Arsene Wenger has pointed out why Manchester United were not able to get a foothold in the Champions League knockout tie with PSG.
The Parisian club dominated the midfield on Tuesday and did not allow their hosts a moment’s peace in the middle of the park, according to the former Arsenal manager.
Manchester United were undone by second-half goals from Presnel Kimpembe and Kylian Mbappé, both of which were assisted by former Red Devils winger Angel Di Maria, for the club’s first loss under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer since he took over as caretaker manager in December.
Wenger explained in his post-match analysis that PSG’s key to stopping United was to stop Paul Pogba, easier said than done, but the plan was executed to perfection to complete the English club’s biggest ever home defeat in the Champions League.
“What PSG did was block Pogba with Marquinhos and when they had they ball [Julian] Draxler came in behind Pogba and that’s where the chances were created,” Wenger told BEIN Sports.
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“In the Champions League it’s important to not be dominated in midfield and for the whole evening Manchester United were dominated in midfield.
“PSG never lost the ball and United could never win the ball back. They lost the battle there. When you play at home and cannot keep the ball, you’re in trouble.
“The technical understanding between the two teams was huge. It got bigger as the game went on.
“Manchester United played at home and had one shot on goal in a Champions League match. That tells you about the difference between the two teams.”
Pogba was evidently frustrated by the man-marking job done on him, receiving a second yellow card in the second-half that will rule him out of the second leg in his hometown of Paris.