Ste McGovern
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer spoke of the challenges the PSG squad poses ahead of Manchester United’s Champions League clash with the French champions.
Just a few months ago, this draw looked like a forgone conclusion in favour of the Parisians, given the blistering form they were in, while their English opponents were choking on the toxic smog being produced by José Mourinho at Old Trafford.
But the tables have turned in a short space of time, as Manchester United have turned their season around under a new caretaker manager, while PSG are reeling from an injury to their star player.
Regardless of the injury status of Neymar, it seems Somlskjaer is taking nothing for granted ahead of Tuesday night’s Champions League last 16 tie.
“Paris Saint-Germain is one of the toughest [draws] you can get, but one we look forward to, I have to say,” Solskjaer told UEFA.
“Their front three is probably the best front three outside of Manchester.
”They have top, top players in every position: the back four, the three in midfield, the front three – who are all fantastic. And Tuchel is very good tactically. He can play 3-4-3 or he can go with a 4-4-2 or 4-3-3. So we can’t prepare any specific tactics.
“We have to concentrate on ourselves, to play our brand of football. If we do that, I think we can give them a good fight.
“I have to say, they have everything, really. They create space for themselves, they have technique and strength.
”Cavani is like a viking, like the ones you see in videos, like a warrior almost! Mbappe has incredible pace, there is no-one as lightning quick as him.
“Then there is Neymar. The way he gets past players and he is also a good finisher.”
Solskjaer was confident, however, that his charges could cause Paris problems of their own.
“But still, I have three good forwards myself, no matter how many we decide to play up top, it could be two or three. As well as Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Romelu Lukaku, we have Alexis Sanchez and Jesse Lingard.
”They can challenge PSG’s defence.“
United’s chances of winning further increased yesterday when PSG announced that star striker Cavani is a major doubt for Tuesday nights encounter at Old Trafford.