Three days after being largely beaten in Mallorca (3-0), Paris Saint-Germain continued with a prestigious shock against Manchester United, in Gothenburg (Sweden). A meeting which ended in a draw (1-1), four days before the UEFA Super Cup clash against Aston Viila. Still deprived of the French internationals, Achraf Hakimi and the Spanish world champion Fabián Ruiz, Luis Enrique also had to ignore his new recruit, Maghnes Akliouche. The Spanish technician, however, recorded the returns of certain captains such as Nuno Mendes, Vitinha, João Neves and captain Marquinhos. However, the four players started on the bench. Safonov, Zabarnyi, Pacho, Beraldo, Mayulu (captain), Dro, Kvaratskhelia and Mbaye were starters. Opposite, Michaël Carrick aligned his team in 4-2-3-1 with Bryan Mbeumo at the forefront of the attack and Bruno Fernandes on the bench.
As against Mallorca, the Parisians quickly acquired a dangerous first action. But this time, it ended well in the back of the net. After a superb ball release on the right side, Mayulu found Kvara on the left. The Georgian then launched Dro, who sent a low cross to Mbaye, scorer (2nd, 1-0). Despite this very good start to the match by the reigning double European champions, the Red Devils managed to get their foot on the ball. They ended up being rewarded shortly after the hour mark, taking advantage of an error from young Koukaba. Taking advantage of a bad push from the Parisian, Amad Diallo stole the ball and found Mbeumo in the area. With oriented control, the Cameroonian took it before deceiving Safonov with a cross shot for the equalizer (32nd, 1-1). The ex-Troyen was even close to the double, but his free kick was finally deflected by Safonov (38th). The break then came at just the right time for PSG, who finally faltered after their goal.
A PSG still in progress
In the second half, Manchester United returned to attack Safonov’s goal, attentive to Mbeumo’s curling shot (54th). In the 61st minute, Luis Enrique brought in his usual captains, namely Marquinhos, Mendes, Neves and Vitinha. Carrick did the same three minutes later, with the appearance of Bruno Fernandes. Despite the entry of the usual starters, the pace of the match was at a standstill. Note, however, the big exit of Safonov in front of Zirkzee. The Dutch center forward remained on the ground, hit in the head by his opponent’s shoulder. A quarter of an hour from the end of the match, Alessanro Longoni replaced the Russian goalkeeper and thus played his first minutes with the Capital club.
Despite possession in favor of Luis Enrique’s flock in the last 15 minutes, PSG did not come away with victory and were held on for their second and final pre-season preparation match. The Parisians could even have been surprised at the end of the game with this header from Fletcher (87th), then with this heavy strike from Fernandes (89th). Now, it’s time for the first big events of the season for the Ile-de-France club with, first of all, the European Super Cup against Aston Villa, Wednesday (9 p.m.). The Parisians will continue with the Champions Trophy against Racing Club de Lens (8:45 p.m.), at the Stade Bollaert, four days later. Until then, Luis Enrique will be able to count on the return of the last Globalists.
