Rio Ferdinand admits he had ‘little confidence’ in Manchester United overturning their 2-0 first leg deficit against PSG, after the club’s remarkable comeback in Paris on Wednesday night.
Marcus Rashford’s late penalty completed a 3-1 win for United in Paris, ensuring Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s team became the first side in Champions League history to progress to the next round, having lost by two or more goals at home in the first leg of a knockout tie.
Former Manchester United defender Ferdinand, who won the Champions League with the club in 2008, admits his surprise at the result but praised the ‘belief’ Solsjkaer has brought back to the club since being appointed caretaker boss in December.
“I didn’t have the confidence in these boys to do it, 10 boys out, I didn’t see this result coming. The way PSG played in the first leg,” Ferdinand told BT Sport.
“Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was brave with his team selection, he had three teenagers on the pitch, the character of these players after the starvation of moments like this. The confidence this will give them.
“Ole has brought belief back to this team. People were doubting Lukaku – he’s one of many who has been given a new lease of life.
“I don’t think it’s a penalty but turning your back, as a defender, you get punished for things like that.”