We’re one sleep away from having the biggest club tournament in Europe back into our lives and one of the best ties awaits us on Tuesday night as Manchester United take on an injury-ridden Paris Saint-Germain.
When the draw results were first public, this match-up was seen to be one that favoured the French outfit. But recent developments including United’s resurgence and PSG’s injury crisis has opened up this fixture.
Neymar and Edinson Cavani – two of PSG’s best players – will miss the tie due to injuries and United will find the odds to be on the level.
We take a look at the key tactics Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could employ at Old Trafford.
HERRERA TO UNSETTLE VERRATTI
The metronome of PSG’s midfield, Marco Verratti has been in fine form this season. The Italian’s role will be crucial in handing PSG an advantage, going into the second leg. However, the Italian is just back from an injury and to expect him to deliver his 100 percent is a bit optimistic.
Ander Herrera must hence ensure that the 26-year-old never has the time and space to impose himself on the game. The Spaniard can also take the physical route if needed and ensure that Verratti is bullied out of the game.
This will hand United a huge advantage in the midfield battle and allow Paul Pogba to assert his dominance higher up the pitch.
RASHFORD’S MOVEMENTS AND POGBA’S LIBERATION
Marcus Rashford and Paul Pogba are the two players who have led the resurgence in the second half of the season for United. In fact, their powers are amplified when they combine together.
Rashford’s movement into channels of half-spaces will ensure that the PSG defenders are always on their toes and are forced to play more conservatively. This will open up space for Pogba and the Frenchman can fancy a go from distance – an attribute he is proficient in.
Another combination move which sees Pogba set Rashford in space and make a run to finish off the square pass could also win United the game, like it has done in the past.
