Solskjaer – Tastes first defeat as United manager
OLE Gunnar Solskjaer insists Manchester United are not yet finished in the Champions League despite a 2-0 defeat to PSG in the Champions League last 16.
The interim Norwegian coach watched United overwhelmed by the French champions in the second half at Old Trafford with Presnel Kimpembe and Kylian Mbappe netting to leave PSG in the driving seat before the second leg in Paris on March 6.
“You can’t lay down and say it’s over,” said Solskjaer, who saw his unbeaten run as United manager end at 12 games with Paul Pogba sent off for a second yellow card in the closing moments.
“We have to play a good game in Paris. They had the momentum after the first goal and controlled the game.
“You could see that we hadn’t played at this level for a while and we will have to learn.
“It was an experience that can go either way, it’s not going to be a season defining one, it’s one we have to learn from.
“We are going to have to go down there, believe in ourselves, play a good game and improve from today obviously.
“Today was a kind of a reality check on the level of the top teams.”
United lost Jesse Lingard and Anthony Martial through injury in the first half, and never really offered anything in response in the second period, with replacements Juan Mata and Alexis Sanchez unable to inspire the hosts, with Pogba’s dismissal, having earned a second yellow card for a late lunge on Dani Alves, competing a miserable evening for Solskjaer and his side.
The return leg takes place on March 6, with United really up against it, especially without the suspended Pogba, while PSG, finally, after plentiful knockout-round failings, are perhaps showing they have the mettle to go all the way this time round.
– Eurosport
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