SOLSKJAER PLAYING MIND GAMES
OLE GUNNAR Solskjaer has told his Manchester United side to mess with the heads of Paris Saint-Germain’s players.
United have a mountain to climb in the Parc des Princes tonight if they are to dump PSG out of the Champions League and reach the quarter-finals.
Solskjaer’s side trail 2-0 from the first leg at Old Trafford and no one gives them a hope against the French champions. But the United manager, right, said: “It’s never mission impossible. It’s more difficult but we have got to get the first goal and then anything can happen.
“Football is a tactical and technical game but it’s also mental. If we score they might start doubting themselves – but we need to get the first one.”
No team have ever come back from a home leg defeat of 2-0 to go through in the European Cup knockout stages.
To make the size of United’s task ever greater, PSG have scored in 23
consecutive European games both home and away since April 2016.
Solskjaer’s depleted side are without Paul Pogba – who still travelled and trained in Paris – Anthony Martial and Jesse Lingard.
United have won 13 out of 16 games since Solskjaer came in, including eight on the bounce on their travels.
But United have won just one knockout game in the Champions League since 2011 – and that was against Greek minnows Olympiakos.
Overcoming PSG in their own backyard would be something on a different level altogether for United. The Norwegian, who has confirmed Alexis Sanchez could be sidelined for six weeks with damaged ankle ligaments, said: “Some of the results in the Champions League these last few years have been strange.
“Of course we can do it. It’s not a lost cause. There is always that bit of character in you – and you have to show yourself.
“These players are not used to losing. At our best we can match them. It will be difficult but anything can happen.
“The outside pressure is off.You will see players giving their all.We have a really good chance.”