Centre-back Presnel Kimpembe trod a disciplinary tightrope and survived to net a first career goal, sending depleted Paris Saint-Germain on their way to an authoritative 2-0 victory in the Champions League’s round of 16 at 10-man Manchester United.
The World Cup 2018 winner went into the notebook early on for a trademark rash foul on Marcus Rashford. There would be other comings together with left-back Luke Shaw and the England striker before he volleyed in a valuable 53rd-minute opener in the first leg.
STATISTICS
Goals: 1
Yellow cards: 1
Aerials won: 0
Touches: 72
Tackles: 4
Interceptions: 1
Clearances: 3
Fouls: 1
30-SECOND REPORT
Second-half goals from Kimpembe and Kylian Mbappe put PSG – minus Neymar and Edinson Cavani – on the cusp of the quarter-finals for the first time since 2015/16 and condemned Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to his first defeat as United’s caretaker manager.
After an opening period of few chances, Serbia anchor man Nemanja Matic switched off from a corner and Kimpembe smashed home. On the hour mark, the Parisians broke at pace and boo-boy Angel Di Maria crossed for Mbappe to artfully tap in.
Quiet midfielder Paul Pogba’s late red for a second booking added to PSG’s feel-good factor.
GOOD
Putting PSG on the front foot: This clash was billed as a battle of the wonder kids, with Rashford and Mbappe leading the lines for two moneyed sides.
Kimpembe did his bit to ensure his compatriot dominated this individual battle.
Only United terrier Ander Herrera made more tackles (5/4) than him. He also, technically, only gave away one foul despite incessantly putting physical pressure on Rashford.
BAD
Fortunate son: Kimpembe provided a shaky presence against Real Madrid at this stage last year – and if referee Daniele Orsato had shown consistency then it could have been another knockout tie to forget.
The decision to ignore a collision with Shaw and tug back on Rashford seemed inexplicable. Especially, when 10 yellow cards, in total, were handed out.
Les Bleus colleague Pogba received two cautions and will be staggered Kimpembe didn’t suffer the same fate.
VERDICT
Ex-Arsenal manager – and doyen of young French talent – Arsene Wenger highlighted Kimpembe’s propensity to give away cheap fouls pre-match and the predilection was present in Manchester.
This physicality, however, also ensured Rashford had one of his least-effective nights. Plus, a previously unseen eye for goal gave PSG their deserved springboard.
It’s important to highlight that Kimpembe has only 87 senior club appearances. This rashness should dissipate with experience, leaving club and country with a premier defender.
Rating: 7/10
