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The UEFA Champions League would be back once again for the round of 16 as Manchester United host Paris Saint Germain in the most anticipated clash of the week. United finished second behind Juventus in the group after losing to Valencia in the last game of the group stage whereas PSG pinched Liverpool to the top spot in Group C.
Initially, when the round of 16 draws got announced, it looked like a walk in the park for the French Champions as United were shambolic under the then manager Jose Mourinho. They were struggling at sixth in the Premier League and was already out of the League Cup.
However, the sacking of Mourinho has bought a new lease of life within the players who are unbeaten in eleven games under the caretaker manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. The Norwegian not only instilled a sense of happiness within the squad but made some tactical changes as well in the victories over Spurs and Arsenal.
On the other hand, PSG are struggling a bit at the moment with players like Neymar out with injury and reports emerged that Edison Cavani might also miss the first leg tie at Old Trafford. What looked like a 70-30 in favor of PSG before, is down to 50-50 at the moment. However, Thomas Tuchel's side still does have some world class players who can rip apart any opposition with their sheer quality.
United have more than just a chance to progress through to the next round if they do the basics well and their star players turn up on the grandest occasion. Here are the five players who have been in good form lately and would hold the key for United in this mouth-watering tie.
#5 Ander Herrera
Ander signed for United from Athletic Bilbao under the then manager, Louis Van Gaal. The Spaniard lacks the physicality needed to play in England, but he makes up for it with his discipline and cleverness in the center of the park.
Herrera was United's Player of the Year in Mourinho's first season in charge. However, he seemed to lose his way in the last campaign spending most of the time either on the bench or out of the side. Sill, whenever the Spaniard got called upon, he diligently carried out his duties.
The appointment of Solskjaer has given him the belief and confidence he lacked, and now, he is one of the first names in the team sheet alongside Nemanja Matic. Both of them has been instrumental under Ole and would be involved in a tight midfield battle against PSG.
#4 Victor Lindelof
The Swede International has been United's pillar in defense over the last few games. The Red Devils had some issues forming an ideal defensive partnership at the start of the season, but Lindelof has turned a corner and made himself the number one choice center half in the side.
It would be interesting to see who he partners against PSG, midweek in the Champions League but the Iceman is a leader at the back which makes life easier for the person playing alongside him.
He would up against the pacy Kylian Mbappé, and Victor has to be at his very best to stop the Frenchman wreaking havoc inside the United's six-yard box.
#3 Marcus Rashford
Rashford's rise to fame was a blessing in disguise moment for Manchester United as the England International came as a replacement for Martial in a Europa League clash under Louis Van Gaal.
Since then, Marcus never looked back and is well on his way to being one of Manchester United's all-time greats. However, it has not been an all smooth ride for Rashford as he lacked confidence under Jose Mourinho who didn't believe he was a natural finisher.
Solskjaer gave Marcus the confidence by making him the number one striker in the team, and he has flourished since the Norwegian's arrival. He has been scoring goals at will and even assisted a few. Rashford is quick and strong, and if he plays at his best, it would be a nightmare for the PSG defenders to play against him.
#2 David De Gea
Since Sir Alex Ferguson retired, Manchester United has struggled with transfers, form, and managers but one thing that's constant is their goalkeeper, David De Gea.
The three-time Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year winner got criticized for his performances at the World Cup and during the start of the current campaign. However, he has regained back his previous form in the last few games with the most notable match-winning performance coming against Spurs in the Premier League.
David is United's last man defense, and with the attack, PSG got up their ranks, he needs to have a good day at the office to ensure a positive result at Old Trafford.
#1 Paul Pogba
The only player who has been most affected by the arrival of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is the France International, Paul Pogba. He was on the cusp of leaving United after falling out of favor under Jose Mourinho but Solskjaer has freed him off the shackles and Pogba is looking like the player he was at Juventus.
United's eleven games unbeaten streak is mostly down to Pogba's assists and goals. He has been the creative soul of the side with Herrera and Matic given the defensive responsibilities.
Paul would be heading into the PSG game with a bundle of confidence after scoring a brace against Fulham in the weekend and Solskjaer would hope that his talismanic midfielder could put a show once again for the Red Devils.
