverpool, I guess. I still believe they'll spank us.

The booking markets disagree and see it as 60-40 in favour of PSG...

Among the most popular bet right now is Man Utd to win outright for 33/1, while Bayern is at 14/1 just behind Liverpool with 11/1. It‘s interesting how that is in contrast with what you fear is coming.

 

[Mourinhonista]

Over two legs i think PSG remain favourites and it will show on the pitch. PSG have a top class coach and even without Neymar and Verratti they still have Cavani who will exploit the space between midfield and central defence. Sure in the past he missed some sitters, but for example against Chelsea he made it count multiple times.

Still a fun match ahead, could turn out to be a high scoring affair. Fingers crossed that we can do it, of course.

 

[Revan]

Mbappe has been poor in the CL this year though.
He's not this unstoppable force just yet.
I'll say it now, I think our attack is better than theirs without Neymar. Considerably so as well.

I am all for going nuts, but not too nuts. Both Mbappe and Cavani are better than any of our attackers.

 

[AfroBuffalo]

United will win at OT & PSG will win at Parcs; by how much is another question. I believe we'll get a 2 goal clear win at O-T, can see PSG getting the same at Parcs to be honest. I have it 50-50 at this point and will be a great test for Ole.

1 thing about Ole which I don't thing he gets enough praise for, his tactics are spot on. He identifies a weakness and exploits it perfectly, expect the same against PSG.

 

[Treble]

If Neymar plays in the second leg, PSG are favourites to go through. If Neymar misses both legs, it's 50/50.

 

[Zlatattack]

The only way to stop people like that is:

1. Don't let their midifeld/defence have all the time in the world to pick a pass. Rush them into making a poorly guided ball which will give the defender a chance to get to it.

2. Stay extra tight when he drops deep. You need to be on his touch ASAP so that he can't get turned and running at you.

3. Have a 2nd man close by ready to tackle. Chances are he will beat the first man with his skill/pace, but the 2nd man has a good chance to tackle him as he rides the first.

4. If he is trying to run in behind, either 1 defender needs to block his acceleration attempt for the other to sweep, or drop off completely and give yourself a head start. None of our CB's will beat him in a foot race but Lindelof/Bailly could do a good attempt.

It obviously depends what position he's playing also, if he's on the RW he could be easier to contain. Shaw is pretty pacey himself but Mbappe's movement could cause him problems.

Sounds like a job for Herrera.

I'd say Plan A should be to have Phil Jones warm up near him.

 

[Sylar]

Just over a month ago I was hoping we wouldnt get embarrassed as we sat back, conceded, and still sat back, and then told post game we dont have a good enough squad and United should be used to going out in knockout stages.

Now, we actually have a chance. More than just a chance.

 

[royboy16]

I think our defense will cost us this tie as I'm sure we will get a goal but keeping them out will be a problem.

 

[Canagel]

Cavani in the air is the easily the biggest concern. On the ground we have defenders that can match Mbappes pace - Bailly in particular but in the air it's going to be tough. We lack the commanding aerial dominant CB .

 

[Member 90887]

No one on here has mentioned Angel Di Maria as yet...? I think he will play out of his skin at OT. I hope not but lets see

That snake shouldn't be mentionned.

 

[Member 90887]

I am all for going nuts, but not too nuts. Both Mbappe and Cavani are better than any of our attackers.

While i agree about Mbappe, Cavani is definitly not better than any of our attackers. we need to stop underestimating our attackers.

 

[ManUtdChampions]

Well Neymar not definitely out, because what Tuchel actualy said was "it is going to be very difficult". He may be playing some mind games, but I think that even if he plays he won't be at his best level. Something like Rooney in the quarter-final against Bayern on Old Trafford in 2010.

 

[Revan]

While i agree about Mbappe, Cavani is definitly not better than any of our attackers. we need to stop underestimating our attackers.

He has been the most consistent striker in football not called Messi or Ronaldo. In each of the last 8 seasons (will be 9 this season), he has scored 25+ goals per season (on 6 of them over 30 goals per season), including monster seasons where he had scored 49, 40 and 38 goals. He is absolutely better than our striker options.

 

[Revan]

Cavani in the air is the easily the biggest concern. On the ground we have defenders that can match Mbappes pace - Bailly in particular but in the air it's going to be tough. We lack the commanding aerial dominant CB .

Indeed. I hope that Smalling comes back. Not sure that I trust Lindelof and Bailly to deal with him in the air.

 

[amolbhatia50k]

Veratti is a bigger issue than Neymar, but Neymar getting hurt definitely makes things far worse. As great as Neymar can be, he's more replaceable without as many complications compared to Veratti. I still think this will be a big test for United, and PSG definitely has a chance to progress, it's just unfortunate that we won't see the teams facing one another at full force (although I'm sure most United fans won't mind).

Big test for us? PSG should still be favourites. You're losing two important players but your team is accomplished at the highest level while we're only just recovering from mediocrity.

 

[Enigma_87]

He has been the most consistent striker in football not called Messi or Ronaldo. In each of the last 8 seasons (will be 9 this season), he has scored 25+ goals per season (on 6 of them over 30 goals per season), including monster seasons where he had scored 49, 40 and 38 goals. He is absolutely better than our striker options.

Mario Gomez and Luca Toni regularly produced seasons like that and generally were 30+ goal strikers, but didn't really strike that much fear when we faced them.

That PSG side creates awful amount of chances and is streets ahead of everyone else in France. Cavani also has scored 49 goals from penos since he moved to Napoli.

He has generally been wank at CL and think you are overrating him on that occasion.

 

[amolbhatia50k]

Mario Gomez and Luca Toni regularly produced seasons like that and generally were 30+ goal strikers, but didn't really strike that much fear when we faced them.

That PSG side creates awful amount of chances and is streets ahead of everyone else in France. Cavani also has scored 49 goals from penos since he moved to Napoli.

He has generally been wank at CL and think you are overrating him on that occasion.

Cavani is definitely better then any striker we have. If he is wank in the CL, what are we over the last 5 years ? We missed out on the darn thing twice let alone having strikers with CL pedigree.

I believe our attack has a lot of talent which wasn't being utilised well. However when it comes to peformances and track record, Cavani is a step ahead. Of course that doesn't mean one of our lot can't out perform him on the night.

 

[Irish Jet]

While i agree about Mbappe, Cavani is definitly not better than any of our attackers. we need to stop underestimating our attackers.

What the feck?

Cavani is superb. He’s easily better than any of our attackers.

 

[cyberman]

I am all for going nuts, but not too nuts. Both Mbappe and Cavani are better than any of our attackers.

@charlenefan as well.
Cavani isn't.
Also, you mention two names. Would you swap their attack v us with Rashford / Martial / Pogba and Lingard?
Cavani isn't mobile enough for how we play under Ole.
That's just how it is. He benefits with having two world class players either side.
Cavani is the main reason why they haven't gone deep in Europe over the years IMO.
There's something missing with him

 

[HDRubens]

United have a poor squad? Ok then.

I didn t exactly mean that, what I wanted to say is Mourinho made it look very poor at multiple times, this is what I have in my mind anyway.

 

[Enigma_87]

Cavani is definitely better then any striker we have. If he is wank in the CL, what are we over the last 5 years ? We missed out on the darn thing twice let alone having strikers with CL pedigree.

I believe our attack has a lot of talent which wasn't being utilised well. However when it comes to peformances and track record, Cavani is a step ahead. Of course that doesn't mean one of our lot can't out perform him on the night.

Cavani has one of the worst strike rate in knockout stages for a top striker. He also has scored 2 against Red star in 10-2 aggregate in the group stage. Let's not go overboard here. Would you swap him for Martial ? He's 31 and will inevitably slow down, his biggest asset being his movement..

 

[Sean_RedDevil]

Isabela Pagliari (Journalist and she is a friend of Neymar's sister) says that Neymar will be out for at least 4 weeks.

 

[Zlatattack]

I forgot about Draxler and Di Maria. How many people is Jones going to have an accident with during the warm up?

 

[Ecstatic]

Neymar will play some part in this tie, sounds like a mind game to me.

No.

Some said the same last season when he was injured in February.

At the end, he missed the 2nd leg against Real Madrid and didn't play for PSG in 2018 between February and August.

Isabela Pagliari (Journalist and she is a friend of Neymar's sister) says that Neymar will be out for at least 4 weeks.

45 days I have just read.

Cavani is the main reason why they haven't gone deep in Europe over the years IMO.

The main reason is the coach whose tactical choices have sometimes been highly controversial.

 

[Revan]

@charlenefan as well.
Cavani isn't.
Also, you mention two names. Would you swap their attack v us with Rashford / Martial / Pogba and Lingard?
Cavani isn't mobile enough for how we play under Ole.
That's just how it is. He benefits with having two world class players either side.
Cavani is the main reason why they haven't gone deep in Europe over the years IMO.
There's something missing with him

For the season? I wouldn't swap him only for Pogba. If it is in general, then of course no, he is 31 while Martial and Rashford are 10 years his junior.

While people are mentioning a strong PSG side, they are forgetting that at the beginning he was playing in right wing (with Ibra as main striker), and since then, he matched Ibra's best season in terms of goals, while having 2 players in attack who are higher than him in the picking order. He also had 3 seasons in a row with a non-dominant Napoli when he scored over 30 goals (including one with 38 goals).

Anyway, he has scored more in one season than Rashford and Lingard on their entire careers (for clubs and NT) or Martial for United. People who think that right now he isn't better than our strikers are deluded.

 

[Enigma_87]

If Neymar is out for both ties that would probably just give us an advantage(with Verratti also out). Him coming back for the 2nd leg would make PSG the favorites. Neymar and Mbappe would give us headache as soon as they get the ball in our half. With one missing we might defend in numbers against Mbappe, but still will be tough. Especially with Di Maria on fire as well.

 

[HDRubens]

Well, After watching United vs Arsenal I m begining to change my mind on the possible result of the tie.

Your team looks solid and deadly at the counter, and Pogba is looking again as the 90 millions pounds player you paid for.

The two games could go either way, we already got the better of english team in UCL chelsea being on top of my mind and also Liverpool lately but they have been poor away from home in Europe after the city away game onwards, it should be two entertaining games.

 

[Sean_RedDevil]

45 days I have just read.

She has said for at least 4 weeks but very likely much longer.

We will see
I hope he will be fit for the 2nd leg because i wanna face the best PSG team.

 

[The Purley King]

On the ground we have defenders that can match Mbappes pace - Bailly in particular

I rate Bailly more than most, but we don't have anyone in our side who is as quick as Mbappe. I can't think of anyone in European football who is as quick as him and certainly not any of our defence.
The key will be stopping the supply, but if Mbappe gets into a foot race with anyone he's winning it at a canter.

 

[cyberman]

For the season? I wouldn't swap him only for Pogba. If it is in general, then of course no, he is 31 while Martial and Rashford are 10 years his junior.

While people are mentioning a strong PSG side, they are forgetting that at the beginning he was playing in right wing (with Ibra as main striker), and since then, he matched Ibra's best season in terms of goals, while having 2 players in attack who are higher than him in the picking order. He also had 3 seasons in a row with a non-dominant Napoli when he scored over 30 goals (including one with 38 goals).

Anyway, he has scored more in one season than Rashford and Lingard on their entire careers (for clubs and NT) or Martial for United. People who think that right now he isn't better than our strikers are deluded.

Good job Rashford and Lingard aren't in for their goal ratios then so.
As an attacking unit, our unit will be better than PSG on the night. Unless we start bullshitting about how good Draxler and Di Maria are to make an argument.
You may have an argument with Cavani, but you're still basing your argument on two players.
If I offered you the swap for the rest of the season, would you take it?

 

[Enigma_87]

For the season? I wouldn't swap him only for Pogba. If it is in general, then of course no, he is 31 while Martial and Rashford are 10 years his junior.

While people are mentioning a strong PSG side, they are forgetting that at the beginning he was playing in right wing (with Ibra as main striker), and since then, he matched Ibra's best season in terms of goals, while having 2 players in attack who are higher than him in the picking order. He also had 3 seasons in a row with a non-dominant Napoli when he scored over 30 goals (including one with 38 goals).

Anyway, he has scored more in one season than Rashford and Lingard on their entire careers (for clubs and NT) or Martial for United. People who think that right now he isn't better than our strikers are deluded.

Depay scored 19 last year in the league only. Falcao scored 54 in all comps for the two seasons prior. Lacazette scored 113 in 4 seasons at Lyon. I'll take those Cavani numbers with a big pinch of salt.

 

[Revan]

Good job Rashford and Lingard aren't in for their goal ratios then so.
As an attacking unit, our unit will be better than PSG on the night. Unless we start bullshitting about how good Draxler and Di Maria are to make an argument.
You may have an argument with Cavani, but you're still basing your argument on two players.
If I offered you the swap for the rest of the season, would you take it?

Their attack is better than ours. Mbappe and Cavani are easily better than anything we have, with Di Maria/Draxler at least being in Jesse's level. I consider Pogba as part of midfield, and that is a department where we are better than them.

Hard to reply to the bolded question. Players typically need time to settle in a team, so while I have no doubt that they are miles better than our attackers, they probably wouldn't do that well at us immediately. Just look at Di Maria, world beater at Madrid, but didn't ever settle here.

 

[Shark]

We’ve gotten ridiculously lucky with the players PSG have out, the starts are perhaps aligning