The Manchester United Lineup That Should Start Against Paris Saint-Germain
By Mitch Wilks
Manchester United fans have incredibly happy memories of the last time they headed to Paris to play football, and rightly so.
Interim head coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had nothing to lose with his side already 2-0 down from the first leg, and very few expected much from the return fixture at the Parc des Princes. 90+ minutes later and his side had made the Champions League quarter-final thanks to an astonishing comeback, which ultimately landed him the job on a permanent basis.
The start of this season hasn't been quite as romantic, however, and the hangover of a properly weird summer transfer window for the Red Devils still looms. There's no time for dawdling, though, as a trip to PSG is the first in a run of several difficult games for United. After this, they face Chelsea at the weekend and follow it up with RB Leipzig next week. Ouch.
Here's how Manchester United should be setting up in order to secure three points in France.
1. Goalkeeper & Defenders
David de Gea (GK) - Should he have saved that Luke Shaw own-goal at the weekend? Arguably yes, but it would be incredibly harsh to drop him and subsequently throw in Dean Henderson in a game as big as this. Dave stays.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka (RB) - He scored his first senior goal during his 50th appearance for United at the weekend, and it was some effort. He'll have a busy night in the defensive department trying to keep PSG's attack at bay.
Eric Bailly (CB) - He's a bit erratic and rather injury prone, but United's best defender on his day. Bailly must get the nod over Victor Lindelof in this one.
Harry Maguire (CB) - The prospect of Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and Angel Di Maria running at Harry Maguire for 90 minutes is a scary thought. But, he's the club captain and looked back to his best against Newcastle. He also cost £85m; he isn't being dropped.
Alex Telles (LB) - Shaw's own-goal is the perfect excuse to give United's newbie a run around. Telles has the chance to make a big impression if given the chance in a game as big as this.
2. Midfielders
Nemanja Matic (DM) - The Serbian was rested at the weekend, likely for this game, and rightly so. United need to find his replacement soon; Matic is now at his best when used sensibly.
Donny van de Beek (CM) - What does this lad have to do to get a start, seriously? The Dutchman has looked tidy in every appearance he's made for United so far, and deserves the nod over an out-of-form Paul Pogba right now.
Bruno Fernandes (CM) - 'Bruno Penandes' jokes are officially null and void after the Portugal international missed one on purpose against Newcastle and opted to score from open play instead, just to show his class. Definitely on purpose. He'll be making his Champions League debut for United, obviously.
3. Forwards
Juan Mata (RW) - Perhaps deploying Mata on the right flank of an otherwise very fast, counter-attacking United front three isn't the most sensible, but he simply has to start in the absence of Mason Greenwood. The Spaniard works tirelessly and his football links it all together for the Red Devils. Huge influence.
Anthony Martial (ST) - Martial's three-game ban doesn't carry over to European competition, thus he has to start where he can. United's number nine needs a big performance now that Edinson Cavani is officially in the mix.
Marcus Rashford (LW) - Rashford returns to his Parisian playground with a doctorate and an MBE, and will be looking for a repeat of March 2019's clash. He looked razor sharp at the weekend and will keep the pressure on PSG's backline at all times with his pressing, frightening pace and ability to send defenders to the shops.