IN QUOTES: How PSG Are Looking Forward To The Manchester United Encounter

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s is on a roll, with his decisive victory against Tottenham being backed up by an equally convincing thrashing of Brighton at Old Trafford, making it 7 consecutive wins for the former striker.

However, a more comprehensive test of the gaffer’s style and the abilities of the players will arrive in the form of a two-leg Champions League encounter against PSG in February and March. The French giants are amongst the most offensive side in Europe, and being drawn against them in the biggest stage of them all is always a spot of some worry.

Neymar, Cavani, Di Maria, and Mbappe will pose the biggest threat to De Gea’s usually impeccable defense, as their attack is one of the most prolific ones when it comes to scoring goals. Sizing up the encounter and the change of guard at Old Trafford, each of them had interesting comments to make. Let us have a look at how the men in France have been sizing up the fresh force in Manchester.

In terms of brute striking force, it will be Cavani that their defense will have to fear and he took cognizance of what had triggered this new United, a team that will be a bigger challenge than the Ligue 1 side would have initially been expecting.

The Uruguayan said: “I think after the departure of Jose Mourinho, Manchester United has a new energy. They have started to win matches and have more continuity.”

Kyllianb Mbappe displayed more reason in his assessment, stating: “People’s point of view of that team may have changed, but ours hasn’t. Manchester United are a big club, this is the same team that were called weak before and now are considered the best, but it’s same players. In football, there are highs and there are lows. They have had some difficult moments, and now they are back in form. It’s a good team and we’ve to prepare for when we play them.”

Similar to Mbappe, Brazilian Neymar knew what they’ll be in for, refusing to underestimate the Red Devils, stating: “The coach has changed and it will be a different playing style – they’re in the process of changing things up – but we know the quality they have. I love the big matches and it’s always a pleasure to play in them. I’m very happy to be taking on Manchester United.”

PSG also host Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting in their squad, and the Mancunian giants will remember the forward as the player who scored a brace against them during their encounter with Stoke City in 2017.

His assessment of the fixture is as follows: “Manchester United have changed. But it’s always like that when you change coaches. There may be a new state of mind in the team, everyone wants to show their best. It will be a tough match. United are a very good team with great quality players.”

Another blast from the past for United will come through Angel Di Maria, who left Old Trafford after a failed season. Speaking to France Bleu, the 30-year-old stated: “We still have matches before facing Manchester! Manchester changed with his new coach, they lost no match. But we must think of ourselves and nothing but ourselves! If we do things well, everything will be fine.”

Lastly, PSG gaffer Thomas Tuchel had this to say about the looming encounter: “Our preparation for Manchester United is happening everyday, every match, today and tomorrow we need to continue to show a good mentality.”

The two legs are bound to be more entertaining now that Solskjaer has reinvigorated a different club altogether.