PSG vs Manchester United: 3 things to look out for | Champions League 2018/19

At the final whistle of the first leg at Old Trafford, Manchester had been conquered by the Parisian phalanx of menacing Mbappe and disquieting Di Maria. The fallout was scathing and ruthless.

A reality check is what the defeat was labeled and broadcast as. For Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, it was an eye-opener to realize the gulf between the fallen giant playing in their sacred cathedral and the European football elite of Paris.

A lot has transpired since the fateful night and the pitchforks are out again. The equation has been rendered even more precarious in the following three weeks. A 2 goal away deficit, suspended talisman (Pogba), absent ammunition (details below) and unforgiving fixture congestion, all have colored the horizon rather dark for United and their intrepid manager.

PSG have not been imperious in the last few games but they do not need to be as the domestic competition is not a worthy challenge or priority. They save their best for the hallowed nights of Champions League football and their home record is one that is formidable.

The showdown at Parc Des Princes is geared up to be a battle of styles and culture. When the night sky descends, the stars of football-verse will take to the grass and scintillate 'La Ville Lumiere'.

Here is a look at three things that Manchester United and its legion of devotees will look to do to inspire and rally the players for an unforgettable European away night:

The Reserve

Manchester United v Paris Saint-Germain - UEFA Champions League Round of 16: First Leg

With the first leg at Old Trafford having its fair share of injury headlines, the return leg will only multiply the apprehensive fantasy team picks. PSG will be without Neymar and probably Cavani not that it caused a dent in their plan to dominate the play at Old Trafford.

But it is the Reds from Manchester who travel to Paris with a squad of second choices and academy tyros. With as many as 10 first teamers on the sidelines or in the physio’s room, their squad is ravaged to the bones.

Sanchez is the latest casualty joining the ranks of Martial, Lingard, Herrera, Matic and Pogba (suspended) who have been the designated bulwark to assault the opponents in the last two months. None of them will be available on Wednesday.

Rashford will likely spearhead the attack with Lukaku. United will be looking for a continuation of the resurgence shown by the likes of McTominay and Pereira. First team debut for Mason Greenwood and European debuts for Angel Gomes and Tahith Chong will be one of Ole’s strategies to surprise the Parisian giants.

The Recipe

Manchester United v Southampton FC - Premier League

Manchester United need a performance of a life time from every player. More importantly, they need the ball and courage to hold on to it.

United will be craving the first goal which they have secured in most of the matches under Solskjaer. But even if they do not get an early lead they have to be patient but incisive in their play.

The likes of Verratti and Marquinos ran rings around the United midfield at Old Trafford and Di Maria and Draxler ran unhindered in wide areas behind the likes of Herrera and Pogba. This needs to be addressed as United's midfield will be far from first choice and short on European experience.

The strikers need to be at their clinical best as they might not get a flood of chances. The likes of Pereira and Fred need to be swift with ball circulation and quick in falling back into their defensive positions.

McTominay will be expected to screen the defense. His last two appearances must have bolstered his self belief, a welcome surprise to many United aficionados.

Designing the miracle in Paris!

Apart from the players, the manager and his coaches might spring a few surprises of their own. The manager might hoodwink Tuchel by changing his formation and playing Shaw and Dalot as wingbacks.

Against Southampton it worked like a treat in the second half comeback but PSG are clearly no relegation fodder. Furthermore, the likes of Smalling and Bailly are accidents waiting to happen and it might spell catastrophe for United if they go in with three centre-backs. Captain Young continues to give sleepless nights to his own fans and his troubles against Di Maria could return to haunt him.

United will be expected to line up with a midfield diamond that produced exhilarating football and successful outcomes against Spurs, Chelsea and Arsenal. However, it failed against PSG as their dexterity and guile on the ball was too much to cope with.

Solskjaer might prefer two midfield sitters in McTominay and Fred to ensure there are no spaces in front of the United centre-backs for Di Maria, Draxler and Mbappe (when he drops deep) to exploit.

The Reminder

Inspiration from the 1999 European Champions League Final

Bounce-back-ability has been the most striking feature of Solskjaer’s fledgling reign. The thrilling finish against Southampton, the knowledge of their reaction (to the first-leg defeat) against Chelsea and the reassurance of squad depth after the recent epidemic of muscle injuries will help United dare to dream for a miracle in Paris on Wednesday.

The Manchester club will hope to keep the backdoor closed with a seemingly settled back five and hope to counter attack with the pace of Rashford and Lukaku to get them the goals (at least 3 on the night). The dictum is patently clear, outscore PSG by 2 to go through to their first Champions League quarterfinal since the departure of Fergie.

The never-say-die attitude exemplified by Ole’s winner in the 1999 final will spur the latest Devils to don the red of Manchester, to give sweat, guts and even blood on the pitch at Parc Des Princes. They need another gallant and galactic chapter in the riveting tale of the club that knows best to overcome tragedy and doubts.

The history of the club is founded on defying insurmountable odds and gashing herculean obstacles, not just as a habit or necessity, but as a commitment.