Champions League 2018-2019: 3 reasons why Manchester United will beat Paris Saint-Germain
Manchester United welcome French giants Paris Saint-Germain to the Old Trafford for the first leg of the crunch Champions League tie on Tuesday. And to spice it up, this is going to be their first ever official meeting in a European competition.
Both sides had to negotiate through a serpentine path to reach the gates of last 16, but now one of these would see their burgeoning European hopes come to a head.
The Red Devils hold an advantage on paper given PSG's injury woes and the home comforts, but the Ligue 1 champions have the might to turn it around in the return leg.
Yet, there are nagging undercurrents that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's swashbuckling group might nick this one at the expense of the Champions League's perennial bridesmaids. Here are three reasons why it might happen:
#1 Manchester United's rich vein of form
Ever since Jose Mourinho left, Manchester United have been a different beast; more ferocious and fearsome than they've been all season. And the stats are there for all to see: 10 wins, including away to Tottenham and Arsenal, in 11 games in all competitions following the 3-1 loss to Liverpool in December.
Even though most of their other opponents weren't exactly formidable, the confidence and swagger with which the Red Devils are steamrolling their way definitely indicates a massive upturn in form. For the record, they have also struck 28 times along the way, more than what they could accrue in the previous 19 games under Mourinho.
Not only has the defense improved manifold since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer took over, but the strike force is a new beast altogether. Manchester United are currently functioning as the most cohesive unit they've been in a long time, with all the vital cogs perfectly oiled. Also, the thick and hazy clouds under Mourinho's reigns have long disappeared to make way for a new, bright sunshine over Old Trafford.
Of course, Paris Saint-Germain are a different kettle of fish and expecting another shellacking would be a big ask. But the visitors would definitely be wary of United's imperious vein of form that could ruffle a few feathers nonetheless.