Mr Fixit STAR BET MARC
Kylian to avenge last tango in Paris Mbappe knew Rashford was top class after goal
PARIS in the springtime sealed the Manchester United job for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer but he could get an autumn blast at the Parc des Princes tonight.
The Norwegian takes his side back to the scene of one of his greatest triumphs last year when his side won 3-1 to reach the Champions League quarter-finals.
That display convinced United owners to give him the job on a permanent basis but it’s been a rollercoaster ride for the ex-striker.
He hit a low with a 6-1 thrashing by Spurs before the international break but bounced back well with a 4-1 win at Newcastle.
So now Solskjaer returns to France for the start of the Champions League groups and I’m backing PSG to gain revenge at 4-6 with Unibet. They have won five in a row and Kylian Mbappe is back to his best after hitting a double at the weekend.
I’m backing him to expose a defence that is missing skipper Harry Maguire so back dangerman Mbappe to score at 6-5 with Bet365.
Top Treble PSG, Aberdeen Chelsea v Sevilla btts (13-5, McBookie)
ABERDEEN are 21-10 to net 3+ against an Accies side conceding five to St Johnstone over the weekend.
MARCUS RASHFORD won millions of new fans beyond football this year with his formidable work tackling child poverty in the UK.
Among the Manchester United striker’s legion of admirers is PSG and France forward Kylian Mbappe, his opposite number tonight in the Champions League.
The last time the two sides met in Paris, Rashford scored a last-minute penalty to secure an epic 3-1 victory against all the odds – and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer the United job on a permanent basis.
Since then, Rashford’s profile has soared, forcing a government U-turn on the provision of free school meals to vulnerable children, his relentless campaigning earning the 23-year-old an MBE.
Mbappe has been impressed with Rashford on and off the pitch.
And the French superstar revealed he knew he was a special talent when he kept his cool under such pressure to convert the penalty that broke PSG’s hearts inside the Parc des Princes.
Mbappe said: “When you take a penalty in that situation, how much practice you have put on the training ground doesn’t matter.
“It’s about confidence and he’s a player who plays with so much confidence. He’s one of the most dangerous forward players in England.
“Paul Pogba has spoken about how special he is.”
Mbappe has his own charity in his
native France, helping underprivileged children, and recognises a kindred spirit in Rashford.
Mbappe said: “To tackle an issue as important as child poverty is one of the most important things that somebody can do.
“So I have full respect that he has been doing that and trying to make a real change.”
They have been lauded for their work off the field but for Rashford, 23, and Mbappe, 22, it is all about their exploits on the field tonight as they begin their Champions League campaigns.
Recalling their agonising 3-1 loss to United in Paris, which saw them go out on away goals after a 2-0 win at Old Trafford, Mbappe said: “What happened in previous seasons is not important anymore. This club has a clear ambition to win the Champions League.
“Last season we came close but close is not good enough for us anymore. We have some of the best players in Europe and the target is clear.”
Mbappe has predicted another “big season” for Manchester United striker and France team-mate Anthony Martial. The forward missed United’s 4-1 win at Newcastle on Saturday as he began a three-match domestic ban following his red card in the 6-1 defeat to Spurs.
He enjoyed his most prolific campaign at United last season, scoring 23 goals, but has yet to score this term in eight games for club and country.
But Martial, set to start tonight against PSG in Paris, is a player Mbappe rates highly.
And the PSG forward is convinced his compatriot will find his form sooner rather than later.
Mbappe said: “He’s a player I have a great understanding with. I’m sure he’ll have another big season with United.”
Meanwhile, gaffer Solskjaer has rubbished claims that young stars Mason Greenwood and Brandon Williams were missing at the weekend for disciplinary reasons.
Both would have been expected to be involved in the 4-1 win over Newcastle but were missing amid allegations they had breached the club’s code of conduct.
Williams, 20, travelled with the United squad to France for tonight’s clash with PSG while Greenwood did not.
And Solskjaer said: “If that’s the case why is Brandon here? Where are your sources, that’s what I’m saying.”
When asked: “So no truth in that?”, the United manager replied: “No.”
Greenwood was pictured training with the rest of the team in Manchester before their departure, with Solskjaer claiming the 19-year-old was injured.
He said: “I can’t declare medical stuff. It’s just a niggle and, even though he’s young, we don’t want to take any chances with him. Hopefully he’ll be okay for the weekend.”
Tonight United will also have to do without skipper Harry Maguire, while Eric Bailly, Jesse Lingard and deadline day singing Edinson Cavani – who had hoped to feature against his former club – also did not travel.
In Maguires’s absence, Bruno Fernandes will captain United and Solskjaer said: “Bruno has come in and had a positive impact. The stats show that and his performances have been receiving great praise as well.”