UEFA Champions League Group H has three teams level on nine points heading into next week’s final matchday after PSG defeated Manchester United 3-1 at Old Trafford on Wednesday. Neymar’s early goal was canceled out in the first half by Marcus Rashford, but PSG captain Marquinhos turned home a nice 69th-minute winner to hugely complicate things for United before Neymar’s late tap-in.
Next Tuesday, PSG hosts already eliminated İstanbul Başakşehir at the Parc des Princes while the Red Devils will need to avoid defeat to Leipzig at Red Bull Arena or it’s the Europa League for Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s side.
A long night for United’s holding midfield duo of Fred and Scott McTominay was signaled in the sixth minute after Kylian Mbappé maneuvered through defenders like cones before his deflected effort fell kindly for Neymar.
¡Gooooooooool del PSG!
Mbappé disparó de afuera del área y le cayó a Neymar para definir ante la salida de De Gea. @manutd 0-1 @psg_espanol#UCL | #ManchesterUnited | #PSGEn vivo
TUDN
Síguelo aquí https://t.co/ouFx53QVpz pic.twitter.com/E6DntVLkbD— TUDN USA (@TUDNUSA) December 2, 2020
Fred’s personal quest to get sent off really hit its stride in the 23rd minute after the Brazilian butted heads with Leandro Paredes. A real stickler for the law would’ve sent Fred off, but a more streetwise official would look at Paredes’ actions as those of a massive dickhead.
¡Se prendieron los ánimos en Old Trafford!
Incluso Fred vio de cerca la roja luego de que el silbante revisara la acción en el VAR. @manutd 0-1 @psg_espanol#UCL | #ManchesterUnited | #PSGEn vivo
TUDN
Síguelo aquí https://t.co/ouFx53QVpz pic.twitter.com/ApXXiTYg8e— TUDN USA (@TUDNUSA) December 2, 2020
Fred’s reprieve was United’s as Rashford — after Anthony Martial forced a save from Keylor Navas — equalized in the 32nd minute with a little help from Danilo Pereira.
PSG can't catch a break, Marcus Rashford shows up again. pic.twitter.com/rFV3gdvdJp
— Champions League on CBS Sports (@UCLonCBSSports) December 2, 2020
The second half began with a series of squandered opportunities, including Martial blazing over with the goal at his mercy, Edinson Cavani chipping Navas but meeting the crossbar and Marquinhos sending a looping header off the frame.
Anthony Martial pic.twitter.com/Yq8nD7qFwU
— Champions League on CBS Sports (@UCLonCBSSports) December 2, 2020
Cavani almost bit the hand that fed him pic.twitter.com/kcPqqSOdap
— Champions League on CBS Sports (@UCLonCBSSports) December 2, 2020
But Marquinhos was there to feast off Abdou Diallo’s shank with just over 20 minutes remaining.
Captain fantastic, Marquinhos steps up! pic.twitter.com/Gu2Jewreai
— Champions League on CBS Sports (@UCLonCBSSports) December 2, 2020
United’s hopes of a comeback faded quickly as Fred got his wish and collected a second yellow directly following the goal, and then Rashford had to come off with an apparent shoulder injury.
Neymar then started and finished an attack in the 91st minute to cap an effective individual performance that included three shots on target, four key passes and five dribbles.
¡Gooooooooool del PSG!
Neymar anotó el tercero de los parisinos y el cierre de grupos va a estar espectacular. @manutd 1-3 @psg_espanol#UCL | #ManchesterUnited | #PSGEn vivo
TUDN
Síguelo aquí https://t.co/ouFx53QVpz pic.twitter.com/JAz0LLDJQ7— TUDN USA (@TUDNUSA) December 2, 2020
Harry Maguire, meet Neymar.
Take a seat pic.twitter.com/Qr77kKR1BB— Bongani_Cartel (@Pena_Cartel) December 2, 2020
It’s a tough stretch for United now as they play West Ham on Saturday (Dec. 5), Leipzig on Tuesday (Dec. 8) and Manchester City the following Saturday (Dec. 12).
