The Round of 16 Champions League Draw produced a potentially thrilling tie that sees three-time European champions Manchester United up against Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain for the first time in official competition.
A threadbare United defence that manager Jose Mourinho can’t seem to be satisfied upon will come up against the formidable forward line of Edinson Cavani, Neymar, and, of course, World Cup Golden Boy Kylian Mbappe.
Together they’ve scored 33 goals between them in Ligue 1 this season after 16 games, 10 points clear and undefeated in the league. In the UCL, they’ve shared 10 between them.
Les Parisiens - after topping their group - have the distinct advantage of playing the second leg at home at the Parc des Princes and with a United defence that has kept just two clean sheets all season, it’s seems the canvas is ready for a Jackson Pollock-style flurry from the PSG force.
Manchester United fans reacted with self-deprecating jest on social media following a pathetic first half of the season under Jose Mourinho.
“Is there anyway we can forfeit the game?” asked @nimee in one of the more pessimistic approaches
@Pugzzzzy asked us to imagine “@ChrisSmalling and @PhilJones4 in defense against PSG. Absolute joke. Would rather play [Axel] Tuanzabe alongside [Eric] Bailly. So many players who don’t deserve to be wearing the Man United shirt. Squad needs a massive overhaul.”
@Johnludds humorously concurred, “One thing is essential against PSG, is that we man mark Phil Jones....”
However, the pressure is far from off on PSG and new manager Thomas Tuchel. With the brobdingnagian fees they’ve paid for their smorgasbord of stars with the backing of their Qatari owners, a consecutive exit at this stage (following a knockout in 2017/18 to eventual winners Real Madrid) will leave their project - and their reputation - in tatters.
Tuchel knows more than most that despite the domestic silverware expected to arrive in the French capital; it’s ultimately conquering Europe or nothing.
His side remain fourth favourites to have their first European title, at 15/2 (behind Manchester City, Barcelona, and Juventus). Man United are currently out at around 50/1.
