The bubble well and truly burst for Manchester United fans on Tuesday night when they had to endure their team losing 2-0 to a Paris Saint Germain, who were missing critical players Edinson Cavani and Neymar.
The first-half started of relatively well. With an energetic forward line-up, mixed with raw talent and skill, the home side looked dangerous on the break, drawing early fouls from the concerned French champions.
However, this wasn’t to last.
Some shaky decisions from the referee, who seemed overcome by the immensity of the game, and unfortunately waved any sign of consistency, allowed Presnel Kimpembe to freely commit fouls without consequence – with his failure to punish the tactical foul on Rashford at the beginning of the second-half his most evident display of negligence.
The official’s seemingly vested immunity would soon pay off.
Following a beautifully floated in ball from fan favourite Di Maria, the invincible French defender took advantage of some woeful United defending to knock home PSG’s first of the game. This was quickly followed by another from world-class talent Kylian Mbappe, leaving the tie all but over before the second leg.
So, who played well?
United were pretty poor throughout. However, credit needs to be given to that man David De Gea (again).
The world’s best ‘keeper proved once again why he’s considered so.
Some remarkable judgement and reflexes kept out Mbappe’s first effort on goal, which was a very well-placed header destined for the corner, and later saved himself and the team from embarrassment when he predicted the Frenchman’s cheeky lob.
There’s the smallest – and we mean small – chance of progressing thanks to the Spaniard’s efforts if Manchester United play one of the finest games of football we’ve ever seen when they meet in Paris in two weeks.
