Manchester United face PSG in the group stage of the Champions League later tonight as the Parisians seek for revenge. The Red Devils will be the underdogs in the game, but should not be ruled out completely because of several charismatic players. It was reported that Cavani, Maguire and Bailly will miss the game, thus Solskjaer will have to think out of the box, to get a result in Paris.
Looking at the personnel available at the Red Devils’ disposal the game became even tougher. Neymar and Mbappe are both fit to start the game and thus Solskjaer will have to set up United very carefully. The midfield and forwards will have to work very hard off the ball as PSG are likely to have it for most of the 90 minutes.
Let us now have a look at how Manchester United might lineup against PSG in the Champions League tomorrow.
THE 3-5-2
Looking at the options available at Solskjaer’s disposal, the 3-5-2 is surely the best solution for United, especially against PSG. Without Bailly and Maguire, the Red Devils are highly likely to play three centre-backs, with Tuanzebe making his debut for the season. Solskjaer doesn’t have another centre-back in the squad thus might be the defence to start tomorrow.
Telles is almost guaranteed to have a debut for the Red Devils tomorrow and the team will need his energy in the flank. Fred might be chosen ahead of Matic because of his tenacity and is likely to partner Pogba in the pivot. Bruno, Martial and Rashford are almost a surety in any game now, if they are fit.
The midfield will have a huge role to play in the game as PSG lack creativity in their midfield and solidity in defence. If either of Bruno, Rashford or Martial click, United are likely to be favourites.
THE 4-4-2 (Diamond)
The 4-4-2 (diamond) is another option for Solskjaer as it will add more solidity to the midfield, but this system is unlikely to be used. The reason for not using this system is because United are devoid of good centre-backs for the game with injuries to Maguire and Bailly. If United play four men in the midfield, either McTominay or Van de Beek will start depending upon what Solskjaer wants from the team.
The front two are an obvious choice (Rashford and Martial) and so is Bruno Fernandes as the attacking midfielder. With Maguire out, Bruno Fernandes will get the captain’s armband tomorrow and will look to give another influential performance. Paul Pogba was benched against Newcastle and has been subject to criticism, he too will look to show his class in his homeland.
THE 4-2-3-1
The 4-2-3-1 has been Solskjaer’s most used system at Manchester United but it is the unlikeliest formation to be used tomorrow. Manchester United simply don’t have the personnel to play in such a system for the PSG game and it also exposes the defence. In such a formation, the wingers are essential and Mata and James are not just up to Champions League as of now.
