Ole Solskjaer and Manchester United have created history in Paris as they spark a great comeback 3-1 over the French Champions. With the win, the Red Devils have progressed to the quarterfinals of the Champions League. It was Lukaku who scored early to hand Manchester United the lead. The Belgian doubled the lead following a goalmouth fumble from Buffon.
The Red Devils required a late controversial penalty via VAR as a composed Marcus Rashford converted it from a spot sending Solskjaer’s men to the last eight of the tournament.
Lukaku proves his mettle in the crucial fixture for Manchester United
The Belgian was on red hot form scoring two braces in the Premier League games and Solskjaer wanted his Belgian marksman to fire all guns blazing against Paris Saint Germain. The Reds Devils started the match in Paris being two goals down. But it was Lukaku who capitalize on a defensive error to hand Manchester United an early lead. The Belgian proved his poaching abilities and goal-scoring prowess when he doubled the lead as PSG goalkeeper, Buffon failed to gather a shot from Marcus Rashford.
Lukaku was immense upfront, he was Solskjaer’s only hope along with Rashford as players like Lingard and Martial were out injured. The 25-year-old managed to put in a great shift against a strong defensive unit and caused all sorts of troubles for Thiago Silva and the company.
Solskjaer’s young army marks the beginning of a new era?
It was an uphill task and with a squad plagued with several injuries, hardly anyone gave the Red Devils any chance against the free-scoring Paris Saint Germain. But Solskjaer believed in his young army as the substitution bench had several talented teenagers from the youth academy.
It was a fighting display from the Red Devils. It proved that the youngsters are ready to don the historic Red jersey sooner than later. Players like Rashford and McTominay have been impressive this season but others like Andreas Perreira, Diogo Dalot and even Tahith Chong showed character on an important night. They believed in themselves no matter and Dalot since coming on has surely been the difference between the two sides. It was a display that will allow the United fans to dream about their golden future as the youngster step up at the highest stage.
Controversial penalty decision?
The Red Devils may have progressed to the quarterfinals overturning a feat that had never been achieved before. But it all came down to the penalty call late in the game. The match was looking to end with a 1-2 scoreline. It seemed as if it would be breaking the Manchester United hearts. Just then a long-range shot from Dalot struck Kimpembe’s arm in the penalty area.
The VAR came into action immediately. The match referee Damir Skomina needed to have a look at the touchline screen. That is to take his call on the incident. After a long and hard view of the issue, Skomina to many people’s surprise pointed at the spot. He handed a late advantage to the Red Devils. Marcus Rashford had nerves of steel to put it past Buffon. He sent Manchester United through in a historic tie.