Manchester United are back! Ole is at the wheel! Etc.
Okay, we’re not going to engage in the hyperbole that greeted Manchester United’s last win in the French capital, but there is no denying that Ole Gunnar Solakjaer’s side provided their best performance of the season as they dominated last season’s defeated Champions League finalists in the Parc des Princes.
As the dust settles on the result, we’re diving straight into our player ratings for United’s 2-1 win over PSG.
David de Gea – 9/10
This was easily De Gea’s best performance in a big game for quite some time. He’s been solid this season so far, but the ghosts of the past two or so years remain, and this felt like a return to his previous level of supremacy. He was helpless for Anthony Martial’s own goal from a PSG corner, but made a series of extremely good saves throughout.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka – 8/10
Along with his defensive partners in a back five, Wan-Bissaka managed to keep PSG’s lethal front three quiet for the vast majority of the night. AWB’s particular assignment was Kylian Mbappe, and alongside Axel Tuanzebe he dealt with him in an extraordinary manner. Never allowing him space, Wan-Bissaka managed to keep Mbappe both quiet and frustrated all night.
Axel Tuanzebe – 9/10
Were Axel Tuanzebe an established part of this Manchester United team, he would have received a high rating tonight. The fact that he hasn’t played for United since last year makes this an even more extraordinary performance. The 22-year-old made an early mark by muscling Mbappe off the ball, and continued in that manner for the rest of the evening. His performance was one of assurance and confidence and one that, had Harry Maguire not cost £80 million and been hastily handed the captaincy, might see him push for a place in the centre of the defence.
Victor Lindelof – 7/10
Slightly less flashy performance than his defensive partners, Lindelof nonetheless looked assured throughout the game. Playing the 3-5-2/5-3-2 clearly suited United’s centre-backs against PSG, and Lindelof looked calm throughout.
Luke Shaw – 6/10
Unlike the rest of those in defence, Shaw didn’t exactly shine tonight. He had a few misplaced passes and was out of position on occasion, but he also looked a touch more comfortable knowing that Alex Telles was out on the left, willing to tuck in when needed. His performance didn’t move mountains but he did what he needed to do.
Alex Telles – 8/10
As debuts go, Alex Telles’ was extremely encouraging. He looks solid when helping out defensively but it was going forward where he truly shined. He clearly has the technical capabilities to succeed against top opposition, and his delivery from wide was truly a sight to behold. Once he gets truly used to playing with his new teammates, he should be success at Man United.
Fred – 7/10
A typically solid performance from the Brazilian midfielder, who gained brownie points relatively early on after sticking the studs in on Angel Di Maria. He recycled the ball well, and allowed his more attacking teammates to do what they do.
Scott McTominay – 7/10
Starting in place of Paul Pogba, McTominay struggled initially to deal with the movement and skill of Neymar, but as the game progressed he looks increasingly settled.
Was a particular threat from corners and aerial balls, and another day might have scored. Decent performance.
Bruno Fernandes – 8/10
‘If at first you don’t succeed, try and try again.’ That’s Bruno Fernandes motto seemingly for every game of football he ever plays, and it was evident here too. Though he wasn’t quite as incisive in open play, he did – as he often does during his quieter games – come up trumps from the spot. He missed his initial penalty, just days after missing his first ever for the club against Newcastle, before stepping up and scoring the retake.
Still influential even when he’s not on top form, which is what you want from your talisman.
Anthony Martial – 5/10
Feels a bit harsh for Martial as he didn’t play that badly, but he did score an own goal and generally didn’t dictate play or get quite as involved as many would have hoped.
He failed to break through the PSG defence from wide, and while his own goal was unfortunate, he also should have kept his eyes open.
Marcus Rashford – 9/10
Rashford’s rating would likely have been a fair bit lower had he not scored the winner, but score the winner he did. Football is about goals and he got the vital one, which is good because prior to that he was, while threatening, making some strange decisions. Passing when he should be shooting, delaying when he should be shooting – it was when he actually shot when he should be shooting that he did the business.
Substitutes
Paul Pogba – 7/10
As is often the case in these sorts of games in which he doesn’t start, Pogba’s positivity and eye for a pass helped United put the pressure on as PSG lost patience and energy. He helped stretch the home side and provided the pass for Marcus Rashford, before the striker got the winning goal.
