[11101]

We weren't really creating much, so I disagree. Martial was relatively anonymous last night. Ref was bad though and Kimpembe should have gone, but that doesn't disguise the fact that against a good team (and they were good - some of their passing and movement was excellent), we struggled to really test Buffon. Rashford's shot from an unlikely angle is all I can recall.

But neither were they and with our pressing they couldnt string two passes together out from the back. The first 30 minutes was very evenly matched but after Lingard and Martial first pulled up they couldnt keep the intensity and that was it for us.

 

[Handsome Devil]

I don't get posters on here lecturing other posters about the unwarranted optimism before the match. It was just United fans maybe letting their hearts rule their heads. Ole has done a great job and made this place the happiest its been for a long time. We have only been fed crumbs in the last few years and come out of a bad place under Lord Voltemour.
The team still have a way to go but we should cut ourselves some slack.

 

[crossy1686]

Yep. It wasn't the tactics. We just came up against a team with better players. Losing Martial and Lingard derailed us a bit as they were the pacey outlets. Think the media have been waiting for this moment to put the boot in. It is now time to regroup and they have to just pick themselves up.

Yep, agreed. I'm not worried, for someone who's been here a few weeks, he's done an amazing job but snatching a CL is miles away from where we're at, especially when your bench options are what ours are.

They'll be more questioning of credentials if we don't beat Liverpool at the weekend also but it's all agenda peddling bullshit to be honest.

 

[Alabaster Codify7]

Just a reality check,that's all. We aren't a CL quality team at present,let alone a top CL team. We have a couple of world class players and a few good players, plus some mediocre. The bones are there but we're a major work in progress.

I was overly optimistic going in but after 30mins I realised that even a depleted PSG are miles ahead of us at present.

Ah well, tie is dead. Concentrate on 4th and the FA cup would be a bonus.

The board cannot lowball Ole and the fans this summer.....but I am terrified that they will do just that.

Final note, Sanchez is a pub player now. Worst signing we've ever made,even his coordination has left the building. id take fecking Chris Brunt over him as a squad player,deadly serious.

 

[Darkhorsez]

They were only better when they went 2-0 up (because of our awful defending - and injuries to key players). They controlled the game thereafter. In the first half, they couldn't string two passes together.

I don't know what game people watched but we were extremely poor yesterday by our standards and that really had nothing to do with PSG. All front 3 played badly which can happen because they are still young. They were bound to improve in the second half when the nerves had settled but Jesse and Martial got injured. That's where we lost the game.

This is what I saw too. Although even in the first half, PSG players showed a little more experience. Also, their defence was awesome too.

 

[NotoriousISSY]

Having slept on it, my view is

1) Everyone massively underrated PSG. They have gone out of the competition in the last few years against the likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid and City - I.e three of the current top teams in Europe based on recent success and records broken etc.

2) PSG controlled the tie from start to finish, and our collective inexperience at this level showed.

3) Despite not setting the world alight, losing both Lingard and Martial killed our ability to test them.

Another poor performer was Pogba, but his absence in the second leg ends the tie for me.

I was hoping we would take a marginal lead over there, but it's not meant to be this season. So hopefully the team can maintain their domestic form and finish strongly in the league. They really have to go to SB on Monday and give a good account of themselves, as the FA Cup is the only realistic chance of picking up a trophy any time soon.

 

[stu_1992]

The injuries definitely disrupted us and it would have been interesting to see how we would have gotten on had they not occurred, we just can't play in the same manner with our backup options. They aren't suited to it. Still we can't complain too much, they were missing key players for the whole game. We won't get a better chance than that, but we just weren't good enough in the second half. The decision to not send off Kimpembe definitely affecting the game too.

 

[DomesticTadpole]

The injuries definitely disrupted us and it would have been interesting to see how we would have gotten on had they not occurred, we just can't play in the same manner with our backup options. They aren't suited to it. Still we can't complain too much, they were missing key players for the whole game. We won't get a better chance than that, but we just weren't good enough in the second half. The decision to not send off Kimpembe definitely affecting the game too.

Difference in them missing players, they have top players to come in. We had a snail, a nice snail, but still a snail and a money grabbing busted flush.

 

[glazed]

Better players.
Better luck.
Better ref.
Fair enough that we lost.

But what concerns me is that they were tactically better. They took Martial and Pogba out of the game and Ole had no answer.

 

[DomesticTadpole]

Better players.
Better luck.
Better ref.
Fair enough that we lost.

But what concerns me is that they were tactically better. They took Martial and Pogba out of the game and Ole had no answer.

What was the answer? I am not great at tactics, so just curious.

 

[londonredmaniac]

A better side came to town, minus two of their key players and showed their quality.

Losing Lingard and Martial before halftime didn't help, but in all honesty, PSG would have come on strong second half.

Some of the reactions to it baffle me. We aren't even a top level domestic side right now, let alone a European one. We gave q decent account of ourselves first half, but ultimately quality exposed us in areas we know we are weak.

We need to take what we can from it. Ole needs to learn the lessons, he needs to pick them up and get them in the right frame of mind for Chelsea in the cup.

I understand the disappointment, but some of the reactions are way over the top. What you saw last night was a result of years of disjointed mismanagement, poor player recruitment and a stagnation/decline of players that really should have been replaced with better quality.

There is no magic wand, as has been mentioned time and time again, this goes alot further than just replacing Mourinho.

The tie is probably done, especially with pogba missing the second leg, but it's a reality check. We've got alot of work ahead of us to be back at that level again.

Onwards and upwards, can we actually go to Stamford Bridge and turn up for a change?

 

[red woppit]

Better players.
Better luck.
Better ref.
Fair enough that we lost.

But what concerns me is that they were tactically better. They took Martial and Pogba out of the game and Ole had no answer.

Yes they had some luck, especially in Kimpembe not seeing red.
They were set up well, very defensively, and came for a 0-0, but hoping to snatch a goal. Poor from Matic on the first goal, although I thought he had a good game, they controlled the match after that.

So the answer is?

We need some better players, but you appear to point the finger of blame at Ole, when realistically he has done wonders to get this squad playing as well as they are. Tactically I suppose he could have brought on Jones instead of Mata, so we were stronger defensively, but that is not his way.

 

[In Rainbows]

Better players.
Better luck.
Better ref.
Fair enough that we lost.

But what concerns me is that they were tactically better. They took Martial and Pogba out of the game and Ole had no answer.

The reason why they could do that is because we have nothing on our right side. Tuchel realized all of our attack would go through our left side.

 

[Judas]

We looked inexperienced and under coached, which we are. I’m sad by the result, but long term I think it’ll do us better than this good luck feeling carrying us further in many ways. We needed to have our feet placed firmly back on the floor. Now things can be looked at way more objectively.

 

[Raees]

@Raees Your point 4) resonates a lot for me. It's nuts that our full backs are of the "cross and hope" variety. They don't look for players, just areas. Young has even surpassed Valencia in that aspect.

It’s infuriating especially when all it needs is a little pass through the needle where we have them outnumbered in central areas only for us to pass out wide and like a Moyes team wait for the other side to get back and for us to flood the box to finally put a ball in.

Herrera and Matic especially piss me off in terms of taking too long to hit pass into feet to likes of Pogba or Martial and instead wait for the easy but ineffective pass out wide to Young only for him to then just wait for the right moment to just cross it into the middle of nowhere. Rinse and repeat.

 

[londonredmaniac]

Just a reality check,that's all. We aren't a CL quality team at present,let alone a top CL team. We have a couple of world class players and a few good players, plus some mediocre. The bones are there but we're a major work in progress.

I was overly optimistic going in but after 30mins I realised that even a depleted PSG are miles ahead of us at present.

Ah well, tie is dead. Concentrate on 4th and the FA cup would be a bonus.

The board cannot lowball Ole and the fans this summer.....but I am terrified that they will do just that.

Final note, Sanchez is a pub player now. Worst signing we've ever made,even his coordination has left the building. id take fecking Chris Brunt over him as a squad player,deadly serious.

I'd go with all of that

 

[Handsome Devil]

It wasn't a case of Martial being taken out, he wasn't there in the first place. Not fully fit maybe? Rashford seemed overawed. Pogba on the other hand just seemed smothered and his downfall was the guile of that little scrote Alves. It was like a jackal bringing down a thoroughbred stallion and Pogba's temperament got the better of him.
Didn't help that the ref was insane.

 

[kouroux]

It’s infuriating especially when all it needs is a little pass through the needle where we have them outnumbered in central areas only for us to pass out wide and like a Moyes team wait for the other side to get back and for us to flood the box to finally put a ball in.

Herrera and Matic especially piss me off in terms of taking too long to hit pass into feet to likes of Pogba or Martial and instead wait for the easy but ineffective pass out wide to Young only for him to then just wait for the right moment to just cross it into the middle of nowhere. Rinse and repeat.

It's a safety pass we resort to way too often sadly, compare it Marquinhos (who isn't a real DM) and Verratti who are always looking to break lines, even when facing pressure and close to their goals.

 

[Slevs]

The reason why they could do that is because we have nothing on our right side. Tuchel realized all of our attack would go through our left side.

True. Any opposition manager looking to nulify us will do the same with great success. We've been saying this for years, we have no right side. Close the left and we're toothless.

Not much Ole can do tbh. Our entire game plan hinged on Martial exploding that side and Lingard playing quick passes and counter attacking down the right.

Both players got injured and were substituted by a "star" who looks washed up for over a year now under 2 different managers and a number 10 playing at right wing and failing to do anything because of his weak physical attributes (speed, acceleration, body strength) for the last 4 years.

Those 2 gone, Pogba being man marked, we're left with Herrera, Matic, and Rashford to create our chances. They'd struggle against the league's worst to create chances let alone a team contending for the Champions League.

I know it's not really liked on here, but we genuinely need better players. More importantly, we need players that can play in their actual positions. A right winger playing at fecking right wing who can beat a man and create chances for himself/others.

 

[Needham]

Got some admiration for the way PSG showed up last night. They boss their second tier league but raised it without key players, never lost concentration, identified our key threat and nullified him, and weren't an absolute shower of cnuts into the bargain. I've no problem with them going on to win it, apart from the whole petro-state repellancy of them.

 

[TRUERED89]

Liverpool smashed these lot, with Cavani, Neymar and Rabiot in their starting line up .. Makes it even worse

 

[glazed]

The reason why they could do that is because we have nothing on our right side. Tuchel realized all of our attack would go through our left side.

Yes this. Bringing on Mata seemed like a mistake. Maybe we just got found out and there was no answer.

 

[settembrini]

We weren't great in the first half but neither were PSG, it was two teams cancelling each out. 3 shots each, 2 corners to us and 1 corner for them, 47% possession for us and 53% for them.

After Sanchez and Mata came on we were played off the park. They dominated possession and created all the chances. We only got back into the game in the final 15/20 minutes when they were settling for a 2-0 win.

It's all well and good people on here saying we should keep faith with Sanchez because 'class is permanent and form is temporary' and Mata has to be kept because of his great personality but the reality is these guys struggle routinely against weak premier league teams. Having them both on the pitch at the same time vs a team as strong as PSG is a recipe for disaster.

 

[12OunceEpilogue]

Having slept on it, my view is

1) Everyone massively underrated PSG. They have gone out of the competition in the last few years against the likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid and City - I.e three of the current top teams in Europe based on recent success and records broken etc.

2) PSG controlled the tie from start to finish, and our collective inexperience at this level showed.

3) Despite not setting the world alight, losing both Lingard and Martial killed our ability to test them.

Another poor performer was Pogba, but his absence in the second leg ends the tie for me.

I was hoping we would take a marginal lead over there, but it's not meant to be this season. So hopefully the team can maintain their domestic form and finish strongly in the league. They really have to go to SB on Monday and give a good account of themselves, as the FA Cup is the only realistic chance of picking up a trophy any time soon.

Can't disagree, except to say Pogba was shut down by PSG's tactical play and other players had no way of stepping up to create and dictate for us. It doesn't excuse his poor execution and decision-making but it's worth pointing out he was specifically targeted.

It’s infuriating especially when all it needs is a little pass through the needle where we have them outnumbered in central areas only for us to pass out wide and like a Moyes team wait for the other side to get back and for us to flood the box to finally put a ball in.

Herrera and Matic especially piss me off in terms of taking too long to hit pass into feet to likes of Pogba or Martial and instead wait for the easy but ineffective pass out wide to Young only for him to then just wait for the right moment to just cross it into the middle of nowhere. Rinse and repeat.

Agreed 100%, our lack of technical ability was out there like dirty linen last night for all to see. In particular the FBs and midfielders had no answer to PSG's play and the Moyesian style of playing it out wide to a static fullback, with no notion of playing it quickly infield or even switching, was horrible to watch.

 

[crossy1686]

Better players.
Better luck.
Better ref.
Fair enough that we lost.

But what concerns me is that they were tactically better. They took Martial and Pogba out of the game and Ole had no answer.

We had a game plan that revolved around Martial and Lingard stretching the back line. They went off injured and were replaced by Mata and Sanchez.

Tell me how there was any answer to that?

Honestly don't know what people were expecting last night.

 

[f_to_z]

We have to admit it. I know the injury of Martial and Lingard affected us deeply but PSG was a level over us. You can see it with their positioning, off the ball runs, composure on the ball, confidence. Even when thier player are pressured with 3 United players they keep calm and find a pass.

This is the level that we want to reach like Solskjaer said and i believe we can reach it sooner than later.

PSG deserve the win but i feel that we could have played better if players kept thier cool and not get nervous as they did and atleast scored 1 goal to give us a better chance inthe away game.

 

[Canagel]

Liverpool smashed these lot, with Cavani, Neymar and Rabiot in their starting line up .. Makes it even worse

We're not even on par with team like Napoli whos in EL now. They shackled full strength PSG and probably should've won one game if not both during the group stage. There's a lot of work to be done to reach this levels consistently.

 

[crossy1686]

Liverpool smashed these lot, with Cavani, Neymar and Rabiot in their starting line up .. Makes it even worse

We're 8 weeks into an interim regime with an inferior squad. What are you expecting to happen?

 

[In Rainbows]

True. Any opposition manager looking to nulify us will do the same with great success. We've been saying this for years, we have no right side. Close the left and we're toothless.

It's a big worry that PL managers will try to replicate the PSG match.

 

[glazed]

We had a game plan that revolved around Martial and Lingard stretching the back line. They went off injured and were replaced by Mata and Sanchez.

Tell me how there was any answer to that?

Honestly don't know what people were expecting last night.

I didn't expect us to win. But our game plan didn't seem like it was working even before they went off. Martial barely touched the ball. Tuckel forced everything down the right and marked Pogba out of the game. I would expect some kind of response to that.

As it was, we never looked like scoring even before the injuries. PSG were dominating the play.

 

[TRUERED89]

We're 8 weeks into an interim regime with an inferior squad. What are you expecting to happen?

I guess we all just expected more of a fight and a better performance with PSG's two main stars missing. Looking at how well Liverpool and Napoli did against a full strength PSG just hurts even more unfortunately.

 

[crossy1686]

I didn't expect us to win. But our game plan didn't seem like it was working even before they went off. Martial barely touched the ball. Tuckel forced everything down the right and marked Pogba out of the game. I would expect some kind of response to that.

As it was, we never looked like scoring even before the injuries. PSG were dominating the play.

Even as a casual observer, people know that the right side is our weakest side, a few weeks ago we had only produced something like 3 chances all season from that side of the pitch, we're strongest through the middle and on the left and Pogba is our heartbeat. Now imagine the amount of scouting and prep a manager at a club with CL ambitions would do before a game of this magnitude.

There was no response because we have no other options from the bench. We're limited in what we can do until we have better players in certain positions. Lingard and Martial were stretching their backline and giving them something to worry about, when they went off they stopped worrying and we panicked.

There's no shame in losing to a team thats way more established than we are, especially when you consider our current manager has only been in charge for 8 weeks.

Pep, Klopp, Pochettino and Zidane would also have no response to the events that happened also. Sometimes you have to hold your hands up and accept it.

 

[TRUERED89]

Di Maria probably MOTM for them too, FFS real kick in the teeth.

 

[Toddler]

Lots of negativity on here which I don't think is totally justified. PSG are a strong team and they've learnt from their previous two seasons. We were in it in the first half and Rashford almost caught out Buffon at the near post. Losing Martial and Lingard cost us as their replacements were poor. We lost to a better side, didn't get hammered and hopefully will learn from it. Pogba sending off would have been more understandable if they had been deservedly down to 10 men too. Nothing more frustrating than inconsistent refereeing.

Pretty much agree with you.

 

[podurban2]

We have so many players that are not good enough. De Gea, Lindelöf, Pogba, Rashford, Martial are the only ones I’d like to see stay. Need to replace the rest as soon as possible, that was obvious after last night

 

[LeftyBlaster]

Just a reality check,that's all. We aren't a CL quality team at present,let alone a top CL team. We have a couple of world class players and a few good players, plus some mediocre. The bones are there but we're a major work in progress.

I was overly optimistic going in but after 30mins I realised that even a depleted PSG are miles ahead of us at present.

Ah well, tie is dead. Concentrate on 4th and the FA cup would be a bonus.

The board cannot lowball Ole and the fans this summer.....but I am terrified that they will do just that.

Final note, Sanchez is a pub player now. Worst signing we've ever made,even his coordination has left the building. id take fecking Chris Brunt over him as a squad player,deadly serious.

Totally agree, especially with the bolded bit. THe only thing PSG revealed was our lack of quality in the team and not Ole's shortcomings.

 

[Trizy]

Having had a night to rethink the disappointment.

Situations of note:

• Outplayed in the middle of the park with ease, we made Verrati look like Prime-Iniesta
• Pobga was manmarked out of the game, not disrespect to him because it's a hard situation to be in. However, it clearly shows we're a one-man team when it comes to creativity.
• We relied on long balls against a quick defense which was a rubbish idea.
• We were technically a level below all over the park. One of the players with most the ball for us was Young and he's so terrible at pretty much everything it made it even easier for PSG to defend against us.
• Martial, Rashford and Lingard were all terrible. The day you start rating players on their pressing ability shows how low you expectations are for this so called top club.
• Subs killed the game which unfortunately was due to injuries.
• Olé got exposed in a big way. After his 11 game run using Plan A didn't work, he looked completely lost on the side of the pitch, zapped of energy, motivation and ideas.

The game was fine margins when you take into account the poor defending for the first goal from a player who should've been sent off. Either way though, they deserved it a lot more than us. They looked comfortable throughout. They were the better team, no complaints on the scoreline.

We're just lucky Neymar and Cavaini were missing, it could've been even more embarrassing.

 

[crossy1686]

Totally agree, especially with the bolded bit. THe only thing PSG revealed was our lack of quality in the team and not Ole's shortcomings.

They'd be hanging him out to dry if they did that. That's not even giving him the chance to prove people wrong. Hopefully they spend big this summer.

 

[Champ]

Weren't a huge gulf between the teams in the first half, but our lack of replacement's to our starting 11 and poor officiating cost us massively.
Had Martial and Lingard stayed fit then it's a completely different second half.
It's all it's and buts however it's clear we need more strength in depth, we're closer to complete under Ole than at any stage under Jose though.

 

[TsuWave]

not having a functional right side makes us too easy to play against. neutralize pogba and martial and nothing else happens, and if our fullbacks do push up they just spray random inaccurate crosses into the box and pray they somehow connect with one of our players.

I thought Matic had a decent game as I remember him winning the ball a few times, but I still think his lack of mobility hurts us in midfield. Ashley Young is not to be trusted, and I don't see what people see in Shaw. Sanchez and Mata are finished.

They are a much better side than us, hopefully we invest heavily, and our young players grow.