Injury-hit PSG run into resurgent United

With Parisians missing Neymar, Cavani, the in-form Red Devils will want to take matter into their hands in the first leg

PARIS: Paris Saint-Germain fans were no doubt brimming with confidence about facing Manchester United when the Champions League draw was made nearly two months ago.

Neymar, Edinson Cavani and Kylian Mbappe were scoring with ease, Marco Verratti was pulling the strings in midfield, and the club had secured impressive back-to-back wins against Liverpool and Red Star Belgrade to qualify for the last 16 at Napoli’s expense.

United were struggling under then-coach Jose Mourinho, and creative players like Paul Pogba were not suited to his gritty and tactically stifling approach. Now the tables have turned, and injury-hit PSG’s trip to Old Trafford has taken on a daunting dimension. United are unbeaten since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer took charge and Pogba, so unhappy under Mourinho, can’t stop smiling. Or scoring.

CONTRASTING LUCK

Already missing Neymar because of a right foot injury, Cavani, PSG’s all-time leading scorer, damaged a tendon in his right hip in the 1-0 win against Bordeaux, and goal-scoring right-back Thomas Meunier sustained a mild concussion. These injuries follow on from midfielder Marco Verratti’s sprained ankle three weeks ago.

Facing a pumped-up United lineup at Old Trafford would have been difficult enough with everyone fit, but PSG coach Thomas Tuchel has problems in every position except goalkeeper. There, at least, he has the reassuring presence of Gianluigi Buffon .

But Tuchel is missing two of his best three forwards, and he isn’t even sure if Verratti will be ready for a game of such intensity having played only 58 minutes on his return from injury.

QUESTIONABLE CHOICES

The problems in midfield, for example, could have been resolved far earlier by bringing Adrien Rabiot back into the side.

But Tuchel has been told that Rabiot — who is in a disagreement with sporting director Antero Henrique — is not to be selected because of a contract wrangle that has dragged on .

With Neymar and Cavani out it means that Mbappe, the French league’s 17-goal top scorer, is certain to start at center forward.

While United’s shaky defence will fear facing another of France’s World Cup stars , they may be less worried about his strike partner. If Tuchel goes with a 4-4-2 formation that is likely going to include the ineffective Eric-Maxim Choupo-Moting who has scored only once in 12 league matches.

Tuchel could use Julian Draxler in a 4-5-1, with the German operating as a playmaker behind Mbappe. But Draxler’s versatility suits Tuchel elsewhere and he could be chosen in central midfield, especially if Verratti does not start.

COPING IN DEFENCE

PSG’s defence must cope with speed, skill and power when facing Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Romelu Lukaku.

Stopping the midfield supply line to them, or to Alexis Sanchez if he is selected, is vital. Tuchel, therefore, needs strong holding midfielders against Pogba, Ander Herrera and Nemanja Matic - an impressive trio blending strength, tenacity and technique.

It might mean moving defender Marquinhos into the centre of midfield, alongside Verratti, Draxler or Leandro Paredes. Yet, picking Marquinhos would deprive PSG of their best and most consistent centre half.