UEFA Champions League 2018-19: 3 Players who can affect the outcome of the tie as Manchester United host PSG

Paris Saint-Germain players training before their clash against Manchester United.
Paris Saint-Germain players training before their clash against Manchester United.

UEFA Champions League is back as Premier League giants Manchester United will host Paris Saint-Germain tonight at Old Trafford. A revamped Manchester United under the tutelage of Ole Gunner Solskjaer will look to win over a weakened Paris Saint-Germain who will be without their stars like Neymar and Edinson Cavani.

It is safe to say that Manchester United are a different team than they were under Jose Mourinho. They have climbed back on their way to the top four in the Premier League table and will look to continue their good form in the Champions League.

On the other hand, Thomas Tuchel's PSG are on top of Ligue 1 but are severely weakened due to injuries to key forwards. Tuchel and the players will face a mighty challenge on their quest for Champions League as Manchester United are always a force to reckon with, especially at Old Trafford.

Without further ado, let us take a glimpse at three players who can change the tie the complexion of the tie with their performance.


#1 Kylian Mbappe

Red Star Belgrade v Paris Saint-Germain - UEFA Champions League Group C
Red Star Belgrade v Paris Saint-Germain - UEFA Champions League Group C

The 20-year-old world cup champion needs no introduction. He is already one of the best players in the world and proved himself as world class in the World Cup. In the absence of Neymar Jr. and Edinson Cavani up front, Kylian Mbappe will lead the PSG frontline against Manchester United.

Kylian Mbappe has scored 18 goals and provided 6 assists in the Ligue 1 but his performance in the Champions League against tougher opposition like Napoli and Liverpool was excellent, too. He has racked up 3 goals and 4 assists in just 6 Champions League games this season and will look to play a pivotal role against Manchester United.

His raw pace, dribbling and relentlessness on the right flank might prove too difficult for Manchester United rearguard. Mbappe's penchant for scoring goal will be a cause of concern for Manchester United and they will be wary of the teenager's ability to change the odds any moment.

#2 Paul Pogba

Fulham FC v Manchester United - Premier League
Fulham FC v Manchester United - Premier League

Criticized heavily due to his performances in the first half of the season, Paul Pogba has proven to be a vital cog for Ole Gunner Solskjaer's Manchester United. He has 11 goals and 8 assists in the Premier League this season which really questions the opinions of his critics. It is no coincidence that Manchester United's good form coincides with Pogba's good form as he is one of the players with most impact for United on the pitch.

Paul Pogba is world class and his abilities were unlocked under the guidance of Interim manager Ole Gunner Solskjaer. Since his arrival, Solskjaer was quick to recognize the midfielder's value and what he can bring for the team and freed him from his defensive shackles.

Pogba will face a tough job of containing the likes of Marco Verratti and Julian Draxler but he knows when to step up. His ability to dominate opponents with his ball shielding, pinpoint passes, space creating and long shots can trouble PSG and the French side will be aware of the threat.

#3 Marcus Rashford

Leicester City v Manchester United - Premier League
Leicester City v Manchester United - Premier League

Along with Paul Pogba, Marcus Rashford is one of the players who improved a lot after the arrival of Ole Gunner Solskjaer. As evident, the fluid style of play under Solskjaer suits more to the explosive teenage winger than Jose Mourinho's defensive set up. The 21-year-old England international will play a pivotal role if Manchester United manages to defeat PSG.

The young winger already has 9 goals and 6 assists in the Premier League which depicts his caliber in the final third. His pairing with Anthony Martial and Jesse Lingard has proven beneficial to Manchester United as they have managed to climb back to the top 4 of the Premier League table.

Marcus Rashford will face a tough challenge against the likes of Thiago Silva and co. but the winger's knack of being at the right place at the right time may prove troublesome for PSG rearguard.

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